HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-27 PRC MINCity of Stillwater
Parks and Recreation Commission
Dec. 27, 2010
Present: Linda Amrein, chair
David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Mike Polehna and Solveg Peterson
Staff present: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent
Absent: Sandy Snellman
Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved approval of the minutes of
Nov. 22, 2010, as submitted.
ACTION ITEMS
Lowell Park skating rink — Mr. Moore noted that minutes of meetings where the Commission
consider previous requests for a skating rink in Lowell Park were included in the agenda packet.
He said the one time a rink was flooded in Lowell Park, it met with limited success, primarily due
to the quality of the ice. He said he thought the best location would be at the north end of the
park, just south of Mulberry Point, in the gravel; he noted there is a hydrant in relatively close
proximity to that location. He said he would likely buy some white poly paper to put down over
the gravel to retain the water and said it would be relatively inexpensive to purchase the poly.
Mr. Brandt asked about the amount of staff time involved. Mr. Moore said getting the area
prepared would likely required about one -half day of staff time, with another quarter of a day to
lay the poly. Once the area is prepared, he said crews are out flooding rinks on a regular basis.
He did note there is not a lot of lighting in the proposed location. Mr. McGarry and Mr. Polehna
spoke of previously proposals. There was discussion of the size; Mr. Moore said the rink likely
would be about 60' by 100'. Ms. Peterson suggested signage indicating no hockey or no pucks.
Ms. Amrein said she thought it would be a good idea if it gets used. Mr. Moore noted that
depending on what happens with the Corps of Engineers project, there might not be a place to
have a rink in Lowell Park in the future. Mr. Christensen asked about the reason for the
proposal; Mr. Polehna said the issue was raised by a gentleman who thought this would be a
good location. Ms. Peterson said she thought not having skating downtown was a big deficit. Mr.
Christensen asked about rinks for non - hockey use. Mr. Moore stated there are rinks at
Northland, Legends, Benson, Oak Park School, Old Athletic Field and Triangle parks; Northland
has the only rink with hockey boards, he said. Mr. Christensen questioned the target audience,
whether it was for the downtown condos; in discussion, Ms. Peterson suggested with proper
planning, this has the potential of being a big draw for the downtown area. Ms. Amrein moved to
approve the downtown ice skating rank in north Lowell Park as presented. Ms. Peterson
seconded the motion. It was noted there won't be a lot of amenities this year; Mr. McGarry and
Mr. Polehna both spoke in favor of focusing on making this a decent size sheet of ice. Motion
passed unanimously.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Long Lake Natural Area — Mr. Moore spoke of some improvements made to date, including
buckthorn removal and widening the access. He said he has talked with Karen Kill from the
Brown's Creek Watershed District, and was told the district does have some money budgeted
for some prairie restoration. Mr. Moore said he would like to come up with some kind of a
schedule for improvements and possibly schedule a public meeting with neighbors. Mr. Moore
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
December 27, 2010
Page 2 of 2
said he had received several calls with positive feedback while crews were out there working,
and said he thinks people would like some improvements, such as a trail, in the area. Mr. Moore
said he would try to have Ms. Kill at the next Commission meeting to discuss options.
Ms. Amrein asked if anything had been done regarding the Commission opening; Mr. Moore
said he would talk with Clerk Ward after the first of the year.
Mr. Brandt asked if there was anything new with the Zephyr land; Mr. Moore said he hadn't
heard anything. There was discussion of the downtown TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district
and possible funding for the pedestrian plaza improvements. There was discussion of how TIF
districts work.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary