HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-23 PRC Packet]water
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THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNF
Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are streamed live on the city
website and available to view on Channel 16. Public can participate in the meeting by
attending in person at City Hall.
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 23, 2023 @ 7 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 25, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
IV. OPEN FORUM — the open forum allows the public to address the commission on subjects
which are not a part of the meeting. Commission may take action, reply, orgive direction to
staff. Please limityour comments to S minutes or less.
V. NEW BUSINESS
2. Discover Stillwater Photo Sign- Lowell Park
3. Mountain Biking at Brown's Creek Nature Preserve Ski Trails
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (no packet materials)
4. Playground Update
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS (photos included)
S. Staff Updates
6. Commission Member Updates
VIII. ADJOURN
Next Meeting: November 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.
216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
I� ] Ewa ter 651-430-8800
'' 1 www.stillwatermn.gov
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The Birthplace of Minnesota
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
September 25, 2023
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Vice Chair Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Vice Chair Macswain, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Quie, Souter,
Councilmember Polehna
Absent: None
Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness, Public Works Director Sanders
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to appoint Commissioner
Macswain as Chair. All in favor.
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to appoint Commissioner
Quie as Vice Chair. All in favor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of August 28, 2023 meeting
By consensus, the minutes were approved (no vote taken).
OPEN FORUM
Allison McGinnis, 415 Willard Street, President of Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park, asked
the City to consider cementing the areas below the gates due to freezing in the winter, and
Superintendent Rogness agreed to meet with Ms. McGinnis at the site to take a look.
NEW BUSINESS
Millbrook Open Space - Park Concept Proposal
Bradley Swanson, 3165 Marine Lane, a member of the Millbrook Home Owners' Association
Board, presented a request to develop the open space area of Millbrook Park into a "Natural
Play Structure" with natural stone, rock, wood and wild flowers to portray a "natural" outdoor
environment. He showed examples and requested the Commission's guidance, support and
funding. Once a final budget is established and the City's cost participation is determined, he
will go back to residents with a set amount that the HOA would need to contribute. Total cost
would be approximately $150-160,000 constructed by professional contractors, less if some
work is done by volunteers.
Public Works Director Sanders explained that the City budgets $150,000 annually for
playground improvements which usually covers two parks each year on a schedule going out
4-5 years. This project could be done in stages, adding features over a 2-3 year period. The City
also has an annual tree planting budget, so trees might be planted this year or next year. For
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
September 25, 2023
the trail/sidewalk, the City has started to put accessible trails to all playgrounds, so there are
opportunities for City participation that may reduce some of the cost.
Commissioner Haveles asked about parking and traffic, and Mr. Swanson replied that White
Pine Way is fairly busy but Millbrook Circle has relatively low traffic volume and could be
signed for park parking.
Commissioner Macswain asked if fencing is proposed, and Mr. Swanson replied not currently,
there would be wood chips and a grass buffer.
Commissioner Haveles said he sees this kind of a park as more appropriate near Brown's
Creek where it ends up being a transition from traditional playgrounds, to nature play, to
trails.
Councilmember Polehna agreed. He feels a neighborhood needs more of a playground for kids
than a nature park.
Mr. Sanders said this area was designed to be green space. There is a bigger park in the
northwest corner of the development with a bigger playground structure and ballfields.
Mr. Swanson remarked the park could be built in stages. A great first stage would be adding
trees and a couple of stones.
Chair Macswain commented that there is a connection to Brown's Creek Park and this is a
great effort at encouraging use of this area. He would support inclusion into the 5 year CIP but
not the next couple years because there are still some playgrounds that are not in good shape.
He would like to ensure there is engagement from the HOA.
Mr. Swanson said everyone's feedback is being sought. He will carry this feedback back to
neighborhood.
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to direct staff to work with
the Millbrook HOA on short term plantings and improvements within Millbrook open space and to
recommend this area be considered for discussion in future CIP planning beginning in 2025, and
to encourage the group to apply for grants. All in favor.
