HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission Minutes 081921 13A 1
CITY OF CENTRAL POINT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 19, 2021
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Patricia Alvarez Park Commissioner Present
Dennis Browning Parks Commissioner Absent
Fran Cordeiro-Settell Parks Commissioner Present N
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Jennifer Horton Parks Commissioner Present 1-
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Lee Orr Parks Commissioner Present z
Sharon Rogers Parks Commissioner Present a
Stephanie Hendrickson Parks and Recreation Commissioner Present 0
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III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES re
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A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting- May 20, 2021 6:00 PM a
Patricia asked for the following correction: On page 3 of the packet under Don Jones a
Memorial Park Improvement it should read "Matt reported that the city will receive c
$1.9 million...." `O
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RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] o
MOVER: Lee Orr, Parks Commissioner r
SECONDER: Jennifer Horton, Parks Commissioner a
AYES: Alvarez, Cordeiro-Settell, Horton, Orr, Rogers, Hendrickson ,F
ABSENT: Dennis Browning
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IV. CHANGES TO AGENDA c'
Patricia requested that the Business items be changes so that the Robert Pfaff Park -
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Restroom Replacement Project would be first on the business agenda. c
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V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES 0
VI. BUSINESS a
A. Robert Pfaff Park- Restroom Replacement Project
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Dave said that the existing restroom at Robert Pfaff Park was built in the 1950s. Due i
to its age and damage resulting from vandalism it needs to be replaced.The city is
planning to replace the facility with a prefabricated poured concrete structure built
by the CXT company.The restroom will be delivered as a complete structure and
dropped into place using a crane. Similar restrooms have been placed at the Don
and Flo Bohnert Farm Park and Forest Glen Park.They are designed specifically for
park use and are ADA accessible units.As a part of this project the sidewalk and ADA
access ramp in front of the restroom will be replaced as well.The unit will cost
elliN approximately$215,000 not including demolition, site preparation, and installation.
The city council will make a decision on funding the project in September or
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October. Funds for the project would come from the American Recovery Act. If the
project is approved,the existing restroom would be demolished this fall and the new
restroom installed in April of May. Dave requested the Park and Recreation
Commission approved the design and forward to the Planning Department for site
plan review.Jennifer moved that the commission approve the Pfaff Park restroom
design and forward it to the planning commission for review. Lee seconded the
motion which was approved by all.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jennifer Horton, Parks Commissioner IIJ
SECONDER: Lee Orr, Parks Commissioner
AYES: Alvarez, Cordeiro-Settell, Horton, Orr, Rogers, Hendrickson
ABSENT: Dennis Browning u.
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B. Public Meeting: Central Point/Bear Creek Greenway Conceptual Plan
Matt said that the purpose of this public meeting is to gather input on the draft Bear a
Creek Greenway Conceptual Plan.This is not a final plan but has been created to
provide a starting place for community discussion and input.Additional public
meetings will be held with the Citizens Advisory Committee and City Council. Once a
the public meetings are complete,the conceptual plan will be refined and presented c
to city council and project financing will be discussed. A master plan for the project
area will need to be completed prior to construction.
This project came about due to the fire that occurred nearly a year ago on the
Greenway.The fire started near the Table Rock Road overpass and burned to within
a few hundred feet of the Holiday Inn Express.The fire resulted from a buildup of o
dense fuels, dry conditions and high winds. Following the fire, City Council and staff
agreed that this kind of event should never happen again. 'c
There had been some misinformation about the project including comments that
the city had not managed the Greenway effectively prior to the fire.The properties
are currently owned by Jackson County and the City of Medford. It was not Central 0
Point's responsibility to maintain any of the burned area prior. Since the fire,the city
has taken responsibility for maintaining the area. In June, City Council increased the
park maintenance fee to include funds to be used specifically to maintain the
Greenway.The properties are in the process of being transferred to the city which
should be completed by the end of the year.
Concerning the conceptual plan,the city contracted with Covey-Pardee Landscape
Architects to develop the plan for the Greenway area shortly after the fire occurred.
City staff directed them to provide a design for the area with both active recreation
and natural areas and to take into consideration public safety issues related to
wildfire and transient camps.A large portion of the area would be reserved as a
eiriN natural areas comprised of Bear and Elk Creeks, a wetland and ponds.Trails would
be designed to provide access to these areas which would be used primarily for
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educational purposes. On the north end of the property there are two private lots.
The southern-most lot would likely be unusable for commercial purposes and is
shown in the plan as a parking area. Near the proposed parking area are two dog
parks on the west side of the Greenway Trail. No playground is planned but may be
added if public input warrants it. A bicycle pump track is also located on the west
side of the trail. Matt said that the city is working with the Medford Water
Commission to add a fire hydrant in this area.
A picnic area is located on the south-east side of the pond.The reason for the
location is that it's buffered from the freeway noise. It would also create an area
where consistent public presence may help to limit transient activities.A bridge is
shown in this area that would provide access to a proposed Frisbee golf course LL
located on the east side of Bear Creek.The plan also shows access to the course off 0
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of Table Rock Road using the Square Dance Hall entrance and parking area which
could potentially be paved and expanded. 0
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Two funding options are available for the project.The city has applied for FEMA fire a
recovery funds which will be used to replace items damaged by the fire, including a a
gazebo, benches, and trash cans. Also two culverts would be replaced and the
equestrian trial surfaced with gravel. The second funding option would be through
the city's urban renewal program. City council and the Urban Renewal commission c
are considering adding the area to the city's urban renewal district which could N
potentially provide funding for project implementation. Urban renewal funds result
from tax increment financing.When an urban renewal district is formed, property a
taxes are frozen. As improvements are made in the district and properties increase c
in value, all property taxes above the frozen rate are used for improvement projects
within the urban renewal district.As to a schedule,the plan will go to city council
early next year for approval and would be included in the urban renewal funding
plan for 2022-23. Funding would become available in 2022 for master plan
development with construction underway in summer 2023. 2
Matt asked for comments and questions from the Park Commission members and
following this the floor would be opened for public comments.
Lee asked if there were any plans for bocce ball courts. Matt said nothing was off the
table and we can certainly discuss the addition.Jennifer said that a great deal of
thought had gone into the plan and she appreciated the work that had been done to
develop it. Fran asked if ADA accessibility had been considered as part of the plan.
Matt said that FEMA would only allow the use of gravel for the repair of the old
equestrian pathway which would not be ADA compliant. We would like to see this
path paved to meet these requirements which would also benefit the general
population as well. Other elements of the plan would need to meet the ADA
requirements.
Mike appreciated the effort by city staff to both maintain the burned area and to
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develop the conceptual plan. He asked that since the plan would not be
implemented until at least 2023 at the earliest, is there a plan in place to continue
with maintenance of the area. Matt said that there is a regular spray regiment in
place for invasive species such as Himalayan Blackberries and poison hemlock. While
there are some limitations on work within the riparian areas near the creeks, park
maintenance crews will continue mowing the area on a regular basis to keep
vegetation in check.The meeting was opened to public comment:
Keith Miller, Stream Restoration Coordinator for the Middle Rogue Steelheaders.
Mr. Miller said that their primary concern is the health and welfare of Bear Creek
since it's an important tributary of the Rogue River. Mr. Miller said that the
Steelheaders would help with planting projects and they may be able to supply some u.
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trees if needed. He also asked if it would be possible to install one or two small 0
pollinator gardens in the park site.
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Emily Bowes, Conservation Director for Rogue Riverkeepers.The Riverkeepers are an a
environmental organization that advocates for clean water for the benefit of fish,
recreation, and the Rogue River Basin. During summer months, Bear Creek in the a
project area has very low flows and high water temperatures. Both Bear Creek and
Elk Creek have steelhead and salmonids present and there is a need to maintain and
possibly expand the riparian buffers to provide increased cooling for the creeks.The
current plan has developed features such as the dog parks and sports fields located N
near natural areas including wetlands and ponds.These should be eliminated from
the plan to protect wildlife in the area. Ms. Bowes said that it was also important
that culverts on Elk Creek be replaced to improve fish passage.The Riverkeepers are
excited to participate in this project and may be able to assist with grant funds to
support it.
Lance Wyss, Restoration Biologist, Rogue River Watershed Council and Central Point
Resident. Mr. Wyss said that he was happy to see the inclusion of dog parks in the
plan since there were none located within the city.The watershed council would be
excited to participate in the planning of this project.The council has a great deal of
experience with fisheries, wildlife, riparian restoration, stream process, and water
quality.
Justin Bates, Deputy Chief, Fire District 3. Mr. Bates said that the fire district
supports the efforts being made to improve conditions on the Greenway and is very
excited to see a fire hydrant planned for the Greenway.
The following comments were received via email:
Hello Mr Jacob.
After hearing about the plans Central point wants to do for the green way we're so
very excited to see some family activities come to the drawing board! I think a Pump
track would be a fabulous idea. And a dog park is much needed as we don't have
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many places to take our pets in central point. Maybe a walking path around the dog
park or pump track for those who want another safe place to walk.Your proposed
ideas I think are amazing! Cannot wait to see what comes of this!
Excited Central Point citizen's
The Cole & Bowden Family
Hi Dave,
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Will there be any restrooms and drinking fountains
We do like the plan overall, it will be good for the community
Thanks, Patty and Pete Stevens o
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife p
Comments on conceptual plans for Central Point Greenway Park a
• This reach of Bear Creek is the most impacted area of the summer dewatered 2
zone below the lowermost irrigation district dam. It gets low and warm every a.
summer, but dramatically so during drought. Small tributaries and springs o
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provide some cooling between Table Rock Road and Pine Street (confirmed
ems again this year), but tall shade trees and future large woody debris would be N
greatly beneficial to help the native fishes in the watershed. o;
• Tiny Elk Creek is located in this reach-it is the tributary most impacted by 3
development in the watershed,yet it still produces wild steelhead. ODFW would
appreciate consultation on any proposed stream crossings (i.e. culverts/bridges).
• Recommend that riparian buffers on the greenway (Bear Creek and tributaries)
should exceed 25 feet and extend at least to the extent of the mapped floodway.
Municipal Code 8.24.070/8.24.150 states 25 feet or to the extent of the a;
floodway.
• Recommend planting ponderosa pine, oak and madrone in riparian and o
developed areas to provide fish and wildlife habitat value. g
• Recommend vegetation maintenance target exotics and protect a diversity of H
native trees and shrubs.
• Highly recommend that water conservation be planned into development of the
Rogue Valley. That usually requires native plants and xeriscaping. Dog parks and
other areas could have pea gravel instead of grass.This requires no water or cost
of watering infrastructure and mowing, and is not a fire risk.
Thank you for your consideration in helping to protect Oregon's fish and wildlife and
their habitats.
Frank Drake, Asst. Rogue District Fish Biologist
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Hello Dave,
I attended last week's Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on
Thursday August 19th to review the draft conceptual plan for the Bear Creek
Greenway. I provided comments on behalf of my organization and the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife. I also expressed interest in collaborating with the
Commission on the development of this plan because Rogue Riverkeeper is
dedicated to contributing to the restoration and maintenance of the riparian habitat
along Bear Creek. I will be submitting official comments but please let me know how
we can become more involved in the development process.
Thank you, u.
Emily Bowes, Conservation Director, Rogue Riverkeepers 0
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Dear Dave,
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I'm the conservation co-chair of the Rogue Valley Audubon Society(RVAS). Mingus 2
Pond is one of the top birding sites along the Bear Creek Greenway, and is one of the as
locations being surveyed every month by the Bear Creek Community Birding Survey o
to document the effects of the Almeda Fire on the birdlife of the Bear Creek
Greenway. Given our long involvement with Mingus Pond,we would like to provide N
input on the proposed changes to the area.
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I asked two RVAS members who regularly bird around Mingus Pond to review the Q
proposed site plan. Here are their comments:
• Mingus Pond is an important overwintering area for waterfowl. It is heavily used 2
by Canvasback in the winter (up to 50 or more at some times). One of the only
reliable places in the valley to see them. The pond has historically had a lot of
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use by green herons and kingfishers too.
The main concern I have with the plan is that there may not be a large enough
buffer area around the pond to avoid disturbance of the birds. If possible it
would be good to pull the proposed newly paved path and lawn area back from
the northeast corner of the pond. In the buffer area there should be a plan to
replant with appropriate vegetation and control for blackberries.
• I would like to see more distance between the newly paved path and the pond.
To add to that,the boardwalk that borders the pond should be eliminated so as
not to create more disturbance to the birds and wildlife. It seems that with the
loss of vegetation around the pond there will be more views of the pond from
the newly paved path, and that adding access around the pond completely might
be too much disturbance. The portion of the boardwalk on the west-side of the
wetlands could be kept.
What is the timeline for this proposal? Will there be a public meeting, or other
opportunities for feedback?
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Thank you, Pepper Trail, Rogue Valley Audubon Society
VII. UPDATES
Community Center: Matt reported that Jackson County had begun to plan for a large
facility to be located at or near the Expo.This facility would include eight gymnasiums,
shower rooms, breakout rooms, and a large commercial kitchen. It would be used as a
recreation center and also an emergency evacuation site.The county asked if the city
would be interested in partnering on the project which would then include a community in
center for the city.The primary reason for the city considering the offer was the drastic
increase in construction costs. z
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The city had planned on a $10 million facility at the Fourth Street location but —J
construction costs had increased to the point where the facility, as planned, would now 0
cost over$14 million.Along with the city's funds,Jackson County would invest$8.8 cc
million to$17 million in the project so the combined project would be in the
neighborhood of$25 million.The larger facility would potentially cost less per square
foot to build than two separate smaller facilities. ORW Architecture has been hired to a.
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develop conceptual plans for the project. City council,Jackson County and the Expo
have all agreed to explore the idea further. Matt will keep the commission informed as
the process moves forward.
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Mike said that he was concerned with who would be responsible for managing the
different elements of the facility. Matt said that all agreed that there would need to be a
written agreement defining how the facility would be managed and used. Nikki said they
the city had developed a good working relationship with the Expo which would assist
with working out the management details. Stephanie was concerned that locating the
city facility at the Expo would result in lack of a feeling of community ownership by
citizens and would also be more difficult to access. Nikki suggested that the city could a
work with the school district to provide bus transport to the site after school. Matt said
that he understood the concern.The Expo site is actually more in the center of the city
and in an area where future growth will occur.Also,future transportation projects 3
would improve access over time. Fran asked who would be responsible for maintaining
the County/City site. Matt said when it came to maintenance,the city had developed a
good working relationship with the county based on the management of City
Hall/Library facilities, but it is a concern if the county is responsible for all facility
maintenance since the Expo tends to have some funding issues.
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Central Point Little League Fields: A plan for a new Central Point Little Fields facility has
been put together by RH2 Engineering with construction estimates based on current
costs.At this time the costs for completely modifying the fields would be approximately
$3.8 million with $1.5 million coming from the Moore family and $1.5 million from the
city using American Recovery Act funds.At this time,the additional $800,000 would
need to be raised from other sources.The schedule would be to start construction right
after the Little League schedule ends in May or June 2022 with the new facility ready to
go in spring of 2023. A meeting is scheduled with the Central Point Little League Board
to work out property ownership and lease or sale details. in
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Pfaff Park Band Shell: Dave said that in addition to the Pfaff Park restroom replacement, 5
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the band shell would also be replaced in the next few years using urban renewal O
funding. Designs will be presented to the commission at a future meeting.
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Oregon Fallen War Heroes Memorial:The project to replace landscaping and improve a
the irrigation and electrical system at the war memorial went out to bid in July but there 2
were no takers. We will re-bid the project in November and combine it with the a
construction of the Dennis Richardson Memorial making it a more attractive project for
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contractors.The goal would be to have the war memorial completed by Memorial Day
2022 and the Richardson Memorial completed prior to Veterans Day 2022. eo.,
Don Jones Memorial Park Replacement Playground and Embankment Slide: We are
moving ahead with developing plans for both a new playground and a embankment
slide for Don Jones Park which would be funded through with American Recovery Act
funds, if they are available.
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Central Point Cemetery:The current owner has not responded to repeated attempts to a
contact her to start property transfer process. Staff will meet with city attorney to 0
discuss next steps. a
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Park Commission Membership: Dave reported that the park commission terms for
Patricia, Lee and Fran would end after the December meeting. Dave asked if they would
let him know if they wanted do another term. Lee said that he wanted to continue on
the commission.
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Special Events: Nikki said that there was a new addition to the recreation staff although
not new to city: Margareta Esparza started on July 1. She has previously was employed
in the public works department and most recently for the finance department. She is
bilingual and will assist with translating a portion of the recreation guide into Spanish
and will offer Spanish language classes.There was a very successful Made in Southern
Oregon event held in June. Multiple vendors completely sold out.Another Made in
Southern Oregon had been scheduled for next week but due to the Covid-19 outbreak
and the wildfire smoke it had been cancelled. It will be reschedule for September 25.
The July 4th event went off without a hitch. More people attended than ever before and
there were no major problems. Movies in the Park were held at the Little League Fields
as drive-in events, but the last movie had been canceled due to current conditions.
Battle of the Bones has been postponed and no new date has been set at this time. u.
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Recreation Programs: Elizabeth said that they had several new instructors for summer 0
programs. For the first time,there was a full week Bugs R Us camp which went very
well. Fall programs have been planned but scheduling is on hold due to Covid-19.The
recreation guide will be available online only but a mailer will sent out to all residents a
with links and registration information. Nikki said that the school district provided
classroom over the summer for recreation programs which was a great help. o
VIII. UPCOMING MEETING DATE N
The next Park and Recreation Commission meeting is scheduled for December 2 at 6:00
pm. asa
IX. ADJOURNMENT o
The meeting was adjourned at .
The next scheduled meeting is December 2, 2021.
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