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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-26 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board Feb. 26, 2007 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Rob McGarry, Adam Nyberg, Cathy Sewilo and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Paul Donna Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 22, 2007. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Amrein introduced new Park Board member, Councilmember Adam Nyberg. Mr. Nyberg gave a brief overview of his background. Park Board members in turn introduced themselves to Mr. Nyberg. Action Items Review Millbrook final PUD and final plat — Mr. Pogge reviewed the request for final plat approval for Phase I of the Millbrook development. Mr. Pogge listed the proposed Phase I park and trail improvements, plans which the Park Board had approved earlier. Jack Welch, representing the developer, pointed out that the eastern portion of Outlot A, the main, active park area, would be developed first; the remainder of the park area would be developed with Phase II. Mr. Welch said the entire park area would be rough graded and seeded, but the final grade may have to be changed somewhat. Ms. Amrein asked about the trail along the south side of South Twin Lake; it was noted the trail is still in the plans in Phase III. Mr. McGarry noted there had been no changes in the percentage of park dedication or other park/trail improvements, other than the relocation of a segment of the trail due to Brown's Creek regulations. Mr. McGarry asked about the timetable for the final grading of Outlot A, referring to the previous experience with the park at Legends. Mr. Brandt moved to recommend that the City Council approve the Millbrook final (Phase I) park/trail plans as presented. Mr. Nyberg seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Review Legacy on Long Lake development plans — Mr. Pogge reviewed the proposed trail and park dedication improvements for the Legacy development. He noted the proposed park dedication is .35 acres. The developer is proposing cash in lieu of land dedication; according to City policy, a cash in lieu of land would amount to about $100,000. Mr. Pogge referred to a staff concern regarding the desire to have some public access along Long Lake. However, Mr. Pogge pointed out that two existing property owners are retaining the entire lake shorefront, and the shorefront property will not be part of this development. Mr. Pogge said the developer is proposing to assist the City is purchasing the Jackson Wildlife Management Area from the DNR; due to various restrictions, that site would be limited to passive park/open space use, he noted. Mr. Pogge explained that due to the site's location, DNR regulations apply, and the developer will be required to provide more open space that would be required by the City, thus the proposal to purchase the Jackson Wildlife Management Area. Park and Recreation Board Minutes February 26, 2007 Page 2 of 3 Ed Dulak was present representing the developer. He explained that he has been working with the DNR for some nine months regarding the Jackson property purchase. He suggested that the cash in lieu of dedication money could be earmarked for the purchase, and he would make a contribution over and above the cash dedication to assist in the purchase. Mr. Dulak noted that acquiring that property would enable the proposed trail to be completed out to County Road 12. He also pointed out that there are a number of other parks in the nearby area, and the developer is working with Grace Baptist Church to provide play fields on church property in the future. Mr. Nyberg questioned why the City would give up an existing road easement along the lake and also whether the two existing property owners couldn't be required to donate some public property. Mr. Pogge noted that the existing road easement is a prescriptive easement, meaning it can only be used for a road — if the road goes away, the City has no right to use the 60' right-of-way. Mr. Dulak said, if the Park Board feels it is important, he could attempt to get a small parcel of Lakeshore from one of the current property owners, but he pointed out that the DNR does not want a fishing pier on the parcel. Ms. Amrein asked whether the City needs to own the Jackson Wildlife Management Area and whether the City might be able to purchase the area without the assistance of this developer. Ms. Snellman asked whether there would be a guarantee that the developer would provide the public trail along the existing 72nd Street. Mr. McGarry suggested there are too many unknowns and noted as things currently stand with the proposal, the City is vacating a street and getting a third -acre park. Mr. Dulak pointed out that the proposal, as it stands, does include the Jackson Wildlife Management Area. Mr. Dulak said he was seeking an indication from the Park Board that the proposal is moving in the right direction regarding park dedication issues. Ms. Snellman said she would be willing to say to keep moving in the direction as outlined without making a commitment to it at this time. Mr. Nyberg said in his view getting some Lakeshore property to go with the trail system is a big factor; Mr. Dulak said he would speak with the property owner regarding that possibility. Ms. Amrein said in her view, the Jackson Area is very valuable as open space, versus the two additional acres of active park that would be required. Mr. Brandt questioned the value of the Jackson Area to the City, what the City could do with the property if the DNR didn't own it. Mr. Dulak suggested the City would be a better steward of the area than the DNR, pointing out that the DNR has not maintained the area and overgrowth is threatening the viability of trees. Mr. Pogge summarized that, based on comments, direction would be that the Board approves the trail plan, the one-third acre park dedication contingent on the acquisition of the Jackson Wildlife Management Area, and the acquisition of the lakeshore parcel in question. No formal action was taken. Review and recommend playground equipment for Munkelwicz Park — Mr. Pogge reviewed the three equipment options, two of which include a 10-15 space net. Mr. Brandt said he had the opportunity to have a number of children review the equipment, and the children liked option two because of the monkey bar components, the spinning overhead devices, the climbing wall and net. Another advantage of option two (B), he said, is the gazebo -style roof protection from the elements. Mr. Nyberg said he would favor option B. Ms. Snellman expressed a concern about possible vandalism to the net and asked if it would be reinforced to prevent that potential; Mr. Pogge suggested that weathering would be a larger problem. Mr. Pogge reviewed colors. It was noted that given the location by Brown's Creek, a more natural color would be appropriate, rather than a bright red. Ms. Amrein moved to recommend option B for the Munkelwicz Park play equipment for the older children, with the color scheme of the more natural, muted tones. Mr. McGarry seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Park and Recreation Board Minutes February 26, 2007 Page 3 of 3 Consider recommending approval of a special event permit from the American Diabetes Association' to use Pioneer Park for its annual walkathon and March of Dimes use of the parking lot across from the Historic Courthouse and Triangle Park for its annual walkathon — Mr. Pogge noted that last year a number of complaints had been received about the use of "spray chalk" to mark the route of the American Diabetes Association's event. He stated the sponsors regretted that had happened and approval is recommended with the condition that chalk not be used. Mr. Nyberg asked whether there was any need for traffic control; Mr. Pogge stated the sponsors work with the Police Department regarding that issue. Mr. McGarry moved to recommend approval of both special event park use requests as proposed. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Informational Items Review Capital Improvement Plan related to park improvements — Mr. Pogge reviewed the revision to the proposed 2007-2011 CIP park projects. Mr. Nyberg asked if such reductions occur every year. Mr. Pogge noted that the initial CIP requests amount to a "wish list," and generally are subject to revisions. Mr. Pogge pointed out that there is about $1.3 million for all City departments to spend on capital improvement projects each year; the majority of that money is spent on streets, engineering and parks. Mr. Pogge said, from his viewpoint, the most disappointing aspect of the revisions relate to funding for the Munkelwicz Park improvements. Ms. Amrein brought up the issue of implementing some type of city tax to fund such improvements. Review concept plan for Washington Park - Mr. Pogge reviewed the concept plans. He noted that one of the proposals is the addition of a substantial amount of lighting, utilizing decorative style Tight fixtures; replacement of the gazebo with stage area; trails; permanent restroom facilities; irrigation system; and other improvements. He stated the donor wishes to begin work in April, with opening July 1. Mr. Pogge brought up the issue of a house at the northeast corner of the site than encroaches on park property. There was a brief discussion regarding the lighting proposal. He said final plans would likely be available for review at the March Park Board meeting. • Ms. Sewilo pointed out the lights at Northland Park are on during the week, but not on weekends. • There was a brief discussion regarding the status of the issue of the basketball courts at Staples Field. Mr. Pogge said the issue would be brought back to the Board as a discussion item sometime this spring. • Ms. Amrein asked if the Board wished to elect a new chair and vice chair at this meeting. Members asked if Ms. Amrein would continue as chair, and she stated she would do so unless someone else was interested. Mr. McGarry stated he would continue as vice chair, unless someone else was interested. Ms. Snellman moved to have Ms. Amrein continue as chair and Mr. McGarry continue as vice chair for the coming year. Mr. Nyberg seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to adjourn at 8:53 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary