HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-28 PRC MINParks and Recreation Board
Feb. 28, 2000
Present: Del Peterson, chair
Linda Amrein, Rich Cummings, Dawn Flinn, David Junker, Al Liehr,
Rob McGarry, Wally Milbrandt, Mike Polehna, Sara Thingvold and Steve Wolff
Others: Tim Thomsen, parks director; SAHS government class students
Mr. Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Ms. Amrein, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved approval of the minutes of
Jan. 24, 2000; all in favor.
Stillwater Fall Fest --.-St. Croix Events
David Eckberg of St. Croix Events reviewed concept plans for a fall festival "homecoming" to
be held in Lowell Park September 16 and 17 in conjunction with a concert by the University of
Minnesota Marching Band presented by the local University of Minnesota Alumni Chapter. The
festival would be a joint project of the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Croix
Events, with proceeds to be split on a yet to be determined basis, Eckberg said. A tentative
schedule of events was provided. Mr. Eckberg said while the impact of the event is unknown, it
would not be of the magnitude of Lumberjack Days and organizers are more than willing to work
with all those who would be impacted.
Carrie Johnson, representing the City of Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the timing
of the event, two weeks before the City of Chamber's annual fall arts and jazz festival. A letter
from Loann Stokes, president of the City of Stillwater Chamber board of directors was
distributed; Ms. Stokes' letter enumerated the City Chamber's concerns in requesting that the
city of Stillwater deny the request for a fall festival homecoming /arts -craft fair in Lowell Park.
Also distributed was a letter from Kristen Klemetsrud of Savories opposing the concept, and a
petition of 70+ signatures opposed to the proposal.
Cindy Gellerman, owner of Bella Cosa and All About Horses, expressed her concern about the
impact of another big promotion on downtown businesses. Ethel Larson, Grand Garage shop
owner, also spoke of the impact on downtown businesses and referred to research that shows the
impact of such events on retailers is always negative.
Jill Greenhaugh and Chris Peterson, representing RiverTown Restoration, noted the weekend in
question is the same at RTR's house tour, that organization's major fund- raising effort, and
expressed a concern about the impact on their event. They also noted the Marine Art Fair is
scheduled for the same weekend.
Mr. Eckberg reiterated the willingness to work with all organizations involved.
Mr. Cummings suggested the discussion was mindful of the reason the two chambers split, and
suggested that the Park and Recreation Board not get involved in any decision - making until the
two chambers sit down and talk.
Mr. Peterson said there are three issues involved: the impact on downtown businesses, the impact
on residents and the impact on parks. Mr. Wolff asked if Lowell Park could withstand two events
two weeks apart, and Mr. Thomsen responded the park could not withstand such use. Ms.
Thingvold spoke in favor of the downtown businesses. Ms. Flinn expressed her concern the
event was advertised before receiving City approval; Mr. Eckberg responded the advertising was
done within the industry (arts- crafts) only. Mr. Milbrandt said he was concerned about
scheduling an event against a neighbor's (Marine Art Fair), but said he liked the concept of a
hometown celebration.
Mr. Peterson summed up the discussion by noting there are a number of obstacles involved and
directing Mr. Eckberg to try to work with all the groups involved, including Mr. Thomsen
regarding the impact on the park.
Update on coordination of park and recreation planning
Mr. Thomsen said administration is requesting (as noted in a memo from Mr. Kriesel which was
included in the agenda packet) that several Board members be appointed to take part in
additional discussions regarding the issue. Mr. Peterson said there are many different issues
involved, some of which need to be addressed by the Council; this is the initial phase of the
discussions and any outcomes wold be brought back to the entire Board. It was agreed that Mr.
Peterson, Mr. Junker, Mr. Cummings and Mr. Milbrandt would represent the Board in the
discussions; the first meeting was set for 4 p.m. Thursday, March 2.
New business
Mr. Milbrandt suggested the City's wet site needs to be updated to include better information
about parks, for example how to reserve park facilities. Mr. Thomsen will look into the matter
and report back at the next meeting.
Old business
• Ms. Amrein asked about the concern raised by Ms. Thingvold at the January meeting
regarding treatment she experienced by staff at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center. Ms.
Thingvold said she had received an apology and was satisfied with the resolution of the
matter.
• Mr. Cummings showed a short video about disc golf and updated the Board on the plans for a
course at the McKusick/Neal Avenue area. He said the biggest cost is in labor, and said he is
looking at scheduling a work weekend involving members of the Park Board, Rotary Clubs
and Scouts. Mr. Cummings said the course could be completed this year.
• Mr. Polehna asked if anything has been done about the PA system at the Rec Center, an issue
he raised at the January meeting. Mr. Thomsen said he wasn't aware that anything had been
done yet. Mr. Peterson asked Mr. Thomsen or Doug Brady, Rec Center manager, to report at
the March meeting.
• Mr. Cummings informed the Board that the City is promoting the Rec Center as a possible
training facility for the Minnesota Wild, the new NHL hockey team.
Mr. Polehna asked about the signage of the trail along the west side of Long Lake, limiting
the trail to walking. Mr. Thomsen said the City cannot remove the signs due to an agreement
with property owners. However, he said City Attorney David Magnuson is attempting to
resolve the issue with the developers. Mr. Thomsen will report on that issue at the March
meeting.
Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. Junker, moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.; all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary