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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/2003 - Regular Minutes - Parks Board Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Tuesday,February 11 2003 -olszoseoslsEilizcIEEsiiiMiliiiiiilsnThe;E3CLT;TieuiCiiitfdwewkeskssmmsssoBsoi:lmsusasnsis';:i:,gmz.,:ia:m:$:g::',Emmmm• 1600 Rock Prairie Road Staff Present: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Peter Lamont, Recreation Superintendent; Peter Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; Kristin Lehde, Staff Assistant; Jane Kee, City Planner (Development Services); Natalie Ruiz, Development Review Manager (Development Services). Board Members Present: John Nichols, Chairman; Larry Farnsworth; Jodi Warner; Bill Davis; Glen Davis. Board Members Absent: Glenn Schroeder; Don Allison. Visitors: Mike McClure, 9262 Brookwater Circle, College Station, Texas Joe Gattis, 413 Walton Road, College Station, Texas Pustin Pratho, 1105 S. Dexter Drive, College Station, Texas John Lacy, 1105 Sal Ross, Bryan, Texas Allison Zarcaro, 1904 Dartmouth P-3, College Station, Texas Jason Fikes, 1309 Danville Court, College Station, Texas Edward Froehling, 3887 High Lonesome, College Station, Texas Lindsey Davis, 2531 Ashford, College Station, Texas Keristin Campbell, 1508 Rockhollow, Bryan, Texas L Call to order: Chairman John Nichols called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. Pardon — possible action concerning requests for absences of members from meeting Bill Davis made a motion to accept the absences of Glenn Schroeder and Don Allison as: excused. Jodi Warner seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 3. Hear visitors: No visitors spoke on this item. 4. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of minutes from the regular meetingof January 14, 2003: Glen Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from January 14, 2003. Bill D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. ® Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning park land dedication requests for the Shenandoah Subdivision (Zone 10), Spring Creek Subdivision (Zone 10)' Richey Development (Zone 9), Stonebrook Subdivision (Zone 9), and Fox Run Condominiums (Zone 7): Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 1 of 7 • Shenandoah Subdivision (Zone 10): Eric Ploeger referred to an aerial photograph of the Zone 10 area. He pointed to the Shenandoah Subdivision and stated that there is already an existing eight-acre park within that subdivision (Shenandoah Park). The item up for consideration is the possible acceptance of 6.4 acres just to the south that would serve as the land dedication for additional phases of Shenandoah. The land requirement would be 4.36 acres. The proposed development will have approximately 440 single-family dwelling units, although that number may change depending upon the final plat. Eric said that staff recommends acceptance of the 6.4 acres of park land because it would significantly add to the existing park. Glen D. asked if there would be a detention area included as part of the dedication. Eric responded that there would be. He introduced engineer Mike McClure and owner Edward Froehling who are developing the property. Mike McClure pointed out that in the existing eight-acre park, there are approximately two acres of detention. The detention was designed in such a way that the only thing disturbed was the part to build a dam, and all the trees were left. Mr. McClure anticipates a similar design in the proposed dedication, although the road embankment would be the dam, and there would not be a wet pond because it will be drained dry. Bill D. asked what the depth of the detention area would be. Mr. McClure responded that it wouldn't be over six feet. Eric pointed out that that the proposed dedication is just over two acres in excess of what the dedication requirement is. He added that it is a heavily wooded tract of land. Steve Beachy stated that the tract would be comparable to Thomas Park, and would give a very nice-sized neighborhood park with good street frontage and connectivity to the south. Glen D. made a motion to accept the park land dedication for the Shenandoah Subdivision. Larry Farnsworth seconded the motion. John N. expressed concern about access from the east side of the property. He asked if there was the possibility of creating a walkway or an easement into the park from that side. Mr. McClure stated that he intends to provide access, and has been working out the details with the Development Services Department. However, they have not yet determined where that access should be. John N. asked where the playground would be located within the dedication. Eric stated that there is some open area within the dedication that could be used to construct a playground. All were in favor of the motion presented by Glen D., and the Board unanimously passed it. • Spring Creek Subdivision (Zone 10): Eric stated that Southern Plantation Street, which runs through the Shenandoah Subdivision, is expected to extend through to the Spring Creek Subdivision. The developers are proposing to build approximately 340 single- family dwelling units. The proposed dedication is a three-acre tract of land. The developer is also proposing to dedicate an additional thirteen acres of greenway that extends through the Crowley property and has frontage on Southern Plantation. The total Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 2 of 7 land requirement for the development would be 3.37 acres. The developers have indicated a desire to dedicate the greenway as a park, with the intention of developing trails and outdoor lighting in that greenway. Staff recommends acceptance of the proposed park land dedication. However, Eric added that the Board may chose to delay taking action on this item until a tour of the site can be done. Glen D. asked what would be planned for the three-acre dedication. Steve said that nothing has been determined at this point, but that there would certainly be amenities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds (those amenities typically found in neighborhood parks). There was some concern that the proposed three acres did not meet the requirement of five acres for a neighborhood park. Steve responded that in this case, the developer is also proposing to dedicate an additional thirteen acres of greenbelt, with walking areas that would connect to an access point to the units at Shenandoah, and that would tie into the park to make approximately sixteen acres of park land. Mr. Gattis is the engineer representing the developer. He recommended developing the trails and outdoor lighting within the greenways as part of the proposed development. His intention is to work with the Parks and Recreation Department staff to develop the park and greenway in lieu of paying the development fee, and include them as selling points for the initial phases of development. Steve added that any designs for the park and greenway would be presented to the Board for approval prior to development. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to accept the proposed park land dedication and the greenway for the Spring Creek Subdivision, with the understanding that the park will be developed in conjunction with the trails and lighting within the greenway. Glen D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. • Richey Development (Zone 9): Eric pointed to a preliminary master development of the property as well as to a small area plan that showed various land uses. Mr. Gattis is also the engineer for the proposed Richey Development. Eric stated that there are approximately 680 single-family dwelling units. This piece of park property is primarily in the floodplain, and there are also major roadways that run through the property that would limit access to any potential park by residents. However, there is park property that adjoins the dedication (the Southeast Community Park and an approximate five-acre portion of the Luther Jones Landfill), which could potentially serve some of the residents. Eric added that the Board might wish to tour the site before making a decision. Mr. Gattis stated that there were still some land use and greenway issues that would need to be worked out, but that the item was being presented to the Board at this time so that he could get an indication of what the Board is looking for, as well as to find out what the Board plans for the adjoining properties. Natalie Ruiz added that Mr. Gattis and the Development Services Department were also looking for feedback from the Board concerning the location of the land dedication, so that their recommendation could be taken to the Planning and Zoning Commission to get land use, thoroughfare, and floodplain issues worked out. After that time, the master preliminary plat could be brought back to the Board so they could work out the details or visit the site. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 3 of 7 Steve stated that staff is recommending that the dedication be located in the upper left- hand quadrant (north of Barron Road, and south of Lakeway). The Board was in consensus on taking a tour of the site. Glen D. encouraged the developer to try to comply with the Park Land Dedication Ordinance to have at least five acres for a neighborhood park, and have at least 50% of the perimeter abutting a public street. There was no action taken on this item. • Stonebrook Subdivision (Zone 9)® Peter Vanecek stated that this proposed multi-family, 90 dwelling-unit development is located near Rock Prairie Road and Texas Avenue. The total land dedication requirement would be .45 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $20,340. Staff is recommending the acceptance of the fee in lieu of land. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to accept the fee in lieu of land for the Stonebrook Subdivision. Glen D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. • Fox Run Condominiums (Zone 7): Peter V. stated that this proposed multi-family, 128 dwelling-unit development is located on Luther Street. The total land dedication requirement would be 1.024 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $57,856. Staff is recommending the acceptance of the fee in lieu of land. Bill D. made a motion to accept the fee in lieu of land for the Stonebrook Subdivision. Jodi W. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 6. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning a request from residents of the Alexandria Subdivision for a neighborhood playground: Steve stated that this item was an update from the January 14, 2003, meeting (Item #6). Eric pointed out that there were several items requested by the Board during that meeting. One item was to provide information showing how the developer had dedicated the Alexandria Subdivision. Eric said that it was determined that the dedications in the Shenandoah Subdivision had taken care of all the needed dedications for the Alexandria Subdivision. He added that cash dedications of approximately$45,000 had been dedicated for phases four and five of Shenandoah. He added that there had not been any dedications for development fees, because the dedications were made prior to the establishment of that fee. Another item that the Board had requested was clarification of the developer's intention concerning the letter to the Alexandria Homeowner's Association. Natalie R. stated that the original plat for the Alexandria subdivision showed a greenway running through the property, that was to be dedicated to the City through the City's greenways program. The greenway has not been dedicated to date because the developer's intention is to extend Alexandria Street through that piece of greenway in future phases of development. Mr. McClure referred to a location map. He stated that Alexandria Street has not been extended because they have been trying to time the project to tie into the School District's new elementary school project. After some discussion, Steve said that staff would prepare a comprehensive graphic that would detail the sidewalks, thoroughfares, safety crossings, park sites, and greenbelts within Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 4 of 7 Park Zone 10. He suggested that at a future Board meeting, staff could also provide a projection of estimated park land dedication funds in that zone, based upon the projects that have been reviewed to date. With that information, a decision could then be made about whether the City should develop park facilities in the proposed Alexandria greenway area, and how to allocate the funds. After some discussion, the Board was in consensus on scheduling a site tour of the property. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 7® Presentation, discussion, and possible action concerning leisure program evaluations for Entertainment Programs Peter Lamont gave a presentation on Entertainment Programs (refer to program evaluation forms). - Christmas in the Park: This holiday lights celebration offers both passive and active leisure opportunities, and enhances tourism. Staff recommends the continuation of this program. There was a question pertaining to the possibility of cost recovery by charging a small entrance fee as well as accepting donations and/or sponsorships. After some discussion, the Board was in consensus on leaving the program as it is. - Walk Across Texas: This program is co-sponsored with the Texas Cooperative Extension Service, the Brazos County, and the Cities of College Station and Bryan. Staff recommends the continuation of this program. - Parade of Lights: This is a community holiday light contest in both College Station and Bryan. The staffs of both entities are recommending the discontinuation of this program due to lack of participation as well as the resources needed to fully develop it. - Starlight Music Series: This has been a co-sponsored program with the Public Utilities and the Parks and Recreation Departments. Concerts are held at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater that provide recreational opportunities for the entire community. Staff recommends the continuation of this program. Bill D. expressed concern for safety on the slippery grounds on the hill of the amphitheater when they are wet, and commented on the need for terraced seating. - Bio Blitz: This is a co-sponsored program with Texas A&M University. Bio Blitz is held at Lick Creek Park and is an outdoor recreational program centered on wildlife conservation and the environment. Staff recommends the continuation of this program. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 8. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the revision to the Lincoln Center/Tarrow Master Plan: Eric stated that the City Manager had asked staff to review the existing Lincoln Center/Tarrow Master Plan. So staff have been working to come forward with a revised plan. He pointed to a map that showed a layout of the area. The goal has been to update the plan, as well as to show what has been accomplished from the original Master Plan. He added that a large number of the projects from original Master Plan have been accomplished. Some of those projects completed include the Wayne Smith Ballfields, the new West District Maintenance Shop, and the Eleonor Street extension. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 5 of 7 Lincoln Center Advisory Committee held a public hearing to seek input from citizens on what they would like to see in the revised Master Plan. Eric stated that some of the main items recommended were - additional parking; - additional space for Lincoln Center programming; - outdoor recreation space; and - a "spray" park. Eric added that the original master plan had included a one-stop social services area. However, the Community Development Office presented this concept to the City Council, and Council decided not to pursue it. Eric said that there would be a joint meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Lincoln Center Advisory Committee to discuss the details of the plan on February 18, 2003. Glen D. asked how the implementation of the plan would be funded. Eric responded that the plan would be long-range, and that funding would probably come from Community Development and future bond funds. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 9. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the future Capital Improvement Program: Steve stated that a list of the citizen committee members and a schedule of meeting dates was included in the Board packets. Kristin Lehde will check with the City Secretary's Office to dete ine agenda posting requirements in the event members from the Board attend those meetings. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 10® Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the current Capital Improvement Program: Eric updated the Board on the Bee Creek Lighting Project. He said that after having discussions with Steve B., and the athletic staff, as well as receiving input from some of the users of the facility, the decision was made to delay the lighting project and to bid it out in the fall, and start construction in the winter. Glen D. asked if staff could communicate to the user groups the date that the project will begin once rescheduled. Eric stated that there were some corrections to the park land dedication sheet, and that a new one was distributed to the Board before the meeting. The new list has updated zone funds, as well as target dates for completion for some of the projects. During the January 14, 2003, meeting the Board requested staff to obtain a report from the committee that is working on the Northgate Master Plan, concerning the possibility of acquiring land in the Northgate area for a park. Bill D. asked if staff had received feedback concerning the Board's request. Steve responded that he had spoken to the Economic Development Director, and that she was going to check on the status, but that he had not Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 6 of 7 had a chance to follow up with her at this time. John N. asked for discussion of this item to be on the March 4, 2003, agenda. 11. Review, discussion, and possible action concerning Board and Departmental Goals and Objectives, and City Council Strategies: This is a standing report item, and there was no discussion. 12. Discussion of next meeting dates and possible agendas: - Joint Meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Lincoln Center Advisory Committee on Tuesday, February 18, 2003, at 5:45 p.m., at the Lincoln Recreation Center. - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., at the EXIT Teen Center. - Joint Meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday, March 6, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., at the City Hall Training Room. - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., at the Central Park Conference Room. - Joint Workshop Meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the City Council on April 24, 2003 (had originally been scheduled for April 10th), tentatively at 3:00 p.m., at the City Hall Council Chambers. 13. Adjour : Bill D. made a motion to adjourn. Jodi W. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,February 11,2003 Page 7 of 7