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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-26 PRC MIN City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission Oct. 26, 2009 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Solveg Peterson, Mike Polehna, Sandy Snellman Staff present: Asst. Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Rob McGarry Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Brandt questioned the use of the word "rumor" in the discussion of the Zephyr tracks under Other Items. It was agreed to strike that sentence. Ms. Amrein, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to approve the minutes of Sept. 28, 2009, with that change. Motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM Bill Vezina, 1008 Eagle Ridge Court, addressed the Commission regarding the City's lack of a boat launch on the River. He suggested with the acquisition of the Stillwater Barge Terminal property that the City look at providing a launch there or at some other location, specifically for the residents of the City. Mr. Pogge suggested that staff research the issue, noting there was a lawsuit related to the number of launches on the St. Croix River since it is a designated Wild and Scenic Riverway. Mr. Polehna suggested working at getting the access by the King power plant opened up, noting that would need the cooperation of the cities of Bayport and Oak Park Heights, as well as the Department of Natural Resources. It was agreed to have staff look into this issue. ACTION ITEMS Batting cage at Public Works ball field — Mr. Moore stated staff was approached several weeks ago by an Eagle Scout candidate, Alec Clark, regarding a proposal to construct a batting cage at the Public Works ball field. He said the Baseball Association board is in favor of the proposal and has agreed to do some improvements next spring and is willing to take responsibility for future maintenance needs. He said it would be Public Works' responsibility to take down and put up the cage nets each season and said he did not think that would be an issue. Mr. Moore said the primary issue is the location of the batting cage; the Baseball Association would like the cage placed down the left field line. Alec Clark was present and briefly described his proposed project. The location of the cage was the primary focus of discussion. Ms. Snellman suggested the location out in left field will cause the least amount of obstruction for those watching games. Mr. Polehna said his only concern with that location is a potential safety issue for outfielders; Mr. Christensen pointed out that this is the location of the bullpen at many major league fields. It was noted that this field is for younger players, who are not likely to hit a ball as far as the proposed left field line location. Ms. Snellman, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved to approve the proposed project, with the preferred location down the left field line. Motion passed unanimously. Minnesota Cultural Heritage Grant application — Mr. Pogge asked for Commission support for submission of a Minnesota Cultural Heritage Grant to develop plans for the stabilization of the wall of the former Hersey Bean Mill located on the Stillwater Barge Terminal site. Mr. Pogge noted that this site is in the process of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places; he also noted that due to the hazard presented by the current condition, the mill wall needs to be stabilized before other planned improvements at the site, including a recreational trail, are completed. He stated the City Council has approved the grant application; it was noted the only cost to the City will be in -kind staff time. Mr. Pogge said the intent is to make another grant Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 26, 2009 Page2of2 application next spring to do the actual stabilization /restoration work. Mr. Pogge talked of other work that is planned at this site, including the relocation of the Shoddy Mills. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Amrein, moved to accept staff's recommendation and support the submission of a Minnesota Cultural Heritage Grant. Motion passed unanimously. Millbrook 4th Addition final PUD and plat — Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed the final plat, noting that a minor tweak has been made to the original trail alignment. He also noted that the Planning g Commission added a condition that the trail is extended from the north boundary of Millbrook 4 Addition to Maureen Lane once the park is developed. Mr. Polehna asked about the status of the park. Mr. Pogge stated the City is still in negotiations with Lennar to fund the installation of an irrigation system, at which time the City would take over the park for establishment of turf and final development. Mr. Polehna questioned whether the City ought to require that the trail be extended at this time, rather than waiting until the park is developed. Mr. Pogge spoke of the possible damage to the trail during future construction. Ms. Amrein moved to recommend approval of the 4 Addition final PUD and plat with the three conditions of approval as recommended by staff. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Field usage fees — Mr. Moore stated he has been talking with other communities regarding user fees. He said staff is getting a bit more involved with issues related to soccer usage, such as taking down nets. He noted that the VAA does its own dragging and chalking of fields, and most communities don't charge for VAA use. Mr. Moore noted that currently the City charges for use by adult groups, but not youth groups, and charges for use of certain fields only. He said the City does have a fee policy, but it has not been followed; he said he would like to develop a more clear cut policy regarding user fees. Mr. Christensen said he used to be opposed to any fees, but has come to the conclusion that is the only way of generating the money required for upkeep /maintenance. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to direct staff to research a policy for park user fees and come back with a recommendation for the Commission's consideration. Motion passed unanimously. Barge Terminal property — Mr. Moore stated an issue regarding making the trail at the Barge Terminal property more user - friendly was brought up at a recent City Council meeting. Mr. Moore suggested the Commission should look at whether it wants to promote more pedestrian traffic at the site considering the issues with the presence of the Cayuga and the failing Hersey Bean Mill wall. He stated it would cost about $3,200 to delineate a pedestrian path with gravel. Mr. Polehna noted the property will be used as a staging area for the new bridge project and pointed out trails will be developed as part of the bridge mitigation efforts. It was consensus to mow the existing impromptu trails and fill in low spots or obvious hazards. Other items — Mr. Polehna asked about the status of the Hockey Association's proposal to construct an outdoor rink in front of the Recreation Center, noting there is a huge slope in that area. Mr. Brandt stated that the area has been surveyed and staked. Mr. Moore said he had nothing new to report at this time. Mr. Polehna suggested using Sentence to Serve people to remove brush /scrub trees at the Barge Terminal property. Ms. Amrein asked that the December meeting date be reconsidered, suggesting that the meeting be held on the regular fourth Monday, Dec. 28; members in attendance said that would be acceptable. It was noted the next meeting will be Nov. 23. Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker, Recording Secretary