Lily Lake & Staples Park Playground Initial Design
Superintendent Rogness stated that the City has budgeted $150,000 for the replacement of two
playground structures in 2024, Lily Lake Park and Staples Park. Staff would like to make the
designs available to the public for input while the parks are still open. He explained three
possible designs from St. Croix Recreation for each park using Burke playground equipment.
Lily Lake Park playground would stay in the same location, increasing the surrounding
enclosure to accommodate the possibility of a zip line. There are two possible designs for
Staples Park in the existing location, and a third design in the southwest corner of the park,
closer to the Community Garden, in response to calls from Community Garden members who
would like the playground a little closer to the garden. The ballfield is available to Valley
Athletic Association (VAA) but has not been used for ballgames for a long time.
Councilmember Polehna suggested having a planning meeting with neighbors this winter to
see if they still want the field.
Commissioner Souter remarked if changes are considered, the City should make sure VAA is
included.
Page 2 of 5
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
September 25, 2023
Public Works Director Sanders said staff can take the footprint of the current playground area
and show it where the ballfield is to get a feel of what the impact would be to the field area, and
bring it back to the Commission for further discussion.
Commissioner Haveles commented that because Lily Lake has parking, having a destination
activity there (a zip line) is a good idea.
Chairman Macswain added that Friends of Lily Lake had suggestions for the playground a
couple years ago and maybe they should be invited to the next meeting to share thoughts.
Lumberjack Landing Renaming
Superintendent Rogness led discussion on a request from residents to reconsider the name
Lumberjack Landing.
Mr. Sanders gave background: the City took ownership of the Aiple property 5-6 years ago and
did a master plan for a passive park. The Parks Commission was charged with coming up with
a name for the park and the City solicited input in several ways. After reviewing suggestions,
the Parks Commission recommended Old Mill Park but the City Council did not support that
name. After more input, Riverside Park was recommended but the Council did not support that
name. The Council then came up with the name Lumberjack Landing and this is the name the
City has recognized since 2020 or 2021. Nine months to a year after the Council approved that
name, a group came to the Council requesting a name change and the Council denied the
request. At the last Council meeting, Mr. Sanders provided the Council with the current request
to reconsider the name. He feels the Parks Commission has done its duty submitting names
twice in the past.
Councilmember Polehna noted the City used the same process when it named Bridgeview Park
- had a contest.
Commissioner Souter confirmed that the Commission was tasked with coming up with names,
did a tour of the park and learned about the milling history of the site. She appreciates
residents bringing the concern forward.
Chairman Macswain recalled that when he joined the Commission, the Chair at the time and a
couple Commission members were upset about the name. The Parks Commission is advisory
to the Council and must remember that.
Commissioner Quie commented it's a bigger question than a name. This property has been
around for eons and historically, there are people who lived here prior to settlers. Maybe there
can be two names as suggested in the letter. If this is the gateway to the St. Croix River, maybe
the National Park Service and the Dakota people should weigh in.
Councilmember Polehna remarked if a historic name is sought, it would be the Tamarack
house which was the main trading area for Stillwater, however research showed there were no
Tamarack trees on the property. Some people are upset it is not being called Aiple Park, but the
City decided against naming it after a person.
Ruth Alliband, 410 West Olive Street, said she wrote the letter asking everybody involved to
look at this very carefully because the property presents an amazing opportunity. She referred
to a book written in 1994, that stated that the Dakota stood on that very spot and said Still
Water in Dakota.
Page 3 of 5
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
September 25, 2023
Commissioner Haveles agreed the Park Service and the voices that weren't included in that
first round should be heard. He would like to review all the plans including the name and give
the National Park Service and the Native people a voice.
Commissioner Souter said she is not opposed to having the name reconsidered. Regardless of
where the name discussion goes, the history of the land will be honored.
A woman (did not give name) read a recommendation requesting, on behalf of Stillwater area
residents, that the Parks Commission make a formal recommendation to the City Council to
appoint a citizens' panel to choose the name for the future park at the Aiple property. The
current proposed name does not reflect the unique and special shoreline, the valuable tree
community, the scenic riverway and history and input from the people of Stillwater.
