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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-30 PRC MIN City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission March 3D, 2009 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, Mike Polehna and Sandy Snellman Staff: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge Aooroval of minutes: Ms. Peter~on noted there was a typo in the Open Forum section of the minutes of Feb. 23 - a letter to the Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director. Mr. Brandt, seconded by Mr. McGarry, moved approval of the minutes of Feb. 23, 2009, with the correction noted. Motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM OPEN HOUSE McKusick Lake trail 1000 connection and canoe launch orooosaJ - Mr. pogge reviewed the preliminary plans for the proposed trail loop connection, noting that the trail will be located within City right-of-way. He pointed out the completion of a trail around McKusick Lake has been identified as a goal in the City's Comprehensive Plan since 2000. and is also listed in the updated Comprehensive Plan. He reviewed the location where some fill might be required due to an elevation change and also where a retaining wall would be constructed. He stated the Watershed District will be delineating wetlands in the nearby area to make sure there are no issues related to wetlands. Cost of the 8'-wide bituminous trail is estimated at $40,845, he said. Mr. Pogge also stated that a Boy Scout, Alex Roush, is interested in constructing a public canoe launch as an Eagle Scout project. He reviewed the proposed site near the parking lot at the east end of the lake. He noted some vegetation will have to be removed. However, he said staff looked at a number of possible sites on the lake and felt this site was the safest due to its proximity to the parking lot and also has the advantage of requiring the least amount of vegetation removal. Ms. Amrein asked whether any agency permits will be required for the trail and/or canoe launch. Mr. Pogge stated staff has contacted the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding plans and neither agency indicated permits will be required; depending on the outcome of the wetlands survey, he said a permit may be required from the Watershed District. Ms. Amrein invited comments from the public. Maureen Voves, 518 Owens St. N., expressed a concern about the impact on her backyard, which she said is used for many family activities and has been a private area for 75 years. She asked whether the City would be compensating from the loss of property values; whether the City would keep pedestrians, dogs and liter on the path and out of their backyard; whether the City would be responsible for vandalism or for installing security lights; whether the City will be doing anything at McKusick Park; whether the City will be Installing traffic signals at McKusick Road and Owens Street for the safety of pedestrians. What would you do if this were your backyard? she asked. Tom Voves, 518 Owens St. N., suggested there is not enough room for the canoe launch at the site in question. He also invited the Commission to walk the proposed trail and suggested that Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 3D, 2009 Page 2 of 5 lines be spray painted to give some perspective of whether there is enough room to accommodate the trail as proposed. Tony Mutter, 1104 Meadowlark Dr., noted that safety of pedestrians on Owens Street has been cited as a reason for doing the proposed trail and suggested that is a concern for a select few. He pointed out that folks have to walk along McKusick Road in the winter because the trail on that side of the lake is not maintained; the City can't maintain the trails It has, he said. He pointed out that he has done extensive landscaping to his property and when he did so, there were concerns raised that he was filling in the ravine on his property, yet now the City can fill in the area with no problem. If the trail is done, he suggested doing a boardwalk to protect the wildlife and prevent water runoff. He also commented on the proposed canoe launch, suggesting there is not enough room at that site and expressing concern about the impact of removing the vegetation, which provides a filter for water exiting McKusick and flowing to the St. Croix. He, too, invited the Commission to walk the proposed trail. He also suggested there are alternative locations for a trail. specifically mentioning Sherburne as an alternate route. He noted that he purchased and invested in his property due to its uniqueness, and when he bought the property, there was no trail. Ken Kress, 403 N. Sherburne, spoke in favor of the proposal, noting the idea of a trail around the lake was brought up many years ago and the trail will be on City property. Regarding a concern about the possibility of vandalism, he pointed out that vandalism can occur anywhere. He said the area around McKusick is a wildlife area that everyone should be able to enjoy and use. Nick Kalambobidis, 1404 Meadowlawk Dr., stated he is a strong supporter of the trail system but encouraged the Commission to work with Mr. Mutter if the trail does go through to make the trail better environmentally by utilizing a boardwalk, for example. He also stated he supports the idea of a canoe launch but said the site in question might not be the best site; he suggested a possible site might be by the picnic tables along McKusick Road where the water is deeper. Donna Swanstrom, 1322 Meadowlark Dr., spoke In favor of the proposal. She said when her daughter attended Stonebridge, they had to drive her to school every day due to safety concerns. She said she thought the path was a good idea. It is City property. she said, and it belongs to the taxpayers. Jim Roush, 1016 Eagle Ridge court, said as a Council representative, he would like the Commission to look at alternatives, such as a boardwalk or the Sherburne Street route, to bring to the Council for consideration. Priscilla Shannon, 815 Maple St. W., said she walks the trail system every morning and thinks it is important that the City has at least one looping trail system. No other comments were received, and the discussion was returned to the Commission. Mr. Pogge addressed the suggestion about using Sherburne as an alternate route; he stated that is not a feasible alternative as that area is in a designated wetlands, Mr. Pogge also pointed out that a final design has not been decided on and depending on the wetlands delineation, perhaps a boardwalk could be utilized to deal with the elevation change as suggested. Ms. Amrein said she was concerned about some of the comments, including the comments about runoff, and wondered whether a more natural trail material might be less offensive. Ms. Amrein also spoke to the issue of balancing the concerns of private property owners and Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 30. 2009 Page 3 of 5 providing for the public in general. Mr. Brandt asked whether there were any plans to screen the trail or whether there is room to do so. Mr. Pogge stated it would be possible to provide screening of some sort in some areas, and said that would require working with the property owners to determine what type of screening would be desirable. Mr. McGarry said he would like to walk the area before making a decision; he also noted that some of the same concerns expressed at this meeting were expressed regarding the McKusick ravine trail and asked whether there are still concerns about the ravine trail. Mr. Pogge stated the ravine trail has been very successful, with no ongoing issues/concerns. Mr. Christensen noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission is an advocate for parks and trails and with a small budget to work with must attempt to get the biggest bang for the buck; he also pointed out that connecting the McKusick Lake trail loop is something that has been wanted for 20 years and a goal listed in two Comprehensive Plans. However, Mr. Christensen said he, too, would like to walk the area before making a decision. It was decided that the Commission will do a walk-thru of the proposed trail prior to the April meeting. Mr. Pogge asked for the Commission's general position regarding the canoe launch proposal, whether at the proposed site or some other site on McKusick. Mr. Polehna noted that a canoe launch had been proposed several years ago, and everyone was in favor of it when there was a possibility of obtaining some County docks. Mr. Pogge said the issue with previous proposals has been parking. Mr. McGarry noted that the site in question does get overrun with vegetation in the summer. Ms. Peterson asked whether the proposed site might in fact be too shallow as suggested during the public comments; Mr. Pogge said staff would look into that. Ms. Amrein suggested looking at other locations, noting that there was a proposal to construct a canoe storage site at Lily Lake several years ago. It was consensus that the Commission would be in favor of the project if an appropriate location can be found. ACTION ITEMS 8Decial events: ArtReach Alliance aDelication for Art in the Park. aoreements with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce for the Serino Art Fair and Fall Colors Fine Art and Jazz Festival - Mr. Moore stated these three requests had been reviewed by staff and approval is recommended. Mr. Christensen raised the issue of the $1 downtown beautification fee being charged to marathon and bike race participants and suggested the same fee ought to be charged to the art fairs. Mr. Pogge pointed out that ArtReach Alliance is a non-profit organization and the Art in the Park is a free outreach event. Mr. Pogge also pointed out the agreements for the art fairs provides reimbursement to the City. Mr. Moore noted that the City can spend as much as $6,000 in preparing streets prior to the bike race. Mr. Christensen said the issue is with the inequity of charging athletes the $1 beautification fee and not artists or musicians; he suggested, as in other instances. athletes are being asked to pay more than their fair share. Mr. Polehna agreed that is a valid point. noting that Lowell Park has to be reseeded after the art fairs, and art fairs have as big or bigger impact on the downtown than do the bike race or marathon. Mr. Pogge pointed out a committee has been formed to look at issues associated with all special events. After initial discussion, it was decided to continue the discussion until later in the agenda. Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. Snell man, moved approval of the ArtReach Alliance application and Chamber of Commerce agreements as recommended by staff. Motion passed unanimously. Seeclal events: March of Dimes Walk on Aeril 25 - Mr. Moore said this application had just been received the day of the meeting. He said the event has taken place in past years, with no problems. The event utilizes Triangle Park; event organizers provide for the porta-potties and there is little impact on the park or City resources, Mr. Moore said. Mr. McGarry, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved approval of the March of Dimes special event application as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 30, 2009 Page 4 of 5 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Soecial events: Ballet Jubilate oerformance and Easter Eaa hunt - Mr. Moore stated these events have been approved and no action is needed by the Commission. The Knights of Columbus' annual free, community Easter egg hunt will take place in Washington Square on April 11. Ballet Jubilate's free ballet performance will take place in Pioneer Park on Aug. 21, with a dress rehearsal on Aug. 20. Lowell Park olaaue - Mr. Pogge updated the Commission on plans to replace the stolen plaque on the Lowell Park flagpole. The Council has signed a contract with J. Paul Nesse to do a reproduction of the original plaque (the misspelling in the original will be corrected in the reproduction) that should be completed and installed by late July. Washinaton SQuare concerns - Mr. Moore distributed a draft of a letter to be sent to several property owners near Washington Square who expressed concerns during the open forum portion of the Commission's February meeting. Ms. Amrein, seconded by Mr. Brandt, moved approval of the letter as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. Libertv SQuare playground eQuioment reQuest - Dave Korte, 3515 Pine Hollow Place, member of the Liberty on the Lake Homeowners Association board, asked the Commission to consider installing some playground equipment in Liberty Square. He said there are lots of kids who use the space. which currentiy has no equipment. Chris Meyers, 145 Liberty Parkway, spoke in favor of the request, noting that homes in Liberty on the Lake have small yards, with emphasis placed on utilizing the common areas for recreation. Mr. McGarry asked if there has been any fundraising effort on the part of the Homeowners Association, referring to the City's current budget constraints and the fact that the 2009 budget has already been set. Mr. Korte said he could not speak to the Homeowners Association master board, but said it is unlikely any funding will be forthcoming from that group. Mr. Moore said he will be putting together a playground safety and upgrade plan, which might be helpful to the Commission in making such decisions. It was agreed to consider this request in conjunction with future improvements and to keep Mr. Korte in the infonnation loop. Turf manaQement plan - Mr. Moore provided an outline of a turf management plan that will address turf quality issues in the parks and assist in developing maintenance schedules. He said the plan will be developed with the assistance of a staff member from the Extension Service. He said work on the plan is just beginning and the Commission will be updated as the plan progresses. He asked members to provide him with any input they might have. Mr. Polehna suggested overseeding Lowell Park to at least maintain the grass until the levee project is completed and Park improvements begin. OTHER ITEMS $1 downtown beautification fee - There was continued, spirited discussion of Mr. Christensen's point regarding the fairness of charging certain special events the $1 fee, while not charging others. Mr. Polehna stated he would bring the Commission's concern to the Council, but suggested a motion might be appropriate. Ms. Amrein put forth a motion, seconded by Ms. Snellman, which was later withdrawn by both parties. Mr. McGarry moved to indicate to the Council that the Commission supports the position that parks and recreation activities, for example the marathon or art fairs, charged a fee for the downtown beautification fund (because of impact on the downtown or use of Lowell Park) be charged an equal fee. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion: motion passed unanimously. Doc Dark - Mr. Christensen submitted a letter from Allison McGuiness with a petition containing 500+ signatures advocating development of a dog park. Mr. Pogge said he had received a letter of support from the Friends of Stillwater Parks, as well. Mr. Pogge pointed out the Commission had previously considered developing a dog park, but the only site large enough to Park and Recreation Board Minutes March 30, 2009 Page 5 of 5 accommodate such a facility is Brown's Creek Reserve, where there is a conflict with other users, specifically cross country skiers. It was decided to put this request on a future agenda. April meeUnQ date - The Commission will meet at the McKusick Lake park parking lot at 6 p.m. April 27 for a tour of the proposed trail prior to the regular 7 p.m. meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Snellman. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary