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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 07/25/2012Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 1 of 9 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Rob Cagen called the meeting to order 5:33pm Agenda Review & Items of Note: Agenda Review: Bill Whirty, Manger of Parks to present gift bags. Citizen Participation: None Approval of Minutes: Discussion: None Bruce Henderson made the motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of June 27, 2012, seconded by Todd Galbate – Minutes approved 6:0 Meeting Summary • New Board Members Richard Barnhart and Susan Kelly introduced themselves to the Board. • Bill Whirty presented the Board with City Park 100 Anniversary gift bags as a thank you for all the support the Board gives to Parks and Recreation. • Dawn Theis discussed the articles the Board submits to the Coloradoan monthly and asked the Board Members to decide on article themes and writers for September through December. • Board Members, Bruce Henderson, Rob Cagen and Dawn Theis created a list of BFO offers they felt should be supported by the Board after discussions with the Staff Liaisons and review of all of the offers. The Board then discussed this as a group to decide on the final list. • Council Liaison, Kelly Ohlson, came to thank Danna Ortiz for her time on the P&R Board, and to discuss the BFO Offers. • City Manger, Darin Atteberry, attended the meeting to discuss any items of interest to the Board. He touched on his thoughts on “World Class”, the High Park Fire and water quality, BOB, Reserve Funds, Trail Impact Fees, Rangers, BFO, Transportation, and the Triple Bottom Line philosophy (Social, Economic, and Environmental Health). PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting Wednesday, July 25, 2012 5:30 p.m. Council Liaison: Kelly Ohlson Staff Liaisons: J.R. Schnelzer, 970-221-6301 Craig Foreman, 970-221-6618 Bob Adams, 970-221-6354 Chair: Rob Cagen Phone: 970-689-7559 (home) / 970-482-3971 (work) Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 2 of 9 Full Minutes AGENDA ITEMS: Introduction of the New Board Members Richard Barnhart introduced himself and shared a bit of his background. He has lived in Fort Collins for just under 20 years, owns his own business, teaches at the University of Wyoming, and his reason for wanting to be a part of the P&R Board was to give back. He is looking forward to the chance to be involved. Susan Kelly introduced herself. She has been living in town for 7 years and has a background in Sociology and had recently been working at PVHS in the “Can Do” program. She is now working at the Food Bank in the marketing and outreach with volunteers and is interested in how she can help with P&R Board. The P&R Board members went around the table and introduced themselves. Council Liaison, Kelly Ohlson Kelly Ohlson attended the P&R Board meeting to thank Danna Ortiz for her time with the Board. He also wanted to reiterate what Danna had written to the Board about keeping their focus and being community advocates. Kelly Ohlson received a copy of the list the Board was reviewing for the BFO offers they would like to endorse. He wanted to make sure the Board was aware that, although he would be supportive and have an open mind regarding the Offers that the Board supports, the City Council has to look at BFO as a whole and make sure allocations of resources are distributed appropriately throughout all the Offers. He does appreciate that the P&R Board takes an active role in the BFO process and welcomes their recommendations. Newspaper Articles – Dawn Theis Dawn Theis discussed the articles the Board submits to the Coloradoan monthly and asked the Board Members to decide on article themes and writers for September through December. The articles decided on were: • September: The Senior Center expansion (Dawn Theis) • October: The Fall Festival at the Gardens and the Great Lawn (Brian Carroll) • November: Trails and GOCO Grants (Ragan Adams) • December: Railway at City Park (Todd Galbate) • January: Community Gardens (Susan Kelly) The ideas for the articles was to help promote good stewardship in the Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities; but Dawn feels that the articles can expand to help the Board promote seasonal highlights and healthy lifestyle opportunities as well. BFO Discussion Board Members, Bruce Henderson, Rob Cagen and Dawn Theis created a list of BFO offers they felt should be supported by the Board after discussions they had with the Staff Liaisons and review of all of the offers. (List attached-Attachment A) The list was sent out to the other Board members prior to the meeting for their review. The Board then discussed the offers as a group and decided on the final list they will send to City Council as way to “plant the seeds”. Bruce will add some additional wording to a few of the offers as discussed by the Board and the Senior Center Expansion-Recreation Reserves – offer 49.6 will be removed from the list. The Board felt this offer may leave Recreation with limited reserves available if another Capital need would arise. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 3 of 9 Summary of Changes: Intro – Mentioned this is a priority list 48.5 – Added historic City Park, and 2009 cost recovery, to the description. 48.7 – Added the ARO usage hours 49.6 – Deleted 51.6 – Added comment that the Study includes the O&M estimate. Fixed a typo. 103.1 – Added comment that Great Lawn project includes build out of the Gardens. I also added a note, from Kelly’s comments, about the need to verify availability of this reserve funding for Parks & Rec use. We didn’t discuss my adding this comment last night and I’m fine if people don’t want it in. 109.1 – Changed cost to $70K, from $120K. Fixed typo. 125.1 – Added comment about trails popularity in citizen survey. Motion: Bruce Henderson made a motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Boards BFO Offer recommendations memo with the afore mentioned changes and after redistribution to the Board, distribute the memo to the City Council and City Manager. Seconded by Brian Carroll Vote: 7:0 (Attachment B) The Board also discussed creating a second memo with other offers they feel may need to be highlighted. They will discuss this at the August Board meeting. STAFF UPDATES Parks Updates • Working with the DDA and the DBA on the downtown tree lights. There have been discussion to leave them up year round, but the DDA will no longer be able to help fund the lights. • With the lack of rain the water available this year is limited and parks is looking at a drought plan for irrigation in Parks. Recreation Updates • Next week is the 25 th Anniversary of EPIC. • Working on our new fees and the Board will be getting this information via email for review. • The City Park 100 Year Anniversary Club Tico dance was very successful. • The outdoor pool had 2,200 visitors on the 4 th of July. On a typical year they may have 500-1,000 visitors. • Recreation hosted its version of the Amazing Race at Spring Canyon Park and it was very successful. Park Planning Updates • Radiant Park will be opening in the spring of 2013 • Waters Way Park is having struggles with growing grass, but it is coming along • Registry Park is looking good. • Working with Contractor on new converter box that can be installed on the irrigation line that will change the chemical makeup of the salt in the water to provide better water for the grass and trees. It will be tested at a couple of sites where this is an issue. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 4 of 9 Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update – Bruce Henderson Bruce gave the Bicycle Advisory Board the memo that the P&R Board had submitted to Council regarding the e-bikes trail study. The Bicycle Advisory Board decided they would also create a memo for Council and submit it in the near future. BOARD WORK PLAN ITEMS UPDATE None Visit with Darin Atteberry Darin started at the City of Fort Collins 16 years ago as Assistant City Manager. As City Manager, he has a strong appreciation for the way the Council, staff and boards work together. It’s part of what makes this a great community. Darin is very deliberate in using World Class because it is the way in which we do our jobs and shows we deeply care. Interestingly enough, the phrase “good enough for government work” use to mean something was done at the highest of standards; it’s unfortunate that it has come to mean the opposite. We have moved from a “trust us” local government to a results and data driven local government which has allowed us to be chosen as 1 of the 26 cities, out of 9,000, to be a part of Performance Excellence. The High Park fire will have a long-term affect on the water shed. It will take the next 2 to 10 years for the river to recover; which is certainly a concern because there are many businesses in Fort Collins because of our water quality. The Utility Dept is currently only taking water from Horsetooth reservoir. Board – What about water conservation? The Mayor spoke about the need for storage. We talk about restrictions and education and that conservation is critical, but our water rights help to keep us in pretty good shape. Storage is really where we fall short. Building On Basics (BOB) is expiring in 2015. We would like to see the voters renew this tax so we can continue to fund capital projects that will improve the quality of life in Fort Collins for generations. MAX should be transformational for the City and City Transit. It will allow people from CSU or business owners in south Fort Collins to travel to downtown for a business lunch with plenty of time. The contractor connected to the Foothills Mall rejuvenation is excited about MAX allowing people to travel easily to the mall for a day of shopping. Board – Is there a target number you like to see in the reserve funds? There is no set number. I believe Finance wants departments have about 7% available. We want to be conservative in using reserves. Board – There seems to be a need for a Park Ranger, what are your thoughts? I believe staff has an Offer for a Park Ranger that would be under the Natural Areas Rangers infrastructure. That’s what is great about Parks and Natural Areas working together we don’t have to recreate the wheel. Board – With the World Class motto, I worry about the increased poverty in the City and what can be done about that. We have a new department the Sustainability Department which is headed by Bruce Henderson. His focus is on the triple bottom-line - Social, Economic, and Environmental Health; by focusing on these three categories together when making decisions it creates an optimal mix of resource efficiencies, cost effectiveness and well- being. I would suggest that the Board have Bruce Henderson attend a meeting. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 5 of 9 Bullet Points • Submitting memo to City Council on BFO Offers that the P&R Board is endorsing, and appreciate the input and discussion with Council Liaison Kelly Ohlson regarding the BFO Offers • News articles planned for September-December • Appreciated City Manager, Darin Atteberry, attending meeting and the open discussion Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 9:20pm. Respectfully submitted, VtÜÉÄ etÇ~|Ç Carol Rankin Administrative Support Supervisor Parks Department Minutes Approved August 22: 7:0 Board Attendance Board Members: Ragan Adams, Richard Barnhart, Rob Cagen, Brian Carroll, Todd Galbate, Bruce Henderson, Susan Kelly, Dawn Theis Staff: JR Schnelzer, Bob Adams, Carol Rankin, Bill Whirty, Craig Foreman Guest: Council Member, Kelly Ohlson and Citizen Observer Bob Kingsbury Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 6 of 9 Attachment A The Parks and Rec Board have reviewed all of the Parks and Recreation BFO offers. While they all merit serious consideration, there are several offers that we specifically want to call to your attention. As a Board we endorse these offers and recommend funding them. • City Park Railway Revitalization – Offer 48.5 KFCG Purchase a new City Park train and track. More cost effective than repairing the old train. This includes a new route, with better public safety. Old train will not meet safety requirements. Staff feels this new equipment should make the train operation self supporting. $320K for capital funding from KFCG reserve. • Adaptive Recreation Opportunities, .75 FTE – Offer 48.7 Increase Provides increased customer service levels for adaptive recreation. Provide increased support to ARO (Adaptive Recreation Opportunities) program. This position was previously funded through a grant from the US Dept. of Education, which expired in 2011. $53.4K for personnel from FKCG, ongoing. • Senior Center Expansion (BCC Funds) – Offer 49.5 Enhancement The Senior Center is focal point for programs and services emphasizing adults age 50+. Expansion was approved by voters in 2005 – BOB. Additional funding is needed to address exercise and fitness needs of aging Baby Boomers. $1M from BCC reserves. • Senior Center Expansion – Recreation Reserves – Offer 49.6 Enhancement Improve amenities and quality of the Senior Center expansion project: square footage, multi- purpose rooms, increase parking. $500K from Recreation reserve funds. Leaves $700K remaining in reserve ($350K is minimum). • Southeast Recreation & Cultural Facility Study – Offer 51.6 KFCG A new SE Rec facility will target an expanding population that requires additional recreational and cultural opportunities. This study will provide Recreation with critical information and data to l drive key decisions in the development of this facility. Onetime fee of $70K for professional and technical services from KFCG restricted revenue. • Recreational Trail Development – Offer 86.1 Ongoing Continue to develop recreational trails in 2013-14. Continue the master plan of new trail segments, acquiring right-of-way, developing new plans, managing construction of ½ mile per year of new trail, and assisting with small trail improvements. This is funded by the Conservation Trust (Lottery) Fund, Natural Area revenue, and grants. $984K from the ongoing revenue, restricted. • Gardens on Spring Creek Capital Project (The Great Lawn) – Offer 103.1 Enhancement The Great Lawn will be a multi-use community venue for festivals, small concerts and performances, art shows, classes, and private rental events. It will increase revenues for the Gardens on Spring Creek, moving them towards self-sustainability. $830K from BCC reserves for one-time capital and services expense. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 7 of 9 • Disc Golf Course Improvements – Offer 109.1 Enhancement Improvements to Edora Park disk golf course: construct new nine hole course east of Edora Park to allow more general community use of the Park. Also funds completion of planting, irrigation, and parking lot at the Hughes Stadium course. $120K from General Fund. • Southeast Community Park Design – Offer 124.2 Current Funding for the design and public process to develop the SE Community Park. This process would run through 2014. Construction of the park would be targeted to start in 2015. Community park development is funded by a new residential unit impact fee. $600K from the Capital Expansion fund. • Recreational Trail Impact Fee – Offer 125.1 Current Natural Areas funding for trails will end in 2014. The impact fee would be a onetime fee of about $450.00 on new residential construction. Estimated to provide $250,000-$350,000/year. Thank you, Parks and Recreation Board Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 8 of 9 Attachment B The Parks and Rec Board have reviewed all of the Parks and Recreation BFO offers. While they all merit serious consideration, there are several offers that we specifically feel are priorities and want to call to your attention. As a Board we endorse these offers and recommend funding them. • City Park Railway Revitalization – Offer 48.5 KFCG Purchase a new train and track for historic City Park. More cost effective than repairing the old train. This includes a new route, with better public safety. The old train will not meet safety requirements. Staff feels this new equipment should make the train operation self supporting. When the train was last fully operational in 2009, it achieved 128% cost recovery. $320K for capital funding from KFCG reserve. • Adaptive Recreation Opportunities, .75 FTE – Offer 48.7 Increase Will provide increased customer service levels and support for the ARO (Adaptive Recreation Opportunities) program, which exceeded 3000 hours of use in 2011. This position was previously funded through a grant from the US Dept. of Education, which expired in 2011. $53.4K for personnel from FKCG, ongoing. • Senior Center Expansion (BCC Funds) – Offer 49.5 Enhancement The Senior Center is focal point for programs and services emphasizing adults age 50+. Expansion was approved by voters in 2005 – BOB. Additional funding is needed to address exercise and fitness needs of aging Baby Boomers. $1M from BCC reserves. • Southeast Recreation & Cultural Facility Study – Offer 51.6 KFCG A new SE Rec facility will target an expanding population that requires additional recreational and cultural opportunities. This study will provide Recreation with critical information and data to drive key decisions in the development of this facility, including an O&M forecast. Onetime fee of $70K for professional and technical services from KFCG restricted revenue. • Recreational Trail Development – Offer 86.1 Ongoing Continue to develop recreational trails in 2013-14. Continue the master plan of new trail segments, acquiring right-of-way, developing new plans, managing construction of ½ mile per year of new trail, and assisting with small trail improvements. This is funded by the Conservation Trust (Lottery) Fund, Natural Area revenue, and grants. $984K from the ongoing revenue, restricted. • Gardens on Spring Creek Capital Project (The Great Lawn) – Offer 103.1 Enhancement The Great Lawn will be a multi-use community venue for festivals, small concerts and performances, art shows, classes, and private rental events. It also includes a complete build out of the Gardens master plan. The Great Lawn will increase revenues for the Gardens on Spring Creek, moving them towards self-sustainability. $830K from BCC reserves for one-time capital and services expense. Note: need to verify availability of this reserve funding for Parks & Rec use. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – July 25, 2012 Page 9 of 9 • Disc Golf Course Improvements – Offer 109.1 Enhancement Improvements to Edora Park disc golf course: construct new nine hole course east of Edora Park to allow more general community use of the Park. Also funds completion of planting, irrigation, and parking lot at the Hughes Stadium course. $70K from General Fund. • Southeast Community Park Design – Offer 124.2 Current Funding for the design and public process to develop the SE Community Park. This process would run through 2014. Construction of the park would be targeted to start in 2015. Community park development is funded by a new residential unit impact fee. $600K from the Capital Expansion fund. • Recreational Trail Impact Fee – Offer 125.1 Current Recreational trails were recently voted the most popular amenity in the citizen’s survey. Natural Areas funding for trails will end in 2014. The impact fee would be a onetime fee of about $450.00 on new residential construction. Estimated to provide $250,000-$350,000/year. Thank you, Parks and Recreation Board