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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-28 PRC Packet e r illwater ~ - ~ ~ -r\. THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA J STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING November 28. 1994 The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet Monday, November 28, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council AGENDA: 1. 2. e 3. 4. 5 6. . CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121 e PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION Nov. 28, 1994 Present: David Junker, chairman Richard Cummings, AI Liehr, Ken Meister, Delwin Peterson, Mike Polehna, Marguerite Rheinberger, and Steve Wolff Others Ann Terwedo, planning Absent: Robert McGarry and Michelle Roettger Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes AI Liehr, seconded by Del Peterson, moved approval of the minutes of Oct. 24, 1994; all in favor. e Snowmobile Vail reQuest Mr. Junker invited comments from the 50+ people in attendance regarding the request to allow the use of the walking path/bike path along McKusick lake Road for a snowmobile trail. Nora Gallmeyer, coordinator for the Washington County Star Trail Association, said the association had received a request to mark and maintain the new pathway as a snowmobile trail from Manning to Owens Street. She noted that there was a snowmobile trail in that location several years ago. Dennis Jones, Fischer Circle, asked about the purpose of the city path. Mr. Junker responded that the path was intended as a multi-purpose path for walking and use by non-motorized vehicles. Mr. Polehna noted that county policy is to allow the use of snowmobiles on bike trials. However, Ann Terwedo said the city funded the path for biking and walking in the city limits. Mr. Jones said allowing snowmobiles would be a misuse of the trail and represented a danger to walkers, as well as a nuisance due to noise. Corrine Jones said she walks on the path all winter. Bob Schmidt, McKusick Road lane, said use of snowmobiles was not compatible with the intent of a walking and biking path. Mr. Schmidt said e allowing the use of the trail for snowmobiles would mean turning the trail e into a road from Manning into the city to go to saloons. Ray Davis, Laurel Street, said snowmobiles had been on Lake McKusick for years. There is noise at all hours when the bars close. And he said, there never was a snowmobile trail previously -- it was a road. Pete Black, Towne Circle, presented a petition with 120 signatures opposed to allowing the use of snowmobiles on the path/trail. He noted the original petition for a walking path was to have a path that could be used for walking 12 months of the year. Heidi Stevenson, Towne Circle, thanked the commiSSion for making the path and said she had enjoyed watching people use the path. Brian Hirsch, Sherburne Street, noted the snowmobile trail would terminate at the Harbor on Owens Street, which already is a bad intersection. He suggested the possibility of allowing cross country skiing on the path. e Others speaking in opposition to allowing the use of snowmobiles were: Helen Torelle, Laurel Street; Lorraine Carlson, Amundson Drive; William Nelson, who owns lots at McKusick Road/Towne Circle; Dave Morgan, Fischer Circle, Sara Simington, Towne Circle; Willard Cochrane, McKusick Road Lane; Dan Nichols, Amundson Drive; Chuck Wolsky, Fischer Circle; and a resident of 931 Towne Circle. Several people who spoke did not identify themselves. Mr. Cummings passed out copies of the city snowmobile ordinance which prohibits operation of the machines on city sidewalks or walkways. Mr. Peterson noted that snowmobiles can be operated on city streets during specified hours. Mr. Junker thanked everyone for their comments. Mr. Wolff moved to recommend denial of the request to use the path/walkway for snowmobiles and to recommend that the city consider plowing the path so it can be used by walkers throughout the winter. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion; all in favor. Benson Park Vpdate Ms. Terwedo told the commission that the final grade has been competed and water and sewer services installed. Twenty-five trees were e purchased and planted; playground equipment also has been purchased. The e walkway and remainder of the landscaping will be completed next spring; $30,000 is budged for Benson Park next year. Mr. Polehna questioned why park department staff didn't plant the trees, rather than hiring a professional landscaping firm to do the planting. Ms. Terwedo said the public works department was so busy with all this year's projects that city staff wasn't available. Mr. Junker suggested that when the landscaping is completed next spring, city crews should be used as much as possible. Parks report Tim Thomsen was plowing and was not in attendance. Ms. Terwedo said crews had started flooding some of the skating rinks. Mr. Junker noted that the Elks were starting their Christmas tree sale at Lily Lake but had not appeared before the Park Commission requesting use of the tennis court area. Mr. Cummings said representatives of the club had appeared before the City