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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-23 PRC Packet ( .A1c f ~il~te~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA ~ Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Notice January 23, 2006 The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet on Monday, January 23, 2006, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. Agenda Approval of December 19, 2005 minutes 1. Introduction of Bob Lockyear, Interim City Community Development Director. 2. Update on signs for cross country ski area. 3. Update on filling Community Develop Director's position. 4. Discussion of capital items approved for 2006. 5. Other items. CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 651-430-8800 I t City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board Dec. 19,2005 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Wally Milbrandt, Cathy Sewilo and Sandy Snellman Others: Community Development Director Steve Russell Absent: Paul Donna and Rob McGarry Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes: Linda Amrein noted the minutes approved at the Nov. 28 meeting were those of Oct. 24, as well as a misspelling of Mr. Brandt's name on page 2 of the Nov. 28 minutes. Mr. Milbrandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved approval of the Nov. 28, 2005, minutes as corrected. Liberty West park dedication Mr. Russell reviewed the site. He noted the site will be considered for a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning amendment to change the land use to Small Lot Single Family/Cottage Lot Residential, \l\fhich is consistent with the Liberty designation to the east and south of the site; there is townhouse development on the north side. There are large oak trees on the site, which the developer/consultant has put a lot of effort into preserving. A water feature and extensive trail system are planned. Mr. Russell noted that trails are not considered as part of park dedication. There is an area of public open space area. He said the Planning Commission and staff recommended considering one lot as part of the open space area, which still doesn't meet the 10 percent park dedication requirement but is more than proposed. Other options, he said, are fees in lieu of park dedication or finding that because of the character of the project, the whole development with the preservation of trees, creates a park environment. Present representing the developer were: Marc Putnam, landscape architect; Roger Tomten, architect; and Chris Aamodt, developer. Marc Putman reviewed the plans, focusing on the tree preservation efforts, including expensive retaining walls, the water feature for stormwater storage and highway noise reduction, trails and other amenities. He suggested that in this instance, where trees basically are parks, the focus was on ways to preserve the trees. In some other communities, he said, there is recognition that it is not just flat, open space that makes for parks. In this case, he said extensive park/open space features were designed that may not all be in public ownership but certainly will be available for use by the public. He highlighted trail connections. He also spoke of County plans for Manning Avenue and the County bike trail. Ms. Amrein asked about the staff recommendation to require that the lot east of outlot C be set aside for parks. Mr. Russell said that is staff's recommendation. He said the Planning Commission considered that condition but deferred to the Parks Board for a decision. Mr. Russell noted that the house proposed for the lot in question is located within the drip line of a large tree. Ms. Amrein said the Parks Board has made it a policy not to include trails and other open space that is not buildable as part of parks dedication, noting that the Board just abided by that policy in the park dedication requirements for the Millbrook development. Mr. Putnam asked the Board to consider I the fact that if trails/paths aren't considered in park dedication, the trails usually aren't provided. Mr. Russell pointed out that the City has trail dedication requirements in addition to park dedication. Mr. Milbrandt asked what, if any, of the trails/paths are private. Mr. Putnam said the intent clearly is that they are available to the public, and that condition could be written into the covenants. Ms. Snell man spoke in favor of requiring more open space. Mr. Brandt suggested that with the connection to the Liberty development, parks in that development will be utilized by these residents as well, and expressed a concern about an oak tree that could be damaged by construction equipment. Mr. Milbrandt suggested taking the lot next to C as recommended and making up the rest of the 10 percent dedication requirement in park dedication fees, noting that an active park wouldn't be suitable for this area. Chris Aamodt spoke briefly of the development of the plans to include preservation of the trees and the inclusion of the water feature. Mr. Putnam asked that in setting a fee in lieu of land, some consideration be given to the expense of doing the water feature and retaining walls, an incentive for doing an integral design. Mr. Milbrandt pointed out that the Board could take four lots from a pure numbers standpoint and destroy the ambience of the development; he spoke against waiving the fees and setting such a precedent for future developments. Mr. Milbrandt moved to accept the recommendation to require the lot adjoining lot C and pro-rate the park dedication fee according to that land mass. Mr. Milbrandt noted that would still preserve the amenities and character of the development and preserve the two large standing oaks. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion. Ms. Amrein suggested that the area between the oak trees would be very nice for a public space. Mr. Putnam asked if they would be able to use the required fee to purchase benches or other equipment. Members suggested that would be another discussion but the Board might be amendable to that. Motion to request the dedication of the additional lot east of outlot "C" and pro-rate the park dedication fee passed unanimously. Other items: A memo was provided related to a concern about dog-walking on the City's groomed ski trails. There was a brief discussion about the issue. Mr. Milbrandt suggested staff install some signs regarding using courtesy in using the trails. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary