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Home My WebLink About11/07/2011 - Regular Minutes - Lick Creek Park Nature Center Advisory Committee LICK CREEK PARK NATURE CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE DESIGN CHARRETTE MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING & REGULAR MEETING 7:00PM, Monday, November 7, 2011 College Station Conference Center, Room 127 1300 George Bush Dr. College Station, TX 77840 STAFF PRESENT: David Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director; Bob Cowell, Director of Planning and Development Services; Amy Atkins, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director; Pete Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; Danielle Charbonnet, Project Manager; Andrea Lauer, Staff Assistant COMMITTEE PRESENT: Ron Kaiser, Robert Bruce, Jim Ross, Sherry Ellison, Mike Manson VISITORS: Ray + Hollington Architects, Lauren Griffith Associates, Alan Pepper, Miles Phillips, Mary Wilson, Monique Reed 1.Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:10PM, with a lack of quorum. 2.Possible action concerning requests for absences of members: There were no absence requests submitted. 3.Hear visitors: Hearing none, this item was closed. 4.Consideration, possible approval, and discussion of minutes from the meeting of October 19, 2011: Jim Ross made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted, and Sherry Ellison seconded the motion. The vote was called. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 5.Introduction of City Staff and design team members: Ron Kaiser, Chairman, presented this item and introductions were made by city staff and design team members. 6.Discussion and possible action regarding adjacent city property to Lick Creek Park: 65 acres to rezone from agriculture to residential. Their hopes are for high end homes with large lots. This item will be going to Planning and Zoning, then to Council in February or March 2012. 7.Outline background/history of the meeting: A presentation was given by Rick Hollington summarizing the background of the nature center. The presentation showed many of the natural undisturbed areas in the park, endangered species, and concepts, ideas, and amenities from other nature centers. Discussion followed. This was an informational item only, and no action was required. 8.Delineate objectives of the meeting: Objectives of the meeting were discussed. Discussion followed. This was an informational item only, and no action was required 9.Explain process and procedure for the meeting: Staff reported on this item, explaining the goal of these meetings is to provide input to the design team to assist with the development of the facility master plan. Staff also explained the process and procedure for the meeting. Discussion followed. This was an informational item only, and no action was required. 10.Examine examples of other nature centers, programs and components: There were examples of nature centers, programs and facilities were displayed in the presentation that was shown. Discussion followed. This was an informational item only, and no action was required. 11.Small group discussions: The committee members, design team, citizens and staff members divided into groups to brainstorm ideas for the Nature Center. Discussions followed. Environmental Native plants Horses sustainable? Needs to be wildlife proof Locate in “upland area” Flood plain Existing cleared Wild hog control Priority on preserving Lick Creek Park Dogs – control Preserve the sense of wilderness Keep Park natural, protected Have mitigation plan in place before center is built Complete visual buffer from surrounding development Least impact to parks sensitive areas – preserve drainage patterns Protect grasslands (controlled) Swainson's warbler in thickest part of lowest areas Representing Post Oak savanna Wildlife corridor to Navasota Amenities/Accommodations Indoor/outdoor education Infrastructure to support education Water Seating Covered 2 November 7, 2011 Lick Creek Nature Center Advisory Committee Design Charrette Meeting Minutes Toilet Indoor area Not closed to public for special events No rentals that change nature of Park – all activities should be related Viewing window to water feature with audio Nighttime access Have some off- trail areas Flexible classroom space Don't need another Museum of Natural History Presentation room that can be darkened Wildlife viewing blinds Tent camping – no! – Yes! Pond with underwater viewing Tree house User Groups Small group use equestrian area not used Interconnected network needed Education will be biggest user Research Walking Friends of Lick Creek Park growing – known Separate school groups from other visitors Base for other organizations Marketing/Revenue Feedback from law enforcement No facility that requires permanent staff Dedicated parks and recreation staff Not economic venue? More people higher use Enormous volunteer base Education Friends of Lick Creek Park – Education Conserve Priority number (2) educational facility Incorporate historical context Water collection demonstration trail starting at Nature Center – convey Park’s fragility before starting on trail Hands-on workshop inside for rainy days General Natural materials Nature Center Control center Minimal night lighting for wildlife Emerge from nature/archaeology design that Provide sense of place/community 3 November 7, 2011 Lick Creek Nature Center Advisory Committee Design Charrette Meeting Minutes Leaving creek bed in place Building that looks outward to the park Nature Center as part of 65 acres paid for by developer – $2.5 million = Endowment Underground structure not visible National Park Service design guidelines for light and noise pollution Permeable paving for parking Place on edge, visible from road All parking under building – building elevated – rooftop viewing platform Possibly use historic architecture elements – dog trot, etc. Bird kill – glass Unique character Site near residential area (as buffer for Park) Security Controlled access on site On-site Parks Department presence Gated entry Bathroom maintenance, security Vandalizing This is an informational item only, and no action was necessary. 12.Report and summarize group comments: Ideas and concepts from each of the small groups in summarized below: 13.Questions and comments period: Hearing none, this item was closed. 14.Presentation, possible action, and discussion on future agenda items: A Board Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting: Next meeting – Design Team & Certain Staff Members  15. Conclusion: The meeting concluded at 8:50PM. 4 November 7, 2011 Lick Creek Nature Center Advisory Committee Design Charrette Meeting Minutes