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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 08/28/2013Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 28, 2013 Page 1 of 5 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Bruce Henderson called the meeting to order 5:33pm. Agenda Review & Items of Note: None Citizen Participation: None Approval of Minutes: No Discussion. Jessica MacMillan made the motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of June 26, 2013, seconded by Scott Sinn – Minutes approved 5:0 Meeting Summary  Craig Foreman reviewed the Trail Master Plan with the Board; and the Board unanimously endorsed the new Trail Master Plan – 5:0  Vincent Castillo with Northern Colorado Disc Golf updated the Board on the State Disc Golf Tournament at Edora Park on October 4-6.  Megan Bolin presented the Mid-Town Corridor Plan with an overview of design concepts and focus on public spaces (parks & plaza) and art. The Board can review the plan in detail online at: http://www.fcgov.com/mason/midtown.php and provide feedback in about one week.  Pete Wray & Amy Lewin presented the Lincoln Corridor Plan and reviewed what has gone into Phase I of the project and what will be coming as the project enters into Phase II and how the Board can be involved. As part of Phase II, there is a design session on September 19 that people can sign up to attend. More information about the Lincoln Corridor Plan can be found at: http://www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning/lincoln.php  The Board was invited to sign up and help with trail counts on September 14-19, with a training session on September 12.  The Board decided not to weigh-in on the “Stop-as-Yield” initiative being discussed at the BAC since the topic does not relate to Parks & Recreation. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday, August 28, 2013 5:30 p.m. Board Chair: Bruce Henderson, Chair 2013 bmhender6@gmail.com Council Liaison: Gino Campana – gcampana@fcgov.com Staff Liaisons: J.R. Schnelzer, 970-221-6301 – jrschnelzer@fcgov.com Craig Foreman, 970-221-6618 – cforeman@fcgov.com Bob Adams, 970-221-6354 – badams@fcgov.com Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 28, 2013 Page 2 of 5 Full Minutes AGENDA ITEMS: Trail Master Plan Update – Craig Foreman The Trail Mater Plan will be going to Council for approval on October 15; and has been presented to the following Boards and Commissions: BAC, Transportation, Senior Advisory, Youth Advisory, COD, Land Conservation & Stewardship and Natural Resources Advisory Board and so far the response has been positive and the Plan approved by these Boards Discussion Staff - After reviewing the Plan, are there any thoughts and/or recommendations? Board – What is the funding source, are any monies from Natural Areas? Staff – There is only money in 2013-14 from Natural Areas; so we will be using these funds for the trail at Lemay & Trilby which includes an underpass at Trilby. Board – This is why we wrote a letter to Council sharing our concerns about funding; Jerry was the only Council member to respond. Board – Perhaps having something more graphically showing the need, like a pie chart, would be helpful. Staff – We may be able to add something like that to our PowerPoint presentation to Council. Board – Is Council historically resistant to Trails? Staff – No Board – What about the overpass on I-25 Staff – We are working through options for underpass/overpass at I-25. Motion: Scott Sinn made a motion to endorse the Trail Master Plan. Jessica MacMillan seconded VOTE: 5:0 to endorse State Disc Golf Tournament Update – Vincent Castillo, Northern Colorado Disc Golf The State Disc Golf Tournament will be taking place at Edora Park on October 4-6. The Tournament is sold out; we have 90 amateur players and 60 pro players from Colorado, Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, and New Mexico that are excited to see the course and play. We wanted to give the players a different experience in Fort Collins than is typical at these tournaments by having the Tournament take place over three days. This will allow the players to experience Fort Collins and visit local businesses. We have been working with businesses and the Convention & Visitors Bureau to help us showcase Fort Collins. We are also working with LeaAnn Haisch & Marshall Thornberry who have been great to work with on the layout of the Tournament, and in fact LeaAnn suggested moving the bleachers from the horseshoe pits to allow for better viewing options for spectators; which again, is something only this Tournament will offer. Discussion Board – How many spectators are you expecting? Vincent – I’m not really sure, but there will be about 180 people including players and staff/volunteers. Board – What about traffic control? Vincent – The lower lots will be for staff and volunteers and all the other lots will be open for players and spectators. Board – Will there be vendors? Vincent – Yes, vendors that support the sport. Board – Do people “hang out” all day? Vincent – They can, but we designed play in the morning or afternoon so either prior to or after play they can go do things in Fort Collins. Board – Will you be doing a survey after the event? Vincent – Yes, and we’ll be asking specific questions. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 28, 2013 Page 3 of 5 Mid-Town Plan Update – Megan Bolin This is a very comprehensive plan including the Planning Department, Transportation, Streets, Open Spaces, Parks, Building Design, etc. This is an Urban Design Vision to revitalize the mid-town corridor which is along College from Prospect to the south Transit Center (south of Harmony). The vision is to create a vibrant urban destination that is transit and pedestrian oriented. We are hopeful for plan adoption on October 1, and the process has been from July-October looking at existing conditions by taking a tour of the site and having stakeholder outreach. The next step was from November-January 2013 working on Design Concepts with community workshops and speaking at a City Council work session. A final draft of the plan was written between February-June with continued stakeholder outreach and public open house. Focusing on the parks and art aspects of this plan for the Parks & Recreation Board, our plan is to include pedestrian promenades as landscape buffers to help add character and provide destination opportunities for pedestrians to relax and refocus. The length of the mid-town corridor provides an opportunity to create three areas unique to their location along the corridor, while still providing an overall unified look. Our thoughts are to focus the northern area on a more garden- type theme, the mid area as an arts related theme, and the southern area as an innovation theme. Each of these areas would have some type of public space with a park, plaza or courtyard and interesting interconnecting walkways and alleys. The design guidelines will encourage unison of the vision by allowing us to be a stronger partner in the redevelopment. The idea is to bring store fronts to the streets with parking in the middle which will allow for walkways and plaza. Discussion Board – Can we read more about the mid-town plan and provide feedback? Staff – The most recent version is not currently on-line, but it should be available in about one week. Board – Great work being done by the City, but I think there will need to be a “seed” area developed in order to really see the potential. Board – Is there marketing being done to the private sector? Staff – The South District Business Association has been doing the marketing. Lincoln Corridor Plan Update – Pete Wray & Amy Lewin Several factors led to the need to start the Lincoln Corridor Plan this year including emerging issues in area such as pedestrian and bicycle safety, traffic and train impacts, further existing plan project implementation, and impacts of new development in the area. City Plan identified the Lincoln corridor as a priority catalyst project and funding and work programs supported initiating this effort in 2013. The purpose of the Lincoln Corridor Plan is to develop a corridor vision, preliminary street design and plan implementation. Phase I of the planning process is complete that included extensive community engagement, assessment of existing and future conditions, case study analysis, and corridor vision. The draft vision describes enhanced mobility and safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and motorists, while creating an active street environment that is visually appealing. A summary of this initial step is available on the project web site and other supporting information at: www.fcgov.com/lincoln. The timing is good to coordinate the proposed Woodward expansion project with our planning process. The concept plans on site include dedication of approximately 30 acres to the City on southern portion of property. In this area restoration of the Poudre River north embankment will occur and realignment of trail. The Lincoln design alternatives include a future new bridge, resulting in potential for new trail connections from river to Lincoln Avenue. We are currently in Phase II of the process looking at corridor design alternatives. On September 19, there will be a public workshop to weigh in on design alternatives. More information on this event including registration for one of two sessions is also available on the webpage. An online survey will be available Sept. 20-Oct. 4. Staff will provide future updates with the Board on plan progress, and seek a recommendation to Council on plan in February, 2014. Discussion Board – What type of funding is necessary? How will this be funded? Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 28, 2013 Page 4 of 5 Staff – Funding will be through public and private partnerships. Some of the initial work will be funded with Woodward and other sources will be BOB II, DDA, etc. STAFF UPDATES Parks Updates JR was out – no updates Recreation Updates  Thank Ragan for the article on the Senior Center.  The funds raised so far for the Senior Center Expansion is $190,000; this included a grant from Boettcher Foundation for $25,000 and a grant from Daniels Fund for $150,000  The Expansion’s ground breaking ceremony will be on October 19 in conjunction with the Sundance Festival.  There will be a pickle ball tournament on September 28 at Northside Aztlan Center.  There is no update on the Youth Activity Center. We’re still waiting for information with the mall and City.  At the October 29 Council work session we’ll be presenting information on the Southeast Community Park.  The Southeast Community Center is still conceptually at Fossil Creek Park, but there are three other alternative sites being reviewed and this will also be discussed at the October 29 work session.  EPIC pool is closed while the air handling system is being upgraded. Three large fans are being installed to help circulate the air. In addition, the bulkheads are being renovated.  In order to handle the load during mass registration, a separate server was created to house web track/rec track and during this latest mass registration we had zero complaints. We did $126,000 in registrations and 62% were done on-line.  Pooch Plunge will be held on Labor Day at the outdoor pool.  We instigated uniforms for all customer service personnel at the Recreation Facilities so we are all recognizable as a staff. We have blue tops with the logo and name tag and khaki slacks.  A meeting has been set up with new PSD Superintendent. Park Planning Updates Potential Bob II Projects:  Widening Spring Creek Trail  Taft Hill Trail Improvement such as restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic shelters and shade trees.  Keenland Underpass Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update – Ragan Adams Ragan forwarded an email to the Board regarding the “Stop-as-Yield” initiative for the Board review. Discussion: Board: Is this something the Board would like to voice an opinion on? Board: I think we stay out of it, this topic doesn’t relate to parks and recreation. The Board agreed as a whole, to not to weigh-in on the “Stop-as-Yield” initiative since the topic does not relate to parks and recreation. Board Work Plan Items – Updates  Budget – Bruce Henderson – No Update  Communications – Jessica MacMillan & Dawn Theis – Dawn & Bruce met with the new Council Liaison, Gino Campana and invited him to the October board meeting. He is very supportive of the Board.  Sustainable Practices – Scott Sinn – Sustainable Living Fair will be held at Legacy Park on Saturday, Sept 14 thru Sunday, Sept 15. http://sustainablelivingassociation.org/sustainable-living-fair/ Setting up meetings with Bruce Hendee & Bill Whirty with regard to the article “How Green Are Our Parks” Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 28, 2013 Page 5 of 5  Parks & Disc Golf – Michael Chalona – No Updates  Trails – Ragan Adams & Brian Carroll – No Updates  Recreation – Richard Barnhart – No Updates  Other Projects/Programs – No Updates  Natural Areas – Brian Carroll  River & NISP – Scott Sinn  Great Lawn & Community Gardens – Bruce Henderson Schedule of Articles/Calendar Upcoming articles are: October – Scott Sinn, “How Green Are Our Parks” November – Brian Carroll, article on ducks December – Ragan Adams, article on Recreation’s scholarships Calendar Items: September 5 – Poudre River Downtown Project Open House 6pm-8pm at the Lincoln Center September 12 – Trail Counts Training September 14-19 – Trail Counting Sessions September 19 – Lincoln Corridor Design Session October 19 – Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Senior Center Expansion in conjunction with Sundance Festival October 22 – City Council Work Session Presenting the SE Community Park Plan Bullet Points  Board unanimously endorsed the new Trail Master Plan  Updated on the State Disc Golf Tournament at Edora Park on October 4-6  Updated on the Mid-Town Corridor Plan with an overview of design concepts; and understand that we can review the plan in detail online at http://www.fcgov.com/mason/midtown.php and provide feedback.  Reviewed the Lincoln Corridor Plan Vision, and can sign up for the design sessions on September 19. http://www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning/lincoln.php Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 8:15pm. Respectfully submitted, VtÜÉÄ etÇ~|Ç Carol Rankin Administrative Supervisor Parks Board Approved Minutes: 5:0 Board Attendance Board Members: Brian Carroll, Bruce Henderson, Jessica MacMillan, Scott Sinn, Dawn Theis Staff: Craig Foreman, Bob Adams, Carol Rankin; Megan Bolin, Pete Wray, Amy Lewin Guests: Vincent Castillo, Disc Golf