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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-27 PRC MINjIlwater The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 41h 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 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 Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 27, 2023 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: I . /n 1 L"/'I/I mil/}t > / l LL- c r- Pam JohnsEon, air ATTEST: aso Grode, Parks Superintendent Page 3 of 3