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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 06/22/2011Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 1 of 7 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Michael Chalona called the meeting to order 5:38pm Agenda Review & Items of Note: Agenda Review: None Items of Note: JR passed around an article from Colorado Springs regarding the cutting down of 100 year old trees. Citizen Participation None Approval of Minutes: No Discussion. Rob Cagen made the Motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of May 25, 2011, seconded by Bruce Henderson – Minutes approved 9:0 AGENDA ITEMS: Tour of the Gardens on Spring Creek Prior to the tour, Laura Atwood, Horticulture Program Coordinator, provided some handouts for the P&R Board Members. The handouts included: The Gardens newsletter, Reflections, which explains what’s going on at the Gardens; the Gardens Annual Report, showing that visitation continues to increase (in 2010 they had over 45,000 visitors to the Gardens); Fort Collins in Bloom featuring various public gardens in Fort Collins to visit (this flyer is on the web site, and at the Convention & Visitors Bureau); and the Convention & Visitors Bureau Resource Guide which features Fort Collins Bloom on page 8. If anyone would like to receive the Garden’s monthly newsletter, Reflections, they can sign up to receive it by going to their web site. http://www.fcgov.com/horticulture/ Laura took the Board on a tour of the Gardens showing the new development.  Timber-frame Building: The National Timber Framers Guild was at a conference in Fort Collins in 2010 and donated this structure. As a sustainable project, the wood used to make this structure was from local timber from dead or dying trees that had to be removed. The structure is used for various classes hosted by the Gardens and can be rented by the public.  Hoop House: The hoop house is almost complete, and will provide a greenhouse environment to grow flowers which will be used throughout all of the City parks and the Gardens.  Outdoor Teaching Kitchen in the Garden of Eatin’: The grand opening was in 2010 and it is used as a teaching kitchen. They are offering 9 cooking classes this summer, 4 of which are sponsored by Poudre Valley Hospital System, with a registered dietician. The Gardens are in the process of planning three fund raising dinners. This area can also be rented by the public. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting Wednesday, June 22, 2011 5:30 p.m. Council Liaison: Kelly Ohlson Staff Liaison: J.R. Schnelzer, 221-6301 Craig Foreman, 221-6618 President: Michael Chalona Phone: 970-490-2335 (home) / 970-472-8954 x1 (work) Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 2 of 7  The Garden of Eatin’: All the produce grown in the garden is donated to the Food Bank of Larimer County and used for some of the cooking classes. The Gardens donated 5,000 lbs of produce in 2010.  Rock Garden: This is a ½ acre rock garden mostly comprised of donated materials and time. Plants are now being introduced into the rock garden.  The northeast corner hosts the Wetland & Riparian Demonstration Site with a viewing platform. This was put together by the Wildland Restoration volunteers.  The two acre northwest corner of the property will be the area used to construct the Great Lawn. The Great Lawn will be integral to the success of the Gardens. It will have an outdoor stage and community gathering place. This will be a venue for outdoor concerts, performances and wedding ceremonies. The Gardens anticipate this to be a revenue generating venue allowing them to become more self-sustaining. Discussion: Board – Are there security lights at the kitchen? Staff – No, just a few for people using the kitchen after dark, but that’s something to look into. Board – What’s the capacity of the Great Lawn? Staff – We believe it will hold 1,000 people, contingent upon the final design. Board – Do the neighbors know about this? Staff – Yes, they are aware. It’s been part of the Garden’s original Master Plan, and the sound studies have been done. Staff – Michelle Provaznik is presenting a letter to supporters of the Gardens to get their support for help with funding from the City for the construction of the Great Lawn. Board – Do you need a resolution from the Board in support of the funding? Staff – That would be great. Board – How are you booking the concerts for the Great Lawn? Staff – We will have to partner with someone to help procure entertainment. Board – Albuquerque does a lot of outdoor concerts, you may look at what they do. Board – Where are 1,000 people going to park? Staff – We’re very lucky that if given notice, the government buildings across from the Gardens allow us to use their lots. Board – Should we make a resolution? Board – I think we need to make sure there aren’t other Park or Recreation areas applying for funding. Staff – The Senior Center will be asking for funding for the Senior Center expansion. Board – Let’s hear about the Senior Center Expansion when they give us their update, and table the resolution until after the updates. Staff Updates Park Updates  None Recreation Updates  Senior Center Expansion: The Senior Center expansion is funded in part by Building On Basics (BOB) with $5.1 million. A group of citizens have applied for and obtained a 501 C3 tax exempt, non-profit status so they can raise additional funds to help with the expansion project. The group will also be applying for grants. Staff has submitted the Senior Center expansion for $1 million of the Building Community Choices (BCC) money. The facility will be built to whatever funding is available. Additional funds will help provide a larger expansion. The Expansion fund-raising committee would like to see an additional $7 million in funding. The $5.1 million will expand the fitness area; add classrooms for dance; which is a wellness component that must be incorporated into the expansion as part of the original ballot language. Funding will also increase the parking lot. Additional space needs have been identified and that is why efforts are being made to fund-raise. The areas included in the Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 3 of 7 expansion will increase revenue for the Senior Center without the additional expense or need for employees. The expansion would also free up space currently used for these classes, which would in turn be available for additional classes, renting for cultural events or community meetings, etc. Discussion Board – What’s the rationale for the additional money? Staff – The $5.1 million from BOB was only a portion of the money needed to fund the expansion; we were given the task to fund raise for the additional money needed. The additional money will help us double the space for activities and storage; as well as expand our lobby and outdoor patio. The $1 million from BCC will help jump-start the fund raising effort. Board – Does the expansion for the fitness area include the equipment? Staff – Yes. Board – How much of BCC money is available? Staff – I’m not sure, but I believe it is $2.5 million. Board – Does the public vote on this? Staff – The Council will probably do some type of public outreach, but I don’t believe there’s a vote. Staff – The Senior Center is heavily used, and what we’ve heard from the seniors is that someone years ago thought about what their needs would be and they want to do the same for future senior users.  Last week the IRS flew out 4-5 people to recognize the Senior Center and VITA Tax Aid as a provider for tax aid and a thank you for the 40 years of service.  The Recreation Director’s position interviews are almost done. They’re interviewing 6 people, so a decision should be made soon.  Recreation revenue has increased with on-line registration. At the end of May our revenues were $36,000 higher than last year.  The Father’s Day 5K had 625 runners and 1,300 kids for the fun run, and made $7,000 which goes to support the Northside Youth Programs.  There will be a camp out at the Farm. 19 families will be attending. Discussion Board – How are the Recreation reserve funds? Staff – Because of the Keeping Fort Collins Great (KFCG) money, we didn’t have to dip into revenues this year, except for capital projects. We did not use as many of our reserves in 2010 as we anticipated because of a halt on spending. Park Planning Updates  Craig has started collecting data on the trails, especially on Spring Creek near College Avenue as it is more heavily used. He spends about ½ hour at a time on the trail and within a half hour saw 60 bike riders total; 30 going east and 30 going west. On bike to work day there were 80 bikes within a half hour. This will be a good data base for this summer to compare with the fall when the students are back. Listening to people, about 6-7 of 10 do ring their bell or audible their passing. We are working on updated signage along with the bike coordinator to possibly include blue information signs showing how to get to the hospital or CSU, etc. Interestingly, there are fewer roller-bladers than in 1999.  The 38E underpass project is going well. There will be 100’ bridge being placed over the ravine.  We will have a final open house for Staley Park showing the design, Thursday, June 23 from 4:00pm- 6:00pm. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 4 of 7 Discussion Board – Were there any skateboards or long boards on the trail? Staff – Only one long board, mostly bikes and the walkers and the runners did seem to prefer to stay on the gravel paths. Board – How does the home that’s off the trail by Stover draw water off Spring Creek? Staff – They likely have adjudicated water rights, probably from many years ago. Board Communications Sub-Committee Update We met and came up with four topics that we want to discuss with the Board. The information we received from Ingrid was that as individuals we could write columns, but Council prefers that the thoughts and ideas are sent to Council and Staff and that we shouldn’t publicly promote parks beyond our present scope because the Board members would not be protected by the City if something were said incorrectly. There are Boards that do have this authority. 1) As the sub-committee we would like to change our bylaws to have more authority. We would have to really show Council why we want this. Is this what the entire Board wants? 2) Since our recommendations go to Council through staff we want to add something related to staff in our bylaws. 3) The subcommittee will meet monthly, and we are defining what we want to do through a mission statement: “Facilitate public outreach in order to promote and encourage stewardship of Parks & Recreation facilities.” 4) The subcommittee’s role will be to coordinate define and implement Boards decisions; but any Board Member may participate. An initial item we need to define is Stewardship. We also want to let the public know what the Parks & Recreation Board is. Discussion Board – Would it make sense to do a write up on the public outreach we want to do and then send it to Council to see if they’re okay with that? Board – Our bylaws state in Article II – Purpose, Power & Duty: The purpose of this Board shall be to advise the City Council regarding all matters affecting the parks and recreation program of the City of Fort Collins and regarding the implementation of Article X of the Charter of the City of Fort Collins. The Board shall further have the power and duty to cooperate with the Poudre R-1 School District and other organizations and individuals interested in the parks and recreation program in the Fort Collins area. We would like to take the wording from Landmark Preservation Commission: To promote awareness and understanding of, and appreciation for, the value of historic resource preservation in contributing to the quality of life in the City, and actively encourage property owners to voluntarily designate their properties as historic landmarks But, change the wording to fit CPRE. We could add this to our bylaws as it states in Article X – Amendments to Bylaws: Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any member at any regularly scheduled Board meeting. Proposed amendments shall be voted upon at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Amendments must be approved by a majority of the voting members of the Board. No amendment shall be valid if objected to by the City Council. We could formally propose this for the next meeting, vote on it at the next meeting and then it would be up to Council to take a look at it and accept it. We could talk with Kelly prior to this to see if he would be okay with us moving in this direction. Board – It would be nice to have some impact on Stewardship. Board – Are we asking for the change to talk to public and not just advising Council? Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 5 of 7 Board – Yes, we know people use the parks and we don’t need to encourage use, but we want people to recognize the value of the parks; especially when they may be coming from other communities. People should be made aware of what it takes to create and maintain our high quality parks. Board – I think if we could get out to the public and promote stewardship and sustainability it would bring more of a purpose to the P&R Board. Board – The subcommittee will draft and proposal for the new wording to be added to the bylaws and send it out to the Board for review. Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update E-bike update: The various Boards and Commissions have submitted their resolutions regarding allowing e- bikes on the paved trails. Marty Heffernan will compile all the information and take it to Council. There was an article about the liability insurance needs of anyone using an e-bike because it is a motorized vehicle. If the owner of an e-bike doesn’t have liability insurance on their e-bike, they won’t be covered in case of an accident. Discussion: Board – Do you see the e-bikes being on Natural Area Trials? Staff – The Council did ask the question about soft trails, so Marty will bring two questions A) use on the paved trails and B) use on the soft trails. At the Council Work Session on Tuesday, Council may give some direction on this item. Recommendations Board – We would like to make recommendations to support funding for the Great Lawn at the Gardens and the Expansion of the Senior Center. Staff – You represent the citizen, and if you feel these projects are important to the community, you can certainly make a recommendation. You may not want to be specific on how they are funded. Board – Is the Museum getting any money? Staff – Not sure, haven’t heard anything as they are not a part of Parks or Recreation. Board – Could Cultural team up with the Gardens to support them? Staff – Yes. Board – We talk about e-bikes, but this is the first I’ve heard about the Senior Center expansion. Why haven’t we been asked about the funding for this yet? Board – Staff does tell us when thing are coming up once the projects are at a point where Council needs input. Board – I would like more of an understanding of the Senior Center’s Boards and how they’re structured? Staff – There is a Senior Advisory Board who advocate for the Seniors; they tend to concentrate their efforts toward Transportation needs. There is also a Senior Group that keeps staff informed of issues with the Senior Center as it relates to the users. However, we enjoy being involved with the Parks & Recreation Board because we learn a lot about what the community wants. Board – The Senior Center is part of Recreation and we are the Parks & Recreation Board, so I think it’s appropriate to support funding for the Senior Center also. Board – Could we invite the Senior Center Advisory Board to one of our meetings? Staff – Yes, we will set it up for the September 14 meeting when we’ll be at the Senior Center. Motion Motion made by Shirley Christian: The Parks & Recreation Board praise the efforts of the Gardens on Spring Creek to enhance Fort Collins culture and economy and charge Council to fund development of the Great Lawn and the Garden’s Master Plan. Seconded by Danna Ortiz Vote: All in Favor 9:0 Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 6 of 7 Motion Motion made by Danna Ortiz: The Parks & Recreation Board supports the effort to provide recreational opportunities to the rapidly growing senior population for generations to come, and encourage Council to provide additional funding for the Senior Center expansion. Seconded by Selena Paulson Vote: All in Favor 9:0 Other Board Work Plan Items Board – What about a Recreational facility in South Fort Collins? Staff – It is on the Master Plan. Board – Could we add that to our Other Work Plan Items? Staff – Yes. Board – Let’s move some of these items up on the agenda every once in a while so we have an opportunity to discuss the issues at the start of the meeting and not at the end of the meeting. Staff – Let us know when you want something from the Other Work Plan Items placed on the agenda at an early time. Board Bullet Items  The motions for funding support for the Senior Center Expansion & Gardens on Spring Creek Great Lawn.  The Parks & Recreation Board praise the efforts of the Gardens on Spring Creek to enhance Fort Collins culture and economy and charge Council to fund development of the Great Lawn and the Garden’s Master Plan.  The Parks & Recreation Board supports the effort to provide recreational opportunities to the rapidly growing senior population for generations to come, and encourage Council to provide additional funding for the Senior Center expansion.  Discuss how to facilitate public outreach to promote and encourage stewardship.  Disc Golf received GoCo funding of $85,000. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 8:31pm. Respectfully submitted, VtÜÉÄ etÇ~|Ç Carol Rankin Administrative Support Supervisor Parks Department Board Approved the minutes, of June 22, 2011 – 9:0 Board Attendance Board Members: Rob Cagen, Brian Carroll, Michael Chalona, Shirley Christian, Bruce Henderson, Greg Miller, Selena Paulsen, Danna Ortiz, Dawn Theis Staff: JR Schnelzer, Craig Foreman, Carol Rankin, Peggy Bowers, Laura Atwood Guests: None Parks & Recreation Board Meeting –June 22, 2011 Page 7 of 7 Parks and Recreation Board June 22, 2011 Park Planning and Development work items: Policy Plan: The draft of the Environmental/Sustainability Best Management Plan Manual has been completed and staff is reviewing. Budgeting for Outcomes: The 2013/14 BFO process will begin in the spring of 2012. Building on Basics (BOB) Park improvement funds – 2009 funds to Roselawn Cemetery for improvements. Park improvement funds will be available in 2015. NISP: Staff is anticipating the Supplemental EIS to be ready late in the year. Park items: 1. Waters Way Park: Construction has started on the park. 2. Tennis court plan for neighborhood courts is being reviewed by management. 3. Registry Neighborhood Park: Construction has started on the park. 4. Staley Neighborhood Park: Park is in the pilot program for The Sustainable Site Initiative program. New The final open house to show the public the master plan for the park is set for June 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00 at the park site. Trails: 1. Poudre Trail at Nix Farm: Staff will be developing the tree resting area design. Natural Resources have seeded the area with native grasses. 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. Power Trail: Keenland underpass of the UP in approval process and in the second step of the railroad approval process. 3. Fossil Creek Trail along Stanton Creek north of Carpenter Road planned for summer/fall 2011 construction. 4. Poudre Trail at Lemay: Mulberry Bridge to be replaced by CDOT. 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 2013. The MPO has awarded $368,375 toward the construction of the $530,000 trail project. New The City is working to add funding to the bridge project to create a “gateway” affect in this area. 5. Fossil Creek Trail and underpass at Highway 38E: Project is under construction. County Road #38E has reopened to one lane of traffic in each direction. GOCO grant. 6. Poudre Trail to Timnath: Scoping of the project in 2011. 7. Staff will start to work with CSU/Environmental Learning Center for an easement for the trail to extend to Drake Road. 8. County Road #11 and trail underpass on hold due to limited Street Oversizing funds. 9. 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. We hope to acquire the easement in 2011. Miscellaneous: 1. Electric bicycle process to determine if they should be allowed on the trail system occurring in 2011. Staff is researching other community’s allowance of the bikes and a question on e-bikes has been posted on the City’s Face-Book. Council Work Session on e-bikes will be June 28th. 2. 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. Construction on the first phase should be ending in June. 3. Disc Golf: The design of the course holes has been completed. Staff will now start on the design for the new access road to our parking lot from County Road #42C. We are proposing using Conservation Trust funds for the development of the course and are hopeful the disc golf community can find grants and help with construction. The GOCO grant was submitted. 4. Water Craft Course – NISP impact unknown at this time and fund raising very slow. 5. Old Fort Collins Heritage Park stake park lights – Group of users are attempting to find funding to supply lights at the skate park. 6. Discovery/Museum Center – we are coordinating on this project.