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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-22 PRC & PC MIN CITY OF STILLWATER JOINT MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION September 22, 2014 Present: Parks Chair Linda Amrein, Parks Commissioners David Brandt, 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 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 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. Page 2 of 4 Joint Parks and Planning Commission Meeting September 22, 2014 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. Page 3 of 4 Joint Parks and Planning Commission Meeting September 22, 2014 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 Page 4 of 4