HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 09/26/2007Call Meeting to Order: Michael called the meeting to order at 5:35
Agenda Review: The Board chose to tour the park site last.
Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Mary Carlson, seconded by Greg Miller, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the Minutes of the September 26th, 2007 meeting. Mark, Ann and Walt
were not present at the time of voting.
Citizen Participation: None at this time.
Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Update
Craig briefly discussed a memo regarding the Policy Plan that he provided to the Board. Craig
said that Recreation Manager Jean Helburg chose to not change the recreation fees at this time;
however she would like GreenPlay to do some research since they have a lot of data on this. He
said that they just received chapter seven and eight from GreenPlay which are the beginnings of
the focus areas and discussion of recommendations. Craig said that chapter one explains who we
are. In this chapter there is a lot of information about Park Planning, Park Maintenance, Forestry
and Golf. Craig said that the City's Organizational Chart is also included in the Policy Plan to
give individuals more information on the City's structure. He stated that the Project Purpose and
Vision discusses how we are going to built out the park system and still be able to successfully
provide maintenance to the existing parks. Craig said that question was asked at the last City
Council Study Session meeting. William asked when the parks system would be built out and
Craig said that it would be between the years 2018-2020. William thought that he had seen that it
would be build out around 2013 and Craig said that the trail system could be build out close to
that date. William was just wondering if they were taking into account that the parks would be
built out in 5 years but that's not the case so it's not applicable. Craig stated that the wording in
the new plan is interesting in comparison to the plan that was done in 1996. He pointed out that
the new plan includes words like durability, sustainability and green practices.
William asked where it covers soft paths. Craig said that they were briefly mentioned in the trail
section. He explained that Natural Areas have their own plan. He said that the same goes for the
on -street bike system. William asked if the plan mentions staying away from the rivers. Craig
said that there's a portion in the City Code that mentions minimizing impacts of the Natural
Areas. The Plan will have guidelines related to trail placement. Craig said that we are trying to
bring the natural area to the trail instead of taking the trail to the natural area. William asked
when this information was going to Council and Craig said they are planning on providing it to
them after he gets input from the P&R Board as well as other Boards. William suggested that
they use the word continue less often. Craig indicated he would make that change. William also
suggested that we consider starting an internship program with CSU to help with maintenance.
Ann said that she also has some suggestions and asked if it was appropriate to give them to Craig
and he said that was fine. Greg stated that the plan looked good overall. Craig explained that he
is taking the plan around to other Boards and Commissions to get their input on the areas that
pertain to their Board or Commission. Ann asked when Gateway Park became a natural area and
Craig said Natural Resources took it over this year. There were funding issues with Park
Maintenance maintaining it and the area fit in well with the Natural Areas program.
Proiect Updates
Craig said that we have the plans for the Water Craft Course and he will bring them to the Board
in October. He feels that McLaughlin Engineering did a great job on the design. Craig stated that
it will cost around $300,000. Craig explained that the old plan was around $150,000 several
years ago and was very conceptual in nature. He said that we may also get a GOCO grant for
$100,000 or more to help with the construction costs. Craig also informed the Board that we are
currently trying to lock down the ownership for a portion of the property around the river.
Jessica mentioned a letter to the editor from a citizen wanting to know why Rogers Park was
closed. Craig said that he wasn't sure why it had already closed and that he will ask Park
Maintenance.
Craig said that we're currently working on the Rocky Mountain tennis courts. He stated that the
funding is from the BCC joint money with the Poudre School District.
Craig said that the pump house at Golden Meadows is going up now and we'll receive a rebate
from the School District.
Greg asked if Craig had any updates on the trails. Craig said that we are working with a
landowner to move the Poudre River Trail away from the river before we replace the asphalt with
concrete on the trail east of Shields. He said that we may also use some of the sidewalk money
and take out the old Spring Creek Trail at Edora Park.
Craig said that we are currently working on the Keenland underpass and we now have a design
for the 38-E underpass for the Fossil Creek Trail.
Ann asked if Recreation has moved to the new Northside Center yet and Craig said that the move
hasn't taken place but they are anticipating on moving a potion of the staff over on Monday. He
said that they will have a small opening ceremony in November and a grand opening later on.
Jessica asked what a day pass would cost and Craig said that he wasn't sure but he would get that
information from Jean.
Jessica said that she was approached by a member of the Fort Collins Soccer Club regarding
partnering with the City to acquire some land north as a land use exchange and Craig said that he
hadn't heard anything on that.
Mary mentioned an article regarding someone complaining about horse manure on the trails.
Mary is concerned that there aren't a lot of areas where horses allowed. She asked if the City is
planning on taking away any of the horse trails. Craig said that's not our intention and that's why
it's a good idea for us to cover equestrian use in the Policy Plan.
Other Business
Michael mentioned that the Glade EIS is going to be out for public comment and review soon. He
said that he met with the Water Board, Open Lands and Natural Resources to discuss the GIS.
Michael said the Water Board is taking the lead on it. He said that the next step if for them to divvy
up that EIS into the pieces that impact the different Boards to discuss it in order to get it to City
Council. Craig said that it might be beneficial for John Srokes to come speak to the Board.
Cathy asked if they should be aware of any feedback from the City Council Work Session. Craig said
that he will provide them with a copy of the summary that was put together. Michael said that Marty
felt everything went well.
Tour of the Spring Canyon Park
The Board then toured the park site
Correspondence
Adjournment: The Board unanimously agreed to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Worth
Administrative Aide
Board Attendance
Board Members: Mary Carlson, Michael Chalona, Ann Hunt, Cathy Kipp, Jessica MacMillan, Greg
Miller, William Pickering
Staff. Craig Foreman, Carol Rankin, Dawn Worth
Guests: None