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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-25 PRC MINThe Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES January 25, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Brandt called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:03 p.m. Present: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Christensen, Johnson, Nelson, Snellman, Souter, Council Representative Polehna Absent: None Staff: Public Works Superintendent Moore, Public Works Director Sanders OPEN FORUM Louise Watson thanked Public Works staff and the Parks Commission for helping at the Buckthorn Bust at Lily Lake in December. She said the group will address the Commission soon about making the area more habitat -friendly. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of November 23, 2020 regular meeting Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the November 23, 2020 meeting minutes. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS County Highway 5 - Stonebridge Trail Project Update Andrew Giesen, Washington County Public Works Project Manager, explained the project. Phase 1 was constructed in 2018, Phase 2 is planned for 2023, and Phase 3 is planned for 2025. He shared the design alternatives that were created based on feedback. All three alternatives include connections to the Brown's Creek Trail, resurfacing the existing roadway and trails, adding turn lanes at the intersection of Johnson Court, and making a separate pedestrian trail bridge adjacent to the existing County Highway 5 bridge. The alternatives differ in where trails are located and how trail connections are made. The preferred alternative will be chosen later in 2021. The next steps are to secure funding, acquire any necessary right of way, final design, and construction in 2025. A second public outreach is underway. Councilmember Polehna asked why Phase 3 construction is waiting till 2025. Mr. Giesen replied that Phase 3 was originally planned for 2023, but essentially due to COVID- 19 impacts, projected revenue sources are down, impacting many County projects. As the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting January 25, 2021 economy starts to improve, there is a chance this could get bumped back up earlier than 2025, especially if the County is successful in getting state funding to help pay for the project. Public Works Director Sanders added that the Manning/36 interchange project, the 58th Street project, Phase 2 and Phase 3 of this project all require City and County cost participation. All three projects cannot be done within a one or two year period. It was felt that Manning/36 was first priority, 58th Street was second, and this Phase 3 would be third. Councilmember Polehna asked if pollinator -friendly plantings will be considered. Mr. Giesen replied there is County right-of-way where there is an opportunity to add more pollinator -friendly habitat into the design. Councilmember Polehna asked if the rest stop north of town, which is now all overgrown, will be improved. Mr. Giesen said the County can look at improving that. Councilmember Polehna asked if preserving the old stone bridge will be part of this project. Mr. Giesen replied that the County is considering including the stone arch bridge, built in the 1800s. Currently the bridge is on private property along Brown's Creek. The County has met with the private property owner and has inspected the bridge. Engineers are now working on putting together alternatives on how the bridge might be preserved as a public treasure. Northland Park - Play Structure Mr. Moore stated that the City budgeted $63,100 for a play structure in 2021 to replace Northland Upper and Lower play structures with one combined structure in the lower location. Improving accessibility will add some cost to the project: accessible walks, mulch and play features. He reviewed a proposed design from BCI Burke Company, LLC for a total estimate of $54,072. The next step will be to gain feedback from the public on the City's website and through its polling program, and bring back results at the next meeting. Commissioner Souter recalled a past meeting when residents spoke out about wanting to be notified and involved in park upgrades in their neighborhoods. Mr. Moore replied the project will be put on the City's web site and Facebook page, and he will talk to the City Clerk about other ways of getting the word out, including noticing residents within a project radius area. OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION Mr. Moore updated the Commission on various projects. Plans and specs are done for the Laurel Street steps. Lowell Park bathrooms have heat installed and will be opened this weekend. The pickleball courts might be speeded up after talking with the contractor. The Commission will revisit possible names for the Aiple property at the February meeting. Mr. Sanders informed the Commission that with the merging of the Water Board into the City under the Public Works Department, there are now three divisions of Public Works: Streets, Utilities, and Parks. Mr. Moore is now the Streets Superintendent and Robert Benson is the Utilities Superintendent. The City interviewed for the Parks Superintendent position and recently filled the position. The Parks Superintendent will become the liaison to the Commission instead of Mr. Moore. Mr. Moore asked if the Commissioners are open to having agendas and packets electronically (emailed) instead of paper. The consensus was yes. Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting January 25, 2021 Commissioner Johnson asked about a previous recommendation to change the name of the Commission to Parks and Trails. Mr. Sanders said the name change never took place. Councilmember Polehna informed the Commission that Sustainable Stillwater has been working to make Stillwater a bicycle -friendly community. They are considering having a loop trail grand opening the weekend of August 15, depending on COVID. He added that this past weekend, 72 people rode the trail in the Stillwater Fat Tire Bike Rally. Mr. Sanders said the City recently was awarded a $50,000 grant for a canoe and kayak boat launch for the Aiple property. Commissioner Nelson commended the City on the new downtown lights. Commissioner Johnson added that the lights on the bridge are spectacular. Commissioner Christensen asked for an update on the Neal Avenue project. Mr. Sanders responded that two of the three easements needed to complete the road and trail construction are secured. Staff is working with the City attorney now to acquire the third property and plans to get it constructed in the summer 2021. He added that the DNR permit, concurrence letter from the National Park Service, and verbal concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office have been received for the Riverbank Stabilization and Riverwalk project. All documentation will be submitted to the Corps of Engineers who will issue a permit. Construction is planned for this spring. Chairman Brandt reminded the Commissioners of the Boards and Commissions training on January 28. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. David Brandt, Chair ATTES WeL7,- Tim Moore, Public Works Superintendent Page 3 of 3