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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-27 PRC Packet ~il ~ate~ r"E BIRrM'LACe OF MINNfSOl"A ~ CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF MEETING MONDAY, JULY 27,2009 AT 7:00 PM The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, July 27,2009, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. AGENDA 1. Approval of the June 22, 2009 Minutes. Informational Items 2. Millbrook Park Update 3. Staples Field Tennis Court Lights Update 4. Long Lake Fishing Pier 5. Croixwood Letter to Residents 6. Other Items City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission June 22, 2009 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, and Mike Polehna Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Scott Christensen and Sandy Snell man Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein suggested that the minutes reflect that Mr. Polehna was present at the May 2009 meeting, with the time of arrival indicated in parentheses. Mr. Brandt moved approval of the minutes of May 18, 2009, with that change. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Staples Field tennis court Iiahts - Mr. Moore stated the City Council had received several complaints about the tennis court lights at Staples Field, and he had been directed to turn the lights off. He noted that the time clock and controls had been vandalized in the fall, but had been replaced and were in working order as of June 2. He stated the lights are timed to go off at 10 p.m. but noted the controls are new and take awhile to adjust, so it is likely that the lights have been on past 10 p.m. Mr. Brandt asked if there had been any complaints about the lights not being on; Mr. Moore responded in the affirmative. Mr. McGarry asked about the severity of the complaint that would result in staff's direction to turn the lights off; Mr. Polehna explained the complaints were made directly to the City Council representatives from that Ward and Council asked that the lights be turned off until the Park Board could discuss the issue and make a recommendation. During discussion, members pointed out that the lights have been utilized in the past, other tennis courts in the City are lighted, and, if the intent is to have parks utilized, the lights ought to be turned back on. There was a suggestion that perhaps some of the lights could be turned off or the lights could be shielded in some way. Ms. Amrein moved that the lights at the Staples tennis courts be turned back on, with staff to look at shielding the lights or better directing the light to minimize the impact on neighboring homes. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. St. Croix Valley Recreation Center and Lilv Lake Arena usaae rates - Mr. Moore stated Recreation Center Manager Doug Brady had prepared the proposed rates and had discussed the issue with City Administrator Hansen. He noted that Mr. Brady had compared the rates with the rates charged by other area facilities. He said Mr. Brady believes the proposed rates will help offset increasing energy costs and some upcoming maintenance costs. Ms. Amrein said she didn't think rates should automatically be raised every year, and said there ought to be some reason for an increase. Ms. Amrein also expressed concern that the increase in rates is inconsistent; for example, the proposed increase for Rec Center ice time is a 6.25 percent increase, while the field house rentals go up 9 percent and 20 percent, as proposed. She said she thought the percentage of increase ought to be more consistent, rather than just a dollar figure. Mr. Pogge noted the field house is scheduled for some turf improvements. Mr. Pogge also pointed out that renting half the field house often means the other half can't be utilized, but costs are the same. Mr. Brandt said he would be comfortable raising the rates, but agreed the increases seem a bit arbitrary. Mr. McGarry said he didn't think there would be any problem with Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 22, 2009 Page 2 of 2 finding justification for the increases, noting that most of the increases are not much more than the rate of inflation, but said he would be hesitant to increase rates just because a neighboring facility raised its rates. Mr. McGarry moved to approve the rate changes as proposed by Mr. Brady and recommend to Council that the rates changes be approved. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed 4-1, with Ms. Amrein voting no. Mr. Brandt suggested that in future better justification be provided. Special event applications - Summer Tuesdavs and St. Croix Harvest Festival in Lowell Park - Mr. Moore reviewed the applications. It was noted that the City Council had already approved the Summer Tuesdays application, so no action was required of the Commission. Mr. Moore stated that for Summer Tuesdays, the Chamber would like to have a semi trailer for storage of beverages; the trailer would be parked in a gravel area; he said. He said staff had denied that request, but the Chamber could appeal that decision to the Parking Commission. Regarding the St. Croix Harvest Festival, Mr. Moore noted this is also an ongoing event, and there were no issues with the event last year. Mr. McGarry moved to approve the St. Croix Harvest Festival and giant pumpkin weigh-in special event. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Mr. Polehna asked about a Park Board representative on the Special Events Task Force. Mr. McGarry volunteered to serve on the task force. Ms. Amrein referred to an article in the Stillwater Gazette regarding Slab Alley. Mr. Pogge said the master plan for the Aiple property and the new river crossing mitigation plans include plans for the property known as Slab Alley. It also was noted that with the approval of funding for the final phase of the levee wall project, work will begin on Lowell Park improvements. Ms. Amrein suggested it might be appropriate for staff to write a response, indicating the City is aware of the issues and has plans to address the property. Mr. Moore talked about the work that has been done on the turf in north Lowell Park and the turf management plan and said he was cautiously optimistic regarding the results. The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m. Following the regular meeting, th~ Commission did its annual tour of selected parks. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary ~ illwater .. ..- .- ~--..., ;":-:-,R1MhAr,E Of M'NNESOfA ~ Park and Recreation Commission DATE: July 23, 2009 ITEM: Millbrook Active Park Sites MEETING DATE: July 27, 2009 Michel Pogge, City Planner ~1f PREPARED BY: DISCUSSION Originally, both active park sites in Millbrook were planned to be transfer to the City in 2007; however, since the Millbrook project did not begin in 2006 as originally hoped by US Home Corporation, the 2007 transfer date is no longer valid. Additionally, due to the slow number of home sales the transfer was again delayed. Both active parks in Millbrook were substantially graded with the development of the first phase. The west third of the northern active park area is currently being used as a soil stockpiling area that will be used in the second phase of the development. With the soil stockpile still on the park site.and the current poor condition of the grounds staff suggests two options. 1. Require US Homes to improve the quality of the turf and transfer the park site to the City by early 2010. During the July 22 Stillwater Township/City of Stillwater Joint Board meeting, the township members requested that the stockpile be relocated by May 31, 2010 and that turf be reestablished as soon as possible after that date. If an early 2010 transfer date is desirable to the Commission the staff would suggest the stockpile be move by March 31st so seeding can be completed during the optimal planting season around mid-April. 2. Staff has discussed with US Homes that they install an irrigation system in the park. If they install an irrigation system in the park then the City would be willing to have the site immediately transferred to the City. Staff could then easily establish turf on the site for the cost of seed and labor. Additionally, long term it would be easier to keep a well maintain turf for the park. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Discuss and make a recommendation to the City Council. .c. i„.4... . 1 Y � NE � c __ 1 / t 7 r 7,,,,,....„.„... — _ ,.,. _ 1 . 1 r y� � j r • — , ®r 1 ' -- -_----4 ' - ", Sir.. ( 1 y i 4 e - f T1 , . ,i. 2,:: ' l i 1 L 1 ( - -- - _ —7; — ___i L .. I • .s 1, I � i ® I I __ _ . -, 0 ..� I ! - -- - �, -- _ 0 • 1 • ® -- 1 • $ - 4 y "C .. . fir; ----- ± ; ` � . - --, . ` 1 / / . ---1-1 f 9 ~� • *.,...--- -... ' '----- - ' .. „, ,.. -.) ., t �., �i a .. �! • I xm 1 ' 'k 0. $ 1 o� r ' •� s` j ifti .. ....1„ l i PJr w 1 N � 1 r k » r - a " ' 4=4 �� * S Si ; 411 Ci. t f S wat x c5tillwater ..:.--- -------) .......::: ~ l~t S'~lH'LACE Of MINNESOU J Memo From: Parks and Recreation Commission Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent ~ftI'.," To: Date: July 22, 2009 Re: Informational items Staples Field Tennis Court Lights Update Staff has visited the site with two electrical contractors and is currently working with Signature Lighting who specializes in athletic lighting. Currently the tennis courts lights are aimed at their lowest possible at the courts and cannot be directed in any other direction to reduce light to the surrounding neighborhood. They are checking on some different types of bulbs with less candle lumens to help reduce the brightness to the neighborhood. They are also looking into the possibility of light shields with the manufacturer. We are investigating the possibility of installing a vandal proof push button timer along with the existing clock timer which would enable us to only turn on one bank of lights at a time. Long Lake Fishing Pier Council has directed staff to investigate the possibility of installing a fishing pier on Long Lake. Currently there are grants available from the Department of Natural Resources. There is a waiting list for funding however making application will get us on this list. The commission should discuss the possible location for the installation of the fishing pier keeping in mind such issues as parking, trail access, and neighborhood disruption so this information can be included in the grant. Staff will present options at the July 2ih meeting. Croixwood Letter to Residents The attached letter was mailed July 10th, 2009 to residents along Long Lake in Croixwood and also surrounding Nightingale Park. Staff will continue to monitor activity in these areas and address issues on an individual basis. Staff has spoken with Karen Kill in regards to the project that Brown's Creek Watershed District is planning. Staff will monitor the Watershed District project ~o make sure it continues to reflect the natural setting of the area. ~i1I~ate~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA ~ July 8, 2009 Dear Resident: During the past several months the City of Stillwater has noticed an increase in activity in Croixwood open space area and Nightingale Park. Where these park areas are open for use by the public, some of the activities that has been occurring disrupt the natural setting these parks were intended to be left in. The City appreciates residents helping in eradication of buckthorn and other evasive species; however, the cutting of desirable trees and clearing of trails is not permitted. If you have questions or concerns about trees or other vegetation that should be removed please contact me before you proceed with any work on City property. Additionally, a number of property owners have installed fences, retaining walls, fire pits and other permanent & temporary structures on city property. It is illegal to place these items on City property. If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 651-275-4102. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, ~J?1~ Tim Moore Assistant Public Works Superintendant CIlY' HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STREET . STillWATER, MINNESOTA 550B2 PHONE: 651-430-BBOO · WEBSITE: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us l". " ,',' ~'.:...... l'.. . J';1 ,~ .~~ ," . ," ...;._..,.~.nj' tv. , ...._.~.....\A .,~-" 3