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
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