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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-28 PRC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION October 28, 2013 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners Scott Christensen, Sandy , David Brandt, Don Stiff, Solveg Peterson, Rob McGarry Snellman Absent: Council Liaison Mike Polehna Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Approval of Minutes - Motion by Brandt, seconded by Snellman, to approve the September 23, 2013 minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM - There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve Single Mountain Bike Track Commissioner Brandt informed the Commission that the Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve site appears to be a good location for a mountain bike track. Consultant Hank Gray, citizen leader of the project and Reed Smidt, President of Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists, has designed a 1.6 mile trail that incorporates the contours of the park. The south side would be for beginners, taking them through prairie and woodland. The north side would be for more advanced cyclists should it be developed. The consultant has a proposal almost ready to present to the Parks Commission. Moore suggested having an open house to inform surrounding property owners about the project. Commissioner Christensen expressed concerns about the lack of parking for the Brown’s Creek Trail and the mountain bike trail. Amrein suggested high school team members be invited to the open house to explain off road cycling. Brandt said a proposal will be brought to the next meeting. Park Fees Report Moore provided reports of revenue collected from park reservation fees from 2009 - 2013. These figures do not include regular events such as Summer Tuesdays or the Car Show. Reservations have risen slightly over the past 5 years, and the number of people using the parks has increased by 25%. There are a lot of weddings in City parks and the tents are getting bigger. With the improvements to Lowell Park and the continued popularity of Pioneer and Teddy Bear Park, he expects the City will see increased demand in the future. An irrigation system being put in Pioneer Park next year will limit the areas where tents may be set up. The cost to rent Pioneer Park’s bandshell and both picnic shelters is $300. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 28, 2013 Page 2 of 2 Commissioners Snellman and Peterson said they don’t like the idea of having large tents in Pioneer Park or Lowell Park for private events. Perhaps the tent size could be restricted and tents shouldn’t be allowed to be left up all weekend. Commissioner Christensen reminded the Commission there are private venues in town that can accommodate big tents. The larger weddings should be directed to those venues. Moore said staff will work on some possible revisions to the park rental regulations for further review by the Commission. 5-Year CIP Update Moore summarized the 5-year CIP work plan which includes capital projects and projects that can be done with operating budget funds. He was pleased to learn that more was accomplished than he had thought. He would like the Commission to review progress and begin to think about projects to add or delete from the list. One item may be to continue working on the trail system. Chair Amrein said she would like to see Staples Park upgraded. Commissioner Brandt noted that in the next few months, a volunteer group will be working with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota to designate Stillwater a Bicycle-Friendly City. They will look at issues like making businesses, parking, streets and trails more bicycle-friendly. The Chamber of Commerce invites people willing to serve on a committee to look at this. Moore added that the City will begin planning for the Aiple Barge Terminal property in the next few months. Commissioner Christensen noted that in spending money on trail development, the Commission should prioritize trails that connect to the Brown’s Creek Trail. Moore asked the Commission to continue to think about priorities for the CIP. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Moore stated the north parking lots downtown are scheduled to be paved tomorrow. At the amphitheater, white granite stone in the center will be sandblasted with the word “Stillwater” and the Stillwater logo with the lumberjack will be sandblasted in the pedestrian walkway. Chair Amrein reminded the Commission that the next meeting will be November 25, 2013. Motion by Snellman, seconded by Stiff, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary