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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-24 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission March 24, 2008 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Rob McGarry, Adam Nyberg, Solveg Peterson and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Scott Christensen Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted two typos in the first paragraph, 2998, should be 2008, and "interesting" should be "Interested." Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved approval of the minutes of Feb. 25, 2008, as corrected; motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Advertising at Public Works baseball field — Mr. Pogge reviewed the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association's request to allow advertising at the Public Works baseball field and on the scoreboard. Mr. McGarry asked who would solicit the advertising and how the funds would be distributed. Mr. Pogge noted that suggested language for a policy regulating advertising provides that the association is responsible for soliciting sponsors and any revenue generated would be designated for capital improvements at the field where advertising is being permitted. Mr. Brandt asked who would determine sizes and rates. Mr. Pogge said the recommendation is to take a minimalist approach and let the association(s) decide on rates, sizes, etc. Mr. Nyberg suggested there needs to be some uniformity in the size of the advertising banners. Mr. McGarry pointed out that if advertising is allowed at other fields, such as Northland and Lily Lake, the advertising would be very visible to passersby. Mr. McGarry noted that advertising is allowed at the Recreation Center and ball fields are primarily used by adult participants, speaking in favor of allowing the requested advertising as a fundraising mechanism for the City's field. However, he suggested any policy related to advertising needs some language so that public parks are not used to raise money for a particular group. Mr. Pogge reviewed the proposed policy language. Ms. Snellman said she would like to restrict the fields where advertising would be allowed. Mr. Nyberg said he would like to see a restriction placed on the amount of time the advertising banners can be in place; for example, requiring the banners to be taken down in the winter season. Ms. Amrein spoke against the request and expressed a concern that approving this would set a precedent for other requests. Ms. Snellman spoke of the reality of funding cuts and suggested the most the Commission can do is to try to limit and control any advertising; she suggested initially limiting any authorization to one field for one year. Mr. Brandt agreed with the suggestion to try allowing the advertising for one year and see how things work out. Mr. McGarry suggested policy language needs to reinforce that advertising is not allowed in parks, and any requests must receive approval from the Park Board. Ms. Peterson suggested this is not much different than allowing plaques on park benches to generate funds for park improvements. Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 24, 2008 Page 2 of 4 There was discussion as to whether to have staff bring back revised policy language to the Board before approving the Baseball Association's request. It was noted that the baseball season begins very soon and to delay action for a month could impact efforts at soliciting sponsors/advertisers. It was consensus to proceed with changes to the recommended policy language: limiting the advertising to the Public Works field or as approved by the Park Board on a case by case basis; that there be a plan in place for using any revenue generated for capital field improvements; that there be consistent banner (advertising space) sizes; and that this request is being approved on a one year trial basis. Mr. McGarry moved to recommend Council approval of the Baseball Association's request to allow advertising at the Public Works field with the policy as recommended by staff and revised by the Park Board. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1, with Ms. Amrein voting no. Funding for installation of the scoreboard at the Public Works baseball field — Mr. Pogge told the Commission that it has been determined that the existing power poles cannot be utilized for the wiring; wiring will have to go through the Public Works building. A bid of $4,700 has been received for the electrical work. However, he stated an individual has volunteered to do the work; cost of materials is about $1,500. Mr. Pogge noted there is $9,300 in unallocated funds in the 2008 parks CIP, should the Commission decide to utilize those funds. It also was noted there is about $500 remaining from the initial donation that the Association received to purchase the scoreboard. There was discussion about loaning the Association money to be repaid with funds raised by advertising. Mr. Brandt moved to "loan" the Baseball Association up to $1,500 for wiring of the scoreboard, with the funds to be repaid at no interest. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Trash cans along McKusick Lake trail — Mr. Pogge reviewed the staff recommendations to place three trash cans along the trail, one at the park site at North Owens, another south of Towne Circle on McKusick Road and a third at the entrance to the dike road. He noted that at the February meeting, Mr. Werre had requested the installation of six trash receptacles; Mr. Pogge suggested that the use of the three recommended receptacles can be reviewed after this season and more installed next year if these are heavily used. Regarding the request to install a receptacle at the end of the boardwalk, Mr. Pogge said staff believes that would be a big maintenance issue. Mr. Nyberg said he would like input from residents of Green Twig regarding the need for a receptacle there. Ms. Snellman and Mr. McGarry said they both walk in that area and have not noticed any problem. Ms. Snellman, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved approval of the purchase and installation of the three trash receptacles as recommended by staff. Motion passed 5-1, with Mr. McGarry voting no due to the cost. Fee structure for athletic field reservations for games — Mr. Pogge noted that in last month's discussion regarding this issue, there was some question as to whether high school teams use City fields. He stated fields are used by high school intramural groups, both from School District 834 and St. Croix Catholic, as well as youth teams, fastpitch and others. He said the fee generates about $1,000 in revenues annually and helps offset the cost of chalking or grooming the fields for game use. Mr. Pogge reviewed the proposed language that states the City charges to reserve city -owned athletic fields when striping and/or grooming of the fields is needed. According to the policy, the City does not charge to reserve fields for practices, unless grooming is required, and games take priority over practices. No damage deposit is required. The fee, as proposed and currently charged, is $20 for Lily Lake lower field and $15 for other fields. Mr. Brandt, Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 24, 2008 Page 3 of 4 seconded by Mr. McGarry, moved to approve the revised language for the field reservation policy and fee structure. Motion passed unanimously. Funding for Lowell Park flag pole restoration — Mr. Pogge reminded the Commission that Paul Johnson, a local mason, had volunteered to replace and restore the stone work at the base of the flag pole in Lowell Park. He said when Mr. Johnson began removing the stone and brick work around the pole, it was discovered that the footings were compromised and the bottom portion of the pole had rusted and was a safety issue; the pole was subsequently taken down. The existing pole is 65' tall, a size no longer available without custom ordering, which would be very expensive, Mr. Pogge noted. He stated the staff recommendation is to repair the lower 17' of the existing pole with stainless steel pipe and to repair the voids under the existing concrete slab. Estimated cost, he stated, is about $5,100. In addition, the proposal is to replace/replicate the plaque that once marked the flag pole. The request is to obligate $6,000 from the 2008 CIP unallocated funds for the repair and restoration of the flag pole. Mr. Pogge noted that funds could be taken from the Lowell Park fund, should the Park Commission so direct. Mr. McGarry moved to authorize the necessary funds, up to $6,000, for the restoration/repair of the flag pole. Mr. Nyberg asked whether the motion should indicate the funds are to be taken from the Lowell Park fund; Mr. Brandt agreed the work is directly related to Lowell Park improvements. Mr. Pogge said he could do a fund transfer in the current budget year, if necessary. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. 2008 trail improvements — Mr. Pogge noted there is $25,000 in the 2008 CIP for trail improvements. The Commission previously approved improving the segment between Pine Tree Trail and Benson Boulevard. Staff is recommending the remainder of the funds be spent to construct a new trail segment on Neal Avenue between McKusick Road and Brown's Creek Park or to make improvements to an existing trail from Gilbert Court to Lily Lake Elementary School. Mr. Brandt spoke in favor of doing the trail from Gilbert Court to Lily Lake School; he stated the trail is heavily used by school kids and in its current condition can be treacherous. Mr. Nyberg, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved to improve the trail between Gilbert Court and Lily Lake Elementary School and, should there be funds remaining, do the trail segment along Neal Avenue. Motion passed unanimously. Comprehensive Plan park improvements priorities — Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed the Comprehensive Plan process. He said as part of the process, the Commission is being asked to develop a list of park improvement priorities looking out 10 years. Mr. McGarry asked whether priorities should include equipment upgrades; Mr. Pogge suggested the Commission's priorities could be a combination of equipment upgrades and general park improvements/physical changes. The park improvement priorities from the 1995 Comprehensive Plan were included in the agenda packet. Mr. Brandt mentioned the open space at Long Lake as a possible new priority, and Ms. Amrein referred to the Boutwell Cemetery and Aiple property as possible priorities. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to take this issue up at the April meeting. Mr. McGarry said it would be helpful to have a list of parks that have approved plans for improvements. Ms. Amrein noted that a park survey was completed in 2002. Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 24, 2008 Page4of4 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Impact of parking ramp on Peace Park — Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed the site and preliminary plans for the proposed parking ramp. He explained that Peace Park, located between Rivertown Commons and the parking ramp, is currently a green area with gazebo and outlet pipe that once carried water from the McKusick Mill. He stated the preliminary design of the parking ramp would not impact the park; however, he said the amount of light to the park will be reduced, and there could be some security issues. Mr. Pogge stated there is a possibility the park may be enclosed for overnight security reasons, and he said the access to the park could be through the ramp. Mr. Pogge also noted that the ramp may be designed to provide for the capability of future expansion, expansion which would impact the park. Several residents from Rivertown Commons were present. Patricia Finklea spoke of the beauty of the park, how it enhances residents' living conditions and how much it is utilized. Jerry Simonson also spoke of the beauty of the park and its use. Kathy Mielke, manager of Rivertown Commons, said the parking ramp will be of benefit to them, but the residents would like to save the park space. She said the park is used for picnicking and meditation and is used by many City residents, not just Rivertown Commons residents. Ms. Mielke said security could be an issue and safe access to the park is needed, but said she thought that issue could be worked out. Mr. Nyberg said he would prefer to have exterior access to the park, rather than access through the ramp. No action was taken. 2007 forestry program report — The report was included in the agenda packet. OTHER ITEMS Mr. Pogge stated proposals are being received for the new playground equipment at Triangle Park and Sunrise Park and asked when the Commission wished to schedule a meeting to get input from neighbors — before a regular Commission meeting, at a special meeting of the Commission or a special meeting other than a Commission meeting. It was consensus to schedule the meeting prior to a regular Commission meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Nyberg, seconded by Ms. Amrein. Respectfully submitted, n!)nron Baker Kecording Secretary