HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-24 PRC Packet
Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are streamed live on the city
website and available to view on Channel 16. Public can participate in the meeting by
attending in person at City Hall.
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 24, 2023 @ 7 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. March 27, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
IV. OPEN FORUM – the open forum allows the public to address the commission on subjects
which are not a part of the meeting. Commission may take action, reply, or give direction to
staff. Please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less.
V. NEW BUSINESS
2. Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan Presentation
3. Adopt-A-Park Program
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS
4. Staff Updates (no packet materials)
5. Commission Member Updates (no packet materials)
VIII. ADJOURN
Next Meeting: May 22, 2023 at 7 p.m.
216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-8800
www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
March 27, 2023
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Chairwoman Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Haveles, Lehmann, Macswain, Quie, Souter,
Councilmember Polehna
Absent: Commissioner Larson
Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of January 23, 2023 meeting
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to approve the minutes of
the January 23, 2023 meeting. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Lift Bridge Road Race 2023 Event Application
Parks Superintendent Grode reviewed the event application by Run Stillwater, Inc. for the Lift
Bridge Road Race event on June 24, 2023, to include a 10 mile, 10K, and 5K route.
Stacy Einck, Race Coordinator, explained the race routes and timelines.
Commissioner Quie asked if they considered using the lift bridge, and Ms. Einck replied the
race does not use the lift bridge itself because the hill on the east is too dangerous for runners,
for certification of the race.
Commissioner Macswain asked about traffic concerns and engagement with other jurisdictions
on roadways being used.
Mr. Grode replied the event application has been reviewed by police, fire, EMS and public
works staff. Residents along the routes were invited to a public meeting and about a dozen
residents showed up; most were supportive with no major concerns. The only road to be
closed is Tower Drive where Lift Bridge Brewery is, which is a low traffic area. The next step is
to bring the event application to the City Council on April 4.
Ms. Einck confirmed they have already been in touch with the County and anyone else that the
roads impact. Most of the roads are within Stillwater City limits.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 27, 2023
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Souter asked about the parking plan, and Ms. Einck replied parking will be in
the old Herberger’s lot and another parking area off the frontage road.
Commissioner Haveles asked about a pinch point along Maryknoll, and Ms. Einck replied when
runners get to that point in the race they will be really spread out. Marshals can be placed to
manage that area.
Commissioner Haveles voiced concern about the crossing on Stillwater Boulevard and Ms.
Einck said they will work with public safety on specific times when runners will be in certain
areas.
Commissioner Haveles asked about spectator parking at Washington Square Park and Ms.
Einck said they don’t let runners park at start lines and don’t anticipate there will be a lot of
parking there.
Commissioner Macswain said he has public safety concerns about a couple of the intersections,
especially Maryknoll.
Mr. Grode said there will be a meeting with public safety personnel to discuss intersections.
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to recommend approval of
the Lift Bridge Road Race Event by the City Council. All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Review Updated Trails Master Plan
Chair Johnson asked Mr. Grode to comment on items that have not been completed in the plan.
Mr. Grode pointed out that items not yet completed usually have shared responsibility
between Washington County, City public works, or other entities. In general, trails are done
when a project is being done on the adjacent street. He reviewed medium and long term
priority projects and said that staff review the condition of the trails annually.
Commissioners noted that mountain biking and pump tracks are gaining popularity. Some
things that could be added to the Plan are: the access to the Browns Creek Trail on Owens
Street; the fact that Stillwater is now a Bike Friendly community; Sustainable Stillwater; the
Loop Trail; the addition of a bike lane on Water Street; and a new trail planned for 72nd Street.
Commissioner Macswain noted a lot of progress has been made. Many things in the plan are
still very current. He asked if there has been progress getting bike storage downtown, and
Councilmember Polehna answered they are waiting to see if grant money will be available.
Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to update the Stillwater
Trails Master Plan done June 2015 with current, relevant information.
Commissioner Souter suggested, to conserve time, doing an addendum to the Plan that
includes new information, in coordination with the recently done Comprehensive Plan.
All in favor of the motion.
Staff Updates
Superintendent Grode provided the events calendar.
Commission Member Updates
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 27, 2023
Page 3 of 3
Councilmember Polehna shared that the City Council approved $65,000 to add special effects
lights to the arena. Funds are now available for a new ice arena roof. The playgrounds
recommended by the Parks Commission were approved by the City Council.
Commissioner Souter said her term on the Commission is ending and she intends to apply
again pending some potential conflicts with the meeting night.
Chair Johnson complimented the City newsletter. She said she spoke with Margaret Boettcher
who voiced concerns in February 2022 about debris in the Croixwood area, and while some
issues remain, Ms. Boettcher is pleased with progress so far.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to adjourn. All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
___________________________________________
Pam Johnson, Chair
ATTEST:
________________________________________________
Jason Grode, Parks Superintendent
DATE: April 24, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Jason Grode, Parks Superintendent
SUBJECT: Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan Presentation
BACKGROUND
Washington County is currently looking for input and approval for the Middle St. Croix
Valley Regional Trail master plan, which is a vision for a future multi-use trail that will
run through Eastern Washington County from Downtown Afton to the St. Croix Boom
Site in Stillwater.
Staff from Washington County will be presenting the Middle St. Croix Valley Regional
Trail Master Plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Included in your packets is
the presentation that will be discussed during the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Commission members will have the opportunity to ask questions
following the presentation.
ACTION REQUIRED
Upon satisfactory review of the Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan, the
Parks and Recreation Commission should make a motion recommending approval to
City Council.
Attachment: Master Plan Presentation.
Middle St Croix Valley
Regional Trail Master Plan
Stillwater Parks Commission –4/24/23
2
Agenda
1.Project Introduction
2.Public Engagement
3.Implementation
Considerations
4.Route Alternatives &
Recommendation
5.Next Steps
3
Regional Trails
Washington County Design Standard
Example: Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, Hugo
The “tree trunks” or "highways" of trail systems
4
Master Plans
Provide guidance on:
•Future route alignment
•Trail improvements, uses, facilities
•Corridor resource management
Eligible for State and Regional funding:
•Right-of-way/land acquisition
•Trail development
•Operations and maintenance
Engagement and coordination with local public agencies
and residents
5
Trail Search Corridor
~14-mile North-South Arterial Trail
•North: St Croix Boom Site
•South: CR-18 and CR 21 in downtown Afton
Link between 11 St Croix River Valley towns and cities:
Afton
St Mary’s Point
Lake St Croix Beach
Lakeland Shores
Lakeland
West Lakeland Township
Baytown Township
Bayport
Oak Park Heights
Stillwater
Stillwater Township
6
Master Plan Timeline
Spring 2022
•Visioning &
Site Analysis
Summer 2022
•Engagement
& Data
Collection
Fall/Winter
2022
•Route
Development &
Plan Drafting
Winter/Spring
2023
•Final Draft &
Approval
Process
7
Project Goals
Safety, Accessibility, and Comfort
Create a safe and comfortable
recreational trail experience serving all
ages and abilities.
Connectivity
Create regional connectivity and support
local connections highlighting unique
destinations of adjacent communities.
Natural Resources
Protect and enhance the natural
resources along the trail corridor and
foster stewardship of the river valley.
Equity
Prioritize facility alignment and design that is
inclusive of historically underrepresented
populations.
Implementation
Prioritize implementation in identifying trail
alignment and design
Engagement Events
8
Public Outreach:
•Learn-to-Ride (2)
•Elected Officials Work Session
•Lumberjack Days Ice Cream Social
•Pop-Up event at Selma’s
•Lake St Croix Beach Heritage Day
•County Fair
•Public Open House (2)
•Bayport Farmer’s Market
•She Ascends Hiking Group
•Bike Advocacy Groups
•Engagement Survey
Stakeholder/Staff Meetings:
•Stillwater
•Oak Park Heights
•Bayport
•Afton
•Lower St Croix Valley Alliance
•Belwin Conservancy
•Lower St Croix Watershed
•Andersen Windows
•Xcel Energy
•DNR
•MnDOT
Public Engagement Survey –1103 Responses!
What prevents you from using trails at all or more than
you currently do?
•Top Responses: Lack of time, Access, Awareness
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way or
frequency of how you use regional/multi-use trails?
•Trail use has remained the same or increased: 93%
What words or phrases come to mind when you think
of a high-quality trail experience?
•Top responses: Scenic, Safe, Nature
What are the top destinations that you would like to
walk/bike to?
•Top responses: River, Downtown, Park
Continuum Exercise
•Preference for Destination/Indirect Trail
vs Connector/Direct Trail
•No preference for New Trail Corridor vs
Utilize Existing Trails
•Preference for River Views vs
Upland/Rural
•Preference for Natural Areas vs
Downtown connections
10
Key Findings: Public Engagement
•Highlight local parks and destinations
•Make connections between communities
•Explore “loop” opportunities
•Provide views to river, where feasible
•Foster stewardship of area natural resources
•Wide trail to accommodate range of users
•Clear wayfinding, high quality/more frequent amenities
11
Implementation Considerations
12
Washington County Policy
Cost Share
•Initial implementation: 50% County Contribution
•Replacement/repaving: 100% County
Operations and Maintenance
•County (on County-owned land):
•Waste/recycle pickup
•Trailheads, kiosks, graffiti
•Seasonal mowing
•Local agency
•Winter plowing (optional)
•Minor maintenance
13
Strategies/Opportunities
•Cost/implementation: measure and account
for in evaluation
•Work collaboratively to reduce costs
•Grant opportunities –expanding options!
•Land donations
•Development agreements
•Planning is key
•Where is development planned?
•Coincide with planned capital project
14
Potential Funding Sources
Grant Program Sponsor Agency General Information
America Walks Other -Minnesota America Walks awards stipends to communities for projects related to creating healthy, active, and
engaged places to live, work and play.
American Trails, Trails Capacity Program American Trails Organization
Supports partners to complete trail research, design, planning, stewardship, and maintenance projects
that are inclusive, foster improved trail user behavior and connect trail assets to a broader spectrum of
users.
Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)The BRIC program aims to categorically shift the federal focus away from reactive disaster spending
and toward research-supported proactive investment in community resilience.
Credit Enhancement Program Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA)Helps cities and counties reduce the costs of borrowing to build certain public facilities.
Economic Ajustement Assistance Program US Economic Development Administration (EDA)Grants are awarded to help communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back
to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund ENRTF aims to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife,
and other natural resources.
Federal Recreational Trail Program (MN)Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Encourage the maintenance and development of motorized, non-motorized, and diversified trails.
Active Transportation State Infrastructure
Program MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
This is a new program in 2022 funded by the State of Minnesota and administered through MnDOT.
The program provides funding for infrastructure that facilitates more safe and effective transportation
for cyclists and pedestrians.
GreenCorps Host Site Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)The goal of Minnesota GreenCorps is to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training
a new generation of environmental professionals.
National Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership
(ORLP) Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources To create or reinvigorate parks and other outdoor recreation spaces in areas with populations of
30,000 or more people.
Local Trail Connections Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources To provide grants to local units of government to promote short trail connections between where
people live and desirable locations, not to develop significant new trails.
Regional Solicitation Metropolitan Council A competitive process to award federal transportation funding to projects that meet regional
transportation needs within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.
Minnesota Off Highway Vehicle Trails Assistance
Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Facilitates development and maintenance of trails for use by All-Terrain Vehicles, Off-Highway
Motorcycles, and Off-Road Vehicles.
Natural and Scenic Area Grants Minnesota Department of Natural Resources To increase, protect and enhance natural and scenic areas.
No Child Left Inside Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors.
State Park Road Account Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Assist local governments in improving access to public recreation facilities.
15
Route Alternatives
Segment Evaluation Process
Phase 1: Segment Assessment
•“Spaghetti at the wall”
•Low hanging fruit
Phase 2: Evaluation Analysis
•Staff collected data on 33 segments
•Each segment scored 1-4 on the five goals
•Evaluation Scores = used as a guide
•Not prescriptive
•“Boots on the ground”
2.1 1.8 2.5 3.3 3.1 3.2 3.1 1.8 3.1 3.1 3.0 2.7 3.0 2.8 2.9 2.8 3.0 3.1 2.1 2.4 2.9 3.1 3.1 2.5 3.1 2.9 3.0 2.8 2.9 2.2 3.1 3.2 2.9
2.4 1.6 1.7
2.3 4.0 2.3 2.3
2.7
2.6 2.4 2.7
1.6 1.7 2.6 2.3 2.4 3.4 2.7 3.6 3.0 2.9 1.4 2.7 3.6 2.1 2.0 2.1 1.4 1.9 2.1
3.3 4.0
3.0
1.9
1.1
2.2
2.0
2.4
2.4 1.4
1.2
1.9 1.4 1.3
1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
1.1 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.2
1.2
1.2 2.1
1.0 1.3 2.0
1.0 1.0 1.1
3.3 1.0 2.31.7
1.7
1.7
2.0
3.0
3.0
3.3
3.7
3.7 3.7 3.7
3.0 3.3 3.3 2.7 3.0
3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
2.3
2.3
2.7
2.0 1.7
1.7
1.7 1.7 1.7
2.0
2.7 2.32.5
2.4
2.2
3.5
3.5
3.3 3.8
2.3
2.3 3.8 3.1
3.1
3.8 2.9 3.1 3.0
2.0 3.7 2.1 2.4 3.1
2.4
2.6
2.8
2.2 2.8 2.1
1.9
2.7 2.3
2.7 3.9 3.7
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
WE
I
G
H
T
E
D
S
C
O
R
E
TRAIL SEGMENTS
17
Segment Evaluation: Stillwater
•Phase 1:
•Blue Route:
•West-east along Brown’s Creek State Trail
•3rd Street/ Osgood Avenue
•Pink Route:
•Underneath TH-96
•2nd Street/Beach Road
•Orange Route:
•Government Center Connection
•Phase 2:
•Purple Route scores well
•Orange Route comparisons
18
Route A
•TH 95
•5th Ave N
•2nd St N
•TH 95
•Quant Ave
•TH 95
•CR 18 (St Croix Trl S)
TH 95 –ROW constraints
19
Route B
•TH 95
•New trail to Beach Rd
•Stagecoach Trl N
•Belwin Conservancy
Belwin Conservancy
TH 95 & TH 36 (westbound)
Beach Road overlook
20
Route C
•TH 95
•CR 21 ( 56th St)
•Stagecoach Trl N
•CR 18 (St Croix Trl S)
Afton-Lakeland Trail
21
Route Recommendation
22
Project Team & TAC
Recommendation
•Long-range Regional Designation:
Route B
•Interim Designation:
Route C
23
Stillwater Segments
•New Trail: St Croix Boom Site –
Brown’s Creek State Trail
•Challenging section
•Duel Designation: Brown’s
Creek State Trail
•Connections:
•Fairy Falls, Brown’s Creek,
Lumberjack Landing
•Multi-modal loop?
•Trailhead + wayfinding +
interpretive signage
24
Stillwater Segments
•Duel Designation: St Croix
Crossing Loop Trail
•Bridgeview Park segment
•Oak Park Heights:
•Long-range Route: Beach
Road Connection (new)
•Interim Route: St Croix
Crossing Loop Trail (existing)
•Trailhead + wayfinding +
interpretive signage
25
Area of Interest
Crossing 95
•Improvements
Beach Road
Connection
•Access to
neighborhoods
26
Next Steps
Stillwater City Council Meeting –5/2
Continue Plan Development
•Continue finetuning route details
•Drafting plan document
Continue Stakeholder Engagement
•Municipal Support requests
•TAC #5 meeting
Final Approval Process: June -July
Connor Schaefer
Senior Planner
651-430-4303
connor.schaefer@co.washington.mn.us
Questions?
DATE: April 24, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Jason Grode, Parks Superintendent
SUBJECT: Adopt-A-Park Program
BACKGROUND
The City of Stillwater staff have received numerous phone calls and emails in recent
years from individuals, families, groups, service organizations, schools, businesses and
other community organizations who are interested in volunteering their time to help
clean up the City’s Parks. City staff would like to make the recommendation to the Parks
and Recreation Commission to seek volunteers through an Adopt -A-Park Program.
After researching what other nearby communities have done, the adoption terms that
are being recommended by City staff would include the following general guidelines:
• 2-year adoption term, renewable
• Parks would be available for adoption on a first come, first served basis
• Minimum expectations would be to perform litter, debris and weed cleanups 2
times per calendar year: Spring and Fall.
• The City of Stillwater would provide gloves and trash bags and post a sign with
the organization’s name on it at the Park entrance during their adoption term.
• Specific dates and times to complete the work would be entirely up to the
groups, but work would need to be done during daylight hours.
• Volunteers under the age of 18 must have adult supervision.
• Opportunities to assist with larger projects (e.g. new plantings, painting,
playground installations, etc.)—not mandatory.
ACTION REQUIRED
Upon satisfactory review of the guidelines listed above, the Parks and Recreation
Commission should make a motion to approve the Adopt-A-Park Program for the City of
Stillwater Parks.
Attachment: Survey of other Communities’ Adopt-A-Park Programs.
City Name Years/Terms of Adoption Liability Waiver Required Tasks Completed Minimum Cleanups per Year City Signage/Supplies
Lake Elmo 2 Yes Litter, Debris, Weeds 3 Provide Trash Bags
Optional Other Services
Mahtomedi 1 N/A Litter, Debris, Weeds 1 Provide Trash Bags
Certificate of Appreciation
Cottage 1 N/A Litter, Debris, Weeds 2 Provide Trash Bags
Grove Personalized Sign
Coon N/A Litter, Debris, Weeds 3 Provide Trash Bags
Rapids
White Bear 2 Yes Litter, Debris, Weeds 2 Provide Trash Bags
Lake and Other Supplies, Sign
West 2 N/A Litter, Debris, Weeds 1x per Month (April-Oct)Provide Trash Bags
St. Paul
Hastings 2 No Pickup Litter and Debris 2 Provide Trash Bags
Spring and Fall
Other Municipality Adopt-A-Park Programs