HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-05 - Minutes�Itn�H'•M1'
FAYETTEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes for December 5, 2011
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was
called to order by Jim Meinecke at 5:35 p.m. in Room 111 at the City
Administration Building at 113 West Mountain Street in Fayetteville,
Arkansas.
Present:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Bailey, Meldrum,
Thompson, Meinecke, Waite, Hazelrigs and Watson were present. Lindsey
and Mason were absent. Staff members Edmonston, Humphry, Jumper,
Mihalevich, Jones, Gipson and Thomas were in attendance.
AGENDA:
1. Approval of November 7, 2011 PRAB Meeting Minutes:
PRAB Motion: Watson motioned to accept the minutes as written,
and Meldrum seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
2. Approval of December 1, 2011 PRAB Meeting Minutes:
PRAB Motion: Meldrum motioned to accept the minutes as
written, and Waite seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
3. Botanical Garden Monthly Report: Michael Lindsey
Lindsey was not able to attend the meeting. Edmonston said that the
train was up and running.
3a. Mayor Jordan thanked the board for their hard work. He handed
out certificates to Brian Bailey, Jim Meinecke, and Jennifer Hazelrigs.
Their terms expire this year.
4. Fayetteville Youth Baseball Presentation: John Long
John Long, a vice president of Fayetteville Youth Baseball, Inc., said
that last season was difficult because of the rainouts. The baseball
season runs March through July. This past season there were 84
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teams playing at White River, and 74 teams at Walker. There was an
increase in the 11 / 12 year olds, as well as the 12/ 15 year olds. In
2011, two tournament teams were produced. The 15 year olds were
undefeated in the state. The 11 year olds played in the finals in
Conway, and went on to the World Series. The tournaments raise
money for the program; therefore, the association has requested no
money from the A&P. The City Council approved the Walker ballpark
renovations for $100,000. A fundraiser was held that raised $10,000.
All the money will go toward the Walker Park renovations. New
dugouts, awnings and screen protection for the fans are some of the
improvements.
Meinecke said that it was great that the money received is donated to
the fields.
Long said last year the funds were down. This year the funds were
more positive. The association has plans and goals to use the money.
The association's vision is to improve the park.
Waite asked what PRAB could do to be on the same page.
Long said he feels that everyone is already in agreement. Everyone
wants Walker to be a better park.
Watson said that he would like to have more details on the finances.
Each player pays to be in the program. He would like to know how
much money is going toward each project, and more transparency.
Edmonston commented that December 6 is when the approval of the
contract with Pick -It Construction goes to City Council for the
construction of the Walker Park Baseball Complex improvements.
Long said the association sometimes has connections to get materials
at a lesser rate than the City can.
S. Trail Naming Proposal: Matt Mihalevich
This item was tabled at the November 7th meeting according to the
Park Naming Policy to allow for public input.
Mihalevich said there are two trails to be officially named by the City
Council. Matt Mihalevich presented names to the Active
Transportation Advisory Committee on October 12th. The Committee
unanimously approved to forward Oak Ridge Trail and Meadow Valley
Trail names to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for their
recommendation to City Council who will have the final decision on
naming the trails. This item was tabled at the November 7th, 2011
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Board according to the Park Naming
Policy in order to allow for public input. There have been no
comments or suggestions for the proposed trail names in the past
month. Edmonston said that no names were submitted to Parks and
Recreation office, either.
Meinecke asked what the name choices were for the trails.
Meldrum said the names were Oak Ridge Trail and Meadow Valley.
Oak Ridge Trail goes from Frisco Trail west to the University along
Center Street. The University of Arkansas has been referring to this
trail as Oak Ridge Trail. Meadow Valley goes from Scull Creek Trail
west to Interstate 540 at Porter Road through Agri Park.
PRAB Motion: Meldrum motioned to recommend the new trail
names of Oak Ridge Trail and Meadow Valley Trail to City Council
for final approval. Waite seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice
vote.
6. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant:
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Developer's Comments:
Justification:
c
Alison Jumper, Park
Planning Superintendent
Park Green Collegiate Village
Crafton Tull and Associates,
Inc.
Park Green Properties, LLC
Rochier Street south of MLK
Blvd.
SW
153 multi -family
19.39 acres
2.6 acres
$104,040
Hill Place Park Land, World
Peace Wetland Prairie, Tsa La
Gi Trail
Money in lieu
Money in lieu
Hill Place Park Land, World
Peace Wetland Prairie and Tsa
La Gi Trail are within '/a mile
of the proposed development.
Additionally, the developer is
proposing many amenities
and common areas for the
residents.
Annual Maintenance Cost: None
Jumper said that Park Green Collegiate Village was on Rochier Street
south of MLK Blvd. The land requirement is 2.6 acres, and the money
in lieu is $104,040. The developer is requesting money in lieu, and
that is the staff recommendation also.
Steven Beam, the representative from Crafton Tull and Associates,
Inc, said the developer wants to create a certain atmosphere. He said
that this development is challenging because of the preservation
requirements. He commented that a large section isn't canopied. They
are seeking to preserve some of the areas.
Mihalevich asked if Paris Street turns into Garland.
Beam said yes, and there will be improvements.
Aubrey Shepherd, a guest, said this area was part of the Town Branch
neighborhood and has lots of erosion. He's the neighborhood
representative, and didn't know about this development. Someone
came in and mowed down a large amount of native plants. He asked
who owned the property.
Beam said right now, the bank owns it.
Shepherd said the open area is spectacular. He said that part of it, as
well as some of the woods, needs to be preserved. He said in the
yellow area on the maps there are about six species of milkweed. He
wanted to know why he hadn't seen any contractor's signs.
Edmonston said that the development is still in the planning stages.
Coming to PRAB is the first phase.
Shepherd said that part of the city is very delicate, so please be
merciful.
Beam asked Shepherd for his phone number so he could discuss the
project with him. Shepherd gave him a card.
Beam said that a tree survey hadn't been done yet, but many of the
trees were damaged during the ice storm. This site requires 30%
preservation. The site has approximately 35% canopy.
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Watson commented that milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies
to survive. He requested that particular area be preserved if possible.
He said that "we love our butterflies".
Thompson asked if looking for endangered species was ever done
before a project begins.
Jumper said that the City doesn't have a specific person who reviews
development for habitat, flora, and fauna impacts.
Beam commented that sometimes the natural topsoil can be
harvested, and then reused. The native plants will geminate in their
native soil.
Meinecke said that the uphill area isn't in use, so maybe it could be a
protected area. He then said that trying to preserve some of the area
is a different issue than what is on the agenda for this development.
Edmonston agreed.
Meldrum said from the Parks and Recreation standpoint for the land
that is left untouched, there are not a lot of things that can be done,
so money in lieu is best.
Waite agreed that money in lieu is the right way to go.
PRAB Motion: Waite motioned to accept the money in lieu, and
Watson seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
7. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant:
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement:
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
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Alison Jumper, Park
Planning Superintendent
The Cambridge
Jorgensen and Associates
Mark Lindley
Northeast corner of MLK Blvd.
and Beechwood Ave.
SW
228 multi -family
16.24 acres
3.88 acres
$155,040
Hill Place Park Land, World
Peace Wetland Prairie, Tsa La
Gi Trail, Town Branch Creek
Trail
Money in lieu
Staff Recommendation:
Developer's Comments:
Justification:
Annual Maintenance Cost:
Money in lieu
Several parks and trail
corridors exist in the '/z mile
service area. Additionally, the
developer is proposing to build
approximately 1,615 LF of
trail and dedicate a 25' wide
trail easement through the
development.
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Jumper said the Cambridge is located on the northeast corner of
MLK Blvd. and Beechwood Avenue. The developer is requesting
money in lieu in the amount of $155,040.
Justin Jorgensen, the representative for the Cambridge, said this
was a unique piece of property. It's all asphalt and gravel, and no
trees. He said he likes the location and the size. A trail will be
incorporated into the property.
Meinecke asked if the easement and the trail were the same.
Jorgensen said yes, it was.
Meinecke wanted to know how much a trail costs per foot.
Mihalevich said it varies, but it's about $50 to $75 per linear foot.
He said that this trail would probably be around $60,000.
Meinecke thanked the contractor for building the trail.
Watson commented that this basically is a grown -over gravel lot.
Meinecke said Parks would get a good return for this.
Watson asked who owned the greenspace close by.
Jorgenson said he would have to look it up.
PRAB Motion: Waite motioned to accept the staff recommendation
of money in lieu, and Thompson seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0
by voice vote.
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S. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant:
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Developer's Comments:
Justification:
Annual Maintenance Cost:
Alison Jumper, Park
Planning Superintendent
Quarry Trace Commons
Milholland Engineering
Tim Brisiel
North of Hwy. 16 E, west of
Lake Sequoyah
SE
114 Single Family
35 acres
2.74 acres
$109,440
None within '/2 mile, Lake
Sequoyah, Bayyari Park and
Rodney Ryan Park are within
one mile
Dedicate approximately 2.8
acres
Dedicate approximately 2.8
acres and designate as a
natural area.
No public park land exists
within lh mile as
recommended by the Parks
and Recreation 10 Year
Master Plan.
Park will be designated as a
natural area and will not be
developed therefore requiring
little maintenance.
Park & Recreation Staff Recommendation: To accept 2.8 acres
as a natural area.
Jumper said that this was a continuation of the meeting from
December 1.
Meinecke asked if everyone had fun thinking about this
development.
Tim Brisier, the owner, said that he welcomed discussion.
Watson asked if this was the area that the park burned down.
Edmonston said no. She said the damaged park was Red Oak
Park, and the fire was under investigation.
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Meinecke said maybe a small park could be developed there. He
said that he always thought that the money in lieu was equal value
for the land. He found out that's not true. He revisited the site
yesterday after the rain. He wanted to look at the runoff and didn't
see much. He didn't see the value of the land unless a park was
going to be developed on it. He said he would rather have the
money than the land.
Edmonston said a formula was used to determine land value using
national park standards.
Meinecke said he asked himself if the land was worth $39,000 per
acre, and decided that it wasn't.
Brisier said the land was selected because of the natural areas.
The project is going for green space and preservation.
Meinecke said the money could be used in a better way.
Watson said his concern was the area was tucked in behind a
residential area. He would rather it be out in the open because it's
safer that way. A trail is doable. A park wouldn't be safe.
Bailey commented that he wasn't able to come to the December 1
meeting. He asked if Parks was considering taking this land just to
get a park in that area.
Edmonston said yes.
Bailey asked if there were similar parks in Fayetteville.
Edmonston said there were some. Wildwood Park is one.
Bailey wanted to know if it would be good to have a park there, or
if it would hinder development.
Brisier said that he is representing the bank that owns the
property. This area has very defined perimeters. Most of the
infrastructure is already in place. He is in favor of doing a park
feature. The quarry is a great natural area. He wants to see park
areas, green spaces, trails, etc. He is open to suggestions. He
wants the development to be different than the neighbors.
Edmonston said there was lots of raw land except to the south.
Someday that land might be homes.
Mcinecke said the only main feature he saw was a ditch with
stagnant water. About 60 feet of the area is the ditch or going
down to the ditch. He would like to take the money and develop
elsewhere.
Thompson said that the natural area won't have maintenance
costs.
Meldrum asked what the bank paid for the property.
Brisier said he wasn't sure, but he could find out.
Meinecke said the biggest problem to him is the cost, not the land.
Meldrum said that maybe larger lots could be made.
Brisier said maybe the front area could be converted into a couple
of lots.
Watson commented that making deeper lots might change the
value. He said he liked big backyards.
Brisier replied that he could visit with the engineers to see if
something different could be done.
Edmonston said that this project came through PRAB in 2005.
Meinecke wanted to know what the Parks staff thought.
Bailey wanted to know if an "out of sight" park would be a Parks
issue, or maybe a parent issue.
Edmonston said this is the reason the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board exists. They help the community find good
solutions.
Watson commented that if it was just a piece of property it would
be said and done.
Humphry said he recommends keeping this area natural. It would
be a very minimal upkeep.
Brisier said a possibility would be to have a narrower front.
Watson said that on the northwest corner, there are four lots.
Maybe a park could be put on the corner. That would make it more
open and more appealing.
Edmonston said that this discussion could be tabled until the next
meeting.
Hazelrigs commented that taking the project as it is now, she
would want money.
Waite thanked Brisier for being willing to work with PRAB.
Hazelrigs suggested tying in lots 24, 25, and 26 with the quarry
and building a trail on the north side.
Brisier said that he was open to that idea.
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Meinecke said that if something nice was done with the quarry, it
would be a win-win situation.
Edmonston suggested having another special meeting. She will
send out dates.
PRAB Motion: Watson motioned to table the item until the special
meeting, and Meldrum seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice
vote.
9. Other Business:
Meinecke asked about the Red Oak fire.
Edmonston said that estimated value of the damage was seventy to
eighty thousand. She said the steel slide was twisted and warped.
Thompson wanted to know what the surface was that burned.
Edmonston said it was ADA approved shredded tire.
Jones commented that a pavilion is being constructed at Red Oak
Park now. She was told that the wooden mulch is harder to burn than
rubber.
Gipson announced that anyone that wants to help at the YRCC
Christmas party on December 17 is welcome to volunteer.
10. Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas
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