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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-20 PRC Packet ~ .. ~i1~te~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA ~ STILL WATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOTICE DE.CEMBER 20, 2004 The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet on Monday, December 20, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 216 N. 4th Street AGENDA 1. Approval of November 29,2004 Minutes 2. Request to use Public Works Ball Field by St. Croix Baseball Association 3. Request for plaque for Mary Rita Trail 4. Plans for Schulenburg and "Prairie Park" 5. Adjourn to Holiday Party Holiday party to follow at Board Member Polehna's home. Please bring dish to pass. CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 ' PHONE: 651-430-8800 Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board November 29, 2004 Present: Mike Polehna, Chair Linda Amrein, Dawn Flinn, Gary Kriesel, Rob McGarry, Sandy Snellman Others: Steve Russell, Community Development Director; Bob Kaufman and son. Absent: Paul Donna The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chair Polehna. It was moved by Ms. Amrein and seconded by Ms. Snellman to approve the minutes of the September 27,2004 meeting. Motion carried. Northland Hockey Rink/Warming House Request: Mr. Kaufman had sent an e-mail to board members. He was at the meeting to answer questions and to summarize what his group is trying to do. Mr. Polehna remarked that Mr. Kaufman's plan was how Stillwater used to do things. Mr. Kaufman said that his group was open to suggestions. There are 250 children in the Mite program. There is great interest among them to use an outdoor rink. Mr. Kaufman said he could probably get volunteers to help maintain the facilities. Mr. McGarry asked how many nights the rink would be used by the hockey program. Mr. Kaufman responded one or two. Mr. Kriesel remarked that he thought a warming house was very important. Mr. Kaufman said that it was his understanding it used to be open but was closed because it wasn't used. His group would have a key to it and would only open it when the Mites were us- ing the rink. Mr. Kreisel said he would like to see the warming house staffed full-time, if possible. The lights are on a timer. Mr. Kaufman is checking on some other rinks as well so if the Stillwater rink is available, he would need it from one to three nights a week. He said the Mites would probably start around 6:00 p.m. and be done by 8:00 p.m. Mr. Russell stated the use would have to be coordinated through the Park's office. Mr. Kaufman offered to pay a damage deposit to use the facilities. Mr. Polehna asked if anyone wanted to make a motion. Ms. Snellman moved to allow the hockey association to use the rink three nights per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with use of the warming house to be staffed by the hockey association with payment of a damage deposit. Motion seconded by Ms. Amrein. Mr. Kaufman asked if the group wanted to determine the amount of the damage deposit. Mr. Polehna suggested $500 in a cashier's check to be returned at the end of the season if the premises are left in satisfactory condition. Motion carried. Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board November 29,2004 Page 2 Ms. Snellman moved that Mr. Kriesel ask the City Council to open the warming house for public use for a few hours each week (particularly Friday nights and weekends) dur- ing the skating season with it to be staffed by someone hired by the City. Mr. Kaufman said he would be willing to find someone to staffit. Mr. McGarry seconded. Motion passed. Report on Parks Planning Meetings Ms. Amrein said that she thought the meetings were great and that it was interesting to listen to neighbors. Mr. Russell reported that the park plans are developed after the sub- divisions are built so they can determine what people want and need. He, however, won- dered if park use should be considered before people move into a new development. Mr. Russell said that typically park improvements are phased in over time. There are a lot of children in Settlers Glen. Mr. Russell suggested having a park planned when a subdivi- sion is being built. Mr. Kriesel asked what kind of ball field was planned for the area. Mr. Russell said it was more like Washington Park-aimed for younger children. Ms. Snellman reported that she thought some people would be okay with ball fields for younger children but not older ones. Mr. Russell stated there would be follow-up meetings in January. He sug- gested that Sue Fitzgerald attend the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Polehna recom- mended the group reconsider its approach. Mr. Kriesel stated that residents should be told what will be included in the park and that they can request additional things. Mr. Polehna suggested talking to some other growing communities (Maple Grove, Woodbury, Plymouth, etc.) to see how they handle the issue of parks. Mr. Russell will take charge of the issue. Proposal for Brown's Creek Park Master Plan Mr. Russell said the City was in the process of purchasing the last few parcels of land. A trail system is being developed along with restoration of some sites. The idea is to pre- pare a coordinated master plan for the entire area, including a maintenance schedule. There is money for the project. Mr. Russ.ell would like more specificity and detail. Mr. Polehna said that a number of years ago a priority list had been made of parks that would have a master plan. He wondered if that was being followed. Mr. Russell said that he hadn't looked at the list recently but could do so. Mr. Russell said that there needed to be discussion of how the various sites would be used. Ms. Amrein asked if a public hearing would be part of the process. Mr. Russell said it could be. He added there were meetings with the neighbors and Park Board. Mr. Pohlena said he felt there should be an open house to show what the plans were. Mr. Kriesel..asked if there was any idea of the cost to get all the plans done up. Mr. Russell didn't know. Mr. Pohlena asked what Mr. Russell needed from the group. Mr. Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board November 29,2004 Page 3 Russell said that he has to talk with the City Council, so it would be helpful to have sup- port from the group. Mr. Pohlena asked for a motion to present to the Council for ap- proval of funding to proceed with the master pIan process. Ms. Snellman moved. Mr. McGarry seconded. Motion carried. Outside Skating Areas for 2004-05 Ms. Amrein inquired if this was the same as last year. Mr. McGarry said he thought it was. Mr. Kriesel asked the size of the Oak Park rink. Mr. Polehna responded that he didn't know but it was quite small. Mr. Kriesel questioned keeping Benson Park going because it is so small and not used a lot. Mr. McGarry said he would like to know how much more effort would be needed to make some of the smaller rinks bigger and/or bet- ter. If it can't be done, perhaps the smaller ones shouldn't be maintained. Mr. Russell stated that he didn't think there was a good sense of how many people use the rinks. Mr. McGarry commented that the last few winters have not been very conducive to outdoor skating. Mr. Pohlena remarked that the old high school had a nice rink and suggested that that be resurrected. It also has a warming house. Mr. Russell will pass the comments on. The group suggested that only 3-4 good sized rinks should be maintained. The small rinks should be eliminated. Other Items a. CR5/62nd, Curve Crest and Brown's Creek Trail Improvements: Mr. Pohlena com- mented that it was great. The link by Deer Path needs to be completed. Mr. Russell said he thought the trails were plowed but were lower in priority than the streets. Mr. Russell reported that Friday was volunteer day for Brown's Creek. There were about 50 people in attendance. A lot of good maintenance work was completed in three hours. Mr. Russell stated there were plans to have an alumni ski race on New Year's Day to raise money for new uniforms. Mr. Russell asked if the group could host the race at Brown's Creek. The Board said that was fine. b. December Meeting: Mr. Polehna asked if there was any public building where the group could meet and have a Christmas party afterward. Mr. Pohlena offered to host it. The meeting will be at the government building and will then adjourn to the Pohlena home. Everyone will bring some finger/snack foods. The date is Monday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Amrein asked ifthe Council had taken any action on Kolliner Park. Mr. Kriesel said there was a resolution to keep it in its natural condition. Ms. Amrein asked about Kroc money for the community center. Mr. Polehna said he had written e-mails, sent letters and made phone calls but had gotten no response. He will attend the meeting on Friday morning. He said he had received many calls from people saying a community center Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board November 29,2004 Page 4 was needed. Ms. Amrein asked about the Stonebridge PT A. Mr. Polehna said he told them to come to the meeting but no one showed up. Ms. Flinn asked about the Lowell Park plan. Mr.. Russell said the Corps of Engineers was working on a flood protection plan. We have part of the money but no firm idea of when the rest will be received. Mr. Russell said the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association wants to take over the field near the public works facility. He's going to invite the Association's person to the next meeting. The group wants to control the field, make improvements and maintain it. It was moved by Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. McGarry and Mr. Kriesel to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara J. McDonald /bjm SAINT CROIX VALLEY BASEBALL ASSOCIATION (Draft Proposal to Partner with the City of Stillwater and to make improvements to the Public Works Field) 11/01/04 SAINT CROIX VALLEY BASEBALL ASSOCIATION 16035 1 ST STREET NORTH LAKELAND, MN 55043 Dear Mr. Larry Hansen and Mr. Tim Thompson, The SCVBA is seeking to use the Public Works Field in a "scheduled arrangement" with the City of Stillwater. This proposal assures the Public Works Field will be for baseball players in the Saint Croix Valley area. This proposal seeks to obtain from the City, specific hours of access for as long as deemed beneficial to the City of Stillwater. This proposal seeks to use the field during the baseball season from April through August beginning in the spring of 2005. The SCVBA requests the use of the Public Works Field during specified hours, and in return, the SCVBA will provide daily field maintenance and some capital improvements. This proposal is a request to use the field during the day Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM until 1 0:00 PM, and on Weekends from 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM. The SCVBA will clear the many rocks in the outfield. The City of Stillwater will then top seed the outfield and add top soil where necessary. The SCVBA will manage the scheduling of practices and games for the SCVBA, during the hours approved. The SCVBA will manage the daily maintenance & field preparation for all SCVBA games and practices including lines, infield maintenance (SCVBA will provide a locked shed for baseball maintenance supplies and equipment). The City of Stillwater will provide weekly lawn services, trash pickup, and a lavatory service. Long Term Plan: The SCVBA will provide a grass infield and maintain this grass infield (The City of Stillwater will water and fertilize as needed). The SCVBA will manage the repairing and the addition of fencing as necessary. The SCVBA will manage the selling of and the addition of advertising for the field. The SCVBA will manage the addition of concessions. The SCVBA will provide concrete dugouts. Note: The SCVBA would appreciate having access to additional city fields without a specific or partnership arrangement but is open to partnering with the city in a similar relationship to that above should that opportunity present itself. Sincerely, John J. Rooney President Saint Croix Valley Baseball Association .. . City of Stillwater Attention: Larry Hansen I am submitting a check for $2020.45 to be used for the "Mary Rita Trail" Please use this to create a remembrance to her. My thoughts would be a plaque that states: MARY RITA TRAIL This trail is named in honor of Mary Rita Furseth Peroceschi. She fought to create a safe passage for the physically challenged and well as the other residents. We remember her The Ones that Love Her I know you where told differently, but things, as you very well know, can change Please call me David Peroceschi 651-253-4767 MEMORANDUM TO: Klayton Eckles, Tim Thomsen, Sue Fitzgerald, File FROM: Steve Russell, Community Development Director v DATE: December 3,2004 SUBJECT: Parks Board Meeting November 29,2004 results The Parks Board took the following actions: 1. Request by the Stillwater Hockey Association Mites program to use Northland hockey rink and warming house. Action: The Parks Board approved the request for mites use of the hockey rink and warming.house a maximum of 3 nights, Monday.through Thursday. The cost of opening and using the warming house. would be the Hockey Association's. A security deposit of $500.00 suggested and fire and liability insurance for use of the facility was recommended. In addition, the Board recommended the City staff the warming house during selected time periods during the winter. Board member and Council representative Kriesel will bring this item to the Council for consideration and funding. 2. Park Planning Updates A. Schulenberg Park - Staff report indicated results of first park meeting. Most of residences in attendance represented residents that live close to the park. They indicated there are not many youth in the neighborhood and preferred a low intensity park including junior ball field and sitting areas 10cated to have views of the St. Croix Valley. Some historic interpretation of the site was recommended. Board member Linda Amrein attended the Schulenberg park meeting. A second meeting will be scheduled for January 2005. B. Settler's Glen Park - A better turn out participated in the planning meeting. Board member Sandy Snellman attended the meeting. Again many of the residents attending the meeting resided close to the park and were concerned about the activity in the park on their property. A low- key quite park was suggested including play equipment for 1 to 10 years olds, benches, a gazebo, skating rink, boulders and no softball/soccer field or trails. (The park was sized for a junior ballfield/soccer field). The Parks Board discussed a planning processor first going to the. neighborhood with ideas then developing alternative plans. It was suggested that the City (Parks Board) has interest in programming neighborhood parks that should be considered along with neighborhood input. They were concerned that residents adjoining the park many not want activities because it would impact their property. The Parks Board requested Parks Planner Sue Fitzgerald to come to the December Board meeting to review and provide input for possible future plans for the two parks. 3. Brown's Creek Park master plan. The Board reviewed the scope of services. They generally felt that with the addition of Boutwell cemetary north of Boutwell Road and Neal A venue properties a pIan for future use of the area and management/maintenance practices should be established. The Board felt they should be involved with developing and reviewing the plan and that a public workshop should be held at some point in the planning process. The Parks Board supported the planning effort. 4. Outside Skating Rinks The Parks Board reviewed the skating rink report provided by Tim Thomsen. They felt that some of the areas proposed for flooding were to small and that parks staff efforts should be placed on fewer but larger skating areas. Members' felts Benson and Triangle park skating areas were to small to be used much. They felt probably a larger DId Athletic Field and Staples Field areas would be of more benefit. Staff was directed to communicate with the Park Supervisor on Board concerns. Some Board members felt Lily Lake or McKusick Lake should be used for skating. This has been mentioned in the past but concerns of safety and difficult of maintenance were raised. 5. Other trails Public works crews were commended on the installation of the 62nd Street North trail connections. 6. December meeting Chairman Pohlena offered to host a Board Christmas party after the regular meeting, December 20th, 2004.