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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-26 PRC packetStiIlwaiei TIIE 9 I R T H PLA C L OF MINNESOIA CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 AT 7:00 PM The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, October 26, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. AGENDA 1, Approval of the August 24, 2015 Minutes 2, 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 Tess. Action Items 3. Park Dedication Funds 4. Pickle Ball / Tennis Court Update Information Items Commission Items/Topics CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING August 24, 2015 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christiansen, Rob McGarry, Sandy Snellman, Don Stiff, Council Liaison Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioner Solveg Peterson Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of June 22, 2015 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the June 22, 2015 meeting minutes. AH in favor, 6-0. Possible approval of July 27, 2015 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, to approve the July 27, 2015 meeting minutes. All in favor, 6-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Hazel Place Villas Superintendent Moore explained that Sterling Black has submitted a preliminary plat application for a 19 lot single-family development to be known as HAZEL PLACE VILLAS. The property is located at the western terminus of Hazel Street next to the Stillwater County Club. Lots range in size from 7,501 square feet to 20,264 square feet. The Planning Commission heard the preliminary plat request at their July 8 and August 12 meetings. At that time the Planning Commission recommended denial of the application. The application is scheduled for the Council's consideration on September 1, 2015. The developer proposes a fee in lieu of park and trail dedication. The City has traditionally applied park and trail dedication fees to the newly created parcels. City staff recommends a cash dedication of $36,000 for Hazel Place Villas' park dedication obligations. Additionally, staff recommends a cash dedication fee of $9,000 to fulfill trail dedication obligations Commissioner Christiansen suggested requiring a connection from the cul-de-sac to the Brown's Creek Trail, so trail users can access the trail without walking on Hazel Street which is narrow. He is concerned about safety of pedestrians going to Schulenberg Park and to the state trail considering the lack of sidewalk. He feels a trail connection would be more beneficial than the cash. Councilmember Polehna stated that he keeps hearing concerns about increasing traffic on Hazel Street. The suggestion to require a link to the trail is a good proactive approach, though it likely would not be ADA -accessible due to switchbacks. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 24, 2015 Chairman Amrein questioned if a trail connection is required, would it have the effect of requiring future developments to have a trail access? Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to direct staff to explore the possibility of requiring the developer to include a trail connection instead of cash park and trail dedication fees. All in favor, 6-0. Commissioner Christiansen commented that many uses could be found for the park and trail dedication funds which are rarely spent. Superintendent Moore responded he will bring back information about potential uses of the funds. Chairman Amrein remarked that the intersection of Hazel Street and the state trail has very poor sight lines. Superintendent Moore replied that the Council approved "no parking" on Hazel Street from the trail to west of First Street to increase safety. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Lowell Park and North Central Business District Trail Landscape Plan Superintendent Moore reported that Council Member Polehna and staff have been working with volunteer Jim Luger to develop a landscape plan for the Central Business District from Mulberry to Laurel Street. He presented some renderings of the proposed plan which includes tree plantings behind the Lofts and in Lowell Park. Council Member Polehna added the trees are low enough so the condominium residents can still see the river. He is working on getting the materials donated and setting up volunteers for planting. The trees are flood resistant. Phase II and III will be replicating the historic gardens and fountains in Lowell Park. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Loop Trail Councilmember Polehna reported that work is beginning on the Loop Trail. November 29, 2016 is the proposed grand opening for the new bridge. Commissioner Christiansen said it is traditional to have a running race across a new bridge. Christmas Tree for Downtown Councilmember Polehna stated he has procured a donated Christmas Tree. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to adjourn. All in favor, 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 2 of 2 Stillw_ater !HE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Date: October 21, 2015 Re: Park and Trail Dedication Funds BACKGROUND At the July 27, 2015 Parks Commissioner Christensen requested staff to bring back some information on the Park and Trail Dedication Fund. DISCUSION Currently the Park Dedication Fund has a balance of $119,469.00. This total includes expenditures for the purchase of the Palmer property and construction of the Lowell Park Restrooms. The Trail Dedication Funds has a Balance of $520.00 which has been used to fund the construction of the trail downtown north of Mulberry. These funds can be used for any Capital purchase or project. Attached is the Ordinance adopted by the Council in October of 2005. CITY OF STILLWATER ORDINANCE NO. 963 AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH PARK AND TRAIL DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS The City Council of City of Stillwater does ordain: 1. AUTHORITY: The state of Minnesota has enacted Minnesota Statutes 462.358, subdivision 2(b) which gives authority to the Cities to require that a reasonable portion of any proposed subdivision be dedicated to the public, or preserved for public use as parks, playgrounds, trails or open space. The City of Stillwater has, by this ordinance, chosen to exercise this authority in establishing minimum requirements for meeting this public need. 2. PURPOSE: The City Council recognizes that preservation of land for park, playground, trails, and public open space purposes as it relates to the use and development of land is essential to maintaining a healthful, safe and desirable environment. The City must not only provide these necessary facilities for citizens of today, but also for the future needs of the City as described in the Comprehensive Plan. It is recognized by the City Council that the demand for park, playground, trails and public open space within a municipality is directly related to the density and intensity of development permitted and allowed within any area. Urban development means greater numbers of people and higher demands for park, playground, trails and public open space. The basis for calculating the amount of land needed to be dedicated or preserved for the purposes set forth in this Ordnance; the essential connection between the dedication required by this Ordinance and the purpose sought to be achieved; and the basis for calculating the proportional share of each development based on the burden to the City created by the increase in population that will be generated by each development is as set forth in this Ordinance. In further explanation of the basis described in this paragraph, this Ordinance adopts by reference pages 8-1 through 8-6 of the Comprehensive Plan of the City, and the maps and drawings associated with those pages as if fully set forth in this Ordinance verbatim. It is the policy of Stillwater that the following guidelines for the dedication of land for park, playground and public open space purposes (or cash contributions in lieu of dedication) in the subdividing and developing of land are appropriate. 3. RESIDENTIAL PARK LAND DEDICATION: Residential Park land as envisioned by this Ordinance is that land suitable for active park use, such as playgrounds and ball fields, or suitable for active play areas for small children. It is imperative, therefore, that the land be reasonably flat and in one contiguous parcel rather than small scattered parcels. The amount of land to be dedicated is based on the proposed residential density using the net developable land area. The formula for land dedication: The greater of 1) proposed units per acre or 2) zoned density. Dwelling Unit Density Land to be Dedicated 0-1.9 units per acre 10% 2.0 -3.5 units per acre 11% 3.6 -5.9 units per acre 12% 6-10 units per acre 13% 10+ units per acre Additional .5% for each unit over 10 Commercial 7.5% of net developable land area -2- 4. RESIDENTIAL TRAIL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the requirements of Section 3, the subdivider must dedicate and improve trails and trailways that are depicted for the property on the City's most current Comprehensive Trail Plan, or if not depicted on the Comprehensive Trail Plan, have the potential for connection to the Comprehensive Trail System. If trail dedication and construction is not feasible in the opinion of the City, the subdivider may pay a fee of $500.00 per unit in lieu of dedication and construction. The basis for requiring the dedication and improvement of trails in addition to the dedication of land for active parks is threefold. First, trails are normally 8 feet in width and therefore more than one mile of trial would need to be dedicated to equal one arce of land. Further, trials are often dedicated and constructed within set back or yard space; or within natural areas or conservation easements; or land that is otherwise unbuildable, because of various restrictions. Second, trails are increasingly important as a means of transportation that is an alternative to the automobile. In this way, a trail is merely a street for pedestrians, and just as it is permissible to require a developer to dedicate and construct streets for automobiles, it is reasonable that a developer be required to dedicate and construct streets for people transportation, on foot or bicycle. Third, the trails within any development allow connection to the City net trail system. In this way, the residents of any new development increase the burden on the remainder of the City trail system. It is only reasonable therefore that any development provide trail access for the remainder of the City, since the remainder of the City will be burdened by the development. -3- 5. GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTING DEDICATION OF LAND FOR PUBLIC PARK PURPOSES: A. Land proposed to be dedicated for public purposes must meet the needs of the City as described in the Stillwater Comprehensive Plan. B. Prior to dedication, the subdivider must deliver to the City Attorney, an abstract of title or registered property abstract evidencing good and marketable title, free and clear of any mortgages, liens, encumbrances, assessments and taxes. The conveyance documents must be in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. C. The required dedication or payment of fees -in -lieu of land dedication must be made before final plat approval. D. The removal of trees, topsoil, storage of construction equipment, burying of construction debris or stockpiling of surplus soil on dedicated land is strictly forbidden without the prior written review by the Parks and Recreation Commission and approval of the Community Development Director. E. Grading and utility plans, which may effect or impact the proposed park dedication, must be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director and Parks and Recreation Commission prior to dedication. F. To be eligible for park dedication credit, land dedication is to be located outside of drainways, flood plains or ponding areas after the site has been developed. Grades exceeding 12 percent or that are unsuitable for park development may be considered for partial dedication. G. Where subdividers and developers of land provide significant amenities such as, but not limited to swimming pools, tennis courts, or ball fields, within the development for the benefit of those residing or working therein, and where, in -4- the judgment of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the amenities significantly reduce the demands for public recreational facilities to serve the development, the Community Development Director may recommend to the Parks and Recreation Commission that the amount of land to be dedicated for park, playground and public open space (or cash contribution in lieu of dedication) be reduced by an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the amount calculated under paragraph 2 above. H. The City, upon review, may determine that the developer must create and maintain some form of private on-site recreation use by the site residents such as tot lots and open play space. This requirement may be in addition to the land or cash dedication requirement. 