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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 10/27/2010Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 1 of 12 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Jessica MacMillan called the meeting to order 5:33pm Agenda Review & Items of Note: Agenda Review: To allow for Dawn Theis to leave early for another appointment, move #8, Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update, prior to #5 Plan Fort Collins. Discussion: None - All in favor of adjustment. Items of Note: None Discussion: None Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of September 1, 2010 – Minutes approved 9:0 Citizen Participation None AGENDA ITEMS: Bike Advisory Board Liaison –Update Listening to the Bike Advisory Board, financially things are bad all over. Their meeting didn’t focus on any Park related issues; it was focused on the bike safety program and the bike coordinator position not being funded and what they could do to be innovative to fund the program and position. They also talked about perhaps adding a line item to the Utility Bill to fund this department. Discussion Board – The bike coordinator used to be Sylvia Cramner and she left when she moved. However, she is back in town and being retired may be interested in helping in some way. Board – Which department is responsible for the large bike racks downtown? Staff – Those are maintained and put in place by David Kemp. Board – There are some that stick out too far. One in particular is when you’re turning from College onto Olive by Mugs. When you’re in a bigger vehicle there is just barely enough room to turn the corner. The concern is that in the winter it will be a hazard and hard to maintain; there is another on Mountain. They may need to think about a better placement of these racks. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting Wednesday, October 27, 2010 5:30 p.m. Council Liaison: Kelly Ohlson Staff Liaison: J.R. Schnelzer, 221-6301 Craig Foreman, 221-6618 President: Jessica MacMillan & Phone: 407-8896 (home) 660-9023 (work) Danna Ortiz 303-884-4850 (home) 407-8794 (work) Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 2 of 12 Plan Fort Collins Ken Waido, Chief Planner, presented a power point to discuss Plan Fort Collins Plan Fort Collins is a title given to City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan to roll into one concept. The Council gave direction a while back that they wanted this to be a usable document, not a book on a shelf. The concept behind Plan Fort Collins is to give the various policy makers a way to look at the pros and cons in making policies to hopefully make the best decision, knowing that perhaps the policy may be great for one area, but not so great for another area and understanding the consequences. City Plan is being restructured to align with the seven BFO results. Currently, each section of the Plan has gone to the various Boards & Commissions for review and input. However, some projects impact several of the key outcomes. An example would be the Poudre River. It used to be in several City Plan sections, but is now being moved into Environmental Health outcome. The next step is to have the Boards & Commission review the entire draft Plan. Craig will be getting the Plan out to the P&R Board for review and will highlight some areas you should look at. Key questions to think about when reviewing the Plan are: Is there something we’ve missed? What are your top big theme/new action items? There are a lot of new teams being formed, with the focus on how all the departments work together for a common goal. Forming interdepartmental teams is much more sustainable. For example when developing the Transportation Plan the departments involved were: air quality, transportation and land use. By working together on the Transportation Plan it brought together a lot of information that may have been overlooked if only one department had put the Plan together since it really involves all of these departments. On November 19 the draft Plan will be presented to the public for review. On January 11 Council will give final approval on the Plan and on February 15 it will be at Council for adoption. Discussion Board – If the tax doesn’t pass will that re-prioritize Plan Fort Collins? Staff – The areas in Plan Fort Collins that are 1-2 years out have already been put into the 2011/2012 budget through the BFO process; so, those will continue forward regardless of the tax. The projects that are 3 years and beyond are on a wish list for the next BFO process. If the tax does pass the 11% not allocated may be a way for some projects, not yet funded, to be accepted. Board – There seems to be a disconnect between planners and the budget. For instance, I attended a City Plan open house meeting where they discussed street medians, and although they looked lovely with the grass and the plants, I’m just not sure they consider how they have be maintained. Parks doesn’t have the budget now to maintain the medians we currently have in place, how are they expected to maintain these new medians? Staff – I believe you are speaking about the Green Medians concept which goes beyond looking at streets as a transportation use only. They idea is that with a green median, they would act as a filter storm drainage system instead of water going down gutters, the water would filter through the grass first. Board – But how are they to be maintained? Staff – The maintenance would be part of the analysis of the project. Parks is looped into the concept, but it could be something stormwater would fund. We don’t know at this time. Board – I’m not clear on the Poudre River being the eighth Outcome? Staff – There are still only seven Outcomes. Poudre River is being consolidated from several outcomes to Environmental Health. There will be charts available which will show the Outcomes and how they relate. When they become available, Craig will get this information out to the Board. Board – How has the communication for Plan Fort Collins been going? Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 3 of 12 Staff – We’ve had two open houses, but very few people showed up. However, we are on Facebook and Twitter and have had a lot of input from these sources. Staff Updates Park Updates We have selected the three Supervisors in our restructuring and are now interviewing for the three Crew Chief positions. We should have these positions filled by the first of November, and will then be going out for the Technician positions. We are on schedule to have our reorganization done by January. Discussion Recreation Staff – Who are the new supervisors? Parks Staff – They are: LeaAnn Haisch, in charge of Collindale, Southridge and the Southeast and Fossil Creek Parks. Mike Calhoon is in charge of Southwest Parks, City Park, Cemetery and City Park Nine. Steve Lukowski is in charge of the Northside Parks, downtown and medians. Board – How is Golf doing are the fees going up? Staff – Golf is struggling. The cart fees are increasing and for seasonal pass holders the per play is going up $1.00. We are in line with Loveland, but Greeley and Longmont are having a real hard time currently. Recreation Updates The forth Recreator is coming out on November 18. It is the winter Recreator for the months of December, January and February. We worked out a deal with the printers and will get one of two versions to the printers on November 3 depending on the election results. All of our facilities will have the new logo by the end of the year. Treatsylvania was very successful and sold out all three nights. We had the Sundance Chili cook off at the Senior Center. Rene Lee and the Adaptive Recreation Program received the Annual Mayor’s Award. Discussion Board - Can EPIC absorb the additional use if Mulberry is closed? Staff – Somewhat, but not totally. EPIC would not be available for any drop-in use, because will be fully used by swim teams. Meets would be on the weekends. Board – Could some of the teams/schools go to Loveland? Staff – That’s a good idea and we may have to start talks with them. Board – Is it fair to ask citizen to give up their ability to use the pool? Staff – Probably not, but there was a contract with the school district years ago when they donated Mulberry to the City that we would provide them with a place to use for their swim teams. Board – Has NoCo Rink impacted EPIC ice? Staff – No impact. In fact it helps to bring some balance allowing the hockey teams to expand. Staff – Are other programs impacted like swimming? Board – Northside and Senior Center will close on Sunday but that is a day which didn’t have as much scheduling. Staff – How much reserves did you have to use? Board – This year about ½ million, and they will allow us to use about ¼ million next year, but if tax passes we’ll be able to restore the reserves. Park Planning Updates None Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 4 of 12 Open Discussion Board – What about the Gardens? Park Staff – We will lose $100,000 from both the Gardens and Cemetery and a technician from both departments. However, it’s the intention to absorb these technicians into the park technician positions that will be open with our reorganization. Board – If the tax passes can there be signage to say this is open because you passed the tax? Staff – Probably not. Board – If the tax does pass will Parks & Recreation look to get any of the 11% that’s up for grabs? Staff – We have already provided information to Council indicating our needs, so we’re trying, but that Board – Can Board do anything to help? Staff – I’m not sure there’s anything right now, but on November 9 all managers have been asked to attend the Council work session, and you would be welcome to come, but you may not have an opportunity to speak. Everyone wants a piece of the 11%. Board – What about the 2 neighborhood Parks? Staff – This is something that we’ve asked for, we also feel that these parks need to be completed. Board – The bike advisory board did write a letter to council asking for the position and program to be funded. Board – As an aside, my family went to Colorado Springs a few weeks ago to bike the Garden of the Gods and the restroom facilities were so dirty, the ladies we were with didn’t want to use them. We don’t want to see this happen here. Board – I went with Michelle Provaznik and Mary Miller to Denver to the Urban Gardens. We were there to explore the possibility of urban gardens here in Fort Collins. Denver has 10x10 fenced plots where people can garden. They have to maintain and volunteer a certain amount of hours. We thought perhaps we could use some land at the community parks. The Gardens would supply education and materials. Board – I think neighborhood parks might work better. The one that came to mind was Soft Gold since the neighbors in that area don’t have yards. Board – I believe that in Denver the people have to ask for an area, and then it’s provided. I think we would need to make sure people in the soft gold area would want an urban garden. Board – Would Parks be on board with this? Staff – We will be looking into this, perhaps having a certain portion of the food being donated to the Larimer County Food Bank, and there are security issues, water expense, etc. It would have to start with Craig since his department does the planning. Board – What is being built at the Gardens? Staff – The outdoor class room is being built right now. There will also be a new green house just east of the garage. Board – Will the rock garden be completed? Staff – It should, it’s being fully funded by outside sources. Board – When will they start charging admission? Staff – It will be a while, we have to work out some logistics. Board – Michelle does a stunning job with her creative ideas. Board – Changing the subject, Al Minatta, who runs the Soccer Club, wife passed away recently. Can we have a card sent on behalf of the Board? Staff – Yes, Carol will get a card and get it sent to Al. Board Work Plan Updates Correspondence: None Final Note December 1 will be our last meeting of the year. This will also be the last meeting for Jessica MacMillan and Bill Pickering. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 5 of 12 Adjournment: Jessica MacMillan motion to adjourned meeting 7:03pm. Respectfully submitted, Carol Rankin Carol Rankin Administrative Support Supervisor Parks Department Board approved minutes Wednesday, December 1– 9:0 Board Attendance Board Members: Rob Cagen, Brian Carroll, Michael Chalona, Shirley Christian, Jessica MacMillan, Greg Miller, Danna Ortiz, William Pickering, Dawn Theis Staff: J.R. Schnelzer, Ken Waido, Steve Budner, Carol Rankin Guests: None Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 6 of 12 Parks and Recreation Board October 27, 2010 Park Planning and Development work items: Plan Fort Collins (City Plan): The Plan will be in draft form in November. Web-page can be viewed to obtain more information. Policy Plan: The draft of the Environmental/Sustainability Best Management Plan Manual will be complete in November. Budgeting for Outcomes: 2011/2012 BFO at Council level. PP&D did reduced and restore offers for Neighborhood Park Development 2011 and 2012 and Recreation Trail Development 2011 and 2012. The budget is available on the City’s web-page by typing in “2011 budget” in the search window. BOB Park improvement funds – 2009 funds to Roselawn Cemetery for improvements. Park improvement funds in 2015. NISP: Supplemental EIS may not be ready until maybe 2011. Park items: 1. Waters Way Park: construction on hold, HOA informed of the decision. 2. Tennis court plan as to how many courts and where are they located is being processed with Poudre School District to include their court plans. 3. Registry Neighborhood Park: construction on hold, HOA informed of the decision. 4. Richards Lake Neighborhood Park: playground under construction. 5. Staley Neighborhood Park: Park is in the pilot program for The Sustainable Site Initiative program. Trails: 1. Poudre Trail at Nix Farm: Staff will be developing the tree resting area design. Natural Resources has seeded the area with native grasses (the crested wheat has been cut). We are sensitive to this costly effort and will plan our construction of the tree resting area for a later date to minimize disturbance to the new grass. 2. Poudre Trail asphalt to concrete conversion at Linden/Lincoln: Section south of Lincoln completed. Section between Linden and Lincoln to be completed in early November. 3. Power Trail: Keenland underpass of the UP in approval process and in the second step of the railroad approval process. 4. Fossil Creek Trail along Stanton Creek north of Carpenter Road. On hold. 5. Poudre Trail at Lemay: Mulberry Bridge to be replaced by CDOT. Design effort starting this year. The design team has incorporated our trail bridge needs downstream of Lemay into the floodplain analysis. Latest from CDOT is they are planning for construction to start in the fall of 2012. 6. Fossil Creek Trail and underpass at Highway 38E: Project is moving into the final phase of design with the project on line for construction in the spring. GOCO grant. 7. Poudre Trail to Timnath: Layout to determine CDOT need for easement agreement to cross under I-25. 8. Staff will start to work with CSU/Environmental Learning Center for an easement for the trail to extend to Drake Road. 9. County Road #11 BOB project and trail underpass on hold due to limited Street Oversizing funds. 10. Spring Creek Trail east of Centre Avenue to the railroad tracks. R,O.W. is working with CSU (CSURF) about the new trail easement process. Miscellaneous: 1. Veteran’s Plaza at SCCP. Info can be obtained at the web page of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, News and Events section, and into Veteran’s Plaza page. 2. Disc Golf: The Hughes Stadium design effort starting. The disc golf course is part of the plan. The design of the course holes has started with Bill Wright doing the design and staff assisting with CADD work. We are proposing using Conservation Trust funds for the development of the course and are hopeful the disc golf community can find grants, even GOCO, etc. for development and maybe adopt to help with O&M. 3. Water Craft Course – NISP impact unknown at this time and fund raising very slow. 4. Old Fort Collins Heritage Park stake park lights – Group of users are attempting to find funding to supply lights at the skate park. 5. Jason has been helping the DDA with their Alley Project. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 7 of 12 6. Discovery/Museum Center – we are coordinating with them as the project starts construction. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 8 of 12 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 9 of 12 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 10 of 12 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 11 of 12 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – October 27, 2010 Page 12 of 12