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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-24 PRC MIN 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 24, 2023 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Macswain, Quie, Souter, Councilmember Polehna Absent: None Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of March 27, 2023 meeting Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2023 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan Presentation Connor Schaefer, Senior Planner with Washington County, reviewed Washington County’s 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. He explained the project, including public engagement, implementation considerations, route alternatives and implementation considerations. Mr. Schaefer discussed how the three route alternatives were determined, and showed the recommended long range regional route and interim route. Commissioner Souter asked if the stairs from the bluff south of the Oasis were considered as a connection point, and Mr. Schaefer replied the stairs are considered an access point, though it would be difficult for bikes and wheelchairs to use them. He added that Washington County will present this plan to the Stillwater City Council for their consideration and the final approval process in June-July. Existing routes can be designated as soon as the plan is approved; routes that have to be built may take five years. There will be a phased approach. Councilmember Polehna asked about maintenance and Mr. Schaefer replied they have a city- by-city approach to maintenance and will continue working with local agencies on how to best maintain, plow and mow the trails. Chair Johnson suggested car/trail intersections could use an S pattern system like she saw while biking in Germany, and Mr. Schaefer said he will take the suggestion to staff. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 24, 2023 Commissioner Haveles asked if there is an estimate for usage, and Mr. Schaefer responded there are demand models that say "this trail could reach this usage." Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to recommend that the City Council approve the Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Master Plan. All in favor. Adopt -A -Park Program Mr. Grode explained that the City receives numerous phone calls and emails from individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering to help clean up the City's parks. Staff recommends establishing an Adopt -A -Park Program. He reviewed proposed general guidelines for the program. Commissioner Haveles asked if a commercial for -profit business could adopt a park, and Mr. Grode replied it could be any group, no size limit. Commissioner Souter asked about volunteers signing a liability waiver, and Mr. Grode stated that staff can discuss with the City Attorney whether a liability waiver should be used. Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the Adopt -A -Park Program. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff Updates Superintendent Grode reviewed which parks are open. Playground replacement items at the Old Athletic Field and Washington Square Park will be delivered in early to mid June. Commission Member Updates Councilmember Polehna shared that the City Council will approve the 72nd Street trail on Tuesday. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Chairman Johnson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Pam Johns Chair ATTEST: ason ode, Parks S Oerintendent Page 2 of 2