HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-05 - MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2004
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called
to order at 5:36 p.m. on April 5, 2004 in Room 326 of the City
Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville,
Arkansas by Chairman Colwell.
Present:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Colwell, Bailey, Eads, Hill,
Marley, Shoulders, Mauritson, Pawlik Holmes; City staff Ohman, Wright,
Weber, Hatfield, Edmonston; and Audience.
1. Approval of March 1, 2004 Minutes
MOTION:
Hill moved to approve the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
March 1, 2004 meeting minutes as distributed.
Mauritson seconded the motion.
The motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell, Bailey, Eads, Hill,
Marley, Shoulders, and Mauritson voting `yes' with Pawlik
Holmes absent for the vote.
2. Presentation of Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association
Awards: Mayor Coody
Mayor Coody presented Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with an
award for Facility of the Year for Grinders Skate Park. He stated
Grinders Skate Park is a 1900 sq ft facility and the only in ground
concrete site in the state. Grinders Skate Park was named Top Facility
in the State of Arkansas. The official Grand Opening for Grinders
Skate Park was held in June 2003.
Mayor Coody presented Mike Hill, PRAB member, an award for
Volunteer of the Year for his diligent efforts in seeking and securing a
grant for The Donald W. Reynolds Boys and Girls Club. As well as
serving on the Funding Committee for PRAB to seeking funding
April 5, 2004 / 1
sources for the future Community Park land purchase and
development.
3. Gregg Street Proposal: Tabled from the March 1, 2004
Meeting.
Colwell stated there have been a few more developments on this issue
and requested that Edmonston review these developments.
Edmonston explained Parks and Recreation first thought the City of
Fayetteville owned all the land surrounding the Gregg Street property.
Research found that in 1971, the City of Fayetteville purchased the
small tract of land for $1068. It has been confirmed that this
transaction to change ownership of this land from one division of the
City to another will not require any funds transferred. Edmonston
stated she spoke with City Attorney, Kit Williams, and determined that
the group may still volunteer there services to maintain this property
without an official contract. She stated staff will need to establish a
new classification of this park such as a natural park.
Councilwoman Brenda Thiel stated The Trees and Trails Taskforce has
$98,000 in a fund that could be used to purchase the adjoining land.
This land could qualify as future trail land. This group could support
purchasing the land in-between this property and existing park
property.
Mauritson refers to the Downtown Master Plan that already shows this
property as green space on the Master Plan map.
Hill clarified that the maintenance of the property would remain on a
volunteer basis not a contractual basis.
Marley stated the Sierra Club is currently researching a new zoning for
natural areas and could work for areas like these.
Councilwoman Brenda Thiel clarified this future zoning is called
Conservation Zoning and will go to City Council soon.
Hill moved to table the request until further development on
the adjoining land purchase is available.
Marley seconded the motion.
April 5, 2004 / 2
Upon roll call, the motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell,
Bailey, Eads, Hill, Marley, Shoulders, and Mauritson voting `yes'
and Pawlik Holmes absent for the vote.
4. Park Land Dedication
Development Name:
Olde Towne
Engineer:
Milholand
Owner:
Tracy Hoskins
Location:
South of Joyce Blvd. behind the
Community Bank, and North of
East Mud Creek Trail.
Park District:
North East
Units:
58 Single Family
Total Acres:
9
Land Dedication Requirement:
1.4 Acres
Money in Lieu Requirement:
$32,190
Existing Parks:
Adjacent to East Mud Creek Trail;
Lake Fayetteville and Sweetbriar
Park within one mile.
Staff Recommendation:
Money in Lieu
Justification:
Proximity to East Mud Creek and
connection to existing parks
provide recreational opportunities.
Tom Jeffcoat stated he had met with staff on site and reviewed the
development. The owner is requesting staff work with them to improve
that area.
Hatfield stated there has been good meeting with the owner and both
agree that it is important to strengthen the connection with his
development and the trail.
MOTION:
Shoulders moved to accept Money in Lieu of a land dedication
to satisfy the Park Land Dedication Ordinance for the proposed
Eads seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, the motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell,
Bailey, Eads, Hill, Marley, Shoulders, and Mauritson voting `yes'
and Pawlik Holmes absent for the vote.
April 5, 2004 / 3
S. Park Land Dedication
Development Name:
Owner:
Location:
Park District:
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement
Money in Lieu Requirement:
Existing Parks:
Staff Recommendation:
Justification:
Lafayette Lofts
Ric Alexander, North College
Development
Corner of Lafayette and Willow
Avenue, the old St. Joseph's School
and Church.
South East
33 Multi Family
1.99
.56Acres
$12,969
Wilson Park (22 acres),
Confederate Cemetery (3 acres)
Combination of Land and equal
donation
PRAB voted to accept combination
money and to East Mud Creek and
connection to existing parks
provide recreational opportunities.
Edmonston stated this request is to use these funds for sod and
irrigation.
Ohman added that this is just a temporary solution and later a
neighborhood meeting will be scheduled to review permanent
solutions.
Marley asked if the design is going to be inviting to the public.
Ohman replied it will definitely be taken into consideration.
Mauritson asked the owner, Ric Alexander if he is agreeable to
providing the temporary electrical service.
Ric Alexander replied he agrees with the temporary electric service
and the temporary easement.
MOTION:
Mauritson moved to accept combination of land and equivalent
donation to satisfy the Park Land Dedication Ordinance for the
proposed Lafayette Lofts Development.
April 5, 2004 / 4
Hill seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, the motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell,
Bailey, Eads, Hill, Marley, Shoulders, Mauritson voting `yes' and
Pawlik Holmes absent for the vote.
6. Park Land Dedication
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park District:
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement
Money in Lieu Requirement:
Existing Parks:
Staff Recommendation:
Justification:
Rivendell Mixed Use Development
Steve Clark
Denele Campbell
Corner of Center and Gregg Street
South East
24 Multi Family
.41 Acres
$9,432
Happy Hollow Park within 1 mile (5
acres) Proposed Stone Mountain
Park within 1/2 mile (8.2 acres)
Conditional Recommendation of
Money in Lieu of land.
The Water and Sewer Department
may run a water line easement
along the length of the property;
providing a Center Prairie Trail
continuation. If the water line
easement is not placed on the
property, Parks Staff recommends
a combination of money and land
to be coordinated with land owner.
Although a deed has not yet been
received, an approximate 8 acre
park in the Stone Mountain
Development to the North is
planned. This park will be
accessible from Deer Path Estates
by way of proposed Skyview Lane
and is within a 1/2 mile radius.
Hatfield explained that this developer has been great to work with
because she keeps the trail usage in mind.
April 5, 2004 / 5
Denele Campbell explained the concept of this development. The
development multi family development is going to face the trail as the
rear will face the street. The upper level will be residential and the
lower level will be for low impact commercial such as shops and
galleries. Denele plans to only build on the west side of the property
and preserve the east side of the property as natural woodland. The
issues that have come up in this development include parking and
waterline problems.
Bailey stated this is a great way for the public to have better access to
connect by a private property.
Marley asked what the time table on the development is.
Denele Campbell replied she is hoping to move along the process by
starting with PRAB and possibly going to Planning in a few months.
MOTION:
Hill moved to accept Conditional Recommendation of Money in
Lieu of Land to satisfy the Park Land Dedication Ordinance for
the proposed Rivendell Mixed Use Development.
Mauritson seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, the motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell,
Bailey, Eads, Hill, Marley, Shoulders, Mauritson voting 'yes' and
Pawlik Holmes absent for the vote.
7. Peace Pole Request
Colwell stated he agreed with the spirit of the proposal, unfortunately
laws get in the ways of some of these types of things.
Kelly Mulhollan thanked the staff and board for all their past support
and cooperation. He stated that his group will need further time to
research Kit Williams's views on this issue. He explained after the first
three poles were placed in Fayetteville, they summoned for others to
be made. The Omni Center chose two Fayetteville Public School Art
teachers from McNair Middle School and Fayetteville High School to
oversee the next two peace poles. The request has decreased from
two peace pole placements to one peace pole placement due to
Fayetteville High School agreeing to place the pole made by their high
school students.
April 5, 2004 / 6
Donna Henschell read a few exerts from some letters received in
support of the peace poles in question.
Kelly Mulhollan stated Fayetteville has established a leadership role
with peace. The peace poles are already in the parks. He request PRAB
to table the issue rather than deny the request.
Mauritson commends Omni's statement and purpose and requests to
table the issue for further review. He stated although peace is a great
issue, city parks are for the entire city.
Marion Orton spoke of the art in front of the civic center.
Dick Bennet stated Kits decision seemed to be rushed. He requested a
month to review the legal aspects of the issue.
Colwell asked if City Council can approve peace poles in the park.
Williams replied no, that they must be more generic, they can not
review content.
Bailey stated he does not want parks to become a home for signage.
City Attorney, Kit Williams, stated this is not a black and white issue.
The problem is not if we can place the poles in the parks, but if we do
it, we would need to allow others with different ideas to establish their
signs. PRAB can recommend to City Council the poles be placed in
parks. A government can not choose between content because this
creates a public forum.
MOTION:
Mauritson moved to table the request for peace pole placement
until further review.
Marley seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, the motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell,
Bailey, Eads, Hill, Marley, Shoulders, Mauritson, voting `yes'
and Pawlik Holmes absent for the vote.
S. Community Park Report
Rebecca Ohman, Park Planner reported Staff received a Draft
Memorandum of Agreement from ADEQ in the amount of $40,500 for
the Post Closure Trust Fund. The fund may ultimately cover an
additional $2,300 for a Change Order to the Terracon Contract,
totaling $42,800. City Council will review the MOA Tuesday evening.
April 5, 2004 / 7
The Site Characterization report is moving forward and the Final
Report is due on May 4, 2004.
Mayor Coody negotiated a 30 day extension to the Right of First
Refusal Agreement.
9. Park Land Dedication Funds Request
Park staff is requesting funds from the Park Land Dedication
Fund for the following projects:
Northeast Park District: $34,000 for Lake Fayetteville
Spillway Bridge
Southeast Park District: $6,000 to purchase and install 2
picnic tables and 1 grill at Bayard Park.
Eads moved to approve the Park Land Dedication Fund Request
of $34,000 for NE Park District and $6,000 for SE Park District.
Mauritson seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, the motion was approved 7-0-0 with Colwell,
Bailey, Eads, Hill, Marley, Shoulders, Mauritson voting `yes' and
Pawlik Holmes absent for the vote.
10. Program Report
David Wright reviewed the participation number for this season in
soccer and softball.
Youth Soccer
Youth Slow Pitch Softball
Youth Fast Pitch Softball
Adult Softball
Upcoming Events:
Fun First Festival
First Concert
Swimming Pool Opens
1,657(139 teams)
435 (32 teams)
204 (17 teams)
1080 (72 teams)
April 10
May 27
May 29
Wright introduced a new program for special needs children called
Champs League. The funds for this program were a donation to Parks
and Recreation for this specific program. The program will teach
softball and baseball to children with all forms of needs. There is still a
need for volunteers.
April 5, 2004 / 8
11. Other Business
Colwell stated the new playground at Washington School was a
success.
Marley stated Mt. Sequoyah is looking great.
Wright stated the clearing of North Shores for the new course is
completed from Parks and Recreation staff.
Edmonston reviewed three items on the City Council agenda for
Tuesday, April 6, 2004. They include:
Center Prairie Trail Project Request
MOA Reimbursement Request for ADEQ.
White River Baseball Lighting Project Request
Edmonston asked PRAB when they would like to meet to review the
small parcels of land for sell or trade. There will need to be some on
site visits.
S. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: Rachel Weber
Approved:
April 5, 2004 / 9
