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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-22 PRC Minutes CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING July 22, 2019 Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners Pam Johnson, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Stephanie Souter, Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioners David Brandt and Scott Christensen Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 24, 2019 MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Souter, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the June 24, 2019 meeting minutes. Motion passed, 5–0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS Northland Park Pickleball Sandy Hudson, 604 St. Croix Avenue, Stillwater, representing the advisory board for the Stillwater Pickleball group, outlined a request that Northland Park be improved to include 8 permanent pickleball courts with windscreens and dividers between courts. Currently Northland has 2 permanent pickleball courts and 2 tennis courts striped for dual use. The pickleball group has grown significantly in numbers and now uses the courts 6 days a week and 4 evenings. Craig Williams, 10833 114th Street North, Grant Township, explained why pickleball has become so popular. He noted that tennis is not as popular as it used to be and there is great demand for pickleball courts. Tennis players generally do not want to share courts. The cracks at the Northland courts are redeveloping. As long as it will be resurfaced next year, they would like the City to dedicate the courts for pickleball. Chairwoman Amrein asked how pickleball differs from tennis. Mr. Williams explained that the court is smaller and it is more compatible for older people to play. He listed other communities that are installing more dedicated pickleball courts. The 160 Stillwater Pickleball group members are primarily from the Stillwater area. Councilmember Polehna commented that the tennis players will likely ask why pickleball needs more dedicated courts, displacing tennis. Mr. Williams answered it is a matter of supply and demand. Ms. Hudson added that even losing the 2 tennis courts at Northland, there are 24 other tennis courts nearby. Commissioner Johnson said she likes to see the park used. Pickleball is a growing sport. Superintendent Moore said that the City plans to stripe 2 courts at Staples Field for dual use, and one permanent tennis court, and see how that works. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 22, 2019 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Nelson pointed out if the request is granted there would be 23 pickleball courts, both dedicated and non-dedicated. He asked if it is more important to have courts in a consolidated area, or to have more courts throughout the City? Ms. Hudson stated that having a dedicated area lets players know they can get a game any time without waiting long. If the City can get more than 8 courts at Northland, they would welcome them. The Northland location is good because it has ample parking and easy access. Lily Lake courts are windy so it is harder to play there with the light weight pickleball. At Staples Field there are a couple neighbors who don’t like it and the houses are close by. Commissioner Souter asked if the Northland courts are used for lessons or school district play. Mr. Moore answered the only place the school district has used tennis courts in the past is Lily Lake. He does not know of any lessons at Northland Park. Commissioner Nelson asked 5-10 years out, what would be ideal for the pickleball community? Ms. Hudson replied she sees the demand for pickleball courts growing. Mr. Moore noted the City is just starting the budget process. They still do not know what court resurfacing will cost. There may be room at Northland to fit 8 courts but he is not ready to commit to that yet. There needs to be some room between courts. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to request staff to research development of the maximum number of dedicated pickleball courts at Northland. Commissioner Nelson remarked he would like to get feedback from a wide range of people. Mr. Moore said the City could hold a public information meeting and develop a survey. Motion passed, 4-0 with Commissioner Snellman abstaining. Development of Liberty Village Outlot C Mr. Moore stated that Todd Konigson would like to develop Liberty Village Outlot C into six live-work townhome units. The proposed three-story structures would have an in-home office at street level with two stories of residential space above. As part of the development project, the applicant is requesting approval of the reduced size of a public/private parking lot located on the private land to which the City holds easement. The 19-space parking area was originally intended to accommodate commercial uses in the area and the needs of Settler’s Park, classified as a Neighborhood Park, when the businesses were not using the parking. Settler’s Park contains two tennis courts and a large, open green area with a kick/baseball diamond with fencing and a small set of bleachers. The Comprehensive Plan’s park element shows no planned parks on or through the property. 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. In terms of trails and sidewalks, a sidewalk exists along both street frontages. The contribution to the trail system would have to be in the form of a fee in lieu, $500 per new lot created. Therefore, the total park and trail fee would be $2,500 for each new residential lot created. The total for the development would be $15,000 in park and trail dedication fees. Staff is also asking the Commission to review the reduction of 10 public/private parking lot spaces Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 22, 2019 Page 3 of 3 adjacent to Settler’s Park and provide comment to the Planning Commission and City Council. City staff recommends the Park and Recreation Commission accept a cash dedication of $15,000 for Liberty Village 5th Addition park and trail obligations. Todd Konigson, applicant, 201 Sixth Street South, Stillwater, explained there will be a total of 25 parking spaces with the existing street parking. The improvement would add 21 new finished, improved parking spaces not including on-street parking. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the fee in lieu of park and trail dedication for Liberty Village 5th Addition totaling $15,000, and to approve the parking space reduction. Motion passed, 5–0. INFORMATION ITEMS Project Updates Mr. Moore updated the Commission of progress on several projects: The Dog Park water service has been installed and the City is awaiting delivery of the fountain. It will be a summer service only and winterized and blown out every fall. The Pioneer Park restrooms and play structure are completed. The ADA access ramp for the play structure will be installed the week of July 24. Design continues on the Riverbank Stabilization and Riverwalk project from Nelson Street to the south corporate limits. Construction could begin this winter and could take up to one year. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for design services will be drafted for the Aiple Property Master Plan. Construction could begin in 2020 and continue into 2021. The business plan for the Bergstein buildings will be drafted in 2019/2020. Construction will hopefully begin in 2020 or 2021. Design of Bridgeview Park is scheduled for 2021 with construction in 2022-2023. Design of the Chestnut Street Plaza is scheduled for 2020 with construction in 2021. Replacement of the Northland Park hockey rink should be completed by the end of August. Boards and Commissions Picnic Mr. Moore reminded the group of the Boards and Commissions Picnic August 22. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adjourn. All in favor, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.