Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-28 PRC minutesCITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING March 28, 2016 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners Scott Christensen, David Brandt, Sandy Snellman, Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioner Rob McGarry Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of January 25, 2016 Parks Commission Meetina Minutes Commissioner Brandt requested that under Open Forum, the third paragraph be changed to state, "Commissioner Brandt said he doesn't have an issue with opening up the north side for mountain bikes." Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the January 25, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. All in favor, 4-0. OPEN FORUM Chair Amrein noted that three Stillwater Area High School students and two Parks Commission candidates, Sam Nelson and Jerry Clark, were in attendance. ACTION ITEMS St. Croix Valley Recreation Center and Lilv Lake Arena Facility Usaqe Rates Doug Brady, Facility Manager, requested an increase in the usage rates for fall 2016. He presented proposed rates and provided comparable rates for nearby facilities. He stated that repair bills for the aging equipment and service call prices by suppliers have increased; in addition, within the next five years, the dome shell, mechanicals and lighting will have to be replaced. Commissioner Christensen asked if everyone, the school district and the general public, pays the same rates. Mr. Brady replied yes. Council Representative Polehna asked if he has talked to the hockey association about the rate increase. Mr. Brady replied he had not spoken with them about the rate increase. Commissioner Christensen asked if some users get first call for certain usage times. Mr. Brady explained they have a priority use classification and there is special consideration for the soccer club and hockey association because they contributed to facility costs, but they all still pay the same amount. Commissioner Christensen asked where capital outlay funds come from. Mr. Brady stated that the City bonds for some of it; they go to the Council just like any other City department to request funds to keep the facility running. Council Representative Polehna added that the City has started saving for needed renovations on an annual basis. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 28, 2016 Commissioner Brandt asked about the long term plans for the site area, for instance the three acres south of the dome. Councilmember Polehna commented that there are groups who are interested an aquatics facility which could possibly go there or near the new armory. He asked about how much impact a rate increase would have on the high school or hockey association. Mr. Brady responded it would probably be $10-20,000. He pointed out when they aren't using Stillwater's facilities, they're going to other facilities and they're paying the higher prices there. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to recommend that the City Council approve the rate increases as presented, beginning fall 2016. All in favor, 4-0. Commissioner Brandt suggested a feasibility study be done regarding a long term master plan for the rec center site. Mr. Moore stated he could bring this up at the staff level. Councilmember Polehna commented it would be great to have a pool there, if surrounding communities could combine efforts, as aquatics facilities are very expensive. Commissioner Christensen said he would like to know what it costs to operate an aquatics facility. Mr. Moore will bring information that has been presented to the City about this in the past to next commission meeting. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS There were no informational items. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Mountain Bike Trails Chair Amrein asked whether the high school mountain bike team is currently using Brown's Creek. Commissioner Brandt responded the team has approached Oak Park Heights about using Valley View Park and it sounds like this is moving forward. Formal Gardens in Lowell Park Councilmember Polehna noted that a downtown plan committee has been formed which will discuss gardens in Lowell Park. Paved Trail at Brown's Creek Chair Amrein commented that it's nice to have dry pavement at Brown's Creek. Commissioner Christensen said he would like to see the trail plowed next season. Hockey Day Minnesota Commissioner Christensen asked if Hockey Day Minnesota is going to come before the Parks Commission, since he has been told it's a Lumberjack Days -type crowd and it sounds like the event has already received City approval. Councilmember Polehna stated organizers are required to fill out an application for park use; they are working with the administrator and will come before the Parks Commission for a recommendation. The event is proposed for Mulberry Point at the end of January or beginning of February. Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 28, 2016 Pickle Ball at Northland Park Superintendent Moore reported that a contractor has been selected to get the courts striped for six pickle ball courts. Park Bathrooms Mr. Moore stated that park bathrooms will be opened this weekend. Walking Tours Councilman Polehna suggested it would be nice to have a Stillwater culture and recreation app for people's phones to give them all the walking tours, historic home tours and so on. Trail Plan Commissioner Christensen asked about the next step on the Master Trails Plan. Mr. Moore said the plan needs to be reviewed by the Met Council, then the Parks Commission will be tasked with implementation of the recommendations. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to adjourn. All in favor, 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3