Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-22 PRC MinutesCITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING April 22, 2019 Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt (left at 7:30), Scott Christensen, Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Stephanie Souter Absent: Council Representative Mike Polehna Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 25, 2019 MINUTES Chairwoman Amrein requested that the following typos be corrected: 1) page 1, paragraph 4, "without her any notice" should be "without her receiving any notice." 2) page 7, "then have it come back to the Commission April 24" should be "then have it come back to the Commission April 22." Commissioner Christensen stated, regarding the discussion on page 11 about the parking lot on the east side of Lake McKusick across from the Harbor, that he verified that the lot is posted for two hour parking. The minutes are correct but he wanted it noted for the record that he checked it. Commissioner Brandt asked that on page 3, paragraph 3, "Commissioner Brandt added that is what brought the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) back to light. (the rest of his comments were inaudible)" be amended to read, "Commissioner Brandt added that is what brought the CIP back to light in reference to the hockey rink discussion." He also asked that paragraph 6, "Commissioner Brandt stated what the Commission approved was the concept of an ice rink (inaudible) but (inaudible)" be amended to read, "Commissioner Brandt stated what the Commission approved was the concept of an ice rink to be researched further, not the actual building of an ice rink. " Public Works Superintendent Moore reminded the Commissioners to pull the microphone close and speak into the microphone. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to approve the March 25, 2019 meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed, 7-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. INFORMATION ITEMS Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Commission Member New Commissioner Stephanie Souter introduced herself. Commission Direction Chairwoman Amrein led discussion of the duties of the Parks Commission as found in the Municipal Code. She asked for suggestions as to how the Commission might stimulate positive public interest in parks facilities and programs, as found in Sect. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2019 48-1, Subd. 4, and how to discourage vandalism and destruction in City parks and as found in Sect. 48-2, Subd. 2. Commissioner Brandt pointed out that vandalism is discouraged through use of vandal -resistant materials such as paintable surfaces. Commissioner Christensen noted that the information in Sect. 48-3 about use of Lily Lake is outdated. Mr. Moore said the Commission will revisit the use of Lily Lake in the future and make a recommendation to the City Council for amendments to the Municipal Code. Commissioner Nelson remarked that the Commission doesn't really deal with recreational programming in the parks as stated in Sect. 48-1, Subd. 4, 8 and 9. It would seem appropriate for the Commission to either get more involved with schools in regard to recreational programming, or look at doing City programs. Commissioner Christensen suggested the name of this group be the Parks and Trails Commission rather than the Parks and Recreation Commission because in reality, the Commission oversees the parks but is not in charge of recreational programs. Many cities have organized activities overseen by the city but those cities have full time parks directors, which Stillwater does not. Commissioner Nelson commented that there is a lot of use of the parks by groups. The Commission shouldn't need to approve every single use, but should know which organizations are making use of the parks. Chairwoman Amrein asked Mr. Moore if he spends a lot of time doing what a designated park director would do. Mr. Moore replied yes. As Public Works Superintendent, he is responsible for all the operations. Years ago, the City decided to rely on the school district and other youth groups to administer programs in the City facilities. He will gather a list of the different groups that use City parks and facilities. Commissioner McGlynn noted that the Commission previously discussed the need for a parks director. He asked what would it take to perhaps get a half time person. Mr. Moore responded this has been brought up in the past and staff will bring it up again this year as part of the budget proposal. Annual Parks Tour Mr. Moore suggested touring Pioneer Park and Prairie Park in Settler's Glen. Chairwoman Amrein suggested Bridgeview Park or the Aiple property. Commissioner Nelson suggested touring Kolliner Park because interest will increase when the lift bridge reopens. Birchwood Landin , LLC of ILHC of Stillwater LLC Superintendent Moore reported that Phase II of a four-phase senior living Planned Unit Development known as the Lakes at Stillwater is being platted. Phase II includes 4 lots and 2 outlots for a total of 30 independent living units. Phase II Park and Trail Dedication fees will be paid prior to the release of a building permit. Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2019 St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon - July 27 2019 Mr. Moore shared a handout conveying staff's recommendation that the finish line be moved to the Shoddy Mill due to concerns about safety and congestion downtown. Stacy Einck, Run Stillwater, said she understands the intent of moving the finish line to alleviate congestion, but there are issues with moving it: 1) Congestion. The Shoddy Mill area is congested and uneven, with low spots, a ravine between the paths and soft soil. It does not have enough room for the finish line, race trucks and ambulances, recovery food and water (15-20 tables). Congestion in the finish area creates an unsafe environment. She stated that the Downtown Parking Commission (DTPC) approved the use of portions of Lots 2 & 3 where there is space to accommodate the finish line. 2) Stress on the trail. She understands that moving the finish line to the Shoddy Mill area is intended to alleviate stress on the trail. However it will create more of a problem because all the spectators would be coming down the path on bikes, on foot, with kids and strollers continuously throughout the morning. This would create more chaos along the trail with people coming from both directions rather than the runners continuing north through that area as part of the race. Run Stillwater can work with St. Croix Boat & Packet to make sure they have access for their operations. Mr. Moore asked if Run Stillwater has talked to St. Croix Boat & Packet about having their patrons not park along the trail or in part of the South Main parking lot. Ms. Einck replied they have not yet talked to St. Croix Boat & Packet directly but they know from the City that Run Stillwater will be able to purchase parking passes elsewhere for St. Croix Boat & Packet for that day, for parking mitigation. Mr. Moore commented there may not be room for the bike fence along the trail at the Freight House, especially with cars parked there and bumpers hanging over. Ms. Einck replied the bike fence is more for safety than anything else. They have already reserved part of that parking lot with the DTPC to be part of the finish area and will work with staff regarding exactly how many spaces they will have. The gravel area on the west side of the path can be a walking path. People will still be able to cross the trail as long as they wait till a runner goes by. Mr. Moore asked Commissioner Christensen if the finish might be drawn out more due to the weather in July. Commissioner Christensen said, having run many marathons and half marathons, it seems incomprehensible that a race of this size could finish at the Shoddy Mill location. He understands staff's opinion that it's too narrow in the proposed location further into town. When runners finish a race, they tend to move in every direction. In addition, most medical emergencies happen at the finish line so there could be a need for multiple ambulances. Ms. Einck confirmed that the 10' wide path is wide enough for a finish line. There are races around the country that run 40,000 people on a 10' wide path. Mr. Moore asked if spectators could be accommodated along the trail as well. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2019 Ms. Einck said they believe they can accommodate spectators along the trail. They will have marshals and race staff along the corridor to help people move safely. They also will have public safety in areas where they are crossing roadways. They will have 55 road marshals who have worked with them before to help control the crowd. Commissioner Snellman commented if the finish line is at the Shoddy Mill area, it could generate twice as much congestion with people going past the boats to and from the finish line. Commissioner McGlynn said it will be interesting to hear feedback from St. Croix Boat & Packet. Ms. Einck stated that on Saturday morning, there is a public boat cruise that leaves at 11:30 a.m. The race closes at 11:00 a.m. By 10:45 a.m. 98% of the runners will be gone. Run Stillwater can buy out that morning's cruise if necessary. Run Stillwater will have staff to maintain access to the boats so they can be stocked for the cruise. She will talk to St. Croix Boat & Packet right away, but wanted to talk to the DTPC and the Parks Commission first. Commissioner Nelson acknowledged that it doesn't seem like an improvement to move the finish line to the Shoddy Mill. It seems to make the most sense for it to finish where proposed by Run Stillwater. Randy Gutzmann, Run Stillwater, stated the race will be a wonderful way to introduce people to the downtown area. They plan for this to be an annual run. There is a lot of excitement from the business community and the race has the full support of the Independent Business Association. They would be disappointed with the finish at Bridgeview Park because that property isn't ready for primetime use. Ms. Einck added that they use over 1,000 volunteers each year. She explained their volunteer for donation program with nonprofit organizations. She reminded the Commission that the race starts at 7:00 a.m. and is completed at 11:00 a.m. Commissioner Christensen acknowledged that running races are disruptive and people will complain no matter what. He believes the proposed finish area with parking lots on both sides is wide enough. The biggest safety issue will be people walking between cars. There will be a lot of mass confusion with 3,000 people there. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to approve the finish line for the St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon per the plan provided by the Community Development Director as requested by Run Stillwater. Motion passed 6-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner McGlynn, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adjourn. All in favor, 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. ATTEST: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Page 4 of 4 r`e.-w Linda Amrein, Chair