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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-27 PRC MINStiliwater The 6irlhplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 27, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairwoman Johnson, Commissioners Brandt, Macswain, Quie, Souter, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioners Christensen and Weidner Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode, City Administrator Kohlmann APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of May 23. 2022 meeting Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Macswain, to approve the minutes of the May 23, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Introductions of Commission and City Administrator Joe Kohlmann City Administrator Kohlmann introduced himself. He stated the Council will keep trying in the next legislative session to obtain State bonding funds for parkland and riverfront projects. He spoke to the National Park Service today to provide comments on potential upgrades to Fairy Falls Park, which is in Stillwater Township. 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan Mr. Grode provided the draft 5-year CIP, budget schedule, and playground replacement schedule. He noted the 2023 budget process will continue throughout the year with a budget hearing at the City Council meeting in August. Staff will come back to the Parks and Recreation Commission with updates and opportunities for comments and input. Commissioner Macswain asked for a brief high level review of each project. Mr. Grode explained the process for equipment replacement and various parks improvements including playground structures, trails to connect playgrounds with nearby roadways or sidewalks, and irrigation systems. Chair Johnson asked about the scheduled improvements to Boutwell Cemetery. Mr. Grode explained that Boutwell Cemetery is managed by the Parks Department. Plans dating from 2005 are to improve grading, replace some infrastructure, fencing and signage. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 27, 2022 Commissioner Brandt suggested bringing the plan back to the Parks Commission to review. Mr. Grode continued, explaining Teddy Bear Park resurfacing and adding artificial turf, and items in Pioneer Park including repairing existing sidewalk and adding a pergola for weddings and events. He will bring back the report and recommendation next month. Councilmember Polehna remarked that the Pioneer Park bandshell is in disrepair, and Mr. Grode replied he was there today with a contractor about the peeling paint. Commissioner Souter asked the status of the New Heights School playground project request. Councilmember Polehna and Mr. Grode replied that the school is revisiting the cost of the project and will come back with a revised cost estimate. Mr. Grode continued, reviewing the larger projects including Lumberjack Landing, Bridgeview Park, sidewalk and step replacements, the Second Street Trail connection, Lily Lake parking lot, and McKusick boardwalk. Chair Johnson asked about the 72nd Street trail connection, and Councilmember Polehna answered it will be from Northland to the Liberty development, eventually looping around the lake. He added that he would like to check into a portable bandshell for Lowell Park. Chair Johnson and Commissioner Macswain asked for details about replacement of play structures. Mr. Grode replied that the need for replacement is dictated by a combination of the age of the equipment and the usage. 15-year warranties run out and it is more difficult to get replacement parts for repairs. The City has some structures that are 25 years old. Councilmember Polehna mentioned the $50,000 grant for a dock at Lumberjack Landing, and Mr. Grode added that plans are in review and the dock would be one of the first phase projects. Commissioner Macswain asked about the proposed pergola at Pioneer Park, the Northland Park warming shack, and parking at Sunrise Park. Chair Johnson said she would like to hear more about planned trail connections. Commissioner Souter pointed out the trails behind Millbrook need maintenance too. Councilmember Polehna said the trail along Legends is not good. Commissioner Macswain asked if the skateboard park will be a permanent improvement. He asked if there is anything from Year 5 in the Lily Lake plan that can be done sooner. Mr. Grode replied there is an attempt to do a few projects that were part of that study that would be incorporated into the playground, for example moving the trail connection into a better position and rehabbing the parking lot. Councilmember Polehna reminded the Commission that Lily Lake is the City's park, not the homeowners association's. Councilmember Macswain asked if there are any lighting upgrades in this CIP. Mr. Grode replied that lighting repairs are considered operating costs. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 27, 2022 Staff Updates Mr. Grode informed the Commission the new playground structures were delivered at Anez Ridge and Meadowlark Parks and installed at Anez; there is still some drainage work to do at Meadowlark Park. The CIP for next year will have a trail from Interlachen through the park and exit to the east. Staff is considering using tile for the Settlers Park tennis courts. Councilmember Polehna said the Settlers Park homeowners' association should be consulted for feedback and he volunteered to contact them. Mr. Grode stated the donation of memorial benches is very popular and the Commission should start thinking about more potential locations. Councilmember Polehna added that Sunrise Rotary will donate two benches and four bike racks for the riverbank stabilization project. Commission Member Updates Mr. Grode reported there was vandalism in Washington Square, Pioneer Park, and the pedestrian plaza restrooms. He has talked to the Police Chief and IT staff about cameras for parks. Chair Johnson said Margaret Boettcher stopped by her house, with pictures, to discuss open space/parkland issues with debris. She asked Mr. Grode to contact Ms. Boettcher again. Commissioner Macswain commended the City on installation of water line at Northland Park. Councilmember Polehna noted the fireworks on Monday will be from a barge in the river. He said the riverbank stabilization project is done and there will be a celebration August 13. Chair Johnson asked about the Curling Club and Councilmember Polehna said the first meeting about the facility took place on Wednesday. August Meeting - Parks Tour Mr. Grode asked Commissioners to suggest locations for the tour. Suggestions were: Bridgeview Park and riverbank stabilization, Prairie Park, Boutwell Cemetery, Pioneer Park, Millbrook West, and the Old Athletic Field. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Souter, seconded by Quie, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 25, 2022. ATTE T: ode, Parks S 1+erintendent Parrnohnslo'n; Clratrf SkphOre ...,Nbif'► `r- Vice Clinic - Page 3 of 3