HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-22 PRC MINjIlwater
The Birthplace of Minnesota
216 41h Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-8800 1 www.stillwatermn.gov
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
May 22, 2023
REGULAR MEETING
Chairwoman Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Macswain,
Councilmember Polehna
Absent: Commissioners Quie, and Souter
Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of April 24, 2023 meeting
Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Haveles, to approve the minutes
of the April 24, 2023 meeting. All in favor.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson for Pam Johnson to remain
Chair for the next year. All in favor.
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann to nominate
Commissioner Macswain for Vice Chair. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS
New Heights School North Hill Inclusive Playground Request
Tom Kearney, Principal of New Heights Charter School, started seeking a partnership with the
City to help build a new all-inclusive playground back in 2020 and is back for the sixth time to
follow up. Currently the playground build is projected to cost between $200,000 and $450,000
and the school has lined up some donations/partnerships from local organizations.
Chair Johnson asked what percentage the City contributed to the current playground (built in
2000) that is to be replaced, Principal Kearney thought he recalled somewhere around 40-
60%. Christie Hogan, who is on staff at the school, talked about how they have downsized the
original plan for the playground since its first discussions in 2020, mainly removing the
baseball diamond.
Commissioner Larson asked how much access the public would have to the playground,
Christie Hogan replied any time outside of school hours. Commissioner Haveles questioned
about ADA access to the playground from the street, Principal Kearney stated there is access in
the fence since the parking lot is gated and closes daily.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
May 22, 2023
Commissioner Lehmann asked what the process is to get funding into the budget for the new
playground, and Superintendent Grode indicated the Parks Commission recommends capital
improvement plan (CIP) budget items for the next 5 years to City Council. Christie Hogan
reiterated the school wants to start applying for grants but cannot without some financial
support from the City, no specific monetary amount has been requested. Discussion continued
on the difficulties of determining priority on funding all City playgrounds.
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Haveles, to recommend to City
Council to consider the North Hill all-inclusive playground in the 5-year budget. All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Staff Updates
Superintendent Grode reviewed project updates; the park trails at Meadowlark and Anez ridge
are nearing completion, playground equipment for Washington will arrive mid -June,
equipment for Old Athletic field will arrive mid -July, both playgrounds will be removed ahead
of time and installed when equipment arrives. Teddy Bear Park will close on September 511, for
the resurfacing project. Fencing was installed at Millbrook and Public Works Park ball fields.
CIP items were mentioned and will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Councilmember Polehna asked about the Old Athletic Field park property belonging to the
school district, Superintendent Grode confirmed it is school property, noting the City is
responsible for maintenance and inspections of play equipment.
Commission Member Updates
Councilmember Polehna shared that the City Council is waiting on a signature from the
Governor for 6 million dollars to finish the downtown parks, Aiple (Lumberjack Landing) and
Bridgeview Park. Timing is unknown when the money will be received.
Chair Johnson highlighted the Saint Croix Valley Community Guide published an article on
Stillwater Parks being upgraded.
Chair Johnson inquired on the Croixwood open space, Superintendent Grode stated staff has
removed a few boats and other trash and debris from the area and will get to the island soon.
Councilmember Polehna informed the Commission that the City hired a public relations team
to inform public on City items. Further discussion entailed on communication strategy.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Macswain, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53
p.m.
ATTEST:
Jas n Gr de, Parks .' perintendent
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