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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-26 PRC MINtJ11wa The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 26, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Brandt called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:01 p.m. Present: Chairman Brandt, Commissioners Christensen, Johnson, Snellman, Souter, Council Representative Polehna Absent: Commissioner Nelson Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode, Public Works Superintendent Moore APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of March 22, 2021 regular meeting Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the March 22, 2021 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Northland Park New Playground Feedback and Public Forum Parks Superintendent Grode stated that the City solicited comments on the new play structure proposed for Northland Park. One response was received, asking for clarification on the plans. He shared his responses to the resident, explaining the location, drainage plans, and tree planting. The swings will remain and benches will be put added. Installation will probably take place right after July 4th. Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to recommend that the City Council approve the Northland Park New Playground plan as proposed. All in favor. Summer Tuesdays Event Mr. Grode reviewed the application for Summer Tuesdays to be held on Tuesday evenings from June 29 to August 10 in N. Lowell Park. The set-up is the same as the 2019 event. Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to recommend that the City Council approve the event application for Summer Tuesdays. All in favor. Bridge the Valley Bike Rally Event Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 26, 2021 Mr. Grode explained that the Bridge the Valley Bike Rally is proposed to be held on Sunday, August 15 in N. Lowell Park. Rick Heidick, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary, explained the rally is a charity fundraiser. Registration will be at the end of the lift bridge. There will be six different routes starting at that location with staggered times. Every route crosses the St. Croix River. He reviewed the routes. Commissioner Johnson said she hopes registration fees will be family -friendly. Mr. Heidick replied that registration for a single rider is $30 and there is a family discount. Sponsorships and donated registrations are being explored. Funds raised go to Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club which uses the funds for various service projects. Councilmember Polehna said the bridge dinner is tentatively being planned for Friday night, the grand opening of the trail for Saturday, and this rally will end the weekend activities. Motion by Chairman Brandt, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to recommend that the City Council approve the Bridge the Valley Bike Rally Event. All in favor. OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that a grant for downtown bike racks was received. The racks will be ordered and installed at Nelson/Main, Myrtle/Main, and the Lowell Park bathrooms. Staff has developed some bike routes and signs have been installed. Contracts are completed for the pickleball courts at Northland, for work to begin June 1 and take about one month; and also for the Laurel Street steps which will take about one month. Councilmember Polehna updated the Commission on various projects. Discover Stillwater and the Chamber calculated that the number of people using Brown's Creek Trail went up from 153,000 in 2019 to 260,000 in 2021, a 70% increase. Sustainable Stillwater has been working with the City to get a bicycle -friendly community designation for Stillwater. Due to no fireworks being shipped from China, there will be no fourth of July fireworks. He has been exploring other options. Fireworks may be available by the bridge opening celebration in August. The world snow sculpting competition will probably occur in Stillwater in January 2022, bringing 65,000 people to Stillwater over five days. Mr. Grode noted there was discussion of having certain smaller elements of Lumberjack Days this year, but not the entire event. No application has been received. Commissioner Christensen asked about the informational sign by the concrete pad near the Dock Cafe. Mr. Moore said the sign will be used for a trail map and other information. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Snellman, seconded by Chairman Brandt, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. ATTEST: rode, Pa is Superintendent David Brandt, Chair Page 2 of 2 C,