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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-28 PRC Packet ..... . . . . , . r illwater "'~ ~~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA J STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOTICE SEPTEMBER 28. 1998 The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet Monday, September 28,1998 at 7:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers Conference Room, 216 N. 4th Street, Stillwater. AGENDA: 1. Approval of August 17, 1998 minutes. 2. Update on 1999 budget status. 3. Update on Aiple/Kolliner Park plans and Interstate Bridge situation. 4. Report from Parks Director. a) Skateboard -Northland Park b) Pioneer Park c) Other 5. New Business. 6. Old Business. CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121 . Parks and Recreation Board Minutes of August 17, 1998 Present: David Junker, Chairman; Linda Amrein, Del Peterson, Dawn Flinn, Al Liehr, Mike Polehna, Nancy Brown, Rich Cummings, Steve Wolff Absent: Rob McGarry, Leah Peterson Others: Tim Thomsen, Parks Director; Steve Russell, Community Development Director The group went on a tour of the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Wolff moved to approve the minutes of July 27,1998. Mr. Polehna seconded the motion. All in favor. Review of 1999 Budget Request: Mr. Thomsen stated that a $300,000 request for land purchase was omitted from the budget. Mr. Cummings informed the Commission that there are some big expenses that will need to be covered in the next few years, including a new hook and ladder truck for the Fire Department at a cost of $600,000 and a new Public Works Building. These items will have an impact on other areas of the City's budget. Mr. Cummings stated that he felt that Council has given much consideration to the Parks budget in years past, but may have to be a bit stricter this year. He stated that if the Public Works Building is approved, then it would include office and storage space for the Parks Department. The Parks budget should be . prioritized in order of importance. Mr. Junker said that the Parks are in nice shape, however, the items in the budget for this year will put the finishing touches on many ongoing projects. He commended Tim for the good job he has done in maintaining the parks. Mr. Cummings stated that there may be grant money available from State or Community organizations to help fund items such as the Territorial Prison monument. In addition to the capital outlay budget, Tim has requested a full-time secretary. This person could help to free up some of Tim's time by taking over the clerical work and also research grant opportunities. Mr. Cummings felt that the addition of a full-time secretary for Parks carried the highest priority for the Parks Department. Mr. Thomsen stated that, other than the secretary, top priority items would include the mower and attachments, aeravator with roller, storage building, and the Lily Lake improvements. Low priority would be the basketball courts at Schulenberg. Mr. Polehna stated that the Lily Lake Ice Arena needs some improvements that are not in the budget for 1999. The Commission felt that the $11,000 paid by Dick Anderson should be put back into the maintenance of the Arena. Mr. Cummings said that he would bring this up at the next Council meeting. . . Update on Neal Meadows-Summerfield Subd. Parks and Open Space Dedication: Mr. Russell presented the group with the recommendation of the 10 lot Summerfield park dedication. This item was brought before the Parks Board in July, since then Planning staff met with the developer to consider other options. The City Council approved Option A and referred the application to the Parks Board. Option A increases the neighborhood park to .65 acre, Brown's Creek Conservation/Open Space easement to 4.01 acres, and the trailway dedication to .55 acres. There will be a paved trail for bicycles and a nature trail along the back of the development. This totals 1.7 acres of dedicated parks space, 1.13 acres were required. Mr. Junker felt there was no need for the nature trail as long as there was already a paved trail to use. He would rather have seen the neighborhood park size increase than use the nature trail as part of the dedication. Mr. Russell stated that the developer is looking for ideas on what to do with the neighborhood park. The City cannot require him to help with the park, but he may be willing to anyway. Mr. Thomsen stated that he will work with Sue Fitzgerald, City Planner to put together some designs for the neighborhood park and present them to the developer. Motion by Mr. Wolff, seconded by Mr. Cummings to approve the park dedication plan as amended. Ayes: Ms. Amrein, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Flinn, Mr. Liehr, Mr. Polehna, Ms. Brown, Mr. Cummings, and Mr. Wolff. Nays: Mr. Junker . Update on Staples Field Basketball Court: Mr. Thomsen reported that the Basketball Court opened on August 6. Since then one ofthe neighbors has complained about music being played at the courts. Next week signs will be posted with the following rules: 1. No music allowed. 2. Profanity prohibited. 3. Bikes & Skateboards prohibited. 4. Use Schedule: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Court closes at 9:30 p.m. Follow the Rules: Noncompliance with the rules may lead to ejection and could cause the court to close. There was some discussion over verbiage on the signs. Mr. Thomsen reported that although there has been this one complaint regarding the music, there have also been numerous compliments about how nice the courts are. Update on Northland Park Skateboard Facilities: Mr. Thomsen reported that the Northland Park Skateboard Facility is working out well. The kids are using the park as it should be used, putting the trash where it should go and comments regarding the park have been positive. There has only been one complaint and that was on the very first day it opened. Since then things have gone smoothly. Ms. Brown handed out a copy of flyer from a city in Florida that built a skateboard facility and is charging fees. This would something to look into in the future. . . . . Update on Meadowlark Park: Mr. Thomsen informed the group that a questionnaire was sent out to residents by Meadowlark Park on August 5, to be returned by August 21. The questionnaire asked residents what they would like to see done with the park. Once all the results have been summarized, Mr. Thomsen will work with Sue Fitzgerald, City Planner to develop 2 or 3 different plans for the park. These plans will then be presented at a community meeting. Mr. Thomsen stated that Commission is invited to attend. Tax Forfeiture Property: Mr. Cummings informed the group that there are several parcels of land available due to tax forfeiture. The group looked at the location of the parcels and what could be done with them if the they acquired by the City. It was determined that only the two contiguous lots in Radle's Hilltop Addition would be worth acquiring. They are located next to an existing park and pond area and would extend the open space in this area. Motion by Mr. Polehna, seconded by Ms. Flinn to acquire the two contiguous lots in Radle's Hilltop Addition and forgo the rest. All in favor. New Business Mr. Liehr stated that Pioneer Park looked very nice with the new play equipment. Mr. Thomsen stated that there were no bids received for restrooms at Pioneer Park. The City will have to re-bid the project. This will set construction back about 1 Yz months. Ms. Amrein suggested that the Commission put on a Celebration of Our Parks Day in the spring or summer of next year. This would be a good way to get the residents of our neighborhoods out to the Parks. Mr. Polehna stated that Washington County has a Explore your Washington County Park Day that we could use as a model. Motion by Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. 08/27/98 1999 CAP IT AL OUTLAY . ADDITION PROPOSED & DEPARTMENT REQUESTED (REDUCTION) RECOMMENDED Library - Operations L.A. N. $26,000.00 $26,000.00 (2) Computers $3,800.00 $3,800.00 ..'" File cabinet $1,070.00 $1,070.00 11 Literature rack $1,000.00 $1,000.00 CD. shelving $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Total Library - Operations $33,870.00 $0.00 $33,870.00 Library - Facility J Tile roof repair $7,000.00 $7,000.00 Signs $2,000.00 ($2,000.00) $0.00 Cornice repair $25,000.00 $25,000.00 J Stabilize exterior planters $25,000.00 ($20,000.00) $5,000.00 Plaster repair $10,000.00 $10,000.00 { Fire escape repairs $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Lighting improvements $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Furniture repairlreplacement $5,275.00 $5,275.00 "-J Air quality improvements $3,000.00 $3,000.00 Total Library - Facility $85,275.00 ($22,000.00) $63,275.00 }'- ~ TOTAL LIBRARY FUND: $119,145.00 ($22,000.00) $97,145.00 Parks Mower and attachments $35,000.00 $35,000.00 Aeravator with roller $12,200.00 $12,200.00 Flower gardens on Main Street $6,000.00 ($6,000.00) $0.00 Territorial Prison monument $15,000.00 ($15,000.00) $0.00 Lowell Park sidewalk $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Storage building $22,000.00 $22,000.00 Picnic shelter at Northland Park $6,500.00 $6,500.00 !~ Re-wire backstop & ballfield at Northland $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Picnic shelter at Washington $6,500.00 ($6,500.00) $0.00 '.1 Picnic shelter at Lily Lake $6,500.00 $6,500.00 Play equipment at lily Lake $3,000.00 $3,000.00 Drinking fountain at Ramsey $1,900.00 $1,900.00 Barbecue grill at Ramsey $2,100.00 $2,100.00 ~ Basketball court at Schulenberg $29,000.00 ($29,000.00) $0.00 Fence at Staples ballfield $3,200.00 $3,200.00 Replace backstop at Staples $3,000.00 $3,000.00 Meadowlark Park Improvement $130,000.00 ($130,000.00) $0.00 Boardwalk at Lily Lake $20,000.00 $20,000.00 Flagpole at Lily Lake $2,500.00 Land for new Parks $400,000.00 $400,000.00 TOTAL PARKS FUND: $708,400.00 ($186,500.00) $519,400.00 DEPARTMENT REQUESTED . Library - Operations L.A.N. $26,000.00 (2) Computers $3,800.00 File cabinet $1.070.00 literature rack $1,000.00 C.D. shelving $2,000.00 -:[ Total library - Operations $33,870.00 Library - Facility Tile roof repair $7,000.00 j Signs $2,000.00 Cornice repair $25,000.00 Stabilize exterior planters $25,000.00 ~ Plaster repair $10,000.00 Fire escape repairs $6,000.00 ~ lighting improvements $2,000.00 Furniture repair/replacement $5,275.00 Air quality improvements $3,000.00 T otallibrary - Facility $85,275.00 TOTAL LIBRARY FUND: $119,145.00 ~ .{ Parks Mower and attachments $35,000.00 Aeravator with roller $12,200.00 ~ Flower gardens on Main Street $6,000.00 Territorial Prison monument $15,000.00 Lowell Park sidewalk $2,000.00 Storage building $22,000.00 Picnic shelter at Northland Park $6,500.00 Re-wire backstop & ballfield at Northland $2,000.00 Picnic shelter at Washington $6,500.00 Picnic shelter at Lily Lake $6,500.00 Play equipment at Lily Lake $3,000.00 Drinking fountain at Ramsey $1,900.00 Barbecue grill at Ramsey $2,100.00 Basketball court at Schulenberg $29,000.00 Fence at Staples ballfield $3,200.00 Replace backstop at Staples $3,000.00 Meadowlark Park Improvement $130,000.00 Boardwalk at Lily Lake $20,000.00 Flagpole at Lily Lake $2,500.00 . TOTAL PARKS FUND: $308,400.00 1999 CAPITAL UI... I: I-A '( . . . RESOLUTION NO. 98-251 A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING PARK LAND WHEREAS, the City is the owner of property that -has been called the "Aiple Property" upon which Aiple Towing Company and Stillwater/St. Croix Barge Terminal Company have operated a barge terminal and barge repair facility; and WHEREAS, the lease between the Aiple interests and the City of Stillwater made for forty (40) years, expired on the 22nd day of September, 1998, and the property has been returned to the City in fee simple; and WHEREAS, the City has conducted a Comprehensive Park Planning process for the property to determine the feasibility of the property as a City park and the plan is enthusiastic in it's endorsement of the area as park land; and WHEREAS, the property is in need of designation as a park in order to ensure that it will remain as a park in perpetuity and be subject to all of the protections for park land contained in the City of Stillwater Charter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the property in the attached Exhibit "A" formerly known as the Aiple Property be and the same hereby is designated as park land. 1998. Enacted by the City Council of the City of Stillwater this 22nd day of September , CITY OF STILL WATER rrp;;fo {L),fl h ) M~rli eldon, Clerk ,. . . . ',. ! ..../ I I All that part of Government Lot One (1), Section Twenty-seven (27), and of Government Lots Two (2) and Three (3), Section Thirty-four (34), in Township Thirty (30) North, Ran~e Twenty (20) West, described 3S tollows: Commencing ut the Meander Corner on the lVest lino ot soid Section Twenty-seven (27) where said i'/ost line ot :)ection 'rwenty-sevon (27) intorsects the Westerly shore line ot Lalee St. CrOix, thence South aloug salJ \'Iest line of said Section Twenty-seven (27) to its intorsection with tho ~asterly ril;ht of way lino of the Chic8l;'o, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Hallway; thenoe Southerly along said ri~ht of way line to the North line of Lot Five (5), DIock One (1) of Hersey, Staples and Co.'s Addition to Stillwater, extended West to the said ~astcrly right of way line of said Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Quaha Railway; thence l::ast along the North line of said Lot Five (5), Dlocle One (1) as extended and along the North line of said Lot (5), Dloclt One (1), and an extension thereof to tho Westerly shore line of '~ke St. Croix; thence in a Northerly direction along the Westerly shore line of ,aid Lake St. Croi~ to the point of beginning;/ " EXHIBIT "A" . City of Stillwater Position Statement Regarding New St. Croix River Crossing Location The City of Stillwater does not approve of or support in any way Braun Alternatives A or B. The impacts are devastating to the Downtown and the broader Stillwater Community. The City of Stillwater does support the original, final EIS preferred Alternative located in the Southern Corridor. Any other river crossing location alternative supported by the City of Stillwater must adequately address the following areas of City concern: a. The bridge and road design and placement shall minimize the impact (visual and . functional) on the use of the Aiple Property Park. In no case shall the new bridge or road result in the cutting into or disruption of the existing bluffline or shoreline. b. Traffic noise resulting from the roadway and bridge improvements shall be mitigated and reduced to the maximum extent economically feasible (this may take the form of special noise attenuation road and bridge design or reduced highway speeds). c. Stormwater management ponding areas shall be located south of the new bridge and not on the Aiple Property Park (this may require pumping of stormwater to EIS preferred Alternative ponding locations). . d. The interchange design for TH 35 and 95 shall provide direct and convenient access to . . . Downtown Stillwater without circuitous traffic movement causing congestion and traffic delays. e. Convenient pedestrian and bicycle access shall be provided from the Aiple Property park to and across the new bridge. f. All impacts to Stillwater's riverfronts, parks and open space system shall be minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent feasible. . . . ~ ~ N ST. CROIX RIVER CROSSING ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES 9/9/98 SEP 22 . September 17, 1998 . . Nile Kriesel City Administrator 216 N. 4th St. N. Stillwater, MN 55082 Dear Mr. Kriesel: I am forwarding this letter to you after reading the Star Tribune article ( week of September 14) pertaining to the skateboard facility located in Northland Park. My family lives in North St. Paul. We enjoy many aspects of your wonderful city such as the fireworks display on the 4th, nice restaurants, boating on the river, hiking, shopping, etc. My son, who is 18, was very happy to hear about the new skateboard park since it has always been difficult to find a place, other than your own driveway, to skate. He has been skateboarding since he has been 13 years old. It has been very frustrating for him and for us to find a safe place for him to enjoy his sport. In the last few years, it has increased in popularity yet there is no place where they are allowed and in many instances, my sons and his friends are treated with disrespect. There is always city funds for tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields and hiking/biking trails. I feel skateboarding is no different. It is good exercise, keeps teenagers busy and they enjoy being outdoors. Last week, I visited the park and watched my son and his friend. At the time, there were about 25 kids skateboarding. In reference to the article, a few neighbors were complaining about the noise generated by the skateboards. As I watched, I noticed that skateboarding is kind of a solitary sport. Even though they are together skating, they rarely say much to each other. There was no yelling, foullangage or fooling around. They were too busy perfecting their own moves. I also noticed that the older kids were really watchful of the littler kids and kept out of their way. I feel that the noise was minimal (no worse than a cheering crowd at a baseball game). It closes at 6:00 p.m. which is reasonable for neighbors. What is city park for anyway? It should be for the recreation and enjoyment of our young people too! I have heard that Oakdale is considering a skateboard park. They also experience problems with what to do with the growing amount of kids interested in the activity. I think every city should consider what you have done since all other sports are readily accepted at city parks. I am impressed with how nice this facility is maintained and I hope you continue to use this location in the future for our kids to have a great time! Sincerely, ~ ~~<i\~~ Cathy Hannigan ~. , ' SAINT PAUL PIONEER PRESS F 3C METRO/ REGION t>isc golfs popularity on the upswing i -NeweslcoUrse -- in Cottage Grove is state's 30th HEATHER JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Casually IF YOU GO t 0 s sin g The course is in around a Frisbee disk Cottage Grove's Oakwood Park, during a pic- 7815 Harkness nic has its Avenue, open merits. But from 7 a.m. to flinging a d k C II (651) flying disk us. a 458-2847 for with the in- more information tent of land- or go to ing it in a www.dlsc- · chain basket golf. com attached to a 5-foot pole produces a whole dif- ferent feeling. SO'sIi;Ys Inver Grove Heights re. and Twin Cities disc golf co designer Chuck Kennedy. "Watching the Frisbee swoop is a great feeling," said Kennedy, 45. "There's a certain beauty in watching that." Unlike in traditional golf, he added, disc golf provides literal i hands-on contact with the flying object. "You're actually handling 'the thing that's going to fly through the air. It's totally you." Kennedy's expertise with the sport, not to mention his enthusi- asm for it, helped Cottage Grove this summer construct its first disc golf course. The 18-hole course in Oakwood Park recently was completed, except for minor fix-ups still needed, and now is open for play. An official grand opening, with demonstrations by avid players, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 11. I The sport is similar to tradition- , al golf in that the object is to land BUZZ MAGNUSON/ PIONEER PRESS Gene LaForge watches as John Byrd, also of St. Paul, tosses a flying disk In a state doubles tournament at the new Cottage Grove disc golf course. Byrd's throw landed In the basket, which Is the goal In disc golf. -frYing disks into liOIes, in disc golf's case the hole being a chain basket. Different flying disks, all of which are smaller, thinner and denser than your average Frisbee disk, are used depending on the "hole." For example, a putter or driver disk may be used. Golf disks cost about $8 to $10 a piece. Playing disc golf courses in pub- lic parks costs nothing. Individuals_ or groups of people can play a round of 18 holes; one person can play Inabout anliour.------- The city of Cottage Grove is using a $5,000 grant from the Min- nesota Recreation and Park Asso- ciation to offset costs of construct- ing the course, the 15th such one in the Twin Cities. The city worked with Tree Trust, a Twin Cities non-profit group, to build the course, said John Fredrickson, Cottage Grove Director of Parks and- Recreation. Designing the course was left Upi to Kennedy, who is well known locally for his knowledge of the sport. Founder of the national Disc Golf Course Designers Group, Kennedy designed a course in In- ver Grove Heights and has up- graded others through the years. He's also a member of the Minne- sota Frisbee Association and a representative for Disc Golf Asso- ciation, a basket manufacturer. Cottage Grove's course, the 30th one in the state, is considered dif- ferent from others. "They feel this one is rather unique because most of the holes are in the woods," Fredrickson said. "It should be a real chal- lenge." The course also features the latest basket design. Half of the holes, ranging in length from 150 feet to 350 feet for beginners, are in the woods. Strange as it may sound, Kennedy said, throwing a disk straight is more difficult than getting it to turn left or right. . This is not to say playing the course is overly difficult, he said. "Any body type can be success-! ful at this game," he said. I In its 25-year history, the sport of disc golf has attracted mostly males age 15 to 25. Some people like the game because it's less team-oriented than other activi- ties. But more and more people, including females, are trying it out. The sport is growing by 20 per- cent a year, Kennedy said. Minne- sota ranks third in the number of courses, behind California and Texas, he said. Heather Johnson, who covers Washing- ton County for the Pioneer Press, can be reached at hJohnson @ploneer- press. com or (651) 228-5469.