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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-23 PRC MIN216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 I� ] Ewa ter 651-430-8800 '' 1 www.stillwatermn.gov moo The Birthplace of Minnesota PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 23, 2023 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Macswain, Commissioners Larson, Lehmann, Quie, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioners Haveles and Souter Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of September 25, 2023 meeting Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2023 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Stillwater Township resident Dianne Polasik, President of the Board of Valley Community Center, invited Commissioners to a community meeting November 9 at Community Thread. NEW BUSINESS Discover Stillwater Photo Sign - Lowell Park Parks Superintendent Rogness reviewed a request from Discover Stillwater for a sign permit for a freestanding frame style sign in Lowell Park near the Historic Lift Bridge. The sign would have the Discover Stillwater logo on the front and a small plaque indicating how to share on social media. Staff has minor concerns with maintenance, placement, and movement of the sign. However, if the Commission supports the approval of the sign, Public Works would be able to supply the necessary work needed to maintain it. Kelly Nygaard, President of Discover Stillwater, explained the purpose of the sign is to engage tourists by creating an "instagramable" moment and promote community events. The sign would be built by Matt Howe and Industrial Arts program at Stillwater Area High School. It would be easily moved and inspected every year. Creating a spot for photos is a trend within the industry and reduces the safety risk of visitors finding their own photo spot. The design presented is the one the board feels most comfortable with. According to State statute it must have the Discover Stillwater logo on it but other elements could be added. Chairman Macswain asked if Discover Stillwater would be open to handling all maintenance and movement of the sign, and if they would be open to a fixed location. Ms. Nygaard answered that they hope the sign can be placed on existing cement somewhere in Lowell Park. A fixed location would be fine; it would be up to events if they wish to move it, as Discover Stillwater does not have the capacity to move it. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 23, 2023 Chairman Macswain recalled a previous branding discussion about park logos and signs. He questioned how this would work if other organizations want to do similar signs. Parks Superintendent Rogness stated that in 2021, the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) discussed a similar sign that was a cutout of the State of Minnesota. He said the HPC had some guidelines including dark in color, keep it away from the bridge, not in the middle of the park, consider the font, no illumination. He added that, per Community Development Director Gladhill, the City Attorney felt that it is not a matter the HPC needed to look into. Councilmember Polehna said he would prefer to have the sign there only for events, not continually. Ms. Nygaard replied the idea is to draw people all the time and not just for events. Commissioner Quie said he is troubled by the idea of having it there all the time. He asked if a smaller sign in Teddy Bear Park would be acceptable, and Ms. Nygaard said they could try that but the original idea was to have the bridge for a backdrop. Commissioner Lehmann stated one of the great things about Stillwater is that it doesn't feel touristy. Having the sign there all the time would give it a different feel. Commissioner Larson praised Discover Stillwater, but she feels the structure is somewhat of an eyesore that gets in the way of Stillwater's natural beauty. Chairman Macswain asked how vandalism and misuse online would be handled, and Ms. Nygaard replied the sign would be weather treated and vandalism would be removed; use of it in photos would depend on individuals' privacy settings and no one currently controls what is photographed in Stillwater. Commissioner Quie remarked it seems like it's on the drawing board and he is not ready to make a recommendation to proceed. He has no problem with the concept on occasion, but has a problem with having it there all the time. Commissioner Lehmann said she is not opposed but also does not think it is great. Commissioner Larson said she would love to see a mockup of what it would look like on all sides. She loves that it draws people to a certain safe location for a picture. Chairman Macswain said he loves the concept but struggles with where to draw the line with organizations and has more questions about how it would work. He asked if Mr. Rogness would work with Discover Stillwater on some possible fixed locations and the design, and Mr. Rogness agreed. He said the City has room to store it. Motion by Chair Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to recommend that Parks Superintendent Rogness develop a semi -permanent concept with Ms. Nygaard for future consideration by the HPC or the Parks and Recreation Commission. Motion passed 3-0-1 with Commissioner Quie abstaining. Mountain Biking at Brown's Creek Nature Preserve Ski Trails Mr. Rogness informed the Commission that staff has received multiple complaints about mountain bikers using the Brown's Creek Nature Preserve Ski Trails. The main concern is pedestrian safety and limited visibility when the grass is long. The City's web page states the trails are multi -use trails open to hikers and cross-country skiers and signs are installed at entrances that show "no motorized vehicles." Staff would like the Commission to discuss whether pedal bikes should be allowed to use the trail and whether further signage is needed. Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 23, 2023 Commissioner Lehmann said she is pretty sure it's not the high school Mountain Bike Team, which has permission to ride on the trails north of the Brown's Creek Trail but that is not one of the places they like to ride for their practices. The high school team just won the sixth state championship in a row. Regardless of what happens here, she would like to discuss where mountain biking can be allowed. Commissioner Quie suggested a bike with a line through it could be added to the sign. An alternative would be signs that say "watch for mountain bikers." Commissioner Larson asked, does it hurt the trails? Is pedestrian safety is the only concern? She would prefer not to make it inaccessible to a certain group of people. Councilmember Polehna pointed out that shared trails work in Lake Elmo. He added that the side south of the railroad tracks does not allow bikes per the agreement with the State when the City purchased it. International Mountain Bike Association has signs that could be used. Chairman Macswain suggested starting by signing the intersections "caution, blind intersection ahead," and the Commission can revisit the issue in the spring. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Playground Update Mr. Rogness updated the Commission on the process of playground replacement. Postcards will go out to residents. So far there have been a couple calls, mostly wanting a larger structure and more climbing features. All ideas have been positive. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff Updates Mr. Rogness stated the Art Festival and Harvest Fest went well. The Teddy Bear Park project was completed. He met with a contractor today about sand removal at Washington Square. A contractor will be hired to dig out the sand at Meadowlark Park. He showed pictures of the new surface put in at the dog park gates. He is getting bids on the dugout fence at Northland. Chair Macswain remarked the sand pile at the Old Athletic Field is being used for play, and Mr. Rogness said the contractor will be coming to get rid of the sand all at once. Chair Macswain said he would like to discuss expectations for the ice rink and Mr. Rogness agreed this should be discussed, as it is very difficult to put down ice. Commission Member Updates Commissioner Larson asked if the skateboard park concept has been tabled, and Councilmember Polehna said he doesn't think it's been tabled, there's just nobody pushing it. Chair Macswain noted candidates for the open Commission seat are being interviewed. Councilmember Polehna reported the grand opening of the plaza downtown will be May 18. Cub Foods may give the City $20,000 to help with the Christmas lights. The Twinkle Parade will be the first Saturday night in December. Trees are being planted at Millbrook Park. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Quie, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 23, 2023 Dan acswain, Chai� A C ad Rogness, Parks Superintendent Page 4 of 4