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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/2023 PRC Minutes CITY OF CENTRAL POINT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 2023 I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Eden Foster Parks Commissioner Present Patricia Alvarez Parks Commissioner Present Dennis Browning Parks Commissioner Present Fran Cordeiro-Settell Parks Commissioner Present Stephanie Hendrickson Parks Commissioner Excused Lee Orr Parks Commissioner Present Ron Woodhead Parks Commissioner Present III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - Dec 1, 2022 6:00 PM RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Eden Foster, Parks Commissioner SECONDER: Ron Woodhead, Parks Commissioner AYES: Foster, Browning, Cordeiro-Settell, Orr, Woodhead EXCUSED: Stephanie Hendrickson IV. CHANGES TO AGENDA V. PUBLIC APPEARANCES VI. BUSINESS A. Bluegrass Downs Wetland Open House The purpose of this open house is to discuss the current condition of the Bluegrass Downs Wetland and plans for improvements. Matt reported that the wetland had originally been an irrigation overflow site and duck pond but was designated as a natural wetland by the state. Since this was the case, if any development impacted it, the owner would be responsible for wetland mitigation actions. When the property was planned for development, there were two mitigations options: 1. The owner could create a new wetland at twice the size of the original at another site, or 2. Mitigate onsite which would require the creation of a wetland 1.5 times the size of the original pond. The developer chose the second option which resulted in the creation of the Bluegrass Downs Wetland. Other than rainfall, there is no natural water flow into the wetland. During the irrigation season the Rogue River Valley Irrigation District allows tail water to flow into the wetland. With existing drought conditions, water may not flow into the wetland at all or may be turned off early. As for maintenance, the birm is regularly mowed and invasive species such blackberries and purple loosestrife have been removed from the wetland. City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 16, 2023 Page 2 Staff contacted the Division of State Lands (DSL), the agency that oversees wetlands, to see if it was possible to remove cattails or other plants in order to open up the wetland, but the response was that no work could be done that would have any impact on the wetland, including removal of any vegetation. DSL said that the city is able to landscape the birm area surrounding the wetland. The current plan is install an irrigation system in the birm area and plant trees and shrubs over several years, but the soil is in poor condition. Staff is making efforts to improve these conditions. Related to the park itself, staff will add a new swing set to the playground next fall, paint the restroom, and improve the landscaping row on Tennessee Street. Public Comment: Teresa Reavis, resident. Ms. Reavis disagreed that the soil onsite would need to be removed. She felt it could be improved with soil building conditioners just targeting specific areas where trees and shrubs would be planted. She was frustrated that the city would not improve the wetland and felt that residents deserved a more attractive wetland. Clayton Johnson, resident. Mr. Johnson said that he owned a home Scofield Street that backs up to the park. He asked how much area on the east side of the wetland would be planted. Matt said there were no plans to add anything in this area. Mr. Johnson said that he would prefer it to be open. He agreed that the soil was in poor shape and would be difficult to improve. Wayne Kauzlarich, resident. Mr. Kauzlarish agreed with Mr. Johnson in that he would prefer that no trees be planted on the east side of wetland. He was happy with how the city has managed the site. He has lived in his home since it was built and the wetland turned out as he expected it would. Public Comments Received via Email: Nikki Gottula, Bluegrass Downs: Wetlands - I am very disappointed that the State is so inflexible about the wetlands. However, if you go forward with the plans for planting the berm, I think that will go a long way towards improving the look of that area. For the past few years, that area has looked like a neglected, weed filled, vacant lot in the middle of a nice neighborhoods. Willie Mott Park - 1. I think the restroom needs to be repainted inside and out. 2. If the restroom could be kept open year-round, that would help out the many delivery drivers, gardeners, sanitation drivers, etc that are in the area on a daily basis. Also, there are small children that frequent the park even when it is cold. City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 16, 2023 Page 3 3. More swings would be a welcome addition to the playground area. 4. The rock that identifies the park needs to be repainted as does the memorial bench that memorializes Faith Fulmer. (I could probably do this painting if I knew what kind of paint to use.) 5. The landscaping around the gazebo needs some attention; plants have died and not been replaced. The landscaping along the fence on Tennessee needs attention, also. Again, plants have died and not been removed and replaced. 6. Of course there are things like fitness equipment, new play structures, and other items that are too expensive, that would be nice to have. Thank you for reading my suggestions. I hope you have received other emails from our neighbors. I thought this meeting was going to be a Zoom meeting and that is what I told people originally. We sent out another message encouraging people to attend in person or send an email. I hope they do. Thank you, Nicki Gottula * * * Mr. Jacobs, We live close to the Bluegrass Downs Wetland area. We have always enjoyed the wildlife which uses it. We wish it to remain a wetland, and perhaps be partially dredged out to be, at least in part, a pond for ducks and geese again. Sincerely, Laura and Kirk Meyer RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY B. Don Jones Memorial Park - Property Transfer Matt reported that a house located at 185 W. Vilas Road, adjacent to Don Jones Park, had been in disrepair for many years and was demolished. To the east of this property there is an unused lane owned by the city that has never been developed. The current owner, Kent Gutches, approached the city to inquire about development options and submitted plans to create three lots with a duplex on each. The project would include necessary road and sidewalk improvements. However, in order to proceed with the plan, the developer would need to acquire a small portion of the park. Matt noted that this area of the park does not serve any purpose and suggested that in exchange for the property the developer could build a gazebo, additional shade sails, or another needed park element in lieu of direct payment. An appraisal of the property had not been completed yet. Matt sought City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 16, 2023 Page 4 input from the commission. Commissioners agreed that either element would be acceptable. The next step is to bring this issue to the city council. The park commission will revisit this matter in the late summer or fall. Charles Eilenberger, Resident. Mr. Eilenberger mentioned that he walks in Don Jones Park every day and has noticed an increase in homeless people in the park. He asked if it was possible to have more police patrols in the area. Matt thanked him for his comment and said he would inform the police department. Mike Parson, a member of the police volunteer program, added that their duties include visiting each park daily and will check on this issue. RESULT: FOR DISCUSSION ONLY C. Central Point Bear Creek Greenway Master Plan & Boes Property Conceptual Plan Project Scope of Work Review, RFQ Review Schedule and Ad Hoc Committee Member Selection Dave reminded the Commission that following September 2020 wildfire City Council had directed parks staff to develop a plan for the Central Point - Bear Creek Greenway area. The city contracted with Covey-Pardee Landscape Architects to develop the conceptual plan which was presented to Park and Recreation Commission and approved by City Council. The next step in the project is to hire a consultant to develop the master plan and construction documents for the site. A Request for Qualifications was advertised in January with selection to take place in early March. Funds for the project would be provided through the Central Point Urban Renewal Program. In addition to the master plan, a conceptual plan would be created for the Boes Property. This 32 acre property located along Bear Creek had been transferred to the city by Jackson County in 2006. Since the property was originally purchased by the county using federal Land and Water Conservation grant funds, the property could only be used for outdoor recreation purposes. The site will be used primarily for outdoor education activities. Funds for the conceptual plan would be from the City's general fund. Request for Proposal and project implementation schedule would be as follows: · RFQ Release Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 · RFQ Closing Date/Submission Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023 · Qualification Review Period: Friday, February 24 - March 9, 2023 · Consultant Selection Date: March 10, 2023 · Field Work, Informational Meetings, Preliminary Plans Preparation: June 2023 - April 2024 (Tentative) · Park and Recreation Commission: March 2024 (Tentative) · City Council: March/April 2024 (Tentative) · Construction - 2026-7? As a part of this project an Ad Hoc committee composed of both city council and park commission members would be formed to assist with selecting the consultant City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 16, 2023 Page 5 and providing input into development of both plans. Ron Woodhead, Patricia Alvarez and Eden Foster volunteered for the committee. Lee moved that Ron, Patricia, and Eden be approved to serve on the Master & Conceptual Plan Ad Hoc Committee, Fran seconded the motion which was approved by all. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lee Orr, Parks Commissioner SECONDER: Fran Cordeiro-Settell, Parks Commissioner AYES: Foster, Browning, Cordeiro-Settell, Orr, Woodhead EXCUSED: Stephanie Hendrickson D. My Veteran - My Hero Tribute Tree Program - Policy Revisions Dave reported that he had presented the My Veteran/My Hero Tribute Tree program to City Council as a discussion item in January. A couple of issues had come up. One was the definition of a veteran which some felt was too broad and would allow those with a “bad” discharge to be honored. The definition had been revised to read “discharged with an honorable or general discharge status.” Patricia asked if proof of service would be required. Ron said that they had not required proof with the original program and had no issues. The donation cost tends to keep bad actors out of the program. Another concern expressed had been that an honoree may have a criminal record. The application had been revised to add a certification statement which may help with this issue. Finally, there was a concern expressed that opening the application to more than one honoree may make it unmanageable. At least to start, there would be a limit of one honoree per tree. Fran said that while she understood the need for this policy, she would like to be able to honor both of her parents who served in the military. Dave said that these changes needed to be approved by the Commission and forwarded to council for final approval. Ron moved to approve the changes to the program policies and application. Lee seconded the motion which was approved by all. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Woodhead, Parks Commissioner SECONDER: Lee Orr, Parks Commissioner AYES: Foster, Browning, Cordeiro-Settell, Orr, Woodhead EXCUSED: Stephanie Hendrickson VII. UPDATES Community Center: Matt said that the planning process is moving forward but there are some issues to be worked out with the county. The county had approved the contract for design of the facility. Central Point Little League Fields: Cost estimates have come in much higher than expected so staff is working with the consultant to come up with a phased approach to construction. City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 16, 2023 Page 6 Oregon Fallen War Heroes Memorial & Dennis Richardson Memorial: The project has been completed for the most part. There are some lighting issues still to be worked out but it will be ready for Memorial Day. Central Point Cemetery: Twenty-eight headstones had been pushed over by vandals in December. One had been broken. Chase Memorials had been hired to repair the damage. All were back in place and an additional eighteen that had been damaged years ago had also been repaired. Forest Glen Park Playground: The new playground equipment had been ordered and would be in place by spring 2024. Don Jones Memorial Park - Vendor Policy: Staff is working on a policy to allow food and drink vending at the park. Policy should be in place by this spring to allow vending through the summer months. Freshwater Trust - Bear Creek Restoration Project: Staff met with Eugene Weir from Fresh Water Trust to discuss a riparian restoration project on the city’s Greenway section. This would involve a twenty year lease but would provide a cost-free restoration of the west bank through the city’s entire Greenway section. Plant a Thousand Daffodils: Eden reported that the daffodil program had been a success this fall. Five public sites had been planted with volunteer assistance. The city had worked with Shooting Star Nursery to plant the Taylor Road round-a-about. Eden had worked with seventy-five fourth graders at Mae Richardson Elementary School to plant 500 bulbs at the school. Art and poetry contests would be held this spring. Recreation Program & Special Events: Nikki reported that the last event had been Community Christmas and the next event would be the Eggstravaganza in April. A new staff member has been hired to manage recreation programs. She is looking forward to bringing back events that had been put on hold during Covid. Elizabeth reported that the winter/spring recreation guide was out and there were new and exciting design features included. Classes are going well. VIII. UPCOMING MEETING DATE Thursday, May 18, 2023 IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM. City of Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 16, 2023 Page 7 The next scheduled meeting is May 18, 2023.