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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-27 PRC packet5� water H% R R 1 H F L. A C L O F N! i N N L J 0 1 A CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 AT 6:00 PM The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, June 27, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. AGENDA Approval of the May 23 d , 2011 Minutes 2. Open Forum - The Open Forum is a portion of the meeting to address the Board on subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Board may take action or reply at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less. Action Items 3. 2011/2012 CIP 4. Ramsey Grove Park Commission Items/Topics Park Tour • Ramsey Grove Park • Armory Site • Cemetery • Public Works Field • Millbrook Development Following the park tour, Park Commissioners will be meeting at the home of Rob McGarry at 1101 Broadway Street N for their annual surnmer social, please bring a dish to share. No official business will be conducted at that time. City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission May 23, 2011 Vice Chair Rob McGarry called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present: David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Mike Polehna, Solveg Peterson, Sandy Snellman and Don Stiff Absent: Linda Amrein, Chair Staff present: Asst. Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge Approval of minutes Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved approval of the April 25, 2011, minutes with the correction of a typo on page 1 (Ms. Amrein). Motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM Jeff Anderson, 116 School St., and owner of 45 Degrees, and Neal Krueger, Christmas Tree Farm, were present on behalf of the St. Croix River Association. Mr. Anderson noted the Association is celebrating its 100 year of protecting the water and lands in the St. Croix River Watershed and in honor of that anniversary is planning a group paddle down the entire length of the St. Croix. He said the event would take about 17 days, stopping in various towns and cities along the way. He said the group would be stopping in Stillwater on Sunday, July 17, and Monday, July 18. He said they would like to have a fairly large group camping somewhere in Stillwater on those nights, preferably right along the river; he said they would like to make use of the Kolliner property across the river from Stillwater, where there is a good canoe landing area and space for tents, perhaps 30 -50. Mr. McGarry pointed out an application would have to be completed and reviewed by staff, noting this would be an exception to the normal rule against camping in City parks. There was some discussion as to other possible sites, such as the former Aiple property, which might be suitable. Mr. Anderson explained that mobile support vehicles would accompany the group; he said portable toilet facilities would be provided at each stop location and participants plan to do some clean up around each stop location. Mr. Christensen suggested that one -time, special events such as this should be handled as something exceptional; he said he thought this should be approved in concept and said he thought the Commission /City should do whatever can be done to help promote the river. On a question by Mr. Moore, Mr. Anderson said there are no plans for this to become an annual event. In discussion, it was suggested that Mr. Anderson also check in with St. Croix Township regarding plans and any needed permits. Mr. Anderson noted that not all participants would be camping and said the Water Street Inn would be serving as the local base of operations. Ms. Snellman moved to approve the plans in concept and direct staff to look at potential places and alternatives where this could take place in the event that the Kolliner location doesn't work out. Mr. Stiff seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. ACTION ITEMS Pedestrian Walkway Update — Mr. Pogge provided a brief update on plans, noting that staff has been directed to focus on the formal concept. He noted a concept plan was included in the agenda packet; he invited comments from Commission members. He said another community open house will be held in mid- to late -June. Mr. Pogge also reviewed the plans for the restroom facility and concept preferred by the Council. Park and Recreation Board Minutes May 23, 2011 Page 2 of 4 Fire Muster — Mr. Moore reviewed the request. He noted this is the second year of the event and it has grown a bit in size. He said the event was well attended last year and said his main concern would be with garbage pickup and toilet facilities. He noted that staff has approved the application contingent on some details being worked out, such as a request for an additional vendor and a request for an exhibit by the Stillwater Fire Department and the Minnesota Fire Chiefs' Association. Rick Wente, Minnesota Fire Engine Club, said the request is to basically do the same as last year; he said the only real difference is the request for several vendors, including the downtown IBA (Independent Business Association). Mr. Wente said most activity will occur south of the bridge, with some exhibits in the north part of the park; he said he is requesting all of the possibilities, including those that may or may not happen — several exhibits and a third vendor. In discussion, it was noted there is a contract for the event this year. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to approve; motion passed unanimously. Croixwood Natural Areas Prairie Restoration Open House — Mr. Moore reviewed the plan with a Power Point presentation on the project, the project locations, and timeline. Mr. Moore noted the maintenance — frequent mowing and spot spraying — in the first several years is key to a successful prairie restoration; after 3 -5 years, he said the City will continue to maintain the area, with mowing of some trails and some burning and spot spraying as needed. Ms. Thatcher from the Brown's Creek Watershed District was present to answer technical questions. Mr. Moore invited comments from the audience. • There was a question about an area by a pond where the grass has already been killed; Mr. Moore explained that area is part of a project the Watershed District is doing at the present time and is part of a wetland project. • There was a question about an area around Brewer's Pond; Mr. Moore stated the City doesn't do any maintenance around that area at the present time, but said that might be an area that could be expanded on in the future. • Dan Swain, 203 Northland Ave., asked about the area at the end of Northland Avenue and whether trees would be removed in the middle and whether a fire break would be mowed for the house. Mr. Moore stated the area the City currently mows would be the only part included in the project. Mr. Swain suggested that perhaps a fire break should be put in along that portion due to the proximity to a wooded area that could potentially be a hazard in a dry season; with the exception of that concern, he said he liked the inclusion of that area. • Joanie Polehna, 1100 Northland Ave., asked about the reason for the spraying; Ms. Thatcher explained that the initial spraying is to eliminate the competition from existing vegetation, with spot spraying done as needed to control the unwanted vegetation. Ms. Thatcher said the frequent mowing in the first couple of years should minimize the need for the spot spraying. • Judy Kaplan, Northland Avenue, referred to an area where there is currently a lot of buckthorn and asked whether something would be done with that; Mr. Moore said the City had an opportunity to work along the east side of Long Lake last fall using Sentence to Serve crews and said more of that work will be scheduled in the future. Mr. Polehna volunteered to help coordinate a buckthorn removal effort in that area. • Later, Ms. Kaplan asked about the possible removal of several dead trees that were blown down last winter; Mr. Moore said the policy is to remove dead /dying trees or diseased trees that are a hazard to the public and said staff could look at the trees in question to determine if they are a hazard. • On another question about tree removal, Mr. Moore said the City doesn't want to incur the liability of someone coming onto City property with a chain saw and getting injured. Park and Recreation Board Minutes May 23, 2011 Page 3 of 4 There was a question about the appearance of the prairie and whether there would be flowering grasses. Ms. Thatcher said in areas such as this project, the recommendation is to go heavy on the flowers compared to the grasses in a native stand; she said there would likely be a mix and noted there are a lot of options and flexibility in what can be done. There was a question about trails and access; Ms. Thatcher said that is something to be worked out with the City, but noted that she has seen many instances of trails mowed about the perimeter of a prairie site. Mr. McGarry noted the initial intent of this project was to find a more efficient use of staff time and alternative for those areas the City was mowing on a regular basis but weren't being used; he said he believes, in the long -term, this project will do that and still provide a trail people can access. • There was a question about how much savings the City might realize from this project and whether the City will be able to provide staff to maintain the area. Mr. Moore said he wasn't sure of the exact numbers but said with lower maintenance, gas, time, etc. in 60 areas that are not active parks but which are mowed, he would estimate the savings would amount to two staff people, 2.5 days a week. Mr. Moore said the goal is to get mowing down to three days a week, so more time can be spent maintaining parks in a better way. • There was a question about the timetable for the project. Mr. Moore said the plan is to start letting the grass go longer in July with a couple of killings of the grass in August, spot spraying through September, with potential seeding in October or early November. • There was a question about how this type of project would work in a residential neighborhood; Ms. Thatcher described several residential developments in fairly close proximity to Stillwater where prairie is utilized. • There was a question about the appearance after 10 years or more; Ms. Thatcher described the long -term maintenance, including burns for regeneration. • There was a question about re- grading due to the large amount of standing water in one area; Mr. Moore said he would look at that area. Mr. McGarry pointed out that additional questions likely will come up and noted that staff will be happy to answer questions /concerns as they arise. The open house was adjourned. Ms. Snellman moved to continue with plans for the prairie restoration project in the described parkland areas in Croixwood. Mr. Christensen seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Armory tour — A schedule of the tour was included in the agenda packet. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Snellman expressed a concern about the upper area at Northland Park, which is so wet that people can't get into the park. Mr. Moore said he has a long list of work that will be done there, including cleaning out a ditch and installing a culvert. Mr. Moore said staff is starting to work on the budget for 2012. He said the City is going to bond in 2012 so there will be an opportunity to put some capital improvement requests, both equipment and structure /infrastructure, into the budget request. He said he has been developing a work plan. Public Works Director Sanders said Mr. Moore is looking for input on what to include, noting that the City should look at resurfacing its Park and Recreation Board Minutes May 23, 2011 Page 4 of 4 hard courts, installation of irrigation systems and parking lot at Millbrook. Mr. Moore noted there are play structures, trails, and other needed park improvements that could be included. On a question by Mr. Stiff, Mr. McGarry noted the Commission has prioritized existing parks for improvements /maintenance; in addition to those priorities, Mr. McGarry said he thought priority should be placed on development of Millbrook park. Mr. Christensen talked about the continuation of the trail around McKusick Lake; Mr. Moore noted a resident had donated money to purchase gravel, which has been placed along the old trolley tracks, and said grading has also been done on the east side. Mr. Moore said he would have his budget proposal for discussion at the June meeting. It was noted that the annual park tour would take place at the June meeting. It was agreed to include Millbrook. Mr. Polehna suggested visiting the armory site; Mr. Brandt suggested including the Public Works field and Boutwell Cemetery area. On a question by Mr. Stiff, Mr. Moore spoke of the increased use of the City's athletic fields. It was agreed to begin the June meeting at 6 p.m. Mr. Christensen said he had received a call from someone who had been playing tennis at Staples Field and had some difficulty with a neighbor. He said he had told the caller to contact their Council representative, Micky Cook. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Snellman, second by Mr. Stiff. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary j 1 w ater 1 B A?H ° .ACE OF M1NNFS0f A Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent ��e Date: June 23, 2011 Re: 2011/2012 CIP BACKGROUND Going into fiscal year 2011 the Parks Department had $181,300 in its Capital outlay budget for both park improvements and equipment purchases. Following is the proposed expenditures for both 2011 and 2012. 2011 Purchased Lily Lake Restrooms $14,600 Trailer $ 3,000 Wide Area Mower $16,000 Proposed Triangle Park playground $35,300 Ramsey Grove Playground $50,000 Security Locks $ 8,000 Seed Fertilizer Spreader $ 3,100 Snowblower $25,000 Top Dresser $25,000 Total for 2011 $180,000 2012 Proposed Millbrook Park Improvements Parking Lot Picnic Shelter Ball Field Sidewalks Playground Northland Park Irrigation Court Resurfacing Lily Lake Light Repair Total for 2012 $85,000 $ 8,000 $15,000 $30,000 $85,000 (includes sidewalk) $25,000 $45,000 $ 20,000 $313,000 DISCUSSION Due to the age of our equipment and the new maintenance plan, we are purchasing more attachments for the John Deer tractor acquired in 2010. This constitutes a higher percentage of the CIP budget for 2011. We will still accomplish some park improvements such as Triangle Park and Ramsey Grove playground. In 2012 we propose to concentrate on developing the Millbrook Park along with improving Northland Park ball fields, tennis and basketball courts at various parks (Lily Lake, Benson, Northland) and correcting ball field light wiring at Lily Lake. Attached is the proposed plan for Millbrook Park for your review. A neighborhood meeting will be held in late summer early fall to present the proposed plan. I am currently working on the 5 -year capital outlay plan and will bring that to the Parks Commission in July. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Park and Recreation Commission approve the proposed 2011 and 2012 capital outlay expenditures. �, „ o � � s. � ,,,� 0 ter_ ' N B! 1.1 H P, A C E 0� M I N N E S O T A Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent 1i PI. Date: June 23, 2011 Re: Ramsey Grove Park Discussion Ramsey Grove playground structure is an existing Kompan wood structure. The existing structure was installed for age groups 2 -12. It has exceeded is useful life and is in need of replacement. I have been working with St. Croix Recreation Co, Inc. on a plan that reduces the footprint, utilizing the existing swing set, is constructed of 3%" coated steel posts for durability, and fulfills the 2 -12 age group requirements. Attached is a proposed structure and layout plan for your review. This is one option that works within our budget. Action Required The Park and Recreation Commission should review this plan and discuss other playground options and possibly having an open house with the neighborhood to obtain their input for this project. i l pnm4'pleyem°ronmeMs June 23, 2011 SERIES: Voltage, Basics, Little Buddies Ramsey Grove Park St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. ISOMETRIC PLAN Myrtle & Grove Street 100 - 64326 -2 DRAWN BY: Shaun Swanson Stillwater, MN 55082 BCI Burke Company, LLC PO Box 549 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54936-0549 Telephone 920 -921 -9220 Burke June 07, 2011 SERIES: Little Buddies ISOMETRIC PLAN DRAWN BY: Ramsey Grove Park St. Croix Recreation Company Grove Street LB -995 Stillwater, MN 55082 I / i O N c W Z� � 'W _ N Z =— W U` W � • 1= 0 g`c m m ZO F- W N N a B Q J e Fd w q cm" OC' Q� �Q " W l W OZ = O �=ti aF � `i ca�cv~i8E ES�o o�iU W �W LL x . 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