HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-24 PRC Packet
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THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA ~
CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
NOTICE OF MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 24,2006
6:00 PM
The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet on Monday, July 24, 2006, at 6 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street.
AGENDA
1. Approval of the June 26, 2006 Minutes
Action Items
2. Picnic Table Standard
Informational Items
3. Staples Field Basketball Court
4. Teddy Bear Park Noise
5. Other Items
Park Tour
6. Park Tour
a. Washington School Site
b. Staples Field
c. Schulenberg Park
d. Settler's Glen Park Site
CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STREET · STillWATER, MINNESOTA 55082
PHONE: 651-430-8800 · WEBSITE: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
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City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
June 26, 2006
Present: Linda Amrein, chair
David Brandt, Paul Donna, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt,
Cathy Sewilo and Sandy Snellman
Others: Community Development Director Bill Turnblad and Planner Mike Pogge
Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted there was a typo in the spelling of Parks Director
Tim Thomsen's name in the second reference in the matter related to the Chicago Dogs
request. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Sewilo, moved approval of the minutes of May 22,
2006, with the correction noted by Ms. Amrein. Motion passed unanimously.
Staples Field basketball court neiqhborhood meetino
Mr. Pogge reviewed the timeline of previous Board actions related to the Staples Field
basketball court that resulted in the Council's closing of the court in June of 2002.
Ms. Amrein opened the meeting to public comment.
Andy Jenks, 1209 Second St., said he brought the issue of the possible reopening of the
court before the Board because his boy would like to play basketball in the
neighborhood. He noted that New Heights charter school would be delighted to be able
to make use of the court during the school days. If basketball isn't allowed, he asked that
the area be used for another purpose.
John Esseton, 1112 N. Second St., said he used to play wheelchair basketball at the
court, which was good for that use because it was fenced. He said there are a lot of
people who would like to use the court and agreed that the court would be a nice
resource for New Heights charter school. He also asked that the court space be put to
some other use if basketball use is not reconsidered.
Vik Wilson, 906 N. Fourth St., urged the Board to use the space in some other way if the
court is not used for basketball. The existing locked court is a wasted resource, he said.
He said if the court is reopened for basketball, the Board/City does need to pay attention
to the issues that resulted in the closing of the court in 2002. He said he would be OK
with the basketball use if there is a plan to deal with the issues.
Gail Thompson, 401 W. Wilkin, who lives immediately adjacent to the court spoke of the
previous problems and the constant noise. She said the Council voted to permanently
close the courts and wondered why the use was being reconsidered.
Todd Sharkey, 1003 N. Fifth St., also spoke of previous problems, including traffic and
loud people, related to the basketball use. He said a survey should have been done of
the neighborhood before the court was first installed. He suggested the poles/fence
could be used someplace else. He suggested the area could be used for picnic tables or
perhaps a garden club could do something with the space.
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City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
Page 2 of 5
Cindy Weckworth, 512 W. Elm, said she moved to the neighborhood after the court was
closed. She said she likes the idea of a basketball court but does have empathy for
neighbors regarding the issue of noise. She urged the Board to consider some other use
for the space.
Herb Roettger, 318 W. Wilkins, said basketball should not be reconsidered. He said the
people directly adjacent to the court suffered miserably when the court was in use and
said such a facility needs a large buffer between residential properties. However, he said
the Board should decide on some other use for the space.
Mark Simon, 502 W. Elm, said when his daughter was growing up, there was no
opportunity for her to play basketball on the North Hill. While he said he understood
concerns, he urged the Board to consider other options for the use of the space.
Scott Severin, 324 W. Wilkins, who lives across the street from the court, said he hopes
that whatever use is considered, it is something other than basketball.
Andy Jenks, 1209 N. Second St., suggested a possible compromise - partnering with
New Heights school and perhaps moving the hoops to the former Washington School
site.
