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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-28 PRC MINPresent: Absent: CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING December 28, 2015 Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Sandy Snellman, Council Liaison Mike Polehna Commissioners David Brandt Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, Public Works Director Shawn Sanders, Community Development Director Bill Turnblad Others present: Brown's Creek Watershed District Administrator Karen Kill APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of October 26, 2015 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Chairman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to approve the October 26, 2015 meeting minutes. All in favor, 4-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Trail Plan Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that the City Council voted not to establish a Trail Plan Advisory Committee, but instead to ask the Parks Commission to monitor and make recommendations to the Council on implementation of the new Trail Plan. The Council also asked City staff to invite the Friends of Stillwater Trails organization to Parks Commission meetings as advocates for implementation of the Trail Plan. He thinks the first step will be for the Parks Commission to review the Plan and determine which elements might be included in the capital improvement plan. In addition, the annual street improvement projects might be reviewed to determine which trail elements might coincide with them. Consensus of the Commission was to accept the responsibility for monitoring and making recommendations to the Council on implementation of the new Trail Plan. Brown's Creek Parking Lot Public Works Director Sanders explained that in 2016, the gravel parking area at Brown's Creek Nature Preserve along Neal Avenue will be replaced with a paved parking lot. The Brown's Creek Watershed District (BCWD) would like to use the green space adjacent to the parking lot to construct an underground rock crib to capture storm water runoff. If the crib is constructed, it could change the configuration of the parking lot to be narrower and longer, increasing the cost with additional curbing, asphalt, excavation and possibly soil correction. If this option is chosen, it is recommended that BCWD cover the additional cost. Staff recommends Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting December 28, 2015 that the Commission consider the projects and make a recommendation to the Council on the use of the land. Karen Kill, administrator for Brown's Creek Watershed District, explained the purpose of a rock crib is to cool the water before being discharged to Brown's Creek. She stated that in either Option A or Option B, the Watershed District would propose to put back base so there's a useful gravel parking lot; Option B would be more beneficial to Brown's Creek. Asked about the possibility of using a pervious surface, she said the soils are not conducive to filtration so a pervious surface would not be beneficial. The gravel there now is considered to be completely impervious. Public Works Director Sanders stated that the topic has been brought to the Parks Commission because the BCWD is asking to use park land - the BCWD would own and maintain the rock crib on City park land. Cost estimates for Option B still need to be calculated. Commissioner Christensen voiced support for the option that best maintains water quality, but he also doesn't want the City to shoulder costs it was not anticipating, so he would like the BCWD to pick up the extra costs. Chairman Amrein said she would prefer the option that is best for Brown's Creek. Commissioner McGarry agreed. Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to approve the rock crib in concept and direct City staff to work out whichever option for the parking lot would be best. All in favor, 4-0. 2016 Capital Outlay Public Works Superintendent Moore updated the Commission on the capital outlay budget of $374,000 that was approved by the Council. He provided background on planned improvement of park facilities and purchase of equipment. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS There were no informational items. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Next Meeting Next Parks Commission meeting will be January 25. Council Update Commissioner Christensen asked if a Parks Commissioner will be on the Downtown Plan committee. Councilmember Polehna replied yes. Mr. Christensen also asked about the Aiple property on the north end of downtown. Councilmember Polehna responded that the planning process will be starting for the Aiple property. He stated that the Council has been developing a legislative agenda Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting December 28, 2015 for this year and some of the things the City may approach legislators about are: the parking lot and bathrooms for Brown's Creek state trail; a park plan for the Aiple property; a plan for the Armory; the eroding waterfront. He invited Commissioners to let him know if there are more projects for which legislative help might be requested. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Chairman Amrein, to adjourn. All in favor, 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3