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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-25 PRC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 25, 2013 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Don Stiff, Sandy , David Brandt, Snellman Scott Christensen (arrived at 7:15), Solveg Peterson (arrived at 7:15) Absent: Commissioners Rob McGarry, Council Liaison Mike Polehna Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Guest: Doug Brady Approval of Minutes - Snellman indicated Peterson had arrived after roll call and should be listed as present. Motion by Snellman, seconded by Brandt, to approve the February 25, 2013 minutes with the addition of Solveg Peterson as present. All in favor. OPEN FORUM - There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS 2013-2014 St. Croix Valley Recreation Center and Lily Lake Arena Facility Usage Rates Mr. Brady explained the request to increase the rates for the Recreation Center, Lily Lake Ice Arena and the Recreation Center Field House, effective September 15, 2013. The rates have not been raised since 2010. Heating and electricity bills for the dome have dropped to almost half what they were. Repair costs have increased due to aging equipment and increased maintenance. The maintenance contract provides that St. Croix Boat & Packet receives 5% of gross revenue with $35,000 maximum. These amounts have never changed. When the refrigeration and rink floor at Lily Lake were replaced, Mr. Anderson of St. Croix Boat & Packet donated about $10,000 of flooring which is in process of being laid now. Moore noted that Mr. Brady and his crew did almost all the work at Lily Lake and it turned out well and saved the City a lot of money. Motion by Brandt, seconded by Stiff, to recommend the rate increase as requested. All in favor, 6-0. River Rumble Canoe Event Moore reported that the City has been approached by a group from Iowa that paddles one or two rivers in the Midwest every year. This year they will be paddling the St. Croix River and have requested an area to camp in Stillwater on the night of July 31. There will be around 130 people and they are requesting bathroom and shower facilities, ice and food. The City does not allow camping in city parks; however on May 23, 2011 the Parks and Recreation Commission approved a similar one-time event at Kolliner Park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the St. Croix River Association. That group was much smaller in size and did cleanup of the area around Kolliner Park. He will suggest they visit the site if they decide to apply for a permit to hold the event. Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 25, 2013 Page 2 of 3 Snellman pointed out there are no shower facilities downtown. Amrein commented this takes a lot of organization. Other groups doing similar events have shower trucks or take participants to a school or fitness center for showers. Moore said organizers mentioned bussing to a school for showers. Camping would have to be in a parking lot. Snellman stated she has no objection and it sounds like a nice idea to bring people to the City, but she questioned whether the Commission should set a precedent. If this is approved, the Commission may have a hard time saying no to other groups. Motion by Brandt, seconded by Snellman, to recommend staff work with the group to fill out an application. All in favor. Rivertown Art Festival Moore explained that the Chamber has applied for the permit to hold the Rivertown Art Festival Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19. They provided several event layout options due to the Corps of Engineers levee project and possible high water. They wish to use both north and south Lowell Park areas. Staff has asked them to develop an alternative in case of high water. Christensen commented that last week, the Council denied two running races access to downtown because of Corps work and commotion downtown, even though the 10-mile race had been held for 25 years during Lumberjack Days. With possible flooding and levee work, and considering the art fair is asking for two days worth of access compared to the four hours that the running races had requested, he suggested that the Commission make the same recommendation as Councilmembers Polehna and Weidner recommended for the races - move to Stillwater Junior High. He added that he supports the running races working with City staff to find the best location for the finish line, and he supports the Rivertown Art Festival request too. If there’s a flood, he feels both events could be moved and adjustments made. But he sees the Council seeking a more definite location. He believes the new Council seems to want a clearer definition of what happens in the City. Though the event moratorium was designed to give time to come up with a replacement event for Lumberjack Days, it was a global moratorium for downtown and now anything that affects downtown is impacted. Stiff agreed the moratorium is too overarching; he sees the Council trying to satisfy downtown businesses and residents both. Amrein suggested the Commission could approve the art fair in concept but strongly urge the Council to treat all applicants for traditional events fairly and equally. Motion by Snellman, seconded by Amrein to recommend approval of the Rivertown Art Festival in concept with the recommendation that the Council treat all traditional longtime events with equal consideration. All in favor. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Lowell Park Restrooms Open House Moore said Brian Larson, the architect redesigning bathrooms for Lowell Park, has provided six concept plans. An open house is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 22 for residents Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 25, 2013 Page 3 of 3 to view the concept plans along with members of the Parks Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and Council. He urged everyone to attend. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Main Street Crosswalk at Commercial Street Amrein asked if there should be a sign on Main Street informing drivers they are approaching a pedestrian crosswalk. Lots of cars sail through there. Moore said bump- outs are meant to calm traffic. Also, the yellow pedestrian signs will be going back up for the summer. May Meeting Amrein reminded the Commission that the May meeting will be the third Monday, May th 20, due to Memorial Day being the fourth Monday. Motion by Snellman, seconded by Brandt to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary