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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-25 PRC minutesCITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING April 25, 2016 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Council Representative Mike Polehna (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Absent: None Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of March 28, 2016 Parks Commission meeting minutes Motion by Chairman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the March 28, 2016 meeting minutes. All in favor, 7-0. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS New Commissioners Sam Nelson and Bill McGlynn introduced themselves. OPEN FORUM Hank Gray, 231 North Everett Street, coach for the Stillwater Area High School Mountain Bike Team, noted there is a public hearing at Oak Park Heights May 16 regarding a trail planned for Valley View Park. He informed the Commission that the team would still like to pursue having a track in Brown’s Creek Park for the fall season. He asked that the Commission keep him advised and let him know if they need the team’s physical presence or support in any way. ACTION ITEMS The Phipps Center for the Arts bench request Anastasia Shartin, Visual Arts Director for the Phipps Center for the Arts, explained a proposal to install an art bench in Lowell Park. The bench would honor the work that Jan George did for the local Red Cross. Stillwater Junior High School students would be the primary participants, working with an educator to design the bench. The Phipps is asking the City to work with the planning committee on possible locations, meet with participating youth to discuss requirements, co-host an unveiling celebration this fall, maintain the bench and help promote the Art Bench Trail. She added that there is a small fund for ongoing maintenance of the bench. Commissioner McGarry asked how the Commission would be updated on the design process and how it could be ensured the bench would fit Lowell Park. Councilmember Polehna mentioned that the downtown plan update currently underway involves recommendations on benches and park items; until the downtown plan update committee completes its work, approving a location for the bench could be immature. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 25, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Ms. Shartin noted that it doesn’t really make sense to work on a project unless they know where it will be placed. She said if Lowell Park isn’t a good fit, they have discussed Pioneer Park or the top of the Main Street stairs as possible locations. Commissioner Christiansen suggested Bridgeview Park as another possible location. Consensus of the Commission was that they are generally supportive of the concept of the art bench to be placed somewhere in Stillwater. Council Representative Polehna urged Ms. Shartin to contact Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director, regarding the park planning process. Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner McGarry, to approve the concept of the Jan George art bench project, with details and location to be worked out with staff. All in favor, 7-0. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Aquatic Center In response to a request made at the March 28, 2016 meeting, Mr. Moore provided information from previous meetings when an aquatic center was discussed. Commissioner McGarry remarked that Stillwater’s tax base seems rather small to build an aquatic center, and in the past, neighboring communities have not wanted to participate in the cost. Councilmember Polehna agreed that of the approximately 17 communities in the school district, Stillwater seems to be shouldering the burden of facility costs. He would not feel comfortable promoting an aquatic center until other communities commit to cost-sharing. Pickle Ball Update Superintendent Moore informed the Commission that staff is in the process of finalizing the contract for the dual purpose pickle ball/tennis upgrade at Northland tennis courts. City workers will repair bituminous before the court is resurfaced and striped. Pickle ball has started at Staples Field tennis courts. When Northland is completed, the league will move there. Teddy Bear Park and Washington Square 2016 Park Programming Mr. Moore provided the programming schedule for Teddy Bear Park and Washington Square. The programming is partially funded by a grant from the Wilder Foundation. 2017-2021 CIP Superintendent Moore led discussion of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, which staff is currently in the process of updating. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Stairs Commissioner Christensen expressed concern about the condition of the stairs by the Oasis. Mr. Moore replied the repairs are in the five-year plan. This year, the City Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 25, 2016 Page 3 of 3 will redo the steps at Triangle Park which were determined to be in the worst need of repair. Ice castles and caves Council Representative Polehna noted he is meeting with someone who would like to bring ice castles and caves to Stillwater next winter as an attraction. Annual park tour The annual park tour was set for June. Following the park tour, the annual commission picnic will be at Rob McGarry’s home. A date will be set at the May meeting. Road race Commissioner Christiansen pointed out that statements he read in the Gazette about the Stillwater Boys Cross Country and Track Team participating in a Monster Inc. road race during Lumberjack Days were false. He was surprised to read it, as no one has contacted him about it. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to adjourn. All in favor, 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary