HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-05 - MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting Minutes June 5, 2006
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairman Wade Colwell at 5:35 P.M. on June 5, 2006 in Room 111 of the City
Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Present:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Bitler, Burke, Colwell, and Davidson
were present; Langsner, Davis, Bailey were absent; Trail Coordinator Mihalevich, Park
Staff Jumper, Edmonston, Whillock, Wright, Curry and audience were in attendance.
1. Introduction of the new Park Planner, Kay Curry: Connie Edmonston,
Parks & Recreation Director
2. Approval of May 15t, 2006 PRAB Meeting Minutes
PRAB Motion: Davidson moved to approve minutes as written and Bitler
seconded. Motion passed unanimously with a vote of 4-0-0.
3. Washington -Willow Neighborhood Association Proposal for St. Joseph
Park: Alison Jumper, Park Planner (See attached proposal.)
Park Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of an additional
$5,000 from the Park Land Dedication Southeast Park District to assist with
development of the .18 acre St. Joseph Park. It is further recommended that the
park sign remain as the top priority to fund in order to inform citizens this is a
public park. Land and money in lieu were accepted as the requirement of this
project. The money in lieu was utilized by the developer to install the irrigation
and sod. Parks also had to pay the impact fee to set the water meter. Park staff
and equipment installed ten donated trees in the park. At this point in time,
Parks has contributed $15,000 to this project, plus another $15,000 is budgeted
for 2006 for a total park budget of $30,000. The neighborhood association has
received $1,500 in tree donations. In addition, $1,110 was received for donated
block. Park staff commends this neighborhood for their investment and energy to
develop this park.
Total estimate for development of the park is $54,611. Currently there is a total
of $128,266 in the Southeast Park District Fund which has been reserved in
order to acquire land next to the 2 acres park dedicated in the Fairlane
Subdivision. One parcel has been appraised and staff has been in contact with
the owner. There are a couple of other parcels adjacent to the park land that also
might be possibilities to acquire.
June 5, 2006/ 1
Katie Mihalevich, representing the Washington Willow Neighborhood Association,
thanked the Board for the improvements so far. She made the request for
another $20,000 based on necessary funds for completion of the park. She said
the neighbors recommend phasing completion but is asking for more than the
$5000 Staff is recommending.
Edmonston said the park is a worthy project, but the funds must be prioritized.
St. Joseph is a small park though very visible. The South East Park Quadrant
has less money than the other quadrants and the City is looking at some
property on Fairlane.
Colwell asked Mihalevich how St. Joseph Park will be used.
Katie Mihalevich replied it will be a quiet, peaceful place of refuge.
Colwell stated it would be a good place for musicians but wondered how the near
residents would accept that sort of activity. Also he inquired about the $5000
estimated for the sign. He questioned if that type of sign is necessary for this
type park.
Edmonston stated the sign is needed, and is consistent with the sign standard at
other City Parks, to designate St. Joseph Park as a City Park and not a part of
the condos lawn area.
Colwell again asked if a less expensive sign would serve just as well.
Matt Mihalevich, City Trails and Green Spaces Coordinator, explained the
proposed sign is similar in style to the new Walker Park sign.
Colwell asked if traffic noise is a problem due to the close proximity of East
Lafayette St.
Karen Reese, neighborhood resident, said there is work being done throughout
the neighborhood on traffic calming installations.
Mihalevich explained that a plan is in the works to narrow Lafayette to induce
traffic calming.
Katie Mihalevich said the Neighborhood Association will solicit St. Joseph School
for funds to create a plaque of designation.
Burke asked if 'phasing' means we (the Board) can do more at a later date.
Edmonston stated that is so; just as is happening at Braden Park.
June 5, 2006/ 2
Bitler asked what the phasing process would entail should the extra funds not be
approved.
Jumper said the first phase includes the terrace seating.
Bitler asked about the time -line for the project.
Edmonston explained that as soon as the fundraiser the neighborhood
association is planning is held, the project will be bid out.
K. Mihalevich said an additional $10,000 would complete the first phase.
$20,000 would complete the park.
Edmonston said the quadrant is short funds because of the money spent at
Walker Park and because a lot of land rather than funds has accepted from
upcoming development.
Jumper reminded the Board that park fees will be increasing.
K. Reese, speaking as a neighbor, said to remember St. Joseph is a very famous
area of town, similar to the downtown area. There currently no green space in
the Washington Willow neighborhood and homes are close together. This park is
needed.
Edmonston said the decision will be whether or not to add more to the $5000
already allotted from the quadrant fund and risk the ability to purchase the other
land under consideration. She said the money could be borrowed from the
approved projects.
Colwell suggested the motion to approve $10,000 and stated this is a lot of
money for a very small space.
Bitler asked if after the fundraiser and the bid goes out there should be a
shortfall what happens.
Jumper assured the Board the money will be in -hand before the bid goes out.
PRAB Motion: Colwell moved to approve $10,000 instead of the $5000 staff
recommendation, Davidson seconded the motion and it carried 4-0-0.
June 5, 2006/ 3
4. Trail Naming Proposal: Matt Mihalevich, Trail Coordinator
The following names of trails were recommended for approval of PRAB by the
Sidewalk and Trails Committee on April, 12, 2006. The trail names were
submitted at the May 1st meeting and tabled according to the Naming of Facilities
Policy to allow for public input until the June meeting.
St. Paul Trail - Currently constructed between Morningside and Armstrong,
south of Pump Station Road. This trail will connect to Combs Park. The trail is
constructed on the abandoned St. Paul Railroad.
Town Branch Creek Trail - Under construction between Beechwood and
Razorback. The trail will continue to follow Town Branch Creek east to the
White River.
Tsa-La-Gi Trail - Soon to be under construction from Hill Ave. west to the
railroad line. This trail will run parallel with Sixth Street to the south
and closely follow the historic Trail of Tears of the Cherokee Tribe.
Clabber Creek Trail - This future trail will be located north of Mt.
Comfort Road. The trail will follow Clabber Creek from the confluence
with Hamstring Creek east to Scull Creek Trail.
Scull Creek Trail - This future trail will roughly run parallel with
Gregg Street. This trail will follow Scull Creek from the confluence
with Mud Creek south to Wilson Park where it will meet Frisco Trail.
Owl Creek Trail - This future trail to be Located south of Hwy 16 West
(Wellington). This trail will follow Owl Creek from Double Springs Road
east to Rupple Road, near the Boys and Girls Club.
PRAB Motion: Davidson moved to approve the trail names as listed and Bitler
seconded the motion and it carried 4-0-0
S. Wilson Park Bridge\Trail Proposal: Matt Mihalevich & Connie Edmonston
Currently there is $22,000 in the Capital Improvement budget to improve the
trail on the Park Street side of Wilson Park. The current trail utilizes the sidewalk
as the trail on this portion. With the immediate curve and hill, this creates a
potential unsafe area for trail users. This improvement would begin on the north
side of the swimming pool entry off of Park Street. The trail would need a bridge
and would continue on the outside of the softball field and would connect back to
the Castle area. The University of Arkansas engineering class has used this as a
class project to assist with this project. The bridge and bridge abutments and
sub -structure are estimated to cost $37,000. Total cost of this project is
estimated at $90,823. (See attached estimate and pictures.)
June 5, 2006/ 4
Staff Recommendation: Park Staff recommends approving $69,000 from the
Park Land Dedication Fund to assist with the Wilson Park Bridge and Trail
Improvement project.
Colwell suggested installing an exercise station along some area of the trail near
the pool.
Edmonston wants to see how the Gulley Park exercise station is utilized before
installing one in another park.
Colwell asked if the FEMA guidelines will be followed for the bridge and trail
construction.
Mihalevich said those guidelines would be followed.
Davidson asked if there are any other funds in the Capital Budget for Wilson
Park.
Edmonston said there is not and the $22,000 designated is a carry-over.
Bitler asked how much money is in the Southwest Quadrant Park Fund.
Edmonston said $310,000 is unencumbered. Other projects for this year are
Wilson Park basketball court resurfacing, Finger Park upgrade, Dale Clark Park
signage and there is funding for Legacy Park. This is a lot, but the safety factors
in several of the parks are critical and citizens are asking for the improvements.
PRAB Motion: Bitler moved to approve the allocation of an additional $69,000
from the Southwest Quadrant Park Fund as recommended by Staff for the
building of the Wilson Park Trail and Bridge. Burke seconded the motion and it
carried 4-0-0
6. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Alison Jumper, Park Planner
East Township Extension
Freeland, Kauffman, and
Freedeen
Mike Driver, SDSJ Development
LLC
Location: East of Covington Subdivision
Park District: NE
Units: 7 Single Family
Total Acres: 3.38 acres
Land Dedication Requirement: 0.168 acres
Money in Lieu Requirement: $6,720
Existing Parks: Braden Park
June 5, 2006/ 5
Developer's Request: Money in lieu
Staff Recommendation: Money in lieu
Justification: The existing 2.3 acre Braden Park
is located within a half mile service area of this
development and will provide recreational
opportunities for the residents.
PRAB Motion: Colwell moved to accept Staff recommendation of Money in
Lieu. Davidson seconded and the motion passed 4-0-0.
7. Park in Salem Meadows Subdivision: Alison Jumper, Park Planner
Currently there is $80,000 in the Capital Improvement budget to develop the
park at Salem Meadows Subdivision. A public meeting was held on February 2,
2006 to discuss development of the 1.8 acre park. Staff is working with City
Engineers to explore drainage options and estimates to correct current problems
with drainage.
Staff Recommendation: Park Staff recommends approving funds from the
Park Land Dedication Fund to assist with the drainage of the park in the Salem
Meadows Subdivision. Staff will present the cost recommendation at the
meeting.
Edmonston explained the $80,000 already approved for this park is not
adequate. Approximately $70,000 more will be required to prepare the land due
to previously unknown drainage problems.
Davidson asked if this is a short term or long term plan to correct the condition.
Jumper said bringing dirt in and working on grading is a long term permanent
fix. Engineers have been consulted.
Bitler asked with the approval of these extra funds how will this situation be
avoided in the future.
Jumper stated that Parks Staff will be more involved in development in the future
to prevent these land preparation problems from occurring after the fact. Staff
will get more information and be more careful before signing the final plat.
PRAB Motion: Bitler moved to approve Staff's request for $70,000 additional
funds from the Northwest Quadrant Parks Fund. Burke seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4-0-0.
June 5, 2006/ 6
S. Community Park Update: Connie Edmonston, Parks & Recreation
Director: Edmonston reported she had spoken with Alexander and Nock,
developers of the Southpass project, and they are in the process of hiring a
consultant and will be meeting with PRAB during the summer to go over the new
plans for the Community Park.
Bitler asked for a specific date for them to meet with the Board.
Davidson said he'd want to require a deadline for them to come before the Board
with those plans or the search for other land should be initiated. He said land
previously considered is now not available and more land as time progresses will
become unavailable or too costly for the City to purchase for a community park.
He also stated that with the current economic changes he feels it's possible the
development won't happen and the Board needs to develop a list of properties
that are available.
Edmonston stated she feels positive about this and due to the tremendous
investment by the developers thus far this project will continue and the
community park will be built.
9. Other Business:
Mihalevich announced ground breaking for the new phase of Scull Creek Trail will
take place on Tuesday, June 13 at 3:00 P.M.
Colwell heard from a citizen who bikes into town along Huntsville Road on a
regular basis and suggested a bike connection at the intersection of 6th Street
and Huntsville Road, utilizing the block -off old section of Huntsville. He said that
would be a safer traverse of the area rather than bikers using the vehicle
intersection.
Wright announced the process has begun for the Arkansas State Parks Outdoor
Recreation Grant. Two public meetings will be held, one on June 19 at
Sweetbriar Park and the other on June 20 at Bryce Davis Park, to get public input
on presenting the request. It's a matching funds process and plans for use of
the money have to be presented. These meetings will provide those plans.
Bitler asked if Staff has had a chance to look further at Frank Sharp's proposal
for the use of land he wants to provide to the City for maintenance of a natural
area and trail use. Edmonston will get a copy of the letter being prepared by
Administration.
Colwell shared the private development of a trail between Vandergriff Elementary
School and the Timbercrest Neighborhood. The trail is approximately 400 yards
long and crosses the creek via a bridge built by volunteers from the
June 5, 2006/ 7
neighborhood. It crosses the land of Denise and Hershey Garner and said Angie
Spencer wants to donate 5 feet of her land to the City to accommodate the trail.
The work is being done by volunteers. This trail will prevent the children from
having to walk to school and back along Highway 45. The trail will provide
access to the track under construction at Vandergriff/McNair schools. This track
will serve the community and provide activity and green space areas.
Colwell reported there is offensive graffiti at the skate park. He suggested the
closure of the skate park pending removal of that graffiti. Edmonston said the
surveillance camera is soon to be installed and will provide ability to trace
offenders on several levels. Colwell then asked if there's a sign requiring
helmets be worn still in place. Edmonston said she would check on that sign.
Edmonston reminded the Board the next PRAB meeting will be on July 10 due to
July 4th falling on Tuesday after the first Monday.
10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Colwell at 7:20
P.M.
Minutes submitted by Cheryl Whillock
June 5, 2006/ 8
