HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-28 PRC MIN
City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Commission
June 28, 2010
Present: Linda Amrein, chair
David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson,
Mike Polehna and Sandy Snellman
Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, Public Works Director Shawn
Sanders, City Planner Michel Pogge
Approval of minutes: Mr. Brandt moved approval of the May 24, 2010 minutes, Ms. Snellman
seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEMS
Special event application
Fight the fire 5K, Brown’s Creek, October 2, 2010
Mr. Moore stated that this is an annual event held every year by the Stillwater
Firefighters Relief Association. There have not been any issues with this event in the
past. The route crosses Eagle Ridge Trail at Myrtle Street but this of no real concern to
Parks Commission. Ms. Amrein asked if this was the local fire department. Mr. Moore
said yes. Mr. McGarry said this would be an event that would not have to be brought to
the commission in the future. Mr. McGarry moved to approve the application by
Stillwater Fire Fighters Association, seconded by Ms. Snellman. Motion passed
unanimously.
Turf Management Plan
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Mr. Moore stated that at the May 14, 2010 Council retreat, Council instructed staff to develop a
comprehensive maintenance plan and work through the Parks Commission and bring to council.
Also staff was instructed to look at areas and the frequency of mowing in the City. Mr. Moore
presented the plan with comments added from the January meeting. Included in the plan was a
map showing areas and acreage that the City mows in outlots, trails, right-of-ways and city
owned property. There are approximately 61 additional areas exclusive from the parks. Council
member Polehna suggested cutting back on the mowing but informing the residents before the
plan is implemented. Bruce Werre was in attendance at the meeting and spoke about the fact
that there should be an open forum item on the Agenda. He stated that the City has native
plantings along McKusick Lake trail and should not mow that area. He stated the townhomes on
the other side of McKusick Trail are mowing and fertilizing to the curb and he wishes they would
stop. He then mentioned the barley treatment on Lake McKusick by volunteers. Ms. Amrein
asked Bruce to explain how the barley bails work. He said he was not an expert on them. Mr.
McGarry inquired about staff time for the reduced mowing. Mr. Moore replied that more
dedicated time would be spent on playgrounds, buildings, plantings and weeding. Motion by Mr.
Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman to accept the turf management plan and present to Council.
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Motion passed unanimously
Rick Wente attended the meeting and read a letter thanking the Commission for the opportunity
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to hold the Fire Muster event in Lowell Park yesterday, June 27. He thought it was a success
and had estimated approximately 200 people attended. He is already planning for next year and
will not have vendors. Mr. Moore commented that the Lowell Park bathrooms were a little messy
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
June 28, 2010
Page 2 of 2
afterward and some garbage cans were overflowing. Council member Polehna said he had a
good comment from a person downtown on the event.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Lowell Park improvements
Staff is working with USACE for some type of flood project. The project will involve grading of
parking areas, raising grade along the park, installing storm sewer system, re-grading north end
(Mulberry Point) and grading of an amphitheater. It was noted that existing paved lots will be
resurfaced and gravel lots will not be paved. It will be difficult to start any real major
improvements until the USACE work is completed. We may be able to pour some curb, install
drinking fountain, add some plantings and maybe some hardscape. Ms. Amrein asked what
hardscape was. Mr. Moore responded that it is concrete, curb and gutter, sidewalks and
retaining walls. Commission was asked what involvement they would like to have with the
project.
Mr. Brandt moved, seconded by Ms. Snellman, to adjourn at 6:40 pm for park tour.