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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-16 PRC Minutes CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING December 16, 2019 Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Pam Johnson, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: Commissioners Scott Christensen and Stephanie Souter Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, Community Development Director Turnblad APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 18, 2019 MINUTES Chairwoman Amrein asked for a definition of silent sports activities. Councilmember Polehna explained that “silent sports activities” refers to water sports including paddleboards, rowing, and kayaking. Commissioner Snellman pointed out a typo on Page 3, “they hope the Lowell Park location WILL draw more spectators.” Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the November 18, 2019 meeting minutes as corrected. Motion passed, 5–0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. ACTION ITEMS North Hill Community Garden Megan Lehmann and Siri Kellermann requested that the City renew its agreement with the North Hill Community Garden. They summarized the history and operation of the garden. Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that staff has no concerns and recommends approval of another three year lease. Commissioner Nelson suggested extending the agreement to five years. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to recommend that the City Council approve a three to five year license for the North Hill Community Garden. Motion passed, 5-0. Curling Center Discussion Community Development Director Turnblad stated that the St Croix Curling Club (SCCC) is interested in building a state of the art eight sheet curling center south of the rec center dome. SCCC proposes to lease the land for $1/year for 40 years. The skateboard park would need to be relocated either on-site or at Lily Lake. Depending on where the skateboard park is relocated, there is room for construction of 150-180 parking spaces. SCCC would like the City to construct and pay for the parking lot. The building would be SCCC’s responsibility to finance, construct, maintain and manage. Food and drink service would be available to rec center athletes and guests. The SCCC would work with the rec center to avoid scheduling conflicts. The Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting December 16, 2019 Page 2 of 4 SCCC is requesting a three year commitment to the agreed upon elements of the project with an option to extend if sufficient funds are not raised. Mr. Turnblad presented information on different types of ownership and management models for similar clubs. He discussed parking challenges. The City Council has asked the Parks Commission to make a recommendation on: 1) the use of this public property by the SCCC, in consideration of what public value would be served; and 2) a preferred site to relocate the skateboard park. Jim Honsvall, St. Croix Curling Club treasurer, explained that the SCCC is a nonprofit organization of 150 experienced curlers. They are in their second season at St. Mary’s Point arena, which they rent on Sundays. There are no dedicated curling facilities in the east metro. He showed a video about the sport. He stated the club’s membership fees are very inexpensive. They would integrate the facility with the schools and may offer discounts. The traditional socialization after the game is an important element of the sport. He stated that curling is a growing sport with national champions, some of whom are from Minnesota. Councilmember Polehna said that SCCC and the Council are trying to determine how the facility would be operated. Having a curling facility meets the objective of having a year-round city, bringing people into Stillwater in the wintertime and contributing to community health and fitness. It could bring world class competitions to Stillwater. Commissioner Brandt suggested that part of the parking lot might be used for temporary relocation of the skateboard park. He is concerned about increasing the amount of impervious surface at Lily Lake. Commissioner Snellman remarked if the skateboard park is near Lily Lake it might be more accessible and visible. Commissioner Johnson said she would like the skateboard park to be in a visible location where it will be used. Mr. Turnblad said Councilmembers and key staff members will tour St. Paul Curling Club on January 8. The SCCC may be able to extend the invitation to Parks Commission members as well. Commissioner Nelson asked how many members the Club needs to pay operating costs. Mr. Honsvall replied their break-even is around 600. They already have 150 and expect no problem getting to 1,000 members. Commissioner Brandt said he supports this use of the space and likes the idea of curling but acknowledged that the City also had swim clubs looking at that space and they were basically turned away because there was not enough parking to host big events. There might be other uses that would put heads in beds as well. Councilmember Polehna noted that a pool can be a large operational drain. Commissioner Nelson asked where the $500-700,000 for parking would come from. Councilmember Polehna replied it would be a capital improvement done by the City. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting December 16, 2019 Page 3 of 4 Mr. Turnblad added that constructing 225 parking spaces would cost about $750,000. There are many options for funding. The City would probably schedule some kind of pro-rata share of the bond payback. He said the City is working on a request for proposals to do a master plan for the rec center site which will address the issue of use of the site for existing skating rinks and parking needs. Commissioner Nelson stated he is in favor of the SCCC use of the site. However the City must recognize that this area is heavily used and has existing parking problems. If the building goes in, the City loses flexibility in where to put additional parking. Mr. Turnblad acknowledged that is one of the issues to consider. If the Curling Center is not constructed south of the dome, another 225 parking spaces would fit there. If the center is built, that area could probably max out at 180 parking spaces. Mr. Honsvall pointed out that SCCC would agree not to have tournaments on weekends when there are big weekend events at the rec center, so the whole 180 spaces would be available for hockey tournaments. Commissioner Johnson commented when she thinks of adding more parking, she thinks of the huge Cub Foods/Target parking area that is not filled very often. Commissioner Nelson said he is definitely in favor of the proposal if he can be confident that the people who are using the area now will be able to keep using it. Commissioner Brandt said this public land is not being utilized to its fullest potential and a Curling Center would be a good fit for the site. Opera on the River 2020 Obed Floan and Megan Wagner, Operatunity Theatre, explained their application for Opera on the River to be held in North Lowell Park on August 1, 2020, with August 2 as a rain date. Plan B for flooding calls for the use of parking lots 5 and 9. They would like to add a performing arts fair to draw more of a crowd throughout the day, with booths for local performing arts organizations. They also hope to add a vocal competition for local performers. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to recommend that the City Council approve Opera on the River 2020. Motion passed, 5-0. St. Croix River Lift and Loop Celebration Councilmember Polehna explained an event application for the lift bridge reopening celebration scheduled for May 15 and 16, 2020, involving ribbon cutting and dinner on the bridge Friday served by elected officials, pancake breakfast on the plaza area Saturday, and hands across the bridge. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Brandt, to recommend that the City Council approve the St. Croix River Lift and Loop Celebration. Motion passed, 5-0. INFORMATION ITEMS Frozen Flannel Outdoor Curling and Bonspiel Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting December 16, 2019 Councilmember Polehna reviewed an application for a Frozen Flannel Outdoor Curling and Bonspiel event to be held at Lily Lake Park on January 18 and 19, 2020. The format will be changed this year to make it a kick-off to the Stillwater Winter Games, so there will be other activities on Lily Lake. Planning Projects Mr. Moore reported that City Planner Wittman got a grant for a structural review of the Lowell Park Gazebo. Update on Name the Park Contest Mr. Moore stated that staff is working on getting this contest out on the City web site. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Councilmember Polehna said a firm will be selected to do the Aiple Property master plan. Commissioner Nelson offered a reminder that Stillwater is way over its goals for regional parks and way under for neighborhood parks. The City should keep in mind how to develop neighborhood parks. Chairwoman Amrein reminded the Commission that neighborhood residents would like input when parks are renovated. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Linda Am rein, Chair ATTEST: �1 Kat,e1--L— Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Page 4 of 4