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Home My WebLink About1998-02-11 - MinutesFAYETTEVI LLE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS s DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE 1* PRAB SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 1998 PRAB members toured the site of the proposed Easton Village subdivision located north of Highway 45, east of Crossover park land and Vandergriff School. Members also toured the square gardens. I. Square Gardens report Lel" Avl II. GREEN SPACE Development: Easton Village Engineer: Jorgenson Owner: Location: North of Hwy. 45, East of Crossover Park & Vandergriff School Park District: Northeast Priority: This property was outside the city limits when the 1994 Master Plan was completed, so no priority has been established. Total Acres: 76.5 Units: 169 Single Family Units Land Dedication: 4.225 acres Money in Lieu: $63,375 1990 Needs: .8 to 1.7 acres 2010 Needs: 1.5 to 3 acres Existing Acres: 55.42 (Crossover Park - 20, Lake Fayetteville East - 25, Brookbury - 5.42) Outstanding Features: This development is over 100 units and over 40 acres. Park land is required unless a waiver is requested from the City Council. III. Serenity Place Green Space Request - Tim Reynolds & Greg Hayes IV. Fall Baseball League's request for batting cages at Walker Park V. Proposal to amend the fee structure for Lake Fayetteville softball field rental - Dawson VI. School lease update - Dugwyler VII. Sutton Street property update - Dugwyler VIII. OTHER BUSINESS • PRAB SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 1998 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members met at the Parks & Recreation office located at 1455 Happy Hollow Road at 5:00 p.m. for a special meeting. Members went to tour the site of the proposed Easton Village subdivision located north of Highway 45, east of Crossover park land and Vandergriff School. After surveying the site, members went to the downtown square to tour the square gardens. Discussion followed at the Parks Office. Members Present: Ackerman, Bleidt, Charboneau, Luttrell, Staggs, Thiel Members Absent: Staff Present: Guests Present: Judy Dugwyler, Nelson, Rogers, Dawson Marc Crandall, Don Cozart, Gary Atha, David Jorgenson - Easton Village; Richard Alderman, Michael O'Brien, Michael Watkins - Hog City Diner; Tim Reynolds, Greg Hayes - Serenity Place; Tonya Johnson • Media Present: Jill Rohrback, Morning News I. • Square Gardens report Thiel stated her main concern would be the noise generated from the establishment, and she feared it would detract from the tranquility of the square. Mr. Alderman said he viewed it positively. Everyone on the square is trying to promote activity and to draw people to the square; if there is nowhere for these people to go, it creates a negative. He said the casual outdoor dining atmosphere, in his opinion, adds to the ambience of the square. Mr. Watkins stated that their concept does not lend itself to live entertainment. Mr. O'Brien said that when choosing locations for a business, they emphasize areas with historic significance and pedestrian traffic. He said that their concept in Tulsa generated 8,000 to 10,000 people per week; a similar impact on the square would be very positive. Mr. Alderman said they had visited with city officials and Susan Ferrell, and had been referred to the Parks and PRAB Special Meeting Recreation Advisory Board to review the concept. Mr. Alderman said presented plans were developed by working with Ms. Ferrell. She is very interested in the final fence and potting shed plans, and she has been assured inclusion in the planning process. He said the overall plan needed some revision, and he asked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to endorse the concept of an outdoor dining area for the Hog City Diner on the downtown square. Ultimately, City Council will be asked to allow them to lease the outdoor space. As a lessor, the city would have control of the activities which occur. The area in question is the paved area on the south side of the building. In accordance with state Alcoholic Beverage Control regulations, the area would be fenced. The area would be accessible from the restaurant only, and ADA regulations would be addressed. Plans would meet aesthetic standards of the square. Mr. Ackerman stated that the logistics were not an issue with which the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board needed to be concerned. These details would be worked out between staff, Susan Ferrell, and City Council. Mr. Ackerman said consideration needed to be given to the concept from a public point of view. He said to date the City of Fayetteville has embraced the downtown Dickson Street Enhancement Project which is ongoing and a major program. When viewing the new town center, the downtown square, and Dickson Street in its entirety, Advertising and Promotion spends a lot of money each year in advertising and promotion to get people to our community, and the square is the premiere draw of the area. A magnificent job is being done planning and developing the Dickson Street area to revitalize it, and there are ongoing plans to connect the square with Dickson Street. When considering a multi-million dollar town center and improvements to Dickson Street, Mr. Ackerman said it was his opinion that Mr. Alderman's proposal enhances the overall concept of what is trying to be achieved in the promotion of the downtown/Dickson Street area. Mr. Ackerman stated as long as this project did not impact or infringe upon the square gardens area, he did not see it a difficult decision to support this particular project. Mr. Charboneau, Mr. Luttrell, and Mr. Staggs favored the development and promotion of the downtown square. Mr. Bleidt stated that an anchor of this sort was needed downtown; his only concern was the aesthetics of the project. Ms. Thiel said she could not say she supported the project completely, and February 11, 1998 / 2 • • • • PRAB Special Meeting she would like to visit with citizens who did not have a vested interest in the square. Mr. Ackerman said as this project moved forward, the public would have opportunities to express their opinions. Assistant Parks & Recreation Superintendent, Nancy Dugwyler commented that although the Parks Division does not manage the square gardens, it is still park property. She urged everyone to keep in mind that it belonged to the citizens of Fayetteville; this is a commercial operation, and she felt if it were leased it should be at a fair market value. MOTION: BLPIDT/STAGGS Mr Bleidt moved to endorse a conceptual plan proposing an outdoor dining area on park property. The motion carried 5-0-1 with members Ackerman, Bleidt, Charboneau, Luttrell, and Staggs voting "yes" and Thiel abstaining. II. GREEN SPACE Development: Engineer: Owner: Location: Park District: Priority: Total Acres: Units: Land Dedication: Money in Lieu: 1990 Needs: 2010 Needs: Existing Acres: Outstanding Features: Easton Village Jorgenson AsP North of Hwy. 45, East of Crossover Park & Vandergriff School Northeast This property was outside the city limits when the 1994 Master Plan was completed, so no priority has been established. 76.5 169 Single Family Units 4.225 acres $63,375 .8 to 1.7 acres 1.5 to 3 acres 55.42 (Crossover Park - 20, Lake Fayetteville East - 25, Brookbury - 5.42) This development is over 100 units and over 40 acres. Park land is required unless a waiver is requested from the City Council. Several Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members and staff members questioned having split park land at this site. Initially two separate plans were submitted, one of which indicated 5.42 acres set aside in the southeast corner as park February 11, 1998 / 3 PRAB Special Meeting land, and the second, preferred by developers, splitting designated park land into two areas: 2.08 acres in the northwest section and 2.4 acres in the southeast corner of the 76.5 acre proposed development. An existing pond is included in both plans. Ms. Dugwyler commented, from a practical maintenance point of view, it is more difficult to maintain two areas as opposed to one. Developers were questioned as to the amount of development they were willing to provide. Mr. Crandall said it has always been an intent to clean up both park areas and make them useable, but he did not view them as high maintenance areas. Mr. Cozart said they were interested in developing this site to the best of their abilities because it would enhance their overall plans. However, Mr. Cozart was unable to define the specifics of that level of development. Ms. Dugwyler said she was concerned with the improvements to the site. If this is a traditional green space transaction, the city will provide minimal maintenance until it comes up on our priorities for development, and that could be a long period of time. She said if the developer proposed to develop it, they need to be aware of the magnitude of the undertaking. Mr. Jorgenson said the idea behind splitting the park land was an effort to spread out the green space. Drainage issues were also raised. Mr. Jorgenson stated that the existing pond would be used as a combination drainage structure for the development. He said it would be very maintainable after improvements. Ms. Dugwyler stated that development would ultimately change the nature of the pond and cited previous developments as examples, and she said she was hesitant about accepting another pond on park land. Originally, Mr. Bleidt and Ms. Thiel expressed an interest in pursuing the possibility of taking land in one area and money in lieu in the area containing the pond. Ms. Thiel stated it was too difficult to maintain ponds. After further discussion, Mr. Luttrell suggested if acreage near the pond was allowed but excluded the pond itself, the split park sites would be less of a concern. Mr. Cozart estimated the pond surface to be 4 acre, and the 4 acre would be shaved from existing lots; the split concept would remain, but the pond would not be included. PRAB members were more comfortable with this proposal; however, Ms. Dugwyler stated she would rather see an appropriate sized park for the specified number of units on a good piece of property. Mr. Charboneau stated his only concern would be ensuring the maintenance of the pond be included in the covenants of the Property Owners Association. Mr. Crandall said it would be included in the general maintenance agreement. Ms. Dugwyler reiterated her earlier statement that the property would receive minimal maintenance from the city February 11, 1998 / 4 • • • • until it became a priority. MOTION: BI,EIDT/THIEI{ PRAB Special Meeting Mr. Bleidt moved to accept the spliParcel plan with one site being 2.08 acres and the secon) site being the remaining acreage needed to satisfy the green space requirement of the Easton Village development, noninclusive of the pond itself, with configuration subject,o the approval of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board or staff, and any improvements to be done with Parks staff appioval. Resc,nA The motion carried 6-0-0. -0. 4I?, 0 III. Serenity Place Green Space Request - Tim Reynolds & Greg Hayes Developers Tim Reynolds and Greg Hayes previewed a proposed ±203 acre subdivision near Rupple Road requested to be rezoned and annexed into the city. Mr. Reynolds said the 203 acres would be developed in phases over a span of approximately ten years. Once the land is fully developed and all phases are complete, 44 contiguous acres would be designated public park land. Mr. Hayes said although this is a 203 acre piece of property, there are 139 developable acres after the park and the proposed middle school are taken out. Although the proposed park land is in the flood plain, Mr. Ackerman said it is a beautiful piece of property with water features (Clabber Creek) and hundreds of mature trees. Ms. Dugwyler presented another option: the developers could dedicate the entire amount of park land and bank the amount for future development. Mr. Reynolds said because the land had not been surveyed they do not know the actual dimensions. He stated that a bill of assurance could be given, promising the property, and it would give them flexibility when developing the property. He said the land was also not currently title free. Ms. Dugwyler addressed foreseeable maintenance problems and pointed out that this land is unusable by the developer because it is in the flood plain. She posed the following question: should the land be taken at the same rate as good, developable land? Mr. Ackerman stated that this was not a question of whether the developer could or could not use the land, but rather does it satisfy the Park Division's needs? Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members were also asked to reconsider taking money in lieu [PRAB Regular Meeting, July 7, February 11, 1998 / 5 PRAB Special Meeting 1997] and take land, 6.7 acres within the Serenity Place subdivision and the remaining land requirement amount west of the proposed Rupple Road. Mr. Ackerman said the purpose of visiting this issue tonight was to introduce this concept and the potential for a park. This land must first be annexed and rezoned. Once this is achieved, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will address this issue again. Mr. Ackerman suggested arranging a tour of the property to be determined at a later date. IV. Fall Baseball League's request for batting cages at Walker Park After reviewing the cost estimates presented by Rex McGill at the February 6, 1998, Regular PRAB Meeting requesting a cost share on batting cages at Walker Park, discussion was opened regarding the proposal. Ms. Dugwyler stated her concern was these facilities would not be open to the general public. Mr. Ackerman said their request for improvements should not be disregarded simply because there is a potential for vandalism. Mr. Staggs said batting cages might enhance the facilities, but they would not make the field of play better. He further • stated that he doubts that anyone other than those involved in the program, and not all of them, would use the batting cages. Ms. Dugwyler said according to league officials, 995 children were involved in the youth baseball program; however, statistics indicate that only 25% of a city's population participate in organized sports. Mr. Dawson said batting cages were a luxury and not a necessity. MOTION: BLBIDT/STAGGS Mr. Bleidt moved to respectfully decline the request to cost share on batting cages at Walker Park. The motion carried 6-0-0. V. Proposal to amend the fee structure for Lake Fayetteville softball field rental - Dawson After researching softball costs at the request of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Mr. Dawson amended his proposed fees as follows: $50 per field per day without lights; $75 per February 11, 1998 / 6 • • • • PRAB Special Meeting field per day with lights; $100 field deposit refundable by check request. Mr. Dawson reached this conclusion due to the fact that if $75 per field without lights were charged, it would be $40 per field higher than those fees charged by Springdale. MOTION: LUTTRELL/STAGGS Mr. Luttrell moved to recommend to City Council that fee structures presented by staff of $50 per field per day without lights and $75 per field per day with lights be adopted. The motion carried 6-0-0. VI. School lease update - Dugwyler Mr. Charboneau commented on the current state of disrepair of the Asbell gym. Mr. Ackerman said money had been committed to aid in ceiling tile replacement and interior painting. Mr. Ackerman also said, in his opinion, he agreed with working with the school system in a number of areas, but physical maintenance requirements when compared to the benefits received by the parks system did not equate. The cost is tremendous for minimal public use. The schools are funded to provide maintenance of their facilities. He requested examining our commitments in these areas. Mr. Ackerman further stated that we cannot, as a parks system, continue to move in the same arena as years past regarding maintenance of non -city owned equipment, buildings, and structures. The Parks Division has major obligations to the community, and to continue spending money on facilities which may or may not be utilized to any magnitude by the public raises questions. This needs to be carefully reassessed. It is anticipated that Washington School and the new middle schools will seek cost shares in the construction of gymnasiums in the near future. Mr. Ackerman requested copies of the old, existing lease agreements to compare to the proposed lease draft presented with requested changes highlighted for consideration by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Mr. Bleidt also requested the Public Works Director, Kevin Crosson, appear to answer questions if the need presented itself. VII. Sutton Street property update - Dugwyler February 11, 1998 / 7 PRAB Special Meeting Ms. Dugwyler said she had received mixed opinions regarding the Sutton Street property. Mr. Bleidt said he had received four calls against and three calls in favor of the proposal. Mr. Ackerman has received six telephone calls against the proposal to purchase the property as a public park. The regular March PRAB meeting will provide an arena for public input on this matter. VIII. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Dugwyler has received and placed in staff files the Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks, Inc. bylaws and articles of incorporation. She said the group was still working on a risk management plan, and their liability insurance was being finalized. A list of 1998 BGSO plans for improvements were distributed, and Ms. Dugwyler stated that staff did not foresee any problems with the plans. She requested that any PRAB members with concerns regarding these plans contact her and the concerns would be placed on the agenda for the March regular meeting. Mr. Ackerman said there were outstanding issues regarding LandPlan, Inc. and the Lake Fayetteville trail which needed to be resolved. Ms. Dugwyler said she was pursuing questions regarding a $20,000 grant received for the project. If the grant is given back, future applications probably would not be looked upon favorably. Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m. MINUTES TAKEN BY: C /p I fl �1 Joh Nelson First Draft 2.12.98 / 5:50 p.m. Second Draft 2.17.98 / 8:23 a.m. February 11, 1998 / 8 • •