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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-25 PRC minutes CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING September 25, 2017 Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Sam Nelson and Sandy Snellman; Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioners Rob McGarry and Bill McGlynn Staff present: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, City Administrator Tom McCarty APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of August 28, 2017 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the August 28, 2017 meeting minutes. All in favor, 5-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Phipps Center for the Performing Arts Bench Proposal Anastasia Shartin, Visual Arts Director for the Phipps Center for the Performing Arts and artist Allen Christian introduced a proposal for a bench for Pioneer Park honoring the work of Jan George for the American Red Cross. This would be the ninth bench on the Art Bench Trail. Stillwater Junior High School students would work with an educator to create the bench. The Commission approved the concept in April 2016 with details and location to be determined with staff. Ms. Shartin stated that artist Allen Christian will facilitate the final design and construction of bench this fall. They would like to place the bench in the north quadrant of Pioneer Park. A sign will be installed identifying the bench as an art bench and a plaque will recognize the participants, community partners, local businesses and funders. Mr. Christian discussed the design of the bench. Mr. Moore explained the City contribution would be in-kind, pouring the base and doing the grading for the sidewalk. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting September 25, 2017 Page 2 of 3 Motion by Chairwoman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to recommend that the City Council approve the placement of an Art Bench in Pioneer Park as proposed. All in favor, 5-0. Ice Castle Event Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that Ryan Davis, Ice Castles, LLC, has applied for the Ice Castle to be in Lowell Park again this winter in the same location as last year, with a similar footprint. Commissioner Christensen asked why it is proposed for the same location, as he thought there was discussion of moving it. Mr. Moore replied that the organizer had proposed to build the Ice Castle in the north end of Lowell Park, however there are potential soil issues there. City Administrator McCarty informed the Commission that this year’s contract has a hard date of March 31 for removal of all accessory items. Setup would begin October 16 and the castle is expected to open to the public in early January 2018, weather-dependent. The fee structure is similar to last year. In 2017, the City received around $18,000 in fees. Commissioner Christensen inquired about the City costs incurred. Mr. McCarty stated the City costs were around $2,000-3,000. He added that most comments from downtown businesses were positive. He has informed the organizer, Ryan Davis, that he has to do a better job of keeping the area clear. They will have more discussion about the type of fencing used. Sam Bloomer Way would be closed but its walkway would remain open. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to recommend that the City Council approve the Ice Castle event for 2018. All in favor, 5-0. 8080 Neal Avenue Subdivision Public Works Superintendent Moore explained that Stephen and Barbara Kochendorfer plan to subdivide 1.25 acres of land located at Lot 6, Block 2, Neal Meadow (8080 Neal Avenue North), into three lots to be known as Neal Meadows 4th Addition. The Comprehensive Plan’s park element shows no planned parks on or through the property, so the contribution to the park system would likely have to be in the form of a fee in lieu of land, which would be $2,000 per new lot created. No sidewalks or trails are proposed on the property. Therefore, the contribution to the trail system would have to be in the form of a fee in lieu, which would be $500 per new lot created. The total park and trail fee would be $2,500 for each of Lots 2 and 3, for a total of $5,000. Staff recommends a cash dedication of $5,000 for Neal Meadows 4th Addition park and trail obligations. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting September 25, 2017 Page 3 of 3 Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to recommend approval of the cash dedication of $5,000 for the Neal Meadows 4th Addition park and trail obligations. All in favor, 5-0. City of Stillwater Event Policy Update City Administrator McCarty provided an overview of the revised Event Policy. He led discussion of proposed language regarding the closure of streets; maximum number of participants per event; maximum number of events; advertising events prior to approval; event changes; cancellation of events; emergency action plans; insurance; timing of preliminary review by staff; and permitting of for-profit versus non-profits. Chairwoman Amrein asked who has authority to disperse a group if needed. Mr. McCarty explained that the Police Department may disperse a group or close down an event for public safety reasons. The League of Minnesota Cities is studying the issue of permitting groups for gatherings such as protests; most cities do not have such a policy. This issue may warrant Council discussion. The proposed Event Policy will be discussed by the Council at their work session next Tuesday. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Chairwoman Amrein, to accept language changes as proposed for the Event Policy. All in favor, 5-0. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Bird City Proposal Commissioner Christensen explained the Audubon Society’s “Bird Cities” program. Commission consensus was that it would be beneficial for Stillwater to become a “Bird City.” Commissioner Christensen agreed to spearhead the process. The Commission discussed the problem of vehicles using the bicycle/pedestrian trail near the St. Croix Boat & Packet parking area. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to adjourn. All in favor, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary