Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-27 PRC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2012 Present: Chair Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Sandy Snellman, Solveg Peterson, and Councilmember Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioners Don Stiff and Rob McGarry Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Approval of minutes: Chair Amrein pointed out that Commissioner Snellman did not call the July 23, 2012 meeting to order, it was Commissioner McGarry. Motion by Snellman, seconded by Christensen, to approve the July 23, 2012 minutes with the correction noted. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Sandy Hudson, 604 St. Croix Avenue West, asked if Stillwater is interested in painting some tennis courts to be used as pickle ball courts, as she would like to develop the sport here. Pickle ball is a cross between badminton, tennis and table tennis; the court is smaller and the net is lowered two inches. The sport is really catching on. It isn’t high cost and would involve only painting the additional lines. Mr. Polehna confirmed pickle ball is suddenly catching on in the Twin Cities though it has been around 20-30 years. Ms. Hudson left information about the sport with Mr. Moore. He will look into it. ACTION ITEMS Municipal Swimming Pool Judy Gulden, 218 North Martha Street, explained she is seeking comments about having a small outdoor municipal swimming pool. Mr. Polehna stated at one time property near the ice arena was considered for a municipal pool, but now with the space and setback requirements for the Armory, there is not enough room on that site. The Stillwater Swim Club looked at trying to build an aquatics facility next to Brines, but it became cost prohibitive at $7-10 million. Ms. Gulden said she has talked to other communities about how to fund outdoor pools. She doesn’t have an aquatic center in mind - just a modest pool for family use. She asked if this might be attainable with the help of the community in perhaps five years. Mr. Polehna suggested approaching River Valley Athletic Club as a possible partner. Ms. Amrein said she is not opposed to a pool but is concerned with maintenance and safety issues. She would like to have a specific site selected before the project gets too far. Mr. Polehna offered to call a national facility designer and ask him to speak to the commission about what would be involved. Mr. Moore said more organization is needed; the city’s big concern is initial costs and operating costs. It will be very difficult for the city to approve given the current financial situation. Ms. Peterson stated if there are major contributors willing to contribute funding to the construction and operation; the city might be able to target a site. Mr. Polehna agreed to try to arrange a meeting with the designer mentioned earlier to explore the issue. Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 27, 2012 Page 2 of 2 Stillwater Harvest Fest Motion by Brandt, seconded by Peterson, to approve the Stillwater Harvest Fest event to be held on October 13-14 as presented. All in favor. Outdoor Winter Rinks Mr. Moore reminded the commission during the annual park tour in June, there were informal discussions about possibly eliminating rinks at Triangle Park and Oak Park School and expanding the rink at the Old Athletic Field; also eliminating the small rink at Benson Park because of the close proximity of the Rec Center, and at Meadowlark because of lack of use. The city currently has nine rinks. The school district is open to the city expanding the rink at the Old Athletic Field. Downtown, an area has been graded in the middle of the circle at Mulberry Point where a rink will be developed. He presented maps showing the coverage areas of the city’s existing rinks. A rink could be developed at Brown’s Creek Park to help cover the northwest quadrant of the city. Mr. Moore suggested having a neighborhood information meeting to notify residents of plans to eliminate flooding certain rinks. Mr. Brandt said he has received feedback that parents will not send their younger kids to the Rec Center because they are skating too fast there; they also value the neighborhood parks. Ms. Amrein said neighborhood input would be important and October would be a good time to have a meeting. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS City of Stillwater and School District Intern Intern Patrick Kopesky reported on his activities over the past few months, inventorying athletic fields and surveying needs of athletic associations throughout the school district. He will make a GIS map of all the facilities and to catalog all their amenities and uses. Lily Lake Mr. Moore reported the beach has been closed to swimming. There will be a meeting with the Health Department to develop an action plan. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Lowell Park Mr. Polehna reported the council decided last week to go forward with Lowell Park improvements using Tax Increment Financing because it was weary of delays from the Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers is now telling the city it is ready to do the project this spring. So now the question is to do it, or to wait, and whether to trust the Corps again. A written commitment from the Corps will be sought. Jackson Wildlife Area Mr. Christensen expressed concerns about a property owner wiping out acres of old oak at the Jackson Wildlife Area. Mr. Moore suggested talking to City Planner Mike Pogge. The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. on a motion by Amrein, second by Snellman. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary