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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-27 PRC MINCITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 27, 2012 Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m Present: Linda Amrein, David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Solveg Peterson, Don Stiff and Council liaison Mike Polehna Absent: Sandy Snellman Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted the following corrections: to the second line of page 2, request should be requests; the last line of the first paragraph on the second page should indicate that the motion was passed by the Commission; the fourth line in the second paragraph on page 2, at week should be a week. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Ms. Snellman, moved to approve the minutes of Jan. 30, 2012, as correction; motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM No comments were received ACTION ITEMS Community Garden — Ann DeLaVergne and Jack Roddy were present regarding this proposal to develop a community garden at Staples Field. Ms. DeLaVergne spoke of the benefits of a community garden. She noted that 30 people have already signed up to participate in the project, and she said people are looking for a long -term opportunity — to have a garden over a long period of time. She stated the land is not ideal as there was previously a bed of concrete in the area; she said it is likely raised beds will be utilized for the garden site. She said water is still an issue to be resolved. She reviewed the public meetings held to date. Mr. Roddy, coordinator for the North Hill Club said about 15 or 20 families who belong to the organization have indicated they are interested in the project. He talked about some of the group's activities at Staples Field, saying the gardens would really work out well for them. Mr. Roddy reviewed the visioning process used to develop the proposed layout of the garden area. Ms. Amrein confirmed that the garden site is the location of the former basketball court at Staples Field. Ms. DeLaVergene said the supporters of the project are seeking Commission approval from the Parks Commission to allow a community garden at the site as well as a commitment from the Commission to keep the site a community garden site for a period of time. She said they have had some conversations about possibly accessing water from a hydrant across the street for the site, so the Commission should understand that is a possibility. She said they had talked with neighbors about the proposal and she received one call from an unknown person who indicated a preference to retain the basketball court, others have indicated support, she said. Ms. Amrein asked about the process for obtaining a plot and whether there would be a charge. Ms. DeLaVergne said the next step in the process will be to create an action plan and development of policy. She said the charge for the garden plots will be used to maintain the infrastructure of the garden — building and upkeep of the boxes, etc. Ms. DeLaVergne mentioned the possibility of additional community gardens, noting there is high interest among residents of Rivertown Commons. Ms. Amrein suggested the possibility of a roof garden at Park and Recreation Board Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 2 of 4 Rivertown Commons. Mr. Roddy noted he had lived in this neighborhood for 20 years and didn't want the basketball use to go away; however, he noted the space has been sitting unused for a period of time and said he thought it would be good to have something within the area. He said they're residents of the area willing to put forth the labor and effort to make this project happen. He said there are a lot of people who are really passionate about this project. Mr. Christensen asked how the water issue would be resolved. In discussion, it was noted that the fire hydrant is across the street. Mr. Roddy said it would be nice if there would be some way to get the water closer to the handicapped accessible area. Mr. Moore said there is nothing budgeted this year for improvements of that kind at Staples Field. Mr. Moore said the cost could range anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000 to connect to the water line. In additional discussion about a possible water source, Mr. Moore noted there is a drinking fountain at the tennis courts, but he pointed out that would require running a hose across the courts and across the street. Mr. Polehna referred to the past issues with the neighborhood regarding the basketball court and suggested a-neighborhood meeting should be scheduled before the Commission takes any action on this proposal. Mr. Polehna noted this is a public park and questioned how garden plots would be assigned, suggesting it shouldn't be limited to just one area. Mr. Moore said the idea of a community garden is to have people from a neighborhood walk to a garden, not get in a car and drive to a garden; he said if this one is successfully, the City may have to look at finding an area for the South Hill. Ms. DeLaVergne echoed Mr. Moore's comments about the benefit of getting people to walk to the garden; she said calling this the North Hill garden doesn't mean they are excluding people; they are just encouraging people in that community to make use of it. Mr. Roddy said their main objective has been to get the word out and let as many people as possible know what is going on; he said decisions such as how plots are assigned, costs etc. will be made as the planning proceeds. In discussion, it was suggested that building the raised beds might be a good Eagle Scout project, Sentence to Serve or a Tree Trust project. Mr. Brandt asked whether the compost area would be open to other folks who wished to dispose of their yard clippings, etc.; Mr. Brandt also suggested that attention is given to the proposed prairie grass plantings so as to not impact drivers' line of sight at that corner. Ms. Amrein asked if there would be any cost to the City; Mr. Roddy said the only issue involving any potential cost to the City is water. Ms. Amrein said she would support Mr. Polehna's suggestion to hold a neighborhood meeting, given past issues with this area. There was discussion about possible scheduling and process of a neighborhood meeting. Mr. Roddy said he thought there were a lot of issues, such as the location of the compost pit, lot allocation, etc. that need to be decided before the public meeting. On a question by a member of the audience, Ms. DeLaVergne talked about the educational value of community gardens; Mr. Roddy talked about ways to involve young people. There was discussion about ways to involve young people at the high school. Ms. Amrein moved to approve the concept of a community garden at the Staples Field site; she later changed that motion to hold a public meeting about the proposed concept of a community garden at Staples Field at the March 26th, 2012 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Park and Recreation Board Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 3 of 4 Lowell Park Improvements — Mr. Moore gave a Power Point presentation highlighting improvements to Lowell Park. Improvements include: grading of north Lowell Park; installation of an automated irrigation system; repairs to the gazebo; renovation and expansion of the bathrooms in south Lowell Park; and relocation of a number of utility poles. Mr. Moore reviewed several possible designs for the renovated bathroom; he noted the structure will be raised about 24 to reduce the need for protecting it during times of high water. He said the improvements would include meeting ADA requirements and expanding the size of the utility room. Mr. Moore noted there is $500,000 available in the Lowell Park improvement fund; estimates for the proposed work amount to about $340,000, he said. On a question by Mr. Polehna, Mr. Moore described the way the existing foundation / /slab of the bathroom could be utilized; he said the RFP for architectural services would include some structural engineering services. Mr. Moore said some of the work can be done in -house to save money. He said should the Commission recommend proceeding with the improvements, he thought work could be completed by about the first of July, weather permitting. On a question by Mr. Polehna, Mr. Moore reviewed the proposed grading details for north Lowell Park. There was discussion about establishing turf; Mr. Moore said he thought the key was an irrigation system and getting some engineered soils that are conducive to growing turf. Mr. Christensen asked if there was adequate funding to do all the work discussed in the past. Mr. Sanders talked about the decision to have the City do the grading of north Lowell Park rather than the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Sanders stated the Corps wants assurances that the soils aren't contaminated and noted that the Corps has never done any soils sampling in Lowell Park; in order to proceed with the Corps doing the grading, the City would have to hire a consultant to do sampling and obtain the necessary assurances, which would drive up the cost and potentially delay the start of the project. Mr. Sanders suggested that the grading and irrigation are really the foundation for whatever improvements are done in the future. On a question by Mr. Christensen, Mr. Sanders said the walkway from Main Street will go into the park, but will not be finished because the Corps will be installing a pumping manhole right at the end of the plaza; until that work is done, the plaza and amphitheater won't be finished. Mr. Sanders said the plan is to have the Corps do the north end of their project first, so everything will be ready for next year. Regarding the Corps position, Mr. Moore also pointed out the Corps considers the grading to be a project "betterment," which means it is a100% cost to the City; he questioned spending $80,000 when the City can do it better, for less cost and in a timely manner. Mr. Brandt moved to approve the expenditure of funds from the Lowell Park improvement fund for the recommended improvements. Mr. Stiff seconded the motion. Mr. Brandt asked about the scheduling for the work on the gazebo; Mr. Moore said the contractors he has spoken to will do the work before the wedding picture season. Motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Mr. Sanders provided an update on the Brown's Creek state trail. He said the Zephyr train will be moved by mid - April. He said the DNR doesn't have enough money to build the entire trail, so work will begin at the Zephyr and proceed to the west. He said there is no money available for the crossing at Manning, so the DNR is looking at an end point, perhaps at Neal Avenue. Mr. Polehna said Washington County is working on getting funding for the Manning Avenue crossing. Park and Recreation Board Minutes February 27, 2012 Page 4 of 4 COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Mr. Polehna provided an update on the possibility of getting an expanded gymnasium in conjunction with the armory project. He invited the Commission to go on a tour of several other gymnasium facilities; he said he would e-mail the details of the tour. Ms. Amrein asked if there was any update on the dog park proposal. Mr. Polehna said he had heard that four sites were offered. Mr. Christensen said Bayport is out of consideration. There was a question from the audience as to whether the small park behind the parking ramp was under consideration; Mr. Moore said the dog park proponents are looking for a site larger than that. The person asked if the Commission was giving any consideration as to what to do with the area behind the ramp; he later said he would like to see a dog park in the downtown area. Mr. Moore said the City will be working on a little more maintenance of that area this summer and noted the area is primarily used by residents of Rivertown Commons. Ms. Amrein moved to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary