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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-27 PRC Packet . . . r illwater "~ -- ~ ~ -~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA J STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOTICE NOVEMBER 27, 2000 The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet on Monday, November 27,2000 at 7:00 p.m, at Stillwater CityHall inthe Council Chambers Conference Room 213,216 N. 4th Street. AGENDA 1. Approval of October 23,2000 Minutes, 2, Lake Links Update, 3. Update McKusick Lake Ravine, 4. Staples Field Survey, 5 Winter Skating Rinks. 6, Wil1terTrail Plowing, 7, Trail Plan Update. 8. Parks }3oard"tyiembership, 9, Other items, FYI - Browns Creek TrailMap CITY HAll: 216 NORTH FOURTH STillWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 651-430-8800 . . . City of Stillwater Parks & Recreation Commission October 23, 2000 Present: Steve Wolff, Linda Amrein, Delwin Peterson (Chair), Michael Polehna (Vice Chair), David G. Junker, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt, Dawn Flinn and Richard Cummings (City Council representative) Absent: Sara Thingvold Others Present: Steve Russell, Community Development Director Mr, Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m, Diane Martinek was introduced as the new recording secretary beginning November 1,2000, Approval of minutes: Wally Milbrandt, seconded by Linda Amrein, moved approval of the September 25,2000 minutes as presented; motion passed unanimously, Comorehensive Trail Plan: Del Peterson explained that at the PlanningiParks Joint Board meeting on the Comprehensive Trail Plan on Octoberl6, the Parks Commission did not have a quorum present to take action on the plan so it was being brought before the Parks Board tonight for comments and decisions, The Planning Commission approved a plan map at the Oct. 16th meeting and approved text, with additional language regarding a system of multi-use trails in the city, Staff recommends that the Parks Board look at the trail map and indicate approval and list high-priority trails that should initially be considered for implementation/improvement. The plan draft was included in the September 25th packet. Mike Polehna was asked to help with some of the issues of definitions - to broaden the. plan language, The plan, to a great extent, talked mainly about bicycle and non-bicycle uses and the Parks Board wants to encourage more of a multi-use facet. Mike Polehna recently attended a conference on trails and parks in Scottsdale, AZ and explained that he had gathered a lot of information that can be utilized here, Definitions regarding true multi-use trails, signage for those trails and how to plan ahead of time (before development) for the trails were discussed. He stated that he did not have any information yet on an "Adopt a Trail" program but could adapt some from similar "Adopt a Park" programs. The meaning of multi-use was discussed, Walking, cycling,jogging, roller-blading, roller-skiing, roller-skating, Non-motorized (except for motorized wheel chairs) traffic only, The trails would meet the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Del Peterson pointed out that the Parks Board was being asked for "approval in concept" of the plan. Commission member Steve Wolff moved for approval of the Comprehensive Trail Plan Map; Dawn Flinn seconded, motion passed unanimously, . . . Prioritizing the trails was set aside to accommodate some members of the audience who came to discuss the McKusick Ravine even though these issues were not on the agenda, Mr. Russell advised that this issue be deferred to a later date because Klayton Eckles, City Engineer was not in attendance but Del Peterson decided that the Board would entertain a very few comments from John Vaughn in the audience, Mr. Vaughn brought in and passed out some information on McKusick Ravine that he said he submitted to the city manager back on May 5th and still had no response. Citizens to Protect the Ravine is the name of the group that Mr. Vaughn was representing. This group is requesting that the city will forgo its plans to pave a road in the ravine, (Rich Cummings strongly stated that the city never intended to install a paved road in the ravine but access for the Public Works Department) that more pro-active measures will be taken to preserve the wildlife, flora and fauna in the ravine, and that the city would enter into a stewardship agreement with the neighbors of the ravine to maintain it as in inner-city wilderness area. He presented a petition with over four hundred signatures of residents who were dissatisfied with the City's plans, Mr, Vaughn also requested that a citizen advisory group be appointed to participate in the planning of the McKusick Ravine plans, Mr. Peterson explained that the Trail plan being discussed does not apply to the more local issue and details ofMcKusick Ravine. The Comprehensive Trail plan is concept plan and as each segment of the trail is worked on, then the details will be worked out. Mr, Cummings stated that Engineering plans were developed and planned to be implemented in the spring. He said that now is an appropriate time to check with city council on the progress of the plans and to contact the city engineer for comments and to put it on an upcoming agenda. Del Peterson directed the commission members to return to the job of prioritizing the trails in terms of importance, Steve Russell reviewed the trail plan as he did at the joint PlanninglParks meeting on October 16. He pointed out that some trails are much more than neighborhood trails - the importance is being placed on the community-wide needs. His personal feeling is that the Stillwater Junior High School/Holcombe Street section of the plan is of utmost importance. This is a major access for busses, cars and walking students and we are all lucky that no serious problems have arisen so far. Note was made that sidewalks are trails, too. Another area of discussion was Curve Crest Blvd. from Cub/Target back to the Charter Oaks sidewalk and Greeley Street. Another area discussed was Eagle Ridge Trail that has no sidewalks but has "destinations" at either end as does the Oak Glen! Amundson Drive area of town. Steve pointed out that some of the trails will be easier than others to accomplish, depending on whether the plans can be specified before development or if the development has already occurred, After some discussion, the Parks Commission prioritized the "top five" trails in the following order: # 1 Curve Crest Boulevard #2 Eagle Ridge Trail #3 Holcombe Street/SJHS #4 Manning Ave Trail (Hwy 36 to Cty Rd 12) #5 Cty 5 (Olive to Brick to Myrtle St) . . . Dave Junker moved that the Parks Commission will give priority to seeking funding for and implementation of the above list of trails, in the order listed, Seconded by Wally Milbrandt. All members voted in favor of this motion, Staples Basketball Court Update: A petition from residents in the Staples Park neighborhood was presented by Burt Dversdahl and Tim Benson, This petition had been presented on Wednesday, October 18 at a meeting attended by Mayor Kimble, Klayton Eckles, Tim Thomsen, Nile Kriesel, Steve Russell, Police ChiefDauffenbach, Del Peterson and resident, Burt Dversdahl. The issue is the basketball court and its use, The petition is in favor of closing the courts because of the noise, disruption and disorderly conduct going on there, Del commented that there are also many people who are in favor of keeping the courts open, The city intends to conduct a survey of all residents in the area to determine how they feel about closing/not closing the basketball courts. The survey would also determine what kind of use, if any, that the neighborhood would want to have at this sight. It was agreed that this would be discussed at this meeting and that Del Peterson, as chair of this commission, would ask for a motion from the Parks Commission to direct staff to conduct such a survey, The survey would take about 2 months and that a decision would be made in 3-4 months. After that process, the Parks Commission would forward its recommendation to City Council for a final decision. Resident Dversdahl commented that the courts are right up against the neighbors' back yards. The courts have become a destination for troublemakers from outside the neighborhood, even outside the city. Public urination, drinking, fighting and foul language are some of the complaints, Some residents consider this a public nuisance that prevents them from enjoying their own backyards. Del Peterson moved to direct staff to prepare a survey. Motion seconded by David Junker, all in favor. Lowell Park Use Policv: Steve Russell discussed the use of Lowell Park and "how much is enough", The problem is that there is no real use policy, just some general guidelines, Del Peterson mentioned that the main problems resulted in competition from two Chambers of Commerce in Stillwater. He put this on the agenda for tonight's meeting so that this does not become an issue again next summer, Linda Amrein discussed Tim Thomsen's comments from earlier in the year regarding the frequency of use and its effect on Lowell Park. Commission member Milbrandt moved to approve directing staff to develop a Lowell Park Use Policy. Commission member Amrein seconded the motion. All in favor. Old Athletic Field Plav Equipment Update: Steve Russell stated that City Council approved recommendation for play equipment at the Old Athletic Field and recommended coordinating the placement of the equipment and use of the site with the school district. There was also an earlier motion made directing staff to pursue city ownership of this property. This was discussed at the council meeting and, according to Rich Cummings, "went down in flames". Basically the comment was "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The Council felt that it . . . was not necessary that the