6. CASH PAYMENT IN LIEU OF DEDICATION, RESIDENTIAL: If, at the option of the City upon review and recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, it is determined that a cash payment in lieu of land dedication shall be made, the cash shall be placed in a special fund for Parks and Recreation use and deposited by the developer with the City prior to final plat approval. The in lieu park fee shall be based on the following guidelines: Single Family Residential/ Commercial Condominium Lot $2,000 per unit Duplexes $1,500 per unit Townhomes $1,500 per unit Multifamily $1,500 per unit -5- 7. COMBINATION LAND AND CASH DEDICATION: The City may require the subdivider or developer to make a combination cash and land dedication pursuant to the following formula: A. The amount of land which could be required in accordance with Section 3 shall be calculated. B. From the total calculated in subparagraph (A) above, the actual amount of land the city determines to be needed to fulfill the purposes of this Subd. 6 shall be subtracted. C. The balance arrived at in subparagraph (B) above, shall be converted into a cash contribution in lieu of land dedication pursuant to a standard formula established by the city, which formula takes into consideration such things as, but not necessarily limited to, the fair market value of the property in the plat, subdivision or development and the percentage of the total park dedication obligation represented by the said balance. 8. INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS: Subdividers and developers of commercial/industrial land, including commercial/industrial portions of Planned Developments, shall be required at the time the site plan is approved and building permits are issued to dedicate to the City for park, playground and public open space purposes, 7.5 percent of the net land area within the development as determined by the City according to the guidelines set forth in Section 3 of this policy. 9. CASH PAYMENT IN LIEU OF DEDICATION, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL: In those cases where the City does not require park or open space dedication within a development, the City shall require payment of fees in lieu of land dedication in an amount equal -6- to the net land area required in Section 3 above. Cash shall be contributed at the time of approval of each final plat or at the time of site plan or building permit approval as determined by the City. The City Council, upon review and recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, may review and determine by resolution an adjustment to the fee based upon the City's estimate of the average value of undeveloped commercial or industrial land in the City. 10. REQUIRED PLAN AND IMPROVEMENTS TO PARKS: The developer or subdivider is responsible for preparing a concept park plan or trail plan based on the Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan as identified in the Comprehensive Plan as approved by the Parks Commission, and for making certain improvements to their developments for parks, playgrounds and public open space purposes as follows: A. Provide finished grading, appropriate ground cover or sodding for playground, paved trails and perimeter landscaping. B. Establish park boundary comers for the purpose of erecting park limit signs. The developer shall contact the appropriate Parks and Recreation Department personnel for the purpose of identifying park property corners. C. Provide sufficient improved public road access of no less than 300 feet for neighborhood parks and additional frontage for community parks. 11. SAVING. In all other ways, the City Code will remain in full force and effect. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance will be in effect from and after its passage and publication according to law. -7- Adopted by the City Council of the City of Stillwater this 18t day of October, 2005. ATTEST: %.71 /da41<___ Diane F. Ward, City Clerk -8- THEBIATHPLACEOFMNNESOA Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Date: October 21, 2015 Re: Pickle Ball / Tennis Courts Update BACKGROUND At the July 27, 2015 the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the use of the Stapes Field Tennis courts for Pickle Ball. At that meeting a number of Pickle Ball players spoke to the subject of Pickle Ball at Staples Field Tennis Courts. Comments included the possibility of 5-6 courts at Staples, some concern about parking, noise and lights being turned on. Since that meeting, I have been contacted by two people that said they play tennis on a regular basis at Staples. At the meeting, staff was directed to perform some maintenance of the courts and get some estimates to convert Staples tennis courts to Pickle Ball. DISCUSION Cracks were filled, trimming and some cleanup was completed by City staff. Staff has done some more research and obtained preliminary quotes to fill cracks, resurface and reline Staples Field tennis courts for Pickle Ball which range from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00. Roseville, Minnesota has developed a dual purpose Tennis / Pickle Ball Court at Evergreen Park, 1810 West County Road B. They have two tennis courts and have laid out 2 pickle ball courts on each tennis court with each pickle ball court on each side of the tennis court. The City of Roseville provides temporary nets and standards, and some paddles and balls for public use in a storage box outside the courts, that requires access from the city. (See photos). This system has been working very well. Staples Field tennis courts are 119' by 143' of hard surface. This size would be sufficient enough to create six pickle ball courts. I also checked on the court sizes at Lily Lake and Northland tennis courts. They have 3 tennis courts with an area of 120' by 155'. These courts would also be able to handle pickle ball courts plus have adequate parking, lights and the added benefit of not being near homes, where noise could be a factor such as the case at the Staples Field tennis courts. Because of these factors, Lily Lake and Northland courts might be better suited for this kind of layout. Staff has budgeted $25,000.00 for tennis court rehabilitation in 2016. This may not be enough to complete any one of the court areas presented. An option may be to stripe one or more of the areas listed and budget more in 2017. RECOMMENDATION The Parks and Recreation should discuss the dual purpose layout for all three sites and give direction to staff on how they would like to proceed. CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING July 27, 2015 Present: Vice Chairman Rob McGarry, Commissioners David Brandt, Solveg Peterson, Don Stiff, Council Liaison Mike Polehna Absent: Chair Linda Amrein, Commissioners Scott Christiansen and Sandy Snellman Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the June 22, 2015 Parks Commission Meeting minutes was postponed to the next meeting. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Pickle Ball at Staples Field Superintendent Moore reminded the Commission that at the June 22, 2015 meeting, Sandy Hudson asked that pickle ball at Staples Field be put on the agenda for the July meeting. 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. The sport of pickle ball is growing and this group is getting new players all the time. With the Staples Field courts seeing dwindling use for tennis, staff recommends the Commission consider permanently turning the courts into pickle ball courts. This would involve re❑lining the courts, installing new nets and filling the cracks. There is some maintenance money budgeted for Staples Field. With the smaller court size, one more pickle ball court could possibly be added. In regard to the group's request that the lights be used during the fall, staff has been instructed by the City Council to not turn on the lights. There have been neighborhood complaints about the lights in the past. Because the lights have not been on for some time, their condition is unknown; therefore, turning the lights back on may take more work and incur greater expense. Staff feels that when changing the use of a park, the Commission should consider holding a neighborhood informational meeting to give the residents a chance to provide input. Council Representative Polehna mentioned that pickle ball was shut down in Florida because the paddles made so much noise. He recalled the basketball court at Staples generated complaints about the noise, so it was removed. Sandy Hudson, representing the pickle ball group, said they have never had a complaint in the neighborhood. There are two houses that face the courts. They don't play late at night. They would like to have the lights on till 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. in Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 27, 2015 the fall. As for noise, that may be a reason to hold a public hearing to see if neighborhood would be opposed to turning it into pickle ball only. Superintendent Moore added that the City has not received one complaint about the pickle ball use. Suzanne Sisson stated the court is used very little for tennis. The popularity of pickle ball is growing. Every night there are new players. Vice Chair McGarry responded he doesn't have any issue with converting tennis courts as he seldom sees them used. Craig Williams stated that Staples Field is an unused asset. If would be nice to have some basic maintenance work done yet this year. Pickle ball courts are smaller, so five pickle ball courts would fit where the tennis courts are now. It would be nice to have an outdoor park bench for a place to sit down. He does not feel that neighbors would complain if the light is on until 8 p.m. Vice Chair McGarry suggested the Commission look at the cost estimates and then make a recommendation to the Council. In the meantime, maintenance could be done now. During the winter there could be a public informational meeting where the pickle ball players could explain the sport to the neighbors. Ms. Hudson remarked that there may be room for six pickle ball courts at Staples Field. She asked that if maintenance is done, a color other than blue be used for the lines. She thinks the interest in pickle ball would grow if the City had a good facility. Bruce Deger expressed skepticism about the location, not just based on the history of Staples Field but his experience with pickle ball courts around tennis communities. Increasing the number of courts also increases the noise and the need for parking. He urged the Commission to consider that too, as he would hate to see the courts shut down after investing a lot of time and money. Vice Chairman McGarry responded that parking is something to consider when determining if this is the best place to spend money. Motion by McGarry, seconded by Stiff, to direct staff to get cost estimates to convert Staples Field to pickle ball courts and also for the temporary maintenance measures requested. All in favor. Brown's Creek Cove Superintendent Moore reported that WB Development LLC has submitted a preliminary plat application for a 15 -lot single-family residential development to be known as Brown's Creek Cove, located at the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Neal Avenue North and McKusick Road North. The developer proposes to donate Outlot A to the public to fulfill the public park dedication requirement. Outlot A Page 2 of 4 lights ore ttocilah. diring season until Opin mmutii „.: ),' . . or • . • q ;16., tor f p• IL.. :,It'ur • on:04!- 0,1:e cit1 i!ivf •)! :rn iirncll,„iri(tion i.00,! tS1 192 1006 ••••; • If; ) I 1 pP . bo' 1. 6 4,1IJ Li 1Pr -"N ..41 4 Roseville Parks and Recreation Tots priviti La an kie co. r! during the following tiMeS: Monday 9 1130 am Monday 6-8 pm Tuasday 6-8 pm Wednesday9-11:30 am 'Thursday 6-8 pm Friday 9-11:30 am Saturday 9-11:30 am To access pickelboll equipment (ali Porks and Remotion fi oin 4 30 pin, M-1 651-792-7006 coo* wwwitic