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Home My WebLink About2024-04-22 PRC MIN 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.stillwatermn.gov PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 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: None Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness, Natural Resource Technician Coyne APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of February 26, 2024 meeting Motion by Commissioner Yetman, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the February 26, 2024 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Updates Natural Resource Technician Coyne gave a presentation on urban forestry and natural resource restoration projects in the City. A 2023 grant funded removal of 52 Emerald Ash Borer-infested trees; several species of replacement trees will be planted in May. This year a new grant will cover removal and replacement of another 291 infested ash trees in boulevards, rights-of-way and parks. Three consecutive drought summers have stressed mature trees, making them vulnerable to many pests and diseases. The City provides residents a discounted rate for Ash Borer, Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease treatments. Another round of funding will be sought. Oak Wilt is spreading and 25-40% of the oaks have some level of infestation. Conifers are suffering from rhizoshpaera needlecast and pine bark beetles. Mr. Coyne went on to explain that Stillwater received Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. He reviewed habitat restoration projects at Pioneer Park, Browns Creek Park, Lumberjack Landing, Lily Lake, McKusick Lake and Bridgeview Park. Areas that could use attention in the future depending on budget and funding are: Shelton Drive near Anez Ridge Park; Lily Lake hillside; Browns Creek Nature Preserve; Mulberry Street ravine; Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Nightingale Park; and Sunrise Park. Grant funding is being pursued. He went over upcoming events. Commissioner Haveles suggested that bluff prairie efforts include ephemerals, not just trees and shrubs, and reseeding might be done with more drought resistant grasses. He would like to see a way to provide homeowners replacement trees at cost, and a way to connect wildlife corridors throughout the City and with nearby communities. Mr. Coyne said staff has been considering making a gravel bed nursery at the Public Works facility to provide replacement trees. STAFF UPDATES Events Parks Superintendent Rogness alerted the Commission to: Sustainable Stillwater’s Valley Eco Fair April 27 at Pioneer Park; a $1,000 grant from Tropical Wings; a Long Lake Bird Habitat Planting Party at Croixwood Open Square May 18. Councilmember Polehna added that tickets for the Dine Here Dance Here dinner on the lift bridge May 18 are sold out. Mr. Rogness said a new group is coordinating Lumberjack Days July 18-21 and musical performances will be announced soon. Old Athletic Field Update Superintendent Rogness reported that the site needs to be regraded before seeding. Permanent benches and some trees will be added, possibly a small pavilion with picnic table. The School District still uses the field and wants the goalpost area kept clear. The School District does not want a permanent bathroom constructed. He provided a map showing which parks have permanent or portable bathrooms. To be consistent, this type of park calls for a portable restroom, possibly a year round one. The School District, as the property owner, will continue to mow and would support improvements with prior notice, but will not contribute financially. The City is responsible for maintenance. The basketball court requested by the neighborhood group would take years to plan; they have ideas for cost savings in contracting and donations, and will bring back additional information. Councilmember Polehna said he would like to have a neighborhood meeting before considering a basketball court. The Commission must balance the needs of the whole community. Chairman Macswain said he is happy the neighbors want to get more use out of the park. Seeing signatures of those in support would help him support the requested improvements. Commissioner Larson said she hears lots of feedback from neighbors wanting the improvements. Commissioner Quie noted there is a basketball court at Lily Lake - how often is it used? Commissioner Yetman said he would like to review the priorities of the Comprehensive Park Plan. Commissioner Lehmann commented it’s nice to see community engagement and interest in helping with costs. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22,2024 Commissioner Haveles referred to past discussions about adopting a park, in terms of places to build pollinator gardens. Maybe the group could do this with this park. Mr. Rogness answered that the Adopt a Park Program is about 90% ready to launch and will be available soon. City Park Bathrooms Discussed above. Project Updates Mr. Rogness reported that restoration of the Sunken Garden started last week. Staples Park playground will be finished this week. Lily Lake will be started this week or next.A plan for Northland Park baseball field dugouts will be presented soon to the Parks Commission and VAA. The Pickleball Club is helping fund the Northland improvements. Northland Skate Park Meeting Update Mr. Rogness said a meeting was held with residents, and neighbors were very much against having the skate park there. More discussion is needed. Chairman Macswain suggested a meeting with himself, Councilmember Polehna and Commissioner Yetman to get all the information out there, then have a more thorough discussion at a Commission meeting. Commissioner Quie provided photos of the skate park in St. Paul at the redone Ford Plant, a very beautiful park with a long sidewalk that incorporates elements for skateboarders. Chairman Macswain commented that maybe the concept should be reframed.A paved trail with those types of features - not a park, but more of an amenity, an experience - may be better accepted, not something to be afraid of. Commissioner Yetman acknowledged the need to be more cost effective and more fun to the users.The kids have a skate park page on Facebook called Stillwater Skatepark Project. COMMISSIONER UPDATES Councilmember Polehna said he met with the US Olympic Curling Team who want to make Stillwater the home of the National Curling Team.The local group is still fundraising.A boat launch will be built in Oak Park Heights, south of the new bridge. He and Public Works Director Sanders have been meeting with the architect drafting conceptual plans for the old Aiple House. He plans to meet with the National Park Service, rowing clubs and Wild River Conservancy to go over plans. The City is putting together a plan for the Shoddy Mill building. A 300 ft dock will be constructed in that area with bathrooms. The 4th of July fireworks will be on a barge like last year. Highway 5 is going to be rebuilt and the bike trail resurfaced.The hospital development is still moving forward. Chairman Macswain noted that Commissioner Souter has resigned due to time constraints.The Commission thanks her for her time on the Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner seconde. ,y Commissio er to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Dan Macswain, Chair Page 3 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22,2024 ATTEST: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent Page 4 of 3