Ms. Alliband agreed that a panel of people could come up with a name for the ages.
Councilmember Polehna responded that the Parks Commission is as unbiased as a group as
can be found. Well over 200 names were already submitted. He is worried that a citizens'
group could be biased.
Chairman Macswain remarked that one of the challenges was 2020-2021 was difficult due to
not being able to attend meetings because of COVID. He feels the Council and Commission tried
their best to choose the best name.
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann to recommend to the City Council to look again at the naming
of Lumberjack Landing.
Commissioner Quie wondered if the Council would be interested in having two names. He
would like to get input from the National Park Service and the public at large.
Councilmember Polehna responded this is a City park and he doesn't understand the idea of
going to the National Park Service. They were invited to submit names last time.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larson seconded.
Chair Macswain restated the motion: that the Parks Commission recommends that the City
Council relook at naming Lumberjack Landing and possibly adding a Native name to have two
names for the park.
All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Playground Replacement Procedure
Mr. Rogness reviewed the playground replacement procedure and provided proposed
revisions based on Commission discussion at recent meetings about soliciting residents'
feedback.
Chair Macswain said the City should make sure postcards have been delivered to residents
near Lily Lake before the Commission's October meeting.
Commissioner Haveles suggested making the signs bigger so they are readable by people
driving by.
Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to support the revised
playground replacement procedure. All in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Page 4 of 5
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
September 25, 2023
Staff Updates
Mr. Rogness stated the swings were installed at the Old Athletic Field; Millbrook steps were
done; turf and sand was removed from Teddy Bear Park but the contractor is having trouble
getting their vendors in. On the parks tour, he mentioned he has black mesh that could be used
as a windscreen at Staples Park.
Mr. Sanders added that the City Council consensus on the Aiple house was to convert it to a
combination education center and boathouse; staff is meeting this week with an architect to
begin coming up with costs. The City got a $6 million grant from the State for park
improvements at Bridgeview Park, Lumberjack Landing and the Gazebo, so staff is working on
costs to present to the State in order to move forward with an agreement. Estimates are being
sought for temporary boat docks on the south end of the City; there is also discussion about
how the Shoddy Mill and Bergstein buildings fit into the project. The Council's direction to staff
is to see what can be done to not have those in the City. Another options is to possibly
incorporate them into a bathroom and another picnic pavilion in that area; concepts will be
brought to the Parks Commission.
Motion by Commissioner Quie, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to go ahead with installing
black screens at Staples Park. All in favor.
Commission Member Updates
Councilmember Polehna reported the 72nd Street trail is progressing, the Chestnut Plaza is
open and he is starting to plan for a May 18, 2024 grand opening.
Mr. Sanders said as part of a mill and overlay project on County Highway 5, Washington
County will redo the trails on both sides of the roadway.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Quie, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to adjourn. All in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Dan Macswain, Chair
ATTEST:
Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent
Page 5 of 5
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T H E B I R T H P L A C E O F M I N N E S O TA
DATE: October 23, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent
SUBJECT: Discover Stillwater Photo Sign - Lowell Park
BACKGROUND
Discover Stillwater is seeking approval of a Sign permit for a frame style sign. The project site is
Lowell Park near the Historic Lift Bridge. The sign is free standing, with sturdy construction, and
can be moved as needed for public works, events, etc. The frame would be weather treated,
and the condition of the sign assessed each year for repair or removal by Discover Stillwater.
Discover Stillwater would be partnering with students in the Industrial Arts program at Stillwater
Area Schools, under the supervision of Instructor Matt Howe to fabricate the sign, helping
students to refine their skills, and be engaged in the community.
The sign would have the Discover Stillwater logo on the front, and not visible to the camera, on
the back would have a small plaque indicating what hashtags to use to share. Social media and
photography are massive drivers in tourism, which is a significant part of Stillwater's economy,
this allows visitors and locals to have a fun, interactive photo opportunity. Discover Stillwater
proposes for the sign to be located in Lowell Park, angled to include the Historic Lift Bridge in
the backdrop.
DISCUSSION
Staff has minor concerns with maintenance, placement, movement of the sign apparatus.
Also, this sign is advertisement for Discover Stillwater, and advertisements are not permissible
on public property.
However, if the Parks and Recreation Commission supports the approval of the sign apparatus,
Public Works would be able to supply the necessary work needed to maintain it.
ACTION REQUESTED
The Parks and Recreation Commission should share their comments and feedback on the
possibility of installing the sign apparatus. If the Commission would like to make a recommendation
to the City Council, a motion can be made to do so.
Attached: Sign Application, Supplemental Information Document
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Planning Department J
SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION
216 4"' Street North Stillwater MN 55082
651-430-8800
www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
PlanningDcpt(a�ci.stil lwater.mn.us
Permit #:
Date Filed:
Fee: $50.00 each sign
Receipt #:
Location of Sign
Address
City
State
Zip
201 Water St N (Lowell Park)
Stillwater
MN
55082
Business Name
Phone #
Applicant
Contact Name
Email:
Kelly Nygaard
presidentadiscoverstillwater.com
Address
City
State
Zip
PO Box 2025
Stillwater
MN
55082
Property Owner (if different from Applicant)
Business Name
Phone #
City of Stillwater
651-430-8800
Address
City
State
Zip
216 North Fourth Street
Stillwater
MN
55082
Contractor/ Installer
Name
Phone #
Matt Howe
Address
City
State
i5701
Stillwater Blvd
Oak Park Heights
MN
[255PO82
Sign Details — if multiple signs please attach a page with the information below
Sign Size: Dimensions:
= Square Feet
Sign Height: (If freestanding)
approx 5 ft wide by 1 ft deep.
6 ft
Setbacks: From Property Line
From Bldg.
From Driveway/Parking Lot
Colors:
Materials:
Natural Wood, and teal
Wood (small amount of metal)
Illumination: If Yes, Type:
Sign type:
x L No L Yes
Photo opprotunity/ visitor engagement
Sign Application Process:
The Community Development Department will review your application. If it meets the requirements of the sign
regulations, a permit shall be granted. Multi -tenant signs in the downtown require approval from the HPC. This
must be obtained before a sign permit can be issued.
If a proposed sign does not meet the requirements of the sign regulations, contact the Community Development
Department and City Staff will help guide you through the appropriate commission review procedures.
Turn over for submittal requirements and signatures �
Sign Submittal Requirements:
❑ Attach a plan showing:
A drawing/rendering of the proposed sign or signs showing dimensions and describing
materials, lettering colors, illumination and support systems.
L Photographs of the building face and the building faces of both adjacent buildings.
An elevation of the building showing the location of the proposed sign(s).
A cross-section of the building face showing how the sign will be attached and how far it will
extend from the building.
_ *If the building is historic the sign mounting must limit damage to the exterior of the building.
❑ All Sign Contractors must be licensed with the City. Contractor's license application is
available on the website.
❑ Multi -Tenant Signs in the Downtown Design Review District require a Design permit. This
must be obtained before a sign permit can be issued.
Declaration:
I hereby certify that the information provided in this application is true, correct and complete to the best of
my knowledge and belief. I hereby authorize the City of Stillwater and any agent or employee of it, to
inspect the proposed site at any reasonable time before and after any permit is issued related to this
reauest.
Property Owner Signature (required)
Date
eview: (F r office use only)
❑ Staff has confirmed the contractor has a valid City Contractor license on file or submitted one
Conditions for approval:
❑ The sign must adhere to the details outlined in this application. Any changes must get City approval
prior to installation.
❑ If sign contains an electrical component, the contractor must get an electrical permit from the State.
❑ Other:
Date
By
❑ Approved ❑ Denied
*Before you dig - call Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 to identify any underground utilities.
Materials can be submitted to the City of Stillwater via mail, drop off, or to
PlanningDept(a)ci.stillwater.mn.us
Stillwater Photo Opportunity
Discover Stillwater s seeking approval of a Sign permit for a frame
style sign. The project site is Lowell Park near the Historic Lift Bridge.
The sign is free standing, with sturdy construction, and can be moved
as needed for public works, events, etc. The frame would be weather
treated, and the condition of the sign assessed each year for repair or
removal by Discover Stillwater. Discover Stillwater would be
partnering with students in the Industrial Arts program at Stillwater
Area Schools, under the supervision of Instructor Matt Howe to
fabricate the sign, helping students to refine their skills, and be
engaged in the community. The sign would have the Discover
Stillwater logo on the front, and not visible to the camera, on the
back would have a small plaque indicating what hashtags to use to
share. Social media and photography are massive drivers in tourism,
which is a significant part of Stillwater's economy, this allows visitors
and locals to have a fun, interactive photo opportunity. Discover
Stillwater proposes for the sign to be located in beautiful Lowell Park,
angled to include Historic Lift Bridge in the backdrop.
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This rough mock up shows the general concept of the frame.
The construction is a simple, yet sturdy wooden frame built by
Matt Howe at the Stillwater Area High School. It would be
sealed to protect against weather, and is easily moved with a
skid loader when needed for weather, events, or other reasons.
Do to the design, with the large opening, it's accessible for a
variety of heights and abilities.
Benefits:
They encourage tourists away from the middle of the street and more
dangerous photo spots to the dedicated location. Allowing travelers
to capture the most compelling angles without risking safety is a win -
win for all.
They get used! We live in a social media world!
They perfectly `frame' the backdrop you wish to feature
They are low maintenance and easy to build
They allow for marketing hashtags and websites for sharing
Depending on style, they provide an easy place to not only mount a
camera but also provide informative anecdotes about the region.
Where are they being used now:
-Everywhere!
-Officials in Iowa have already installed more than 100 selfie sta-
tions at county parks across the state.
-several popular national parks
-Route 66
-Owatonna
-Northfield
-Winona
-Conferences, Weddings &Parties
-Most major destinations
11 ater,
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THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
DATE: October 23, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent
SUBJECT: Mountain Biking at Brown's Creek Nature Preserve Ski Trails
BACKGROUND
Staff has received multiple complaints about mountain bikers using the Brown's Creek Nature
Preserve Ski Trails. Their main concern is when large groups of mountain bikers come through,
the safety for pedestrians is a major concern. According to the calls, when the prairie grass is
tall, it is hard to see walkers, especially when the bikers are moving at a much higher speed.
The City's web page describes the trails as such; "These trails are multi use trails open to hikers
and cross-country skiers. Please be considerate when hiking and walking along the side of the
trail so as not to disrupt the groomed trail, thank you."
Signs are installed at each entrance that shows walkers and skier. The sign also has "no
motorized vehicle prohibited" on it.
https://www.stillwatermn.gov/community/amenities/trails
DISCUSSION
Staff would like the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss whether or not pedal bikes
should be allowed to use the trail system. Also, depending on the discussion, does further
signage need to be put in place?
ACTION REQUESTED
The Parks and Recreation Commission should give recommendations on which mode of recreation
should be allowed on the trail system.
Attachment: Trail Entrance Sign Photo
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**FYI**
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You're invited to a community input meeting about a potential community center! We'll share the
results of our summer survey from over 1,300 community members, then break into small groups to
hear your reactions & ideas. We are excited to share our information with you and continue the
conversation: What will improve access to health, wellness and recreation in our communities?
Our event is:
Thursday, November 9 from 6:30-8:00
Community Thread, 2300 Orleans Street West in Stillwater
Mark Wentzell, our consulting architect and community planner, will present the survey results. He
has 35 years of experience leading communities throughout Minnesota in assessing their community
center needs.
We look forward to meeting you and seeing what we can accomplish together
Dianne Polasik
Valley Community Center Board
dspolasik@gmail.com
651-295-5474
VALLEY
COMMUNITY
CENTER
PARTNERS
thevalleycenter.org