HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-07 - MinutesCITY OF
Tay e ARKAANNSAS
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
July 7, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.
City Administration Building, Room 111
113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
MINUTES
Members: Phillip Watson—Chair, John M. Paul- Vice -Chair, Wade Colwell, Richie Lamb, Terry
Lawson, Chuck Maxwell, Phillip McKnight, David Priest, David Proffitt
City Staff: Connie Edmonston, Director; Byron Humphry, Maintenance Superintendent; Alison
Jumper, Parks Planning Superintendent; Alan Spann, Recreation Superintendent; Melanie
Thomas, Senior Secretary
1. Call to Order
Watson called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
2. Roll Call
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members present were Watson, Colwell, Lamb,
Lawson, Maxwell, McKnight, and Priest. Paul arrived later. Proffitt was absent.
3. Approval of June 2, 2014 PRAB Meeting Minutes
PRAB Motion: McKnight motioned to approve the minutes as written, and Maxwell
seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
4. Lake Fayetteville Bird Blind: Kelly Mulhollan
This proposal includes constructing a bird blind at Lake Fayetteville near the east end of
the lake. Construction would be accomplished with volunteers and would be coordinated
through park staff.
Staff Recommendation: Approval of the bird blind with construction coordination through
park staff.
Mulhollan said that he was on the "blind" committee. This committee wants to create a
bird blind on Lake Fayetteville, and name it in honor of his father, Paige Mulhollan, who
was a very avid bird watcher as well as a former director of the Botanical Gardens. He
said bird watching is best done from the south, but there are no locations on the south
side of Lake Fayetteville where a person can closely observe birds. He said during bad
weather conditions, waterfowl like to congregate in the southern cove at Lake
Fayetteville, across from the BGO. The site chosen for this blind takes advantage of the
open water and the southern cove. No trees will be cut down. He said this blind would be
very educational for everyone, especially kids. A design has been developed. The
Mailing Address:
113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville, AR 72701
funding plan is vague, but $5,000 to $6,000 has been promised. The NWA Audubon
Society said they will take care of the maintenance involved with the upkeep of the blind.
They will also handle the finances. Volunteer labor will be used, but a foreman will be
hired. Mulhollan said he is asking permission to build the blind and name it. Construction
should begin in November.
Watson asked if the final borders at the Botanical Garden have been approved.
Edmonston said no, not yet.
Watson then asked if this area was part of the Botanical Garden.
Edmonston said it is a part of Lake Fayetteville Park.
Watson asked Mulhollan if he had talked to the Botanical Gardens about the fields trips
to the blind.
Mulhollan said yes, and they are very excited.
David Chapman, a bird expert and PRAB guest, said that this blind would be unique to
NWA. He said everyone could benefit.
Maxwell said he had talked to Dollie, the boat dock operator, about the blind. He's
concerned about how the blind will affect the boat dock.
Chapman said that the place chosen for the blind is a good spot, because it's looking
north.
Edmonston said she hoped it was so successful that another blind would be needed.
Chapman said the Audubon Society will definitely keep the shoreline trash picked up.
Priest asked if there was security for the structure.
Mulhollan said no, because there's no door.
Colwell asked who would do scheduling, such as a wedding.
Edmonston said Parks would. She said a special event form would have to be filled out
for approval.
Colwell asked if people could use electrical appliances there.
Mulhollan said no, because there is no electricity.
McKnight said signage stating that would be helpful.
Lamb commented that there is more than one reason that birds use that spot. He said
that people would disturb them.
Mulhollan said there are subtle things you can put in bird blinds to give it more coverage,
and from the water, it is not discernible.
Edmonston asked how many people would fit in the blind.
Mulhollan said around eight people.
Maxwell said the BGO can have hundreds of people, but the structure will only hold a
few.
McKnight said he felt the blind would be a huge asset.
Priest asked about the ongoing maintenance.
Mulhollan said the NWA Audubon Society has already approved doing the maintenance.
Lawson asked how far the blind would be from the water.
Mulhollan said about a couple of feet. He said it will be a pole structure and pressure
treated wood. There will be benches inside. The floor will be plastic. The windows will be
at different heights to accommodate both children and adults. It would have a metal roof.
Edmonston asked if a metal roof would be noisy.
Chapman said that the birds would get used to it.
Mulhollan said they will go back to the drawing board. He said it would be smart to put
wood under the metal roof so it would be quieter.
Colwell said it's a wonderful idea.
Paul asked what would happen if the blind didn't work.
Edmonston said all problems would be documented, and then a decision would be
made.
Mulhollan said that if it didn't work, it would be removed.
Maxwell asked what the requirement would be for building in the wetland.
Edmonston said they would have to get a building permit.
Chapman said that this spot doesn't flood, He said he's been there many times.
PRAB Motion 1: McKnight motioned to approve the bird blind if the Botanical Garden has
no problem with it, and the Audubon Society provides, in writing, the assurance that they
will take care of all the maintenance. Lamb seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice
vote.
PRAB Motion 2: McKnight motioned to begin the naming process for the bird blind, and
Colwell seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice vote.
5. Marion Orton Recycling Center Sculpture- Brian Pugh
Informational Item Only
Jumper said that the RFP process has begun to purchase an art sculpture to place on the
south side of the Marion Orton Recycling Center. She said it would be a tree with a steel
trunk and recycled aluminum cans covering it. She said the tree would reflect recycling.
Lamb asked which part of the tree would turn.
Jumper said it would be the top, and it would be wind driven.
6. Arkansas Parks and Tourism Outdoor Grant Application: Alison Jumper, Park
Planning Superintendent
Staff Recommendation will be presented at the meeting.
Jumper said that Parks has applied for a 50/50 Arkansas Parks and Tourism Outdoor
Grant. The required public meetings were held, and the requests from the public were
taken. She said the funds must be in place in order to apply for this grant. Staff is
recommending putting the grant toward Regional Park for a large pavilion.
Watson asked how much the grant is for.
Jumper said $250,000, and the match will total it to $500,000.
Priest wanted to know if the money had been budgeted.
Jumper said yes.
Maxwell said that it makes sense to put it toward Regional Park.
Paul asked how much was in the budget.
Jumper said it was around $500,000.
Maxwell said the budget is for $500,000, but the costs will probably be higher.
Edmonston said the grant will only go toward the pavilion.
Maxwell asked if the funding was in place for the fourth ball field.
Jumper said no, not yet.
Priest said that Parks needs input for the HMR impact for the ball field.
A guest said that $500,000 is a lot of money. He questioned if it should be spent on a
pavilion, or on other recreational activities.
Jumper said there were other avenues for other grants for projects.
The guest said it seemed like a lot of money for a pavilion.
Edmonston said that it really wasn't a lot for one.
Priest wanted to know if it was likely that Parks would receive the grant.
Edmonston said yes, because the pavilion would be versatile. She said it could be rented
out for income. She added that pavilion use in Fayetteville Parks is high.
PRAB Motion: Priest motioned to approve the application for the grant, and McKnight
seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice vote.
7. Trail Art Master Plan: Alison Jumper, Park Planning Superintendent
Staff Recommendation: To approve the Trail Art Master Plan as presented.
Jumper said that a few months ago, there were several requests for trail art. She said
she's worked with a local group, and they put together a master plan for the art. The
master plan has deadlines and dates, and gives a framework for proposals to bring before
PRAB.
Watson asked if the City Attorney was involved in the process.
Edmonston said no, but it went through the Active Transportation Committee.
Priest asked if it had to go through City Council.
Jumper said yes, if it's over $500,000.
Paul asked who created the master plan map.
Jumper said Mihalevich, and it's actually a City master plan map.
Edmonston said that getting the process out there will generate interest.
Lamb said it seems similar to the Marion Orton process.
Maxwell said it looks very detailed and outlined, but maybe not to artists. He said it seems
to be a lot of hoops for them to jump through.
Paul said that the requirements were clearly defined.
Watson commented that if artists were serious about an art project, they would have to
jump through the hoops.
PRAB Motion: Colwell motioned to approve the Trail Art Master Plan, and McKnight
seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice vote.
8. Park Land Dedication: Alison Jumper, Park Planning Superintendent
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Estimated Annual Maintenance:
Justification:
The Coves Phase II
Crafton Tull
Rausch Coleman Homes
North of MILK, Jr. Boulevard and Alberta
Street, west of 1-49
SW
38 single family
10.22 acres
0.87 acres
$34,960
Holland Park is located within a one mile
radius.
Credit for construction of Holland Park
Credit for construction of Holland Park
N/A
On December 1, 2008 PRAB reviewed
Phase I of the project and recommended
accepting credit from the construction of
Holland Park for 38 single family units. The
developer is requesting to use remaining
credit for Phase 11. The existing park in the
area will meet the recreational needs of this
development.
Jumper said this development is a continuation of The Coves Phase I. She said it was first
called Walnut Crossing in 2008, when PRAB recommended accepting credit from the
construction of Holland Park for 38 single family units. The developer is requesting to use
the remaining credit from Phase I to use toward Phase 11.
There was no discussion.
PRAB Motion: McKnight motioned to accept credit for the construction of Holland Park,
and Priest seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice vote.
9. Park Land Dedication: Alison Jumper, Park Planning Superintendent
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement
Existing Parks:
Harvey's Hill Phase II
Specialized Real Estate Group
Specialized Real Estate Group
South of Center Street, west of Hill Avenue,
east of Duncan Avenue
SW
55 multi -family
1.48 acres
0.77 acres
$30,800
Oak Ridge Trail, Frisco Trail, Wilson Park
and Walker Park are located within a one
mile radius.
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Estimated Annual Maintenance:
Justification:
Money -in -lieu
Money -in -lieu
N/A
On September 9, 2013 PRAB reviewed
Phase I of the project and recommended
accepting money in lieu for 175 multi -family
units. The existing parks in the area will
meet the recreational needs of this
development.
Jumper said that Leslie Tabor was present for questions. She said the project is for a 55
multi -family located on 1.48 acres. The money -in -lieu is $30,800.
Lamb asked what Phase II would be.
Tabor said it would be single family homes.
Lamb asked when the construction would begin.
Tabor answered that it would be in the next year and a half or so.
Colwell said to take the money and run.
PRAB Motion: Colwell motioned to accept the $30,800 money -in -lieu, and Maxwell
seconded it. Motion passed 8-0-0 by voice vote.
10. Gulley Park Expansion
Colwell said the appraisal has been requested.
Edmonston said it was put out to bid. She said Parks will have it by July 18 at noon. There
will be an appraisal on each lot.
Cowell said he's talked to Mrs. Dunn. He said she'd like to do all of the property all at
once. He said there will be an open house on July 10, and refreshments will be served.
The field has been mowed, and postcards went out to the 3,500 houses around Gulley
Park. The Dunn's have received three offers from developers. He suggested that everyone
encourage their alderman, but don't pester them.
Edmonston said she made certain that the Dunn's would hold off until the appraisal was
done, and the City could make an offer.
Colwell said the Dunn's want it to happen. He said that Parks needs to see what it
appraises for, whether it will be the value for the Park's purposes, or the highest value for
the property.
Lamb commented that the value may be more in line with what it's worth to a developer
and what's best for the property.
Colwell commented that the appraisal will answer a lot of questions.
Paul asked where the money would come from to buy it
Edmonston said probably from the Park Development fund, but not a lot is there. She
added that the mayor says he doesn't want it to come from reserves.
Paul asked if Parks bought the property, but didn't have the money to purchase it, what
would Parks do with the land.
Colwell said he thought the Dunn's would agree to a payment plan, and that would give
the City some time to decide what to do.
Colwell said that they want to sell it in one piece.
Edmonston said she had a request from the University of Arkansas to use it as an "aging
community" park.
Lamb said everyone he's talked to would like a dog park.
Edmonston said it would probably be kept as a natural area until it's paid for.
Colwell said that if the houses were sold, then a lot of burden would be taken off the City.
Edmonston said that public meetings would be held for input from the citizens to see what
they wanted done with it.
Edmonston commented that Thursday night is Bark at the Park night in conjunction with
the Gulley Park concert.
Colwell said the Dunn's aren't in favor of a dog park.
Lamb asked if they would be upset if just a portion of the land was a dog park.
Colwell said probably not.
Paul asked how much did lams pay for the dog park.
Edmonston said around $30,000.
Maxwell asked how the lams Dog Park is working out.
Jumper said there is a lot of doggie waste there. It's heavily used.
Edmonston said it's loved to death.
11. Announcements
July 1-11 Swimming Lessons — Session 2
July 4-6 Adult Softball Tournament, Gary Hampton fields
July 7 Summer Adult Kickball begins
July 7-11
July 10
July 11
July 12
July 14-18
July 15
July 15-25
July 21-25
July 24
July 28- Aug 1
July 29- Aug 8
12. Adjourn
Outdoor Adventure Camp
Gulley Park Concert — Boom Kinetic
Wilson Pool Dive in Movie — Frozen
3v3 Live Soccer Tournament, Lewis Fields
Drama Camp
City Council — Regional Park Rezoning
Swimming Lessons — Session 3
Camp Wilson
Gulley Park Concert — Sarah & the Meanies
Outdoor Adventure Camp Advanced
Swimming Lessons — Session 4
Meeting adjourned at 7:01 pm.
Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas
