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H F P P T N P ;. A t: t O F M I N N E J 0 I A
CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011 AT 7:00 PM
The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, December 19,
2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street.
AGENDA
1. Approval of the November 28 2011 minutes
Action Items
2. 2030 Parks and Trail Plan
Informational Items
3. Kiosk Design Standards
Commission Items /Topics
Following the meeting, park board members will be gathering for a holiday social at the home
of Solveg Peterson located at 350 North Main Street. No business will be conducted during this
function.
Note: Park Board Members please bring a dish or beverage to share and spouses are invited.
CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 28, 2011
Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Present: Linda Amrein, David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson,
Sandy Snellman, Don Stiff and Council Member Mike Polehna
Staff present: Asst. Public Works Supt. Tim Moore and Public Works Director Shawn Sanders
Approval of minutes — Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to approve the Oct. 24,
2011, minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum
No comments were received.
Action Items
Presentation from the Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park — Mr. Moore gave a brief introduction.
He noted the Commission has a lot of options regarding its action at the meeting, options
ranging from approving the plan as presented, to tabling, to giving a recommendation of some
sort to the Council. Sarah Jaycocks gave the presentation outlining Friends of Stillwater Area
Dog Park's proposal to develop a park at the Boutwell Cemetery site. The presentation
highlighted the organization's mission; statistics regarding local dog ownership and licensing;
potential benefits to the community; site requirements; proposed park management,
commitments by the organization for future fund - raising and other activities; and the City's
expected duties. The presentation listed some potential sites, but focused specifically on the
Boutwell Cemetery site. Ms. Jaycocks spoke of the organization's desire to focus on one site
moving forward with its fund - raising efforts. The presentation listed the benefits of the Boutwell
site, citing one negative of the need to develop a paved parking lot. Also included was a
potential park layout at the Boutwell location.
Ms. Amrein asked about the City's liability. Allison McGinness stated she had spoken with City
Attorney Magnuson regarding this issue and said liability will fall under the same insurance
policy as with other City parks; Ms. Jaycocks suggested that some additional research be done.
Ms. Amrein asked about the actual acreage of the Boutwell location, suggested that this site
might be too small; Ms. McGinness said the fenced -in portion would be a bit over 1 'h acres.
Ms. Jaycocks noted the size of the parking lot would naturally limit the number of people using
the park at one time. On a question by Ms. Amrein, Mr. Moore said staff had contacted a
number of communities with dog parks and found that nearly all communities with smaller sized
parks wished that they had gone with a larger site. Ms. Jaycocks said the group would be open
to other, larger sites; it was noted in discussion that there are many 1 -2 acre parks in the metro
area that seem to work out fine.
Ms. Peterson asked about the surface, whether it would be natural grass or some type of turf,
expressing concern about wear and tear and pollution issues. Ms. McGinness said the kind of
covering depends on usage and traffic and said there are options to deal with the concerns
raised by Ms. Peterson. Ms. Peterson expressed concern about this site, saying she didn't think
it was large enough and citing issues such as packing issues, waste control, disease issues;
she noted there are lots of serious advisories for communities related to issues with dog parks.
Ms. Peterson said she was a fan of dog parks but said parks need to be larger (than this
proposal) and extremely well monitored. Ms. Jaycocks reiterated that the organization would be
open to a larger site; regarding monitoring, she agreed that could be an issue. and, as she
Parks and Recreation Commission
November 25, 2011
Page 2 of 3
earlier suggested, there should be a sunset clause in any agreement so that is certain if
conditions aren't being met, the agreement could be terminated.
Mr. Polehna mentioned other potential sites and asked about the response related to those
other sites, such as the fly ash site in Oak Park Heights. Ms. Jaycocks spoke of the desire to
have the park located in Stillwater. Ms. McGinness said the response related to sites in Oak
Park Heights has not been that positive. Mr. Polehna echoed the concern about the size of the
Boutwell site and also expressed concern about the historic nature of the proposed site. Ms.
McGinness said she would like a chance to try to work out the issues at this site; if the issues
can't be worked out, then the organization would look elsewhere, she said. Mr. Polehna
mentioned potential concerns from neighbors living in close proximity to the site; he mentioned
the old dump site as a possible alternative location. Ms. Snellman also expressed concern
about the size of the Boutwell site. Mr. Brandt said he had talked with people who had used
smaller dog parks and those folks said the parks work fine; he asked about potential costs, such
as fencing. Ms. Jaycocks said that is why the organization needs to focus on a specific site, so
such costs can be nailed down. Mr. Brandt said he wasn't concerned about the historic nature of
the Boutwell site, suggesting that more people would visit the site and learn of its history if the
dog park were located there.
Mr. Stiff said he liked the plan, but said he didn't know if the site is large enough; he agreed with
Mr. Polehna's suggestion of the old dump site as an alternative location. Mr. Christensen noted
proponents have spent many hours looking at potential sites; he said he had researched dog
parks and nowhere found that 1 Y2 acres would be too small. Mr. Christensen pointed out that
there are thousands of dog parks in the country that are all dealing with the same issues — water
quality, turf management, waste — and there are thousands of successful dog parks; he said
what the issue boils down to is the energy of the people entrusted to run the dog park and said
the people behind this project seem like the people he would like to run a dog park. Mr.
Christensen noted the City and Commission's budget is bleak and wondered what it would cost
the City to run a dog park per year. Mr. Christensen said the energy behind the group, rather
than size and site, would be the deciding factor for him.
Ms. Amrein said she was not opposed to the idea of a dog park but said she does not like this
particular site due to the size and proximity to the cemetery; she also noted this site is part of
the City's master park plan. She agreed with the potential use of the dump site, but suggested
that if there is not another adequate site in the City; the organization may have to convince
another community to host the park. Mr. McGarry agreed there is a space issue with the
Boutwell location. He said if there were no other alternatives in the area, a 1 -acre site might
work, as it has been done in other communities. However, he pointed out there are other sites
located relatively close to City boundaries, such as the fly ash site or others. He said he likes
the concept of a dog park, but would proceed cautiously with the size park as proposed.
Ms. Peterson asked if the group had approached private individuals regarding a location. Ms.
Jaycocks said they have approached individuals regarding possible purchase of land, but have
heard nothing further at this point. "there was additional discussion about the dump site and
nearby property owned by the School District; Ms. McGinness said the group has had
conversations with the School District and the District feels there may be a conflict with other
users.
Denise Stevens, resident of Settlers' Glen, asked about the dump site, whether it is
contaminated and would need to be cleaned up prior to use; Mr. Polehna said clean up would
be necessary if there is new construction, but not if the above - ground property only is utilized.
Parks and Recreation Commission
November 25, 2011
Page 3 of 3
Doug Menikheim, Councilmember, spoke of the difficult budget times for cities and suggested
governments will have to depend on the people to do more. He noted that this group is not
asking for the City to do something, the group is asking for the opportunity to do something for
the City. He suggested, rather than lose the energy of this group of individuals by dismissing the
proposal for the reasons listed, use the Boutwell location as a start -up site, let the group prove
they are able to do the things they say they can do, and then move to a bigger site if that proves
necessary in the future.
In closing, Ms. Jaycocks said not every problem can be circumvented in anything one does, but
said she would hate to see nothing even tried. She spoke of the importance of a contract and
sunset clause to address issues that will need to be addressed on any site that might be
selected. Ms. McGinness and Ms. Jaycocks asked about the next step and asked for direction
as to how they should proceed. Ms. Amrein said it appears the Commission is not ready to take
any action; she said what she thought the Commission said is that it hopes some other idea will
be put forward and that zeroing in on the Boutwell site is not what the Commission would give
its blessing to at this point. Mr. Christensen asked what would be lost if a dog park was
developed at the Boutwell location and it failed. Ms. Amrein said she thought the City would lose
a pristine park. Mr. Polehna pointed out the City obtained the site as an historic site and there
might be some deed restrictions as to what can or can't be done with the property; he said there
needs to be more research done to make a good decision.
There was discussion as to what might be the Commission's action. Mr. Christensen said once
he has more information as to whether the dog park use would even be allowed at that site
according to any deed restrictions, cost to the City per year, and the parking lot situation, he
would be willing to put the proposal to a vote of the Commission. In discussion, it was noted that
the Commission only makes recommendations to the City Council. Ms. Peterson said she did
not think the Commission was squashing the good will or the energy of these people because it
has some pretty significant reservations about this particular site; she said that is not telling the
group to stop its work and go away. Ms. Peterson asked about the Aiple site and spoke of
potential advantages of that location; it was noted there could be an issue with flooding in the
spring, as well as restrictions by the National Park Service. Ms. Jaycocks indicated the group
would do more research regarding the Boutwell and Aiple sites and come back to the
Commission.
Commission Items /Topics
December meeting — Mr. Moore noted the December meeting is scheduled for Dec. 19 as the
normal meeting day is a City holiday. Ms. Peterson said she would check on the availability of
her building's meeting room for the annual post- meeting holiday gathering.
Ms. Snellman said she had received an e-mail regarding the availability of the playground
equipment that was moved to the old dump site; Mr. Moore said that equipment is being moved
to the upper Northland Park area. Mr. Moore asked Ms. Snellman to forward the e-mail so he
could respond to the person.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Snellman, second by Ms. Amrein.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
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Memo
Community Development Department
To:
Parks and Recreation Commission
From:
Michel Pogge, City Planner 011�p
Date:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Re:
Update to the City of Stillwater 2030 Parks and Trail Plan
Message:
Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Council released a new system statements for the
seven county region related to Transportation and Parks & Trails. For Parks and Trails,
the only change that impacts the City is the addition of the Middle St. Croix Valley
Regional Trail Search Corridor to the Metropolitan Council regional parks and trails
plan. This is a proposed regional trail search corridor that will stretch from the planned
Browns Creek State Trail in Stillwater to Interstate 94 and will connect to local trails in
Lakeland.
The City is required to update it 2030 Parks and Trail Plan by depict the general
alignment of the regional trail search corridor on a map and acknowledge regional trail
search corridor in the text of our plan.
With this update, staff has also proposed to update the progress that has occurred on
the Browns Creek State Trail and to update the Parks and Trails map to show new trails
that have been completed since the plan was completed in 2009.
Recommendation
Review and recommend City Council approval of the proposed changes to the 2030
Parks and Trail Plan for the City of Stillwater.
From the desk of...
Michel Pogge, AICP - City Planner - City of Stillwater • 216 N. 4th Street - Stillwater, MN 55082
651.430 -8822 • Fax: 651.430 -8810 • email: mpogge @ci.stillwater.mn.us
Chapter 8 — Parks and Trails 2011 Update
The following section will be added:
Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Search Corridor
This is a proposed regional trail search corridor that will stretch from the planned Browns Creek State
Trail in Stillwater to Interstate 94 and will connect to local trails in Lakeland. Due to topography and
important natural and historic resources, the trail will follow a rail corridor purchased by the City of
Stillwater from the terminus of the Browns Creek State Trail south to the City's southern corporate limits.
A majority of this trail within the City of Stillwater will be built with the new St Croix River Crossing
Project as required by the Section 106 Memorandum of Understanding for the project. The City actively
supports this trail and will work with our partners to complete the trail as soon as possible.
The following two sections will be updated as follows:
Development of the Browns Creek State Trail. In 2006, the owners of the Minnesota Zephyr rail
corridor indicated that they wished to close or sell the line. They approached the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resource (MnDNR) to see if they had a interest in converting the line to a bike trail. In 2007,
the Minnesota Legislature authorized the Browns Creek State Trail as part of the Willard Munger Trail
System along the Minnesota Zephyr rail corridor. This is a 5.9 -mile trail corridor that will connect the
Gateway State Trail in Grant at Duluth Junction to Downtown Stillwater terminating north of Laurel
Street.
The Minnesota Zephyr officially made its last trip on December 31, 2008. A partnership amongst The
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, and
Washington County are purchasing the former Minnesota Zephyr corridor. The sale is expected to close
in late 2011 or early 2012. Since the trail will be constructed on the former Minnesota Zephyr railroad
grade, it will be generally level and accessible to users of all abilities.
Construction on the line is set to begin in 2012 starting in Downtown Stillwater and be constructed until
current funds are exhausted. The City is hopeful additionally funds can be secured for the trail so it can
be completed and connected to the Gateway Trail as soon as possible.
Browns Creek State Trail, formally known as the White Bear Lake - Stillwater Regional Trail
(Future): With the new Browns Creek State Trail, the White Bear Lake - Stillwater Regional Trail
alignment has been moved from running along Highway 96 in Stillwater and now follows the Browns
Creek State Trail alignment. A Regional Trail is still proposed to connect the Gateway Trail and White
Bear Lake.
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Memo
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent j rK
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Date: December 15, 2011
Re: City Wide Kiosk Design Standards
At the October 24 2011 Park and Recreation meeting, the commission directed staff to create
a standard kiosk design. Attached is a preliminary drawing showing a design incorporating
features from pictures of kiosks presented to the commission at that meeting. Also attached is
a preliminary cost estimate of materials. Groups will construct and install the frame work
onsite and City personnel will manufacture and provide the face frame. Please review drawing
and provide any comments. City staff will proceed with finalizing the design standard and
contact organizations wishing to construct the kiosks.
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