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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-27 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission Sept. 27, 2010 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Assist. Public Works Superintendent Moore, Planner Pogge and Public Works Director Sanders Others present: Steve Russell, candidate for City Council Absent: Mike Polehna Call to order The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes Ms. Peterson noted two typos of the word "warming house." She also suggested that "ArtReach Alliance is a non - profit" is an incomplete sentence — should be non- profit organization or is non - profit. Ms. Snellman moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM ACTION ITEMS Proposed pedestrian plaza — Planner Pogge reviewed the history of the concept of developing a pedestrian plaza down the Commercial Street corridor to link Main Street and Lowell Park. He noted that concept was incorporated in the most recent Comprehensive Plan update and expanded to include the new parking ramp. He stated that staff has been working with Mike Deem and Roger Tomten of ArchNet, who provided pro bono services, to develop a more detailed concept plan. Mr. Pogge pointed out that this is a concept at this time but is developed to the point that is should go through a public process /open house to get input. He reviewed some of the details of the plan: modifications to the intersections at Second, Main and Water Streets to emphasize pedestrian crossings; making Commercial Street one -way going west to the parking ramp and emphasizing Commercial Street as a pedestrian walkway; eliminating a drive lane and two rows of parking in the public lot between Main and Water streets for incorporation into the plaza. Some elements that could be incorporated into the plaza, he stated, include: information kiosks, pergolas, landscaping, water feature, human chess boards, restroom facility, bike racks, benches and other elements. Mr. Pogge explained the next steps in the process are to negotiate with owner of the Water Street Inn to purchase a strip of land in the Inn's parking lot; schedule an open house for the general public and downtown business /property owners prior to the October Park Board meeting; secure the services of a design professional for cornpletion of construction plans and cost estimates; and work on securing additional funding sources. Ms. Amrein asked if the amphitheater would be ADA accessible. Mr. Pogge stated that is a requirement, along with the requirement to provide a handicapped - accessible route to the amphitheater. Ms. Amrein asked about the reasoning for making Commercial Street a one -way street. Mr. Pogge responded that is proposed to emphasize the pedestrian walkway, as well as to improve the departure process for both pedestrians and vehicles after large events. Mr. Brandt asked about the priority of this concept. Mr. Sanders explained that there would be some coordination with the Corps of Engineers flood control project, which is scheduled to begin after Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 23, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Lumberjack Days 2011. Mr. Brandt question the percentage of funding that would be spent on this pedestrian plaza versus Lowell Park itself. Mr. Sanders said in all, there is about $900,000 that has been dedicated for Lowell Park and pedestrian plaza improvements; he said the Corps will pay for the re- grading of nearly all of north Lowell Park, the City will have to decide on /fund the trail, irrigation system — the next big step, he said, is deciding on what to spend the money on. Mr. Russell asked if utilities would be placed underground as part of the project; Mr. Sanders said that has been ruled out due to the cost involved. Mr. Russell suggested that if there is concern from businesses regarding the loss of parking spaces as part of the park improvements that the Commission remember the City has built a 250 -stall parking structure that provides freedom in planning these pedestrian ways and park improvements. In discussion, Mr. Pogge pointed out that this pedestrian plaza will provide a needed connection to the City's riverfront for all people, not just users of the parking ramp. Mr. Russell talked of the importance of a pedestrian connection to the river. Ms. Peterson said she thought this was a great plan. Ms. Amrein talked about the visual impact of the gas station on the concept and wondered if there is some landscaping that could improve the appearance; Mr. Sanders suggested perhaps that is something the City could look at after the new river crossing is constructed. Mr. McGarry said he understood Mr. Brandt's concern about spending money on the pedestrian plaza and ignoring the park itself, but said he thought this is all one package, with money available to be spent as the Commission /Council sees fit; he said he would definitely be in favor on continuing the process. Ms. Amrein moved to recommend approval of the concept plan for the pedestrian plaza and authorize staff to proceed with the next steps as outlined in the memo and any other steps not specifically delineated. Mr. McGarry seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMA "rIONAL ITEMS Harvest Festival - Mr. Moore stated this item was on the agenda for information only as the application wasn't received in time for the Commission to review it at its August meeting. Mr. Moore provided an update on St. Croix River levels, which has forced the Art Fair to be relocated as 80% of north Lowell Park will be under water at the time. He said even the Harvest Fest may be in question due to the condition of the park; he said sponsors are making alternative plans at this time. • Mr. Christensen asked for an update on the Jackson Wildlife Management Area, Mr. Sanders said the Council has not taken any action, given an appraisal value of $170,000; he said Brown's Creek Watershed District has expressed interest in purchasing the land and has submitted a bid offer of $10,000. Mr. Christensen said he had talked with Mark Holsten, DNR commissioner, who indicated that a strip along the east side will be donated to the City. Mr. Sanders said the City also owns a strip along Myrtle Street; it is the west side of the pond that is being auctioned off. There was discussion as to whether the Brown's Creek offer was a viable one, considering the DNR's minimum bid price of $177,000. • Ms. Amrein asked about the Zephyr trail. Mr. Sanders said he thought the Zephyr and DNR had come to an agreement on a purchase price, but purchase has not been finalized. He said the depot building is not part of any negotiations. • Mr. Christensen asked about the status of the opening on the Commission; Mr. Pogge said all commission openings have been advertised. Ms. Amrein noted there has been concern in the past about getting more equalization among ward representation. • Mr. Christensen asked for an update on the possible boat ramp at the former Aiple property. Mr. Sanders said he has finally obtained a contact with the DNR to see if that is a potential site. Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 23, 2010 Page 3 of 3 • Mr. Moore said he has been getting more information about park use rates discussed at the last meeting and will have more information available at the October meeting. He said he has also been going through old plans to provide a baseline for discussing park improvements. • Mr. Moore asked for input about receiving agenda packets electronically as a way of reducing paper. It was consensus to go to the electronic format as long as the information /graphics can be projected in some fashion at the meetings. • Mr. Moore provided preliminary drawings of the plans for renovation of the existing Lowell Park restrooms. He suggested that drawings need to be refined with some additional roof line details. It was consensus to proceed with the process. • There was discussion of the format of the open house prior to the October meeting. Mr. Pogge said there would be no formal presentation; there will be display boards and staff will be available to answer questions. Mr. Amrein urged Commission members to attend. The open house will be scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 25. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary