HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-27 PRC MIN City of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Commission
July 27, 2009
Present: Vice Chair Rob McGarry
David Brandt, Solveg Peterson, Mike Polehna and Sandy Snellman
Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore
Absent: Linda Amrein and Scott Christensen
Mr. McGarry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved approval of the minutes of
June 22, 2009. Motion passed unanimously.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Millbrook Park update — Mr. Moore stated staff had met with a representative of Lennar Corp. to
discuss the possibility of moving up development of the park. He said the City would like Lennar
to install irrigation, grade and weed the site so the City can take the site over, seed and begin to
establish a good turf for the park; he said good fields could be ready by mid- to late summer of
2010 if the City can begin seeding in the relatively near future. He noted that money is an issue
for the company. He stated the Joint Board discussed this issue at a recent meeting, and that
Board would like a soil stockpile currently located on a portion of the large park area removed
by May 31, 2010, with turf established as soon as possible after that date. It was noted that
Lennar has essentially done nothing to the park for the past year. Mr. Polehna said he thought it
would be helpful for the Parks Commission to make a recommendation to the Council. Ms.
Snellman moved to support staffs position that Lennar install an irrigation system, prepare the
site for seeding (fine grading and weeding), remove the soil stockpile and transfer the site to
City ownership. Mr. Brandt seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Staples Field tennis court lights update — Mr. Moore stated he had been working with two
contractors on various options, such as lower wattage bulbs or installation of shields, for toning
down the lighting at the tennis courts. He said one possibility that appears promising is the
installation of a vandal -proof timing sensor which would be utilized in conjunction with the
existing clock timer. The sensor timer would enable the lights to be turned on only when the
courts are in use. It was consensus that the sensor timer appears to be the best option. Mr.
Moore said if it is decided to go with that option and the system works satisfactorily, it may be
advisable to use the system at other parks as well.
Long Lake fishing pier — Mr. Moore stated the Council had directed staff to look into the
possibility of installing a fishing pier at Long Lake. Mr. Moore noted there are grants available
from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assist with funding. Mr. Moore provided a
map indicating one possible site at the southwest corner of the lake; he said the site, located in
the Legends development, has the advantage of being located by a small parking area and in
close proximity to a trail. He noted that parking could be an issue with other City -owned parcels
with lake access. In discussion, it was noted that it would be preferable to have a pier at the
northern portion of the lake, the deepest area, but there is no City -owned property in that area.
Mr. Moore said he still has to investigate the language of an easement on the site in question to
determine whether the use would be allowed. Mr. Polehna explained this issue came about in
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
July 27, 2009
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discussion about possible improvements to Long Lake; the DNR will not stock lakes without
public access, so the Council suggested that the City install a fishing pier to meet that
requirement. Mr. Polehna also pointed out there is a long waiting list for the DNR grants. No
action was taken.
Letter to Croixwood residents — Mr. Moore stated there has been a lot of activity in the area of
public property around Long Lake and Nightingale Park in Croixwood, which prompted a letter
to residents explaining what can and can't be done on City property. Mr. Moore said staff would
continue to monitor activity and address any issues on an individual basis. Mr. McGarry asked if
signage would help; Mr. Moore agreed that might be helpful and likely could be done in- house.
Mr. Moore said education also is part of the process. Mr. Brandt noted that if the situation is not
addressed, it will only get worse. Ms. Peterson asked if there had been any reaction to the
letter; Mr. Moore responded that he only received three calls.
OTHER ITEMS
• Mr. Moore stated the Lions plaque has been installed on the Lowell Park flag pole. He
stated there has been a problem with breakage of some decorative leaves and staff is
trying to utilize a new material to help alleviate that problem.
• Mr. Brandt said his daughter reported a problem with a piece of equipment at
Washington Square Park when they were in the Park for the Lumberjack Day's parade.
• Mr. Polehna pointed out the Council is considering the contract for next year's marathon
and wondered if the Commission had any input. Ms. Snellman and Mr. Brandt both said
they thought this year's marathon went well from their experiences. Mr. McGarry, who is
serving on the special events task force, said he would keep the Commission updated
as the task force begins to set policies and consider events.
• Mr. Moore reported the turf in north Lowell Park held up pretty well during the
Lumberjack Days activity.
• Mr. Moore reported he will be meeting with Allison McGinniss and other supporters of a
dog park on Aug. 5 to discuss what the supporters can bring to the table regarding
volunteer efforts, fund - raising, etc.
Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording secretary