Approved Minutes - PRAB - 04/22/2002City of Boulder
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Minutes
April 22, 2002
City Council Chambers
1777 Broadway
6 p.m.
The following are the manutes of the Aprt122, 2002 Ccty of Boulder Parks and Recreat~on Advasory
Board meeteng (PRAB) A permanent set of these m:nutes and a tape recordzng (matntazned for a
pertod of 6 years) are retaaned tn Central Records (telephone 303-441-3043)
Board Present: Ed von Bleichert, Chair, Susan Osborne, V~ce Chair, Dave Wmmg, Charles
Manlove, Pam Hoge, Thomas Sanford and Suzanne O'Neill
Staff Present: Jan Geden, Doug Hawthorne, Sarah DeSouza, Georgia Jackson,
Cate Bradley, Kate Bernhardt, Julya Bndgewater, Ann Wichmann, Ten
Olander, A1 Quiller, Stave Whipple, Maria Bame, Summer Kennedy, Scott
Fushi, Mike Gurrola
L APPROVAL OF AGENDA
• The agenda was approved as submitted.
II. OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Dooley, outgomg Chair, spoke bnefly about her years spent on the Board. Hoge and Geden
thanked Dooley and expressed appreciahon for her pass~on and commitment. Dooley left
the Board.
O'Neill read her oath of office mto the record
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Osborne nominated von Bleichert and the nomination was seconded by Wmmg.
von Bleichert was elected Chair on a vote of 5 to 0 with von Bleichert and O'Neill
abstaining.
Hoge nommated Osborne for Vice Chair I
Wmmg nommated Manlove for Vice Chair
Osborne was elected Vice Chair by a 3- 2 vote, with Osborne and O'Neill abstammg.
•
• IV. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Cihzen Participation was opened.
Erin Mannix, Cheyanne Arapaho #389, Boulder 80310, asked about the Boazd's posihon on
a measure proposed by the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) prohibitmg the use of
chemical pesticides in pubhc parks and on bike paths.
von Bleichert responded that the assue would be a Dascussaon Item on the May 20, 2002
PRAB agenda Geden read the EAB resolution as tt was presented to Ctty Councal on
Apri112, 2001 and satd the PRAB recominendataon from the May 20 meeting would be
taken to Ctty Councal on June 2, 2002
Crtizen Participahon was closed
V. CONSENT AGENDA
Mmutes of March 18, 2002
Hoge expressed surpnse over the Citrzen Participahon comment by Chns Grealish about the
bike loop where he stated it would be unnecessary to have one at Valmont City Park (VCP)
if the loop at Stazio were to be considered a permanent solution to the competrhve cycling
• community m Boulder Teresa Gr~lls, Manager of Valmont Caty Park Management and
PlanningAssastance Team (M-PA7~, offered claraficataon that Chris Grealash was not
associated wath the cyclang communery that is proposang the loop at Valmont Caty Park
The mmutes were approved with changes.
VI. MATTERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT
Geden mformed the Boazd that artwork had been chosen for the North Boulder Recreation
Center The Board and the Boulder Arts Commission chose the alummum over the stamless
whiriwind feature, recognizing that the artist will look at a way to secure the stainless
sculpture to the ceiling as well as to the floor, allowmg the stamless sculpture to be
moveable and to turn. The stainless sculpture would be preferred if it can be made to turn
and that possibility was still bemg investigated. Geden added that the metalhc design won
out over the petroglyphs by a vote of 9 to 3
Geden spoke about a memo that went to City Council in the last Weekly Informahon Packet
(WIP) regarding damage to some praine dog holes at Valmont Ctty Park
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PRA~ Meenng 04/22/2002 - Page 2
A. Needs assessmenUsurvey update
• Presenter• Charlie Deans, Planners Ink
Enn Caldwell, Nahonal Research Center (NRC)
Jan Geden, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
Cate Bradley, Parks and Recreation Planner
After bnef mtroductory comments by Deans, Caldwell reviewed the survey
methodology for Board members.
Deans spoke about how the survey results would be used m the development of the
needs assessment.
Hoge asked if the Board could get more informahon for questions where a high
percentage of the answer was "other" von Bleichert said he also would hke to know
what those "other" answers were. Bradley suggested Board members ask for
specifzc questaons they would lake more informataon about and saad the anformatton
would be provaded to the Board, when possible.
Hoge stated that mterest m platform tenms was very low on the survey but that the
people who are mterested are repeat users. She asked how to consider an activity
that is frequently attended by a very small group of users. Osborne responded that
the commurary ts not~ust served by the number of interested partzcapants but that
smaller anterest groups are also served.
• Sanford said that a 30 percent response rate did not seem very good to him and
spoke about passionate mmonties and a silent ma~onty
von Bleichert spoke about transportation queshon number 29 on page 26 where 32
percent responded wrth "other". He would like to know what those "other"
responses were. ]3radley responded that question 29 was only open ended and there
were no optzons. She added that many responses were unaque and unable to be
classtfied.
Manlove noted an oddity m the data where the summary companson between 1995
and 2001 showed frequency of participation rates for baseball and softball down
dramahcally while the percentage of those who think it important to offer softball
went way up. He wondered whether experiential data from participant registrahon
reflects the same decline in participahon.
von Bleichert said he would hke to hear what each Board member beheves the
survey has demonstrated. Geden suggested Board members compile their thoughts
about the survey data and be prepared to share them when Deans returns to the
Board wrth other elements of the needs assessment
Deans spoke about the next steps that will mclude benchmark analysis and trends.
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PRAB Meehng 04/22/2002 - Page 3
Hoge asked if facihhes would be looked at from a countywide standpomt and Deans
. responded in the aff rmatave
There was discussion about whether the legion baseball field or golf course should
be mcluded in the GIS service area analysis. Deans and Bradley agreed that the
legion ball field was umque but that it was mcluded m the hst of programs and
faciliries. Deans said the golf course would not be included m service area analysis
as support for a golf course is usually determmed by market analysis Hawthorne
added that a non-profit association did a market analysis and presented it to the
Board last year.
Osborne and Sanford said it makes sense to break out soccer fields from the multi-
purpose fields. Manlove said he would hke to see a distincrion between smgle
purpose fields and multi-purpose fields. He would also hke to see practice fields
viewed as mulh-purpose fields with an aggregate demand far all achvities. Manlove
added that demand for any one achvity could go up or down while the aggregate
demand remained constant
Deans said he would have the focus group and benchmark analysis mformahon for
the May Board meetmg. Deans added that the mappmg work (showmg service
areas) would be ready for the June meeting
Osborne and Manlove said they will be absent for the May meehng and Wmmg and
• Manlove will be absent for the June meehng
A needs assessment study session was tentahvely scheduled for June 15.
B Valmont City Park update
Presenter: Teresa Gnlls, Manager of Valmont City Park Management and Plamm~g
Assistance Team (M-PAT)
Grills briefly addressed the Board and asked if they had any questions about the
Goals and Conflicts that arose out of the charette on Valmont City Park.
Hoge asked for an update from Steve Jones [author of the Wildlife Habitat
Assessment for Valmont City Park] m the near future Grtlls saad Jones was under
contract when he dtd the study but he was not currently under contract Hoge then
asked if Ann Wichmann, Environmental Resources Manager, could address the
Board at the next meehng.
von Bleichert asked for a written update on the recent planhngs at Valmont City
Park so that the Board wouldn't have to wait unhl the next meetmg for the
mformation.
Wirung said it was of pazamount importance that the first partnersiup be successfixl
He asked to have that goal added to the top of the list [of Goals]. Wmmg added that
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PRAB Meehng 04/22/2002 - Page 4
it would be detnmental to the partnership process if the first partner was
• unsuccessful and had to use their exit strategies.
VII. MATTERS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Sanford provided Board members with a quick update on the renovahon of the North
Boulder Recreatron Center (NBRC). He encouraged Board members to tour the recreation
center.
Geden said the focus of the Apn124 tour had been changed as a result of the resolution from
the EAB The Board will tour sites relevant to issues the department is facing as it relates to
weed management. It was decided that Board members could tour the NBRC from 3.30 to
4•00.
von Bleichert asked for an explanation of the damage to two praine dog holes at Valmont
City Park.
Bernhardt provided Board members with a history of events leadmg to the accidental
damage to two praine dog holes by a subcontractor She stated that staff was workmg to
improve commumcation with contractors and subcontractors and lookmg at re-stakmg of
prairie dog holes with taller, more visible stakes. As there was no ill mtent on the part of the
contractor or subcontractor, the City Attorney determmed that prosecution of the person
who did the grading would be mappropnate m this case.
