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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-20 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 May 20, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Macswain, Commissioners Hanson, Larson, Lehmann, Quie, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Commissioners Haveles and Yetman Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of April 22. 2024 meeting Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to approve the April 22, 2024 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS Appoint Chair and Vice Chair Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to nominate Macswain and Quie to continue as Chair and Vice Chair. All in favor. New Commissioner Commissioner Glen Hanson introduced himself. Old Athletic Field Parks Superintendent Rogness summarized the improvements that the residents around the park have requested (basketball court, pavilion/gazebo, picnic tables, permanent bathrooms, shade trees, benches). They have presented a petition with over 100 signatures. the biggest thing the neighbors are pushing for is a basketball court which would require School District approval. They plan to host a fundraiser June 2 to raise funds for a basketball court. The City has an understanding with the School District (property owner) that when improvements are made to the park (with approval) the City shall incur all costs for improvements. The School District has stated they do not want a permanent bathroom at the park. Aside from mowing, all maintenance of the park is performed by the City. In 2023, the City replaced the playground structure and soon will be installing a trail along Burlington Avenue to make the playground accessible as well making the area safer with traffic. The City is also currently removing the sand area, regrading, seeding, while still leaving a designated area for a winter ice rink. The City does not currently have any funds planned for this park in the 2025 or 2026 CIP (Capital Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting May 20, 2024 Improvement Plan). Budgets are done about two years ahead of time. Staff asks that the Commission discuss the residents' requests for improvements. Commissioner Lehmann suggested the group be directed to bring a specific proposal to the Commission, and that they be directed to contact the School District also. Councilmember Polehna remarked he has no problem improving the park but the Parks Commission must prioritize with other projects throughout the community. He added that the basketball court at Staples Field became a big complaint generator regarding noise. Commissioner Larson said she is curious about the total cost of a basketball court and whether the City would be willing to match it and allocate funds in 2025 CIP that won't take away from Heritage and Sunrise Parks which are slated for 2025. Mr. Rogness replied a basketball court with fence would cost about $80,000 minimum and a drinking fountain would cost about $20,000+ if water is available. A small pavilion for a picnic table like in other parks would cost $20-25,000. Grading is done but the area still needs to be seeded, sidewalk finished and trees planted. Chairman Macswain suggested having a public meeting and a proposal with a specific design to consider. Motion by Chairman Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, that one picnic table and pavilion shelter be added at the Old Athletic Field as an addition to the five-year CIP. All in favor. Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to encourage the Old Athletic Field neighbors to work with the School District regarding the feasibility of adding a basketball court, and keep the Parks Commission in the loop. All in favor. Playground Replacement - Heritage Park & Sunrise Park Mr. Rogness stated Heritage Park and Sunrise Park playgrounds are slated for replacement in 2025. He reviewed the process for playground replacement, including collecting feedback from residents. He welcomed Commissioners' feedback on size and location of playgrounds for the two parks planned. Councilmember Polehna noted the City must work with the homeowners' association. Commissioner Quie commented that the new Lily Lake playground is wonderful and the zip line is well used. Mr. Rogness asked if there is another similar special feature the Commission would like added to other parks whose playgrounds are being redone. Chairman Macswain commented that he likes the main playground at Sunrise Park, but not the sand. Some features should be consolidated and he is excited for the improvements there. Skateboard Park Location Mr. Rogness stated that the current skateboard park at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center will be removed in the near future (possibly 2025) for the expansion of the parking lot. The Parks 2024 Capital Outlay Budget includes $140,000 for a Temporary Skateboard Park to be installed inside the Northland Skating Rink. At an informational meeting April 22, residents near Northland voiced concerns and said they already have constant noise from the pickleball courts. Recently Commissioner Yetman brought up the concept of "pocket" or "mini" Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting May 20, 2024 skateboard parks in other locations. These "pocket" parks use far less space and provide skateboarders with apparatuses they are more likely to enjoy using. Commissioner Quie provided info on a skateboard park by the old Ford plant in St. Paul that parallels a regular sidewalk. It's narrow and long with different elements for skateboarders. Councilmember Polehna said in past years, professional skateboarder Nicole Hause recommended a skateboard park in Benson Park or the old City dump near the dog park. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to no longer pursue a skateboard park at Northland Park. All in favor. Commissioners discussed smaller skateboard parks, possibly at one or more of these locations: downtown; near the dog park; on the south side of the dock; the huge roundabout in front of PD Pappy's; by the Oasis; Sunrise Park; the hill at the Jaycee ballfield; across Second Street from Teddy Bear Park above the parking lot. Chairman Macswain noted the current skateboard park needs repairs. He asked about the $140,000 that is dedicated for a temporary skateboard park this year in the CIP, and Councilmember Polehna confirmed that was to pave the rink at Northland. If not used for that, the City Council would decide what to do with the funds. Commissioner Larson said she would be interested in an RFP for something similar to the linear skateboard park in St. Paul. Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to ask the City Council if the $140,000 designated to pave the ice rink at Northland may be repurposed and used for a horizontal skateboard park at a destination to be determined. All in favor. Commissioners Hanson and Quie spoke of the importance of getting feedback from skateboarders who would be using the park. This can be done via signs at the current skateboard park, and electronic media. Commissioner Hanson also remarked, for further consideration, that some skateboard parks also are used by BMX bicyclists. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to ask City staff to come back with a minimum of four potential locations for a skateboard park. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff Updates Mr. Rogness showed pictures from the Dine Here Dance Here dinner on the bridge. which was a huge success. Commissioners agreed. He also stated the new playgrounds are being finished and fencing is being installed. Staples Field turned out very well and is well used. Commission Member Updates Councilmember Polehna reported that he will be meeting with the Wild River Conservancy, Bird Friendly Stillwater and the National Park Service about the Lumberjack Landing house. Plans are proceeding for the 4th of July Fireworks. At a future meeting he would like to discuss the speed of electric bikes on trails. Mr. Rogness stated that Lumberjack Days has a new organizer for this year's event. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting ADJOURNMENT May 20, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Quie, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. 4 � � �—' � � 6, an Macs I n,- air \ ATT SST: aci Rogness, Parks Superintendent Page 4 of 4