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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 12/01/2010Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 1 of 25 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Danna Ortiz called the meeting to order 5:35pm Agenda Review & Items of Note: Agenda Review: None Discussion: None Items of Note: None Discussion: None Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of October 27, 2010, seconded by Jessica MacMillan – Minutes approved 9:0 Citizen Participation Josh Kerson – Josh spoke about the use of electric bikes on the bike paths. Attached is an informational sheet to the Parks & Recreation Board asking the Board to, “Please put E-bikes on the agenda, and consider changing a local ordinance, which will allow our electric assist cyclists to use the city’s multi use bike paths.” This letter was also given to the Council and the Transportation Board. Discussion Board – How many motorized bikes does Fort Collins have? Josh – Less than 100, there are 50 electric bike users in the Club, but there are about 300,000 in the United States. Board – Josh is invited to the January Parks & Recreation Board Meeting for further discussion. AGENDA ITEMS: Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan Update Presented by Rick Bachand, Environmental Program Manager There are 19 natural areas along the Poudre Corridor. The management plan identifies key management steps to achieve conservation, recreation and cultural goals. The Plan is working to bring the ecological/conservation side and human side together. The conservation targets are Riparian Forests, removing nuisance/invasive trees such as Russian Olives and supporting policies to allow river flooding into natural areas; Floodplain Ponds, with an approach to shoreline restoration, management of trees, and working with DOW for sport fishing; Upland Grasslands, with an ongoing commitment to grassland and paradigms restoration; and Wildlife Corridors, protecting habitat. The human PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting Wednesday, December 1, 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 – December 1, 2010 Page 2 of 25 context is related to the visitor experience, recreation and education. We want to provide an inviting, safe place to explore while providing a diverse spectrum for the visitor experience. With conservation and human context in mind we created management zoning bringing the 19 natural areas within 7 planning units to better identify and manage the natural areas. The zoning system provides a 0-4 scale to assign to the various natural areas; zero-being no public access thru four-allowing high use recreation areas. We also have trail modifiers A (on trail only) B (off trail use allowed) and C (no trails). Please see the attached presentation showing proposed zoning maps. There is an on-line virtual open house available through January at http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/ where you can offer your opinions and ideas. Discussion Board – What is the time table for trail connection? Staff – 2013 is the target, Timnath is building the trail around the Wal-Mart in 2011. Board – Are the ponds stocked? Staff – DOW does stock some of the ponds, but not all. Board – What about the Strauss Cabin site? Staff – Larimer County owns that area. Board – Is the cabin restorable? Staff – No, it was so badly burned, that it would be better to rebuild. Board – Are you working with other departments? Staff – Yes, we are definitely coordinating with Parks, but it is very critical we work with other departments. Board – The property on the southwest corner of Prospect seems like an ideal area for Natural Areas. Staff – We have been in discussion with the owner. Board – Would this be considered part of the “gateway”? Staff – It would certainly address that issue? Board – The trail area at Lee Martinez that floods when it rains is kind of fun, seems more natural. It seems that it would not be necessary or cost affective to improve it. Staff – Perhaps we can look into just adding crusher fines. Board – Any thoughts on tubing or one long beach on both sides? Staff – The goal is for active stewardship to maintain the banks of the river. Also, people like to have a bit of privacy, but we would like to limit the access points to the river. We’ll be working with Parks regarding both sides. Board – Is this Plan in the budget? Staff – Nothing specific accept our normal budget. It will take a long time to restore some of these areas with ongoing maintenance dollars. However, the Plan sets forth discussion for a specific budget to address signage for access points, toilet facilities, etc. the Plan does a great job in collaborating. Budget 2011-2012 – Marty Heffernan, Director CPRE Now that 2B has passed, Council will be having a retreat on December 11 to discuss what the Resourcing our Future (ROF) revenue will restore to the affected budgets. Parks and Recreation will receive 11% of the new ROF revenue for the next 10 years. The Council has asked for this Board’s recommendation to help them with their deliberations on the budget. Parks and Recreation will split the 11%, which means each department will receive approximately $1 million dollars in ROF revenue. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 3 of 25 For the past several years, Parks has been asked to take significant cuts. Staff has recommended to the City Manager that part of the 11% restore past cuts to Parks’ budget, while recognizing we will still being as efficient as possible. Significant Conservation Trust funds were slated to be diverted from trail construction to park maintenance to free up General Fund dollars from Parks to help balance the budget. Staff has recommended that these ConTrust funds should not be diverted to maintenance, with ROF funds being used instead. We are also planning to bring two new parks on line; WatersWay and Registry Ridge in 2011. The maintenance of these parks will be funded from Conservation Trust as approved in the 2009 budget. In addition, we want to bring Life Cycle back which keeps the equipment and amenities in the parks; such as playgrounds, tennis courts, parking areas, shelters, etc. in good shape. We also want to avoid cuts to Downtown maintenance and keep and enhance the flowers in downtown. Recreation, as you know, has been using its reserves to keep programs funded. The City Manager’s Recommended Budget reduced the use of reserves for programs in 2011 and stopped it in 2012. This meant significant program and staffing cuts at the Senior Center, the NACC, the Farm and closure of Mulberry Pool. Staff is recommending that Recreation ROF revenue be used to fund the services that were scheduled to be eliminated. We are also asking for the Recreation Director position to be restored. Also, the City Manager supports raising fees in our aquatics program to help cover $50,000 more in Mulberry Pool expenses. Lane rentals and passes will go up $1.00 and lessons will increase by $2.00. Attached is full description of the proposed ROF restored budget request that will be presented to Council. Discussion Board – Will the jobs being eliminated be restored? Staff – As far as Parks & Recreation, the jobs that would have been eliminated should be restored. However, City-wide there are some positions not being restored. Board – Is it possible to find places for these people? Staff – There were some specified cuts in other departments that were outside the ROF proposal, so Council could bring those cuts back, but not necessarily. Staff – The Board needs to be a strong advocate for the Gardens. Michelle has done a lot, but fights an up hill battle. Some really great things can happen with the Gardens if given the chance; it’s a valuable resource. Board – Is there any talk about a new disc golf course at Hughes stadium? Staff – Still working on it, CSU is hiring a consultant to work on irrigation and a mixed-use course. They are hoping to have it done by summer of 2011. Board – Will they take the disc golf course out of Edora Park? Staff – Probably not the entire course, but we need to solve the problems at Edora. Board – Did staff make recommendation to split the 11% of ROF in half with parks and recreation? Staff – No that came from upper management. Board – When will the Recreation fee increases take place? Staff – January 1. Board – What percent of revenue does Northside produce? Staff – It doesn’t bring in as much as EPIC, but the market is different. Board – Can you strategize other ways for Northside to produce revenue? Staff – We will be doing a comprehensive review of all facilities to look at the revenue side. Board – What about a marketing campaign? Staff – John Litel does a great job, and in fact won a National award, but we could do more. Board – Not sure if the timing is right to ask for a Director of Recreation position, seems like it would make more sense to wait until 2012. Staff – Depending on what Council decides we’ll react to it, but money is there for Parks & Recreation; it’s just how it’s spent. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 4 of 25 Board – It’s important for the downtown to be funded, I think people voted, in part, because of the quality of maintenance and the beauty of our downtown. Staff – A letter of recommendation will need to be to Council by Monday, December 6 at noon. Danna & Jessica will work on the letter of recommendation and send it out to the rest of the Board for review. (Attached is the letter that was presented to Council). ***Special Break in Agenda*** Kelly Ohlson asked for a break in the agenda so that he could thank Jessica MacMillan and Bill Pickering for their years of service on the Parks & Recreation Board. Jessica was with the Board for a total 16 years; and Bill has been on the Board for 8 years. Jessica was presented with a photo and “key” to the City. Plan Fort Collins A recommendation from the Board on Plan Fort Collins will be due by February 4. We will add this to January agenda. Discussion Board – Seems the focus of the Plan is on culture, but doesn’t seem to be mentioned in budget. Board – Streets making stormwater conduits, needs to be inter-coordinated with other departments for plowing, cleaning, etc. Staff – Send Carol or Craig any of your thoughts or ideas. Update Work Plan & Meeting Schedule The 2011 Work Plan and Meeting Schedule needs to be updated for the City Clerk. Discussion Staff – Since the meeting days are remaining the fourth Wednesday of the month, the dates have been updated. Board – Are there any changes to our proposed agenda items? Board – Would like to add something about promoting parks and recreation. Board – How about “explore promoting parks & recreation accomplishments through media”. Board – Can we meet at some other locations? Staff – Carol will work on scheduling various meeting places to feature parks and recreation facilities. Motion: Greg Miller made a motion to adopt the 2011 Work Plan and Meeting Schedule with the addition of a new agenda item “Explore promoting parks & recreation accomplishments through media”. Seconded: Rob Cagen Vote: All Approved 9:0 Staff Updates Park Updates There is a proposal to have a cell tower erected under the high tension wires at the end of the 7 th hole at Southridge Golf Course. The neighbors do not want this, so we are holding a meeting. Discussion None Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 5 of 25 Recreation Updates The outdoor ice rink in Old Town Square is up and being used. EPIC ice show is coming up. Discussion None Park Planning Updates None Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update The Bike Advisory Board also sent a recommendation letter to the Council. There are pros and cons, which need to be reviewed, but electric bikes could help some people get around on bikes easier. There’s a need for a lot more study on this subject. Discussion Board - Modes of transportation on trails by commuters needs to be studied, and putting electric bikes on trails should not be rushed; this is very dangerous. In Minneapolis a woman was killed by a bike on a multi-use path, now they have two paths; one for bikes and one for pedestrians. I think there needs to be more data on this subject before a change is made. Staff – We are putting together a study on the pros and cons of this issue; and hoping to have a meeting on it in January. Board Work Plan Updates None Adjournment: Motion to adjourned meeting 8:30pm. Respectfully submitted, Carol Rankin Carol Rankin Administrative Support Supervisor Parks Department Board approved minutes Wednesday, January 26– 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: Marty Heffernan, JR Schnelzer, Craig Foreman, Mark Sears, Rachel Steeves, Rick Bachand, Mike McDonnell Guests: Kelly Ohlson Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 6 of 25 Attached letter provide by citizen, Josh Kerson (was also given to the Council and the Transportation Board) Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 7 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 8 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 9 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 10 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 11 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 12 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 13 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 14 of 25 Board’s letter of recommendation regarding 2011/2012 budget December 6, 2010 Dear Mayor Hutchinson and Council Members: Thank you for requesting our feedback on the revised 2011-2012 budget. We fully support the Parks and Recreation Department’s proposed budget and respectfully request that all proposed cuts to the parks and recreation budgets be rescinded. We believe that Fort Collins citizens, through their support of the ballot initiative 2B, expect: • Staffing, programming and hours of operation to be fully restored at the Senior Center, Northside Aztlan Community Center, Mulberry Pool and the Gardens on Spring Creek so that the City may continue to offer myriad recreational opportunities while enhancing customer service • Recreational scholarships for low-income residents to continue • New trails to be built through the Conservation Trust • Aging park equipment to be repaired or replaced as necessary and park landscaping to be well maintained (health of trees and turf improved, weeds controlled, timely response to citizen complaints) • Sufficient funding for the Farm at Lee Martinez park to care for the animals and offer educational programs • All three recreational water features to be fully operational • Quality maintenance and service at the City’s memorial parks • Six new parks to be constructed and well maintained as their respective neighborhoods reach build out. We believe the Mulberry Pool utilities, the 4th of July celebration and the $204,571 removed from Conservation Trust should be funded from the $1 million dollars that was withdrawn from the street maintenance program. This is justified because these four budget items are not unique to Parks and Recreation; they encompass responsibilities jointly or independently of other departments as well. For example, • The utility costs for recreation facilities (including Mulberry Pool) have historically been part of the Operation Services budget, • The 4th of July celebration is not only an important community event, but also an economic driver, and • Conservation Trust dollars that have historically been used to construct trails were diverted to park maintenance due to budget shortfalls. Continuing to expand the trail system as promised to the local citizenry helps us attract new businesses who are drawn to the quality of life here and helps to implement the Transportation portion of the new City Plan which calls for significantly more trails to connect the City and encourage commuting. We want to emphasize the importance of restoring full funding to the Gardens at Spring Creek, which citizens voted to construct in 1997. The Gardens are exemplary in the partnerships they have cultivated (Rotary Club, Colorado State University, Food Bank for Larimer County, Front Range Community College, Poudre School District, Poudre Valley Health System Foundation, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Larimer County Youth Conservation Corps, many local businesses, etc.), the grants, donations and volunteer labor they have obtained and the educational programs that they offer. A portion of the Gardens’ budget will be used to plant the Rock Garden, which may enable them to reach a critical mass and generate more income. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 15 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 16 of 25 It is our understanding that City Council will likely not support using the unallocated 11% of Keep Fort Collins Great funds for parks and recreation. If this is the case, the Board recommends that the Recreation Director position not be funded in 2011 and 2012 and that those monies be applied towards creating a strategic plan and a marketing plan for the Recreation Department and to fund contract tree work, urban forest management and median maintenance. We also recommend the downtown landscaping and maintenance be funded from this 11% as it is not related to CPR and it is an important economic driver that generates traffic and revenue for downtown and should be funded as such. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the budgeting process. Sincerely, Your Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 17 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 18 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 19 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 20 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 21 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 22 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 23 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 24 of 25 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – December 1, 2010 Page 25 of 25