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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-28 PRC MIN City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission Dec. 28, 2009 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Solveg Peterson and Mike Polehna Absent: Rob McGarry and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Asst. Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted a typo on page 1 in the discussion of the batting cage, "staffed" should be "stated." Ms. Peterson typed a misspelling of Mr. Brandt's name in the third line of "other items" and a grammatical error in the third line of page 2, "staffs "" should be "staff's." Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved approval of the minutes as corrected. Motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Park/trail dedication for Lake Hills Acres subdivision — Mr. Pogge reviewed the proposed plat and subdivision of one residential lot into two residential lots. He stated staff has not identified any parkland for physical land dedication and is recommending a fee is lieu of land dedication; it also was noted the Comprehensive Plan does not show any parkland in this area. He noted the required land dedication would be just over 2,000 square feet. If the applicant decides to provide actual land dedication, he said the recommendation would be to take the area from the shoreline of Long Lake in the northeast corner of the plat; he said while not identified parkland, it would give the City lake access. Mr. Pogge noted the Comprehensive Plan does indicate a trail along 72 Street North, but he noted the applicant would only be required to dedicate $500 or construct $500 worth of trail, which would amount to a very small segment. Because this is a small subdivision, staff recommends accepting the fee in lieu of trail. On a question by Mr. Polehna, Mr. Pogge explained the various fees Mr. Meisterling will be required to pay, noting that the park dedication fee is only $1,500. On a question by Ms. Amrein, Mr. Pogge explained that the City would still be able to construct a trail in the future using 72 Street right -of -way. Several members spoke in favor of obtaining lake access. There was discussion about the lack of parking should the City gain the lake access. Mr. Christensen suggested the possibility of making 72 a one -way street, going west, past Mid Oaks. Mr. Brandt moved to direct staff to work with Mr. Meisterling regarding the trail fee and either park dedication fee or land dedication. Ms. Peterson asked whether the motion should indicate a preference for land dedication. Mr. Brandt amended his motion to indicate that if the applicant doesn't want to do a park dedication fee, the Commission would favor accepting the 2,000 feet of Lakeshore as indicated by Mr. Pogge. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Pond hockey tournament — Mr. Moore said the City has been approached by Red Bull with a request to hold a hockey tournament on Lily Lake. He said organizers will do all of the work, plowing and preparing the ice; the City will provide port -a- potties and provide access onto the lake. He said the organizers would be willing to prepare and maintain the rinks several weeks in advance so the public would have access to the rinks. He said staff viewed this the same as a request for a softball tournament and approved the request. On a question by Ms. Amrein, Mr. Moore stated the organizers will be charged a $150 deposit and a $150 fee; organizers also will pay for the port-a- potties. Mr. Polehna suggested posting notice of the event so people are aware in advance of the activity. Mr. Moore said he had also discussed liability issues with the League of Minnesota Cities and the City will have the necessary insurance coverage. Ms. Amrein asked if a fee would be charged if a non - profit entity was sponsoring the event and wondered why the fee isn't higher. Mr. Moore stated the $150 is the same fee charged for softball tournaments. There was discussion of the $500 event fee, with Mr. Moore and Mr. Polehna pointed out that is for fee for Lumberjack Days and use of all of Lowell Park. Mr. Pogge noted a task force is looking at the issue of fees. Ms. Peterson noted the City will be receiving the benefit of having the additional rinks available to the public. No action was taken. Ice cream social — Mr. Moore said the Washington County Historical Society has requested use of Lowell Park for its ice cream social. He said the event was held in Lowell Park last year, with no issues reported. He said the request this year includes having a bon fire; he said the Historical Society has received the necessary permits from the Fire Department. He said the Historical Society also has asked the City to provide a small skating rink for the event; he said the elevation is not conducive to doing a rink in that area for only one day. No action was taken. Other items: • Mr. Polehna stated he had just received an e-mail from the Hockey Association regarding the rink at the Rec Center, noting the cost was $170,000 versus the estimate of $60,000 to $70,000. He asked about the problem with snow removal; Mr. Moore noted that City crews have obligations to do snow removal from public sidewalks and trails first and would get to the outdoor rinks as soon as possible. Mr. Christensen asked about any maintenance agreement with the Hockey Association; Mr. Polehna said Recreation Center Manager Brady indicated that the Rec Center would be able to maintain the outdoor facility. After discussion, Mr. Moore stated he would talk with Mr. Brady about the situation. Meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary