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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-22 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board Jan. 22, 2007 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Paul Donna, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt and Cathy Sewilo Staff present: Mike Pogge, planner Absent: Sandy Snellman Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein questioned the motion on the peace pole at the Dec. 18 meeting. She said the motion should be that the request to install the peace pole was denied. Mr. Milbrandt moved to adopt the Dec. 18, 2006, minutes, with the correction to the motion regarding the peace pole, indicating that the Board denied the peace pole request. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Action Items Fairway Villas development plans review — Mr. Pogge introduced the request(s) related to the Lynskey & Clark Fairway Villas of Stillwater development proposal. He noted the proposal will require rezoning, a Comprehensive Plan amendment and variance. The Park Board's function is to review parkland dedication and trail requirements, as well as proposed use/improvements to city property on the site. He said staff is suggesting, with the Board's approval, that the City require cash in lieu of parkland dedication. Regarding trails, he noted there is difficulty providing a trail connection due to the site's location abutting Stillwater Country Club. Mr. Pogge also spoke to issues related to some City - owned property in the development site. Mr. Milbrandt asked about the possibility of obtaining some type of easement to provide for a potential future trail connection with the (Zephyr) railroad tracks; Mick Lynskey, representing the developer, said they would be supportive of that. Brian Larson, 2008 Hazel Court, pointed out that the neighborhood is against the proposal and had expressed its position at the Planning Commission. He said whatever happens to the property will have a great impact on the neighborhood. He spoke to traffic issues due to the location of the property at the end of a very long dead-end street. He asked that the Board consider using any cash dedication in lieu of parkland for improvements in the immediate area, such as improvements to Schulenberg Park, to mitigate the impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Larson also spoke of the possibility of a trail connection along the property from Poplar to Hazel. It was noted that according to statute, money received in lieu of park dedication must be used for land acquisition, rather than for park improvements. Mr. Milbrandt asked if the money could be used to purchase easements for the possible trail connection for the property; Mr. Pogge stated that would be an allowable use. Mr. Larson said the City -owned property appears to have the greatest potential for a trail connection from Poplar to Hazel and again asked that the developer be asked to give something back to the neighborhood to mitigate the impact of the proposed development. Park & Recreation Board Minutes January 22, 2007 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Brandt said he would favor providing for a potential trail connection to the Zephyr property. Mr. Larson spoke to the environmentally sensitive nature of the area, which might impact trail plans. Ms. Amrein moved to require cash dedication in lieu of parkland for the Fairway Villas development. Mr. Milbrandt suggested adding a request for an easement from the development to the Zephyr property to the motion, as well as an indication that the Board would support (recommend to the Council) the use of City -owned property on the site for street improvements. Mr. Pogge noted that the motion should also indicate the requirement for cash in lieu of trail dedication. Ms. Amrein incorporated those suggestions into her motion. Mr. Milbrandt seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Milbrandt asked that staff contact those property owners in the location of the discussed potential trail connection from Poplar to Hazel regarding possible easements. Brown's CreeK Reserve development/trail plans review — Mr. Pogge highlighted a change in plans since the Ward last reviewed this proposal -- the developer is proposing to use a new pervious material on a segment of the trail closest to Brown's Creek. He noted that the material involves a new technology, with no proven track record, which does create some concern, especially in the area of maintenance costs. Staff is recommending approval, along with the requirement for cash in lieu of parkland dedication. Todd Erickson, engineer with Folz, Freeman, Erickson, noted the change came about after discussions with City Engineer Shawn Sanders; he said in order to preserve the integrity of the trail, it will be installed/paved after the site is established which will eliminate possible maintenance problems. Mr. Erickson noted they would prefer a wood chip -type trail, but the City will not allow that; the new surface is a compromise he suggested, between what the Watershed and City will allow. Ms. Amrein said she wasn't convinced about the use of the new surface due to the unknowns about future maintenance costs; she asked if another, more natural surface, could be used. Mr. Milbrandt pointed out a trail that is not accessible to all users defeats the purpose of a trail; he suggested the possibility of establishing an escrow fund to deal with the issue of unknown future maintenance costs. Mr. Erickson spoke to other trail amenities/connections the developer is providing — concrete sidewalks on both sides of streets, a sidewalk along Neal and connection to the Millbrook development — should the Board wish to eliminate the pervious segment of the trail in question. Ms. Amrein said she would favor the use of the new material, along with Mr. Milbrandt's suggestion of an escrow fund. Mr. Milbrandt said he would favor the pervious material but ask that Engineer Sanders and the developer come up with a proposal for some type of escrow arrangement. Mr. Milbrandt moved to approve the trails plans and use of the previous surface along Brown's Creek, to direct the developer to work with Engineer Sanders to develop at least a five-year escrow account, and to require cash in lieu of parkland dedication. Ms. Amrein suggested leaving the length of the escrow account open; Mr. Milbrandt agreed to amend his motion to direct the developer and Engineer to work out a reasonable escrow account arrangement. Mr. McGarry seconded the motion and amended motion. Amended motion passed unanimously. Munkelwicz Park playground equipment review Mr. Pogge referred to the two proposals for equipment included in the agenda packet. The proposals utilize the equipment shown in the park plans developed by Bonestroo; $75,000 has been budgeted for the equipment. He stated staff has been pleased with the performance of Park & Recreation Board Minutes January 22, 2007 Page 3 of 3 the Playcraft equipment. Mr. Donna questioned the discrepancy in the price of the two proposals. It was suggested that the proposal from Kompan (cost $102,855) includes more active uses that the Playcraft proposal ($47,999). Ms. Amrein said she would prefer staying within budget, especially considering that staff has been pleased with the performance of the Playcraft equipment. Mr. Brandt referred to a park he had visited that has the type of equipment in the Kompan proposal and said the equipment was very popular with kids and heavily used; he wondered about the possibility of mixing and matching elements in the two proposals. Mr. Pogge said the Board could do that with the freestanding pieces of equipment. Mr. Pogge also noted that the equipment purchase would go through the competitive bid process. Mr. Donna said in his view, the Kompan elements would appeal more to the 5-12 age group. Mr. Brandt questioned the layout of the Playcraft proposal. During discussion, Mr. Milbrandt referred to the amount of money that City had expended in acquisition/planning for the Munkelwicz Park and said he would not want to purchase equipment that would see little use or interest. It was consensus to solicit more options for the 5-12 age group equipment, equipment that will promote more creativity and athleticism. Other items Comprehensive Plan consultant selection_process — It was noted that the Council has asked a member from all Commissions/Board assist in the selection of the consultant for the Comprehensive Plan update. Ms. Amrein asked if the Board member selected to participate in the selection process would be the same person who will serve on the Comp Plan update steering committee; Mr. Pogge responded that would be up to the Board. Mr. Brandt and Mr. Donna both expressed interest in participating in the selection process; Mr. Milbrandt suggested that both would be welcome to participate and provide input. Boom Site — Mr. Pogge informed the Board that there is a piece of legislation pending that would have the state dispose of the Boom Site. He said the DNR had contacted the City regarding possible takeover of the site and asked for direction as to whether staff should investigate options for that potential. There was brief discussion as to potential costs of maintenance/staffing. It was consensus to pursue options. • Mr. Milbrandt said he had received a complaint regarding the condition of the Northland skating rink. Ms. Sewilo also noted there are no lights at the rink, and when ice is good, it is never plowed/shoveled. There was discussion as to whether flooding rinks should be a priority with park staff. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary