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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-23 PRC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2012 Present: Linda Amrein, David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, Sandy Snellman and Council liaison Mike Polehna Staff present: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent Absent: Don Stiff Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein noted a correction to the second paragraph in the action related to the community garden – should be “City policy has been to not allow” …; she also suggested a change to the wording in Mr. McGarry’s comments on page 2 to indicate Mr. McGarry is opposed to privatizing the garden plots on public property “given the history of this particular location.” Ms. Amrein suggested in future, an effort be made to identify speakers by name, in addition to address. Ms. Snellman moved to approve the minutes of March 26, 2012, as corrected. Motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM No comments were received. ACTION ITEMS Rivertown Art Festival Mr. Moore noted this has been an annual event. He stated this year the festival is being organized by the Chamber and is pretty much the same as in past years, although he stated it may be a bit larger this year. He said plans call for the use of Lowell Park from Myrtle to Nelson Street on both sides of the bridge; he said plans also call for the use of the parking lots from Nelson to the end of the paved area north of Myrtle. Mr. Moore said as the event is completed, staff will charge for services as used. He verified that the organizer will be charged for parking spaces. Ms. Amrein moved to approve the proposal for Rivertown Art Festival May 18-22, 2012. Mr. McGarry seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Mr. Moore stated the City is moving along with the Lowell Park improvements. He said the park is starting to take shape and invited commissioners to stop down for a look. He said about 600 yards of dirt has being hauled in and grading has begun on the north end. He said the goal is to have that work completed by the June meeting, when the annual tour of parks usually takes place. He said work on the gazebo is also under way. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Ms. Amrein asked for an update on the dog park. Mr. Moore said the proposal has gone to the Planning Commission and Joint Board. He said the Joint Board asked that Community Development Director Turnblad provide a list of such facilities in the Twin Cities so members could arrange a tour. Mr. Moore said the proposal had to go to the Planning Commission because of the special use permit requirement. Mr. Polehna asked if dog parks are generally open in the winter; Mr. Moore said he believed that to be the case. Ms. Snellman said there seems to be an increasing number of people using Northland Park to run their dogs; Mr. Moore pointed out that even if a dog park is developed, the City will not change any of its rules Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 23, 2012 Page 2 of 2 regarding dogs in parks. Ms. Amrein spoke of a family with a large dog that frequents the ball field at Lily Lake. Mr. Brandt noted that Otto Berg Park in Stillwater Township is also a popular spot for taking dogs; he suggested the use indicates the demand for such a facility. Ms. Snellman said she didn’t think having a dog park will necessarily change the behavior of people taking their animals to a nearby City park. Mr. Polehna noted that Ms. Snellman and Mr. Christensen have been reappointed to serve another term on the Commission. Mr. Christensen asked about the community garden proposal. Mr. Moore said the proposal will be discussed at the May 1 Council meeting. There was a brief discussion about the plans for the relocation of the Shoddy Mill buildings. Mr. Moore also provided some information on plans to move the Zephyr train from its current location. Mr. Polehna told the Commission it appears unlikely that the Legislature will act on funding for the Manning Avenue overpass for the Brown’s Creek trail. It was decided to not schedule a meeting in May unless there are some items requiring action. It also was decided to begin the June 25 meeting at 6 p.m. followed by the tour of selected park facilities and gathering at Mr. McGarry’s home. It was decided to visit Lowell Park; Mr. Moore suggested visiting parks where the City has skating rinks in preparation for a discussion on the future of skating rinks in the parks. Ms. Peterson said she had received a request that the City revise its ordinance related to beekeeping. Mr. Polehna said the Council currently is looking at that issue. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. on a motion by Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. Snellman; motion passed unanimously.