The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2018-09-24 PRC packet CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING August 27, 2018 Present: Acting Chairman Rob McGarry, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson; Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioner Sandy Snellman Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, City Planner Abbi Wittman OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of July 23, 2018 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner McGlynn, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the July 23, 2018 meeting minutes. Motion passed, 5-0. ACTION ITEMS Comp Plan Update City Planner Wittman asked for Commission input on the draft of the Parks and Trails Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. She added that the Downtown Chapter includes development of a Master Plan for Lowell Park. Commissioner Brandt noted that when the bridge opens up for biking there will be a lot more demand for doing something with Kolliner Park. It will be interesting to see ho w development of new parks will compete for funding against projects and maintenance in existing parks. Ms. Wittman noted that as part of bridge mitigation, Kolliner Park was determined to remain a natural space without physical improvements. Commissioner Nelson noted there is a lot of undergrowth in Kolliner Park, and because of the underlying pavement, it’s natural for people to want to see what’s there. The City should either develop a plan for the site or remove the pavement. Ms. Wittman stated the City needs to have continued conversations with St. Croix County about the management of the property. There are jurisdictional challenges with enforcement. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 27, 2018 Page 2 of 6 Commissioner Nelson noted that Northland Park needs a lot of work. There is a beehive inside playground equipment and exposed rough concrete near climbing spots. He remarked that the City has a lot of parkland that is undeveloped. Perhaps the Commission should start declining more parkland or just be more intentional about the use. For instance, people are going onto the Aiple property all the time yet there’s a no trespassing sign there. Commissioner Christensen questioned why people wouldn’t be allowed to go onto the Aiple property, since it’s owned by the citizens of Stillwater. Councilmember Polehna responded that the Council has asked staff to bring back a report on how they propose to operate the area. Commissioner Christensen said there are lots of park plans but no money to develop them and now the Commission is being asked to cut $200,000 from the budget. Councilmember Polehna replied that the budget went up almost 7% just in health insurance costs and retiree costs. The question is how to balance the budget. He and Councilmember Weidner are pushing parks. For example, they are trying to get funding from the DNR for a boat launch, and had the Minnesota Rowing Club looking at the Aiple house to see if it might be modified to make it a rowing center. The City is also working on a cantilevered walkway along the river. Ms. Wittman noted it is a lot harder to do major park renovations like additions of rest rooms or new picnicking facilities if the items are not in the Comp Plan. Commissioner Brandt remarked that there appears to be a huge excess of community parks and a huge deficit of neighborhood parks. Another priority would be having more places to swim. Ms. Wittman asked all Commissioners to read the draft chapter and contact her in the next week with thoughts on what the Commission wants to achieve. Staff will have a draft plan for release to the public in mid-October. INFORMATION ITEMS Greenway Open House City Planner Wittman informed the Commission of the Central Greenway Regional Trail - Lake Elmo Segment Master Plan Open House, August 28, 2018. ACTION ITEMS continued Rivertown Fall Art Festival Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 27, 2018 Page 3 of 6 Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is proposing to hold the Rivertown Fall Art Festival October 6-7 in Lowell Park, Parking Lot 9 and possibly Lot 5. The Commission is asked to make a recommendation to the City Council. Stillwater Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Mr. Moore stated that Summer Tuesdays Inc. is proposing to hold the Stillwater Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off October 13-14 in Lowell Park, Parking Lots 4, 5, and 9. The Commission is asked to make a recommendation to the City Council. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to recommend that the Council approve the use of Lowell Park for the 2018 Rivertown Art Festival and to recommend that the Council approve the use of Lowell Park for the 2018 Stillwater Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off as requested. Motion passed, 5-0. Ice Castles Mr. Moore informed the Commission that Amanda Roseth of Ice Castles, LLC ha s applied for the Ice Castles event to be held in Lowell Park again this winter. Set-up would begin October 15 with the expectation of opening to the public in early January 2019. The event is proposed to be located in the same area as last year, however, the castle footprint would expand north toward the amphitheater. They request the use of Parking Lot 5 for ticket booths and portable toilets. The Commission is asked to provide a recommendation to the Council. Mr. Moore summarized staff concerns about the request. The Ice Castle occupies the space from October to May. The damage to the park tripled this past year, including $22,000 in sidewalk damage alone and $10,000 for a diesel fuel spill. The Ice Castles paid for all damages. Staff discussed the opti on of moving the Ice Castle to the field area across from the Oasis which may limit the damage. Councilmember Polehna remarked that 100,000 people visited the Ice Castle last year. Under the contract, the Ice Castle must pay the City a set amount for visitor volumes above a certain number. He agreed the clean-up of the site was terrible. Commissioner McGarry said he likes the idea of bringing in winter business, but there are consequences. Councilmember Polehna remarked that some businesses told him that the Ice Castle made their winter. But it creates a mess in the park. If it breaks the levy wall then the City will have a real problem. Commissioner Christensen asked what is the City gaining from having the Ice Castle here? Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 27, 2018 Page 4 of 6 Commissioner Nelson added, who is the event for? It’s great that the businesses benefit but he doesn’t feel the purpose of the parks is to bring tourists in to benefit businesses. He sees parks as primarily serving Stillwater citizens. Commissioner McGlynn pointed out the City needs the businesses to do well to keep them open. Commissioner McGarry recognized that the City wants its parks to be used and the Ice Castle brings attention to this park at a time when it’s not being used and does not cost the City. Commissioner Christensen expressed frustration that many groups are making money off the parks while the City can’t afford the parks it has. Commissioner Nelson stated that it feels like a lot of the riverfront properties exist for tourists to enjoy Stillwater, while at the same time, there is a deficit in neighborhood parks for the residents. Mr. Moore summarized that the Commission’s concerns with the Ice Castle appear to be: more money, a tighter timeline, liquidated damages, concern about expanding the footprint due to soil settlement, and the Commission would not be opposed to the Ice Castle moving to Bridgeview if there would be less damage there. He said perhaps the City should hire a consultant to do a study to assess the current condition of the levee wall and the gazebo, which experienced cracking, so that a comparison could be made if the Ice Castle causes damage. Commissioner Nelson noted if the Ice Castle is causing problems with the levee wall, it could cost millions of dollars. The Commission needs to know that before approving the Ice Castle for this winter. Mr. Moore noted that the Ice Castle structure itself grows as the winter progresses, due to wind and spraying every night. Last year they did a very good job of keeping the lower levee walk open all the way around the gazebo which was tough. Asked how much the structure weighs, Mr. Moore said it uses 13 million gallons of water times 8 pounds per gallon. Commission consensus was to direct Mr. Moore to bring back further information and make a recommendation in another month. No action was taken. 2019 Parks Capital Items Public Works Superintendent Moore provided the staff report on proposed 2019 Parks Capital Items. Administration is asking to reduce the Parks Capital Outlay budget for 2019 from $818,300 to $600,000. Staff is obtaining more information from Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 27, 2018 Page 5 of 6 potential vendors to receive more accurate estimates. He asked for input on options to reduce the capital outlay budget for 2019. Commissioner McGarry suggested eliminating the Laurel Street concrete stairs rehabilitation project costing $240,000. Mr. Moore stated the Laurel Street stairs are useable but they would be the next logical ones to redo. Commissioner Christensen commented, in this economy if the City can’t afford such projects now, when would the City ever be able to afford it? Councilmember Polehna replied the Council must look at the bottom line of the whole budget and decide what justifies a tax increase. Commissioner Christensen said it sounds like the Council will have to raise taxes if they ever want to redo the Laurel Street stairs. Maybe the City should get rid of all the hockey rinks this winter. Councilmember Polehna said the operating budget stayed pretty level, it’s the capital that needs to be cut. Commissioner Christensen pointed out that operating funds may be spent on capital items but capital funds may not be spent for operating expenses. Mr. Moore remarked that the City doesn’t pay for water, and existing employees do 95% of the flooding during the regular work week, so as far as saving any dollar amount - those are all given, constant costs. Councilmember Polehna said he feels there should be a separate equipment budget like a fleet management budget for items like tractors and trucks. Items like computer laptop replacement, security cameras at Teddy Bear Park and copier replacement should not be in the Parks budget. He will talk to the City Administrator about this. Commissioner Christensen commented that stairs and sidewalks are part of streets, so he is not even sure why those items are in the parks budget. Councilmember Polehna asked why is the Water Street elevated walk in the parks budget? He added that the cantilevered trail is being funded with partial state and partial City money, so more money is being spent on these things than is in the staff report and the budget. Commissioner Christensen asked that the Parks Commission be better informed of the total picture. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting August 27, 2018 Page 6 of 6 Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to recommend the removal of the Laurel Street Concrete Stairs Rehabilitation Project from the 2019 Parks Capital Outlay budget, in response to the request to reduce the budget from $818,300 to $600,000. Motion passed, 5-0. Outdoor Winter Rinks Mr. Moore provided a staff report questioning what should be a standard size ice rink. He acknowledged that the outdoor rinks at Northland, the Old Athletic Field and Lily Lake get the most use. He added that there is a possibility the City may need to take over the outdoor rink at the Rec Center this year, if there is not a new agreement with the Hockey Association. He stated that, after doing some grading at the Bergmann site, a bigger rink may be created there. Motion by Commissioner McGarry, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to recommend that the outdoor winter rinks for this winter be Lily Lake, Northland, Old Athletic Field, the Bergmann site, and if needed, the Rec Center. Motion passed 5-0. INFORMATION ITEMS continued Pioneer Park bathrooms Mr. Moore presented preliminary plans for the Pioneer Park bathrooms. The plans will go before the City Council in September authorization to advertise for bids. Dog Park Mr. Moore said quotes to provide water service in the Dog Park are around $25,000. He will bring more information to the next meeting. Trail at Bridgeview Park Mr. Moore said MnDOT is ahead of schedule on the upper trail at Bridgeview Park. It may be opening near the end of this week. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner McGlynn, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to adjourn. All in favor, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary City of Stillwater Pioneer Park Proposal # 100-112120-1 September 10, 2018 Presented by St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. September 10, 2018 Tim Moore City of Stillwater 216 4th St N Stillwater, MN 55082 Dear Tim Moore : St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. is delighted to provide City of Stillwater with this playground equipment proposal. This design was developed with your specific needs in mind, and we look forward to discussing this project further with you to ensure your complete satisfaction. St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. is confident that this proposal will satisfy City of Stillwater’s functional, environmental, and safety requirements -- and most importantly -- bring joy and excitement to the children and families directly benefiting from your new playground. You have our personal commitment to support this project and your organization in every manner possible, and we look forward to continue developing a long-standing relationship with City of Stillwater. We appreciate your consideration and value this opportunity to earn your business. Sincerely, Christopher Johnsen St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. 225 N. Second Street Stillwater, MN 55082 Design Summary St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. is very pleased to present this Proposal for consideration for the Pioneer Park located in Stillwater. BCI Burke Company, LLC has been providing recreational playground equipment for over 90 years and has developed the right mix of world-class capabilities to meet the initial and continuing needs of City of Stillwater. We believe our proposal will meet or exceed your project’s requirements and will deliver the greatest value to you. The following is a summary of some of the key elements of our Proposal:  Project Name: Pioneer Park  Project Number: 100-112120-1  User Capacity: 186  Age Groups: Ages 5-12 years  Dimensions: 132' 4" x 68' 0"  Designer Name: Kari Champeau St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. has developed a custom playground configuration based on the requirements as they have been presented for the Pioneer Park playground project. Our custom design will provide a safe and affordable playground environment that is aesthetically pleasing, full of fun for all users and uniquely satisfies your specific requirements. In addition, proposal # 100-112120-1 has been designed with a focus on safety, and is fully compliant with ASTM F1487 and CPSC playground safety standards. We invite you to review this proposal for the Pioneer Park playground project and to contact us with any questions that you may have. Thank you in advance for giving us the opportunity to make this project a success. Proposal # 100-112120-1 September 10, 2018 2018 Pricing Proposal Prepared for: Project Location: Proposal Prepared by: Tim Moore Pioneer Park St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. City of Stillwater 515 2nd St N 225 N. Second Street 216 4th St N Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater, MN 55082 Phone: 651-430-1247 Phone: 6512754102 Fax: 651-430-9231 cj@stcroixrec.com Christopher Johnsen Phone: 651-430-1247 Fax: 651-430-9231 cj@stcroixrec.com Component No. Description Qty. User Cap. Ext. User Cap. Weight Ext. Weight Burke Basics 550-0093 SINGLE POST SWING ASSEMBLY 5"... 1 2 2 237 237 550-0094 SINGLE POST SWING ADD-ON 5" OD 1 2 2 154 154 550-0100 TOT SEAT, 7' & 8' PAIR, STD ... 1 2 2 23 23 550-0112 BELT SEAT, 8' PAIR, STD CHAIN 1 2 2 20 20 550-0185 SINGLE POST SWING, ADD-ON - S... 1 1 1 127 127 550-0191 KONNECTION SWING 1 2 2 64 64 560-0553 NATURE PLAY STUMP - SMALL 1 1 1 66 66 560-0555 NATURE PLAY ROCK - SMALL 1 1 1 116 116 560-2575 PLAY HOUSE WITH BENCH AND COU... 1 12 12 453 453 560-2579 VOLTA INCLUSIVE SPINNER 1 9 9 475 475 Intensity 370-0008 WILD WEB ROPE CLIMBER 1 6 6 77 77 370-0710 TRIANGLE TRAVERSE 1 2 2 40 40 370-1608 OVISTEP LAUNCH PAD 4 1 4 10 40 370-1610 ATHLETIC ARCH OH 1 5 5 45 45 Nucleus 270-0001 OFFSET ENCLOSURE 5 0 0 30 150 270-0050 8" CLOSURE PLATE 1 0 0 10 10 270-0112 UNITARY ENCLOSURE 2 0 0 34 68 270-0130 SQUARE PLATFORM 1 6 6 106 106 270-0131 HEXAGONAL PLATFORM S5P 4 12 48 287 1,148 270-0136 SPLIT SQUARE PLATFORM 1 4 4 103 103 270-0220 8" RISE RAMP W/ BARRIERS 1 10 10 459 459 270-0221 8" RISE RAMP W/ GUARDRAILS 1 10 10 356 356 270-0223 8" RISE ENTRANCE RAMP W/ GUAR... 1 10 10 377 377 270-0266 CENTER MOUNT ENCLOSURE 2 0 0 43 86 270-0291 HALF PLATFORM W/SUPPORT 1 3 3 69 69 370-0468 32" TRANSITION STAIR W/BARRIE... 2 3 6 215 430 370-0469 40" TRANSITION STAIR W/BARRIE... 1 4 4 279 279 370-0497 STONE SLOPE CLIMBER 64" 1 2 2 131 131 370-0851 VERTO CLIMBER 3 FS 2 3 6 103 206 370-0854 VERTO CLIMBER 1 3 1 3 35 105 370-0863 TREE BRANCH CLIMBER 56" 1 2 2 25 25 470-0496 SPIRAL SLIDE 56" 1 4 4 547 547 Proposal # 100-112120-1 September 10, 2018 2018 Pricing 470-0514 ROCK'N ROLL SLIDE, 24" - 32" 1 1 1 85 85 470-0552 VIPER S 96 1 4 4 248 248 470-0624 CLUBHOUSE TILT ROOF 1 0 0 168 168 470-0638 CLUBHOUSE HEX ROOF 2 0 0 335 670 570-0394 PIPE WALL 4 0 0 36 144 570-0557 COUNTER PANEL, BELOW PLATFORM 1 4 4 37 37 570-0782 CLUBHOUSE FULL BOARD PANEL 1 0 0 35 35 570-0811 BRAILLE PANEL 1 4 4 55 55 570-0844 TRACKS 2-SIDED PLAY PANEL 1 2 2 44 44 570-1858 3-IN-A-ROW PANEL, ABOVE PLATF... 1 2 2 45 45 570-2624 HALF PIPE WALL 2 0 0 20 40 600-0104 NPPS SUPERVISION SAFETY KIT 1 0 0 3 3 670-0002 POST ASSEMBLY 5" OD X 107" 6 0 0 58 348 670-0099 INSTALLATION KIT, INTENSITY 1 0 0 2 2 670-0103 MAINTENANCE KIT, INTENSITY 1 0 0 0 0 670-0150 POST ASSEMBLY 5" OD X 80" 2 0 0 44 88 670-0161 POST, SWAGED ROOF 5" OD X 171" 2 0 0 90 180 670-0162 POST, SWAGED ROOF 5" OD X 197" 2 0 0 103 206 670-0164 POST, SWAGED ROOF 5" OD X 158" 6 0 0 83 498 670-0165 POST ASSEMBLY 5" OD X 123" 3 0 0 66 198 670-0166 POST ASSEMBLY 5" OD X 139" 8 0 0 74 592 670-0168 POST ASSEMBLY 5" OD X 158" 1 0 0 84 84 670-0169 POST ASSEMBLY 5" OD X 171" 1 0 0 91 91 670-0399 POST, SWAGED ROOF 5" OD X 206" 6 0 0 103 618 670-0422 HALF DECK UPPER POST 5" OD 2 0 0 26 52 Total User Capacity: 186 Total Weight: 11,123 lbs. Total Price: $106,896 Information is relative to the Sep 10 2018 4:35AM database. Special Notes: Prices do not include freight, unloading, material storage, site excavation/preparation, removal of existing equipment, removal of excess soil from footing holes, site security, safety surfacing, installation, or sales tax (if applicable). Prices are based on standard colors per CURRENT YEAR BCI Burke Catalog. Custom colors, where available, would be an extra charge. Pricing is valid for 45 days from the date of this proposal. Proposal # 100-112120-1 September 10, 2018 2018 Pricing Selected Color List Color Group Color Phase 1 Accessory Black Rotomolded Tan Post Olive Kore Konnect Olive Platform Brown 2 Color Extruded/Flat (outer) Tan 2 Color Extruded/Flat (inner) Green 1 Color Extruded/Flat Tan Phase 2 Accessory Black Rotomolded Tan Cozy Corner Counter Tan Cozy Corner Flower Blue Cozy Corner Metal Frame Black Cozy Corner Roof Tan Cozy Corner 1 Color Wall Tan 1 Color Extruded/Flat Tan 2 Color Extruded/Flat (outer) Tan 2 Color Extruded/Flat (inner) Green Contemporary Swing Fittings Olive Proposal # 100-112120-1 September 10, 2018 2018 Pricing Konnection SwingTM Safety Standards & Guidelines - Reference Information The Konnection Swing was designed to provide an intergenerational play opportunity and offer everyone the childhood joy of swinging! While researching the use of swings, two trends stood out to us - caregivers pushing infants in bucket seat swings and adults swinging with children on their lap. Both situations could be improved with the design of a swing designed to foster connection and increase safety. The Konnection Swing was developed as a direct result of this. The overall design is focused on fostering true connection in both eye contact and proximity leading to increased engagement for all users. Hands-free swinging allows the caregiver to hold, interact and play with the child as they both experience the thrill of swinging together. The Konnection Swing is IPEMA Certified and meets or exceeds the requirements of ASTM F1487-17, which is recognized as the standard of care in the playground industry. This ASTM public playground safety standard is revised every two to three years to remain current with innovation and market trends. The CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook hasn’t been revised since 2008 and doesn’t include new product categories that have been innovated in recent years. There are a couple of points to note when deciding to purchase a multi-user swing:  Multi-user swings are innovative and CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook doesn’t have a standard that specifically covers them.  CPSC 5.3.8.3.1 – CPSC recommends that belt swing seats should be designed to accommodate no more than one user at any time. While the Konnection Swing is a single axis swing, it is clearly not a belt seat.  CPSC 2.3.1 – CPSC says that swings intended for more than one user are not recommended because their greater mass, as compared to single occupancy swings, presents a risk of impact injury. o The ASTM safety standard, F1487, was revised in 2011 to add maximum impact requirements for swings and the Konnection Swing has been tested and is compliant with ASTM impact requirements. o CPSC has written a letter stating that “the swing impact test in F1487-11 is a reasonable approach to address the concerns posed by unoccupied, heavy, multiple occupancy swings.”  CPSC has always included an exemption to both recommendations listed above for tire swings, which are multiple occupancy swings that are suspended from a single pivot and permit swinging in any direction.  CPSC also emphasizes that their Handbook provides recommendations, not requirements. If a jurisdiction adopts the Handbook’s recommendations as mandatory requirements, that jurisdiction would need to determine how the requirements should be applied in any particular instance. ('-")13'-7" x 8'-0" x 19'-11"ASTM(ft²)492('-")6'-7"Stillwater, MNM. Ethridge--.--.----08.29.2018--.--.------.--.----ASTM/CSA (ft)87Pioneer ParkUSP.0434320412Scale: 1 inch = 4 feet ('-")13'-7" x 8'-0" x 19'-11"ASTM(ft²)492('-")6'-7"Stillwater, MNM. Ethridge--.--.----08.29.2018--.--.------.--.----ASTM/CSA (ft)87Pioneer ParkUSP.0434340824Scale: 1 inch = 8 feet ('-")13'-7" x 8'-0" x 19'-11"ASTM(ft²)492('-")6'-7"Stillwater, MNM. Ethridge--.--.----08.29.2018--.--.------.--.----ASTM/CSA (ft)87Pioneer ParkUSP.04343 ('-")13'-7" x 8'-0" x 19'-11"ASTM(ft²)492('-")6'-7"Stillwater, MNM. Ethridge--.--.----08.29.2018--.--.------.--.----ASTM/CSA (ft)87Pioneer ParkUSP.04343 attached). In summary, SEH notes that there will be ground settlement in Lowell Park due to the Ice Castle weight and recommends maintaining separation distances from the Ice Castle structure to important City infrastructure within Lowell Park to help minimize damage to City infrastructure. RECOMMENDATIONS City staff recommends that the Ice Castles event move to the Bridgeview Park venue in order to minimize potential damage to Lowell Park infrastructure and to allow the public access to and utilization of Lowell Park in early spring. If the Bridgeview Park venue is not feasible, and the Ice Castles event returns to Lowell Park for 2018-2019 season, staff recommends the following conditions of approval be included in the Ice Castles Agreement: 1. Location of the Ice Castles structure must observe all separation distances from critical Lowell Park infrastructure as noted in the SEH Letter. 2. All buildings, work shelters, storage facilities must be located above 686' elevation for flood protection. 3. The overall appearance of the Ice Castle structure, outbuildings, equipment, fencing and other ancillary items must be professional and neat and orderly throughout the setup, operation and cleanup of the Ice Castle event. The City may require additional screening or clean by Ice Castles, Inc. at its expense if the appearance is disorderly and unkempt creating a safety or nuisance concern. 3. All fuel tanks must be located above 686' elevation and contained in an enclosed structure. 4. Removal of ice must be completed by April 5, 2019 to within 4' of ground surface and all ice removed by April 30, 2019. 5. Sam Bloomer Way must be kept clear of ice. 6. Ice Castles will conduct bi-weekly meetings with City staff. 7. Ice Castles, Inc. must maintain a "fail-safe" phone contact for Ice Castle personnel. 8. The Ice Castle structure shall maintain a height limitation of 15' at north end of structure north of Myrtle Street. 9. Ice Castles, Inc. shall remit a Security Deposit in the amount of $25,000 to remediate and restore Lowell Park infrastructure based on previous years' damages. A Contractor list by must be provided to the City by Ice Castles, Inc. by April 30, 2019. If Ice Castles fails to act in a timely fashion, City reserves right, at its own discretion, to remediate and restore park to original condition and bill Ice Castle for the invoice cost plus city overheads costs of the project. Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 55110-5196 SEH is 100% employee-owned | sehinc.com | 651.490.2000 | 800.325.2055 | 888.908.8166 fax MEMORANDUM TO: Shawn Sanders, Director of Public Works FROM: Ronald B. Farmer, PE DATE: September 20, 2018 RE: 2018-19 Ice Castle Settlement SEH No. STILL 134391 14.00 PURPOSE As requested by Shawn Sanders, City Engineer, this memorandum identifies City infrastructure in the area in which the Ice Castle proposes to expand for the winter of 2018-2019 and also identifies possible impacts to that infrastructure due the weight of the ice and resulting settlement. A site visit was conducted on September 9, 2018; and it was observed that underground utilities had been marked in the vicinity of the gazebo and in the area of the proposed Ice Castle Expansion. SITE INFRASTRUCTURE Figure 1 is an aerial view of the melted 2017-2018 ice castle (white) and the proposed 2019 ice castle footprint, including the expansion to the north, shown as a blue line. The expansion is an approximately 80-foot expansion to the north. Figure 2 is taken from the Army Corps of Engineers Stage 3A Flood Control Project along the Stillwater waterfront, and it highlights: 1) Existing utilities, 2) The approximate limits of the 2017-2018 Ice Castle, 3) The approximate limits of the proposed 2018-19 Ice Castle, and 4) Soil borings in the area. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACTS As seen on Figure 2, the 2017-18 Ice Castle extended across Myrtle Street and potentially impacted existing storm sewer and watermain adjacent to Myrtle Street, as well as an east-west storm sewer line at the northern end of the Ice Castle footprint. The proposed 2018-19 extension to the north has the potential to impact additional storm sewer infrastructure, including a catch basin in the park and its connecting storm sewer connections (See Photo #1). The proposed 2018-19 extension also bulges out to the west at its northern end and is approaching the 30-inch sanitary sewer forcemain, although will likely not extend over it. The proposed Ice Castle extension does not appear to have the potential to impact the Commercial Street storm sewer outfall located further to the north. SOIL CONDITIONS Soil borings in the area include 83-2M, 05-24M. Borings 83-2M and 05-24M were completed for the Stillwater Flood Control Projects and provide geo-structural information to substantial depth, including SPT blow counts (N-values). Boring logs of Borings 83-2M and 05-24 M are included on Figures 3 and 4 respectively. Borings SEH-22 and SEH-24 were shallow borings completed for environmental purposes and do not provide any substantive geotechnical information. 2018-19 Ice Castle Settlement September 20, 2018 Page 2 Borings 83-2M and 05-24M indicate that the upper 35 feet of material (soils) include very loose sandy fill with rubble; containing bricks, pieces of wood, glass, organic material, weathered rock fragments, and sawdust. SPT N-values in Boring 83-2M range from 2 to 7; N-values in 05-24M range from 1 to 3. Based on the characteristics of the fill, it is not feasible to precisely predict settlements due to loads imposed by structures. However, it can be stated that these fill materials are likely to compress under the weight of various loads, including loads from an Ice Castle. Also, it should be noted that, north of the gazebo there is a highly compressible silt layer located from 25 to 55 feet below the normal river level that extends from near the gazebo to Mulberry Point. This layer necessitated construction of a 10-foot to 15-foot high surcharge along the riverfront, prior to construction of the new riverfront walls in Stage 2 of the riverfront project, to minimize settlement of the upper riverfront wall, which is on a shallow foundation. (The lower wall is founded on deep sheet piling.) The surcharge stopped 50 feet north of the gazebo so that settlement due to the surcharge would not adversely affect the gazebo. Light-weight fill was used behind the upper riverfront wall in this 50-foot zone to minimize settlement of the riverfront wall and gazebo. ICE CASTLE LOADING AND GROUND SETTLEMENT Based on water usage records from the 2017-18 Ice Castle construction, approximately 1.6 million gallons were used. At 8.34 pounds per gallon, the weight of the Ice Castle was 133 million pounds. The ice castle footprint was approximately 370 feet by 100 feet, or 37,000 square feet. Thus, the Ice Castle load was approximately 360 pounds per square foot (psf), average, but would have been more concentrated (higher) along the perimeter walls and at the locations of interior ice features. The 360 psf average load (or higher) would likely have induced minor ground-surface settlements and minor settlement of subsurface infrastructure. It should be noted that the pressure caused by the surcharge fill for the Stage 2 riverfront construction was on the order or 1200 psf to 1800 psf. So, the Ice Castle load is about one fourth of the construction surcharge load, which was limited to an area near the river front retaining wall and did not extend into all of Lowell Park. OBSERVATIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The previous Ice Castle(s) likely induced settlement of subsurface infrastructure such as storm sewer elements and watermain(s) due to the presence of very loose, sandy, rubble fill subsurface conditions that extend to depths of about 35 feet below existing grade. However, to date, those settlements may not have adversely affected the performance of those infrastructure elements. 2. Extension of the Ice Castle to the north (by about 80 feet) will likely result in minor surface settlements and settlement of additional storm sewer infrastructure. The Ice Castle may temporarily block surface water drainage to an existing beehive catch basin in Lowell Park (See Photograph #1) during spring melt. 3. The Ice Castle acts as a temporary surcharge each year it is constructed and settlements due to that load can be anticipated. Due to the engineering characteristics of the rubble fill and compressible organic silt soils in the area, minor surface settlement of up to a few inches can be anticipated by loads imposed by the new Ice Castle extension; and settlement can be anticipated even in areas occupied by previous Ice Castles, but may not be as extensive. 4. In order to minimize the potential for settlement of the upper riverfront wall, it is recommended that the Ice Castle remain a minimum of 20 feet away from the upper riverfront wall, and gazebo as well. 5. Previous operations of the Ice Castle maintained a suitable distance from the Sam Bloomer Way retaining wall that extends from the Historic Bridge Abutment and no adverse effects have been noted to that retaining wall as a result of the Ice Castle or its operations. If similar Ice Castle operations (and its location) are utilized for 2018-19, we would not anticipate adverse effects to that retaining wall. 6. The proposed Ice Castle extension does not extend to the Commercial Street storm sewer outfall and appears to stay about 40 feet away from that infrastructure, which is considered acceptable. These large shallow pipes would be vulnerable to damage from the weight of the ice castle, and the load must be kept away from them. It is recommended that Ice Castle construction equipment maintain a minimum 20-foot clear zone from the outfall pipes. In addition, it is recommended that the storm sewer outfall pipe alignment(s) be field located and marked before Ice Castle construction begins. 2018-19 Ice Castle Settlement September 20, 2018 Page 3 7. The proposed Ice Castle extension footprint is approaching the alignment of the 30-inch diameter sanitary sewer forcemain (see Photograph #2 – alignment is green mark on curb), which is a vital infrastructure element within the City. It is recommended that the forcemain alignment be remarked before Ice Castle construction and that the Ice Castle footprint maintain a minimum 20-foot clear zone from the forcemain alignment. dmk Attachments: Photos: Photo #1 – Beehive Storm Sewer Catch Basin in Lowell Park (Looking East) Photo #2 – 30-inch Sanitary Forcemain Alignment (Looking North) Figures: Figure 1 – 2018-19 Ice Castle Area Plan View Figure 2 – City Infrastructure – Ice Castle Area Figure 3 – Soil Boring 83-2M Figure 4 – Soil Boring 05-24M c: J. Johnson (SEH) S:\PT\S\Still\Common\Ice Castle Site Evaluation\2018\Memo\Ice Castle Settlement Memo (Rev 9_20_18).docx Photo 1 Beehive Storm Sewer Inlet (Looking East) Photo 2 Sanitary Forcemain Alignment (Looking North) s:\pt\s\still\common\ice castle site evaluation\2018\memo\photo 1 & 2.docx FIGURE 1 – 2018-19 ICE CASTLE AREA PLAN VIEW AREA OF PROPOSED EXPANSION FIGURE 2CITY INFRASTRUCTURE - ICE CASTLE AREA FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4