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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-03 - MinutesFAYETTEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Opening: The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called to order by Chairman Wade Colwell at 5:34 p.m. on December 3, 2007 in Room 326 of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Present: Park and Recreation Advisory Board members Colwell, Davidson, Burke, Biendara, Mauritson, Bider, and Hatfield were present; Davis was absent. Park Staff Edmonston, Wright, Thomas, Jones, Trail Coordinator Mihalevich and audience were also in attendance. 1. Approval of November 5th, 2007 PRAB Meeting Minutes PRAB Motion: Davidson motioned to approve the minutes as written. Hatfield seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 2. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Report Walt Eilers, Board Member Colwell asked if the trail continued with the flow of foot and bike traffic around the lake. Eilers said one of the issues was what surface would be. It needed to be environmentally consistent with the Botanical Gardens. Butterfield Trail would be a lateral connection to the lakeside. Mihalevich said the trail was originally closer to Hwy 265, but was moved because of the noise. There will also be a cost effective bridge and a boardwalk. Biller asked if he had talked to Kevin Bennoch about the new route. Mihalevich said yes, he had walked it with him. There were some compromises made. They want a nice view and a buffer from the lake. There is still lots of work to be done. Edmonston commented that it was a great meeting with the Springdale and Fayetteville science teachers. She's very pleased with the progress of the work. Eilers said the individuals that have been using the trail have been using the Botanical Gardens parking lot. That has been a security issue, because several pieces of construction equipment have been "borrowed". There is now a storage area for the equipment, which satisfies the insurance company. The Botanical Garden might put in a gate with a sign that says "open from sunup to sundown", and is considering putting in a parking lot that connects directly with the trail. This will be discussed with Ron Troutman. Davidson asked how the membership drive is going. Eilers said it was going great. 1800 people are getting a mailing requesting possible membership gifts or maybe an end of the year gift to the Botanical Gardens. Davidson then asked how the reciprocal membership plan was going. Eilers said the Botanical Gardens have agreed to the reciprocal agreement plan with other gardens in the country. They are waiting for the other gardens to get it into their systems so members can visit any of the 118 gardens in the country on one membership. Eilers also said they are inviting different Chambers of Commerce, WalMart, etc. to have their monthly meeting at the Botanical Gardens and get the word out about them. Davidson asked how the Parks board could help the Botanical Gardens. Eilers replied that everyone was welcome to come to events, and then should feel free to give suggestions. The person to contact for suggestions would be Page Mulholland, the executive director. Burke asked how the new plan for the trail would affect the length. Mihalevich said that it would probably make it longer. Bider wanted to know if the new plan would be brought to the Parks board. Mihalevich said yes. A citizen commented that the poison ivy along the trail was really bad. Colwell replied that when possible we mow or hand trim the edges on the paved trail. The citizen replied that maybe spraying would be better. Edmonston replied that we can't spray within 100'. Burke asked if the trail would follow the contours. Mihalevich replied that the nature trail would stay the same for the most part. It's possible that the nature trail would be put down Butterfield Stagecoach, with a dirt surface, like it was long ago. 3. Walnut Crossing Park Land Master Plan Kim Hesse, Rausch Coleman Land Development Staff Recommendation: Approval of park master plan as submitted Mauritson asked what type of surface the playground would have. Hesse replied it would be soft tile. Colwell commented that it was a pretty large area for soft tile. Hesse said it looked large on the picture, but it is in proportion to the size of the playground equipment. She said the neighborhood chose the playground equipment. Mauritson wanted to know what the dotted line was on the picture, and whether is was a potential for a trail. Hesse said it was the tree preservation line. Colwell wanted to know if there was curbside parking for the people who aren't within walking distance of the park. Hesse replied no, there were no parking spaces. Mihalevich asked if a trail will be built. Hesse replied that they would do this part, as she pointed to an area on the map. She said the part they would build would be an eight foot wide trail. They will excavate and bring in hillside, and then asphalt. It will be a pretty solid trail. PRAB Motion: Colwell motioned to accept staff recommendation to approve the park master plan as submitted. Mauritson seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 4. Walnut Crossing Subdivision Park Naming Kim Hesse, Rausch Coleman Land Development Hesse told the history of the parcel of land. After three or four meetings, the neighborhood voted to name the park Holland Park, named for the family that owned the land until the 1970's, when Rausch Coleman bought the land. Hesse said that the neighborhood voted to name the park Holland Park. The other name choices were Kessler, Deer Crossing, and Elmwood Park. Colwell said it would be nice to have the family history on a plaque in the park. Mauritson said he agrees with Colwell about the history plaque. PRAB Motion: According to the Facility naming policy the recommendation is tabled until the next PRAB meeting in order to allow for public input. Mauritson motioned to table. Bider seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 5. Park Land Dedication Carole Jones, Park Planner Project History: This project was presented to PRAB on 8-7-06 with 26 single family proposed units. PRAB made a recommendation of accepting approximately 0.83 acres of 30' trail corridor and allowing drainage of the future phase of the development to be piped under the trail at the developer's expense. Additionally any damage to the trail must be repaired at developer's expense. The current project proposes 51 single family units. Development Name: Engineer: Owner: Location: Park District: Units: Total Acres: Land Dedication Requirement: Money in Lieu Requirement Existing Parks: Developer's Request: Staff Recommendation: Mt. Comfort Place H2 Engineering Bleaux Barnes South of Mt. Comfort Rd., east of Bridgeport NW 51 Single Family, Approximately 10.95 acres 1.22 acres $48,960 Clabber Creek trail corridor, Red Oak Park, Hamestring Creek trail corridor Dedication of approximately 0.83 acres of trail corridor and approximately $15,600 remaining fees in lieu. Additionally, the developer requests to reserve a temporary drainage easement for the trail corridor and requests that the City construct the trail within 2 years of the land dedication. Dedication of approximately 0.83 acres of trail corridor and approximately $15,600 remaining fees in lieu. Additionally, staff recommends allowing a temporary drainage easement for the development and agrees to construct the trail within 2 years of land dedication, depending on approval of funding by City Council, to construct the trail. Estimated Annual Maintenance: The annual maintenance cost and man hours for the proposed trail (1,200 If) is anticipated to be $420 and 1.0 hour, respectively. Developer's Comments: Justification: Hamestring Creek is shown on Fayetteville Alternative Transportation and Trails Master Plan as a trail corridor. Additionally Red Oak Park is located within a''/z mile and will serve the recreational needs of the development. Jones told the Parks board that Jeremy Thompson, H2 Engineering, would like the money in lieu applied toward the trail. Thompson said that the owners wanted to market the trail. They would like to start it, and construct about two thirds of it, or whatever the money would cover. Mauritson asked if the money in lieu had to go toward the quadrant. Edmonston replied yes, it had to go toward the quadrant, but not necessarily toward the particular project. If the contractor can build it cheaper than the City, that might be something to look at. She said she would like to see Matt's cost versus their cost. Bitler asked if Transportation's budget would normally pay for the cost. Edmonston replied yes. Biendara asked if this request would go through the Trails Committee also. Mihalevich replied that they approve where the trails go, and also prioritize them. Mauritson said that his concern was that this discussion was about making a change to the normal process, and then the end result would be that the trail still wouldn't be totally complete. Davidson said he didn't think that PRAB could approve this request, because of the economics. Thompson asked if the board could approve the original proposal tonight, and then let H2 Engineering do a cost estimate in order to bring it back before the board. Mauritson asked if he meant that a proposal would be put together, and then taken to the Trails Committee. Thompson then said that it sounded like it was a tremendous idea, but they would stick to what was originally proposed. Biendara asked what would happen if the trail can't be done in two years. Jones replied that if the City still has the corridor dedicated, we could get it as soon as possible. PRAB Motion: Colwell motioned to accept the staff recommendation. Mauritson seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0-0 with voice vote. 6. Park Land Dedication Development Name: Engineer: Owner: Location: Park District: Units: Total Acres: Land Dedication Requirement: Money in Lieu Requirement Existing Parks: Developer's Request: Staff Recommendation: Developer's Comments: Carole Jones, Park Planner The Shoppes and Residences at Forest Hills Morrison -Shipley Forest Hills Development Co., Inc. West of I-540, south of Wedington Drive SW 458 multi -family units; 96 single-family units 82.38 acres 10.1 acres $403,600 Dale Clark Park Money in lieu Money in lieu Justification: The proximity to Dale Clark Park is the primary reason for the request of money in lieu of land. The developer is also providing small green space areas owned by the POA within the development. Someone asked where the trail was. Mihalevich said it was on the south side of Persimmon now. The City is looking to put a trail on the north side from Owl Creek to Shiloh. Colwell wanted to know about the green space. His concern was that there will be 1100 to 1200 residents. He wants to know where the kids will play. He would like to see more green space. Corey Robertson with Morrison/Shipley Engineers said there are several areas that are developed as parklike areas. It is more naturalized on the south end. Biendara said she saw this map last week, but it was different. Robertson said they got some different info. The area on the south end was decreased a little bit, but the 25% is still maintained. Hatfield asked if there would be any spaces for playgrounds. Robertson said the area around the detention pond would most likely be a playground. Hatfield asked if it would have water. Robertson said yes. Mauritson then asked if there would be barriers around the water. He was concerned about children being around water. Robertson said the water would be tapered. If any barriers are put up, it would be the developer's decision. Colwell asked about a certain area on the map. He was hoping it was green space. Robertson said it was a concrete area, but there are areas in the development that are pocket parks. Mauritson said there were lots of buildings, but no green. Hatfield said that he was looking at the date on the letter. He wanted to know if the project came in on time. Jones said yes, the requirements were met. Edmonston said that because of the pocket parks, Staff felt more comfortable with the recommendation. Mihalevich asked if the trail was six feet wide, and on the north side of Persimmon. Robertson said yes. Mihalevich said it needed to be twelve feet wide, instead of a six foot sidewalk. Ozark Electric's part is twelve feet, so it needs to be continued on the north side of Persimmon. It will hook up with Shiloh Trail. Edmonston said Dale Clark Park is in the area. Jones said Owl Creek School is there also. Hatfield said that his concern was that in two to three years there will be a lot more people living to the south in that development. Some of the ratios will change, and there may be more green space needed than is being planned for. Biendara asked if the condos would have a play area in the center. Robertson said there would be a clubhouse area and small playground area. There has to be those types of areas for it to be marketable. Bitler asked Edmonston if there was any land in the area of Dale Clark Park that could be added to this development. Edmonston said no. Hitler asked Robertson if he anticipated any marketing issues with the density and the low green space. Robertson replied that the City doesn't think it is dense enough. The developer understands the need for green space. This development doesn't fit into City guidelines. Mihalevich commented that the twelve foot wide trail along Persimmon should have a motion. Colwell said he didn't like the density, but liked the trail. Hatfield said the soft surface trails may not be assessable to wheelchairs. It's not an all weather surface. Robertson said there will be sidewalks through Salem Street. Hatfield said that if this plan showed specifically what recreational opportunities would be available, he would feel a whole lot better about supporting the plan. Mauritson said that the plan just doesn't show enough info. He doesn't feel like there is enough green space. He's having a problem envisioning it from the plan drawing. He said he is also very nervous about not having barriers around the water with a playground right next to it, because of personal history. Hatfield said if we don't buy the land now, we won't get the land. Jones said Staff looked at this area and wanted it because of the proximity to Dale Clark Park. Edmonston said we need the trails and tree preservation. The tree preservation is open to the public. There would be no playground equipment -it would be just a public space. Mihalevich said there is recreational verbiage for tree preservation. Colwell asked where the front door of the store was located. Robertson showed him on the map. Colwell said it was facing the back of buildings. It should be on the other side facing the street. Robertson said that's how Neighborhood Market wanted to do it. Bitler asked Edmonston to remind everyone of the appeal process if this request is denied. Edmonston replied that if the Parks board and developer can't come to a mutual understanding, it goes before the Planning Commission for their determination. It's only had to be done once. Robertson said that the south end of the area would be tree preservation and a publicly used area. Edmonston asked Mihalevich if there would be picnic tables and benches. Mihalevich said it could be written in and could be very specific about what would be there, so there would be no misunderstanding. PRAB motion: Davidson motioned to accept the staff recommendation. Mauritson seconded it. Motion passed 4-3-0 by voice vote, with Hatfield, Davidson, and Mauritson casting the dissenting votes. 7. Park Land Dedication Development Name: Engineer: Owner: Location: Park District: Units: Total Acres: Land Dedication Requirement: Money in Lieu Requirement Existing Parks: Carole Jones, Park Planner 15`h Street Apartments HGM Engineering CPD Investments South of 15`h Street, west of S. School SW 366 multi -family units 17.47 acres 6.22 acres $248,880 Abuts Greathouse Park, Walker Park, World Peace Wetland Prairie and park land at Aspen Ridge and Town Branch Creek trail corridor are within one half mile. Developer's Request: Easement and construction of the College Branch trail from the north property line to the south property line and dedicate money in lieu. Staff Recommendation: Easement and construction of the College Branch trail from the north property line to the south property line and dedicate money in lieu, exact trail alignment to be approved by Trails Coordinator. Developer's Comments: Justification: The Town Branch Creek trail and College Branch trail will connect the residents of this development to Greathouse Park, Walker Park, the World Peace Wetland Prairie and park land at Aspen Ridge. Additionally the developer is proposing a POA open area with a basketball court and clubhouse. The existing parks in the area will serve the recreational needs of the development. Edmonston commented that Greathouse Park has been underused. Hatfield asked what the cost of this project is. Mihalevich said they are offering the easement, construction, and money in lieu. They will not construct the bridge. We could maybe use the money in lieu. Bitler asked if that needed to go into the motion. Edmonston said they would do it. Mauritson asked if they could hold them to it. Hatfield then asked if we had anything in writing. Mihalevich said no, and said we can't hold them to it. Mauritson said that he was not comfortable with the drawing. It didn't have enough detail on it. Colwell said that we need to request a trail dedication easement. Mihalevich said he felt good about the new location for the trail since it was close to Van Buren. Mauritson said he didn't see that it would be hard to reconfigure the trail if necessary. Mihalevich responded that they were okay with moving it around. It will still be right by the parking lot. Hatfield said he wanted it to be clarified that the easement and construction of College Branch trail not be out of the park land dedication. PRAB motion: Davidson motioned to accept the staff recommendation. Mauritson seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 8. Park Land Dedication Carole Jones, Park Planner Project History: This project was presented to PRAB on 9-8-03 with 12 single family proposed units. PRAB made a recommendation of accepting money in lieu of land ($6,600). The project was not constructed, and the fees were not paid. The project is currently proposed as seven single-family units and 21 multi -family units as outlined below: Development Name: Stonewood Gardens Engineer: Owner: Location: Park District: Units: Total Acres: Land Dedication Requirement: Money in Lieu Requirement Existing Parks: Developer's Request: Staff Recommendation: Developer's Comments: Justification: There was no discussion. Jorgensen & Associates Stonewood Gardens, LLC East of Arkansas Highway 265 and south of Albright Road NE 7 single-family units; 21 multi -family units 4.64 acres 0.525 acres $21,000 Lake Fayetteville and the Botanical Gardens are located within %2 -mile radius from the site. Money in lieu Money in lieu The relatively small size and proximity to Lake Fayetteville Park are the two primary reasons for the request of money in lieu of land. The developer is also providing small green space areas owned by the POA within the development. PRAB motion: Mauritson motioned to accept the staff recommendation. Colwell seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 9. Park Land Dedication: Carole Jones, Park Planner Project History: This project was presented to PRAB on November 8th, 2006. PRAB recommended accepting money in lieu, land, and services. as stated below: Dedicate approximately 0.36 acres of land for the trail and construct 856 if of 12' trail. All trail layout, design and construction shall be approved by park staff. Trail shall be constructed per City standard construction details for an asphalt trail. Approximately 5001f of the trail will serve as the sidewalk; therefore, costs for land and construction for this portion will not be counted towards the park land dedication requirement. In addition, approximately 0.86 acres located on the southern edge of the development will be dedicated. This property has the potential to be added to on the south side from the adjoining property. The remaining dedication would be accepted as money in lieu. The following is a breakdown of the previous dedication requirements. $122,100.00 required $28,212.50 (1.22 acres for trail and park) $24,270.69 (construction costs of trail**) $69,616.81 $12,500.00 (amount required for sidewalk construction) $82,116.81 total remaining requirement **The trail construction costs are based on approximately 500 l.f. of 7' trail and 356 If of 12'trail. Typical sidewalk construction costs are included for the 5001f of trail that functions as a sidewalk. Resolution 190-04 regarding the park land dedication requirements for the project was passed and approved December 7th, 2004. Current Status: The trail corridor (0.3532 acres) and park land (0.8581 acres) deeds have been received. A payment of $23,704.06 for remaining fees in lieu has been received. The current proposal includes 288 multi -family units. This is a change from 220 single family units. Development Name: Engineer: Owner: Location: Park District: Units: Total Acres: Land Dedication Requirement: Money in Lieu Requirement Existing Parks: Developer's Request: Staff Recommendation: Estimated Annual Maintenance: Developer's Comments: Justification: 288 MF units = 4.9 acres Aspen Ridge Appian Centre for Design Hank Broyles South of 6`h Street, west of Hwy 71 B SW 288 Multi -family 28 acres 4.9 acres, see below $195,840, see below Previously dedicated land for Aspen Ridge and World Peace Wetland Prairie Dedicate approximately 0.8 additional acres, pay remaining fees in lieu. Dedicate approximately 0.8 additional acres, pay remaining fees in lieu. Dedicated land must be free from debris and stockpiles and graded to match adjacent park land. The annual maintenance cost and man hours for the proposed undeveloped park land (0.8 acres) is anticipated to be $165 and 4.4 hours, respectively. 4.9 - 1.32 acres (credit for 55 existing SF homes) = 3.58 acres 3.58 acres - 1.21 (acres previously dedicated) = 2.37 acres 4.9 acres - 2.37 = 2.53 acres owed 2.53 — 0.8 additional acres =1.73 acres owed 1.73 acres x $40,000/acre = $69,200 owed $69,200 - $23,704.26 previously paid = $45,495.74 $45495.74 - $54,163.49 (trail construction costs)= $-8,667.75 $-8,667.75 + $1,338 (land for sidewalk area) + $12,936 (sidewalk construction costs) _ $5,606.25 owed The trail has not been fully constructed at this point. Colwell wanted to know how the staff felt about the land. Edmonston said it was a welcoming area. It had a good focal point. Hatfield asked if .88 acres was important to donate. James Gipson, representative for Appian Centre for Design, said it wasn't a good place for a development, but a good place for a park. Burke asked why the trail cost is higher now than previously. Bitler wanted to know if Parks and Recreation was being given credit for the trail. Mauritson wanted to know if we got $54,000 worth of trail. Edmonston said that the trail wasn't finished yet. Bider commented that he was concerned about grandfathering in the cost, and whether doing so was legal. Edmonston said that Parks and Recreation's way of building trails has changed from the past. Gipson said that they are just following the original plan. Nothing has changed. PRAB Motion: Mauritson motioned to accept the staff recommendation. Colwell seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote. 10. Budget Update: Connie Edmonston, P & R Director Edmonston said another budget work session was scheduled on December 17, 2007. She briefly went over the items cut from 2008 Parks and Recreation Budget. 11. Regional Park Update: Connie Edmonston, P & R Director 12. Other Business: The Dale Clark Park Grand Opening is Thursday, December 06, 2007 at 3:30. Everyone is to meet at the Boys and Girls Club for a short ceremony and to dedicate the park. Dale Clark's birthday is also on December 6, 2007. This date has been declared Dale Clark Day. 13. Adjournment: 7:45 p.m.