Mark Walker spoke of the previous problems with the basketball use and said he would
not want the hoops put back up, saying the neighborhood is much quieter now. He
suggested leaving the fence up and utilizing the space for picnic tables. He also said
using the space for hockey would result in problems and he would not favor that use.
No other comments were received, and the public meeting was closed. Ms. Snellman
said she was not prepared to act on the issue at this time, saying the Board should look
at various options for use of the space. Ms. Amrein noted that comments indicated
residents would like the space used in some manner if the court is not reopened. Mr.
Brandt agreed the Board needed to research options. There was a brief discussion as to
the location of other basketball locations on the North Hill.
Gail Thompson said she has a transcript of the Council meeting in which the Council
voted to close the basketball court permanently and asked that the Board vote
immediately that the space not be used as a basketball court. Ms. Amrein assured Ms.
Thompson that the Board would be responsive to neighbors' concerns. Mr. Brandt said
the Board should look at alternatives for the possible relocation of the basketball
equipment and reuse possibilities. It was the consensus of the Board to look at possible
locations for reuse of the equipment during the July park tour and hold another public
meeting in several months to discuss options for use of the Staples Field space. Ms.
Amrein thanked those in attendance for their comments.
Teddv Bear Park policies
Mr. Pogge reviewed the park facilities and showed photos. He said the City had received
several letters regarding concerns about the noise created by the park's whistles and
train bell; teen use of the park at night; the pedestrian crossing at Second and Nelson;
and animals.
Mr. Pogge then went through the recommended policies.
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City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
Page 3 of 5
Park hours: Staff recommendation was to set hours for Teddy Bear Park as 8 a.m. to 8
p.m. ApriI1-Sept. 30 and 8 a.m. to dusk Oct. 1-March 31. Mr. Milbrandt said he thought
that the park building would be closed in the winter. Mr. Pogge noted the building has
minimal heating capacity. Administrator Hansen, on hand for the park policy discussion,
said the intent is to drain the heating system down so the cost does not become a
burden on the City. Mr. Milbrandt noted that during summer, dusk could be after 9 p.m.
Mr. Milbrandt suggested hours be stated as 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or dusk, whichever is
earlier, from April 1-0ct. 1, with the park itself to remain open after Oct. 1 weather
permitting. The Board concurred with that suggestion.
Park gate: The Board agreed with the staff recommendation that the gate should be
closed and locked when the park is closed.
Alcohol consumption: It was staff recommendation that due to the nature of the park,
Teddy Bear Park be designated an alcohol-free park. Ms. Amrein said she favored that
policy. Mr. Brandt brought up the issue of perhaps allowing alcohol consumption in the
park building in order to be attractive for corporate rentals, small weddings and other
such rentals. Ms. Snell man said if rentals are seen as a way to help pay for the park,
perhaps the alcohol policy should be flexible. Mr. Milbrandt noted rentals won't generate
a great amount of money and suggested that the no-alcohol policy be tried for a year;
the Board agreed with that suggestion.
Animals in the park: It was noted that the donors, Tom and Sherry Armstrong, have
already installed signs indicating pets are not allowed in the park. Administrator Hansen
noted that events featuring animals from the Minnesota Zoo are planned at the park; it is
the Armstrongs' wish that normal domesticated animals be prohibited from the park, he
said. The Board agreed with the no-pet policy.
Building rental: Mr. Pogge noted the staff recommendation is to not place a limit on the
type of event allowed in the park building, but noted that the City does have the right to
deny any uses that are deemed incompatible with the nature of the park. The Board
agreed with the recommended policy. Mr. Milbrandt asked if users would be required to
cleanup after an event; Mr. Pogge said that would be the policy and said staff currently is
working on formulating an agreement outlining the terms of the rental responsibilities.
The Board also agreed with the recommended rate structure, damage deposit, time
between rentals, and staffing.
Reservation deadline: Mr. Milbrandt questioned the two-week reservation deadline for
Saturday and Sunday use and use after 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mr. Turnblad
said part of the rationale for the two-week deadline is City staffing requirements.
Administrator Hansen noted that currently the City needs to give advance notice for
weekend and evening staffing. Mr. Hansen said while two weeks might not be
necessary, one week would be necessary. Mr. Milbrandt suggested, and the Board
concurred, with the one-week reservation deadline for weekend and evening rentals.
Ginger Johnson, 101 E. Olive St., Jim and Barbara Buggert, 101 E. Olive St., were
present to express their concerns. They spoke of teens being in the park after closing.
Mr. Hansen said that was an enforcement issue that he could work with City Attorney
Magnuson is attempting to resolve.
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City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
Page 4 of 5
The Olive Street residents' primary concern was with the noise issue related to the
whistle and bell. Ms. Johnson used a wooden whistle to demonstrate the continual noise
they have to put up with. Mr. Brandt said he had been at the park's grand opening and
could understand how the sounds might become a source of irritation. Mr. Brandt asked
if there would be any issues with the Armstrongs if the bell and whistles were removed.
Mr. Hansen said he thought the matter could be worked out - the Armstrongs have
indicated to the City "this is your park." At the recommendation of Mr. Milbrandt, staff
was directed to look into alternatives/options regarding the use/removal of the bell and
whistles.
Regarding the concern received about the safety of crossing at Second and Nelson, Mr.
Hansen noted the City is currently in the midst of a stormwater project and said it might
be possible to incorporate a pedestrian crossing with the project.
Ms. Amrein suggested that the restrooms at the park be designated as unisex facilities.
Mr. Turnblad said he would see if that would be allowable according to code.
Mr. Brandt expressed a safety concern regarding the park's slide. He said during the
grand opening, several children came down the slide, bounced off the rubberized
surface and almost hit their heads on nearby concrete. That concern was noted by staff.
Milbrook revised trail and sidewalk plan
Mr. Turnblad reviewed the revised trail and sidewalk plan. He noted that it has been
necessary to revise the plans to address issues with the Carnelian Marine and Brown's
Creek Watershed District, neither of which will allow a trail within the buffer areas in their
respective jurisdictions. As a result, the trails have had to be pulled back from Brown's
Creek and South Twin Lake. In both instances, the trails are as close as possible to the
required watershed buffer areas. He explained that as a result of the revisions, in some
instances where sidewalks and trails became parallel, it made sense, he said, to
eliminate the sidewalks where the trail is in the rear lots. He said staff believes there is a
good chance that both Watersheds will approve the revised plan. Mr. Turnblad noted
that the revised trail/sidewalk plan does not affect the previously approved park plan or
the phasing of the plan.
Phil Carlson and Jay Liberacki were present representing developer, US Homes. Mr.
Milbrandt raised a question as to whether the South Twin Lake setback is from the
ordinary high water mark or the wetlands, noting that the trail could be closer to the lake
depending on whether the OHW or wetlands determine the measurement. Mr. Carlson
said he would check into that and adjust the trail if possible.
Mr. Amrein said she hoped folks buying lots are informed there will be a trail in their
backyard. Mr. Liberacki pointed out the trails will be installed before the lots are
purchased. Mr. Brandt asked if the elimination of some of the sidewalks would change
the traffic patterns to the primary park area. Mr. Carlson said there is still continuity in
sidewalk connections and all the desired trail connections are provided.
Ms. Amrein raised a question about a possible future trail connection to Highway 96 in
the northeast corner of the site. Mr. Milbrandt made a suggestion about a possible
revision of lots 16 and 17 to get a future connection outside a wetlands area. Mr. Carlson
said that would not be a problem.
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City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Board
Page 5 of 5
Mr. Amrein moved to recommend approval of the revised trail and sidewalk plan as
conditioned, with the inclusion of the stated suggestions made regarding realignment of
lots 16 and 17 at the northeast corner of the site. Mr. Brandt seconded the motion;
motion passed unanimously.
Friends of Stillwater Parks special events
Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Mr. Donna, moved to approve the Friends of Stillwater Parks
special events as requested - music, dance and crafts in Pioneer Park on July 20, Art in
the Park at Pioneer Park on Aug. 20 and the Twinkle Parade in Lowell Park on Dec. 2.
Motion passed unanimously.
Informational items
Mr. Pogge reviewed the informational items included in the agenda packet. Regarding
the annual park tour, it was decided to visit Teddy Bear and Settlers Glen parks; the July
meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in order to accommodate the tour.
Regarding the item related to historical monuments, it was noted a recent request for a
monument at the Attwood Mill site resulted in the Heritage Preservation Commission's
decision to consider formulation of a historic monument program of some type. A policy
likely will be coming before the Park Board for review and comment in the near future.
Regarding the budget, Board members were asked to call staff with ideas/suggestions
regarding budget priorities.
Mr. Pogge introduced himself and gave a brief resume of his previous work experience.
Mr. McGarry, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
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THE 8IRTH?'lACr. or M:NN[$Or.4. J
Parks and Recreation Board
DATE:
July 19, 2006
ITEM:
Picnic Table Standard
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD DATE:
July 24, 2006
REVIEWERS: Community Dev. Director, Public Works Superintendent
PREPARED BY: Michel Pogge, City Planner /lWp
DISCUSSION
At the City Council's July 11 meeting staff presented a requested to purchase 8 picnic
tables to be placed in various parks in the Community. At that meeting a
councilmember requested that the Parks Board review the style of tables being
purchased and formally approve a standard for picnic tables that are placed in City
Parks.
For at least the last 10 years the City has been installing steel mesh picnic tables in all of
the parks. The tabletops and benches are plastic-coated with colors that are similar to
the shelter and playground colors in the park the tables are being placed in. The legs of
the tables are black powder coated.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Forward to the City Council a recommendation that City continue to use the plastic-
coated picnic tables as the standard style for all parks in the Community.
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Memo
Community Development Department
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
Parks and Recreation Board
Michel Pogge, City Planner 1H::rf'
July 18, 2006
Informational items for the July 24, 2006 Parks Board meeting
Item 3 - Staples Field Basketball Court
During the neighborhood meeting on June 26 the Parks Board heard from 10
individuals concerning the reopening or reuse of the Staples Field Basketball Court.
The comments were split with 5 supportive of reopening of the court and 5 opposed.
The board asked staff review possible reuses for the site and alternative locations in the
North Hills area for a basketball court. During the park tour the board visit the
Washington School site and Schulenberg Park, which are sites a basketball court could
be installed in.
There are a number of reuses that could be considered for the court. Some of the reuses
that could be considered include outdoor hockey rink, removal of one half of the court
leaving a half court basketball court, or removal of the entire court and leave it as an
open space/ picnic area. Any reuse conversion of the current court will likely not occur
until 2008 in order that it can be budgeted for. If the board decides to remove the court
staff would suggest that we conduct a neighborhood meeting in the late fall/ early
winter time frame to discuss ideas with the neighborhood.
Item 4 - Teddy Bear Park Noise
As the board is aware the City received a number of complaints related to noise at
Teddy Bear Park. Since that time the City has adopted a policy where the park is only
open between 8AM and 8PM. Staff would like to see what effect this change will have
before making any modifications to the equipment. If the City continues to receive
complaints then some action will be taken. Additionally, the bell on the boat at Teddy
Bear Park was stolen. The Armstrong's are having the bell replaced with a like kind
bell.
. .
Item 5 - Other Items
Item 6 - Parks Tour
For this year's park tour the board will be visiting a total of four sites. The first three
sites are in the North Hill area and include the Washington School Site, Staples Field,
and Schulenberg Park. These sites wer~ selected in part to review Staples Field and to
look at possible sites for a new basketball court. The final site is the new Settler's Glen
Park. A map of the City outlining the sites and a route has been included in the packet.
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