HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-23 PRC MINCity of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
July 23, 2007
Present: Rob McGarry, vice chair
David Brandt, Paul Donna, Adam Nyberg, Cathy Sewilo, Sandy Snellman
Absent: Linda Amrein
Mr. McGarry called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Ms Snellman moved approval of the minutes of June 25, 2007. Ms.
Sewilo seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Action Items
Request to place a well and pump house at Legends Park — Mr. Pogge reviewed the
request from the Water Board to place a well and pump house in Legends Park. He
noted the Water Board has been looking for a site in the southwest quadrant of the City
for some time. He also pointed out the AUAR prohibits the siting of a well north of Myrtle
Street due to potential impact on Brown's Creek, which further limits potential sites. Mr.
Pogge noted that there is a 16" water main in close proximity to Legends Park so
additional infrastructure improvements would not be needed should this site be utilized.
He stated the pump house would be similar to the one in the Liberty development. He
pointed out there would need to be access to the pump house, which increases the
impact on the site.
Mr. Nyberg expressed a concern about the impact of the building. Mr. Pogge pointed out
that the structure can be designed to look like a house, and he said there are pump
houses located throughout town that most people don't even identify as a pump house.
Mr. Pogge also pointed out that setbacks and location of park equipment restricts the
placement of the pump house. Mr. Nyberg suggested moving the pump house to a
location southwest of the play equipment or relocating the volleyball court. Ms. Snellman
asked if there were other site options. Mr. Pogge stated there are few options without
having to purchase land. Ms. Snellman noted the Legends Park has had previous
problems and now to put a building in the park doesn't seem like the right thing to do to
residents. Other members agreed with Ms. Snellman's comment. Mr. Pogge pointed out
that a pump house does need to be on line by next summer. Mr. McGarry asked whether
the Water Board might consider making some park improvements; Mr. Pogge said he
thought the Water Board would be willing to consider park improvements recommended
by the Park Board or provide some funding for improvements in other parks. Mr.
McGarry suggested the only way the Park Board would consider using up parkland
would be getting some improvements in exchange.
Mr. Pogge suggested that considering the resistance being expressed by members he
go back to the Water Board and see what alternatives, if any, there are. If the request
comes up again, Mr. Pogge said he would ask the Water Board for a more concrete
proposal regarding design, location and other details, including what improvements the
Water Board might be willing to make to the park. Mr. McGarry summed up the Board's
position as being reluctant to give up parkland at this time, but willing to work with the
Water Board if this is the only alternative. Mr. McGarry noted that the Water Board had
Park & Recreation Board Minutes
July 23, 2007
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been very cooperative in participating with the City in making improvements at the pump
house site in Liberty.
Informational Items
Park reservation policy — Mr. Pogge explained staff will be looking at formalizing the
reservation policy and details such as when to waive fees for non-profit organizations.
Other Items
• Mr. Brandt expressed a concern about the potential for the City making any
improvements to the land at the south end of Long Lake, which was included on the
recent park tour. He noted that neighbors in the area of the property perceive the
property as their own personal open space. He suggested that some markers be
placed on the property to indicate that it is City property. Mr. Pogge stated he had
talked with some of the property owners in the area and most were supportive of
improvements such as a gazebo or other more passive uses. Mr. Pogge also noted
the resident who has been mowing the area is following a prairie planting schedule
and this will be the lass year of mowing.
• Mr. Donna announced his resignation due to a recent move from Stillwater. Members
thanked Mr. Donna for his participation.
• Mr. Brandt stated he had received a complaint regarding handicapped access at
Pioneer Park. The complaint dealt with handicapped parking, he said.
• Mr. Brandt noted that the Brown's Creek playground equipment has been installed
and stated there is a loop sticking out of the wood chips that ought to be looked at.
• It was noted that Washington Square will be open for reservations starting Aug. 10.
There was discussion on initial reactions to the park.
Mr. Brandt, seconded by Mr. Nyberg, moved to adjourn at 7:43 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary