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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 10/24/2001Call Meeting to Order: President Lance Freeman called the Regular meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Agenda Review: Marty Heffernan added Advertising Guidelines and Trails Subcommittee report from Paul Hudnut under Other Business. Items of Note: Board Member Mike Gavin called to say he would not be able to attend tonight's meeting due to work schedule conflict. Board Member Mary Carlson referred to the last month's minutes and requested that the Board not insert humorous items in the minutes as it is public record. Citizen Participation: No citizen participation. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Jessica MacMillan, seconded by Dean Hoag, the Board voted unanimously (7-0) to accept the minutes as revised by Mary Carlson striking the humorous content in Items of Note. Youth Activity Center Gym Jean Helburg handed out an information sheet written by the Youth Activity Center Task Force led by Brownie McGraw. The purpose of the task force is to raise money to construct a gym for the Youth Activity Center. Jean stated that the Youth Activity Center moved to its current location on September 9, after a diligent search to find accommodations for the Center. They were recently informed that they can build a full size gym at the current location so they are researching remodifying the parking lot and then adding replacement parking spaces at the west end of the lot. Bob Everitt has made arrangements to proceed with the effort and the subcommittees will work on fundraising for the $1,000,000 needed. They were presented with a Karl Carson Challenge Grant of $25,000 to be matched by citizens in the community. The task force has formed several fundraising committees to solicit cash sponsorships and grants. They Parks and Recreation Board Minus October 24, 2001 Page 2 also have a subcommittee on recognition, reviewing how donors will be recognized and in what manner. Jean invited everyone who was interested to join the task force or donate to the fundraising effort. Lance Freeman inquired how the lease would be handled with the addition being added on to the main structure. Discussion followed with the following points: The task force has recommended that the facility be attached to the south site of the current building with a restroom. If the lease were to terminate after 10 years, the gym could be locked up and function on its own. The City would have a lease agreement of choice (up to 50 years) with just the gym, or have a buy back provision. If the City no longer wanted the gym or if the mall no longer wanted to have the YAC at that location, they would be able to get money back less depreciation. With this arrangement the City would never own it. Paul Hudnut inquired whether we could put up a temporary facility that could be moved to another location if necessary. Marty stated that they had not looked into that scenario, but he believed the City Code and lack of funding would limit them. Jean added that the current facility is at least 15 years old, so staff would like to think of it as a temporary move. Jean also stated that the group will begin publicizing the climbing wall (YAC Rocks) a bit more and will start advertising non -youth hours because the facility is showing an increase in adult use. Jean stated they would keep the Board apprised as they go along. New High School Park Site Craig Foreman presented a map of the new high school park site to the Board. The location of the school is one mile south of Harmony along Ziegler Road, Kecther Road and Rock Creek Drive. Total acreage of the site is 160 acres. About 50 acres will be allotted as a park and the remaining will be allotted to the school. An irrigation basin on the site will serve both the park and the school. Poudre School District is hoping to break ground for the school next year and open the facility in 2004. Staff is planning on constructing the park in 2009 or 2010. Craig pointed out that there is a main road that goes through the middle of the acreage to accommodate the school traffic that moves from the east side of the property on to the west side of the property. The road will have a park feel like the road in City Park. Mary Carlson inquired about bike lanes and Craig said that there would be adequate bike connections to other routes. Craig also commented that they are considering taking the tennis courts and moving them to another area over by the sports fields. He noted that they would be leaving the south end of the property as pastureland. He said that the ditch on the south end of property would make a nice feature in the park and the acreage was a good site for the City as it is a good location and it has many visual qualities. Dean Hoag noted that there was no football field on the plans. Craig said that French Field is still the main football field for PSD. Ross said that it was more cost effective for the school to have it in one location. Craig said that Southwest Community Park will probably be designed in 2003 and that staff is carefully watching the budget so we could buy this parkland with PSD. Marty said that we were putting ourselves in a more difficult financial situation to make this work, as our schedules are different from PSD. The concern is that we might face a stiff bill to buy the land and keep Southwest Community Park on track, but he felt we had enough as long as the growth continues. Parks and Recreation Board Wtes • October 24, 2001 Page 3 New Northside Aztlan Community Center Site Selection Marty and Craig presented information regarding the options for the Center. The Board was provided a synopsis of the work that the Board previously did on this project. The previous review of the project rated 6 votes, which placed it in the "high" category. Jean added that it will be funded in 2004-2005, designed in 2004, and construction would begin after that. Lance said that the Board in March 1998, selected the present location as their top choice, however, the Board requested that the staff look for new sites. He also wanted to correct that the Board did not say that the present Northside site was the site they wanted. Marty said that the Board's previous position was that if we could not find another site, the existing site would be fine. Lance affirmed. Marty said he wanted to help inform the Board of the constraints on the existing site and talk about Block 33 as potential alternative site. Marty also mentioned that he had thought that the Board was on a quicker timeline, and would have to make a recommendation on a new site by the next meeting, but there is more time and a recommendation by early next year is fine. Marty still thinks it would be prudent to move forward. Discussion ensued around Block 33. In the original Civic Center Master Plan the block was identified for commercial and housing, under the theory that if people were living in the center of downtown, there would be a 24-hour, vibrant, livable community in the downtown urban core. Since the plan was conceived, higher income lots have been inserted into the downtown area near the Armadillo and Home State Bank. The Police Department is also in the process of trying to find a downtown site for Police headquarters. The direction is to keep it in the downtown area, but they have concerns that Block 33 is too close to the railroad, creating safety issues. They also have concerns that it might not be large enough for their facility of 90,000 to 100,000 square feet. There was some discussion considering whether or not both the recreation center and the police department could fit in Block 33. They determined it would not work because of the need for structured parking, and the fact that the Car Barn was a historic structure and would need to remain in place. Parking would also be an issue because the recreation center would need approximately 250 parking spaces and the Police Department would want the same. Marty said that the Board could look at Block 33 for the Northside Aztlan Community Center, and in the meantime, they would work with Craig and the same architect that worked on the Police site. If the Police do not use it, and the City Manager approves it, it is definitely a viable site. Marty also said that the current Northside Aztlan Community Center is stabilized, but is at the end of its useful life due to significant structural problems. Lance stated that the time frame of Block 33 is a viable thing to consider. Marty said he would find out the City Manager's position on the Police building and if it is not a go, we can approach the possibility of using it for the Northside Center replacement. Lance asked what their time frame was to make a recommendation, and Marty said they would want to have something to Council by early next year. Craig then presented several options for working with the current site, constructing a new building on the landfill, making improvements on Willow Street, examining the Brownsfield Study, and building the center closer to the Poudre River. Parks and Recreation Board Minut October 24, 2001 Page 4 Constructing a new building on the landfill: This option is possible, but the increased cost would be approximately $100,000 or more, because the construction will require a drilled pier system rather than a slab footing system. It is considered a moderate risk, but more soil tests are needed in case they hit contamination during drilling. Mary inquired if there was any concern of going through the dump or if it was hard to drill. Craig said that they did it before, on the basketball court, but that if they expose landfill material we have to deal with that problem. One possibility is to leave it on the site and make berms out of it, or take some to the landfill. Jessica asked how old the landfill was and Craig stated that was built in 1920's or 1930's. He added that it has decomposed into mush and has the ability to compact 70% because of its texture. Willow Street Improvements: The North College Avenue project will improve College Avenue north from Jefferson Street. Craig said that this project would be low risk and would not impact the redevelopment of the site. We must connect to the nearest arterial street, and we would want to choose the closest location in order to have minimal road and sidewalk improvements. He said that we are already physically connected to College with pedestrian access so it would be of little cost to us. He explained that if we move the center to an address off Pine Street, we would then have to improve Pine to Willow and then west to the tracks on Willow. The code requires a design 1,000 feet on either side of the development but we would only be asked to participate in some of this area (not do the whole thing). Brownsfield Study: Craig said the contaminated material is at least eight feet deep and generally stable, so it would probably be safe to build on. He also pointed out that the main public service gas feed line goes through the park. The risk for this plan is low to moderate depending on whether they hit anything during the construction. Marty asked if the public service line is in a location that precludes us from being on Willow Street. Craig said no. Jessica asked if they knew about the service line when the center was originally built. Craig stated that it was done before he came to Parks Planning so he did not know. Marty said he understood the contamination is to the east of where we might want to build and thought we could move away from the gas line. Poudre River Building Location: Craig said the main concern in having the facility in this particular area is that the Code requirement dictates that the buildings must be located within 15 feet of the property line. He spoke with the planning groups and they said that if we were not within 15 feet we have to be able to connect to the streets. He said they would have to do enough site work with design and facilities to show how this placement would work. Often effort is put into the process and then it is rejected if all conditions cannot be met. Lance then asked for comments. Ross said that it looked like this was basically no or low risk. Craig said Willow Street is, and Brownsfield could be if the tests were adequate. Marty said Brownsfield is if we stay away from contaminated areas. Lance asked where sewer and water lines are located and Craig said they came in on the side toward the gas line by the comer of the building. Lance felt that was a concern because if it comes east they will be forced to dig it up. Lance asked what the Board wanted to do in relation to these sites and the other sites. He referred to the minutes from April 1998 and asked where everyone wanted to go now. Ross stated that we really needed a facility in the North Central area so moving is not really desirable. Lance asked if they wanted to move it to another location in this area or keep it in the two Parks and Recreation Board tes . October 24, 2001 Page 5 choices already discussed, Block 33 or the present location. Jessica asked if the Board looked for alternative locations before? Lance answered yes and showed some other sites on the map. Marty said that they had found a site just east of New Belgium brewery. Lance said they had looked at the old cement plant site, but that it was not for sale and that there are several issues due to the cement residue on the property. He also stated that the area west of Hickory Park was also looked at. Jessica informed everyone that Alliance Solution is selling their property on Lincoln next to the golf course. She listed the benefits of the Alliance land, which is close to shopping, golf, and trails. Lance asked if the Board wanted to direct staff to look at the other sites? Dean asked about Legacy Park and Craig responded that it is in the floodway 100% so they could not make that site work. Lance stated that the old cement plant would most likely be out of our budget range. Ross asked for confirmation if our budget for land allocation was $300,000. Lance said he was not opposed, but that he needed direction from the Board to look for additional sites. Paul asked what would happen to the library if the new library and museum passed. Lance stated that the museum would go into the present library building. Lance stated that the Board should look at the proximity of the sites to parkland and fields, explaining that the outdoor areas are a component in building so people can have access to outside activities. Paul mentioned that it sounded like the Board wanted to wait and look for additional sites. Marry stated that finding the time to look for additional sites creates a staffing issue. Lance mentioned that the last time we studied the sites, the Board had a committee with a staff to look for sites. Marty confirmed that the staff gathered information and then came to the committee. Marry was not opposed to looking for additional sites, but wanted to limit it to a certain area and asked for parameters. Ross stated that it should be a within a mile of the current site and Lance agreed. Paul suggested making the East boundary Lemay. Marty stated that in the last process more points were given to downtown locations. Dean remembered that there was another site on the southeast corner of Lee Martinez, on the high ground east of the townhomes by the railroad tracks. Ross said that was controversial and Marty said it did not rate well. He added that they could look at it again. Paul remembered that there was not adequate parking. Paul Van Valkenburg reminded everyone that they wanted the facility to draw people from the downtown area, so north of Vine was not viable, but the further we went from downtown, the facility would receive less use from that market. Ross added that it also needs to be close to transportation. Paul Van Valkenburg asked that everyone state whether they were comfortable with the current site. Ross said that the current site is fairly close to ideal. Paul Hudnut said that it sounds like the closer to downtown the better and placing it out on Vine doesn't meet the needs of the downtown area. Lance said that Block 33 was not part of the original discussion. Dean asked about the power plant? Marty said there was not enough room because we need seven acres, but that the Board could look at it. Jessica again suggested looking at Alliance as that was the area of the people using the facilities. Paul Van Valkenburg said that they had studied who used the facilities and that they found the users were from all over town. Mary said the goal is a community center for everyone. Dean suggested that we take one quick look in the general area but that he thought it would get the most use by keeping it in the same area. Marty asked if they wanted to look at Jessica's idea. Ross asked if staff could gather the following information: what it would cost; how big it would be; and how far it would be from the city center. Lance Parks and Recreation Board Minut- October 24, 2001 Page 6 confirmed they would look at Block 33, the power plant and the Alliance property. Marry said he would try to have better information on Bock 33 by the next meeting. Lance closed by saying that in the future, the City will have three recreation centers: Northside, Fossil Creek and Southwest. Second Sheet of Ice at Epic Jean said that the RFP Committee met with Ron Kechter, Project Manager for this design build project. The City Manager gave a go ahead and the RFP will go out to the public by next Friday (10/30). Bids are due by November 29th, and the interview process for the finalists will take place December 17. She also stated that they hoped to have the center open by fall 2003. Lance asked what would happen if they were still short in January? Jean said they would know in the interviews if they would be able to do the project. Lance stated that his concern is that if we commit and there is not enough money, then we may be robbing Peter to fund the project. Jean said that Council would not give this project any more money so it will succeed or fail based on its ability to raise enough money. Twice the Ice said they want a full size sheet of ice or nothing at all. Marty said that he felt they would build smaller if they did not have enough money because at this point there was an obligation to the voters. Lance asked if we were going to be able to do this within the operation and maintenance costs. Jean said that operation and maintenance is built into the 2003 budget. Lance asked if Recreation would aggressively market the rink. Jessica said that if they have an opportunity for competition, the revenue will be good. Lance asked if there were any other comments and there were none. Grants Jean told the group that the Recreation Division has received two grants. The first is $3,000 from Thornton Charitable Trust and that this is the department's third year to receive it. Each of the grants provided from the trust has been specified for youth at risk program. The second grant is one they applied for last spring through the CSU office of Community Participation. CSU approached them for collaborative work with people with disabilities to help with training. They wanted Recreation to develop a program with them to coordinate job training with recreation for adults with disabilities to help provide balance in their lives. Jean said that they put a package together and won the grant. It is a three-year grant for approximately $60,000 the first year and a reduced amount each year after that. She said that they would be hiring a therapeutic coordinator to work with Renee to develop the program called "Recreation Works". Front Range Trail Craig informed the group that the Colorado State Parks wants to create a Front Range trail from New Mexico to Wyoming. The goal would be to create a multi -use trail to ride from one city to another. The State has hired consultants and met with stakeholder groups, and roughed in a north -south alignment. The trail will come out of Denver, split around Lyons, go out toward Greeley and come back on the Poudre River toward Fort Collins. Craig also explained that they are envisioning the trail going to Gateway Park and north toward Laramie. He also said that Colorado State Parks understands that local control and input is important. When the trail comes through Larimer County it will start with the Loveland trail to Boyd Lake to the Poudre trail. Craig said the State is looking for every group to get a Resolution supporting the concept of the Parks and Recreation Board tea October 24, 2001 Page 7 trail and then they will move forward. They are looking for a December or January date. Paul Hudnut asked that if the trail was not going to go through Natural Areas, did we need to go through the Natural Resources Board. Craig responded that the trail will go through many of their areas. Mary inquired if it would be paved, concrete or dirt. Craig responded that whatever the local group is doing will apply so it could vary. Marty stated that it could take on all different forms depending on local jurisdiction. He felt their goal was to get the right of way and look for conformity later. Marty also asked that if the Board was generally in favor of the concept and everyone agreed they were. Craig closed by saying that Colorado State Parks is a good partner for us. 2002 Work Plan and Meeting Marty began by stating that this document is due to the Clerk's Office by November 30 and tonight the Board needs a vote on this document. In reviewing this work plan and meeting schedule, he asked if the Board wanted to add or delete any items from the plan. Jessica asked if there was going to be an in -line skate facility at EPIC, and Marty responded that it would be on the hill to the west of EPIC. Paul Hudnut stated that he tries to stay focused on outdoor recreation and/or passive recreation like kayaking and rock climbing, but felt the group needed goals in these areas or not much would happen. He did not feel these forms of recreation received much emphasis and felt that if the Board agrees they could focus on them more often in 2002. Lance clarified that they might want to look at more alternative outdoor programs and Paul Hudnut agreed with the statement. Marty stated that the City does offer rock climbing, and Paul Hudnut stated that he felt their inclusion in their discussions would help legitimize some of the areas that are currently closed off. Lance asked then, if the Board wanted to add Outdoor Recreation/Passive Recreation to the plan and the Board agreed. Paul added that perhaps a kayaking course could be created at Gateway Park, and that the Board could continue to keep an eye out for any other alternative resources. Paul Van Valkenburg stated that while the Board focuses on developing parks, it should also focus on why we are doing it. He said the Board should consider what the experience is for the user. He felt it would be valuable to look at because it might show a deficit in certain areas, and could then begin a drive toward something else. Jessica asked about the Downtown Corner Improvement project? Marry responded that it is an ongoing project that he updates the Board on an as needed basis. He then explained what the project actually was. Paul Van Valkenburg said that since they were focusing on the budget, he wanted to mention that presenting choices to them between projects like the downtown street corners and recreation activities sometimes made choosing difficult. Marty commented that the corner project is being funded from another source. There was some discussion as to whether that project is misplaced. Jessica said she agreed with Paul Van Valkenburg and that she was also annoyed with the downtown newspaper stands. She feels they are unsightly and too numerous. Marty stated that Kelly Moore with the Parks Division is working on a news rack project. The Board agreed that they were interested in the Newspaper Rack project since it was handled by Parks and Recreation and that it would be placed on the agenda for next year. The Board unanimously approved the 2002 Work Plan and Meeting Schedule with the addition of Outdoor/Passive Recreation and Continued Updates of the Downtown Newspaper Stands. Parks and Recreation Board Minu+ October 24, 2001 Page 8 Trails Subcommittee Paul Hudnut explained that the group discussed the different types of trails and what was actually meant when they talked about trails. He expanded that the verbiage covers paved bike paths, to social trails not authorized by natural areas. He said that new ADA issues specify that if the trail section is new it must be ADA compliant, unless it fits into a historical category. He said these rules have certain cost implications so they have tried to break them down into three types of trails: one is hard surface for multi -use and recreation transportation, the second is soft trails for mostly recreation hiking and biking. The second type is also ADA accessible with wider paths and the core areas having less broad use. The third type is interpretive and education use, instead of recreation. For instance, nature trails that are limited to foot traffic with some sections that are ADA compliant, like those that would be close to parking areas. Paul said that the next step is to get a better sense of several issues; how many miles of each trail we have, do we have good balance between the types, do we need more trails, and where could they be placed. Lance commented that Paul has done a good job on the committee. Fossil Creek Community Park Update Craig informed the group that the Fossil Creek plan made it through the administrative hearing without being appealed. He said that the contract for Phase 1 will be signed in a few days and the work would begin the first week of November. The rest of the project and the design for the final phase will be bid out the first week of January, the earthwork will be completed in April and that the final phase of the project will begin then. He also said that they hoped irrigation would be started by 2003 and that the park may be open by mid -summer of the same year. He said that it is a $9.8 million dollar project and might attract big companies from Denver. Marty informed the group that he was surprised during the hearing process by the neighbors concerns with possible traffic problems. He said there were some adamant neighbors who had issues with the design of the lake and Adventure Island, and were very insistent. The hearing was postponed due to these issues. At the actual hearing, supportive neighbors showed up and gave the plans approval. He summed up that the plan got through process with only a few changes. The Adventure Island will have a connective water feature shaped like a clam and that the whole island was pulled toward the north shore. They will also be taking a few pieces out of adventure island that they felt were not needed so it will be more of a picnic area that is much quieter. There will still be big rocks. Craig commented that they were happy with the changes. Other Business: • Mary Carlson attended the ribbon cuttings last month for the Youth Activity Center and the Edora Skate Park and commented that she appreciated how well done they were. She attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Fossil Creek Community Park, but she was disappointed that it took them so long to introduce and recognize the Board members who attended. She noted that they introduced the City Council members and the Mayor, but did not introduce the Board members until the end. She also stated that she appreciated the thank you note from Mike Powers. She added that she thought it was important for the Board members to go to the ribbon cuttings. Lance stated that is was a good point and well taken. Parks and Recreation Board•utes • October 24, 2001 Page 9 • Lance said that starting Saturday, the City's Recreation Youth Basketball would begin playing on the CSU courts. He said that we would be paying for four courts on Saturdays through April. • Lance said that because of the upcoming holiday in November, the next meeting Parks and Recreation Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 5, at 5:30. • Jessica asked if a person could be on the Board, take a year or two off, and get back on the Board. Marty suggested she check with the City Clerk's Office to clarify the Board Member regulations. Adjournment: The Board adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kelly Moore Administrative Support Supervisor Meeting Attendance Board Members: Mary Carlson, Ross Cunniff, Dean Hoag, Paul Hudnut, Lance Freeman, Del Price, Jessica MacMillan, and Paul Van Valkenburg Staff. Craig Foreman, Marty Heffernan, Jean Helburg and Kelly Moore Guests: CSU Students from the Planning Class