. von Bleichert expressed concern that this was not the first rime the contractor has been
involved m destroymg praine dog holes. He said the ordmance was new but very clear and
that staff knows what needs to be done to clearly mazk the praine dog holes, with either lath
or snow fencmg. von Bleichert expressed concern that the contractor continues to act in this
regard after destroymg praine dog holes once before.
von Bleichert sazd to alleviate further confusion he would hke staff to fill m holes that are
not active and clearly mark every burrow that has prame dogs active m it. He would also
hke it made clear to every contractor and subcontractor as to how the praine dog holes are
marked and what that means.
Hoge asked if there were consequences for negligence m destroymg praine dog holes.
Bernhardt saad the ordanance came anto effect in the maddle of the contract. She added that
the ord:nance allows for the contractor to be taken to court but that there was no wordang an
the contract about negltgence weth regard to damagtng prair~e dog holes
Manlove said the contract would probably have to remam as rt was wntten but that future
contracts can be wntten to address this issue. He said he was sahsfied with how staff would
proceed from this pomt on
Geden said she could talk to the City Attorney and get his thoughts on the issue In
• addihon, Geden said she would be wilhng to meet with Bernhardt and the contractor to
PRAB Meenng 04/22/2002 - Page 5,
articulate the Boazd's dissatisfaction with the Contractor as it relates to th~s kmd of
• performance.
VIIL ITEMS FOR ACTION
IX. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
A. City of Boulder Wellness and In~ury Prevenhon Program
Presenters A1 Quiller, Recreahon Admmistrator
Summer Kennedy, Program Supervisor
Scott Fushi, Program Coordmator
Quiller mtroduced Kennedy and Fusht to the Board and spoke bnefly about the
development of the Employee Weilness and In~ury Prevenhon Program. Quiller said
the program was available to Parks and Recreahon Advisory Board members and
encouraged them to participate.
Fushi spoke about the off site satellite faciliries at the Water Treatment Plants, City
Yazds and the Pohce Deparhnent and how the wellness program helps employees
develop a healthy, acrive lifestyle.
Kennedy mvited Board members to participate in the Wellness Program and
explamed the enrollment process. Kennedy descnbed the health assessment and
. outlmed resources available to those participatmg m the Wellness Program.
Geden explamed that the Wellness Program was available for all Board members,
however, those who were on the Board prtor to the year 2002 shll had the option to
get a free recreation center pass for themselves and their family members.
Begmnmg m 2002, new Board members are offered participation m the Wellness
Program and their family members can purchase an annual pass at half pnce
B. Considerahon of demohtion or future renovahon and use of a structure at Fortune
Park
Presenters• Jan Geden, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kate Bernhazdt, Actrng Parks Plannmg and Construchon
Superintendent
Bernhardt gave a bnef history of the properiy and postponement of the decision to
demohsh the residenhal structure at Fortune Park site.
Osborne said if the structure were to be removed, something would have to be done
to the area where the structure had stood She asked if it would be possible to put a
picnic table or some benches on the site Bernhardt responded that the crrigat~on
system could be expanded with mmimal landscaptng and a couple benches and
ptcnac table could be placed tn the park until tt could be taken on as a pro~ect for
• development
PRAB Meetmg 04/22/2002 - Page 6
• Manlove said he felt that once the house is removed, the imgation system should be
expanded and turf should be mstalled As mamtenance crews already mow the
grass, Manlove thought mazntenance the cost for the added turf should be mmimal.
Hoge said her mittal reachon was that alterahons made to the house should not be
the ma~or cntena or reason to demohsh the structure.
von Bleichert spoke about grant funds that could be obtamed to help with the $61K
cost for renovarion. von Bleichert said he would love to see the structure renovated
and if not he would like to see it deconstructed carefully to recover as much
histoncal mformation as possible. He suggested usmg a~noup like Resource 2000
that could carefully deconstruct the house.
Manlove said the figure of $61K was for structural work only and did not mclude
such thmgs as kitchen, bath, wmdows and doars, which was why the total cost for
renovation would be $200K. He added that renovation of the structure would be
contingent on the donor agreeing to it. