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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-27 PRC Packet . r illwater ~ - ~ -- -~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA J STILL WATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOTICE November 27,1995 . The Stillwater Park in the City Coun . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121 . . . PARK AND RECREATION BOARD Nov. 27, 1995 Present: David Junker, chairman Richard Cummings, Judy Gulden, AI Liehr, John Melville, Ken Meister, Delwin Peterson, and Steve Wolff (8:15 p.m.) Others Susan Fitzgerald, planning Absent: Rob McGarry, Mike Polehna, and Marguerite Rheinberger Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval of the minutes of Oct. - 23, 1995. Update on Wildwood Pines Ms. Fitzgerald explained that she, City Engineer Klayton Eckles and Parks Director Tim Thomsen had visited the site. It was staff's finding that there is not enough area to provide a park as requested. She said one issue is the .,amount of wetlands; the non-wetlands area on the site is minimal and s~anding water could be a liability issue, she said. It also was noted that if the site is a designated park, parking will have to be provided. Access and maintenance are additional concerns. Mr. Peterson questioned how the area could be used considering its size limitations. Marie Meissner suggested it could be used like the former play area by Gannon's. Amy Hooley said there needs to be an. alternative for the 300-400 kids in the neighborhood who currently don't have access to any parks, other than by crossing a 50 mph street. Mr. Melville suggested that the city should develop a strategy of how to make use of such small parcels -- "pocket parks" -- in conjunction with neighbors. Mr. Cummings agreed that a "tot-lot", rather than a designated park, would be a potential use for the site in question. Marie Meissner said neighbors are not talking about a "grandiose idea," just a small area where kids can play. Mr. Melville made a motion to form a committee including two neighborhood representatives, a Park and Rec representative, and city staff to explore the possibility of establishing a designated "play area;" as suggested, there will be a high amount of neighborhood participation, including maintenance, in such designated play areas. Mr. Liehr seconded the motion; all in favor. Mr. Liehr agreed to serve as the committee . coordinator. Comprehensive Park Vision Mr. Cummings asked for members' reaction to Mr. Jim Bradshaw and Dr. Willette's presentation at the October meeting. Mr. Junker said he really didn't know what Dr. Willette wants or what the process entails. Ms. Gulden said developing a comprehensive vision could help deal with issues, such as pocket parks. Mr. Junker asked if any board members would be wiling to be participate in the initial ad hoc committee of three or four people that Dr. Willette would begin the process with. Mr. Melville said he was comfortable with the concept, but not comfortable with a committee of three or four people- beginning with ideas that nobody really understands. Ms. Gulden suggested that other people making decisions need to be involved; Mr. Junker agreed that the Park and Rec Board is just one part of the puzzle, suggesting that the V AA, the Open Space Committee, the School District and other entities possibly should be involved. Mr. Cummings agreed that the membership of the ad hoc committee is a critica,l issue. Mr. Meister suggested that a staff person should be assigned to the committee; Mr. Liehr suggested that perhaps the entire Park and Rec Board should be involved. . l .~... It was agreed to table the issue for further discussion. Pioneer Park Update Ms. Fitzgerald said the archaeological digs have been completed; some remnants of buildings were found and sent on to the state for analysis. No more public meetings will be held until after the first of the year. Follow up on skating rink in Lowell Park. other business Mr. Thomsen was not present, however, Ms. Fitzgerald said she thought a small skating rink in the parking area near the gazebo was still being planned. Mr. Cummings reported that he had been contacted from a representative of the Hockey Association volunteering to flood the city rinks at night. He also asked about flooding a rink at Lily Lake as had been discussed last year. Mr. Peterson asked about the timing of lights and the length of time lights on left on at night. Mr. Thomsen will be asked to report on these . items. . .. . Ms. Fitzgerald said Mr. Thomsen asked for authority to spend the budgeted $50,000 for park equipment. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to authorize Mr. Thomsen to spend the $50,000 for park equipment. Park Board iob descriptions Mr. Melville distributed a list of possible Park Board membership, with objectives and duties, focusing on what he perceives as problem areas, for each position. He suggested that two more members be added to the Park Board to provide three representatives from each Ward. Mr. Cummings cautioned about enlarging the membership of the Board, noting that often larger committees are less effective. The discussion that ensued focused largely on the need for the city to hire a full-time parks and rec director. Mr. Cummings suggested that revenue generated by a new sports facility might fund the salary for a parks director. It also was noted that adoption of the city's updated Comprehensive Plan should provide validity for a requested parks director position. Mr. Melville asked whether it was the Park and Rec Board's responsibility to draw up a job description and cost-benefit balance sheet to present to the City Council in requesting such a position. Mr. Cummings said the Park and Rec Board should make such a recommendation; Mr. Wolff suggested waiting until the Comprehensive Plan is adopted before raising the issue. New business Mr. Junker noted that a number of members' terms expire Jan. 1, 1996 -- Mike Polehna, Rob McGarry, Ken Meister, AI Liehr, David Junker and Marguerite Rheinberger. Those whose terms expire are to let Mr. Junker know by the December meeting whether they wish to continue to serve on the board. The December meeting will be held Dec. 18. Members are to meet at Lily Lake Ice Arena at 6:30 p.m. to tour the facility; the meeting will be held at the Park Building. Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Junker, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary