HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-24 PRC MINStiIIwaflr
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
October 24, 2022
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Chairwoman Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Larson, Lehmann, Macswain, Quie, Souter,
Councilmember Polehna
Absent: Commissioner Christensen
Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode, Public Works Director Sanders
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of September 26. 2022 meeting
Commissioner Macswain recalled that during the September 26, 2022 meeting, there was a
correction to the August 22, 2022 meeting minutes. (The correction was not heard on the
recording due to poor audio.)
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the minutes of the
September 26, 2022 meeting as amended, including a correction made to the August 22, 2022
meeting minutes. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Introductions of New Commission Members
Commissioners and Mr. Grode introduced themselves and welcomed Commissioners Kristi
Larson and Megan Lehmann.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Project Updates
Superintendent Grode noted the following:
1) tennis courts in Settlers Park are 80-90% completed
2) base trails and A.D.A. access connecting Meadowlark and Anez Ridge playgrounds with
nearby roads should be completed this fall and paved next year
3) swings in Meadowlark will be painted
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 24, 2022
4) the flagpole at South Lowell park, the pergola at the pedestrian plaza restrooms and the
large gazebo shelter at Teddy Bear Park were painted
5) park signage has been inventoried, existing signs painted and locations identified where
signs are needed, for installation this winter
6) debris and two boats were removed from a Croixwood neighborhood as requested by a
neighbor, and staff will continue clean-up of the island as weather allows
7) renovation of steps at the Sunken Garden was cut from the CIP request for 2023 and pushed
to 2024, and grants will be sought to help fund the cost.
Councilmember Polehna noted the Rotary Club donation of benches and bike rack for the
riverfront trail.
Mr. Grode added that several memorial benches have been placed and one memorial tree will
be planted this week. The number of benches at Lowell and Pioneer Parks is maxed out. He
went on to state that Chestnut Street construction is ongoing, and Councilmember Polehna
explained that from Main to Water Streets, there is a 96" diameter pipe under the plaza which
has caused a slowdown and temporary closure.
Event Updates
Mr. Grode said the Fall Art Festival and Harvest Fest were held, the Farmers' Market and
Haunted Trolley Tours run through October. The Veterans Day ceremony will be November 11,
the Turkey Trot will be November 24. Applications have been received for the Water Street Inn
ice rink in parking Lot 4, and for the World Snow Sculpting Championships January 18-22,
2023. He explained that returning event applications no longer come to the Commission unless
there is something dramatically different with the application; instead they will be reviewed by
staff then go to the City Council for final approval.
Capital Improvement Updates
Mr. Grode stated that the skateboard park project has been pushed back, and Councilmember
Polehna added that the Council is leaning toward a site adjacent to the Dog Park.
Mr. Grode said there have been a few equipment replacement purchases. In addition to what
was already discussed above, the next capital projects will be replacement of the playground at
the Old Athletic Field and the wooden playground area at Washington Square; also replacing
play surfaces at Teddy Bear Park, and a water fountain at Benson Park.
Councilmember Polehna added that the City Council will be going back to the legislature to
request funding for Lumberjack Landing. He asked about the ice rink at the Old Athletic Field.
Mr. Grode replied that the volleyball courts there have a deep sand base which makes it take
longer for ice to form, so staff is looking at replacing the top layer of sand with soil.
Councilmember Polehna said the City should have a capital trail maintenance plan. He noted
there are some horrible bike trails that need work near Liberty, Legends, and Highway 5.
Commissioner Macswain recalled discussion with former Parks Commissioner Brandt about a
County effort underway to determine when trails were built and when they require repairs.
Commissioner Souter noted that Millbrook trails are bad too. She will follow up with former
Commissioner Brandt.
Commission Member Updates
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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 24, 2022
Chair Johnson said complimented the City on signs along 72nd St./Long Lake seeking feedback
from trail users.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Macswain, to adjourn. All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
ATT . T:
rode, Park 4 perintendent
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Pam ohn o V h J sn,Chair
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