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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-22 PRC packetk �E zT���ff�ran» rro��ta�rrrarwt�r+��rnr�rrrna� o�aena e�iry ifi,•voe���r�3armwa+n✓��?�"i RECREATI CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND • • N OTICE O M ONDAY , APRIL 22 2013 1/ PM The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, April 22, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. AGENDA South Lowell Park Restroom Remodeling Project Open House, 7:00 PM — 8:00 PM 1. Approval of the March 25, 2013 Minutes 2. Open Forum - The Open Forum is a portion of the meeting to address the Board on subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Board may take action or reply at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less. Informational Items 3. Summer Programs Commission Items/Topics ld��NWI,�i1t�" �✓i>2�Bfi'1'�Y� %GY 1 �mll7an� t Th L i I I To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Date: April 9, 2013 Re: South Lowell Park Restroom Remodel Open House Staff has been meeting with Brian Larson of Larson Architects, LLC. regarding the south Lowell Park restroom remodel project. During this time we have focused on creating a preliminary layout and design for the bathroom facility. Attached are concept plans that have been developed to date. The concepts provide a verity of ideas that could be implemented and are by no means meant to limit what could be developed within the project area and many of the elements are interchangeable between the plans. A public information meeting /open house will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 from 7 PM to 8 PM in the Council Chambers with the Park and Recreation Commission to present the plans to the public and seek input on them. Brian Larson along with staff from the City of Stillwater will be on hand to answer questions and receive public input. Notices of the meeting have been sent to IBA, CVB, Chamber, Council and Heritage Preservation Commission. South Lowell Park Restroom Remodel Project Open House The City of Stillwater is hosting an open house on the plans for South Lowell Park Restroom Remodel Project. When: Monday, April 22, 2013 7:00 -8:00 PM Where: Stillwater City Hall Council Chambers 216 N. 4t" St, Stillwater, MN Who: YOU! The purpose of the Open House is to discuss and review concept plans on the South Lowell Park Restroom Remodel Project. Discussion will focus on reviewing a preliminary layout and design for the bathroom remodel. Information about the project, including proposed design layouts, will be on display and available as handouts. Brian Larson from Larson Architects, LLC. along with staff from the City of Stillwater will be on hand to answer questions and receive public input. This is an opportunity to review plans, provide feedback and provide additional ideas that could be incorporated into the plans. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Moore at 651- 275 -4102. r s wsai ,�o,ra ai�m%d � Iiff ,77 I I m I CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 25, 2013 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Don Stiff, Sandy Snellman, David Brandt, 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 3of3 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 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 � o o� ditP�sY i��JRIN�� '!�ylddfiiGO�Tllntl�✓re i Re: Summer Programs Attached are the list of events currently scheduled for the 2013 summer season in Teddy Bear Park and Washington Square. The events have been planned by Jennifer Quinn, Program Coordinator. This year's programs in Teddy Bear Park will run between May 14 and August 28 Events in Washington Square will run weekly between May 28 and August 21 All costs for the events are being paid for by the Stillwater Park Foundation. Proposed Summer Program Schedule for 2013 May 14 -10:00 am Music Together in the Valley 16- 6:30 pm Valley Dance Academy 22- 9:30 am Kindermusik 23- 6:00 pm The Edge Martial Arts 29: 10:00 am Music Together in the Valley 31- 10:00 am Woodland Puppets June 3- 6:30 pm Bob the Beachcomber 4- 10:00 am Brodini Family Comedy 5- 9:30 am Kindermusik 7- 10:00 am Dazzling Dave 11- 10:00 am Music Together in the Valley 14- 9:30 am Story Time with Jennifer Quinn 15- 1:00 pm Belle Ballet 17- 6:00 pm The Edge Martial Arts 19- 9:30 am Kindermusik 21- 6:30 pm Valley Dance Academy 24- 10:00 am The Edge Martial Arts 25- 10:00 am RADZoo 28- 9:30 am Story Time with Jennifer Quinn July 2- 10:00 am Belle Ballet 3- 9:30 am Kindermusik 5- 10:00 am Airplane Annie 8- 6:30 pm Valley Dance Academy 10- 10:00 am Music Together in the Valley 11- 10:00 am The Bazzillions 12- 10:00 am Paul Spring 16- 6:30 pm Creature Encounters 17- 9:30 am Kindermusik 19- 9:30 am Story time with Jennifer Quinn 20- 10:00 am Magic Moments 22- 6 :00 pm Music Together in the Valley 24- 10:00 am The Edge Martial Arts 26- 9:30 am Story Time with Jennifer Quinn 27- 10:00 am Valley Dance Academy 29- 10:00 am MN Zoomobile 31- 9:30 am Kindermusik August 6- 10:00 am Rusty's Rockin' Jamboree 8- 10:00 am Wiggle, Jiggle, and Jam 9- 9:30 am Story Time with Jennifer Quinn 12- 6:00 pm The Edge Martial Arts 13- 10:00 am Wonderweavers 14- 9:30 am Kindermusik 16- 9:30 am Story Time with Jennifer Quinn 20- 6:30 pm Brodini's Family Comedy 23- 10:00 am Paul Spring 24- 10:00 am Valley Dance Academy 26- 10:00 am Belle Ballet 27- 10:00 am Music Together in the Valley 28- 9:30 am Kindermusik WASHINGTON SQUARE May 28- 9:30 am Kindermusik June 6- 6:30 pm Magic Moments 13- 6:30 pm Rusty's Rockin' Jamboree 20- 6:30 pm Airplane Annie 26- 10:00 am Music Together in the Valley July 18- 6:30 pm Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam 23- 6:30 pm Wonderweavers 30- 6:30 pm Dazzling Dave August 2- 10:00 am Bob the Beachcomber 7- 6:30 pm Mad Science 21- 6:30 pm Woodland Puppets r m Ln LLJ u V) (A z W o ��@ u ��\ � |2 z � � |2 � a � CL \ � 7 Qn J LL uj L.0 < w z z (D (D Fn F/i LLJ uj M 0 LCCMR 2014 MAIN PROPOSAL PROJECT TITLE: Washington County St. Croix River Land Protection I. PROJECT STATEMENT Washington County, consistent with the habitat recommendation 42 in the Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan: to protect critical shore lands of streams and lakes, proposes to acquire a 15 -acre parcel of land just north of downtown Stillwater and east of Highway 95. The parcel of land includes 4000 feet of frontage on the St. Croix River and parallels the Brown's Creek State Trail for its entire length. This land is the largest private holding of land along the St. Croix River within the City of Stillwater and is one of the longest stretches of St. Croix River frontage remaining in single ownership in Washington County. The City of Stillwater has this land guided as public open space. This funding request is timely. The landowner is aging and is seeking to sell her property. For a limited time, she is willing to negotiate for public ownership of all or a portion of her property. In addition, the new Brown's Creek State Trail is planned to open in 2013; this property will provide a much needed rest stop at the terminus of the trail. The goals of this acquisition are to improve the ecological integrity of and increase the public access to the St. Croix River. Significant outcomes that will be achieved are the following: 1. Avoid negative water quality impacts that would result from development of the property. 2. Improve water quality and restore ecological diversity by restoring the turf grass and invasive species to a more natural condition using native flora and fauna. 3. Provide additional public access and recreational opportunities to the St. Croix River. 4. Provide a much needed rest area at the terminus of the Brown's Creek State Trail. 5. Provide a natural buffer to and maintain scenic vistas from the St. Croix River and the Brown's Creek State Trail. 6. Improve ecosystem connectivity and increase breeding and migratory habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, neo- tropical migrants. In 1968, Congress designated the St. Croix River one of the first eight rivers to be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations under the federal Wild and Scenic River Act. The Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway was designated by the State of Minnesota in 1972. The states of MN and WI, in partnership with local units of government, are the principal stewards to safeguard the river's outstanding characteristics. It is appropriate for both state and local funds to be used to purchase this property to expand the public access to and enjoyment of this national and state treasure and vital community asset. The LCCMR contribution will be used to match county and city property tax dollars. Both local and state funding will be needed to complete this expensive acquisition. II. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES Activity 1: Protect Significant Shoreland through Land Acquisition Budget: $ 2,000,000 Outcome Completion Date 1. Acquire 15 acres of critical shoreland. June 30, 2017 The county will acquire a 15 -acre parcel including 4000 feet of frontage on the St. Croix River. An appraisal has been completed. The county hopes to attain a signed purchase agreement by December 31, 2013 and close on the acquisition by the end of 2014. Washington County has adopted a Conservation Priorities Plan and site evaluation criteria that aid the county in being strategic in choosing land protection that is most critical and maximizes the ecological benefits of the county's Land and Water Legacy bond proceeds. A citizen advisory committee rated this land very high for relevance and excellence for meeting program goals and priorities and recommended its purchase. III. PROJECT STRATEGY A. Project Team /Partners Washington County will receive the grant funds and will carry out the acquisition work. The City of Stillwater will own and manage the property. The county will retain a conservation easement over the property that will provide permanent protection. Washington County and the City of Stillwater will contribute local dollars. Jane Harper, Program Manager for the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program, will serve as project manager. Sharon Price, the county's Real Estate Acquisition Manager will conduct the real estate transaction work. Bill Turnblad, City of Stillwater Community Development Director will coordinate the city responsibilities. John Elholm, Assistant Public Works Director for Parks and Bill Turnbald will coordinate the development of the park master plan. The Washington Conservation District staff will assist in preparing a restoration plan after the property is purchased. B. Timeline Requirements The owner of the Aiple property applied to the county's Land and Water Legacy Program and is a willing seller. The County Board and City Council have approved the acquisition in concept and an appraisal has been completed. The county is prepared to make an offer contingent on receiving matching funds. The project could be completed within 12 -18 months of receipt of the state funds. C. Long -Term Strategy and Future The city and county seek to acquire this land while we have a willing seller and it is being actively marketed for sale. A park master plan and a land restoration plan will be prepared after the property is acquired. The city intends to restore much of the property to a natural condition and to use the property for recreation that is oriented to the St. Croix River and the Brown's Creek Trail, including shore fishing, transient dockage, walk -in boat launching, walking paths, nature observation, and picnicking. The city will seek additional grant funds from appropriate fenders to complete the restoration work and to build the recreational facilities. The location of this property adjacent to the Brown's Creek State Trail, the proximity to downtown Stillwater, the length of shoreland frontage, and the accessibility to the river due to the low contours of the property make this a unique acquisition and a highly desirable destination for recreational pursuits. The property proposes a unique management challenge. Although the property is expected to serve a regional, state and national constituency it is too small to be a state or regional park and it cannot be acquired by the National Park Service since it lies outside the National Scenic Riverway District boundary. The city has agreed to accept the future operations and management responsibilities and costs if it can get some financial assistance in acquiring the property.