city own this property. The school district was maintaining it as a park and it is available for all residents to use, Dave Junker asked about the other issue, the rink, Rich stated that Nile Kriesel purchased an old set of hockey boards but that no one can seem to find them, The subject was dropped. Other items: Del mentioned that now was a good time to decide where other ice rinks would be put up this year, Rich Cummings mentioned that all should go check out the new second ice sheet at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center that opened on Sunday, October 22,2000, Also that everyone should see how great the locker rooms and shower facilities are. Del Peterson called for a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m, Motion made by Steve Wolff, seconded by David Junker, all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Rogness Recording Secretary . . . Met1lorandmn To: Steve Russell, Community Development Director Stillwater Parks Board From: Klayton Eckles, City Engineer Date: 11/02/00 ~( Re: Update on the McKusick Ravine Plan Preparation At the most recent Parks Board meeting, a representative from the McKusick ravine area was present. The representative requested an update on the status of the McKusick Ravine Design and the McKusick Ravine Citizen Advisory Council. This project is currently scheduled for construction next year. Very little design work has taken place as of yet. It is anticipated that the design will take place late this winter and next spring with the midsummer start up, The first significant step in the process is to develop a preliminary design with the following criteria, . Meet project objectives for controlling McKusick level. . Construct the project in such a way that is stays on public land, . Minimize impact and disturbance of the ravine area, . Provide emergency and maintenance vehicle access, . Develop trail options based on preliminary design, . Develop restoration options, After the preliminary design has been completed and options for trailway and restoration have been developed, the project can be made available for public comment. It may be appropriate to set up the comment process through the Park Board, The Park Board seems to be the appropriate venue for gathering neighborhood input and concerns and weighing this in balance with the City's overall objectives for our park system. After public comments have been received, the final design can be completed, If any residents or park board members have questions about this process, I would be available to discuss this issue further, . . . 4 , Staples Field Park Survey and Questionnaire Please complete and turn into City Hall by Thank You, 1, How many people live in your household? 2, How many in each age range are living in your household? 0-4 years old 5-9 years old 10-15 years old 16-49 years old over 50 years old 3, How would you rate the park condition? o Good o Fair o Poor o Don't Know 4, What additional facilities would you like to see in the park if any? There have been reports of loud noise and profanity on and around the basketball court along with trespassing on the neighboring properties. 5 , Would you like to see the basketball court removed and have something else put in its place? Yes No If yes, what would you like there? 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Vi' OOo.llliilo. :I Ul iil ""tl ., 5: lJ: ~,5' a ~ - 0 :I < a. ;5, ~2.celllcc5 ~ ';< gj. 5' & iii' ~<gliigs: '< ~C::2:~lD 5' gj. 0" III ill iil III 5'lD gj.:I ~ 8 cs. c 5' 0. ;:; E;Qg:cs.iil~ lll-o.OO Q, 0 0':1 ~ III lJ:O.,oo.g , 5 iil 0 ~ 3 .:< iD' 5 Ul"2, iii' iil .:< s: ill :I:IOlD!:!: o 0 31'< g -lDli! !Jl 8 o < () :::J ~ s: Q) -C j j j ~ ~ ~ ~ z ~ z ~ z Z IV r~-' -,...y...._..'~'-1 ; s 1t,.....0I...,..J- ==- Zl'.uv;..~r;Ll i r~ ~ :;:: t.~ -l-'t. l> .-..J........_. ~ ~ ~-- ; -~ - ~ I J:;:: :;:: '-"-- ..,~~.J.Q, c _3=1-...... ?:l j j j ~~~ ~ ~ z ~ z ~~ z z CIl o III ii' 5' 8 "r1 II .. t . . . , Met110randum Date: November 6, 2000 To: Park Board From: ~II Tim Thomsen, Park & Public Works Superintendent Subject: Winter Skating Rinks Winter Skating Rinks 2000 Rinks Hockev Rink Pleasure Rink Inside Rinks 3 Outside Rinks (10 Total) Northland Park Meadowlark Park Staples Park Oak Park School Old Washington School Schulenberg Park Benson Park Triangle Park Old Athletic Field Rink Totals I 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 1 4 Hockey Rinks 9 Pleasure Rinks It is not in the best interest of the City to have rinks on Lily Lake or any other lake or pond in the City for the following reasons: 1. According to the DNR, no ice is safe, 2, When you plow up snow banks to create an open area on a lake, you create a potential hazard for snowmobiles and cars to hit or jump, 3, By putting rinks on lakes, we are telling the public that the ice is safe and therefore we would be responsible if someone broke threw the ice and drowned, \ . . . ~ November 6, 2000 4, If a lake is freezing out and you have a clear spot on the ice, the fish will school up and rub the ice to open it up for oxygen, 5. I will not ask an employee to take a truck or tractor out on a lake or pond to plow off a rink when the DNR tells us that no ice is safe, I also hope this is the last time this subject is brought up at a Park Board meeting, Recommendation The City will not provide a rink on any lake or pond for the reasons mentioned above, If people want a rink on a lake or pond, they can get some friends together and shovel to make one and it will not be the City's responsibility or liability, . Memorandum To: Parks Board Klayton Eckles, City Engineer November 22, 2000 From: Date: Subject: Winter Maintenance Policy of Blacktop Trail DISCUSSION: The City currently has trails that generally fall into three categories, trails along city streets, trails along county roads, and trails in park or nature areas, In the past, the City has not had any set policy on how to maintain these trails in the winter, Currently, the City does plow some trail sections and not others, The sections that we have cleared of snow in the past couple of years have only been those ones which see significant pedestrian traffic. Trails such as those on County Road 12 and on County Road 5 have been for the most part been unmaintained, . This year the City added the Creekside Drive Trail and the Long Lake Trail to the system, We currently do not have a maintenance plan for these trails, They could be plowed for pedestrian use or left unplowed for use by cross-country skiers, Staff would suggest that the Park Board consider having a policy for most or all of the blacktop trails in the city, Limited experience in Stillwater and information gathered from other cities shows that blacktop trails that are not maintained provide very little benefit for any users, Even cross- country skiers fmd unmaintained trails oflittle value, The unofficial maintenance plan for McKusick Road Trail has been to keep the trail clear of snow as much as possible. In the event of extremely heavy snowfall, it may be that the trail is unusable for a portion ofthe winter season, A possible maintenance plan for other trails in the city could follow the same philosophy, Blacktop trails could be maintained by plowing and removing as time permits. In normal snow events, this would mean that within 48 hours the snow would be removed from the trail. Ifwe have an unusually snowy year or have a very significant event, it could mean that much of the trail system is out of service for a portion of the winter season, . Adding the trail system to the maintenance responsibilities of the Public Works Department is a concern however, by making the trails the lowest priority we should be able to still take care of our main duties and responsibilities and take care of the trail as time permits, This maintenance plan will somewhat reduce the opportunities for other winter activities such as cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, Since the City has recently created a significant cross-country ski trail system and additional wood chip and nature trails are forthcoming, the loss of cross-country ski opportunities should be very minimal. There is one concern November 22, 2000 concerning snowmobiles. Currently the county roads do allow for snowmobiles in the right of way area, County Road 12 is a significant snowmobile route out to the townships, . Currently the County allows signage to direct the snowmobiles over and along the trail systems, therefore at least for this season it may create a conflict ifthe City begins plowing County Road 12 trails, RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Park Board consider the options regarding winter maintenance of blacktop trails. One option the Park Board may wish to consider is a policy that would put all blacktop trails in the city into a plowing maintenance plan whereby all trails would be plowed after snow events as time permits except in exceptional circumstances. One exception to this policy might be County Road 12 for the upcoming season, This would allow the Park Board and user groups to discuss options for County Road 12 maintenance in future years, ACTION REQUIRED: If the Park Board sees to modify it's current program of trail maintenance, Park Board should pass a motion directing staff to prepare a formal policy regarding winter maintenance of blacktop trails, . . 2 . MEMO . . To: From: Subject: Date: Mayor and City Council Steve Russell, Community Development Director V Public Hearing on Comprehensive Trail Plan November 21,2000 Purpose: Present Comprehensive Trail Plan prepared by the City Community Development Department with assistance from Parks Board and Planning Commission for City Council adoption. Both City Board's recommend Council adoption, Plan Overview, The Comprehensive Trail Plan provides the City with a trails policy statement and proposed trail map showing where existing and proposed future trails should be located, Trails are defined as sidewalks, separate paved or unpaved treadways and may serve communication, recreation or education/interpretation purposes, Some trails may serve more than one purpose, All City trails are multi use trails, open to non-motorized uses unless otherwise stated or regulated, Prohibition of an non-motorized user group from City of Stillwater trails should be based on a consideration of amount of use, actual user conflicts, trail design and surface type, sight distance and enforcement and management of separate trail restrictions, The cost of construction, management and enforcement of separate trails should be seriously considered before restricting any trail use on ofthe trail system (see attached article), The plan establishes the following goals and trail plan policies: · Develop a continuous comprehensive "Walkable Community" system, including both on and off-street routes that make bicycle and pedestrian travel a continuous ease of movement. · Develop a system that traverses the community both east - west and north - south, and link the local trail system to existing and proposed regional trails, · Concentrate on providing safe pedestrian/bicycle access to downtown's historical district and the Saint Croix River. · Provide pedestrian access to both active and passive recreational facilities, as well as access to Stillwater's natural areas, · Ensure accessibility of transportation facilities in accordance with the spirit and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Various types of trails were examined, Some of the on-street bike paths would have to be retrofitted to existing streets. This could result in elimination of parking on one or both sides of streets and realignment of travel lanes. Separate trails are the preferred alternative for newly developed areas, Separate trails are typically paved and multi-use, The recently developed Long Lake Villas, Legends . Mayor and City Council Page 2 November 21,2000 and Liberty areas contain separate paved trails. These are all multi-use trails meaning pedestrians and other non-motorized users are allowed on the trails, Areas of special environmental sensitivity may be designated for limited pedestrian use, A good example ofthis is the Browns Creek natural area, Browns Creek, a sensitive trout habitat, is located in this area, A DNR Greenway Grant was used to purchase the land. A natural resource management plan has been prepared to restore and manage the natural area, Mowed pathways fit in with the natural setting and sensitive environmental resources, It has been advocated by some property owners and residents who live next to or use certain facilities that they should be limited because of public safety or impact on property values, These contentions has not been established in practice. . Specifically, the trail plan calls for the Long Lake Trail between 62nd Street North and 72nd Street North to be a paved multi-use traiL The Mulberry Ravine Trail shown in the Comprehensive Trail Plan could be an aggregate base or asphalt traiL If an aggregate trail is used, maintenance would increase and the trail would be susceptible to erosion and unusual maintenance expense and use would be limited, Because of the street crossing, it could be difficult to use the trail for other then pedestrian use. There does not appear to be strong neighborhood support for Mulberry Street TraiL However, the trail has been recognized and proposed in the existing Comprehensive Plan and the proposed Trail Plan and provides a quality connection between McKusick Lake to the Downtown area, Again, both the bodies charged with overall trail plan policy support a Mulberry Street TraiL Other trails and sidewalks recommended by the Parks Board and Planning Commission as high priority trails improvement include Curve Crest Blvd.. Holcombe between West Pine and West Hancock by the Junior High and CR 5 east of Pine to Brick Streets. These areas have been considered previously for trail facilities but not improved for in part financial reasons. These trail locations are high priority improvements for the neighborhood and overall community, Other areas of improvement that may need additional detail study is McKusick Lake Trail (south side) and Long Lake Trails (east side), Specific studies should be done to review the natural resources and trail locations, Another key segment to the expansion area north-south trail systems is located south of Boutwell, With this link, the trail system from Browns Creek Park and trail system to Long Lake Villas would be complete, The Comprehensive Trail Plan provides a City-wide view and policy direction for future trail improvement through development review and the City CIP, Recommendation: Consideration of Comprehensive Trail Plan and recommendation of approval from Parks Board and Planning Commission, . Attachments: Comprehensive Trail Plan . . . Maintaining 21 st Cent Trails Page 1 of2 Resources and Library ~'Z"'1--~'::.;;J,:..'-:;.:.,,~,C-:'~,,;7C-'\?'4.~.of~:~"::;:;:.J<A,~~;:;--p;r:X-!:~/~~X back to main resources directory -- TRAIL MAINTENANCE and MANAGEMENT-- Separate Trails Divide; Shared Trails Build Community 'l"" , By Jim Hasenauer, International Mountain Bicycling Assoc. We've been hearing a lot about separate mountain bike trails lately. The idea seems to appeal to a number of people becau$e it purports to eliminate user conflict with other trail goers, Bicyclists confronted with the choice between separate trails or total closure have sometimes accepted a separate trail solution, I think mountain bicyclists should think carefully before endorsing this idea. It perpetuates. the myth that bicycling is incompatible with other users; it threatens access to existing multiple use trail systems and often, it unnecessarily leads to the overtrailing of an ecosystem best left wild. . . Sometimes, the pressure for separate trails comes from other users who don't want bicyclists on "their trails." They may be hikers who feel that their sweat equity has given them ownership or motorcyclists whose green stiCker money has actually paid for trail opportunities, Hoarding the thousands of miles of existing trails, some have told bicyclists to go build their own, This country club mentality has no place on the public lands and while bicyclists are willing to build and maintain trails, it makes sense for us to do it with and for the benefit of all trail users, Some land managers think separate trails will eliminate user conflict. It's commonplace in recreational land management to separate incompatible uses, This philosophy need not apply, Responsible bicycle use is compatible in most cases. When users know that a trail is multiple use, they expect to encounter others, When users follow trail protocol, they can safely negotiate trail encounters, Besides being unnecessary, monitoring and enforcing separate trails is a management nightmare, Even if bicyclists and other users had separate but equal mileage (something I've never seen proposed), they'd covet their neighbor's trails, Everyone would still want to see what the other users were enjoying. Trail users like to explore. Twenty miles of multiple use trail is worth more than two separate ten mile sections. From day one, IMBA has been an advocate of multiple use trails. This position is based on the following beliefs: 1. Multiple use trails can best accommodate the needs of the most users, A generally open backcountry disperses users across an entire trail system, Single use or restricted use trails tend to concentrate users, increasing environmental and social impacts. 2, Multiple use trails help build a trail community by increasing the need for all users to cooperate to preserve and protect a common resource, Encountering other users on a trail offers the opportunity to meet and talk. Separate trails breed ill will, territoriality and rivalries, 3. Multiple use trails are most cost effective for land managers, They require fewer signs and less staff, Monitoring and enforcement is simplified, http://www.outdoorlink.com/amtrails/resources/ManageMaintain/MgmtSharedTrUnite,html 10/5/00 . . Comprehensive Trail Plan for City of Stillwater Community Development Department . Winter 2000 . Table of Contents Executive Summary , ' 1 Introduction - Overview and Planning Process , ,2 Existing Conditions - The Need for a Plan ,3 Overall Goals and Standards ,4 Trail Design Goals ,5 Specific Location Goals , ,5 The Comprehensive Trail Plan ,6 Definitions , .7 Trail Design Objectives .7 Trail Design Considerations .8 . Trail Surfaces ,9 Trail Maintenance 11 Trail Signs and Markers . 12 Trail Plan Implementation 14 References """""""""..""""""""""..""""."".,'" 16 . . . . EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The goal for the City of Stillwater is to develop and maintain a city-wide interconnected network of trails to provide valuable recreational and transportation opportunities for City residents and visitors, Trails function as transportation links between schools, residential areas, parks, places of employment, shopping areas, historic district, natural areas and other point of interest. Trails also provide hikers, walkers, joggers, bicyclists and people with disabilities opportunities to improve health and fitness, spend time with family and friends, enjoy nature and escape the stress of daily life, The current trail system has unfinished trails or trails that don't interconnect, are not available to primary destinations such as elementary schools or parks, do not meet modem design standards, need a routine maintenance program and consistent signage. The Comprehensive Trail Plan and map address these issues and provide an overall context for trail planning. The emphasis is on multi-use trails with cooperation by all users, Map 1 on the following page is the Comprehensive Trail Plan map, The map indicates where existing trails are located and where future trails should be placed, Comprehensive Trail Plan Policies are described on page 4, Other sections of the plan provide specifics for the trail signage location, type, construction, and maintenance, A final section suggests methods and opportunities for plan implementation, 1 MAP 1 . . rn ::= ~ ... f-l ..., ~ rn = ~ "0 ~o 4.l ..c: ..., ~ .