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CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF MEETING
NOVEMBER 28, 2011 AT 7:00 PM
The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, November 28,
2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street.
AGENDA
1. Approval of the October 24, 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. Presentation from the Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park
Informational Items
Commission Items/Topics
CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 24, 2011
Chair Linda Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Present: Linda Amrein, David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Solveg Peterson, Sandy Snellman,
Don Stiff and Councilmember Nlike Polehna
Staff present: Asst. Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge
Absent: Rob McGarry
Approval of minutes Ms. Amrein noted a misspelling of Mr. Moore's name on the last page of
the September 26, 2011, minutes. Ms. Snellman, seconded by Ms. Peterson, moved approval
of the minutes as corrected. Motion passed unanimously.
OPEN FORUM
Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Tomten told the Commission he has re- thought his previous
project and would now like to do a kiosk and mile markers around Lake McKusick. He said he
would to do a kiosk by the parking lot; he said he thought of marking two routes around the lake,
a two -mile route and a four -mile route, with markers placed each half -mile. He said he would
include trail maps of both routes at the kiosk. He presented possible designs /routes to the
Commission. Ms. Amrein noted that design standards for kiosks was on the evening's agenda
and invited Andrew to stay and receive that input. Andrew said he would work with staff on
details. Mr. Brandt moved concept approval of the Eagle Scout project, with details to be worked
out with staff. Mr. Christensen seconded the motion. Mr. Christensen noted that the four -mile
route utilizes a portion of the new state trail and asked whether that portion of the trail would be
marked after the new trail is completed; Mr. Tomten responded in the affirmative. Motion
approving the concept passed unanimously. Mr. Polehna suggested that developing a map of
City walking routes might be a good future Eagle Scout project.
ACTION ITEMS
Millbrook Park Fields — Mr. Moore explained that the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association is
interested in assisting the City in developing a field at Millbrook Park for younger -age players.
He said the Association would be looking to add some amenities at the field similar to what the
Association has done at the Public Works field. John Rooney, Chuck LeRoux, and Dan Wald of
the Baseball Association were present to discuss their proposal. The spokesperson talked about
the Association's need for additional fields for games and practices and the Association's
mission of not only teaching the game of baseball, but of improving fields throughout the St.
Croix Valley. He also talked of the Association's previous partnership with the City of Stillwater
on improving the fields at the Public Works site and said they would like to do the same type of
thing at Millbrook. The Association's representative said they would be willing to invest up to
$25,000 in the field for scoreboard, dugouts, batting cages and maintenance box and pad for
daily grooming; he said that would require utilizing a lot of volunteer efforts and soliciting
donations of materials. Mr. Moore said when the Association approached him, he looked at a
number of different fields and said the Millbrook field is about the only one with available parking
that could handle the amount of people that likely will be present on a regular basis. Mr.
Polehna asked about the possibility of using temporary outfield fences, rather than permanent
fencing, which would limit the use of the field to baseball. The Association spokesperson said
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
October 24, 2011
Page 2 of 4
that might be possible he said the Association is more interested in getting the field operational
than the type of fencing that might be utilized. There was discussion about the amount of space
available; it was noted due to space, this field will be limited to use by 10- and 11- year -old
players and younger. On a question by Ms. Amrein, the Association's spokesperson said the
field would be utilized Monday through Thursdays, with Fridays utilized primarily for makeup
games; he said fields also are utilized some weekends for tournaments.
Ms. Amrein noted an open house for Millbrook residents was held at the last Commission
meeting and those in attendance were informed about this possible partnership; she said while
no one opposed, there were some questions about parking. The Association spokesperson said
they have learned that they need to schedule some additional time between games to alleviate
parking issues; in discussion, it was noted that the Millbrook parking lot will be larger than the
one at Public Works, where parking has not been an issue. Mr. Moore also pointed out at
Millbrook there is an opportunity for on- street parking, which is not available at Public Works.
Mr. Brandt asked if this would preclude the use of the field for softball, saying he had heard
there was a shortage of softball fields for younger children. Mr. Moore stated the City has been
working with the School District on scheduling.
Ms. Amrein moved to accept the concept of working with the St. Croix Valley Baseball
Association in using the available field at Nlillbrook Park, with the Association to work out details
with City staff. It was noted this would be a recommendation to Council. Mr. Stiff seconded the
motion; motion passed unanimously.
City Wide Kiosk Design Standards — Mr. Moore said he had been approached by residents
around McKusick Lake regarding the possibility of building and installing several kiosks. He said
those residents proposed a design, which staff reviewed. Mr. Moore also provided graphics of
several another designs. He said staff would like to consider materials, noting that the McKusick
residents had proposed a copper roof, which would be very costly to repair /replace; he
suggested materials should be as maintenance -free as possible. He suggested the Commission
should also discuss where it wants kiosks to be placed, noting he had recently talked with
another Eagle Scout candidate about a kiosk project. There was discussion as to what would be
posted at the kiosks, which might determine the size and materials to be used in construction.
Ms. Peterson noted the intent is to have something an Eagle Scout could build, rather than
purchasing a pre -made structure; there was discussion as to whether a roof was necessary. Ms.
Amrein said she would favor a design where notices could be changed easily. Mr. Christensen
pointed out the intent of a kiosk is education. Mr. Stiff noted that the new state trail would be
coming through the City and asked what style the DNR would be utilizing for its kiosks. Mr.
Polehna said the Gateway Trail goes through a County park and the DNIR uses the County
kiosks for its signs. IVIs. Amrein asked if there was funding for purchasing kiosk accessories to
be incorporated in a homemade structure; Mr. Moore said there is limited funding, which would
have to come out of the maintenance budget. It was noted that Eagle Scout candidates have to
raise funds for their projects, which could include purchasing the pre -made components.
Members expressed preference for having a Plexiglas covering and for one of the design
graphics provided by Mr. Moore. Ms. Amrein moved to allow the Eagle Scout candidate to work
with City staff in developing a kiosk design, taking in consideration the points made by Mr.
Moore and during this discussion. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed
unanimously.
Browns Creek State Trail — Planner Pogge noted that planning for the new state trail is under
way, with the first of two open houses held recently. He said the master plan will be released to
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
October 24, 2011
Page 3 of 4
the public in mid - November and if there are any concerns /comments that the Commission or
community wish to address, those should be forwarded to the Council. Mr. Pogge reviewed the
proposed trail corridor and suggested there are several issues /questions that need to be
addressed, specifically the type of crossing at Manning Avenue, and whether horses should be
allowed on the trail. He noted that the type of crossing at Manning, overpass or underpass, will,
in part, be determined by engineering issues. In discussion regarding allowing horses, Mr.
Pogge noted that the width of the trail in certain places will barely be wide enough to
accommodate bicyclists without requiring major modifications to the grade. Mr. Polehna brought
up the issue of manure runoff into Brown's Creek. Ms. Amrein wondered how horses could be
accommodated if allowed on the trail all the way into downtown. Mr. Pogge pointed out the
decision whether to allow horses on the trail will not be a City decision — it's the DNR's; all the
City can do is make comments regarding allowable uses.
Mr. Christensen asked about a timetable regarding the Manning crossing. Mr. Pogge said the
DNR currently has $2 million in available funding to start construction and plans to begin in
downtown Stillwater and move westward. Mr. Pogge said the crossing at Manning will likely be
a $1 million project. Mr. Christensen said an overpass similar to the trail crossing at Century
Avenue with the big lead -up to meet ADA standards would be out of place in this area and
expressed preference for a tunnel; Mr. Polehna pointed out that at some point in the future,
Manning Avenue will be a four -lane roadway at the trail crossing. Mr. Pogge noted there are
some engineering questions regarding drainage for an underpass. Members expressed
preference for a tunnel /underpass if technically feasible.
Regarding allowing horses, Ms. Snellman said she wouldn't be opposed if there was enough
room to accommodate both bicyclists and horses. Mr. Stiff said the Gateway Trail has an
entirely different trail for horses, which he said he didn't see happening with this trail due to the
width. Mr. Polehna suggested it would be possible to have the two separate trails as far as
Manning Avenue, but not into the City. Several members mentioned the issue of safety. Mr.
Pogge summed up consensus as allowing horses if there can be separate trails, but not to
sacrifice a bike trail to force a separate horse trail.
On a question by Ms. Amrein, Mr. Pogge stated there would likely be satellite toilet facilities at
the trail head by Brown's Creek Park and said the City is having discussions with the DNR
regarding facilities by the trailhead parking in downtown. Ms. Amrein asked whether there would
be benches at certain points on the trail; Mr. Pogge said the DNR is looking at that in its park
plan.
Mr. Pogge addressed Stillwater trail connections with the new state trail; he said there is some
grant opportunity through the DNR to make local connections to the state trail. He identified
three opportunities for local connections: having the DNR extend the state trail farther south to
Myrtle or asking for a state grant to pay for that so the City has more control over the land;
extending the trail in the Creekside neighborhood up to the new state trail; and working with the
Nlillbrook developers to get those trails built out earlier than planned to connect those to the
state trail via a trail easement on Neal Avenue. He said another possibility is a connection with
the trail at Stonebridge Trail and working with Stillwater Country Club to obtain a possible
easement; there was discussion of grade issues. He noted the connection with the Manning
Avenue trail is a County issue. Mr. Pogge asked if there were any other local connections that
should be looked at. Mr. Polehna suggested the trail through Settler's Glen as a possibility.
Ms. Amrein said someone had suggested to her there be some designated spot where bikers
can store their bikes in a secure area while they visit the downtown. Mr. Stiff asked whether
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
October 24, 2011
Page 4 of 4
there might be a program like the ride -share bike program in Minneapolis; Mr. Pogge said a
vendor renting bicycles will likely happen, but said he didn't see the ride -share program
happening here. Mr. Christensen asked if the DNR had purchased the train rails; Mr. Pogge
responded in the affirmative.
Councilman Jim Roush, Ward 3, said he was pretty adamant about the underpass at Manning
Avenue and said he was pleased with the Commission's position regarding that issue. He said
that issue also would be discussed at the Joint Board meeting. He said the City of Stillwater
currently owns two archways from the old high school. One of the arches has been committed
to the Washington County Historical Society, but; the second arch is still available. He said he
would propose to use the second arch somewhere along the trail as a kiosk area or a gateway;
he said while he would like to keep the arch in Stillwater, it seems to make sense to place it
where the new trail meets the Gateway Trail. Mr. Roush said another possibility would be
placing it in the downtown area near the parking lot. Mr. Moore suggested a placement in Lowell
Park by the new amphitheater; Mr. Pogge pointed out that by the time the availability of the arch
was brought up, planning for pedestrian plaza was too far along to accommodate it. Mr. Roush
also talked about bringing Engine 328, the 1905 steam locomotive the City owns, back to
Stillwater. He said the engine was leased to the Minnesota Transportation Museum and until
several years ago was used as a tour train in Osceola. He said the engine currently is at the
Jackson Street roundhouse due to a cracked firebox and is unusable as a functional steam
locomotive. Because the engine has been out of service for so long, the lease with the Museum
has technically been broken and ownership reverts to the City. Mr. Roush told the Commission
the City owns a triangle piece of property directly north of the Zephyr depot; he said his idea is
to return the engine back home and place it on that piece of property north of the depot as part
of the trailhead. He listed several issues, such as cost of relocation and refurbishing the engine
to a presentable state and constructing a protective shell /structure. He spoke of several grant
opportunities. He said he has talked with the DNR about his ideas and just wanted to let the
Commission know of these opportunities.
COMMISSION ITEMS
Ms. Snellman said a friend who lives by Triangle Park has complimented the new playground
equipment but wondered if that would preclude a skating rink. Mr. Moore said the skating rink
will remain.
Ms. Peterson asked about the status of the dog park discussions, noting that according to last
month's minutes the Comprehensive Plan indicates the City will not have a dog park. Ms. Amrein
said she had met with the person spearheading the campaign to get a dog park and said that
person indicated they were not ready to make a presentation at this time. Mr. Moore said they
have requested to be on the November agenda. Mr. Pogge confirmed that the Comprehensive
Plan indicates the City will not have a dog park. Ms. Amrein agreed that the Comprehensive Plan
position should be made clear to those planning the presentation. Mr. Moore pointed out that
ultimately this issue is a Council decision. In discussion, it was noted that the Council could be
requested to change the Comprehensive Plan, which would require a 4/5 vote.
Ms. Amrein moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion;
motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
S
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Memo
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent<—J,—IR
Date: November 22, 2011
Re: Presentation from the Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park
The Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park ( FSADP) have been working on a proposal for a dog park located
within the City of Stillwater. This organization has decided on the Boutwell Cemetery area and will
present a proposal to the Parks and Recreation Commission at the November 28` meeting. Included in
the packet is their power point presentation, a list of other sites researched, aerial maps of the Boutwell
Cemetery with proposed layout and a copy of the March 5, 2008 City Council minutes.
Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park have proposed an approximately 1 acre fenced in site with off street
parking and some landscape and trail features. The FSADP would manage and maintain the park and
has asked the City to provide snow removal, garbage pickup and occasional mowing. Members of the
FSADP will be present at the meeting to give a presentation and answer any questions.
RECOMMENDATION
The Commission should review and discuss the proposed dog park at the Boutwell Cemetery location
and decide on the feasibility of a dog park at this location.
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City Council Meeting 08 -05
March 5, 2008
improvements. Councilmember Milbrandt agreed this latest proposal is not acceptable
but questioned the need to take any action at this time and suggested waiting until more
is known regarding the parking ramp and levee wall project. It was consensus that the
latest proposal was unacceptable and to take no action.
Possible acceptance of Findings of Fact and adoption of Resoluti
nt for Lot 1. Block 2. Settler's Glen 8"' Addition —
Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Tim Fohr, representing the
developer, called and said he would be unable to attend at the meeting and asked that
this be held over for the next meeting. It was noted there was a written waiver from the
120 -day limit for taking action.
Motion by Councilmember Milbrandt, seconded by Councilmember Nyberg to table this item to
the March 18, 2008 meeting. All in favor.
Comprehensive Plan goals discussion
Community Development Director Turnblad reviewed the process used to refine the
goals and policies of the updated 2008 Comprehensive Plan. He stated that during the
process, the subcommittees flagged 12 items for discussion by the Council.
Councilmember Milbrandt thanked Mr. Turnblad for his work in summarizing the issues.
' The Council went through the 12 items beginning with a program that calls for the
investigation of the need, potential site and feasibility for a dog park. Councilmembers
Milbrandt and Gag called for this item to be deleted, with Mr. Gag suggesting this is too
specific for a Comprehensive Plan. It was consensus to delete this item.
Program 3 under the transportation policies and programs called for the extension of
Neal Avenue from Boutwell to County Road 12 with an intersection at County Road 12
designed to encourage through traffic to use minor arterial streets rather than collector
or local streets. Councilmember Milbrandt suggested the Neal Avenue extension is a
"pipe dream" with no willing landowners and called for focusing efforts on the
intersection of Boutwell with County Road 12 and Boutwell and McKusick at County
Road 15. Councilmember Polehna suggested there would never be consensus on
where any Neal extension should intersect with County Road 12. Councilmember
Nyberg called for making a decision on this issue one way or another. Councilmember
Nyberg spoke of the value of a north -south connection for public safety response. Mr.
Turnblad pointed out that the Comp Plan traffic consultants had suggested that perhaps
the City should focus on strengthening east -west connections and give up on the north -
south connection. It was consensus to remove this item.
Mr. Turnblad noted that six of the 12 items are relating to the housing section of the
Comp Plan. Under the special housing needs section, one of the objectives is to
"encourage housing Downtown and within walking distance of Downtown to provide a
critical mass of residents to support a mix of community and destination commercial."
Page 9 of 13