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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-23 PRC minutes CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING April 23, 2018 Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson (arrived at 7:06), Sandy Snellman; Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioner David Brandt Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of March 26, 2018 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner McGlynn, to approve the March 26, 2018 meeting minutes. All in favor, 6-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Pioneer Park Restroom Public Works Superintendent Moore introduced architect Mark Balay. Mr. Balay reviewed two options for a Pioneer Park restroom building. Both resemble the Lowell Park restroom. The larger option is 646 square feet and the other is about 75 square feet smaller, more square with a hip roof. He stated that the square building will cost less to build. The larger building has a similar entrance arrangement to the one in Lowell Park with men and women on the same side and a water fountain in middle. The smaller option has men’s and women’s entrances on different sides. Chairwoman Amrein asked if the stall doors and the building doors will have push buttons for handicapped accessibility. Mr. Balay replied the doors are required to swing out but he doesn’t believe this facility triggers the requirement for push button doors. Public Works Superintendent Moore clarified that the requirement relates to the amount of force it takes to open the door. Push buttons are for heavy doors that can’t be otherwise easily opened. Councilmember Polehna said he would prefer both entrances be on the same side so parents can watch their children. From a maintenance standpoint there would be more storage in the larger building. He prefers the larger building option. Mr. Moore stated that construction is scheduled to start after Labor Day. The restrooms will be closed throughout the fall. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 23, 2018 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Christensen asked how best to prevent vandalism. Mr. Balay replied many things can be done such as using more durable equipment and creating an environment where vandals would be seen. He thinks the location lessens the likelihood of vandalism because there’s no place to hide around the building. Mr. Moore stated a public informational meeting will take place at the May 21st Commission meeting. After gathering public comments, the Commission will be asked to make a recommendation to the City Council for approval on July 3rd. Northland Park Projects Public Works Superintendent Moore reported that horseshoe pits are being replaced at Northland Park with help from the Horseshoe League. He led discussion of other potential improvements, including: enlarging the outdoor pleasure rink and paving the trail entrance into the park on Bayberry Avenue. He reported there is $40,000 in the 2018 Parks Capital Outlay budget that could be used for these projects. Commissioner Snellman expressed concern that putting dark surfaced asphalt on the Bayberry entrance would create safety problems for sledders that frequent the hill, due to melting in the center. Mr. Moore replied that a trail could be put to one side and wouldn’t take up much room. Commissioner Snellman also questioned whether the Bayberry and Hawthorne entrances are too steep for a trail. Mr. Moore responded that to meet ADA requirements, some landings may need to be graded into the trails. Commissioner Snellman said she doesn’t think paving is needed. Councilmember Polehna suggested putting the money into a 72nd Street trail near the Jackson Wildlife Area to connect with Liberty and Legends neighborhoods. Commissioner Christensen agreed but added that more than $40,000 would be needed. Mr. Moore stated it could be done in phases. Commissioner Christensen brought up past discussions about making Northland Park more of a gateway entrance to the City. If a trail is not the answer, maybe something else could be done. Commissioner Snellman and Chairwoman Amrein agreed. Mr. Moore stated he will look at other options for spending the budgeted funding. INFORMATION ITEMS Bridgeview Park and Downtown Trail Update Public Works Superintendent Moore updated the Commission on construction of the south loop trail from Sunnyside to the southern boundary of Stillwater. Construction will start this week. A portion of Highway 95 will be closed for up to three weeks to do storm sewer work. The trail from Nelson to Chestnut will be done before Memorial Day weekend. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 23, 2018 Page 3 of 3 COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Council items Councilmember Polehna reported that Council is looking at constructing a small boat launch near the pump station utilizing $400,000 surplus DNR funding. He also informed the Commission that the Council is requesting $1.6 million from the state legislature to re-do the shoreline from the Dock Cafe to Sunnyside. The shoreline has eroded and is close to City sewer line. The plans include cantilevering the trail from the Shoddy Mill to the Dock Cafe. Commissioner Christensen asked how it came to be that vehicles can drive on the trail. Councilmember Polehna replied the trail is on City property but the other part is not; he is not sure how the arrangements were done originally. Mr. Moore pointed out that St. Croix Boat and Packet owns property along there too. It’s a compromise solution. Chairwoman Amrein thanked Councilmember Polehna for his efforts in organizing the recent parade recognizing state champions. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner McGarry, to adjourn. All in favor, 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary