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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-23 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board April 23, 2007 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Paul Donna, Rob McGarry, Adam Nyberg, Cathy Sewilo and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Donna noted a typo on page 3 in the discussion of the Legacy on Long Lake plans. Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved to accept the minutes of March 26, 2007, with the typographical correction as noted. Motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATION Christopher Stanton and Brian Albertson of the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association gave a presentation about recommended field improvements. Improvement of fields/facilities is part of the Association's mission statement. The status of playing fields in the area was termed "pretty dismal," but it was noted that there is a lot that can be done with the field at the City's Public Works facility to bring it up to a first class facility. The Public Works field is used for 10-11 year -old players. A list of recommended improvements was included in written documentation provided to the Board. It was estimated that the total cost of the recommended improvements was less than $15,000. While the Association recognizes there are not a lot of funds available, the spokesman said the Association would like to move forward with improvements and asked how to proceed with obtaining the funds or request funding in the future. It was noted that members of the Association would be doing a lot of the proposed work to help minimize costs. The Association uses School District fields, the Jaycee field and the City field at the Public Works Department. It was noted that the School District does nothing to prep or maintain the fields — the Association has to do that. The Association representatives also spoke of the condition of the local fields as compared to fields in other communities. There was discussion about the possibility of the City acquiring the Jaycee fields from the School District; the Association would like to see that happen so the Association could make much need improvements at those fields, as well. Mr. Stanton and Mr. Albertson reviewed the proposed improvements — fence cap for outfield fences; painting the foul pole; painting the foul line from the infield to the outfield fence; acquiring and installing a windscreen on outfield fences; installing bleaches for spectators; installing a cement slab for the bench area; building a covered dugout for players; building a bullpen and warm-up area; and installing a scoreboard. Priority improvements for the Association are the cement slab, bleachers and fencing, they said. Ms. Snellman asked about the budget status. Mr. Pogge stated there likely will be a few thousand dollars available, as much of the budget is already obligated. Moving forward, he said the Board could make the improvements a priority in determining funding for next year's budget. The Association representatives said they would be happy with Park & Recreation Board Minutes April 23, 2007 Page 2 of 3 whatever funding the Board/City would be able to provide for the improvements. Ms. Snellman said the proposal seemed like a good opportunity to partner with the Association. Ms. Amrein asked whether the Association had contacted any of the local service organizations regarding support. Ms. Snellman pointed out that much of the improvements are safety related. Ms. Amrein noted the City's past support of facilities for hockey and soccer, and Mr. McGarry referred to the City's contributions to School District playgrounds, as well. There was a question regarding projects that might be on the "bubble" for getting accomplished this year that might free up some funds for this proposal. Mr. Pogge said there were none that he was aware of. Mr. Nyberg asked if the Board could make a request for additional funding from the Council. Mr. McGarry moved to support the proposal for the improvements as presented in full and forward the recommendation to the City Council. There was discussion as to whether to recommend a specific dollar amount; the Association representatives noted they had not determined a hard dollar figure at this time. After discussion, it was decided to set the dollar amount at $12,000. Mr. McGarry included the $12,000 amount in his motion to recommend to the Council. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Trinity Lutheran Church special event request — Jason Herd and Lauren Redpath, representing Trinity Lutheran Church, explained the request for an outreach event, a free concert, in Pioneer Park. All the musicians would be volunteering their time to play, it was noted. Mr. Herd explained the organizers would like to be able to sell food, not to make money but to add to the event, and allow the artists to sell their CDs. It was noted there would not be any outside vendors; any sales would be directly related to the event. Proceeds from the food sales would go back to Trinity, while proceeds of the CD sales would go to the artists or the Church, it was explained. There was discussion about parking for the estimated 300+ people who might be in attendance; it was noted attendees could park at Trinity, as well as Pioneer Park. Ms. Amrein asked about licensing requirements for vendors. Mr. Pogge reviewed the licensing requirements. Mr. McGarry expressed a concern about the potential for having 500 people in attendance, given the size of the stage area and lack of seating. It was suggested that the organizers might want to target a lower number in their event advertising. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to approve the special event request allowing the use of Pioneer Park on June 24, 2007. There was additional discussion about the proposed sales, and the policy that limits sales to non-profit organizations. Mr. Donna expressed a concern that a portion of the CD sales would go to the artists, not a non-profit. Regarding the number of people attending, it was noted that the location could be changed for future events. On a suggestion by Mr. Pogge, Mr. Brandt added approval of the vendor license for food and CD sales to his motion. Ms. Snellman's second for the motion stood. Motion passed unanimously. St. Croix Classics Theater special event permit request -- Ms. Amrein moved to approve the special event permit request from St. Croix Classics Theater to use Pioneer Park on June 29 and/or July 6 for a production of "Sabrina Fair." Ms. Sewilo seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Greater Stillwater Chamber special event permit for Summer Tuesdays — Mr. Brandt, seconded by Mr. McGarry, moved to approve the Greater Stillwater Chamber special Park & Recreation Board Minutes April 23, 2007 Page 3 of 3 event permit request to use North Lowell Park for Summer Tuesdays. Motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Brown's Creek Park — Mr. Pogge noted that the play equipment for Brown's Creek Park is expected to be delivered around May 16, with installation completed by the end of May. Washington Square — Mr. Pogge noted that work on Washington Square Park could begin as early as the week of the Park Board meeting. It is expected most of the improvements will be completed by July 1, he stated. Other items ▪ Mr. Pogge informed the Board that the Army Corps of Engineers will begin the design work for the flood wall this year, which means construction might begin in 2008. Mr. Pogge noted the timing is good, as completion of the design phase will coincide with the Downtown Plan discussions. • Ms. Amrein asked for an update on the Council's action regarding the Legacy on Long Lake development. Mr. Nyberg explained the Council had some concern with the proposal that would allow the developer to calculate already public land (Jackson Wildlife Management Area) in determining minimum lot size and essentially double the number of lots on the parcel. Mr. Nyberg said there were also concerns expressed regarding traffic. Mr. Pogge noted that with the Council action, the legislation enabling the sale of the Jackson Wildlife Management Area to the City may be withdrawn, and if members believe the City should still acquire the property, they ought to contact their state legislators. ▪ Ms. Amrein noted that the regular May meeting night falls on Memorial Day. It was tentatively decided to move the meeting to the third Monday in May, May 21. There was a brief discussion about when to schedule the annual park tour and possible areas to include on the tour. Meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary