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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-22 PRC packet CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014 AT 7:00 PM The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, December 22, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. AGENDA 1. Approval of the Joint Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission September 22, 2014 Minutes. 2. Approval of the October 27, 2014 Minutes. 3. 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. Action Items 4. Trails Master Plan 5. Field Use Fee Informational Items 6. Brown’s Creek Preserve Update – Available Monday Commission Items/Topics CITY OF STILLWATER JOINT MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION September 22, 2014 Present: Parks Chair Linda Amrein, Parks Commissioners Don Stiff, Sandy Snellman; Planning Chair Michael Kocon, Planning Commissioners Sean Hade, Chris Lauer, Anne Siess; Councilmembers Mike Polehna, Tom Weidner, and Doug Menikheim Absent: Parks Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson; Planning Commissioners Ryan Collins, Jenna Fletcher, Eric Hansen, Cameron Kelly, Gim Middleton Staff present: Community Development Director Bill Turnblad, City Planner Abbi Wittman, Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore Others present: Jim Herbert; Michael Jischke, SRF Consulting Group BARGE TERMINAL PARK PLAN JOINT MEETING Community Development Director Turnblad described the property being discussed: several thousand feet of shoreline and a narrow strip of property that was once used for railroad and industrial uses. Several things warrant a plan update at this time: 1) the new river crossing is underway and MnDOT is constructing a loop trail as part of the mitigation package, with two trail segments that traverse this property; 2) the City acquired historic buildings that will be reused in some way; 3) the DNR may install a public boat access at the south end of the site. SRF Consulting, in conjunction with Baird & Associates, has been working on the plan. Meetings have occurred with various stakeholders. The Commissions will look at conceptual layouts tonight. Michael Jischke, SRF Consulting Group, discussed the planning process, timelines, and the current state of the shoreline. Planning must be cognizant of flooding, stormwater runoff, stormwater treatment basins developed by MnDOT and existing vegetation. He showed the boundaries of the cultural landscape district and archeological district which includes almost all the barge terminal property. The parcel is 20 acres; 250 feet at its widest, 3600 feet long (over 1/2 mile). He pointed out the preferred boat launch location near the north end where the two Bergstein buildings are. Planning Commission Chairman Kocon pointed out there are at least four dock/launch locations. He asked why the two closest to downtown were not preferred. Mr. Jischke responded that the launch areas closer to downtown were not preferred locations due to potential for flooding and visual impact on Lowell Park. He went on to present a lower intensity concept and a higher intensity concept for the site. He Joint Parks and Planning Commission Meeting September 22, 2014 Page 2 of 4 presented a photo illustrating some challenges at the north end of site where there is probably only room for one way vehicle access. There also needs to be some parking provided on the site. Councilmember Weidner asked about the delineation between St. Croix Boat and Packet property and the City’s property. Community Development Director Turnblad explained what St. Croix Boat and Packet owns and what that company leases from the City. Mr. Jischke stated there were a couple concepts developed for a boat launch at the south end of the site. The existing publicly accessible spaces near the Andiamo are hard to see, so it is felt that a new dock is warranted. There are many traditional park uses that would be appropriate, as well as some interpretive elements and the opportunity to have performing arts such as Shakespeare in the Park or a temporary tent for a concert. The concept of “natural play” areas could be incorporated. There may be opportunities for vendors in the park as well. Planning Commission Chairman Kocon noted it would be nice to be able to kayak or canoe into Stillwater and dock somewhere other than the marina. It wouldn’t even require docks, just a rack. He asked if that would be feasible. Mr. Jischke responded that non-motorized watercraft should definitely be considered. Councilmember Polehna pointed out the Aiple property north of downtown is intended to be a more natural area - that may be a possibility for kayaks and canoes. Parks Commission Chair Amrein agreed she would like to see a non-motorized watercraft area. Community Development Director Turnblad added that the reuse study for the two Bergstein buildings will be done later this fall; they could be used to rent kayaks or canoes. Parks Commission Chair Amrein noted the Parks Commission has discussed potential use of the historic buildings for interpretative exhibits, bathrooms, and putting a vendor there to sell beverages. Councilmember Weidner remarked he has heard boaters are hesitant to tie up on the levee wall because of the damage caused by wakes. Could the City consider a no-wake zone, rather than building more docks? Community Development Director Turnblad responded that the wake/no-wake issue is intensely debated by the boating community. It might be possible to encourage temporary dockage along the wall but it may not be a substitute for a dedicated dock. Joint Parks and Planning Commission Meeting September 22, 2014 Page 3 of 4 Mr. Jischke presented a scenario that includes a transient linear dock to accommodate different size watercraft pulling up. Councilmember Weidner asked if there was a study done to determine how many boats need access? Planning Commissioner Siess remarked that in one of the plans there are five trailer parking spots and in the other plan there are 15. These are small numbers considering the current demand. Mr. Jischke replied that the footprint of the parking lot is limited by the terrain. It is the size lot that MnDOT proposed. Community Development Director Turnblad added that the size of the parking lot to support the launch is based on available space - the property is narrow and there are other uses such as a lift station and other things that can’t be moved. Even in the more intense scenario, the DNR could find a maximum space for approximately 16 boats. Regarding the analysis of the need, the consulting group talked with almost every marina down to Prescott asking about the need for transient slips and was told there is a need for more transient boat docking in Stillwater. Mr. Jischke explained the higher intensity scenario would include a bigger parking area adjacent to the boat launch, possibly a multipurpose shelter, and possibly a pedestrian promenade to connect with Lowell Park. This would be a more urban style riverfront. Parks Commission Chair Amrein asked about locations for fishing from shore. Councilmember Polehna remarked that LaCrosse has bump-outs along the promenade for people to sit or fish. Community Development Director Turnblad noted fishing may not be compatible near St. Croix Boat & Packet. There is a fishing pier proposed for the barge terminal property and one planned for the Aiple property north of downtown. Planning Commission Chairman Kocon suggested that the Kolliner property across the river may be a better location for a boat dock because it’s sheltered from the current. Mr. Jischke confirmed there is potential for a dock there. Community Development Director Turnblad added there was also discussion, if money were not an issue, about having non-motorized watercraft in the protected bay, and motorized watercraft south of the Andiamo. The reason the team didn’t consider using the Wisconsin side for the primary dock location is that Wisconsin DNR and WisDOT would be involved, and it would take more lobbying effort and advocacy. In Minnesota, the City has jurisdiction and control of the property. Kolliner Park is intended for trails and passive use. Joint Parks and Planning Commission Meeting September 22, 2014 Page 4 of 4 Councilmember Polehna asked about the rules for clearing brush, buckthorn, locust and boxelder. Community Development Director Turnblad replied tree removal and clearing must be approved by the DNR. Councilmember Weidner asked about old foundations on the site. City Planner Wittman replied the City is seeking grants for stabilizing soils. She showed photos of some of the existing archeological resources. Planning Commissioner Lauer asked about moving the Welcome to Stillwater sign. Community Development Director Turnblad responded that the mitigation plan for the bridge includes a place for a welcome sign. Councilmember Weidner asked how the Parks Commission prioritizes projects based on budgeting. Community Development Director Turnblad replied that they come up with a preferred concept, then staff puts together an estimate of costs, then it goes into the capital improvement program which goes before the Council for decision making. Over time, funds are earmarked for certain kinds of improvements. The nice thing about this plan is that the capital for some of the features comes out of other budgets. Public Works Superintendent Moore added that over the last three years, staff has brought the capital improvement working list before the Parks Commission for discussion. Staff tries to follow this list as much as possible. The barge terminal park project is not on that working list. City Planner Wittman added that many of the features in this project will be funded by outside sources like state grants. Community Development Director Turnblad replied the timing depends on the community and the Council’s priorities. As funds are identified, certain elements of the plan can be completed. A key part of any plan is an implementation schedule. Planning is sometimes very long term. He encouraged the commissioners to send staff comments, questions and suggestions. There will be an open house scheduled in about a month. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING October 27, 2014 Present: Chair Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christiansen, Rob McGarry, Solveg Peterson, Sandy Snellman, Don Stiff, Council Liaison Mike Polehna Absent: None Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, Planning Consultant Melissa Douglas APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Snellman, seconded by Amrein, to approve the September 22, 2014 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Hank Gray, 231 North Everett Street, expressed the Stillwater High School Mountain Bike Team’s continued interest in efforts to build a single track. He knows the City is awaiting an answer from the DNR. He thanked the Commission for its support. The season ended yesterday at the Minnesota Championship. The team had its first state champion, three podium finishers, and ten top ten state finishers. The team finished fifth overall in Division I. The Middle School team finished four of the top five on the podium and finished seventh in the state. ACTION ITEMS Trails Master Plan Melissa Douglas, Planning Consultant, reviewed BikeMN’s Bicycle Friendly Community Assessment Report. The report recommended allocating staff time to bicycle activities in the community and developing a bicycle advocacy group and a bicycle plan that includes bicycle projects and priorities in Stillwater’s Comprehensive Plan. Brandt and Amrein said they liked the idea of forming a group to address bicycle concerns, with representation from the Planning and Parks Commissions. McGarry wondered if it’s necessary to dedicate City staff time to bike activities. He pointed out that the City doesn’t organize events in the parks, it just oversees park usage. Polehna reported on a national parks convention where he heard a presentation about the economic and health benefits that a bike trail can bring to a community. Douglas summarized that she is hearing that having a point person at the City is a good idea. How exactly that would be done is not under the purview of the Commission. She Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 2 of 3 will get the draft ready for review at the next meeting. Hopefully the Trails Master Plan might be adopted sometime first quarter 2015. Frank Piontek, a serious bike rider for decades, said he has a good feel for what comprises a welcoming and pleasant riding experience. With the Gateway Trail, the new Brown’s Creek Trail and the “two bridges” trail, there is a great opportunity to promote bicycling for recreation and fitness. Point people will be needed to coordinate what may be not only a regional-class but a national-class amenity for the City. Amrein said she hopes the Stillwater High School Mountain Bike team will have some input. She also hopes that there can be enforcement of traffic rules for bicyclists. Douglas said she will start incorporating these ideas into the plan. For the next meeting, she will bring back the plan document with the sections that are ready to be written up. The Commission will need to discuss sidewalks and look at the multi-use trail system as a whole to make sure all connector segments are included on the map. Name the Park Contest Moore presented a list of the top choices selected by Commissioners. Polehna suggested appointing a committee of Council, Planning, Heritage Preservation, and Parks Commission members and maybe a community member to select the name, for final approval by the Council. Motion by Snellman, seconded by McGarry, to recommend to the Council the six names that had the most votes (Bridgeview Park, Liftbridge Park, Loggers Park, Mill Park, Riverfront Park, and Sawmill Park), and to recommend that McGarry represent the Parks Commission on the name selection committee to be formed. All in favor. Amrein abstained because she submitted a name. Commercial Use of Public Facilities Moore reviewed the revised proposed Commercial Recreational Use Permit Policy. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the proposed policy. Motion by Amrein, seconded by McGarry, to recommend that the Council approve the Commercial Recreational Use Permit Policy with grammatical corrections noted. All in favor. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Friends of Stillwater Parks Amrein referred to a letter from Dennis Conger, president of Friends of Stillwater Parks, stating their Board of Directors has decided to discontinue the Park Garden Committee. Moore suggested inviting Friends of Parks in to talk with them about what their focus will be, or doing an adopt-a-park program. Commission consensus was that staff should start working on this. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 3 of 3 Eagle Scout Project Moore noted that Josiah Gregg and his troop have completed building and installing the bridge located in the Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve, as his Eagle Scout project. Public Works is working on the approaches to the bridge to complete the project. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Moore reported that the City’s eight foot wide blacktop and nature preserve trails are shown on maps posted at the kiosk across from Gannons and at Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve. Work is progressing on the Lowell Park bathrooms with block being laid today. Parking lot construction on the north end of downtown has stalled because of a concrete shortage. Polehna noted staff are trying to figure out how to anchor a community Christmas tree in Lowell Park. The Dog Park is now officially open and being well used. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Snellman, seconded by Brandt, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Date: November 24, 2014 To: Parks Commission Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director Abbi Wittman, City Planner From: Melissa Douglas, Planning Consultant Re: City of Stillwater, Trails Master Plan Update, Sidewalk Standards This week, we’ll have a discussion on sidewalk standards as part of the regular Parks Commission meeting and develop recommendations to be included in the plan. This memorandum provides background information useful for review prior to the meeting. Existing Conditions Sidewalks existing as of the last Comprehensive Plan update in 2008 are shown on the attached map. Residential areas in Stillwater vary depending on the era of development – some neighborhoods have sidewalks on both sides of the street, some neighborhoods have sidewalks on one side of the street and others have no sidewalks or sidewalks on major (collector and arterial) roadways only. Zoning and Land Use Zoning and land use maps for Stillwater were included in your background information folder provided at an earlier meeting. Please review these maps before the Parks Commission meeting. Vision and Guiding Principles Build on Stillwater’s history and natural setting to become a leading active transportation community and one of Minnesota’s premier trail destinations. Community. A destination trail system that serves the people of Stillwater as well as visitors, businesses and employers. Promotes tourism, job creation and economic vitality. Provides access to nature and understanding of the city’s history. Safety. A trail system that ensures safe recreation and travel for all trail users regardless of age or ability. Encourages activity and wellness. Accessibility. A trail system that is easily accessed and accommodates a mix of users inclusive of all abilities. Information about the trail system is readily accessible and easy to understand. Connections. A trail system that links neighborhoods, schools, employment opportunities, commercial areas, regional trails and public transportation and connects members of the community to each other and the landscape. Communication. A trail system that educates and interprets the landscape and natural setting, uses technology to make information widely available and includes signage that is clear and informative. City of Stillwater Trails Master Plan Update – Sidewalk Standards 2 Both land use and zoning are tools planners use to regulate development. In residential areas, land use designations regulate density, typically in units per acre. Zoning standards regulate the type of housing (single-family homes, apartments, etc.), the arrangement of housing units (attached versus detached, building height, setbacks) and lot sizes. At previous meetings, the Parks Commission discussed developing sidewalk standards that reflect differences in neighborhood character. One method to achieve that goal would be to link sidewalk standards to zoning districts. For example, in residential areas with lower densities and larger lots, sidewalks may only be needed on one side of residential streets. Areas with higher densities and smaller lots would have more use and need sidewalks on both sides of residential streets. City of Stillwater Trails Master Plan Update – Sidewalk Standards 3 To meet the vision and guiding principles outlined for the Trail Master Plan update and the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, I would recommend a minimum standard of sidewalks one side of all residential streets in the RA – One-Family Residential, TR - Traditional Residential and LR - Lakeshore Residential zoning districts. Sidewalks should be installed on both sides of the street in other residential districts, in commercial areas and along any arterial roadways (excluding Highway 36). The plan should include flexibility for planned unit developments so that the City would have flexibility to tailor sidewalk requirements in larger planned developments. MEMORANDUM TO:  Parks and Recreation Commission    FROM:  Tim Moore, Superintendent of Public Works    DATE:  December 17, 2014    SUBJECT: Field Use Fee                    BACKGROUND    In the past, Public Works has had an agreement with the Stillwater School District and the St.  Croix Valley Baseball Association for grooming and chalking fields for games. With the  introduction of Lacrosse in 2013 and the Valley Athletic Association which include baseball,  softball, football and soccer in 2014 the City’s published field use rates need to be updated.     DISCUSSION    Currently the rates for baseball and softball are as follows:     Lower Lily $20.00 per game   Upper Lily $15.00 per game   Public Works $15.00 per game    Staff is recommending the addition of the following rates:     Lacrosse $20.00 per game   Football $25.00 per game   Soccer  $20.00 per game   Baseball and softball on all other City fields will be  $15.00 per game    These rates will cover the cost of materials and some maintenance of equipment.    RECOMMENDATION    If the Parks and Recreation Commission concurs they should pass a resolution recommending  these rates beginning in 2015 to the City Council.     r water; T IS E B1 R T H P I A C L O F M I N N h ti 0 I A PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATE: December 22, 2014 REGARDING: Brown's Creek Preserve and Mountain Bike proposal PREPARED BY: Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner BACKGROUND In late 2013 the Commission received a proposal for a mountain bike park to be incorporated into the Brown's Creek Preserve and Park, in the NW quadrant of the City. The first phase of a three phase proposal was set for a public hearing by the Commission until City staff determined bicycling was not a permitted use as per a 2005 management plan of this area, as well as a Department of Natural Resources Conservation Easement on the land. The public hearing was not held. In April, 2014, Tim Moore and I walked the preserve area with TJ Debates, DNR Area Supervisor (East Metro Area Fisheries) and his supervisor, Brad Parsons, Regional Fisheries Manager, as the Conservation Easement is held by the Fisheries Division due to Brown's Creek improvements. We discussed the desire to allow for mountain bikes on this parcel in a specifically designed fashion and asked their consideration of a change to the easement, allowing the City to amend the management plan. CURRENT PROTECT To date, the City has not received a response from the DNR. As such, staff has been preparing a letter to the DNR for the Council's formal consideration. The thought is a formal request from the City Council may be considered in a more timely fashion. In late October, however, the DNR opened the Browr s Creek trail, starting conversations with City staff regarding trail kiosks and existing city improvements on the DNR easement area through the park and preserve area. In discussing this with Rachel Hinzman, Parks and Trails Area Supervisor, it has been determined the DNR would like to place a trail kiosk on City lands in downtown Stillwater as well as enter into an agreement with the City of Stillwater for the City's trails and parking lot on DNR lands. City planning and engineering has indicated willingness to these things. However, no formal agreements have been made. In recent discussions with City Attorney Magnuson, it has been determined all existing and proposal City/DNR improvements must be considered at one time. This is to ensure piecemeal approvals do not continue to occur, with the City's request continuing to be ignored. Our Page 1 of 2 � tj wa ter I+ E •B 1 R T N P L A G L OF M I N N E", 0 f A approval of the downtown kiosk, land use agreement authorization as well as their formal consideration of the change to the City's management plan must occur together. STAFF ACTION Along with City Attorney Magnuson, staff is preparing a letter to the DNR. In the letter the City Council will request formal consideration of the allowance of bicycles on specific areas of the preserve as well as indication of our willingness to enter into land use agreements for existing trails, parking lot and proposed kiosks. Accompanying the letter will be specific language proposed by the City and a draft Agreement the City will propose to the Stillwater Mountain Bike Team. It is anticipated the City Council will take formal action on the item at their January 6th meeting. If the Council determines the letter should be signed and sent, staff will formalize the letter and the two agreements (one between the City and the DNR as well as the other between the City and the Mountain Bike Team). In the event the DNR is favorable to amending the easement and management plan, City staff will reschedule the public hearing for the mountain bike park with the Parks and Recreation Commission. As the improvements, maintenance and management of the mountain bike park would require a use agreement, the City Council will also need to hold a public hearing. This would be scheduled after the Parks and Recreation Commission hold their hearing. Page 2 of 2