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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-27 PRC packetCITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2010 AT 7:00 PM The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, December 27, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. AGENDA 1. Approval of the November 22 2010 minutes Action Items 2. Lowell Park Ice Skating Rink Request Informational Items 3. Long Lake Natural Area Commission Items /Topics Following the meeting, park board members will be gathering for a holiday social at the home of Solveg Peterson located at 350 North Main Street. No business will be conducted during this function. City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission Nov. 22, 2010 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, Mike Polehna and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Asst. Public Works Supervisor Tim Moore Absent: Scott Christensen Ms. Arnrein called the meeting to order 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes Ms. Amrein pointed out an unnecessary word in the section regarding park fees — "is likely will apply to reserve" should be "is likely to reserve." There was discussion about park closure during the winter months. Mr. Moore explained that the restroom facilities are not open during the winter; he said closing during the winter has been past practice, but that is something the Commission could discuss. Mr. Moore also stated the parks were kept open later this year due to the mild weather. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to approve the minutes of Oct. 25, 2010, with the above noted correction. Motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Park fees — Mr. Moore said in talking with a number of communities, he found that Stillwater's rates were comparable to others, except for ball tournaments and weddings. He said the tournaments and weddings are costing the City more in staff time and expenses, noting that the City had spent about $700 this year in upgrading the electrical service in the band shell, costs that come out of the general fund. He reviewed the proposal to increase rates for ball tournaments at Lily Lake; he noted such events generate a lot of trash, which results in additional staff time for cleanup. The proposed rates also include a $100 charge for weddings, he said; he noted there are instances when barricades have to be put up for weddings at the gazebo and other circumstances when staff have to provide additional services. Mr. Moore noted there is also a refundable deposit required. In discussion, members felt the cost for renting the gazebo was fairly low. Mr. Moore spoke of instances where relatives are used to take advantage of the cost of rentals for residents vs. non - residents; Ms. Peterson suggested requiring either the bride or groom to be a resident, or grew up here and still have a parent(s) residing here, in order for that rate to apply. Mr. Moore noted that the work done by the special events committee should help clear up some of the issues experienced in the past. During discussion, it was noted that folks not reserving a shelter or gazebo would not pay any fees. Mr. McGarry spoke against the proposal for a weekend surcharge, saying there is no significant increase or impact on the park to justify such a surcharge; Mr. Moore pointed out that charge is not being increased, there has always been that surcharge. Mr. Polehna said he agreed there should not be a weekend surcharge. Ms. Amrein spoke of the cost involved in staff overtime; Mr. Moore stated staff automatically is paid overtime for weekend work. There was discussion of alternate work schedules to reduce the amount of overtime paid. There was discussion of the difference between resident and non - resident fees; Ms. Amrein said she thought that was justified as residents are helping to pay for the parks through their tax dollars paid here. Ms. Snellman spoke in favor of the resident and non - resident fees. Mr. Brandt said he was comfortable with the proposal for the increase in tournament fees, as it appears those are in line with what other communities charge, but said the proposed wedding rates seem somewhat arbitrary. Mr. McGarry questioned the additional fee for weddings, suggesting there is little difference between a wedding and other events, such as a birthday Park and Recreation Board Minutes November 22, 2010 Page 2of3 party. There was discussion of the need to raise additional fees to deal with the current economic situation local governments are facing. Ms. Peterson pointed out it would cost someone more money to have a wedding in their own church than to pay the proposed rates. Ms. Amrein said she could support charging the same rates for weekday and weekend rentals, but said she favored the additional fee for weddings. Mr. Moore spoke of the extra services required by weddings, such as PA systems, barricading of the street by the gazebo, and other costs associated with the infrastructure, such as electrical costs, which the City needs to recoup. Mr. Moore noted that with all reservations, including weddings and softball tournaments, the fees generated revenues of $14,000 - $15,000 last year, about 90% of which came from Teddy Bear Park, Lily Lake, Pioneer and Lowell parks. In discussion, it was noted there is a separate fee schedule for Teddy Bear Park. Ms. Amrein spoke in favor of using the Friday- Sunday rates across the board, including the wedding rates. Mr. Moore noted that moving forward he will be able to collect more data regarding time /expenses. Mr. Brandt expressed concern about picking an arbitrary figure of $100 for the wedding rate, noting that once the fee is increased, it won't ever be decreased. Ms. Amrein moved to approve the Friday- Sunday rates across the board for 2011, $50 for shelters /gazebo for resident, $100 for non - resident; $0 for park open space for resident, $50 for non - resident; $125 for band shell for both resident and non - resident, with a $100 fee for weddings added to those charges. Ms. Amrein's motion included approval of the proposed $300 fee for tournaments. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion. Motion failed 2 -2 -1, with Mr. McGarry and Mr. Brandt opposing and Ms. Peterson abstaining. It was noted that Mr. Polehna is not a voting member. Mr. Brandt said his issue was with the arbitrariness of the fee for weddings. Mr. McGarry said his concern was with creating the new fee for a wedding, charging an extra $100 for rental of the gazebo or shelter for a 40- person wedding vs. a 50- person event; Mr. McGarry pointed out that if the wedding is more than 251 persons, it becomes a special event with those charges imposed. Mr. Brandt said he was not opposed to increasing fees for the use of facilities, but was concerned about the surcharge for weddings. Ms. Peterson suggested it was a per capita issue; Mr. Moore said he considered taking that route and having different thresholds depending on the attendance. Mr. McGarry said there should be consistency in the fees, taking into account the impact on the park and the extra costs involved in additional services that may be required. Mr. Brandt moved to increase the 2011 tournament fees from $150 to $300, regardless of the days of the tournament. Mr. McGarry seconded the motion. Ms. Amrein asked how many days are involved in tournaments and if Mr. Moore thought the increase was reasonable to cover the costs. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Moore asked if the Commission wished that the rates for 2011 to remain the same as 2010, including resident and non - resident and weekday /weekend rates. Ms. Amrein moved to have 2011 park reservation rates, excluding Teddy Bear Park, to be the current Friday- Sunday rates applied across the board, Monday through Sunday: shelters /gazebos, $50 for residents, $100 for non - residents; open space, $0 for residents, $50 for nonresidents; and $125 for band shell for both residents and non- residents. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Proiect updates — Mr. Moore reviewed the agenda information related to Millbrook Park, Long Lake shore land restoration and Legends Park improvements. Regarding the Long Lake project, Mr. Moore stated he would like to schedule an open house in January or February. He suggested that the Commission discuss goals for that area, whether to pursue a wood chip trail or native prairie grasses, and then possibly hold an informational meeting for residents based on those goals. Ms. Amrein suggested including Legends Park on next year's annual park tour. Mr. Moore also noted that the Council had approved the improvements to the Northland Park warming house and the Lily Lake restrooms; he said he hopes to have a staff member do improvements to the interior of the Lily Lake restrooms next spring. On a question by Ms. Park and Recreation Board Minutes November 22, 2010 Page 3 of 3 Peterson, Mr. Moore said architect Mark Balay is finishing renderings and estimates for the renovation of the bathrooms in Lowell Park, and he will be visiting St. Paul to see how that city flood proofs its restrooms along the river; he said he would have updates on that project either in January or February. COMMISSION ITEMS Ms. Amrein asked about the comments made at the last meeting regarding damage to the Lily Lake tennis courts; Mr. Moore stated he inspected the courts and did find some surface damage, but said he had not had a chance to talk with a representative of the Elks Club regarding that. Mr. Moore said the damage was minor and easily repairable. Ms. Peterson asked about any damage that might occur if the river freezes at current levels; Mr. Moore stated he thought water levels would continue to drop throughout the winter and there shouldn't be too much to be concerned about. On a question by Ms. Amrein, Mr. Polehna stated the Council had tabled action regarding the pedestrian plaza plans pending more information, but said plans to make Commercial Street a one -way street have been dropped. Ms. Amrein noted there is still an opening for a voting member on the Commission; Mr. Moore said he would check with Clerk Ward regarding that issue. Ms. Amrein noted there is currently no representative from Ward 1; she suggested another announcement regarding the vacancy might be appropriate. Ms. Amrein noted that three members' terms expire in April. It was agreed to have a holiday gathering after the December or January meeting depending on the availability of the party room at IV1s. Peterson's residence. Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Amrein, second by Ms. Snellman. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary � l wa ter .l T ..I.,..e B A "H P A C E O F M 1 N N F S 0 f A Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent Date: December 22, 2010 Re: Lowell Park Skating Rink and Long Lake Natural Area Lowell Park Skating Rink At the December 7 2010 City council meeting, Mr. David Woody, 806 IN. 4 Street approached Council about the possibility of constructing an ice rink at Lowell Park. Enclosed are previous discussions by Council and Park and Recreation Commission on constructing a rink in Lowell Park downtown. As previously discussed staff feels the best location for a rink would be the gravel lot located near Mulberry Point. The Park and Recreation commission should discuss the possibility of an ice rink downtown and give direction to staff. Long Lake Natural Area I would like to have a brief discussion with the Park and Recreation Commission about pursuing the development of a trail in the Long Lake Natural Area. This discussion should also include having a public information meeting for the neighborhood. This natural area is owned by the city and has very little utilization present for residents. By providing a trail it would provide access to view the lake and expand the trail system in that area. City Council Meeting December 7, 2010 On a question by City Attorney Magnuson, it was clarified that the annual report should be provided to the Council prior to the first Council meeting in December. Councilmember Roush asked if Mr. Roll would speak with the B &B people before the second reading of the ordinance to see if it is possible to reach consensus on the issue of an exemption or a compromise on the B &B rate. City Attorney Magnuson said he would check into whether it would be allowable to have a different tax rate for B &Bs. Mr. Lynum asked if it would be possible to return the administrative fee collected by the City to the CVB; Finance Director Harrison said there is a certain amount of administrative work required. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None OPEN FORUM David Woody, 806 N. Fourth St., asked about the possibility of construction of an ice rink in the downtown. Mayor Harycki noted the Council had considered that several years ago, working with the Hockey Association, but that idea was abandoned when the Hockey Association constructed the outdoor rinks by the Recreation Center. Mr. Woody said he thought a rink in front of the gazebo would be a good idea and way to bring. people downtown. Mayor Harycki ,suggested it might be possible to scale back,original plans and just have a simple flooded area without boards. Mr. Woody said he didn't envision anything as big as a hockey rink. Mayor Harycki said he recalled there was some slope issues involved when the idea was considered several years ago. Mr. Woody said he had done a preliminary survey and developed a proposal for a 40x20 yard rink by the gazebo where Summer Tuesdays are held. Councilmember Polehna gave a history of previous proposals for a rink downtown; he noted freezing a rink in the grass area -would _kill the turf. He said it might work if a more level parking surface is used: He recalled there was a rink downtown years ago. Mayor Harycki suggested referring this idea to the Parks Commission, noting anything that attracts,people to the downtown is a plus. Mr. Woody said a rink wouldn't have to be an expensive operation, Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting December 7, 2010 It was agreed to refer this to the Parks Commission and invite Mr. Woody to that meeting. Mr. Cory Buettner stated that the Washington County Historical Society spoke of plans for an ice cream social on January 22 and would love to have an ice rink at that event. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 2010 -182, directing payment of bills Resolution 2010 -183, approving the liquor license change for C & G Sukopp, LLC, d /b /a Muraski Resolution 2010 -184, adopting delinquent water bill charges Project 0009 Resolution 2010 -185, approving the administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act Possible approval of Railroad Lease increase to St. Croix Boat Packet Resolution 2010 -186, approving the municipal publicly owned infrastructure Inflow /infiltration Intergovernmental Grant Agreement between the Metropolitan Council and the City of Stillwater Resolution 2010 -187, renewal of towing license for 2011 Resolution 2010 -18 adopting delinquent garbage b charges Project No. 0002 (available Tuesday) Resolution 2010 -189, accepting quotes for building .heating hot water pump assembly Resolution 2010 -190, approving contract with Sand Creek Group, Ltd. Resolution 2010 -191, approving Joint Powers Agreement with City of Bayport for road salt. Mayor Harycki asked Public Works Director Sanders to explain the agreement for road salt. Mr. Sanders said in the past, Bayport got its salt through Washington County. However, this year, the County decided not to provide that service and Bayport approached the City with a request to purchase salt for that City's use. He said Bayport's request for 100 tons was included in the City's state contract bid. He said Bayport agreed to pay the City a storage /handling fee of 10 %, as well. Councilmember Roush asked about the contract with- Sand Creek Group; City Administrator Hansen stated that this is an agreement for the employee assistance program that has been in place for a number of years and is used often. Motion by Councilmember Gag, seconded by Councilmember, Polehna to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes: Councilmembers Cook, Gag, Polehna, Roush and Mayor Harycki Nays: None Page 9 of 15 Memo To: Parks Board From: Tim Thomsen, Public Works Superintendent Date: October 24, 2002 Subject: Response to Downtown Interest Group I talked with Norman Steere earlier this month when he asked about a ice rink or skating area in Lowell Park. I told him no ice rinks in Lowell Park on a grassed or seeded area. The following is in response to the letter received from the Downtown Interest Group choices: 1. The first choice: Adjacent to Main Street in the middle bay of the three bay parking lot on Main Street between Myrtle and Commercial Streets. This would take up a lot of parking space for the other downtown businesses. 2. The second choice the southeast corner of the parking lot east of River Market: This area has over a 12" drop to the east and would require a lot of fill on the asphalt to make it level enough for a rink. 3. The third choice the parking lot between Lowell Park and Lumber Barons Hotel: This would be blocking off the road going north and south plus parking spaces. 4. The fourth choice the gravel parking area between the River Market Lot and Lowell Park east of the telephone poles and going north and south: This would be the only place for a rink. It would not impact traffic or parking too much. The rink would be about 35 feet wide by 100 feet to 150 feet in length. This would be the most ideal place to put a rink with minimal cost. 5. The location of the Peace Pole in Lowell Park should not be a problem. We will need to obtain locates to install the pole and will be able to install it also. This will be okay. Depending on the weather, it will determine when a rink will be made and how good of ice it will have. In the past three years, we were lucky if we had good ice by Christmas! See attached diagram. CITY OF STILLWATER PARK AND RECREATION BOARD OCTOBER 28, 2002 Chairperson Polehna called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present: Board Members Amrein, Flinn, Junker, Milbrandt, Polehna, Snellman Others: Community Development Director Russell Absent: Board Member McGarry APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion made by Board Member Junker, seconded by Board Member Flinn to approve the September '23, 2002 minutes with changes. Motion passed unanimously. REQUEST FOR LOWELL PARK PEACE POLE AND DOWNTOWN ICE RINK Ann DeLaVergne on behalf of the Downtown Interest Group requested approval for a peace pole in Lowell Park. The peace pole its a vertical six - sided pole with "May Peace Prevail" in six different languages on the sides. The pole will. need a hole about four feet deep to securely hold the pole. The peace 'po`le will be permanent. There was some concern amongst the Board about allowing a special interest group to place a peace pole on park property. The majority of the Board felt that allowing the peace pole. to ,be located on public p roperty m ight set a p recedent. C urrently t here i s n of a p olicy in place to govern the placement of memorials on park property. The Board would like to put together a policy in the future. Motion made by Council: Representative Milbrandt, seconded by Board Member Snellman to deny the request for a peace pole to be placed on . park property. Motion passed unanimously. The Downtown Interest Group would also like permission to have an ice skating rink located. downtown. Public Works Superintendent Thomsen suggested a couple of locations for the rink. The ideal location would be the gravel parking area between the River Market Lot and Lowell Park east of the telephone poles going I • north and south. This location would not impact traffic or parking too much and the cost would be minimal. Motion made by Board Member Junker, seconded by Council Representative Milbrandt to allow the ice skating rink to be located at the gravel parking area between the River Market Lot and Lowell Park east of the telephone poles going north and south. REQUEST FOR SPECIAL LAUNCH AND /OR DOCK TO ST. CROIX John Kerschbaum requested approval of a dock location for gondola rides for the summer of 2003. Mr. Kerschbaum has spoke with the DNR and the Corps of Engineers about the city land just south of the Dock Cafe. The DNR did not express any concerns about this location. The Corps of Engineers sent Mr. Kerschbaum a permit application, however he needs the City's approval to go forward with the application. The Board did not feel comfortable granting approval. Liability was a concern. The Board would like Mr. Kerschbaum to continue to work with other people on the river for possible solutions. • Motion made by Council. Representative Milbrandt, seconded by Board Member Snellman to deny the request for a special launch and /or dock. Mr. Kerschbaum should continue to work with others to find a solution. Motion passed unanimously. STAPLES FIELD PARK CDBG FUNDS Public Works Superintendent Thomsen wanted to know what improvements should be made. The Board felt that the lights, wind screens and trash cans be replaced. The Board also wanted Public Works Superintendent Thomsen's input of the possibility of a rink. If it were a possibility the Board would like to have a public hearing next month. REVIEW OF CITY PARK INVENTORIES The Board felt that signage in all of the parks needs to be consistent. The Board went over possible improvements to a few parks. • OTHER City Council Meeting 02 -23 November 12, 2002 Councilmember Rheinberger stated that the Minneapolis question should be on the special ballot in January 2003. He stated that if the public turned it down it would be a reflection of what the public wants in Stillwater. Mayor Kimble stated that there may be restaurants downtown that may want a full liquor licenses and if licenses are limited, it limits the development options of other restaurants. He suggested that no decision on this license be made at this time and put the question on the ballot and then decide the license request after the election. Councilmember Milbrandt stated that putting the question on the ballot is an inexpensive survey of the citizens. Police Chief Dauffenbach stated that Stillwater is a tourist community and that people come to Stillwater for the alcohol and food. He also stated he does not see a problem with additional licenses. Councilmember Bealka stated that he felt it was unfair to make Famous Dave's wait until after the election to get an answer on obtaining a full liquor license. Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Rheinberger to adopt Resolution 2002-255, adding ballot question to Special Election Ballot on January 28, 2003. All in favor. Ayes: Councilmembers - Bealka, Milbrandt, Rheinberger, Zoller and Mayor Kimble Nays: None Parks Board recommendation for Downtown Ice Rink request and Location in Lowell Park for Pole Community Development Director Russell stated that the Parks Board reviewed the two requests and Tim Thomsen provided a proposed location for the ice rink at Mulberry Point. He stated that the Parks Board approved that request and that it could be done if Public Works had time and the weather conditions to make ice. Motion by Councilmember Rheinberger, seconded by Councilmember Zoller to approve the downtown ice rink at Mulberry Point conditioned upon availability of Public Works staff time and weather conditions for the making of ice. All in favor. Mr. Russell stated that the Parks Board denied the request for then pole based on a precedent being set. Mr. Mike Polehna, Parks Board Chair, stated that this type of request is not part of the Park Master Plan. Councilmember Milbrandt stated that the board felt it was a special interest request and the board was uncomfortable approving the request. Ms. Anne DeLaverne, River Market Community Co -op and Ms. Joceyln Tilsen, Valley Bookstore stated that the pAM pole is to promote non - violence and they are put up all Page 8 of 13 PARK AND RECREATION BOARD Oct. 23, 1995 Present: David Junker, chairman Richard Cummings, Judy Gulden, Rob McGarry, John Melville, Ken Meister, Delwin Peterson (8 p.m.) Mike Polehna. Marguerite Rheinberger and Steve Wolff (8 p.m.) Others Susan Fitzgerald, planning; Tim Thomsen, Parks Director Absent: Al Liehr Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. Meister, moved approval of the minutes of Sept. 25, 1995. Request to use Lowell Park Diane Rollie and Cheryl Kohout were present to request the placement of an ice skating rink by the gazebo in Lowell Park as a focal point of the city's Victorian Christmas celebration which begins Dec. 1. Mr. Thomsen expressed his concern about the damage to the grass caused by flooding for a rink. He also noted that, depending on the weather, it might not be possible to flood a rink by Dec. 1. Mr. Thomsen suggested the possibility of bringing in sand to level off the parking area by the gazebo and putting the rink there. Members agreed with the concept and with the concern about possible damage to the park surface. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. McGarry, moved to direct Mr. Thomsen to work with Ms. Kohout and Ms. Rollie to find a suitable place for a rink near the gazebo, contingent on the rink not being located on park grass. Motion passed unanimously. Comprehensive Park Vision Steve Russell, Community Development Director, was present for this discussion. Mr. Cummings introduced Jim Bradshaw and Dr. Brian Willette. Mr. Bradshaw is willing to fund Dr. Willette's work with the city /Park Board to develop a vision plan for parks. Mr. Bradshaw in turn introduced Dr. Willette, a psychologist, who works both with individuals and organizations in developing "common destinations."