HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-08 - MinutesFAYETTEVILLE
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting Minutes September 8, 2008
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairman Wade Colwell at 5:33 p.m. on September 8, 2008 in room 326 of the City
Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Present:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Colwell, Biendara, Waite, Hatfield and
P. Jones were present. Mauritson was absent. Parks and Recreation Staff members
Edmonston, Humphry, Wright, Jumper, Martin, and Thomas and the audience were in
attendance.
Approval of August 4th, 2008 PRAB Meeting Minutes
PRAB Motion: Colwell asked for everyone that approved the August minutes to
say aye. There was a unanimous approval of the August minutes by voice vote.
2. Botanical Garden Monthly Report: Walt Eilers, Board of Directors
Eilers was not present at the meeting.
3. Eagle Scout Proposal• Matt Owens
Matt Owens is a Fayetteville High School Senior with Boy Scout Troop 102. He
is requesting to extend the Lake Sequoyah Trail approximately a mile. He would
start on November 1, 2008 and continue for the next two weekends, with friends
and family contributing their time. They may possibly have an overnight stay in
the park.
Biendara asked if the trails would have better markings.
Colwell said yes, the trails would be marked better.
Edmonston told Owens that if they had an overnight stay while working on the
trail to please call her to get permission. Normally, no camping is allowed in our
parks.
Colwell asked if there were any more questions.
PRAB Motion: Waite motioned to accept the proposed project, and P. Jones
seconded it. Motion passed 5-0-0 by voice vote.
September 8, 2008/1
4. Park Land Dedication:
Alison Jumper, Park Planner
Proiect History:
This project was presented to PRAB on 04/03/06 with 215 single family units and
50 multi -family units proposed. PRAB made a recommendation of accepting
money in lieu of land.
This project was reviewed by PRAB again on 2/4/08 with 169 single family writs
and 153 multi -family units. PRAB made a recommendation of accepting money
in lieu of land.
The current project proposes 166 single family writs and 184 multi -family units.
Development Name:
The Villas at Stonebridge
Engineer:
Appian Centre for Design
Owner:
Nock/Broyles Land Development
Location:
South of Hwy. 16 East, east of Goff Farm
Road
Park District:
SE
Units:
166 single family units, 184 multi -family
units
Total Acres:
Approximately 53 acres
Land Dedication Requirement:
7.11 acres
Money in Lieu Requirement
$284,480
* Final fees to be determined at Planning Commission approval*
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Estimated Annual Maintenance:
Justification:
None within a one half mile radius
Dedicate approximately 2 acres of parkland
that includes a 30' utility easement across
the southern portion of the site with phase 3
of the development, easement for trail
corridor and utilize the remaining money in
lieu for the park development. Additionally
the developer requests to design and
maintain the park.
Dedicate approximately 2 acres of parkland
excluding easements for utilities with phase
one of the development and remaining fees
in lieu; and easement for trail corridor.
hr addition to the approximately 2 acre
public park, the developer is providing an
additional park, clubhouse and pool area to
be owned and maintained by the P.O.A.
September 8, 2008/2
Parks policy regarding easements on park
land is that land in easements does not count
towards a requirement. Additionally the
criteria for accepting park land as approved
by the Board states that the land shall not be
smaller than 2 acres unless it is a pocket
park or in an area that could be expanded at
a later date.
A contract must be in place for the
development of the park within a 2 year time
frame from the dedication of funds.
Additionally a contract for maintenance
must be in place prior to developing the
park.
Lee Stewart from Appian Centre for Design discussed the project. The park will
be centrally located within the wide variety of housing options. The housing units
will face onto the park, and the streets will be tree lined. The trail corridor will
eventually connect to Combs Park. The park will be included in Phase I of the
project.
Jumper said that there would be a utility easement for water and sewer. There will
be no constraints with the easement coming through.
Hatfield said that he applauds the idea of the houses facing toward the park and
wishes it would be planned on more developments. He asked if the trailhead and
trail easement would be part of the parkland.
Stewart said no, they would be separate.
Hatfield also wanted to know if there would be parking at the trailhead.
Stewart said it would be pedestrian only. But he said there would be quite a bit of
on -street parking.
Edmonston asked if the parking would be both north and south.
Stewart said it would be on two sides of the park.
Colwell wanted to know if the trail would be the end of the St. Paul Trail.
Jumper said that for now it would be the end. The long term plan will put the trail
east of Stonebridge Golf Course.
September 8, 2008/3
Waite asked Jumper if there were other examples of utility easements taken in the
recent past since Parks decided to accept the water/sewer easement. .
Jumper said the only one she could think of was a powerline easement needed for
a developer planning a development on the west side of town.
Edmonston said Parks doesn't like water and sewer breakages on park property.
Waite wanted to know if that excluded Parks from certain grant funding
mechanisms.
Edmonston said as long as it's underground, it's usually acceptable.
Hatfield said that the money in each quadrant needs to be spent in that quadrant.
Edmonston said that sometimes when the construction business slows down,
Parks has to move the money around, because there is a limited time to spend it.
That specific problem happened this year.
Colwell asked if there were any more questions, and then called for a vote.
PRAB Motion: Colwell motioned to accept the staff recommendation, and
Biendara seconded it. Motion passed 5-0-0 by voice vote.
5. Off -Leash Dog Park at Lake Wilson Discussion — Connie Edmonston, Parks
& Recreation Director
Edmonston said there have been many discussions about a dog park in the past.
Quite a few parks nationwide are going to off leash parks.
Colwell said that would be a great idea, but because Lake Wilson used to be a
dump, and there are still remnants there, it may not be a good place for retrievers
to play.
Biendara said that there is a lot of erosion and litter. It may be a good Boy Scout
project. Also, the area needs a kiosk, and a faucet to clean off mud.
Hatfield commented that he has previously been on a dog park committee. He
would like to raise the public's awareness about picking up after their dogs.
Biendara said that dog owners need to keep control over their dogs. She also
commented that many people use Lake Fayetteville for their dogs, and it's getting
too crowded.
Edmonston said that the public needs to be aware that if their dog hurts someone,
they will be responsible.
Colwell asked if anyone knew of a no fence dog park with underground electric
boundaries and the dog collars that shock.
September 8, 2008/4
Hatfield said that the park needs a small area of sand so the dogs know where to
use the restroom.
Colwell was wondering if it would be possible to add a sign about cleaning up
after your dog.
Waite commented that very few people clean up after their dogs. He also wanted
to know how the board could promote an official dog park.
Hatfield suggested that it be a pilot project. He does have concerns about Lake
Wilson being so remote that people wouldn't clean up after their dogs.
Biendara asked if they could discuss the dog park in a year.
Edmonston said it could be brought back in six months if that's what they want.
She also said a large area was needed for a dog park.
PRAB Motion: Colwell motioned to let the dog park move forward. Waite
seconded it. Motion passed 5-0-0 by voice vote.
G. Regional Park Update: Connie Edmonston, Parks & Recreation Director
Edmonston said the project is still under review by the Fayetteville Planning
Commission. City Staff has been working with developers about the cost share for
the project. The City has been working on the cost share for the park. The
infrastructure cost alone, not counting the utilities, etc, is fifteen million plus.
7. Lake Fayetteville Road Request: Connie Edmonston
Please refer to Lake Fayetteville Road Request Attachment that includes letters
from J. Kevin Eads and Lori Mauldin and a map of the area. Mr. Eads will be
present for his request. The request is to remove the gate at Turner Street
allowing patrons to drive to the parking lot and utilize Lake Fayetteville Road.
Staff Recommendation: Turner and Lakeshore Drive are Springdale streets.
Lake Fayetteville Road is not a Fayetteville city street, it is a park road. If Lake
Fayetteville Road was to be open from Turner Street, the road would have to be
upgraded to meet street standards. With the extra traffic on the street, a separate
trail would need to be built for the safety of the bikers, hikers, walkers, etc. The
cost would be well over $200,000 to do so. Staff recommends that Lake
Fayetteville Road remain as it is and the request be denied.
Kevin and Lori Eads were there to discuss their Lake Fayetteville Road request.
K. Eads said that he would like to open the gate so people could access the
parking lot. He said that was not the ideal solution. He had two other suggestions.
The first was to put a driveway down to the parking lot, and close the trail so it is
just for pedestrians. The second suggestion was to put a sign at the corner of West
September 8, 2008/5
Lakeview and Turner that says "no entrance". He would also like a sign that
points to the Environment Center and one that points to Highway 71.
L. Eads said that people stop at houses all the time to ask how to get to the park.
K. Eads said that the current sign is hard to see. He suggested that a sign cut be
put in the corner of the park to show the entrance to the park. It could have a full
description of what's at the park and where the entrance to the park is located.
Biendara said that it would be nice to have a sign similar to the state park's signs
that have symbols to show what is available.
Edmonston said that the gate was put in at the request of the residents sometime
in the past. There were a lot of problems.
Colwell said that the boat dock is fenced off, but the boat operator leaves a gate
open.
Biendara asked the Eads what response Springdale had with the sign request. Did
they add signs?
L. Eads said yes.
Hatfield said a lot of the traffic is due to the disc golf players. He said maybe if
more information was given to the players on the location of the disc golf course,
that would help.
L. Eads said that the U of students park on S Turner.
Colwell commented that the Springdale police need to be called so they can ticket
the cars.
Edmonston said that if we put up a sign by Highway 71, we would have to receive
permission from the Highway Department.
Colwell said that building a driveway is a good idea, but the Parks budget is very
limited right now.
P. Jones asked why putting up signage is a big deal.
Edmonston said that there are already lots of signs.
Colwell said that the highway sign is the best bet.
Hatfield commented that getting disc golf directions to the U of A students would
be a big help and great for the user groups.
September 8, 2008/6
K. Eads said be doesn't want a flat sign, but a state park type sign.
Edmonston said that she would see what Parks could do. It's a possibility that
more signage will be put up.
8. Lake Recreation Committee Report: Colwell, Hatfield and Waite
Colwell checked with several places in NW Arkansas about their park fees. He
said Beaver Lake has a $4.00 park fee. This fee has greatly reduced trash. The
minimal boat dock fee is $1,500/per year. The Game and Fish Commission does
not have a charge. Hickory Creek has no fee for canoes and kayaks. Lake
Wedington has a $5.00 park fee.
Hatfield said the tour of the Lake Sequoyah boat docks was eye opening. It is a
wooden structure with a metal roof and is deteriorating. It is used more for storage
than active boating. It might be a good idea to have a professional look at it.
Colwell said that fishing was not allowed on the boat dock. Maybe a fishing pier
could be made ADA accessible, and fishing be allowed off' it. He would like to
take the new fees to the Council and make them effective January 2009.
Hatfield asked if the non motorized item includes sailboats.
Edmonston commented that sailboats need to be added.
Edmonston then said that if PRAB agrees to the new fees, it will be an
amendment to the existing ordinance.
Colwell motioned to amend the lake fees. Hatfield seconded it. Motion passed 5-
0-0 by voice vote.
9. Presentatiosn of 2009 Operational and Capital Budget: Parks & Recreation
Staff
2008 Proposed Operational Budget is attached for your review.
Edmonston presented the budget to the PRAB.
Staff Recommendation: Approval of 2009 Operational and Capital Budget
Approval of 2009 Operational Budget
PRAB Motion: Biendara motioned to accept the 2009 Operational Budget, and
Jones seconded it. Motion passed 5-0-0 by voice vote.
September 8, 2008/7
Approval of 2009 Capital Budget
DRAB Motion: Biendara motioned to accept the 2009 Capital Budget, and Waite
seconded it. Motion passed 5-0-0 by voice vote.
10. Other Business:
Colwell said be would like to make a motion to name the "no name" creek that
runs through Gulley Park "Gulley Creek". He would like to table it and talk about
it next month.
Colwell also said that when he was around Jasper, AR, he saw a compost toilet.
He would like to see that around here.
11. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas
September 8, 2008/8
