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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/2002 - Regular Minutes - Parks Board (2) Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 'ritiidrir!SetftiiiibeiqtrF2002EWCV'#OlifithIBEIEIIEI"•"Im•••••5 Central Park Conference Room 1000 Krenek Tap Road Staff Present: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Pete Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; Peter Lamont, Recreation Superintendent; Kristin Lehde, Staff Assistant. Board Members Present: John Nichols, Chairman; Larry Farnsworth; Bill Davis; Glenn Schroeder; Jodi Warner; Glen Davis. Board Members Absent: Don Allison. Guests: Edward McDow, SI Group. Visitors: Christine Livingston, 1203 Baywood Court, College Station, Texas Jason Fikes, 1309 Danville Court, College Station, Texas Susan Fikes, 1309 Danville Court, College Station, Texas L Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Nichols at 7:05 p.m. 2. Pardon — possible action concerning requests for absences of members from meeting: Glenn Schroeder made a motion to accept the absence of Don Allison as excused. Larry Farnsworth seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Hear visitors: Christine Livingston is the Chairman of the Alexandria Neighborhood Association. She said that she represents the needs and desires of the Alexandria Neighborhood, which is located on the north end of Alexandria Drive, off of Barron Road, West of Highway 6. The Association understands that the City is currently planning to place a 12-acre park on the far south side of Alexandria Drive. This would mean that the occupants of approximately 600 homes, including theirs, would have to cross Barron Road to access a public park. Since they feel that having the use of a nearby park is very important for community-wide and individual family bonding, they have contacted three offices within the City for advice: Greenway Planning, Transportation, and Parks Planning. Ms. Livingston said the Association felt that each of the offices were very sensitive to their needs for adequate access to playground equipment and to their concern for increased traffic hazards that will come with a single park in the Shennendoah Subdivision. The Association is requesting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to consider their request for city playground equipment to be placed at the edge of the greenway Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 1 of 9 space on the north end of Alexandria Drive. Ms. Livingston thanked the Board for their thoughtfulness on behalf of her neighborhood. John Nichols thanked Ms. Livingston and said that the Board would discuss the request during item#9. 4. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of minutes from the regular meeting of August 13, 2002: Glen Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from August 13, 2002. Bill Davis seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 5. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the Capital Improvement Program: Eric said that the new fiscal year would start on October 1, 2002. He added that the Board would receive a new Capital Improvement Program project list for the October Board meeting. Bill D. asked about the status of the Thomas Pool Shade Cover Project. Eric said that the Department combined that project with the Thomas Pool Renovation Project. He added that the bids would be presented to the City Council for their consideration on Thursday, September 12, 2002. Bill said that he feels there should also be shade covers over the City's playground equipment. Glen D. asked about the status of rubberizing the surface of the Jack and Dorothy Miller Jogging Track. Eric responded that the project is almost complete. There is a one-year warranty on the track. Next summer the Department will conduct a "walk through" of the track to determine if there are any repairs that the contractor would need to make. Glen D. and Bill D. were concerned about the safety on the track if pea gravel from the nearby playground were to get on the surface of the rubber. Eric said that the surface is the softest and thickest that the City has put down. Glen D. asked about the status of the Lincoln Center Expansion Project. Steve Beachy said that there are funds in the Capital Improvement Program under Community Development for design services. He added that once the scope of the project has been developed, it may be funded over a multi-year period. 6. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a park land dedication request for the Dartmouth Crossing Apartments (Park Zone 3): Peter Vanecek said that the proposed multi-family, 68 dwelling unit development is located on the northwest corner of Dartmouth and Krenek Tap Road. He said that the total land dedication requirement would only be .544 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $30,736. Central Park, Wolf Pen Creek, and Cy Miller Park are also located in Park Zone 3. Staff is recommending the acceptance of the cash dedication in lieu of land. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to accept the cash dedication in lieu of land for the Dartmouth Crossing Apartments. Larry F. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 2 of 9 John Nichols asked if the Department could include a current park land dedication zone fund balance on the project review checklists. Eric Ploeger said that could be done. 7. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a park land dedication request for the Southwood Estates (Park Zone 5): Peter V. said that the proposed single-family, 74 dwelling unit development is located on Malvern Hill Drive (between Southwood Valley Athletic Complex and the Utility Service Center). The total land dedication requirement would only be .73 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $41,144. Southwood Valley Athletic Complex and Edelweiss Park are also located nearby. The developer is also proposing to dedicate a 1.45-acre utility easement as a greenbelt. Steve said that the recommendation from City staff is to decline the easement, but recommend that it become an access area to Southwood Valley Athletic Complex. After some discussion, Glen D. made a motion to accept the cash dedication in lieu of land for the Southwood Estates and to decline the proposed 1.45-acre greenbelt dedication. The motion also included a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission 1) that the developer construct a sidewalk that would extend through the easement from Malvern Drive to the edge of the Southwood Valley Athletic Complex property line, and 2) that the City of College Station tie into the sidewalk and extend it through the park. Bill D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 8. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a park land dedication request for the Autumn Chase Duplexes (Park Zone 3) Peter V. said that the proposed multi-family, 84 dwelling unit development is located on the corner of Cornell Drive and Purdue Drive. The total land dedication requirement would only be .672 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $37,968. Central Park, Wolf Pen Creek, and Cy Miller Park are also located in Park Zone 3. After some discussion, Glenn S. made a motion to accept the cash dedication in lieu of land for the Autumn Chase Duplexes. Jodi Warner seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 9. Review, discussion, and possible action concerning the use of park land dedication funds: Eric distributed a hand-out that listed current and potential park land dedication projects (refer to Park Land Dedication Fund — Current and Potential Projects). He said that the list was split by park zones, showing the current fund balance in each zone. Steve said that there is some sense of urgency to spend the funds because there is a time requirement in the Park Land Dedication Ordinance that states that the funds "must be expended by the City within five (5) years from the date received by the City for acquisition and/or development of a neighborhood park " (Park Land Dedication Ordinance, Section 1O-D.2.). Steve added that the developer has the option to request the funds back within a twelve-month period if they have not been expended. Steve said that the funds will not be recurring, and they are based upon new development. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 3 of 9 The Board discussed Ms. Livingston's request for the Board's consideration of installing city playground equipment at the edge of the greenway space on the north portion of Alexandria Drive. The Board discussed the location of the subdivision and greenway, which are located in Park Zone 10. Steve said that there are three undeveloped parks in the proximity that could be used for neighborhood park usage in the future: Westfield, Edelweiss Gartens, and Shenendoah. He said that the new intermediate school is also located in Zone 10, and that a new elementary school has been proposed for construction as well. Steve added that the School District had indicated their desire to do a joint school-park project with the elementary school in the future. Ms. Livingston stated that the Alexandria subdivision is located north of Barron Road. Residents must cross Barron Road to access public parks, and there is little visibility. She also said that the Transportation Office had indicated that Barron Road would be widened to four lanes within the next three years, which would make it harder to cross. Steve recommended that the Department first investigate the location and ownership of the greenway, as well as visit the site to determine distance and location issues, before it commits to doing a project. He added that if a park were to be developed, it would be expensive, and there would also be operation and maintenance costs associated with it. He is also concerned about the duplication of efforts to build a park if one would also be built in conjunction with the School District. After some discussion, the Board was in consensus on having the Department investigate the greenway site, and come back to the Board with a recommendation. Eric referred to the handout that listed current and potential park land dedication projects. The Board discussed each zone separately: Zone 1 —$168,288 Eric said that funds in Zone 1 are reserved for the Northgate area and possible acquisition of a Northgate Park or a park amenity for the Northgate Promenade area. Steve said that there is a Northgate Redevelopment Plan that calls for development of park land and park linkages in the Northgate Area. He said that there are currently three lots that are on the intersection of College Main and Spruce Street that have come on the market in the Northgate area that could possibly be purchased and used for development of a small park with park land dedication funds. He added that there is also the potential of using Community Development Funds for a park in the future as well. After some discussion, Glenn S. made a motion recommending that the Department actively pursue the acquisition of park land in the Northgate area, as well as protect park land dedication funds from being spent on "marginal" amenities, such as are in the Northgate Promenade area. Bill Davis seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Steve said that the Department would investigate the potential of acquiring land with the City's Land Agent. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 4 of 9 Zone 2 —$0 No motion was made. There was no discussion concerning Park Zone 2. Zone 3 —$131,322 Eric said that these funds have been budgeted for the Wolf Pen Creek Trails Project for quite some time. Steve said that the Lower Trails Project, from Dartmouth to State Highway 6, is currently under construction and should be complete by the first of next year. The next scheduled project is for the Upper Trails, from Dartmouth to the George Bush Drive Bridge. Steve said that the majority of the funding for the projects would come from Wolf Pen Creek TIF funds, but some would also come from Drainage/Utility and Park Land Dedication funds. No motion was made in relation to this zone. Zone 4 —$20,673 Eric said that funds for Zone 4 were recommended for possible bench and sidewalk improvements to Raintree or Windwood Parks. He said that in addition to the $20,673, there is approximately $14,000 left over from the 1998 General Bond Election for Raintree Park. The Department had intended to install a basketball court in Raintree, but has not been able to find suitable property for one. After some discussion, Glen D. made a motion to utilize the $14,000 in bond money for benches, sidewalks, and intergenerational improvements in Raintree, and to utilize the $20,673 in Park Land Dedication money for benches, sidewalks, and intergenerational improvements in Windwood. The motion also included a recommendation that the Park Planning staff develop a plan for future Park Land Dedication projects. Bill D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Zone 5 —$170,948 Eric said that the following intergenerational features were suggested in a report presented to the Board by the Department and the Texas A&M University Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences Department in May 2001. 1. Edelweiss Park Pedestrian Bridge $10,000 Vegetation Screening $5,000 2. Southwood Valley Athletic Park Covered playgrounds $20,000 3. Brothers Pond, Georgie K. Fitch, and Jack and Dorothy Miller Parks Benches (15) $25,000 Eric said that there were several other potential projects for which to utilize the park land dedication funds: 1. Steeplechase Park Development $45,000 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 5 of 9 Eric said that the park is currently undeveloped. He added that development of this park has also been included on the list that was submitted for future Capital Improvement Projects. 2. Rubber surfacing for playgrounds at Jack and Dorothy Miller Park Glen D. asked if the Department had cost estimates for the rubber surfacing. Steve said that Pete Vanecek had received cost estimates, and it would take approximately $86,000 to place rubberized surfacing on two playgrounds and an exercise station. 3. Improvements to Southwood Valley Athletic Park, which would include the installation of sidewalks from new neighborhoods to the south 4. Improvements to Longmire Park, which would include the installation of a playground, a picnic unit, and walks After some discussion, Jodi Warner made a motion to 1) remove Steeplechase Park Development from the project list (this project was also listed in the request for future CIP), and 2)proceed with the Zone 5 projects in the following order: - Edelweiss Park(pedestrian bridge and vegetation screening) - Southwood Valley Athletic Park(covered playgrounds) - Brothers Pond, Georgie K. Fitch, and Jack and Dorothy Miller Parks (park benehces) - Improvements to Southwood Valley Athletic Park, which would include the installation of sidewalks from new neighborhoods to the south - Rubber surfacing for playgrounds at Jack and Dorothy Miller Park - Improvements to Longmire Park, which would include the installation of a playground, a picnic unit, and walks. Glen D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Zone 6 $ 88,062 Eric said that the following intergenerational features were suggested in the report presented to the Board by the Department and the Texas A&M University Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences Department in May 2001. 1. Anderson Park Walks and Benches (5) $30,000 2. Bee Creek Park Five Benches $10,000 Eric said that there were several other potential projects for which to utilize the park land dedication funds: 1. Anderson Park Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 6 of 9 Swing Set $10,000 2. Gabbard Park Sidewalk $35,000 After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to proceed with the Zone 6 projects in the following order: - Anderson Park (walks and benches) - Bee Creek Park(five benches) - Anderson Park(swing set) - Gabbard Park(sidewalk) Glenn S. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Steve gave a status report on the potential for rubberizing the surface of the South Knoll Jogging Track. He had discussed the project with the City Manager's Office and the School District which are both in favor of the project. There is a possibility of using park land dedication funds to provide the requested $8,000 it would cost to rubberize the jogging track. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to 1) amend the original motion made for the Zone 6 projects by adding the South Knoll Jogging Track project to the beginning of the list, and 2)proceed in the following order: - South Knoll Jogging Track(rubberize surfacing) - Anderson Park(walks and benches) - Bee Creek Park(five benches) - Anderson Park(swing set) - Gabbard Park(sidewalk) Jodi W. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Zone 7 —$702,440 Eric said that these funds have been budgeted for the development of Woodway Park. No motion was made. The Board was in consensus on this project. Zone 8 —$693 No motion was made. There was no discussion concerning Zone 6. Zone 9 —$0 No motion was made. There was no discussion concerning Park Zone 9. Zone 10 — 111,320 Eric said that these funds have been budgeted for the development of Shenandoah Park. No motion was made. The Board was in consensus on this project. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 7 of 9 Zone 11 —$17,161 Eric said that the funding received has been from the Stone Forest Subdivision. He added that the only park in that proximity is Pebble Creek Park. The Department has met with the Pebble Creek Homeowner's Association concerning a list of potential projects using park land dedication funds at Pebble Creek Park. Eric said that to date the Department has installed a fence and landscaping at that park. The next item on the Homeowner's Association list is the installation of a tot playground at the east end of the park. Eric said that there is currently $17,161 in the Zone 11 fund, but an additional $18,000 would be added when Phase III of Stone Forest is developed. The questions were asked if 1) there was a homeowner's association in Stone Forest, and 2) if so, they were in favor of the fund use for Pebble Creek. Eric said that Pebble Creek Park also serves the Stone Forest Subdivision. Steve said that the Department would investigate to determine if there is a homeowner's association for Stone Forest to receive their input. No motion was made. The Board was in consensus on this project. Steve stated that staff would revise the list of projects and resubmit it to the Board. 10® Review, discussion, and possible action concerning Board and Departmental Goals and Objectives, and City Council Strategies: During the August 13th meeting, the Board came up with their list of goals and objectives for Fiscal Year 2003. A draft of the goals and objectives was included in the Board packets. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to adopt the Board's Fiscal Year 2003 Goals and Objectives as presented. Glen D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Steve said that progress updates would be included in the packets throughout the year. 11. Report, discussion, and possible action regarding the Unified Development Ordinance: Steve said that a time line for implementation of the UDO was included in the Board packets. He added that the UDO is on track. The deadline to submit Department input was on September 9th, and there would be a revised draft available for public review on October 7th. Steve suggested that the UDO be one of the agenda items for discussion during a joint meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 12. Presentation, discussion, and possible action concerning a revised recommendation for softball fees: Peter Lamont said that after the Board had approved the Department's 2003 User Fees on May 14th, the Department received a letter from the Brazos Valley Softball Umpire's Association requesting fee increases for their umpires. Since the Department received the request, Peter has been working with the Association on implementing these fee increases over a three-year period (instead of all at once). He also contacted the City of Bryan to ensure that College Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 8 of 9 Station was charging comparable fees. Peter discussed the proposed softball fee amendments that were included in the Board packets (Refer to recommended fee increase list.) The Fees Subcommittee (Bill D., Glenn S., and Glen D.) met on August 27th to discuss the recommended amendments. Bill D. said that the Subcommittee was in support of the amendments. The Board was in consensus on the presented amendments, and accepted the staff and Subcommittee's recommendation to amend the Fiscal Year 2003 Softball Fees. There was no motion on this item. 13. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning setting a date for the Master Plan Subcommittee to meet in October 2002: Eric said that the Department had the first rough draft of the Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan printed. It was requested that Kristin e-mail the Master Plan Subcommittee to determine a meeting date and time. She will also let the rest of the Board know when the meeting is, in case they would like to attend. An agenda will be posted in the event there is a quorum. Steve said that a draft of the plan would be distributed to the Board prior to the Subcommittee meeting. He added that the Department could provide the Subcommittee with a bulleted list of changes made to the plan. 14® Discussion of next meeting dates and possible agenda items: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th, at 7:00 p.m. The following items are scheduled to be on the agenda: - An update concerning possible grant opportunities. - A report from staff concerning the status of the field redevelopment fee. - A report concerning the Capital Improvement Project Program. - Discussion concerning Park Land Dedication Fund Usage. - Fourth Quarter Report on the Parks Maintenance Standards Fiscal Year 2002. - A report concerning the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex Project. 15. Adjourn: Larry F. made a motion to adjourn. Glenn S. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,September 10,2002 Page 9 of 9