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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-22 PRC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 22, 2012 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Don Stiff, Solveg Peterson and Councilmember Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioners Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Chairman Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Amrein pointed out the minutes say August 27 but should be September 24. Motion by Brandt, seconded by Amrein, to approve the September 24, 2012 minutes with the date being corrected. All in favor. OPEN FORUM -There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Outdoor Winter Rinks Open House An open house was held to give residents an opportunity to provide input to the Commission on the proposed elimination or expansion of some neighborhood rinks. Ray Roemmich of Crestwood Terrace stated Meadowlark Park isn’t used much in the winter so he would be in favor of closing the rink to save money. Chad Bahneman, who lives near Triangle Park, commented that the maintenance there is a lot of effort for little use. The ice quality is not good which has to do with the time of day the rinks are flooded. Mr. Moore replied that public works/parks staff has many duties. If there were fewer rinks to flood, staff could spend more time making the remaining rinks better. He added that he has received preliminary approval from the school district to expand the Old Athletic Field rink to be about twice the size it is now. Motion by Amrein, seconded by Stiff to recommend the Commission approve the proposal by Public Works Superintendent Moore to eliminate four of the rinks and improve the quality and size of other city rinks as able for 2012-13 season. All in favor. Memorial Benches Moore explained that for a number of years, families and friends have been able to pay tribute to a person or occasion by purchasing a memorial bench through Friends of Stillwater Parks. City staff has worked with Friends of Stillwater Parks to inventory all existing memorial benches, and would like the Commission to help determine where future benches might be placed. He added that he has received comments that there are too many benches in Pioneer Park. There are about four different styles of benches in City parks today. Stiff suggested there may be other items besides benches that people could purchase, such as bicycle racks. Moore agreed that would be a good idea. He added that people also have donated trees for planting in the parks. Polehna remarked that Washington County has a very popular program that allows families to plant a tree in someone’s memory. Amrein suggested that in some parks, it might be appropriate for those wishing to donate money for a memorial bench to contribute funds to replace an existing bench. Moore said staff will look at some options for benches, garbage cans and bike racks, and come back to a future meeting for further discussion. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 22, 2012 Page 2 of 2 Amrein offered that the Commission could help survey and catalog existing parks and amenities if needed. Moore responded that the parks inventory is getting fairly complete. Chad Bahneman informed the Commission that his daughter, Annie, who died two years ago at age seven, was the first girl who died of amoebic meningitis from Lily Lake. He has met with Mr. Moore about memorial items and commended him on his approach. Mr. Bahneman explained that his family would like to donate a memorial for Annie in Triangle Park, for instance a bench, but there are already two benches in Triangle Park and it’s a small park. He feels that the desire to contribute for memorial items is there and donors should be given some options besides a bench. Brandt added that upkeep of memorial items is important. The memorial needs to be kept in good condition, so some items such as flowerbeds might not be good choices for memorial donations. Moore commented that the present size of the City crew makes maintaining planting areas difficult. Peterson remarked that one of the nice things about Pioneer Park is the benches which inspire her to think about the people who are memorialized. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Meeting Date Changes Moore indicated that because the fourth Monday in May 2013 is Memorial Day, the Commission may want to reschedule for May 20, the third Monday. The Commission agreed to change the meeting date to May 20, 2013. Amrein pointed out that the fourth Monday of December 2012 is Christmas Eve. The Commission agreed to change the meeting date to 7 p.m. December 17, 2012. Shoddy Mill Moore reported the grading work downtown is close to being completed and he thinks they are getting ready to move the building in a couple of weeks. Millbrook Park Moore stated that the playground has been installed, curb, gutter and sidewalk are in, and also a pad for a picnic shelter. Staff is proposing to move the picnic shelter that was torn down at Legends to Millbrook. This park is looking good. It’s not open yet as the wood chips are not in. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Municipal Swimming Pool. Amrein asked if the Commission’s recommendation not to proceed with the pool came before the City Council. Moore replied that the Council voted 5-0 in agreement with the Commission’s recommendation. The Council understands that at this time, given the amount of land needed and the cost, developing a self-supporting family aquatic center doesn’t seem feasible for the City. Lily Lake Amrein asked if any decision has been made about Lily Lake. Will it be open next year? Moore replied that the City was to have a meeting with the Washington County Health Board and the State, about a procedure to monitor Lily Lake. He does not know the particulars and has not received any further information. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m. on a motion by Amrein, seconded by Brandt. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary