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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-26 PRC MINjllwater 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 June 26, 2023 REGULAR MEETING Vice Chair Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. Present: Vice Chair Macswain, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Souter, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Chair Johnson and Commissioner Quie Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of May 22, 2023 meeting Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Haveles, to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2023 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Nicole Willenbring, 1204 Fourth Avenue South, said neighbors would like to have been notified about the Old Athletic Field park renovation. She suggested creating a formal standardized process for engaging the community when doing park renovations, adding that she has emailed Superintendent Grode with her concerns. She would like to see the sand pit paved so it could be a basketball court, the addition of bathrooms and a drinking fountain if it could be worked out with the school district (property owner). She also has asked the City for a stop sign on Fifth and Sixth Avenues near the park due to speeding. Superintendent Grode said park renovation plans are not official until the Council approves and budgets for the improvements, usually less than a year ahead. Signs indicating the potential for improvements could be posted in the fall but there would not be drawings yet. Commissioner Lehmann said it would be useful to get community input before doing schematics. Councilmember Polehna added there once was a bathroom at the Old Athletic Field but the school district tore it down. He has been saying for years get rid of the hockey rink. Mr. Grode said the sand base is a challenge and temperature fluctuations this past winter impacted the ice quality. Drew Chapman, 1036 Fifth Avenue South, stated 15-20 kids use the park every day. The neighbors would like an understanding of how the process works and would like a permanent restroom to avoid kids crossing the street where there are not stop signs. Shari Mogren, 1213 Fifth Avenue South directly across street from Old Athletic Field, confirmed there are at least 12 families who regularly use the park. They would like to have: a Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 26, 2023 few shade trees, picnic tables and benches, the huge sand pit area paved for half basketball court and half paved pavilion with bathroom and drinking fountain. Neighbors are concerned with children's safety and really want stop signs around the park. Councilmember Polehna said he would talk to the Public Works Dept about stop signs, however stop signs don't make it safer, they make it less safe. Ms. Mogren replied if not a stop sign, there should be other safety measures such as a blinking sign or speed indicator sign. Amelia Gottschalk, 1225 Second Street South, echoed the requests of the other neighbors. Councilmember Polehna suggested placing a portapotty at least for now. Mr. Grode said delivery of the playground equipment was delayed until after July and crews will see that the playground is down as little time as possible. In the meantime they can place picnic tables, benches and a portapotty. Commissioner Haveles asked if this park falls under the Adopt -a -Park program even though the school district owns the property. Mr. Grode replied that the City maintains it. Staff is working on getting Adopt -a -Park forms on the web site. Commissioner Lehmann asked if a subteam should be formed to put together a proposal in response to the question of community engagement for future projects. Vice Chair Macswain said the issue is worthy of discussion at another meeting, possibly in September or October. Mr. Grode said he will bring some options for improving public engagement to a future meeting. Councilmember Polehna will check into school district intentions for the property. NEW BUSINESS 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan Superintendent Grode reviewed the 2024-2028 CIP and stated that the budget process will continue throughout the year with a budget hearing at the City Council meeting in August. Staff will bring back updates and opportunities for Parks Commission input. He reviewed the key projects slated for each year. Commissioner Haveles referred to a new law requiring any new public restrooms to include an adult changing station and Mr. Grode said staff will look at what the requirements will be, and determine if they apply to existing restrooms as well. Also, baby changing stations will be installed in restrooms that do not currently have them. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff Updates Superintendent Grode gave project updates on Washington Square Park, Old Athletic Field, Lowell Park re -seeding, and upcoming events including a temporary change to the Lumberjack Days Parade route due to construction. Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 26, 2023 Commissioner Haveles asked about the Parks Department's ability to balance regular maintenance with installation of new equipment, and Mr. Grode replied that most playgrounds have a 15 year lifespan and newer equipment requires less maintenance. Annual inspections are ongoing. Commission Member- Updates Councilmember Polehna gave an update on the 4th of July celebration plans. Other Business August Meeting - Parks Tour Vice Chair Macswain stated that Chair Johnson is willing to host the Parks Commission annual picnic, usually held after the parks tour. Suggestions for the parks tour were: Lily Lake, Staples, Heritage, Schulenberg, Bridgeview, Lumberjack Landing; the list was narrowed down to Lumberjack Landing, Staples and Heritage. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Haveles, seconded by Commi ner Larson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at )"L-7-1),In. Dan Macswain, Vice Chair ATTEST: Jason de, Parks Su erintendent Page 3of3