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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-25 PRC minutesCITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING July 25, 2016 Present: Acting Chairman Rob McGarry, Commissioners Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Chairman Linda Amrein Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of June 27, 2016 Parks Commission meeting minutes Commissioners pointed out that on Page 1, Paragraph 2, McGlynn should be Nelson, to read: "Commissioner Nelson requested an addition on page 1... " Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner McGarry to approve the June 27, 2016 meeting minutes as corrected. All in favor, 4-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS NILMDTS Remembrance Walk Superintendent Moore informed the Commission that Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS), a national organization that provides heirloom portraits to families who have lost babies, has submitted an application to hold a Remembrance Walk on Saturday, September 10, 2016 in Lowell Park. Heather Lombardo, NILMDTS, explained the event. She said that over 300 participants have registered and they anticipate 200-300 more registrants. She asked for suggestions for a backup plan for flooding, stating that the Downtown Parking Commission last week denied the use of lots 5 and 9, but if there is an issue with flooding, they would still like to move to those two parking lots. They anticipate this being an annual event if possible. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the NILMDTS event and Remembrance Walk, subject to the City Council and staff making any adjustments that need to be made due to park conditions. All in favor, 4-0. Ice Castle at Stillwater Event Amanda Roseth, local site manager for Ice Castles, provided the history of the company. She said the ice castle will be built from about 25 million pounds of icicles grown through a patented process. Setup takes several weeks beginning in mid- October. Water would be turned on when temperatures are conducive for growing the icicles. The growing would last 3-4 weeks. They would likely open up the week Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 25, 2016 after Christmas. It is a very unique and beautiful paid attraction with rooms, ice slides, waterfalls and other features, lit by LED lights. Councilmember Polehna noted they have been working with Hockey Day Minnesota to try to make the Ice Castle work in this location. In the future, the Ice Castle might be moved up toward Mulberry Point. He mentioned there have been concerns expressed about downtown merchants', Twinkle Parade and whether there will still be room to get around the structure to get to the gazebo to light the Christmas Tree. Ms. Roseth responded they can review it and see if there is an option to leave 10-12 feet open on the street. They would like to make it work to only use the small parking lot from November 1 st on. They don't wish to impede any existing events. Acting Chairman McGarry pointed out the City has not previously allowed a private entity to charge admission to a park. Councilmember Polehna responded that the Council is trying to draw activities that bring business into downtown in the winter. He feels the Ice Castle would be a benefit to downtown. Commissioner Snellman asked how the Ice Castle would impact the park grass. Councilmember Polehna responded that in Eden Prairie there were no problems. Also, he called Middle St. Croix Watershed District and the DNR about water going into the river and they had no requirements or problems. Ms. Roseth added that they triple filter the water so it's going back cleaner than they receive it. Mr. Moore added that there may be a lot of work restoring the turf and Ice Castles has agreed to pay for any damages. Acting Chairman McGarry reiterated his concern about not allowing taxpayers to enter the park because it will be closed when the structure is being built, and then having to pay to get in when it's open. He thinks the Ice Castle is a great idea but feels the City should be careful not to set a precedent, for example, what if a private entity wants to do the same thing in the summer. Ms. Roseth remarked that some people will come watch the progress of the Ice Castle being built day after day. They continue to spray water throughout the season so the castle is maintained and evolved. Adding new icicles changes the experience, generating a lot of repeat customers. Motion by Commissioner McGlynn, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the Ice Castles, LLC event with start dates and completion dates determined by staff and weather. All in favor, 4-0. Settlers Park Equipment Request Superintendent Moore reported that the City received a request from a young man for enhancements to Settler's Park in Liberty: a basketball backboard hoop, a tennis bang board and three point line. These items are not typically included as features it other City courts. Mr. Moore pointed out that there are four basketball backboards at Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 25, 2016 Rutherford School less than 1/4 mile away. The bang board could be an improvement to the tennis courts and would probably get used. Staff could install a bang board relatively quickly and inexpensively. Staff recommends that a bang board should be installed to provide more options at the tennis courts. Commission consensus was that the basketball courts at the nearby school are adequate. They referred the young man to the Liberty homeowners association to see if he could gather more support for the request. Bridge Section for Bridgeview Park Councilmember Polehna stated that on July 19th, the City Council voted to ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider the placement of an excess bridge section at Bridgeview Park as a historical reference. Superintendent Moore added that Public Works Director Sanders has talked to MnDOT since the Council vote and learned that the bridge section is not MnDOT's property, so ownership must be cleared up. Additionally, MnDOT has not agreed to move it, so there would be cost in moving it. Commissioner Snellman remarked it's a cool idea but it may not blend in with the park. Council Representative Polehna said he is not in favor of spending City money on the structure. Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to help people understand the construction of the bridge, but aesthetically for the park he would not like the huge chunk of concrete. Motion by Commissioner McGlynn to deny the proposal to place the bridge segment in Bridgeview Park. Motion died for lack of a second. Commission consensus was to bring it up next month with more information about potential cost to the City. 11Z1707:7LY, F—AIIC►111194LY, 6*1 City Boards and Commission Picnic Councilmember Polehna reminded Commissioners of the August 17th picnic. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS There were no Commission items/topics. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Acting Chairman McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to adjourn. All in favor, 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3