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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-22 PRC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING June 22, 2015 Present: Chair Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christiansen, Solveg Peterson, Sandy Snellman, Don Stiff, Council Liaison Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioner Rob McGarry Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, Consultant Melissa Douglas APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was noted that the motion to adjourn the April 27, 2015 meeting was made by Snellman and seconded by Brandt. Motion by Brandt, seconded by Snellman, to approve the April 27, 2015 meeting minutes as amended. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Sandy Hudson, 605 St. Croix Avenue West, updated the Commission about pickle ball. The sport is growing and they are getting new players all the time. They play Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Staples Field. Participants are requesting that cracks on the court be filled, permanent straps be placed on the nets so they can be lowered, and lights be turned on in the fall from 6-8 p.m. Players also would like an additional court somewhere to be lined if possible. They would prefer red rather than dark blue so lines would be easier to see. She will come back to the next meeting and try to get on the agenda. ACTION ITEMS Trails Master Plan Update Public Hearing Consultant Melissa Douglas presented a summary of comments received to date. Highlighted comments include: 1) The river should be recognized as a transportation corridor; 2) More downtown bicycle parking is needed, 300-500 spaces once the loop trail is fully open in 2018. Temporary valet bike parking could be considered; 3) User conflicts should be addressed through trail design, striping, education, and user etiquette signs. The Commission discussed the fact that the Brown’s Creek Trail is very heavily used by both experienced and new users unfamiliar with bicycle etiquette such speed limits. While there are currently no speed limits on state trails, the City may consider posting speed limits on portions of the trail. The Commission discussed the safety issues with having segways, which are considered ADA vehicles, and bicycles on the same trails. 4) Interagency coordination is needed with adjacent communities and entities to connect the DNR Trail, the MnDOT Trail, and Washington County Trails. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 22, 2015 Page 2 of 3 5) More connections are needed to connect the Highway 36 frontage road, the Government Center, and the Junior High School. Cooperation from Oak Park Heights will be needed and plans will have to be flexible as conditions change. 6) A Bicycle Committee should be created within the City. Ms. Douglas noted it could be a standalone committee, a subcommittee of Parks or Planning, or a new commission or committee. There currently is a bike committee as part of the Chamber. The consensus of the Commission was that the City only needs one bike committee. Chairman Amrein opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Motion by Snellman, seconded by Stiff, to accept the draft plan and recommend its adoption by the Council with amendments as discussed at tonight’s meeting. All in favor. Fall Colors Fine Art & Music Festival Superintendent Moore informed the Commission that the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce has applied for an event permit to use City parking lots, North Lowell Park and Mulberry Point Circle for the Fall Colors Fine Art & Music Festival October 3 and 4. Staff recommends moving the music to the stage in the amphitheater, and moving vendors from the paved circle at Mulberry Park to the grass area of Lowell Park. Motion by Brandt, seconded by Snellman, to recommend that the amphitheater be used for music and and that the park be used as opposed to parking lots. All in favor. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Park Tour Discussion Moore stated that, due to the timing of the Public Hearing for the Trails Master Plan Update, the park tour has been postponed to the July meeting, followed by the Commission picnic. Because three commissioners will be unable to attend the July meeting, the Commission discussed postponing the picnic. No action was taken. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Landscaping Plan for Lowell Park Council Representative Polehna informed the Commission that a retired landscape architect has volunteered to work on a landscaping plan. Reuse Study - Buildings in Bridgeview Park Christiansen volunteered to be on the steering committee to look at reuse of the buildings, if a Parks Commission representative is needed. Healthy Community The Commission discussed efforts of various entities to promote health in the community. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 22, 2015 Page 3 of 3 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Brandt, seconded by Snellman, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary