HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-28 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
August 28, 2023
REGULAR MEETING
6:00 P.M.
Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Quie, Councilmember
Polehna
Absent: Commissioners Macswain and Souter
Staff: Acting Parks Superintendent Rogness, Public Works Director Sanders
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of July 24, 2023 meeting
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the minutes of the
July 24, 2023 meeting. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
Ruth Alliband, 410 Olive St W, voiced several concerns about development of the Aiple
property: tree removal for the sake of concrete installation will invite destabilization and
pollution of the St. Croix; the kayak community she has spoken with do not see Aiple landing as
a desirable place to put a kayak into the river especially for disabled kayakers; the launch will
add too many cars for this site.
Public Works Director Sanders confirmed there will be some tree loss for installation of the
trail and the ADA accessible kayak and canoe launch, which were part of the City's master plan
done 3-4 years ago. There has been severe erosion and washouts north of the house, so the
City may do a stabilization project. There will not be a net increase of impervious surface, just
shifting things around. Other than the shoreline where the canoe launch is going, the rest of the
shoreline will be undisturbed by this project. The City received a grant from Great River
Greening to remove invasive species on the site, which will be a 2-3 year project.
Councilmember Polehna added that he talked to the kayak community, rowing clubs, the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), National Park Service (NPS) and other groups. The
City got a $50,000 grant from the DNR to make a canoe launch.
Mr. Sanders added that there will be very limited parking on the site, only 2-3 stalls for
handicapped parking and canoe drop-off. Eventually there will be a parking lot built north of
the Zephyr which will be the parking lot for the park.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 28, 2023
There was no unfinished business.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Staff Updates
ates
Mr. Sanders stated that Parks Superintendent Grode resigned to work for another community.
Chad Rogness, longtime resident and City employee, agreed to fill the role.
Commission Member Updates
Councilmember Polehna added that he and Mr. Sanders met with the Wild River Conservancy
and the NPS and they are interested in working with the City to possibly use the Aiple house as
an interpretive center. Wild River Conservancy is considering doing environmental education
in the schools.
Chair Johnson announced she is moving out of Stillwater, so this is her last meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Haveles, to adjourn. All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.mAdd]*ournment was followed by a park tour at which no
official business was conducted. ./.�'��
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Chad Rogness, Acting Parks Superintendent
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