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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-22 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 March 22, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Brandt called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Christensen, Johnson, Snellman, Souter, Council Representative Polehna Absent: Commissioner Nelson Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode, Public Works Superintendent Moore, City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of February 22, 2021 regular meeting Commissioner Snellman pointed out two spelling errors in the minutes. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to approve the February 22, 2021 meeting minutes as corrected. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Becci Dawson -Cox, Trillium Garden Club, explained that for years the Club has maintained the sunken garden across from the Lowell Inn. She was informed by the Community Development Director that the garden will be totally rebuilt in about a year. The Club would like to provide input, and ask for a sign to be placed so that even if a private business is using the space, people know it is a public park available for quiet contemplation as it always has been. Marlys (no last name given), also a member of the Trillium Garden Club, also asked that a sign or plaque be placed encouraging the public to use the garden, that the Club be notified prior to reconstruction so they could rescue the plants if needed, and that trash be picked up regularly. Tonia (no last name given), a Trillium Garden Club member who lives in the building next to the garden, noted the garden is well maintained. Public Works Superintendent Moore said trash is picked up every morning downtown. Staff will check on this space. A grant is being sought to help rebuild the garden. Historic preservation will be required so there will not be any significant changes to the design. He directed the Club to work with the Planning Department on signage. City Planner Wittman added the garden, historically known as the Henry Farmer Sunken Garden, is listed as a contributing site to the Stillwater commercial historic district. Reconstruction, likely in 2022, will include replacement of some of the rock and fixing cracked areas. Staff will keep the Trillium Garden Club informed. Marlys added that the fountain is in dire need of repairs. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 22, 2021 Commissioner Johnson, an honorary member of the Trillium Garden Club, agreed that the site is a hidden gem of Stillwater. It should be on the City's list of parks. Marlys stated that another concern is that the Velveteen Rabbit has been using the sunken garden as part of their serving area. Most of the Club members are not pleased with that, they would like to keep it as a public space. Tonia stated she is not against the use of the space by the Velveteen Rabbit. She loves that all of Stillwater can use the garden. Susan Warwig, who lives off Amundson, thanked Parks Superintendent Grode for his response to her request for a satellite toilet for the corner of Laurel and Owens. She said Mr. Grode indicated there is a plan for a satellite bathroom on that corner. Ms. Warwig also complimented the parks group regarding the trees that were planted along Neal. She asked if there are plans to remove the invasive species growing around McKusick Lake and along the Browns Creek Trail, possibly using volunteers. Mr. Moore replied the Public Works Department now has an environmental technician and he is working on that issue. A license or permit might be needed if volunteers are used. Councilmember Polehna added that the Browns Creek Trail is controlled by the DNR, not the City. He provided contact information to Ms. Warwig. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Friends of Stillwater Parks Mr. Moore informed the Commission that Friends of Stillwater Parks has dissolved as an organization and transferred funds to a donor -advised fund with the St. Croix Valley Foundation. The City will continue with the memorial bench and memorial paver brick program started by the Friends of Stillwater Parks. Dennis Conger, President of Friends of Stillwater Parks, stated the organization put almost $70,000 into a permanent fund with interest dispersed annually. Even though the organization has dissolved, they are still are getting donations and still solicit donations for that fund. Any nonprofits interested in receiving grant funds for summer 2022 should contact them. Consideration of a fee in lieu of land for park and trail dedication associated with the subdivision of land located at 819 William Street North City Planner Wittman stated that Michael Russ is requesting to split his 15,000 square foot lot into two individual lots. There is an existing house in the western half of the lot. Staff recommends a cash dedication of $2,500 for the subdivision park and trail obligations, due prior to release of the plat for filing with Washington County. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Chairman Brandt, to recommend that the City Council accept park and trail dedication fees of $2,500 in lieu of land for the subdivision at 819 William Street North. All in favor. Consideration of park and trail dedication requirements for Marylane Gateway Addition Subdivision Page 2of4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 22, 2021 Ms. Wittman explained that Jeff and Missy Hause of JAM Freedom, LLC have applied for preliminary plat approval of a 6-lot single family development to be known as Marylane Gateway Addition, to be located at 8483 Marylane Avenue North. No trails or sidewalks are being proposed. The Parks and Open Space plan does not envision any public parks on or near the proposed subdivision. Only the far northwestern corner of this property is located outside the 1/4 mile park service area. Staff has determined it is not appropriate to require land dedication for this development. Therefore, the park and trail fee would be appropriate in lieu of land dedication. City staff recommends that the Parks Commission recommend the City Council obtain park and trail dedication fees in lieu of land dedication, due prior to release of the plat for filing with Washington County. Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to recommend that the City Council accept park and trail dedication fees of $2,500 in lieu of land for the Marylane Gateway Subdivision. All in favor. Opera on the River Mr. Grode reviewed the application for Opera on the River to be held August 6-8, 2021 in North Lowell Park. Obed Floan, Executive Director, St. Croix Valley Opera, explained they are planning the same set-up as 2019. If the pandemic restrictions change, they will scale back. They are adding a performing arts fair on Friday. The main concert will be Saturday, weather permitting. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend approval of the event permit for Opera on the River 2021 in North Lowell Park, subject to City staff approval. All in favor. UMR Grand Classic Mr. Grode reviewed the event application for the UMR Grand Classic, a Classic Car Club of America car show to be held August 21, 2021 in North Lowell Park. It involves about 30 classic cars parked around the Mulberry Point Circle, which will be open to the public after judging. 40-60 participants and about 150 spectators are anticipated. Staff recommends approval. Mr. Moore said last time, the Commission granted permission to park on the grass but there was high water and the event had to be moved to the Desch Building parking lot. The same contingency is proposed for 2021. Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to recommend approval of the UMR Grand Classic to be held August 21, 2021 in North Lowell Park. All in favor. St. Croix Recreation Center and Lily Lake Arena Rates Doug Brady, Manager of the St. Croix Recreation Center, stated that due to increases in repair costs due to aging equipment and increased maintenance, staff proposes an increase in the rental fees for the Recreation Center, Lily Lake Ice and the Recreation Center Field House for the 2021- 2022 seasons. He discussed the current and proposed rates. The proposed rates are in line or slightly below comparable facilities in the area. Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to recommend that the City Council approve the proposed rates. All in favor. Mr. Brady stated all parking lot lights will be switched to LED at the Rec Center and the Lily Lake Arena this summer to be more energy efficient. Despite last year's four -month closure the facility still ended in the black, through cutting expenses. Page 3 of 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting March 22, 2021 OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION Councilmember Polehna updated the Commission on various projects. The City has tentatively received a $5,000 grant for three bicycle parking facilities downtown. The Lift and Loop Celebration is tentatively planned for August 13, 14 and 15. The City is applying for $3.5 million in State Legacy funding to develop the Aiple property (to be called Lumberjack Landing). The City Council's initiative to make Stillwater a year-round community has brought about an opportunity in February 2022 to host the world snow sculpting competition. The name Lumberjack Landing was chosen for the Aiple property on a split vote. Final details of the easement to finish the Neal Avenue Trail are being worked out. Commissioner Souter asked if anything can be done to improve safety and clarify right-of-way at the crossing at Neal and the Browns Creek Trail. The crossing is marked for trail users to stop, but both trail users and vehicle drivers are confused about whether to stop. Councilmember Polehna said he will check it out. Mr. Moore informed the Commission the design for the playground at Northland has been completed and the proposal will be posted for comments. A public information meeting will be held at the April Parks Commission meeting. Bids for eight permanent pickleball courts at Northland are being solicited. Chair Brandt stated that the terms of Commissioners Snellman and Christensen are up May 1. Commissioner Snellman is not renewing her term. Commissioner Christensen has applied for reappointment. Applications are due March 29 to fill any open positions. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. ATTEST: ode, Park uperintendent David Brandt, Chair Page 4 of 4