~ en gO A. [I] E3 '" 1l :;:l ..>d '" is '<'l ~ Z ..>d p..,t-<~Cil ~ 11l:E~ 4J M.... ~ ~ en ..>d ~ ~ Z g,~ ~ ~ u ~ ~J5f-i fi ~ ~ ~ ,g 1l 11 ~ o 0 a3~rJ)tI:lCl '" Cl ..c: ... 0 0 'p 8.. p.., 'a ~ 8' 8' .~ ~ ~ ~~~~~ "'v,;.'\:. :~i ~~4' ~ ~ l.t'> U cS 'S '" 0 '<'l u .~ .... ..>d B .... '" '" ::E p.., QJ F ~ I I '" >. ..... ] ~ '" t:: .... 0 ~ e- o .... ~ 0 l? ~ D 0 .)1 /J,jj .,c~~", /:;~-: "~-C" .~ . c':".,. '_:. '", '".. : c . c'e:'.. I,... 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INTRODUCTION - OVERVIEW AND PLANNING PROCESS The Trail Plan for the City of Stillwater sets forth a Comprehensive Citywide Trail Policy and long-term program to guide future planning, design and implementation of a trail system for residents for recreational and non-automotive travel. Central to the plan is linking and interconnecting existing and future developing neighborhoods emphasizing the downtown and natural areas as focal points of community activity by providing better access, Additionally, in a broader context, the Plan proposes linking the community-oriented trail system with the existing and proposed Oak Park Heights, Washington County and State trail and Green Way systems, For clarity purposes, in this Plan the term trail is used to reflect numerous possible configurations of routes designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized users. Throughout this plan, the term 'pedestrian' can refer to walkers, hikers, joggers, and wheelchairs, Likewise, the term 'bicycle' can refer to all modes of people-powered transportation requiring a hard, usually paved, surface, This group can include, but is not limited to, bicyclists, rollerbladers, rollerskiers and skateboarders, etc, A trail may be an independent right-of-way or easement with a surface of various types, width of 8 to 12 feet, or an existing or proposed sidewalk or street designated by signage as a component of a bicycle or pedestrian route, The Comprehensive Trail Plan is consistent with existing and future residential development plans contained in the City's 1995 Comprehensive Plan, Through a process of surveying existing roadways and trails, identifying destinations, adopting planning guidelines, and proposing new trails, the Parks, Riverfront and Trails goals as outlined in Comprehensive Plan can be accomplished, These include: · "Designate an extensive network of trails and pathway corridors," · "Preserve and provide visual access to quality landscapes through trail location," · "Provide alternative means to reach City parks, county parks, regional parks, state parks and other community destinations," · "Preserve and enhance public owned ravines," · "Maximize the City's recreation opportunities," Further, regional plans such as the Washington County Trail Program, the Brown's Creek Wetland District, the City of Oak Park Heights and state-funded trails such as the Gateway and Lake Links trails have been considered and anticipated in this Plan through trail location, The Trail Plan stems from the community's increasing desire to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities and coincides with societal needs of reducing dependence upon the automobile for travel. Walking, hiking, and bicycling are recreational activities that can be enjoyed by persons of all ages and skill level, in either groups or as individuals, Based on a resident opinion survey there is significant and increasing community interest in improving the walkway/pathway system in and around Stillwater, Pathways add to the "quality of life" and "sense of community" of an 2 . area and provide a place for neighbors to meet. Stillwater residents are not alone in having a desire for more walking and bicycling opportunities, Across the nation cities, town and villages are adopting trail plans and developing trail systems for their neighborhood and residents, The Trail Plan was prepared by the Community Development Department with direction and assistance from the City Planning Commission and Parks Board, A series of public meetings were held to obtain public input in developing the plan, Trail background information was received from communities across the country, (Note references on page 16) EXISTING CONDITIONS/THE NEED FOR A PLAN The planning process began with a survey ofthe existing trailway network. This process involved data collection from multiple resources including field surveys, aerial photography survey, as well as data retrieval from recent sidewalk improvement programs, The data compilation resulted in the map of existing trails (Map 2), . Pedestrians and bicyclists use existing roadways and trails, but consideration for pedestrian and bicycle mobility is inadequate in some instances because bicycles are not provided for in new or reconstructed roads, Study of the existing trails map began our analytical process, Fragmented trails were identified throughout the network. Although the existing City (old Stillwater) contains the largest amount of sidewalks, certain areas can benefit from the addition of new sidewalks, The north hill (~5,5 miles existing, ~6.0 miles without), in particular, could benefit in the same manner the south hill (~6,5 miles, ~3,O miles without) did during their latest street/sidewalk reconstruction proj ect. Another concern for sidewalks is the degree to which our existing sidewalks comply with the design standards of the Americans' with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA design standards such as slope, cross-slope and curb ramp accessibility should be met in new projects, Many existing sidewalks do not meet these standards and should be modified or rebuilt over time as projects occur. Our next examination was sidewalk and trail ways to-and- from elementary and junior high schools within the school district required walking areas, Notice the walk area as the thin black circular line surrounding the schools on Map 1, Students living within one mile of the junior high and three-quarters of a mile of the elementary school are not bussed but are expected to walk to school. When overlaying the required walking area over the existing sidewalk/trails map, it is clear that much of the City falls within the walking area. Providing safe and comfortable walking routes to-and- from schools should be at the forefront of future development and improvement plans, . Beyond the 'old Stillwater' trail network lies various City and County trails that provide the foundation for additional improvements, These existing "back bone" trails provide for necessary linkages between the downtown, the expansion area, greenways and destinations outside the City. 3 . . . McKusick Lake, Long Lake and the St. Croix River are major recreational and visual attractions to Stillwater, Therefore, educational and recreational opportunities along our the lakes and river should be recognized and enhanced when possible, Circumnavitable trails around City lakes can serve as passive recreation as well as provide an interpretive educational experience, The heavily used trail along Lake McKusick provides a focus of activity for the immediate Oak Glen community, The plan expands and builds on this trail with a continuous pedestrian trails connecting the Downtown to the Brown's Creek Trail System, No designated on-road City bicycle routes are located within the City, The County signs some of their roads for bicycles, Stillwater contains large tracks of right-of-way and easement greenway corridors with little designated public access, Communities could enjoy an enhanced natural experience with designated access and trail ways through our greenway corridors, The Croixwood area is a good example of this, The Legends and Liberty developments are the first areas in a multi-phase annexation and development programs within the City expansion area, As development occurs, developers are required to provide trails as shown on the Comprehensive Trail Plan, Trails have been provided according to the comprehensive plan in this area successfully, As development occurs and Stillwater remains a focus for urban activity, the safety of our roads for pedestrians and bicyclists is a growing concern, General traffic volumes are increasing, The days of going for a leisurely county walk or jog along pastoral Boutwell Road are dwindling with ever increasing traffic, Lack of space for trials is threatening safe recreation along Stillwater's roadways, Meeting trail users needs is a City-wide objective, This policy is a major part of increasing the awareness and walkers and bicyclists as a legitimate transportation mode, Design standards which safely accommodate users should be applied to new street and roadway projects, A cost effective way to increase use levels is to make trail conditions safer for commuters, OVERALL GOALS AND STANDARDS The following goals and standards are established based on existing conditions, Board input and the existing Comprehensive Plan, They are as follows: · Develop a continuous comprehensive "walkable community" system, including both on and off-street routes, that makes bicycle and pedestrian travel a fun, safe and enjoyable continuous ease of movement throughout Stillwater · Develop a comprehensive trail system that traverses the community both east - west and north - south and link the local trail system to existing and proposed regional trails, · Increase levels of bicycling for commuting and utilitarian trips as a cost-effective and efficient alternative in the transportation system, · Establish and maintain appropriate and safe standards and guidelines for bicycle facilities, programs, and projects, 4 I t] LH" ~~.. . . . ... 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'''\c,'/ .i'V' ....j '..5O\, (..,.. 1..., , i rIl ..~ ~ "\,_. ..... ,...... . . · Concentrate providing safe pedestrian/bicycle access to downtown's historical district and facilities along the Saint Croix River, · Expand and link the trail system between neighborhoods and to major activity and work centers in addition to local destinations throughout the City routing pedestrians and bicyclists off major roadways wherever possible, · Where adequate, uninterrupted right-of-way is available, separate bicycle paths can be used to provide long, continuous routes for commuting or recreation trips, access to destinations not otherwise available to trail users, and as cut-throughs between buildings and other breaks in the street network. · Provide pedestrian access to both active and passive recreational facilities, as well as access to Stillwater's natural areas. · Ensure the construction of trails in new development to provide for trail linkages consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Trail Plan, · The City should continue to complete and enhance the initially identified essential sidewalk links in those neighborhoods lacking sidewalks, · Ensure accessibility of transportation facilities in accordance with the spirit and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. TRAIL DESIGN GOALS · Emphasis should be on maintaining existing sidewalks and adding new facilities in residential areas where demand dictates, · Provide adequate road width on Stillwater streets to accommodate bicycle lanes where separate bicycle lanes are not feasible, · Retrofit existing roadways to accommodate bicycles, Work with the width of existing City roads to create designated bicycle lanes, · Encourage regional and state agencies to promote enhanced design standards for regional trails passing through the City, · Coordinate local improvements with those of outside agencies to accelerate timing of trails through the City, · Promote compatibility on multi-use trail using proper etiquette guidelines, · Adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines, SPECIFIC LOCATION GOALS · Examine existing City bicycle lane signage, · Examine potential trail sites noting their historical and natural setting such as the Minnesota Zephyr right of way, City ravines, greenways and their ability to connect downtown and the new expanSIOn area. · Integrate McKusick Ravine into the trail system as a natural extension of the McKusick Lake Trail into the downtown. · Establish trail within right of way to circumnavigate Lake McKusick and Long Lake, · Establish dock-like or appropriate trail across Brown's Creek wetland to compliment the . Brown's Creek trail system behind the Creekside Crossing development. S . 00 1 I C\3 0 d d 0 . .~ ~ C\3 U "E 0 CO > ~ Q) - :J 0 U CO +oJ ~ C/) Q) L... .~ 0 u Q) Q) 2: :J ~ 0 r:FJ. . . Q) c: .- > co rJj n:: f ~ cd t) en 0 :J ~ 0 t) ~ 0 ....... = - .- CO 0 s- l- . .~ ~ ~ t) en :J U ~ t) 0 ~ '+- ~ 0 c: 0 U .- en c: ~ Q) ....... X .~ Q) U - CO s- (]) :J ....... ~ CO Z r:/) . . 00 , I c\S 0 d = 0 . .~ ~ u 0 ~ - -- co L0- U J- Q) ~ ::J C Q) .~ > u <( - Q) co Q) ~ z rF1 . . 0><.0 "00') "> I 01- rJJ L... 0.."0 , , I o c cd ~ CO ~LO 0 ~O') 5I d 01- t) - cLO ~ o~ ~a:: C>t) 0 C "- c> ..c: c . . ,.....j en 0 ~ CO_ S CO en U "O..c: c ~ 0 CO CO 0.. I- 0> ~ 0- O~ U c C,) ~:c ~ 0> en c>::J .~ CO 0 L... ::J U ::J C o+:; (]) C,) C C 0 ~ W C,) rJ) . . . . · Encourage MnDOT to provide continuous bicycle paths along the Frontage Road from CR 15 to TH 95 and along 95 from Oak Park Heights to TH 95 through downtown, · Encourage the development of a separate path or bike route along Neal Avenue, · Encourage the development of a separate path or bike route along Boutwell Road, · Enhance and expand sidewalks in the north hill area, · Encourage the development of a trail to circumnavigate Stillwater Golf Course on north side, · Encourage the development of a sidewalk/bikeway along Eagle Ridge Trail. · Develop a sidewalk and bike lane/route along Curve Crest Boulevard, · Encourage the development of adequate sidewalks from communities to schools. · Connect riverfront trail between Lowell Park and Aiple Property Park. THE COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL PLAN A comprehensive pedestrian transportation system is vital for maintaining, appreciating and enhancing Stillwater's local character as well as its economic base, A number of traffic studies have effected the Stillwater area over the years, Stillwater, along with MnDOT, The Met Council, Oak Park Heights and Washington County have all conducted detailed traffic analyses and forecasts projecting accelerated traffic volumes on our roads for years to come, These factors make an effective pedestrian transportation system an essential alternative to auto transportation in the years to come, To enhance the overall system, trail users can function as an essential component of the Stillwater Transportation Plan, As such, trails must be considered in the planning process for all land use related decisions and in all transportation related projects, The 2000 Comprehensive Trail Plan Map is presented as a complete network enhancing pedestrian and bicycle mobility throughout Stillwater. The intent of the trail system is to serve both a utilitarian transportation function and a recreational function, A user study conducted by the City found that the recreation uses of trails are greatly valued by Stillwater residents (1995 Comprehensive Plan). Other nation-wide studies indicate increasing interest for the utilization of trails as an alternative transportation mode to the automobile, The major difference between the two uses is that the primary objective of the utilitarian trip is to arrive at a specific destination as quickly as possible with few interruptions, while recreational trips are generally more leisurely and less direct. To provide for a trail system to accomplish both the utilitarian and recreation functions trail alignments were assessed in relation to not only the natural features and social/cultural features ofthe community but also the areas of opportunities for employment, shopping and services, Natural systems are those environmental features that offer attractiveness and interest to a trail system, They also pose challenges to trail engineering in mitigating soils adverse to development while meandering through woodland areas and around wetland and floodplain features. Trails in conjunction with natural systems will generally be developed for recreational purposes. Social and cultural systems represent the built environment of a community, The land uses associated with these systems include residential neighborhoods, historical districts, shopping and other commercial areas such as office parks, and public and quasi-public places such as the Public Works Facility, City Hall, library, police/fire stations and other similar uses, 6 . The Plan proposes to link these social and cultural features to the City's neighborhoods and to the regional trail system as well. Major land use patterns and points of interest such as schools and parks within the planning area are indicated on the Comprehensive Trail Plan Map (Map 1), The Trail Plan provides access to employment, shopping, retail/service, commercial, recreational, educational, and governmental destinations, In developing trail systems, existing land use patterns along with future uses have been considered, The Plan has been developed to provide trail direction for the twenty-first century. DEFINITIONS Trail. A place for pedestrian and/or bicyclists to move between two destinations, Trials may be sidewalks, separate paved or unpaved surfaces, marked portions of a roadway, Trails may be of several types: urban (sidewalks), recreational, natural/interpretive or barrier free, Urban Trail. To provide both transportation and recreational links between residential areas and schools, businesses, parks, neighborhoods and other areas of significant community activities, Recreational. To provide primarily recreational links between residential areas or to recreational sites, Natural. To provide interpretation or educational opportunities along a common theme, This can . take the form of signage, brochures, Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Multi-Use Trail. A trail which is collectively shared by a range of users including but not limited to walkers, bicyclists, hikers, joggers and wheelchairs, Trailhead, The beginning or ending access point to a trail often accompanied by various trail support facilities such as parking, bike racks, benches, drinking fountains, restrooms, entrance gates and information signs, TRAIL DESIGN OBJECTIVES The City's objective is to design, construct and maintain trails that: . Provide safe, non-motorized transportation links and/or close-to-home recreation opportunities. . Provide legal access to destination points and other areas of interest. · Blend with the surrounding environment. · Minimize impact on natural environment. · Minimize impact on adjacent landowners, · Require minimum level of maintenance, . 7 . . . TRAIL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 1, Human Factors, Trails must be planned and constructed with the needs of the trail user in mind, Trail users tend to desire routes that access and connect areas of significant community activity such as schools, businesses, shopping areas, and parks, as well as other areas of interest such as viewpoints, water sources, natural areas, desert preserves, scenic and vista corridors, and interesting geologic features, Visual qualities are important to trail users, therefore, trails should be designed to blend with the surrounding environment. Views from the trail to the surrounding environment should also be considered, Trail users enjoy changes in scenery, thus increasing the demand for loop trails and trail networks that allow the user Return to the starting point without traveling the same trail twice, Loop trails also provide the comfort of knowing that the trail will bring them back to the starting point, thus reducing the chance of becoming lost. Trail users tend to favor the easiest, most obvious route. Ifthe designated trail is not the easiest, most obvious route, trail users will begin to create new, unauthorized trails, 2. Coinciding Easements, Trails are frequently located within common tracts and easements dedicated for other purposes such as drainage, flood control, public utility, natural area open space, and scenic and vista corridors, In situations where these common tracts and easements are wider than that needed for a trail easement, it may be advantageous to dedicate the same area of these coinciding common tracts and easements for the purposes of public trail use, This will increase the flexibility to properly layout, design, and construct public trails, and will allow the trail to be positioned away from undesirable areas such as low-flow wash channels, areas extreme topography, dense vegetation, critical animal habitats, and adjacent properties, This will also allow future realignment of the trail, should such a realignment become necessary, In cases where a separate trail easement is delineated within other easements or common tracts, it is extremely important to the alignment ofthe trail easement be reviewed on the ground to assure suitability, 3, Adjacent Landowner Privacy, The privacy oflandowners adjacent to trails and trail access facilities is an important design concern, Privacy can be maintained or improved by modifying the trail alignment, planting landscape buffers, installing walls, allowing grade separations, or using a combination of these methods, 4. Trail Viewshed, The line of sight from a trail to the surrounding landscape, and from the surrounding landscape to a trail are important design considerations. Views from the trail to the surrounding landscape improve the quality of the trail users' experience, therefore, trails should be designed to provide users varying views the surrounding area, Obscuring views of the trail from the surrounding landscape is important to adjacent landowners who may not want to view ofthe trail from their property, 5, Native Plants. The design, construction, and maintenance of trails within the City of Stillwater shall take into account the natural communities, Trails shall be aligned to avoid disturbance of, and have a minimum effect on these communities: hardwood oaks, maple, 8 . . . samara, 6, Sensitive Wildlife Habitat. Trail design and construction within natural park areas should be evaluated in terms of the effect that the trail will have on sensitive wildlife habitats, The best means of preventing negative impacts on wildlife is to simply avoid sensitive areas, Seasonal trail closures may be necessary in some situations, 7, Archaeological and Cultural Resources, Trail design and construction should be evaluated in terms of the effect the trail will have on archaeological and cultural resources, Potential options to prevent and mitigate damage to these resources include: · Altering the trail alignment to avoid archaeological and cultural resources, · Protecting the resources by utilizing methods to obscure them from view, . Mitigating the cultural resource which involves removal and thorough documentation of the items by a professional archaeologist. The documentation of the resource may then be interpreted as part of the trail opportunity, 8, Design for Shared-Use, Trails within the City of Stillwater are open to all non-motorized uses unless otherwise stated, Decisions to prohibit any non-motorized use from trails must be based on coordinated planning efforts involving appropriate user groups, Parks Board and City staff. Characteristics that should be considered as part of this process include, but are not limited to, longitudinal and cross slopes, surface materials, line of sight, amount of use, sensitivity of surrounding environment, soil types, and native plant and animal habitats, The following means of preventing potential user conflicts are based on methods identified in "Conflict on Multiple Use Trails" (Moore, 1994), and should be considered when planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining shared-use trails: Separate user types at trailheads and along the first, most crowded, stretches of trail. Provide adequate sight distances, Build trails wide enough to accommodate expected levels and types of use, Build and maintain trails wide enough for safe passing and/or provide periodic turnouts Design trails to control speeds where necessary by varying the trail surface and avoiding long, straight downhill stretches, Provide adequate trailhead facilities for all user types, TRAIL SURFACES Trail surface selection depends on many considerations, use, location, difficulties to construct, and environmental effects. Typical pavement design for off-road multi-use trails should be based upon the specific loading and soil conditions for each project. Trails designed to serve bicycle transportation purposes should be composed of a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, One important concern for asphalt multi-use trails is the deterioration oftrail edges, Installation of a geotextile fabric beneath a layer of aggregate base can help maintain the edge of a trail. Some of 9 rfl ~ ~ rfJ ~ (])~ ~~ ~ '~ .~ o . C> z ~ a. f-U) Z...J we:( 0::- wffi tl:~ C:E en CI) CI) ':Ie -a c: - en CI) CI) .a:: 1= w z :::it/) c~ w .- f- t/) Z 0> - C <((tl a....J ~ c:!: co .- u..c ...... en co =-=c. ~ E I- 0 Q) U L- en Q) Q) :J...... c.. I 0 e ~Ea... ::J 0 ~c.1 Q) 0) eo en c: ~ .Q> E en .- . w z o f- (f) t/) s; ~ o C> .- o::zt/) 0::-0> <(~; za....J ~ E ~ E ~ E -.;to ~I "'=t "'=t .~ .~ N -.~ N A AI E ('I") ~ E E . ('i) ('i) l.t! I I .... -- "l") "l") . . .... .... "'C Q) Q) c.. C/) I en c: 0) = en 0) c: c: L- eo S :J :J ~~ co . 41 > .,- u.i::- 'C c -= 0 41 In .. t: C 0 -~ s::O "'Itc ,0 (.\Iu ...... I 77T)/11J'~/; /77'iT" Hi" I E ('I") I I.C'! .... -t- (J) lo... Q) rr.J. ~ co ~ ~ lo... Q) (J) ::J +-' lo... 0 CO Q) ..c lo... ~ lo... Q) ~ "U CO Q) 0 ~ a. E lo... (J) . lo... 0 Q) 0 - +-' "U ~ C CO ~ CO CO ~ c\S E Q) 1.0 C (J) N ::J ~ E Q) "U ..c ~ c +-' ..c CO ~ .~ (J) >- +-' ..c > .(J) 0 +-' co 0 CO Q) >- a. ..c 0 >- >-1.0 rr.J. c en CO CO N Q) :r ~ Q) 0 +oJ I .-- CO 0 0 Q) .. t,). . +oJ ~ ~ (J) ~ .(V C/) :J 0. lo... lo... >- 0 J2 J2 > c J- co m J: 0 N Q) ~ .e T""" T""" I C/) :::0 ~ . . . . the common trail surfaces with advantages and disadvantages are listed below, 1, Mowed Grass Advantages · Natural Material · Low Maintenance · Can be altered for further improvements · Easiest for volunteers to build and maintain · Retains snow cover on ski trails · Cost: mow monthly minimum Disadvantages · If vegetative cover is lost, may rut/erode when wet · Not an 'all-weather' surface · Can be uneven and bumpy · Not ADA accessible 2, Wood Chip Advantages · A soft, spongy surface · Good for walking and jogging · Reduces soil compaction · Natural Material · Inexpensive ($5 per 1 x 8') Disadvantages · Decomposes under heat/moisture · Erodes heavily on slopes greater than 10% · Requires yearly replenishment · Not typically accessible 3, Gravel Aggregate Advantages · Soft but firm surface · Natural material · Accommodates multiple-use · Moderate cost ($8 per 1 x 8') Disadvantages · Surface can rut/erode with heavy rain on slopes · Regular maintenance required to keep consistent surface · Replenishing stones may be a long-term expense 4, Soil Cement Advantages · Looks natural 10 . · More durable than native soil · Smoother surface · Can be ADA accessible · Inexpensive ($5 per I x 8') Disadvantages · Surface may wear unevenly · Freeze/thaw may have effects · May erode if not installed properly · Can be difficult to achieve correct mix 5, Asphalt Advantages · Hard surface supports all types of use · No trail erosion · Low maintenance · ADA accessible Disadvantages · High installation cost ($15 per 1 x 8') · Costly to repair · Not natural surface · Freeze/thaw can crack surface · Heavy construction vehicles need access . 6, Concrete Advantages · Hardest surface · Supports multiple use · Lowest maintenance · Resists freeze/thaw · No trail erosion · ADA accessible Disadvantages · High installation cost ($40 per 1 x 8') · Costly to repair · Not natural looking surface · Heavy construction vehicles need access TRAIL MAINTENANCE A trail maintenance program for the following conditions should be developed for all City trails, . Slough and Berm Removal. Slough (pronounced "sluff') is material that has moved downhill from the backslope and been deposited along the uphill edge of the tread, This process causes trail users to travel along the outside edge of the trail. The tread eventually narrows and moves 11 . 00 00 ~ ~ d ~ 0) ~ o ~ .. 0) u ~ ~ ~ r/) 1 I .~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CO E ~ en C en (/) Q) C> CO +oJ C CO > "0 CO (/) o s.... s.... (J) (J) > ..c: c ~ o CO ~ (J) ~ ~ :r :.;:; CO e CO ~ (J) (J)..c: e ~3:~ > ~ c 'I--:Jz - s.... (J) ~ o c.. {g ~ :J .0 en "'0 e CO e (J) (J) > .0 (J) en e en :J (J) (J) 0 .0 0 CO e ~ CO c oz "'0 en (J) ~ s.... e 2 (J) co (J) E (J) :; (J) .o~> :J c e 'I-- s.... cos....c.. o~.E c ~ s.... en ~ s...."'O . (J) e ~ (J) e .- en~coco (J)e ~ . en :J "'0 .!: - .- co co C :J E W>.o en - .- co s.... 3:~ c~ e en en e en C e s.... co (J) ~ > (J) C ~ 0 3: ~ ~~ +-i:5E en e .- C c.!: OEE . co .C (J) ~ co (/) ~ Q) C> co +oJ C co > "0 <{ (J) o e co e co (J) s.... ~ :J e 10 ~ .co z --' ~ . . r/J ~ .~ ~ u ~ o o ~ . I (]) u c.S ~ ~ r:Fl , I .~ c\S ~ ~ en Q) '0) co +J C co > "C co en o a> s.... ::s +-' +-' s::: o~ a> o E E .!: ~ o~ ctS s::: a> a> a> - .!: - .c 0.. o- s.... a> en a> s.... en '"0 +-' a> s::: s::: 0 ::s ctS 0 en (;) ctS a> s::: >. en 0 - o 0 ctS 0.. 0 E ~ 00.. o ::s ~ o 0" +-' a> a> 0 oc::z co >< ~ s.... a> 0.. LO tfl- "'--" a> 0> en s::: a> 0.. >< a> s::: . en Q) 0) CO +J C CO > "C <( 0> s::: o~ 0 O>+:i 0> 0 o ctS o~ 0.. 0> E s::: 0 ctS ~ 0 oc CO 0- a> ~ ~ 10 en ~ a> o ctS ::s s.... '"0 .a a> ctS c::z a> o ~ ::s en >. 0> s::: o s.... o..~ en '"0 ~ 0 o 0 cn(9 . . ~ l C\S ~ ~ rJ'J .< I (]) U c.S ~ ~ r:rJ l .~ C\S ~ ~ en Q) 0> co +oJ C co > "'C co en .- o s- O> c.. LO ~ Y7 - ...... CJ) o o c o :.;:; C\1 C\1 ...... CJ) C .- 0> o .~ ~ C\1 ::J c.. CJ) 0> s- C\1 o s- ...... ::J ...... ~ C\1 +:i C CJ) ...... o 0 OZ ~ 0> CJ) ::J ...... CJ) o E C CJ) ~ o 0>- . - ...... CJ) CJ) C\1 ::J o "'0 0 s- 0 0> 0> E C . C\1 E.fJ l:; 8"S o 0 E z <(.w I 0> o ~ ::J CJ) ~ o C\1 s- o C C\1 o 3: C\1 ..c ~ 0> N 0> 0> s- U. CJ) 0> o .- ..c 0> > C o :.;:; o ::J s- ...... CJ) CJ) CJ) C 0> o 0 o 0 ~C\1 >"'0 C\1 0> 0> 0> I c ..c~ 0>00 .- >< I~ . 0> CJ) ::J 'to- o 0> c.. ~ C\1 I 0> o en ~ Q) ::J 0> CJ) CO "'0 +oJ s- C C\1 CO I > "'C <( . 0> o c 0> C\1 ..a c .- 0> CJ) ...... CJ) c 0> .- 0 E ~ ~ ~ .....J<( . . . downhill from its original location resulting in an unsafe situation. The slough must be removed to re-establish the proper backslope. The excess material may be used to fill holes in the trail tread and re-establish the outslope, or to build up the downhill side of water bars, Berm is soil that has built up on the downhill edge of the trail tread, Berm prevents water from flowing off the side of the trail and allows water to channel down the trail causing erosion, A berm may also cause nuisance water to pool on the trail surface resulting in soil saturation, Saturated soil is damaged easily and forces trail users to detour around the area causing the trail to widen, Berms should never be constructed intentionally, and should be eliminated whenever present. Vegetation Clearance Maintenance, All plants encroaching on the vegetation clearance limits for the particular trail classification must be cut back. Branches should be cut close to the main stem without cutting into the branch collar, Plants being removed must be cut flush with the ground and stumps must be removed to prevent safety hazards, All plants growing within the trail tread must be grubbed-out. Trails within landscaped areas may be sprayed with herbicide, All removed plant material must be scattered in a location not visible from the trail. Tread Maintenance, In addition to slough and berm removal, the remaining trail tread should be restored to its original design condition. All loose rocks, rock points, stumps, and roots protruding from the trail surface should be removed. All holes should be filled to create a smooth, obstacle-free trail tread, Maintaining a proper outslope is critical to the long term condition of the trail. Drainage Maintenance, Special attention should be directed to the maintenance of drainage structures, These structures are extremely important in protecting the trail from erosion. If they are not maintained properly, the trail will be prone to erosion, and may become unsafe for public use and require extensive amounts of labor to repair, All repairs to drainage structures must restore them to their original standard construction specifications, Special Structure Maintenance. Structures such as waterbars, culverts, switchbacks, retaining walls, wash crossings, overpasses, bridges, etc, are rather expensive and labor intensive to construct. Proper maintenance will prolong the life of the structures and help prevent safety hazards. Structures should be inspected annually and maintenance performed as needed, All repairs to special structures must restore them to their original standard construction specifications, TRAIL SIGNS AND MARKERS Trail sign program consistent with the following standards should be developed for the City of Stillwater trail signage. Locations. The proper location of signage is important in maintaining the safety of trail users, preserving the natural environment, and promoting the presence of the trail. The number and location of signs should be carefully considered, as a lack of signage or poorly located signs can create hazardous situations for trail users, An overabundance of signs can also detract from theS 12 . . . aesthetics of the trail and decrease the quality of the trail users' experience. Trail signs are typically located at trail intersections, locations where trails cross roadways, and any other areas where it may be difficult to follow the route of the trail. Trail signs should be placed 1.5' to 3' from the edge ofthe trail (see Figures 7.3-23, 24 & 25). 1. Sign Specifications. a. Blanks Sign blanks must be 0.080 gauge aluminum. Blanks must be covered with reflective sheeting of street transportation quality vinyl. There must be 2 predrilled 3/8" holes. The holes must be centered horizontally with the center of each hole being Y2" from the top and bottom edges. Comers must be rounded with a 1" to 1 Y2" radius, depending on the size of the sign. b. Lettering Font must be Garamond (or similar style). Point size should be relative to the size ofthe SIgn. c. Colors Background must be dark brown with reflective white lettering and symbols. There must be a %" - W white reflective border. d. Sign Mounting Hardware 3/8" vandal resistant steel drive rivets. 2. Sign Post/Anchor Specifications a. Posts Posts shall be constructed of 1 %" x 1 3/4" 12-gauge square steel tubing with 7/16" pre-punched knockouts on 1" centers. Post lengths must be 5' or 8'. All steel posts shall be sandblasted with 1 00 grit sand and chemically treated to provide a natural looking "rust" finish. The application of rust-colored paint is not acceptable. b. Anchors Anchors shall be 2" x 2" x 30", 12-gauge galvanized square tubing with 7/16" pre-punched knockouts on 1" centers. 13 . . . 1211 // . ,-" ,..-- .- . \..... '- ------' FIGURE 7.3-23 Trail Sign ...a. CP - - .. . . - 10 tti 611 1011 \ ,..._ .U._.__.._.... ._._....._....... FIGURE 7.3-24 Trail Signs . . . c. Sleeves Sleeves shall be 2 1/4"x 2 1/4" x 12", 12-gauge galvanized square tubing with 7/16" pre-punched knockouts on 1" centers. d. Anchor Assembly Hardware 3/8" vandal resistant steel drive rivets. e. Telescoping Properties The finish post, anchor, and sleeve must be straight with a smooth uniform finish to allow each component to telescope with each consecutive larger or smaller piece. Installation. Sign posts are to be installed according to City of Stillwater Standard Detail. The final height ofthe post should be either 3' or 6'. The height depends on the location of the post and the signs to be placed on it. The 3' posts should be placed at trail intersections or areas where it may be difficult to follow the route ofthe trail. The 3' posts are intended for combinations of signs shown in Figure 7.3-24. These signs shall not exceed two per post. The 6' posts should be placed in more prominent locations such as trail access points or major trail junctions. The 6' posts are intended, for the larger sign shown in Figure 7.3-23. The triangular sign from Figure 7.3-24 or regulatory signs such as "no motorized vehicles" signs may be placed on the 6' post below the larger trail sign. All signs are to be mounted to the posts with 3/8" vandal resistant steel drive rivets. Developer Provided Sign Standard. Developers may provide their own signage consistent in color and theme with the surrounding development. At a minimum, these signs must accommodate the triangular "Trail Courtesy" graphic, the "City of Stillwater Trail System" logo and the standard hiker, equestrian, and mountain bicycle icons. These required signs may be installed on the same post as developer-provided signs, or the graphics may be incorporated directly into the developer-provided sign. The graphics for the signs may be obtained by contacting the City Community Development Director. Sign Maintenance. Sign maintenance includes replacing missing or damaged signs and assuring accuracy of the information on the signs, as conditions may change over time. Signs that are damaged, weathered or for any other reason do not serve their intended purpose should be repaired or replaced according to the sign standards described. TRAIL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The following are a set of funding and implementation guidelines: . Designate a percentage of total available roadway funds exclusively for provision and maintenance of bicycle facilities. Average percentages designated for trailways range 14 . . r. I.S - ~ ' fvoW'l -r va I I '>1;;~~1 / ~ 1 ? \\~"2" <rf ee.ve... . J I J I I I I , - ___I . H&'110+ I I Va r, t;S (?; bV' (p ) ~ ~o ,t t1.hGhD"'- ~-1 FIGURE 7.3-25 Trail Sign Installation . . . . between one and five percent in other cities. Provide consistent and on-gong funding for multi-use trails. Accelerate improvements for existing trails and construction of new trails. Acquire maximum available funding from State and Federal sources. The community should make a commitment to increased non-motorized transportation use by committing a higher percentage of state and federal funds to bicycle and pedestrian transportation. Include trail construction in City Capital Improvement Program. Require new development to plan trails to our standards. Generally follow the guidelines and standards set by MnDOT and ADA for the design of trailways. Refer to Appendix A for MnDOT Planning Guide and Appendix B for ADA Guidelines. Ensure the construction of trails in new development to provide for trial linkages consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Trail Plan. . . . . . . 15 . . . REFERENCES 1. 1993 Austin Bicycle Plan, City of Austin Department of Planning and Development. Making Communities "Bicycle Friendly, "Bill Wilkinson, Planning Commissioners Journal, #10, 1993. 2. Building Bikeways-These paths are no longer the roads less traveled by. Michael G. Jones, Planning, 1993. 3. City of Scottsdale Design Standards and Policy Manual, City of Scottsdale, October 1999. 4. Greenways-A Guide to Planning. Design. and Development, Charles A. Flink and Robert M. Seams, The Conservation Fund, Island Press, 1993. 5. Liberty Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan, City of Liberty, Missouri, 1997. 6. Minnesota Bicycle Transportation Planning and Design Guidelines, Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1996. 7. NRPC Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan-Technical Supplement, Nashua Regional Planning Commission, 1995. 8. PACTS Regional Bicycle and Interim Pedestrian Plan, Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation Committee, 1995. 9. Pro Bike Pro Walk 98 - Creating Bicycle-Friendly and Walkable Communities, City of Santa Barbara included in the National Conferences of the Bicycle Federation of America, 1998. 10. 1995 Stillwater Comprehensive Plan, City of Stillwater Planning Department. 11. Trails for the Twenty-first Century-Planning. Design. and Management Manual for Multi-Use Trails, Karen-Lee Ryan, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Island Press, 1993. 12. Walkable and Bicycle Friendly Communities, Dan Burden, Florida Department of Transportation, 1997. 16 . . . MEMORANDUM TO: Community Development Director FR: City Administrator RE: Park and Rec. Board membership DA: October 26, 2000 For your information, the following have terms that will be expiring on 1/1/01: Linda Amrien, Del Peterson, Sara Thingvold and Steve Wolff. Further, there are currently five members whose terms run to 1/1/02 and they are: Dawn Flinn, Dave Junker, Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt and Mike Polehna. Due to the reorganization earlier this year, the Park and Recreation Board will be comprised of seven members, effective 1/1/01. Therefore, at least one and possibly two seats will need to be filled (note: Al Liehr resigned about 3 months ago). Depending upon the outcome of the election, it is possible that Wally Milbrandt would be appointed as a Council Rep and that two appointments would then be necessary. If Wally was not elected then he could remain as a member, a new Council Rep would be appointed and one additional member would be needed. There, may be other scenarios. In any event, it would appear that at least one and possibly two appointments need to be made. In regard to the appointment process, the City is required by Charter to advertise vacancies that exist or will exist at year-end. We have placed a notice in the October City newsletter about upcoming vacancies (except the newsletter says we have 1 openings in the Park and Rec. Board. This is incorrect). We will also be placing a notice in the official newspaper (Stillwater Gazette) soon. Please see me if you have any questions. 1t~ . illwater -- ~ -~ THE BIRTHPLACE DF MINNESDTA J PARK AND RECREATION BOARD Members Date a~pointed Ward Term Expires Steve J. Wolff appt'd 11l9/93 WI Ol-Jan-Ol re-appt'd l/l/95, 97,99 Stillwater, MN 55082 (Fourth Term) Linda Amrein appt'd 1/7/97 W2 Ol-Jan-Ol re-appt'd l/5/99 Stillwater, MN 55082 (Second Term) Sara L. Thingvold appt'd l/5/99 W4 01-Jan-Ol (First Term) Stillwater, MN 55082 Delwin P. Peterson (Chair) appt'd 1/19/93 W4 01-Jan-Ol re-appt'd 1/1/95,97,99 Stillwater, MN 55082 (Fourth Term) Michael Polehna (Vice-Chair) appt'd 1/90 W4 01-Jan-02 re-appt'd 1/l/92,94,96,98,00 . Stillwater, MN 55082 (Sixth Full Term) David G. Junker appt'd 9/26/89 WI o I-Jan-02 (filled unexpired term of John Benson) Stillwater, MN 55082 re-appt'd 1/90,92,94,96,98,00 (Sixth full Term) Robert McGarry, III appt'd 2/16/88 W3 01-Jan-02 re-appt'd l/l/90,92,94,96,98,00 Stillwater, MN 55082 (Seventh Term) Wally Milbrandt appt'd 1/4/00 W3 o I-Jan-02 (First Term) Stillwater, MN 55082 Dawn Flinn appt'd 1/6/98 WI 01-Jan-02 re-appt'd 1/4/00 Stillwater, MN 55082 (Second Term) Richard Cummings (Council Rep.) appt'd l/19/93 W3 Stillwater, MN 55082 . The purpose of the Park and Recreation Commission is to operate a program of recreation and to manage City parks and playgrounds. The Park and Recreation Commission is organized per City Code Chapter 48 and Ordinance No. 896. They meet the fourth Monday of the month. There are seven members appointed by Council. 'Each serve two year terms. Council membership is required by ordinance. Ordinance No. 896, adopted by Council on 5/16/00, changed membership from eleven to seven members, current members serve to the end of their terms. Rev. 8/00 CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STillWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 651-430-8800 ... Our United Way for Local Needs Many residents are not aware that we eve our very own St. Croix Area United ay, serving people who live in the Stillwater Area School District. For over 50 years, St. Croix Area United Way has been managed by local volunteers who serve on its board, solicit for contributions every fall, and then meet in the spring to distribute the funds. Money raised here stays here, with 85 cents of every dollar donated going to programs that directly serve our residents. .. programs offered to those in need by Courage St. Croix, FamilyMeans, Family Violence Network, Human Services, Stillwater Senior Center, Youth Service Bureau, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Community Volunteer Service, Lakeview Hospice, and Legal Assistance...just to name a few. Campaign 2000 Chair Michael Holsten urges you to Give Where You Live, and reminds residents who work out-of-town to write in ST. CROIX AREA UNITED WAY on your company pledge card. Please contribute generously, the person you're .IPing may someday be you. to unbedWay The Cultural Scene Rake a Difference on CI1"Y\BRIE.t=S Make a Difference Day Boa;d~<~;'d Sat., October 28 COll1ll1issiolfsYOpel1ings The Autumn Leaves, drift by my window....For some people in our community, autumn leaves are not always a welcome sight. Age, physical disabilities, or a recent illness can make leaf raking an impossible chore for some. Do you need help raking yours? Would you like to make a difference in someone's life and help them rake theirs? Rake a Difference on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 28, is a yard raking project coordinated by Community Volunteer Service and St. Croix Area United Way. The project serves senior citizens and adults with disabilities by offering volunteer teams to rake and bag leaves for those who need help in the Stillwater, Bayport, and Lake ~~~~r~~~~':~~~~~:~~~~~~~h~ b~~~~~:~ Go~y. ;~,i~ and other supplies. Last year 249 people Gio/<E:}~.<<<\<\..~ity;!n.tt1ei~~'~~~~~~' donated more than 630 hours of their time to protectegi9X;'~'JI.ffhdJ~;~~~~~f~!~~ rake the leaves of 51 elderly or disabled con~ernli.{~c..~p~~irygS);H~~~~~~frd homeowners. This year's goal is 400 - is see.king;~ncem~d~ti:z:en~~it~~ volunteers. Individuals, families, church Iibraryiryt~r~t.;Th~lj~~o/B~~t~~"i;:;' groups, service clubs, youth groups and local PUllX?li.~i~i~egBera~~;~g~~~m~!~.W~i businesses who would like to volunteer, or Stillwater1?uQlic Li~:ry{3~O EiCiirygs); people who need help with raking their leaves Park~ tionS "' can call Community Volunteer Service, 439- iC' c.... f of r 7434. Please call by Oct. 13. ./1 ~f e ~::~*'.. '.' w ~~~:~~,I'F~rt;'~~ni~~~~(~:S openings) ..Ap~licarlts m~lit..~~.rE:}si.. dents of Stinw~tE:}r;.....c.Thedead,line to apply is NovelTlber 22, 2000 at 4:30 p.m. If you have questions about any of the commissions please can 430-8800. - . """""'-,-'-,. ....._. The following boards and C()mmission openings are coming up: Downtown parking,~~~mission -,esta~lished to oversee the development and . imple- mentationof the D<?w~towO~arking _ ,;,,~<-:<:>,_;-<~<-_:;+,c?<---c-,;:-:\\-<,-:;~>__/-^,/_;;c'__,'" . _' ',' Plan, this incrudesP1~nning for long- range. p lot imp!ovements and day-tcrdaY'regulation of public parking spaces (4:-oPE:}~irlgs);Heritage Pre' mmission~its eguard the: heritage of -<_~;:_<<Y_/-:::__~i-:-/_-- -;;.~V:1~$iv~>$:;> ,:_'. ., - " : 9 t?war 'M, re~ef~ 'ctures Stillwater, in addition to being a mecca for seekers of fine arts and rare books among other delights, may now also claim to be a venue for world-class music. Through the recently formed St. Croix Concert Series, Valley residents and visitors may enjoy classical music performed by world-renowned groups. Two highly acclaimed performance groups will be visiting Stillwater in the coming months to present concerts at Trinity Lutheran Church and Stillwater Area High School. Thursday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. - The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Trinity Lutheran Church-adults $18, students $12 - complimentary reception atter the concert for ticket holders Friday, Feb. 9, 8:00 p.m. - The Juilliard String Quartet Trinity Lutheran Church-adults $22, students $16 - 7:00 p.m. pre-concert lecture for ticket holders Saturday, Apr. 21,10:00 and 11 :30 a.m. - The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Stillwater Area High School- Family Concert - adults $12, students $8 Soloist: Anne Knoche, soprano, SAHS class of 1986 Free community workshop/lectures will precede each SPCO concert (no preregistration necessary). The first will be on Tuesday, October 17, 2000, 7:30 p.m. in the Stillwater High School Orchestra Room. Join Concertmaster Steven Copes and Principal Violist 4@bina Thatcher for a lively discussion of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and live musical amples from the soloists themselves! Steve and Sabina will give tips on what to listen or, play some excerpts, and answer your questions. To order tickets send your check, made payable to St. Croix Concert Series, and order information to: St. Croix Concert Series, P.O. Box 2202, Stillwater, MN. Concert Series phone number: 651-430-3528. Stillwater City Council Regular Replays Friday at 7:00 Saturday at 1 :00 p.m. Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Channel 16 Stillwater City Scene Every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. The full weeks schedule is printed in the Friday Stillwater Gazette