HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-24 PRC MINCITY 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
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