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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 08/27/2014Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 27, 2014 Page 1 of 5 BE A GOOD STEWARD: Protect & Respect your Parks, Trails & Recreation Facilities Call Meeting to Order: Bruce Henderson call the meeting to order 5:35pm. Agenda Review & Items of Note: • Introduction of Kurt Friesen, Director of Park Planning & Development. • The P&R Board Work Plan for 2015 is due by November 30. Citizen Participation: None Approval of Minutes: Discussion: None Jessica MacMillan made the motion to approve the Parks & Recreation Board minutes of July 23, 2014, seconded by Scott Sinn – Minutes approved 8:0 Meeting Summary • The Board was updated on Recreations Operational Plan. The Plan has been worked on by staff since January determining their Mission, Vision and Values and then setting goals to obtain the Mission, Vision, Values. The Goals were then detailed and charted with priority, accountability and timelines to ensure they are successfully completed. The Board feels this Plan should be held up as a model to other City departments. • The Board was updated on the Council requested adjustments to the Poudre River Project as it pertains to the section of river between College Avenue and the Engines Lab. The Board will be writing a letter of support for the Project as adjusted and confidence in staff to make appropriate modifications to the Plan in the future. • Reminder from the Boards & Commission meeting that the Board can write a letter to the Council regarding the BOB2 projects prior to October 11. To review and comment on the BOB2 projects go to: http://www.fcgov.com/bob/ • The Board was introduced to Kurt Friesen, the new Director of Park Planning & Development. Kurt provided a bit of information on his background in landscape architecture over the last 20 years, and two public sector projects he worked on were the Lincoln Corridor Plan and the Civic Center Master Plan. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday August 27, 2014 5:30 p.m. Board Chair: Bruce Henderson, Chair 2014 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 27, 2014 Page 2 of 5 Full Minutes AGENDA ITEMS: Recreations Operational Plan Update/Highlights – Jamie Sabbach, Consultant In January Recreation started the process of developing their Operational Plan with staff workshops to get employees fully engaged in the process. Focus groups were established in February and March with development of the plan taking place March through July. The Plan focus was to align with the City’s Mission, Vision, Values and Key Outcomes and the first step was to decide on Values as they are the “driver” of the Plan. In order to make the Values “real”, definitions were created. Next was the Vision, setting the standards; “World-class recreation services which inspire people to lead engaged healthy lives”. Lastly was the Mission, which is the purpose/promise the “who what and why”; “Fostering health and well-being through diverse and inclusive recreation opportunity, sustainable planning and community partnerships”. Throughout this process the following Key Themes were continually identified in various focus groups. • The Department’s financial condition both present and future • Community/customer financial condition • The organization’s culture and varying perspectives regarding direction and philosophy • Maintaining the Department’s infrastructure • Changing/shifting demographics (e.g., older adult and minority population increases, increases in persons with disabilities) • Health and wellness of the greater Fort Collins community • Growth in southeast Fort Collins • Significant community/customer demand and interest • Community outreach and connectivity • Transportation challenges for community/customers • Appropriateness of the Department competing with other sectors • Marketing and communications (clarity in messages) • Customer service (internal and external) • Impending staff retirements and loss of institutional knowledge • Rapid technological advances • The competition and its impact on service delivery • Staff training and development opportunities • Partnership/collaboration opportunities • Staff workloads Priorities were then established; 1) A healthy organizational culture; 2) Financial sustainability & resourcefulness; 3) Model service delivery standards & best practices; 4) Strong community and customer relationships; and 5) Smart use of evolving technology. These priorities helped to identify the Goals which were then detailed for specific actions that include priority, accountability and timelines. The Plan is an evolving document and process as priorities can change; but is the base to work from. Discussion Board – Bob may want to delegate the lead responsibility on some of these goals so that more individuals have the lead responsibility. I think it would help with buy-in and ownership of the goal. Sometimes peers feel more at ease speaking openly and honestly to another peer rather than a superior. Staff – I’ll revisit these and consider making a change in the leader. Board – This document should carry Recreation a long way. Board – Do you have more part-time employees than full-time employees? Staff – Yes, we have about 300 part-time employees and about 40 full-time employees. Board – How involved in this process were the part-time employees? Staff – We had about five of the long-term, part-time employees involved; but so many of the part-time staff is only here for a short time. Board – I’m just concerned there could be a potential disconnect with the part-time employees. Jamie – We did talk about this, it’s a common recreation industry issue, but staff did build it and it will go through a continual evaluation. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 27, 2014 Page 3 of 5 Staff – I also want to let you know the next step over the following six to seven months will be to work on Goal number 2: Determine cost recovery/revenue enhancement strategies. Recreation will be looking at every program and determining true costs, and making sure they align with the organizational purpose. Board – Is there anything about Recreation’s Operational Plan that is uniquely Fort Collins? Jamie – Not really, but I would say that in the community focus groups they all made comments about staff’s customer service that they were good and responsive, which I don’t always hear. And, from the staff side, they were very honest in stating that they felt they needed to work on the culture. Poudre River Plan Update – John Stokes, Natural Resources Director The Poudre River Plan was presented to Council and their feedback concerning the section of river from College Avenue to the Engine Lab was similar to others in expressing a concern over too much hardscape. So, Council asked us to review and amend the amount of hardscape in this area and check back with various Boards for their input. The revised conceptual changes will be to relocate the trail closer to the river utilizing the existing railroad overpass for the trail to go under instead of creating an overpass which would be very expensive. The other change is in the formal hardscape tiered seating on the south side of river; this would be done with a more natural look using boulders as well as reducing the number of put-ins on the north side of the river. Discussion Board – It seems that there are more tubers than kayakers on the river will they over take the area and make it difficult for kayakers to use? Staff – Kayaking is dependent upon the river levels as is mostly limited to months during the spring run-off; so that may be why you’re seeing more tubers than kayakers. However, the challenge will be to manage the site but we haven’t detailed the plans to this level yet. Board – I like that the hardscape has been dialed back, but I would still like to see enough areas for people to bring their chairs and umbrellas and spaces for family activities. Staff – There will still be plenty of spaces for people to “hang out”. Board – On a typical week, how many people would you anticipate? Staff – Not sure, but I would expect 100-200 people through the day. The waves we create will be play waves, not competitive waves; so there wouldn’t be competitions held here. Board – How much will this cost? Staff – About $12.8M total, but not all from BOB2; we’ve also asked for about $6M funded by BFO which will help us buy land. Board – Is Stormwater on board with the hardscape? Staff – Yes, as it would be designed for the 100 year flood to mitigate water cresting over College Ave. Board – There are many bridges in Fort Collins that need to be replaced; should this happen before this project? Staff – I’m not able to answer that question. Board – Should we write a letter of support? Board – We could write an addendum to the letter we already wrote supporting the revised changes. Board – I think we need to include in the addendum that we have confidence in staff to make any necessary modifications in the future. Motion made by Scott Sinn for Board Chair, Bruce Henderson, to draft an addendum to the original support letter, supporting the revised changes and staff. Seconded by Jessica MacMillan Vote: 8:0 in favor STAFF UPDATES Parks Updates • There was an assault in the neighborhood by Avery Park, which has sparked concern from some of the neighbors that Avery Park is too dark and trees provide hiding places. Forestry has already raised the tree “skirts” on some of the trees in the park, but Police Services, Neighborhood Services, Parks, Forestry and Park Rangers are meeting with the neighborhood to discuss park safety on Tuesday, September 2. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 27, 2014 Page 4 of 5 • The Rangers, through a strategically placed camera, were able to catch images of kids vandalizing the building which did lead to them to catching these individuals. • The compromise worked out for the community gardens at English Ranch is to limit the height of the fence to 4’ with no cross-beams, which has been done, and move the shed to the area of the pump house. We are also working with the gardens to plant some type of vining plants to hide the fence around the gardens. • Michelle is moving forward with the Gardens Master Plan and will be performing sound tests to check on impact to the surrounding neighborhoods. Board – Where are people going to park? I heard that the overflow parking currently in the lots across the street will no longer be available. Staff – This issue is being resolved. Recreation Updates • Pooch Plunge will be taking place at the City Park outdoor pool on September 1, and then the pool will close for the season. • Reminder from the Boards & Commission meeting that the Board can write a letter to the Council regarding the BOB2 projects prior to October 11. • The BFO work session is scheduled for September 23. • The Senior Center is offering a free two-week trial to use the facility. Board – Is this just for the facility? Staff – Yes, not for programs. Board – What is the status of the SE Creative Center? Staff – There is no updated information. Board – Where does Gino stand on this issue? I reviewed the Council meeting and it seemed the Council struggled with their position on this. Board – Perhaps we can have Gino attend the September meeting to clarify his position. Board – Dawn Theis wrote a letter regarding this and would like feedback from the other Board members. Should the letter be sent prior to the September meeting? Board – If everyone could send Dawn their feedback via email by September 3, I think it would be appropriate to send the letter prior to Gino attending our meeting. Board – Bruce Henderson, Board Chair, will request Gino to attend the September 24 P&R Board meeting. Park Planning Updates • The section of Poudre Trail between Lincoln & Lemay will hopefully be reopened by the first week in September. There is some additional temporary repair work required in the river behind Hydro; which will also be completed prior to the trail opening. • Construction will be starting on the Fossil Creek Trail underpass at Trilby. • Met with CSU, the Gardens and Parks to discuss Lilac Park, which is located behind the Gardens and how it might be developed it into a Park which can be used by the neighborhood. • The Project Development Plan conceptual drawings of the SE Community Park have been completed and will be ready for feedback soon. Bicycle Advisory Board Liaison Update None – BAC did not have meeting Board Work Plan Items Discussed and assigned members to various work plan items. • Budget – Bruce Henderson - The Boards & Commission Meeting on Monday, August 25 was asking Boards for feedback on the BOB2 projects. Feedback can be given by going to: http://www.fcgov.com/bob/ Board Member Note: BOB2 projects have a lot of “repair” projects to infrastructure, which is necessary; but I think the citizens need to be aware and understand these projects are just as important as new projects. • Communications – Jessica MacMillan & Dawn Theis - No Update • Sustainable Practices – Scott Sinn - No Update • Parks – Michael Chalona – No Update Parks & Recreation Board Meeting – August 27, 2014 Page 5 of 5 • Trails – Mary Carlson & Brian Carroll –  Natural Areas is working on artistic renderings to be incorporate in the design on the new section of Fossil Creek Trail under Trilby to highlight the brick factory that was in this area from 1903-1920.  Also, the section of the Poudre Trail by the ELC is open with a soft trail detour. • Recreation – Dawn Theis - No Update • Other Projects/Programs o Natural Areas – Brian Carroll & Mary Carlson –  On September 3 from 4-7pm, Natural Areas will be hosting a ceremonial release back to the wild of the endangered Black-footed Ferrets at Soapstone.  Also, on October 19-22, Natural Areas will host a symposium on Lindenmeier: Ancient Lives, Ancient Dreams at the Northside Aztlan Community Center. Schedule of Articles/Calendar • Brian Carroll, Article for September – A behind the scenes look at Parks • Scott Sinn, Article for October - The Farm at Lee Martinez • Jessica MacMillan, Article for November – Senior Center or Innovation Center Bullet Points • The Board was updated on Recreations Operational Plan. The Plan has been worked on by staff since January determining their Mission, Vision and Values and then setting goals to obtain the Mission, Vision, Values. The Goals were then detailed and charted with priority, accountability and timelines to ensure they are successfully completed. The Board feels this Plan should be held up as a model to other City departments. • The Board was updated on the Council requested adjustments to the Poudre River Project as it pertains to the section of river between College Avenue and the Engines Lab. The Board will be writing a letter of support for the Project as adjusted and confidence in staff to make appropriate modifications to the Plan in the future. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 7:55pm Respectfully submitted, Carol Rankin Carol Rankin Administrative Supervisor Parks Board Approved Minutes 9/24/14 - 6:0 Board Attendance Board Members: Ragan Adams, Mary Carlson, Brian Carroll, Michael Chalona, Bruce Henderson, Jessica MacMillan, Scott Sinn, Dawn Theis Staff: Bob Adams, JR Schnelzer, Kurt Friesen, Carol Rankin, Mike McDonnell, John Stokes Guest: Jamie Sabbach, Consultant