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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-22 PRC minutesCITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING August 22, 2016 Present: Chairman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Council Representative Mike Polehna and Council Representative Dave Junker Absent: None Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of the July 25, 2016 Parks Commission meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the July 25, 2016 meeting minutes. All in favor, 7-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments ACTION ITEMS Bridge Section for Bridgeview Park Council Representative Dave Junker began with a little introduction on how the opportunity to acquire the bridge section came about. Dave stated he has been working with Ames/Lunda on acquiring and placing the section in Stillwater as a way for people in the future to see and better understand how the bridge was built. The section does meet specifications and needs to be moved by the middle of October. Ames/Lunda would be donated a lot of time and effort and the fact that this is an actual section like those in the bridge would be a great thing to help people understand what all went into building the bridge. Commissioner McGarry had some initial concerns of the actual size and how it would fit into the park. Commissioner Nelson asked if it would be in an area that would be used for picnicking and what costs would be for the city. Council Representative Junker said he is working toward minimal cost to the city and even having the contractor paint it the same color as the bridge. Commissioner Brandt said he was not in favor of the bridge section. Commissioner Snellman said she was not totally in favor of the idea. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 22, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner McGlynn asked if there could be a smaller replica. Commissioner Amrein thought the idea of it being an interpretation piece was good. Council Representative Junker said that he thought it being the actual size is what really does it justice. Commissioner McGarry is comfortable with the location and he thought that you need to have the actual size to do it justice also. Commissioner Christensen said it would be all about presentation and that it should be an interpretive and historical piece. The commission has been turning things like the art bench, bike stations. He questioned if the commission was being consistant. Commissioner McGlynn questioned if it will be used by the public. Commissioner Nelson stated that Stillwater is known for the lift bridge, if the commission says yes to it, then the city should put the money and effort into doing it right. Council Representative Polehna wondered if it would be a target for graffiti and vandalism. The city is not maintaining what we have now i.e.: kids are hanging around the pedestrian plaza. He loves the idea of having it. He received a comment from Brent Peterson that the new bridge is in Oak Park Heights and that is where this should go. Brian Utech from the audience spoke and said that he thought it was not a good idea, the structure is too big and will block views of the river. He agreed that it should be in Oak Park Heights. Council Representative Junker said that it would not block views would actually frame views of the river and in 20 years he bet it would be the most photographed spot in Stillwater. He said this is a great idea for the future and if we don’t take it MNDOT will destroy it. Commissioner Snellman asked how it would be facing. Council Representative Junker said it would face south east. Commissioner Nelson asked just how much of the park it will take up? Commissioner Amrein said with all the brush and trees you cannot see much of the river anyway. Commissioner McGlynn stated that it would make sense to know how much it will cost to do it right. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 22, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Council Representative Junker said that we have a good location and that the city can commit to doing it right. Commissioner Christensen said that he does not feel that it is the right use for the park and questioned if this should go before the downtown committee. Commissioner Amrein said that she liked the idea and that parks don’t have to be just picnic tables and swings. Commissioner Nelson said he liked the idea and thought it was a unique opportunity. Commissioner Nelson asked that if it is going to be interpretive who would the city have do that. Commissioner Amrein and Commissioner Snellman both agreed that they liked the location off by itself. Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the placement of the Bridge Section in Bridgeview Park. In favor 4, not in favor 3. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS There were no informational items. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner McGlynn, to adjourn. All in favor, 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tim Moore Public Works Superintendent