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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-27 PRC MINCity of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission April 27, 2009 Present: Linda Amrein, chair David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Solveg Peterson, Mike Polehna and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Rob McGarry At 6:05 p.m., the Commission adjourned on site and walked the proposed McKusick Lake trail loop and recessed at 6:50 p.m. to their regular meeting location. No action was taken while on the site. Ms. Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes Ms. Amrein pointed out a typo on page 1, "liter" should be "litter ", and on page 2 Eagle Ridge court, should be Eagle Ridge Court. There was discussion regarding the wording of the position regarding, the downtown beautification fee. Ms. Amrein suggested the sentence be changed to "the Commission supports the position that parks and recreation activities, for example the marathon or art fairs, be charged an equal fee for the downtown beautification fund." Ms. Snellman, seconded by Mr. Polehna, moved approval of the minutes of March 30, 2009, as corrected. OPEN FORUM ACTION ITEMS Teddy Bear Park and Washington Square Park summer 2009 events — Amy Gag briefly reviewed the schedule of events for Washington Square and Teddy Bear Park. She stated she was aware of the concern regarding noise at Washington Square and most of the events do not use amplifier systems. Ms. Amrein pointed out the July 16 event at Teddy Bear Park should be 12 p.m. not 12 a.m. Councilmember Polehna suggested it would be nice to publicize the events. Ms. Gag said flyers would be distributed to Early Childhood and all the local preschools, as well as listed in the newspaper calendar of events. Mr. Brandt moved to accept the schedule of events as presented. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. McKusick Lake trail loop connection — Ms. Snellman said walking the proposed route was helpful and said she would defer to staff on the exact location given the many factors involved. Ms. Amrein said perhaps the trail can be screened from the most impacted property owners. Ms. Amrein wondered whether the trail and /or canoe launch should be delayed until the problems with the condition of McKusick Lake are resolved. Mr. Christensen asked about the timing of the lake study /conclusion. It was noted that the efforts now are focused on pinpointing the source of the pollution, with several additional sites being tested this summer. Bruce Werre of the McKusick Water Association elaborated on testing efforts. Mr. Christensen said he was skeptical that the proposed trail would further complicate the problems with the lake and said he would not rule out the trail for that reason. Mr. Pogge said staff is working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Watershed District and the Soil and Water Conservation District in developing a plan for the trail and the City is being more restrictive than what would be required by the Watershed District. Mr. Christensen said he had contacted the Metropolitan Council and the Met Council's 20 -year plan for the 7- county metro area is to increase trails by hundreds of miles. He said he asked what other cities are doing at present to increase the trail system and said he was told that cities are basically adding dysfunctional trails, little segments of trails of little value. Mr. Christensen also pointed out that trails now have more usage by the public than parks. He spoke of the Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 27, 2009 Page 2 of 4 budget and getting the most bang for the buck by making this a functional trail, completing the loop, rather than leaving it a dysfunctional trail. Ms. Amrein noted that the trail would be located on City -owned property. Ms. Snellman asked if there had been complaints from property owners where the trail is already in place. Mr. Moore responded there have been a couple of complaints over the years regarding garbage. Ms. Snellman acknowledged this is a sensitive issue. Mr. Brandt spoke in favor of the trail, but expressed concern about the proximity of the trail to one house in particular where screening of some sort might be required. Mr. Christensen pointed out that the Commission is an apolitical advocate for parks and trails and makes recommendations to the City Council, which deals with the political issues involved. Ms. Peterson suggested that ultimately, when completed, the trail will be an enhancement and an asset and agreed with Mr. Christensen that completing the trail makes sense. Ms. Amrein asked whether the trail will be plowed /swept in the winter; Mr. Moore responded in the affirmative. Ms. Amrein noted that a property owner could erect a fence on his /her own property if desired. Ms. Amrein moved that the Parks Commission recommend to the City Council to proceed with plans for the McKusick Lake trail connection as presented by staff, with appropriate changes /modifications, and design review by City staff and neighbors. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Regarding the proposed canoe launch on McKusick, an Eagle Scout project, Mr. Pogge said there are several alternative locations on the lake. It was consensus that the originally proposed site was not the preferred location. Mr. Polehna suggested a location on the north side of the bay, which would still provide access to the parking lot. Mr. Pogge suggested it would be possible to construct steps down to the lake and construct a floating dock, which would require some modification of the original dock design. Ms. Amrein asked if the site would be signed to indicate it is a canoe launch with various regulations; Mr. Moore responded in the affirmative. Mr. Polehna spoke of the possibility of participating in the Fishing in the Neighborhood program. There was some concern about the likelihood that canoeists would park on McKusick Road. Mr. Brandt moved to exclude consideration of the southern location for the canoe launch and to encourage the Scout to work with City staff on finding another appropriate site, preferably the north side of Lake McKusick. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion. Mr. Pogge clarified that the motion indicates the Commission would approve a launch on the north side; Mr. Brandt responded in the affirmative. Motion passed unanimously. Minnesota Waterfowl Association: McKusick Lake Project — Mr. Polehna, president of the St. Croix Valley Chapter of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association, said the group has worked with Stillwater Area High School students at seniors at Boutwell's Landing in constructing wood duck houses and mallard nesting structures. He said the proposal is to donate about 10 wood duck houses and 10 nesting structures for placement on City property around McKusick Lake; he said the structures might also be available to interested residents who would like to put one in their backyard. He stated the structures have to be maintained. On a question by Ms. Snellman, Mr. Polehna said the Waterfowl Association would clean them out every spring. Ms. Snellman moved to accept the donation of the wood duck houses and nesting structures from the Minnesota Waterfowl Association as proposed. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Dog park — Mr. Pogge noted the packet included a letter from Allison McGinnis, and letter of support from Friends of Stillwater Parks, requesting a dog park. He noted this issue has surfaced several times in the past, and the Commission has looked a developing a dog park at Brown's Creek Reserve. He stated the issue came up during the Comprehensive Plan update and developing a dog park was included as a goal in the parks and recreation section of the updated Comp Plan; that goal was struck in final review by the City Council. Mr. Pogge said it is Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 27, 2009 Page 3 of 4 estimated that cost of developing such a facility would be $20,000 430,000. Ms. Peterson asked about enforcement of the rules; Mr. Pogge suggested it would be self - policing as the City has few resources for enforcement of a dog park. Mr. Brandt said Ramsey County is using volunteers for enforcement. There was discussion about the potential conflict between a dog park and trail users, specifically as related to a possible dog park site at Browns Creek Reserve. Mr. Brandt and Mr. Polehna suggested the former City dump might be a suitable site; Mr. Moore pointed out the City often has activities going on at that site Monday through Friday, and the site is also used for snow storage in the winter. Mr. Christensen pointed out that a dog park likely will be used more heavily than any other City park area. Ms. Peterson noted that Northland Park was suggested as a possible site; Mr. Moore suggested an area directly west of Northland Park. Mr. Moore said it may be possible to find an area by the dump site that might be usable for a dog park and still provide enough room for the City to use the site for snow storage, etc. Ms. Snellman noted that site has the advantage of having little impact on neighboring property owners. It was agreed to have Mr. Moore look at the dump site and come back with a recommendation. Ms. Amrein asked about the cost of the fencing of the park; it was suggested that promoters of the park, perhaps Friends of Stillwater Park, might be able to provide the funding for the fencing. Mr. Brandt suggested contacting other communities with dog parks for additional information about operations, etc. Legends Park upgrades — Mr. Pogge said upgrades are related to the funds the Water Board provided to the City in exchange for the right to drill the new well in Legends Park. He said he and Mr. Moore have met with the Homeowners Association on two occasions and have a pretty solid plan that the Association would agree to. Mr. Pogge reviewed the plans for improvements, including construction of a new park shelter, rotation of the baseball field and elimination of the sand volleyball court, new playground structure for 5- 12- year -olds, an enlarged sandbox, some modifications to the trails, turf improvements and irrigation system. He also briefly described some of the features of the preferred playground structure. He asked for Commission approval of the location of the new shelter and the work plan for the park improvements Ms. Amrein moved to accept the proposed location of the new shelter in Legends Park and the work plan for the proposed improvements. Mr. Brandt asked about electrical service to the shelter. Mr. Moore stated the City is paying for installation of the service, and the Homeowners Association will be responsible for the monthly meter charge. Mr. Brandt seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Staples Park update — Mr. Polehna told the Commission that the City Council had voted to remove the basketball posts at Staples Field. The question now is what to do with the court area. Mr. Brandt noted a survey has been conducted and residents seemed interested in working with staff to come up with some proposals for reuse. Mr. Brandt said he did not think hockey with boards was a good idea. Mr. Brandt asked about the cost of removing the court surface; Mr. Moore said that would not be very expensive and could be done with the annual street reconstruction project. There was discussion about the possible closure of portions of West Aspen and North Martha that go through the park. Ms. Peterson suggested that the survey question regarding the road closures was confusing and the results might be different if it was made clear that access to people's driveways would be maintained. There was discussion about the results of the most recent survey; Mr. Christensen suggested that if basketball and hockey are eliminated as possible uses, the survey would seem to indicate the preference is for passive use. Mr. Pogge told the Commission a property immediately adjacent to the basketball court will be on the market soon and asked whether the Commission thought the City should purchase the property; he noted the asking price will likely be $120,000 and park acquisition funds are available. Mr. Polehna suggested that a master plan ought to be done for this park so when Park and Recreation Board Minutes April 27, 2009 Page 4 of 4 issues such as possible acquisitions come up in the future, there is clear direction as to how to proceed; he said he also thought this was an issue — acquisition of several properties -- the Parks Commission had addressed many years ago. Mr. Christensen questioned whether this is the park where the Commission wishes to expend acquisitions funds; Mr. Brandt noted this is one of the underserved areas of the City. Ms. Peterson suggested this park seems to be a dysfunctional park in its current condition but just needs a few more properties and some minor improvements to make it a wonderful facility; she said she would favor the acquisition. Mr. Christensen disagreed, expressing concern about the street situation and layout. Mr. Pogge suggested the acquisition will be protecting a long -term opportunity for expansion of the park. Mr. Polehna again spoke in favor of proceeding with a master plan for the park. Ms. Amrein moved to direct staff to begin work on a master plan for Staples Park and, if needed, be open to acquiring property that might fall under that master park plan. Ms. Snellman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Special event applications — Liquid Twelve Events Greater Stillwater Chamber Vintage Car Show, St. Croix Classic Theater and Cromulent Shakespeare Company Mr. Moore said the vintage car show and the two theater productions have all been special events in the past. He said this year, the Chamber plans to sponsor the car show on the first Wednesday of each month, June — August; he noted the show takes place in the City parking lots, not Lowell Park. Regarding the Liquid Twelve Events, Mr. Moore said plans are to use the north portion of Lowell Park along with the gravel lot and half of the parking lot behind Maple Island; he noted this is a for - profit organization. Ms. Snellman and Ms. Amrein questioned approving the use for a private, for- profit organization. Ms. Snellman expressed some concern about the Shakespeare Company's plans to utilize Washington Square given the desire to be sensitive to neighbors and the fact that an event will take place in that location the previous day. Mr. Brandt suggested Benson Park as an alternative location for the Shakespeare event. Ms. Snellman moved to approve the vintage car show as applied for, the St. Croix Classic Community Theater as applied for, deny the Liquid Twelve Event as it is a for - profit organization, and approve the Shakespeare Company application with the understanding that staff will work with the group to find a possible alternative location. Ms. Amrein seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Eagle Scout projects — Mr. Moore stated the City seems to getting more and more requests from Eagle Scouts. Mr. Christensen said if the City is getting too many requests, Scouts could be referred to the High School as there are numerous possibilities for projects involving the Environmental Learning Center. Mr. Moore suggested that the Commission might want to have some type of standards for projects, such as a picnic shelter, and some standards for design review. Mr. Polehna suggested developing a list of possible projects for the Commission to endorse. Members listed several possible projects. Other items — Mr. Christensen asked about the possibility of a cell tower being located in a City park and whether the Parks Commission would receive any compensation should that occur. Mr. Christensen noted the School District is going to allow the location of a number of towers, with the money obligated strictly for grounds; he suggested that Commission might want to consider some type of position statement should the situation arise in the future. It was noted the regular May meeting date falls on Memorial Day. It was agreed to meet on the third Monday in May, May 18. The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary