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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-26 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 February 26, 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, Souter, Yetman, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioner Quie Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of January 22, 2024 meeting Chairman Macswain asked that the petition requesting enhancements at the Old Athletic Field be added as a part of the minutes, and Superintendent Rogness said he will add it. Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2024 meeting as amended. Motion passed 6-0. OPEN FORUM Nicole Willenbring, 1204 4th Avenue South, requested an update on the Old Athletic Field. Mr. Rogness said he is working on improvements discussed before: removing sand, adding trees and benches; and gathering cost estimates on potential capital improvement items. This spring, there will be a blacktop trail from 5th to 6th, going up to the playground. Mike Willenbring, 1204 4th Avenue South, noted there were 12 families using the park this afternoon. Trees and paths will be a huge benefit. As a neighborhood spokesperson, he would like to inform the neighbors about what is being done and what they can expect. He asked if there was any progress checking with the school district, as discussed at the last meeting. The biggest issue is the need for community involvement with decisions involving the park. Mr. Rogness said he hopes to get info on additional improvements for next month's meeting. Jake Gottschalk, 1225 2nd Street South, thanked Mr. Rogness for what happened with the rink, saying it shows government in action. He would like to double down on the opportunity with so many families being so engaged, to possibly return the park to what it used to be. NEW BUSINESS Future Trails - Gap connection, way -finding Superintendent Rogness initiated discussion of gaps in trail connections identified by the Trail Master Plan and any other areas within the City requiring connection. Councilmember Polehna stated that wayfinding signs showing a T and an arrow are confusing. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 26, 2024 Mr. Rogness replied there are areas where the bike sign could be added. He showed maps identifying gaps that have been discussed before such as Marylane Avenue and Abercrombie; Northland Terrace; Liberty/Legends; and Sunrise Park. Commissioner Haveles asked where is the access to Nightingale Park, and Mr. Rogness replied there is a sign there but it's almost right through someone's backyard. Chairman Macswain commented the one that jumps out at him is 62nd Street. Commissioner Souter pointed out the importance of making connections between the future hospital site and surrounding neighborhoods. She especially appreciates the Neal Avenue improvements making it so much safer to walk. Chairman Macswain asked about West Millbrook, and Mr. Rogness said a connection to the field there would be helpful. Councilmember Polehna said the Commission should look at on -road trails too, for instance 62nd Street and Minar Avenue. Chairman Macswain said he wonders about connections to Stonebridge Elementary School, and Commissioner Souter answered there are some informal walking paths there. Mr. Rogness noted next year there will be a trail from Wilkins along the Staples Field fence tying into the new location of the playground. Commissioner Larson asked about a bike trail from Pioneer Park to Schulenberg Park. Chairman Macswain noted the area of Browns Creek that has very steep slopes could be connected to the northwest if a good solution can be found. He also mentioned the bottom of the stairway near the Oasis that ends right at the road; and connecting Anez Ridge to the neighborhood to the north. Councilmember Polehna said Greeley Street will be painted with a shared bike/parking lane. Chairman Macswain said he had an idea for a paved trail near PD Pappy's, forcing bike traffic to the river where it's wider, leaving Water Street for pedestrians. He asked how all these ideas will be packaged together for the Council to consider in future capital improvement plans. Councilmember Polehna replied the Commission needs to prioritize. Rick Heidick has a lot of good ideas about biking; the Commission may want to invite him to a meeting. Mr. Rogness said he will bring these ideas to the engineering department for cost estimates. Commissioner Haveles mentioned it would be helpful to have maps that show connections between downtown and other parts of Stillwater, and also more uniform on -road signage that shows riders are on the right path. Brooklyn Park is a good example of this. Commissioner Yetman added that even markers on the pavement would help. Councilmember Polehna said he will connect Rick Heidick with Commissioners Haveles and Yetman. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2024 Park and Trail Projects Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 26, 2024 Mr. Rogness reviewed a list of planned 2024 Parks and Trail Projects at Lily Lake Park, the Old Athletic Field, Northland Park, Staples Park, and the Sunken Garden. Additionally, they are putting in concrete floor at the hockey rink to serve a dual purpose. It will be a place to put equipment if the Curling Center happens and the skateboard park has to be removed. But there hasn't been a permanent solution to the skateboard park yet. Commissioner Yetman said he would like to see the skate park moved somewhere else. Skateboarders clearly want to be near the bridge downtown. If the City doesn't get the kids involved, they won't respect and use it. It should not be put far away from the rest of the public. He will get it on the agenda and get a lot of people here who would use it, to give the kids an opportunity to see how local government works. Councilmember Polehna said the City is looking at moving the skate park out of there for more parking which is needed even if there is not a curling center. Chairman Macswain voiced concern about how it is communicated. He is not sure it's a great time to say "temporary skateboard park" because there has not been specific community engagement on that. But he definitely would like to see it get used in the summer. Commissioner Yetman said if it is advertised as more of a popup skatepark thing, users will know there's still planning in the works. Chairman Macswain said the skate park can be discussed at a future meeting. Commission Member Updates Councilmember Polehna reported the City is working on a conceptual plan for the Aiple House to become a visitor center for the National Park Service; and conceptual plans for reuse of the Shoddy Mill; and for a 300 foot dock down there with handicapped access down the hill. Chairman Macswain asked how the Commission will give input, and Councilmember Polehna replied when the City starts working on design for the Aiple house and the Shoddy Mill, he thinks it will be brought to this Commission first. Additionally he got email today from the DNR regarding the boat launch. Commissioner Yetman said he would like to help with signage and work with local businesses. He asked if there is anybody who would be open to having a dog park closer to downtown and the river. He has been asked about this. He voiced appreciation for the work of the Commission. Councilmember Polehna said he is working with a committee of downtown businesses and restaurants to plan a grand opening of Chestnut Plaza May 19. Commissioner Larson asked if the City is involved in "Winterfest" because she has feedback to share; and Councilmember Polehna said yes; Commissioner Souter said it is more of a Chamber -organized event so she should contact the Chamber. Commissioner Larson said she was thinking about an event at Teddy Bear Park, opening it for a day this weekend because of the beautiful weather. Mr. Rogness said it would not be too much work to open it but the City would want people to know it's going to be open for those two days and then closed again. Chairman Macswain will set up a discussion of the Old Athletic Field improvements, and meet with Commissioner Yetman about the skateboard park. Commissioner Souter asked what is happening with the curling center and if there is still any intention of including a restaurant; Councilmember Polehna said it's still in there and the City is trying to get funding at the legislature. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting February 26, 2024 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Yetman, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. —' Dan Macswain, Chair ATTEST - Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent Page 4 of 4