HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-23 PRC MINThe Birthplace of Minnesota
216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-8800
www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
January 23, 2023
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: None
Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of November 28, 2022 meeting
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the minutes of
the November 28, 2022 meeting. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS
North Hill Community Garden 2023-2025 Agreement
Victoria Bradford Styrbicki, garden volunteer, provided the community garden FAQ, brochure,
recent budget, agreement and plot map. She described recent improvements at at the garden
and asked for a renewal of the three year agreement.
Councilmember Polehna suggested a five year lease.
Ms. Bradford Styrbicki said five years is fine. It would be nice if there were a City -owned
location where equipment could be stored in the winter.
Parks Superintendent Grode said space could be found at public works.
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to recommend approval of
a five year agreement and remove the statement about pets not being allowed. All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Replacement Playgrounds for 2023
Mr. Grode reviewed proposals for playground replacements with Burke playground equipment
from St. Croix Recreation, for the Old Athletic Field and Washington Square. Proposals were
posted on the City web site from November to January 15, and signs with a QR code were
posted. No emails or feedback was received from residents. If the Commission agrees with the
staff recommendation, they should vote to recommend that the City Council approve of the
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting January 23, 2023
playground replacement proposals for 2023 under state contract. He added that it is very
difficult to meet the $120,000 budget and staff will ask for an increase to $150,000 for
playground replacement next year.
Commissioner Macswain asked if the equipment will fit in the existing space and Mr. Grode
replied it is close to existing dimensions. Sand will be replaced with wood fiber for better fall
zone protection.
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to recommend that the City
Council approve the proposals for playground replacement at the Old Athletic Field and
Washington Square with Burke playground equipment from St. Croix Recreation. All in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Staff Updates
Superintendent Grode informed the Commission that the switch to an online system has
brought many efficiencies. He reviewed park reservation numbers.
Commissioner Macswain asked if there are areas that aren't getting reserved as much, how can
the City try to get more use of those areas?
Mr. Grode replied that staff can evaluate the fees and compare to other communities. He also
stated all the snowfall since November has posed challenges especially for the ice rinks. Most
of the staff has been busy with snow removal.
Commission Member Updates
Councilmember Polehna shared that the City's legislative agenda is to ask for $12 million to
develop Lumberjack Landing and all of Bridgeview Park.
Chairwoman Johnson requested an update on the $20 million expansion of the recreation
center, and Councilmember Polehna replied that the remodeling of the parking lot, dome
entrance and expansion is for the new curling center. The curling center will have to raise
another $10 million on top of that. The goal is to make it a regional facility.
Chair Johnson noted there is one opening on the Parks Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to adjourn. All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.►
ATTEST:
Jaspn G de, Parks S. perintendent
Page 2 of 2