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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-22 PRC MIN City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission March 22, 2010 Present: Linda Amrein, Chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Solveg Peterson, Mike Polehna Staff: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Absent: Rob McGarry and Sandy Snellman Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: After Mr. Polehna clarified a statement in the previous minutes regarding his status as a non-voting member and vacancy on the Commission, Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved approval of the Feb. 22, 2010, minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Eagle Scout Project – Dan Madden, Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 132, explained his proposed Eagle Scout project. He spoke of the threat presented by the Emerald Ash Borer. For his Eagle Scout project, he is proposing to plant 10 non-ash trees in Northland Park. He said Mr. Moore had provided him with a list of suggested tree species and also would be assisting with the planting locations. He said the new trees would be 2” in diameter and stated he would be raising the funds to purchase the trees and other necessary supplies, such as mulch. Mr. Polehna asked whether Northland Park has a large ash tree population. Mr. Moore responded in the affirmative, noting there are 38 ash trees in Northland Park. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved to approve Mr. Madden’s proposed Eagle Scout project. Motion passed unanimously. Special event applications a. Bluegrass Music Concert – Dale Gruber was present to explain his request to hold a Bluegrass concert in Pioneer Park on June 26. Mr. Gruber said while is he a member of the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association, a non-profit organization, he is organizing the June 26 concert on his own. He said his intent is to have a family event to promote bluegrass music. He said he is not organizing the event for a profit, but would like to cover expenses and said he is trying to get some corporate sponsors to help offset the costs involved. He said he will likely charge an admission fee of $10 for adults, with children admitted free. Mr. Polehna asked if there would be vendors; Mr. Gruber stated there would be no vendors, but some bands might have tables set up where their CDs would be available for sale. Ms. Amrein noted that historically the sale of items, such as CDs, has not been allowed in the parks; Mr. Christensen suggested that the spirit of that rule was likely aimed at commercial vendors, and Mr. Polehna noted that Mr. Gruber would be paying for the use of the park, not just selling merchandise. There was discussion about how many people might be in attendance and the potential for a large number of cars parking in the neighborhood. Mr. Gruber said as this is a first-time event, he really couldn’t give a good estimate for the attendance, but said he would be “shocked” if attendance reaches 300. Ms. Peterson pointed out that as this is being promoted as a family event, an attendance of 300 would not equate to that many cars. There was discussion as to whether the concert would require use of the entire park, with Mr. Moore pointing out that a lot of people use the playground area. Mr. Polehna noted that it would be relatively easy to cordon off the area around the band shell so other folks could still utilize the playground area; Mr. Gruber was amenable to doing that. Ms. Amrein moved to approve the bluegrass concert in Pioneer Park on June 26, with Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 22, 2010 Page 2 of 2 staff to work out the details with Mr. Gruber. Mr. Christensen seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. b. Ballet Jubilate performance – Mr. Moore stated this is an annual event and there have been no issues in the past. Ms. Amrein moved to approve the Ballet Jubilate performances in Pioneer Park on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20 as requested. Mr. Brandt seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Northland Park dugout – Mr. Moore told the Commission that the VAA is planning to use the field at Northland Park for older age baseball games this year and is proposing to improve the dugout in the interest of safety. He said currently there is just a bench for the dugout and the proposal is to add fencing in front of the bench. He said the VAA would purchase all of the materials and work with the City to install the fencing. He said if there is enough money, concrete pads would be poured, and perhaps the backstop extended. He said this would be a definite improvement. Mr. Christensen, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved to accept the VAA proposal for improvement to the dugout at Northland Park. Motion passed unanimously. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Mr. Brandt mentioned the water problem at the outside ice rink area at the Recreation Center. It was noted the drainage system has not been installed yet. Mr. Brandt also stated maps for the Stillwater Marathon route are in the process of being produced. Mr. Polehna referred to the recent ruling in the new bridge lawsuit and said he and Councilmember Cook believe the City should begin making some of the improvement to Lowell Park and the Barge Terminal property that have been delayed for so many years waiting for action on the bridge and levee wall projects. He said he thought the City should begin making some improvements now, suggesting a possible start would be cleaning up the Barge Terminal property and installing a wood chip trail. Mr. Moore said he would bring back some ideas for improvements that could be done at this time. Ms. Amrein said it would be nice to see the Lowell Park plan again; Mr. Moore noted that some changes were made to the plan in the Comprehensive Plan update. It was agreed to have Mr. Moore bring back some ideas regarding Lowell Park and the Barge Terminal property. Mr. Polehna noted that in the past the Commission annually looked at a plan for one of the parks. Mr. Moore noted staff is just completing an inventory of park equipment. Mr. Moore said he would like to start working on a plan for the open space west of Northland Avenue. There was discussion of mowing vs. natural open space and the impact on the budget of mowing. It was agreed to have Mr. Moore bring back a plan/recommendations for the area. There was discussion regarding the budget and the need for equipment/building repairs. Mr. Polehna suggested the City will have to find new funding mechanisms for park improvements. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. on the motion by Ms. Amrein, second by Mr. Brandt. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary