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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-28 PRC MIN City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission Sept. 28, 2009 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, Sandy Snellman Staff present: Tim Moore, assistant public works superintendent Absent: Mike Polehna Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein pointed out a typo on page 2 under Other Items, "help" should be "held." Mr. Brandt moved approval of the minutes of July 27, 2009, with that change. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Action Items Outside ice rink at Rec Center — Mr. Moore said the Hockey Association has approached the City about the possibility of putting outdoor ice to the northwest of the main entrance to the Recreation Center. Mr. Moore stated the City actually transferred title of this property to the National Guard during the discussions about the possibility of a new armory. At this point, Mr. Moore pointed out the City does not own the property in question. However, he said Administrator Hansen and Attorney Magnuson believe the Guard is no longer interested in the property so the Hockey Association's proposal might be a possibility. Mr. Moore said he has had some discussions with Rec Center Manager Doug Brady, and Mr. Brady supports the concept. He pointed out that there will be some day -to -day maintenance required of Rec Center staff; he said Public Works does not have any big concerns regarding maintenance of the rink in the winter. He said the Hockey Association will sod the area in the spring; Public Works took over mowing and weed control efforts last year, so that would not change. Bob Kaufman, Stillwater Area Hockey Association, gave a presentation highlighting the Hockey Association's proposal, including purpose /benefits; location; up -front costs and ongoing costs. He said the effort is aimed not just at hockey, but at getting folks outside. Ms. Peterson asked if there would be designated areas for hockey and non - hockey activities; Mr. Kaufman responded in the affirmative and explained how the areas would be sectioned off for different activities /age groups. Mr. Kaufman pointed out that one area of the ice sheet would be available for rental to generate income and said the Hockey Association would commit to a certain number of rental hours. Ms. Amrein asked if bleachers would be necessary; Mr. Kaufman pointed out there is a large lobby area at the Rec Center spectators could use if the weather is too cold for them to stand outdoors. Regarding costs, Mr. Kaufman stated the Hockey Association is committed to covering the up -front costs, and he stated the hope is that the facility will be a break -even proposition for ongoing operating costs through rentals. Mr. Christensen asked if the lack of boards would be an issue; Mr. Kaufman explained the intent is to utilize methods like the annual pond hockey tournament so kids get away from taking slap shots and concentrate on development of skills. Ms. Snellman wondered if residents of the nearby apartments need to be notified this is being considered, due to lighting and other issues such as noise, especially if boards are installed. Ms. Amrein agreed that it would be good to notify neighbors if the site is available for the proposed use. Mr. McGarry asked what would be done with the area after the ice is gone in the spring. Mr. Kaufman agreed that could be an issue but said Mr. Brady has suggested that if plastic is put down prior to flooding, the sod will come back sooner in the season; Mr. Moore said the City is going to try that at several of the smaller rinks it floods in the winter. Mr. McGarry wondered whether there might not be some other use for the area in the summer; Mr. Kaufman said his ideal wish would be to install artificial turf at the area, suggesting Park and Recreation Board Minutes September 28, 2009 Page 2 of 3 that then it could be used for soccer, lacrosse or other sports in the summer. On a question by Ms. Peterson, there was some discussion about the possibility of having a rink in the downtown area. Regarding ongoing maintenance costs, Mr. McGarry suggested charging the Hockey Association whatever it might cost the City to break even. Mr. Kaufman said he would favor that as long as there is some cap; he also suggested that it might not be equitable to expect the Hockey Association to pay all the operating costs for something that benefits the entire community. Mr. McGarry suggested as an alternative giving all the rentable outdoor hours to the Hockey Association, with the City renting those hours not utilized by the Association. Mr. McGarry said there are so many unknowns, it might be best to get the facility up and running before deciding those issues, noting that a warm winter season could greatly affect numbers. Ms. Amrein moved to approve this plan in concept, with the financial details to be worked out in negotiations between the Hockey Association and the City. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion. Mr. McGarry clarified that it would be up to the Council, Mr. Brady and the Hockey Association to decide the financial details. Motion passed unanimously. Long Lake fishing pier — Mr. Moore reviewed three possible locations for a fishing pier, noting that staff researched all access points along the lake, including unimproved outlots. He said staff believes the site at the southwest corner of the lake would be the most desirable due to the proximity to parking and an established pedestrian trail. He said it appears there is limited grant money available, and it could be years before the City would be eligible for any funding. Several members noted that the northern portion of the lake is the deepest and best for fishing, but spoke of the already existing traffic problems on 72n Street. Mr. McGarry moved to approve option 2, the southwest site, for completion of the grant application. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. There was discussion regarding the current traffic problems on 72 " Street. Adopt a Trail sign — Mr. Moore noted the City has had an Adopt a Trail program and currently has three different groups maintaining trail segments. He said another group has volunteered to maintain the new McKusick trail loop and part of the agreement is a sign recognizing the volunteer group; he said no other group has requested such signage up to this point. He stated the signs can be made in- house. Mr. McGarry moved to accept the proposed signage; Mr. Brandt seconded the motion. Ms. Peterson questioned the wording "as volunteers the Smith Family maintains ..." suggesting "the Smith Family volunteers to maintain ..." Another suggested wording was: "this segment of trail is maintained by ..." Mr. McGarry amended his motion to accept the signage with the suggested wording change. It was consensus to have the wording "this segment of trail is maintained by ..." Mr. Brandt seconded the amended motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Moore noted that the City is trying to promote the adopt -a -trail program. Request for amenities at Prairie Park — Mr. Moore referred to a letter from the Settlers Glen homeowners' association requesting improvements at Prairie Park. He noted the direction from Council and City Administrator Hansen is to watch spending very carefully as it appears that financial conditions will not improve in the near future. Mr. Moore pointed out that currently when a piece of playground equipment becomes unusable, it is removed and not replaced, and he spoke of the need to fund routine maintenance of existing structures /equipment. It was noted the homeowners' association would be welcome to do some fund - raising and improvements on their own. It was agreed that Mr. Moore would send a letter of response to the request explaining the current financial situation makes it impossible to do the requested improvements and thanking the association for their improvement efforts to date; Mr. Moore stated he would e- Park and Recreation Board Minutes September 28, 2009 Page 3of3 mail a copy of the letter to Commission members prior to mailing. There was discussion as to improvements that the City has made at the park. Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to authorize Mr. Moore to send a written response to the homeowners' request. Ms. Amrein clarified that the letter should cite the financial reasons for the inability to fulfill the request. Motion passed unanimously. Informational items Lily Lake boat launch water quality improvement — Mr. Moore briefly reviewed the proposed project of the Washington County Conservation District and Great River Greening Group for improvements around the Lily Lake boat launch. He said City staff will provide some minimal assistance. The project is scheduled for Oct. 10, he said, utilizing a lot of volunteer labor. He noted this project will go before the City Council for approval. Ms. Amrein asked about the effectiveness of pervious pavers; Mr. Moore stated the pervious pavers and pervious pavement at Brown's Creek are working well. Dog Park — Mr. Moore stated he had met with dog park promoters. He said the City has helped them create a 501c3, and they have decided to do some fund - raising before requesting a specific location. Ms. Peterson spoke of a small dog park in downtown Minneapolis that she said she would investigate further. Other items — Mr. Moore noted the dates of the Fall Art Fair. Mr. Christensen asked if anything is going on with the Zephyr tracks. Mr. Christensen asked about the status of the water quality report for Long Lake, McKusick and Lily Lake; Mr. Moore stated that has not been completed at this time. There was discussion of the condition of Long Lake and McKusick Lake. Ms. Amrein suggested moving the December meeting date to the third Monday of the month, Dec. 21. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary