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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-18 PRC Packetr water u V Et k* 1" n n i 0, PA H 11 r •. n• A CITY OF STILLWATER STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE OF MEETING MONDAY, MAY 18TH, 2020 AT 7:00 PM PLEASE NOTE: Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are streamed live on the city website and available to view on Channel 16. Public can participate in the meeting by logging in online at www.zoom.us/join or by calling 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID number: 894 6758 1992. Public comments can also be emailed to stillwater@ci.stillwater.mn.us AGENDA Election of Officers. 2. Approval of the April 27th, 2020 Minutes. I Open Forum - The Open Forum is a portion of the meeting to address the Board on subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Board may take action or reply at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less. Action Items 4. Stillwater Mountain Bike Team Request 5. Name the Park — Recommendations Information Items 6. Aiple Park Plan Update & Structure Alternatives — Verbal 7. Park Facilities, Playgrounds, Sports Leagues, Park Reservations Status Update CITY OF STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING April 27, 2020 Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Pam Johnson, Sam Nelson, Sandy Snellman, Stephanie Souter, Council Representative Mike Polehna Absent: None Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore, Community Development Director Bill Turnblad, City Clerk Beth Wolf APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 24, 2020 MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to approve the February 24, 2020 meeting minutes. Motion passed, 7-0. OPEN FORUM Sheila Maybanks, 201 Bayberry Avenue Court, a member of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and a member of GreenStep Cities, expressed concerns about the Central Commons development. She read the objectives in the Comprehensive Plan regarding trails and connectivity, and is concerned that there is no designated park in this development. She would like to see ways to link this space with existing trails. Ann Martin suggested adding a trail connection that would take people from the new development to Highway 5 and over to Manning. She sees a lack of connectivity from the development to the east. Other concerns are the amount of impervious surfaces in this development and the stormwater pond being only 2.7 acres. It would be -nice to have more natural spaces for trails and parks. The development lacks a neighborhood/community park. She does not believe that nearby Sanctuary development has a park either. She would like to see Stillwater and Lake Elmo work together on developing parks and trails that connect, per the 2040 Comprehensive Plan direction. Ms. Maybanks added that for this 33 acres of property, there will be 3 1 /2 acres of open space. The plan calls for it to be seeded with prairie seeds. You don't just seed something with prairie seeds, you have to work at keeping it up. She would like to see more attention to this. There is a need for a designated park in this development. Mary Russell stated that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan requires open space. This is an obvious opportunity to create a shared park. The apartment complex looks awesome but people will want to get outside. Trails need to also be accessible for handicapped users and people with strollers. She asked if a tree survey has been considered. It would be wasteful to clear-cut the area and redevelop green space when some of the wooded area might be left. Another concern is, if the outlots will not be developed until later, could they be left natural until development will happen? She does not want to see a dustbowl. She also asked at what point is it appropriate to talk about using pollinator -friendly plantings? Councilmember Polehna replied that the Parks Commission will decide on the trail and park use. The other topics fall under the development agreement. ACTION ITEMS Planning Commission - Central Commons LLC Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 27, 2020 Mr. Turnblad reviewed the proposal. Mark Lambert, Central Commons, LLC plans to develop a 35.3 acre mixed use site at the southeast quadrant of the Highway 36 and Manning Avenue intersection in two phases. The proposed development is part of an annexation petition. The first phase of development would be synchronized with the construction of the new grade -separated interchange at Highway 36 and Manning Avenue. Site grading for this phase would begin this year and include the construction of a 95,716 square foot Hy-Vee store, a 4,100 square foot Hy-Vee fuel sales, convenience store and coffee shop, as well as a market rate apartment building with up to 200 units and four stories. Completion of these buildings is planned to occur with the completion of the new interchange late in 2021. The timing of the second phase of development is not yet known, but would occur on Outlots A and B. The exact uses on these two outlots are yet to be determined. He stated that none of the Comprehensive Plans for Lake Elmo, Oak Park Heights, Grant, Washington County or Stillwater show public parks on or near this property but they all show trails. Fees will be recommended to satisfy the park dedication requirement. There is a network of neighborhood trails in Sanctuary immediately to the west that lead to Stillwater Boulevard, and a regional trail north of Highway 36. The Manning Avenue trail will be extended south and east along what will be county road. As development occurs further to the east, that county trail would connect to Stillwater Boulevard. The dcVcivper VVIII pint In a trail connecting the apartment complex to the regional trail system. There will also be trails leading to Hy-Vee, and enhanced pedestrian crossings. To the east of the apartment building, there will be a half mile private loop trail going around the pond. In the City's current high density residential zoning district, 10% of a site is required to be in private recreational improvements. This project exceeds that due to the trail around the pond, pools, spa, courtyard, fitness center and so on. The developer has done a good job addressing the needs of the residents and of connecting to the public trail system. The cash park dedication fees would total approximately $394,200 for residential and commercial properties in Phase I. Staff recommends the park dedication requirement be satisfied with cash in lieu of land. In response to a question raised during the open forum, Mr. Turnblad stated that a tree survey is a requirement for the preliminary plat. Trees were removed before the annexation petition was submitted. The trees that are going to go, are gone. Commissioner Brandt remarked that the fact that the City of Stillwater wasn't aware of this property coming into the City is not an excuse to not adhere to what is required for the rest of the City. The site seems landlocked between two busy roads. Recreation opportunities are limited with the space they have. It seems like that should have been a consideration when planning for residential mixed in with all that commercial development. Mark Lambert, Central Commons developer, answered that he has spent a lot of time planning this development. There are five jurisdictions involved. The two drivers are Washington County, with the coming interchange reconstruction in 2022, and Hy-Vee. He encouraged the Commissioners to be patient because Washington County is in the process of putting together its plans for the 58th connection. He also said as the development gets built out, the intent is to make it a walkable area. There are a lot of trails being planned and in place. He also acknowledged the huge power line transmission field below about one - quarter of the site. He is proud of the amenities planned for the apartment building and assured the Commission he will be sensitive to pollinators and the right types of grasses - that will come later in planning process. Page 2 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 27, 2020 Commissioner Souter asked if there has been consideration to include some park amenities that might serve this development, in the design for the Lakeview Hospital land that is north of Highway 36. She also noted that the staff report mentions the possibility of waiving development fees, which could include the trail and park dedication fees. She asked if staff could comment. Mr. Turnblad answered that the pre -annexation agreement was entered by the Council before Mr. Lambert submitted the petition for annexation, to try to nail down some of the moving parts. The pre -annexation agreement addressed cost sharing for extension of the public infrastructure and included a toolbox of possibilities. The Council offered that development fees could be waived or partially waived as the Council looks at the entire cost sharing package. That is a possibility, not a given. Regarding the Lakeview property north of Highway 36, that development is still is years out. The concept for the entire Lakeview property is a wellness center. Green areas and open space have figured largely in all concept plans discussed thus far. Commissioner Nelson expressed concern about the impact of continually growing out on the edges. The more the City grows outward, the more difficult it gets to connect all the trails. He is concerned that with this ever -outward growth, the City's identity as a community is being lost. He asked the developer to discuss ways this can be counteracted. Mr. Lambert said what is happening here echoes what happened with Manning and the foresight to connect Manning with residential areas to the north. He views this as a win -win. This development will be a shop/walk type community. The ability to have 200 families/individuals next to a Hy-Vee and a major arterial is a great opportunity. Washington County is starting a transit study so there may be an opportunity here for a park'n'ride. This will complement Stillwater's historic downtown rather than compete with it. Commissioner Brandt remarked that Liberty definitely feels like a neighborhood with the convenience store, restaurants and bars. If that is the feel that is desired with this development, it would be good. That is out of the purview of the Parks Commission. He too wants to retain a sense of community. Commissioner Johnson asked what is the difference between a community trail and a regional trail? Mr. Turnblad responded that a regional trail is constructed by the county. Community trails are constructed, owned and maintained by the City. Commissioner Snellman asked what the trail fee would cover. Mr. Turnblad replied that the development agreement will spell out the details. Staff is recommending that the trail requirement be satisfied through a combination of cash and trail construction, with the proposed trail construction costs deducted from the total obligation. Since there are no park improvements envisioned, staff recommends that the park dedication obligation be fulfilled through the payment of park dedication fees. Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to recommend that the City Council approve the proposed park and trail dedication requirements for Central Commons, LLC, with the trail dedication requirement being a mix of construction and fees paid, and with the park dedication being fee in lieu of land. Motion passed, 5-2 with Commissioners Christensen and Brandt voting nay. INFORMATION ITEMS Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 27, 2020 Mark Sergeant, a resident of Stillwater, asked if there is a plan to close City parks in response to COVID-19. Public Works Superintendent Moore replied that this week the City will open bathrooms in Pioneer Park, the pedestrian plaza and south Lowell Park. The tennis courts will also be opened. There has been no decision on playgrounds. Porta potties will be placed at different locations. Per CDC guidance the bathrooms will cleaned at least twice a day and on weekends. A disinfecting machine has been ordered. Additionally, staff started removing the earthen wall and jersey barriers downtown, and Lowell Park should be totally open by the weekend. COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS Commissioner Nelson asked about the lift bridge opening. Councilmember Polehna replied that the Lift and Loop celebration was rescheduled for August 28-29. Hands across the Croix has been postponed until 2021. He is not sure when the lift bridge will be opened for pedestrians. Councilmember Polehna asked why Chilikoot hill is not open. Mr. Moore replied that the Main Street steps are not open so staff closed Chilikoot. Commissioner Brandt asked if the Council is discussing delaying projects or re-evaluating plans for 2020 given budget shortages. Councilmember Polehna answered that the Council will start discussing budgetary considerations on Tuesday. Ann Martin urged the developer of Central Commons to consider using permeable surfaces on some of the trails to help water issues and to please make connectivity a priority. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed, 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Linda Amrein, Chair ATTEST: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Page 4 of 4 - Ewa ter, 1 " P. f $I' Y r M► A c 9 4 11 1 N $4 F\ li 1 R PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 18, 2020 REGARDING: Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Association Request for Brown's Creek Park Trail Use PREPARED BY: Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner INTRODUCTION In 2016 the City Council granted the Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Association (SASCA) a license to use Browns Creek Park (north of the Browns Creek Trail) for mountain bike practice. The license granted access to the park, one time a week, for approximately eight weeks in the fall. The City received no complaint of the licensed use. SPECIFIC REQUEST Matt Lehmann, SASCA board member, has submitted a request for the organization to utilize the park trails for practice this year. The use would be two days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The request is for an eight week time period between September 8 and October 27, 2020. ANALYSIS With the City Council's support for this limited use in this location in 2016 coupled with the fact the City received no complaint of the use, staff does not anticipate issue with the request. COMMISSION CONSIDERATION If the Commission is favorable, they should recommend the City Council approve the limited use license. tiF — T 1 �l. .i t • - p ji - - ' . -r--. _ .►'a' �a o....,,. +•sue �r •i°i*i�O�ii' ' � a ' [�r ❖!+O ter.: •+i '. � 4 e - �a��oi �� •i + P rr• � • i`i • p+�4°rr _ - � . a:o,'-`• �04°• a• • a• l� a • = - �� *19 f ::� •: ••w����fdeii9$p�i i a• •yZ"a^'•�' : " •' a'i v''• { �ti+i ►'•r•i�e r'•!• !i`dil�•o°O• • •a F - + • d . .. �LL•i � � i s`•`e o •Fri ai+� ` ! • ••000 � ..r �R' ' •' �i %�i o ,� ►r ' ti!:: lsra?-ram-!.',..° P : ° i • Oy : �iF� �i � i io :�.r `•. ° '_ •v •a i - , • a3b� r . r g *ar• a . �i arrra� r•o°e `i P• .F 1 a�lda tr .S � - - b e :" • "�.. � .a .'r4 •i a : �•r•��vi'.Sr:.:• °+°:ivv �°. i�,l�.°.�ia .°. i°.'�° e• � a a a i� • •Oa,',. • ►r �• F� �a o 0 0 r.'e a° e� " '. � - , i ♦.t !* ri :ate tr a�•a �• •4la�y �•o� a' a � :'a • : io' a �, '-� ••; i •►a► •�': 6s•' r*► +a• a50i�4i �� +e+•�,e�i4' • i o' • -. • :o: «. . •..' vi i3r• a•.r �:°*� �• a�•�'j0 air e� %J� : r�'•J:• � ;R�� a�i .�aa •• •!a C4:rs t`: e01.�. • • *y�0'�k"i ai .R i a. e y"- a9•tirklr °s•� s' ��: .:,e :'e+�iy+.� _ w • 'YF 1 Y. � � N I r 0 water T H E 8 1 R T H P L A C E 0 E N1 I N N E S 0 1 A Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Date: May 14, 2020 Re: Name the Parks DISCUSSION The City of Stillwater has received suggestions from the public on naming the two new park properties (1513 Main St. N & Corner of Hwy 96 and CR15). These suggestions were reviewed by City staff and have made recommendations, highlighted in yellow on the attached sheets. RECOMMENDATION The Parks and Recreation Commission should discuss and select a name for each park to present to City Council. Park 1 -1513 Main Street North Aiple Hidden View Park Aiple Lumberjack Park Aiple Park Aiple River Park Bird City Park - regarding Audubon Bird City Blue Heron Park - Seen herons on the river Brown's Creek Park - Near the start of Brown's Creek Trail Crew Park Croix Nature Park Daydream Park Decotah Townsite Park -early settlement that predated Stilwater and as the seat of St Croix County Dutchtown Park - Honor the neighborhood history John Runk Park - He did so much to show us the city a century and more ago Limestone Rock Park Lumber Lane Park Maggie Park - After Dave Magnuson who lived in Stillwater his whole life Marina Michi Zeebee Park in Ojibway means Greatest River Mill Park - Northwester Mill was on that site Navigation Park - Stillwater historically being the Port of Navigation for the St Croix Peavey Park - A shout out to the tools log drivers used to work the river (invented by Joseph Peavey of Stillwater) River North Park Riverbend Park Riverside Park - explainitory, simple Rower's Park Sandy Shores Park Skinny Mini - open space St Croix River Shores Park Steamboat Park Tamarack House Park - Recognizing an 1840 landmark on the St. Croix home of Dr Chrisopher and Lydia Carli Timber Town Park Trout Fish Park Underbluff Park White Pine Park Zephyr Park Zephyr Waterfront Park 2 - Corner of Hwy 96 and CRIS Aiple Park Brown Creek Park Browns Creek Overlook Park Creek Field Park - Browns creek starts there, it's a large field like area Grogans Bluff Park Jiigbiig Park Just extend Millbrook Parks name Kussmaul Park Lyman Park - First settlers of Stillwater Township were brother D.P and C.S. Lyman MannDell Park Manning Park Manning Wood Park Millbrook Field Millbrook West Park Northwest City Park Northwest Park Palmer Perk Peaceful Steps Park Pine Gulch Park Pines Roundabout Park Rutherford Park Twin Lake Park r1 0 .111,wa-ter THE BIRTHPLACE OE MINNES0IA 1V11QttTz To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Date: May 14, 2020 Re: Aiple Park Plan Update DISCUSSION Abbi Wittman, City Planner, will lead a discussion on the Aiple Park plan update and structure alternatives. r illWater T H E B I R T H P L A C E 0 E M I N N E J 0 1 A Memo To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Date: May 14, 2020 Re: Park Facilities, Playgrounds, Sports Leagues, Park Reservations Status Update INFORMATION During the Covid-19 Pandemic there has been limited use of park facilities. All playgrounds were closed as well as the various downtown stairs. Pioneer Park, Pedestrian Plaza and Lowell Park Bathrooms were opened on May 11t, along with the City's tennis courts. Currently, the City is working on a plan to open up playgrounds and stairs by adding additional signage for use. These would be installed prior to opening these City facilities. Saint Croix Valley Athletic Association, Stillwater Area Baseball Association, and the School District are working on providing a plan to have a limited season this summer. Staff is waiting for an update on their plans that will follow CDC guidelines. Staff is looking for comments and concerns from the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the use of City ballfields and courts for the summer season. On March 171h, City Council cancelled all park reservations through June 1st. At the latest City Council meeting they extended event cancellations through the month of July. City Council will be discussing further closures affecting parks at their May 19th meeting.