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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCRM042115 CITY OF CENTRAL POINT Parks Commission Meeting Minutes September 22, 2015 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Patricia Alvarez called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commission members Patricia Alvarez,John Beck, Deven Howard, Neil Olson, Lee Orr,and Carl Orndoff were present. Mark Ludwiczak was excused and Council liaison Allen Broderick was absent. City staff attending was Matt Samitore,Jennifer Boardman and Karen Roeber. III. REVIEW MINUTES Patricia made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2015 Parks Commission meeting. Neil seconded the motion. All were in favor and the minutes were approved. IV. CHANGES TO AGENDA None V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES 011111 None VI. BUSINESS A. Twin Creeks Age Friendly Park—Grant Approval Jennifer spoke about the grant funding that is being sought to help build the North Village Inter-Generational Park in the Haskell, Buck Point, Stone Pointe, Rustler Peak area. She showed a plan done by Madera Design. Jennifer introduced Sharon Johnson who lives across from the new park area and she is part of the Age Friendly Innovators who, along with Bret Moore are working to get grant monies from AARP and the Carpenters Foundation. She explained the plans for this park are to have walking paths, shade trees, exercise stations and benches. This Park will also be wheelchair accessible. John Beck made a motion to approve staff submittal for a State grant for this new parks' funding and Carl seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was approved. B. Vietnam Memorial at Don Jones Park Parks and Public Works Director, Matt Samitore introduced himself and stated that he would give an overview of this project,then the Vietnam Memorial Wall applicants would give their presentation followed by public comment and a question and answer period. Matt said the Parks Commission is an advisory board for park related items and is only one step in the process. At tonight's meeting the Parks Commissioners will make a recommendation that goes to the Planning Commission for a formal decision. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2015. City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes September 22, 2015 Matt stated that the Parks Commission was not required to send out a formal notice of this meeting but we wanted the neighborhood residents to know what had been applied for and we wanted their input. Notices were sent to addresses within a 1300'area of Don Jones Park. Matt presented drawings of what has been submitted to the Planning Department of what the Memorial will look like and where it may be located in the Park. He said there would be a slight meander in the current walking path and the community gardens would be moved closer to the water storage tank. He said there are currently two other Vietnam Memorial Wall replicas — one in Texas and the other in Oklahoma. He noted those two states are vastly different than Central Point and that this would be the only replica on the West coast. Matt talked about the parking along North Mountain and showed the conceptual designs that include a shade structure with the replica wall being 8'high at the center tapering down to 30"on each side. Matt stated he had received several letters from residents raising concerns of additional traffic in their neighborhood and there was not enough parking to handle additional crowds. Some residents also expressed concerns about field use being limited. There was also concern that this park is not the place for a Memorial since it is a very active park with the water feature and other play structures and the Memorial Wall replica would be a quiet place of reflection. Johnathan Duffle is the architect for this Vietnam Wall replica and is working with Ronald Kohl with the Southern Oregon Veterans Benefit(501c3)to get this wall built here in Central Point. They presented their renderings of what the wall would look like in the Park. They said they are hoping to include computer screens so people would be able to search for names and find them quickly and there would also be an area displaying the major donors names, shade structures and a memorabilia building. They said there could be a parking agreement with La Clinica to address parking concerns on North Mountain Avenue. Residents started making comments from their seats—There is already a War Memorial in this Park—It is not appropriate at this Park put it at the Expo or at the Domiciliary in White City. It was asked if these options had been explored and Mr. Kohl said they had not. Another stated the monies that had been raised for this wall should just go towards veteran's and their families, while another stated it should be placed in Salem. Commissioner Deven Howard said he applauds their effort and it would be a tremendous opportunity to honor the fallen heroes but would like them to explore the idea of it being put at the Dom in White City. Mr. Kohl stated since that is Federal property it would likely have numerous restrictions and the costs would be sky high. Mr. Ralph Nelson spoke raising his concerns about parking along North Mountain and children playing in the street. He said the memorial would interrupt their quality of life and he also did not want signs along I-5, Biddle and Hamrick Roads bringing an increase of traffic and people into their neighborhood. Ms. Sandra Thomas said she lives on ridgeway Avenue and she is also concerned about 101110 parking and kids playing in the street. She also said she would like a traffic study done. City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes September 22, 2015 Gary, part of the Central Point East Development committee said that putting the Vietnam Memorial Wall replica in that park would be like trying to fit an RV into a compact parking spot. He stated with the traffic impact it would not work and that it is the right idea it is just the wrong location. Ms. Linda Borum read her letter saying she felt this would make Don Jones Park feel like a Hawthorne or Bear Creek Park. It would create parking and traffic issues. Mr. Dick Herzog lives on Meadowbrook Drive and is a Vietnam Veteran. He said they park is already extremely busy and it would be unacceptable to the residents of Central Point East to have the memorial placed there. Mr. David Borum said the park was built as a family park and that he was told it would take $500K to build this Vietnam Wall replica. He said City Manager, Chris Clayton had said they would be able to start the project once they had raised $150K. He wanted to know where the rest of the money would come from. (This replica would be built with 100% of the monies being raised through donations). Ms. Manju Anja and Mr.Vern Ritchey reiterated their concerns were with parking and traffic in the neighborhood. Ms. Patricia Day sent in a letter stating she is opposed to the replica going in the Park and said it doesn't fit into the neighborhood. The Park Commissioners had a discussion amongst themselves and Neil made motion to report to the Planning Commission that while the Park Commissioners are in favor of the concept of a Vietnam War Memorial wall,the vast majority of the testimony heard is against putting it in this location. The Planning Commission will make a formal recommendation to City Council after their meeting. Patricia seconded the motion and all were in favor. Matt restated that the residents were welcome to attend the next Planning Commission meeting on October 6, 2015 and that whatever recommendation the Planning Commissioners make goes to the City Council who would the final decision. C. White Hawk Development Matt gave a brief history of the Transit Oriented District(TOD) i.e. Twin Creeks and Snowy Butte Station. He stated the Council elected to create an East side TOD which includes the proposed White Hawk Estates development. The City has received a formal land use application for the property along Gebhard and Beebe Roads. The TOD was established in 2000 and open space is a requirement in the TOD. The current development plan lists 38 townhouses and 200 apartments. This area has unique circumstances in that it used to be orchards and orchards were sprayed with pesticides containing arsenic. Arsenic is in the ground where the open space or park area would be for this development. There are concerns about the arsenic levels and the soil must be excavated and capped. The applicant would need to have a formal letter from DEQ to show the soil had been cleaned and no City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes September 22, 2015 further cleanup is needed and the site would need to be monitored. The City may choose it not to be a public Park if the arsenic and contamination concerns are not mitigated. There is also no current parking and restrooms would need to be installed. Matt also said there are three other properties that can be developed in the future creating more open space so we may be able to have a larger park instead of three or four small parks. Matt showed that the current plan also shows for two sets of roundabouts for traffic calming in that area. D. Parks Standards Discussion Jennifer recommended moving this discussion to the next meeting and asked the commissioners to please review and make suggestions for the park standards so they could be voted on and adopted at the next meeting. She said the suggestions or edits could be sent via email and a final review would be at the next meeting. VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Upcoming meetings for 2015 The last meeting date scheduled for 2015 is: November 17th B. Upcoming Meeting Dates 2016 Jennifer suggested dates for 2016 as: January 19 —April 12 —Sept. 20 — Nov. 15. She asked members to put these dates on their calendars and to let her know as soon as possible if there were any conflicts. C. Skyrman Arboretum Update Jennifer said Carl, Wally brother has released funds to proceed with the design for the arboretum. She said that it would be great to have Crater H.S. kids help with this project since it is close to the high school. D. Devon Howard — Fitness Equipment Discussion Jennifer said there are 4-7 fitness stations proposed for the North Village Inter-Generational park and the poster showing the outdoor fitness equipment for adults was just what he thinking. Jennifer said they would also need to check into surfacing and the fall material. E. Greenway Partnership Grant Jennifer said the is working with ODOT and the County on getting a grant for funds to clean up and improve the greenway. The property right behind Pilot is owned by ODOT and that is one area that is a problem. F. Smoking in the Parks City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes September 22, 2015 The ordinance has been changed and does state there is to be no smoking in all Parks. The problem is enforcement of the ordinance. G. Run for Freedom Jennifer said there were not as many people this year for the run but we were able to donate $1700 to the Crater Comet Club. H. Recreation Update Jennifer said the new RECreate guide is out and there are new classes. She said Dave did a wonderful job getting the guide together. I. Parks Update Jennifer said the new play structure and new benches and sidewalk are in at Van Horn Park. The benches were purchased by the Parks Foundation. The current play structure will be taken out of Cascade Meadows Park and Playcraft is going to send her some ideas for what might be a good replacement to cut down on the vandalism at that park. There has been a new fence and new camera installed at the Skate park. J. Community Christmas Jennifer said this year the Community Christmas Light Parade will be held on Saturday, December 5th at 5:15 PM with the tree lighting being at 6:00 PM. This way anyone who wants to attend the Crater function on the same evening will have plenty of time to go over there. K. Upcoming events Jennifer said Veterans Day would be the next event on November 11th at Don Jones and then Community Christmas event and parade on December 5t. L. NRPA Conference and miscellaneous Jennifer said she and her staff, Corey, Sarah and Matt along with Parks Commissioner Carl attended the NRPA conference in Las Vegas. She said there are always new things to see and do at these events. She really liked the classes she attended where they showed what they did — how they did it and now you can take it back to your community and do it also. The surgeon general was the keynote speaker and he said that people in general need to walk more. Carl said one of the best things he liked was the high school kids videotaping Veterans and then sending the tapes to the Library of Congress. He said he would love for a program like that to be started here in the Rogue Valley. Jennifer said she is working on the RFQ for the Parks Master Plan and it should go out on October 5th. She also said that during the storm a few weeks ago we lost four trees in the park. She is having the trees looked at and thinned out to help in the future. City of Central Point �1 Parks Commission Minutes kid September 22, 2015 Matt said Freeman Road is scheduled to be paved the first week in October and the start of the Twin Creeks Rail Crossing will be early 2017. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Patricia moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M. and all were in favor. IX. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers 01114) CITY OF CENTRAL POINT Parks Commission Meeting Minutes April 21, 2015 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Mark Ludwiczak called the meeting to order at 6:20 P.M. II. ROLL CALL Commission members Patricia Alvarez, John Beck, Deven Howard, Mark Ludwiczak, Neil Olson, Lee Orr, Carl Orndoff and Council liaison Allen Broderick were present. City staff attending was Jennifer Boardman and Karen Roeber. III. REVIEW MINUTES Deven made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2015 Parks Commission meeting. Lee seconded the motion. All were in favor and the minutes were approved. IV. CHANGES TO AGENDA None V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES None VI. BUSINESS A. Budget Update— Parks Fee Jennifer said the Parks income currently comes from taxes only. She proposed a Parks Fee • implemented and that money would only be used for Parks maintenance.This was proposed to the Budget Committee along with a Public Safety Fee. If approved it would help a great deal with rapidly increasing maintenance costs. She said the Park Master Plan was approved by the Budget Committee and the final vote is scheduled for the first meeting in May. B. Construction Update Jennifer said there are 40-50 kids from Crater High School coming to Van Horn Park to help install the new fall material. She invited everyone to the grand re-opening on May 11th to see the improvements including new sidewalk, and benches. C. Cascade Meadows Jennifer said this Park is the one off Beall. There is currently one play structure there and she gets lots of complaints about damage. The tot swing has been replaced many times and the slide is also broken. There is no a broken drinking fountain and there is also no formal Home Owners Association (HOA)for that area.After some discussion Neil made a motion to City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes April 21, 2015 remove the current play structure(using any needed parts for repairs in other Parks)and to down size the equipment. It was suggested to replace the play structure with a swing set that be the only play equipment in that Park. Patricia seconded the motion to remove the play structure and replace it with a swing set. All were in favor and the motion was approved. D. Community Survey Results Jennifer said the survey results show that most people have visited at least one Park in the last month. Most stated the Parks are safe and they enjoy the variety of Parks. E. Neighborhood Meetings Jennifer said she will give a recap of all the neighborhood meetings at the next Parks Commission meeting. Some Parks will have little free libraries installed. Jennifer explained that these are free independent neighborhood libraries where anyone can leave a book or take a book. People have suggested they would like to have one in Willie Mott and in the new intergenerational Park going in next to the Twin Creek Cottages. F. Twin Creeks Park This Park will be an intergenerational Park("Grandparents') Park. It is being designed with Noir age friendly areas with an"X"sidewalk in the middle instead of along the perimeter. There will be adult exercise stations,walking paths, benches tennis/pickleball courts and a covered event space. G. Bench Requests Jennifer stated residents are requesting benches be added to the following Parks: forest Glen, Twin Creeks, Don Jones, Cascade Meadows and Flanagan. H. Community Christmas recommendation Jennifer asked the Commissioners for their input on the day/date for Community Christmas. It is usually held the first week in December and last year it was on a Friday. After some discussion Lee made a motion to hold the event on the first Saturday in December. Deven seconded the motion and all said aye. Motion approved. I. Dog Park Jennifer said residents would still like to see a dog park in Central Point. The Twin Creeks are near Richardson Drive that borders Griffin Creek, an area off Grant Road near the bike path by Twin Creeks Crossing,and Summerfield Estates subdivision with parking above were some areas to be considered.Jennifer will put together a map of the area and put together a proposal. City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes April 21, 2015 VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Upcoming meetings for 2015 The meeting dates scheduled for 2015 are: September 22 and November 17. She asked members to put these dates on their calendars and to let her know as soon as possible if there were any conflicts. B. Run for Freedom Planning Jennifer will give a recap at the next meeting. All proceeds from this event benefit the Crater Foundation. C. Recreation Update The new RECreate guide will be out next week and will have some new classes including home safety. She asked the Commissioners to think of some classes they made be interested in taking or teaching. D. Parks Update The irrigation is up and running as we transition into the Spring/Summer season. We will ramp up the mowing and general Parks maintenance and get the Van Horn play area set up with new fall material. E. Egg Hunt Recap Jennifer said this event had 2-3,000 people and we put out 20,000 eggs this year! Each year this event keeps growing. F. Arbor Day Tree City USA This year a variety of trees were planted along Mingus creek at Mountain View Plaza (in front of Albertsons) for our Arbor Day/Tree City USA event. These trees will provide much needed shade for the fish that are active in the creek. Rogue Federal Credit Union also helped with the planting of the trees. G. Upcoming events— Jennifer said the Citywide Yard Sale is being held on May 2 and invited the Commissioners to attend the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25th at the War Memorial in Don Jones Park. Friday Night Festivals will begin July 10 and end on August 14th with the first 3 being held in Pfaff Park and the remaining 3 in Twin Creeks. The Crater Cheer will be selling the popcorn this year as part of their fundraising. City of Central Point Parks Commission Minutes April 21, 2015 H. Bike Fair Jennifer said this year we will partner with the school district and take the bike safety program to the schools we will have a captive audience and be able to reach more students instead of having a separate event. I. Battle of the Bones Update—June 26-27 Jennifer said the Battle of the Bones is once again scheduled for Friday and Saturday only for June 26 and 27 in Twin Creeks Park. She said they are still looking for volunteers for the event. Currently 25 barbecue teams have signed up for this year's event. J. NRPA—Conference Sept 15-17 Las Vegas Jennifer asked the commissioners to think about attending the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) conference being held in Las Vegas this year. She said that it does not come to the west coast very often so it would be a good opportunity for at least one of the commissioners to attend. She said she will be signing up at the end of June and to let her know if you would be interested in attending or if you have questions and would like more information. Carl said he thinks he would like to attend and he will get in touch with Jennifer regarding arrangements. kid K. Miscellaneous Jennifer said there is a new sign and counter to the Bear Creek Greenway at the Pine Street entrance. ODOT has taken out a lot of the blackberries and the area is looking much better. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Mark moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 P.M. and all were in favor. IX. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers