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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-22 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 January 22, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Macswain, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Quie, Yetman, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioner Souter Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of November 27. 2023 meeting Motion by Commissioner Yetman, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the minutes of the November 27, 2023 meeting. Motion passed 6-0. OPEN FORUM Nicole Willenbring, 1204 4th Avenue South, thanked Mr. Rogness for help reinstating the ice rink at the Old Athletic Field at the neighbors' request. She reiterated previous requests for park enhancements such as restrooms, a picnic table, drinking fountain, and paving of the sand pit for basketball and other activities, acknowledging that the park is owned by the school district. She presented a petition with 92 signatures asking for enhancements to the park. Parks Superintendent Rogness said he will rekindle conversations initiated by the previous superintendent with the school district about possible collaboration. He added that the sand will be removed and replaced with grass next summer. Chairman Macswain commended the neighbors on their enthusiasm. He noted that the requested improvements are not in the City's five-year capital improvement plan (CIP). He would like to formulate a work plan to harness the community engagement. Councilmember Polehna said he will mention the topic to the school district Superintendent and Director of Operations. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Replacement Playgrounds for 2024 Superintendent Rogness showed final plans for Lily Lake and Staples Park playgrounds. DISCUSSION ITEMS St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Background Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting January 22, 2024 Doug Brady, Recreation Center Manager, gave a history of the Rec Center which opened in 1998. The facility is financially stable and operates on a $2 million budget. It has many user groups including elderly, seniors, youth and young children. The City contracts with St. Croix Boat and Packet to operate the center; the contract cost has never been increased. Curling Center Update Mr. Brady stated the Curling Center project is in fundraising stage; there is a bill at the State to get State bonding. The board of individuals working on the project envisions an international curling center that will greatly enhance the Rec Center and draw large events. Councilmember Polehna added that the City is looking at adding parking areas that will be needed when the Curling Center opens. Commissioner Haveles asked how the relationship between the Curling Center, the City and the Rec Center will be structured, and Mr. Brady replied that the City Council will decide. The curlers who are raising the money would like to have a board to handle the curling business, which will likely be overseen by the facility manager. The same operational and staffing efficiencies that exist today with St. Croix Boat and Packet will apply to the Curling Center. Commissioner Lehmann asked how the community will be engaged, and Mr. Brady answered that the curling facility would probably need 1200-1600 members to make it function at a high capacity rate. People who curl normally pay around $400 membership fee to be in leagues. Chairman Macswain voiced support for the project. He said parking, especially for events, will probably be the biggest hurdle. He also said the City needs to keep the skateboard park in mind when discussing the CIP, as well as the loss of another outdoor ice rink for this project. Staff Updates Mr. Rogness reported on the World Snow Sculpting Championship event. He showed the Discover Stillwater sign that was placed in Lowell Park. He thanked Commissioners for submitting discussion topics and said trail projects will be discussed next month. Commission Member Updates Chairman Macswain encouraged Commissioners to continue asking for updates on various projects. Councilmember Polehna noted that the City has hired an architect for the Aiple house and has met with the National Park Service and Wild River Conservancy about having a presence in the building. Buckthorn has been removed. Staff is working on ravine clean-up. Commissioner Yetman said he would like to help with design and fundraising for a skate park. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Yetman, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.n '� ia Dan Macswain, hair ATT T: P"4� — ad Rogness, Parks Superintendent Page 2 of 2