Council and the Council did express a concern regarding cleanup of the courts in a timely manner. e Mr. Polehna asked about the $11,000 that been set aside for Richard Anderson to fix the leaking roof at the Lily Lake ice arena. Mr. Thomsen had reported at the previous meeting that the leaking had stopped when the dehumidifier was made operational, which would indicate the $11,000 should be returned to the city. New business Mr. Cummings told commiSSion members that a big issue before the City Council is developing a list of capital improvement projects to be accomplished with money available now that TargetlSuperValu has paid off all assessments. He said if the commission wants to see money obligated to parks/park development, it ought to develop a project list. Mr. Peterson noted that the commission has identified project it wants done, but agreed it should be a concrete list of requesting X amount of $ to accomplish certain projects. Mr. Cummings also told the commission that a proposal has been made for the city to sell the property the city owns at the site of the proposed new National Guard Armory/community center/arena. Mr. Polehna said it should go on record that the Park Commission favors keeping that land for a park/community center unless it can be sold for a price that will allow the city to get a better site in return. There was also a discussion about e the wisdom of the decision to store road salt on the site. e e e Mr. Cummings also informed the commiSSion that Cub Foods has made a proposal to purchase the city parking lot on North Third Street. Mr. Liehr noted the sale might enable Cub to use the property, a prime piece of property with a wonderful view, for some other purposes and expressed his opposition to any sale. Judy Gulden, resident of Ward 2, has written a letter of interest regarding appointment to fill the vacancy on the Park Commission. However, Ms. Gulden's letter of interest was received after Angela Anderson had agreed to accept appointment. Mr. Junker noted that the commission has never recommended possible appointees to the City Council; appointment has in the past been strictly up to the City Council, he said. Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to refer the appointment issue to the City Council. There was a brief discussion about setting a work plan and goals for 1995. Unfinished business Mr. Junker asked whether anything has been done about Gannon's parking lot, which he said "looks terrible." Mr. Cummings said the matter has been before the City Council and the Council agreed the lot should be cleaned up and parking enforced. Mr. Junker said the commission should recommend that the Council pursue the issue "real hard." Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. All in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary -.,., .. -:; .-. ;,; . Washington County Star Trail Association November 7,1994 Nile Kriesel Washington County 14900 - e1st st. N. Stillwater MN 55082 .. "" TO: Members of the Council, e The Washington County Star Trail is requesting a written agreement between the City of Stillwater and Washington County Star Trail to use the Bicycle Trail along McKuslck Road as a Snowmobile Trail In the winter months. We were Baked by one of the business owners In Stillwater. The 13 Clubs which make up star Trail Association wUl msrX and maintain It In accordance with the state of MInnesota Grants and Aid Regulations. We will also carry the Liability Inxurance on It. With the Snowmobile Clubs Involvement It will ensure safe and enjoyable rtdlng for all. and will also encourlilge Snowmobilers to stay on marked and groomed trails rather than riding on Private Property, etc. Sincerely yours Nora Gallmeyer . Coordinator Washington County Star Trail Association. P .S. I?lease fax me a copy of the Agenda for the Council meeting 0 the 15th Fax to Nora Gallmeyer 782-1755 . '" .. e . MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: City Coordinator . . SUBJECT: Use of McKusick Lake Road for Snowmobiles DATE: November 9, 1994 The City has received a request from the Washington County Star Trial Association requesting permission to use the bike/walkjng path constructed in conjunction with the upgrade of McKusick Lake Road as a snowmobile trail. Washington County has jurisdiction over the use of the path. However, they require approval of the City before they designate paths as snowmobile trails. The Council may want to consider directing this request to the Park and Recreation Board for review and recommendation. Depending upon the recommendation of tll.e Park and Recreation Board, the Council may also want to consider holding a pubic hearing on this request as ~Nell (given the proximity of the residential development in this area). 4~ . Public Meeting Notice Regarding Possible Snowmobile Trail on McKusick Road Bike Trail The City of Stillwater has received a request from the Washington County Star Trail Association to enter an agreement to use the new bicycle trail on McKusick Road as a snowmobile trail 0 hso The Parks and meeting on Chambers st at their regular City Council 011 then make e . CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121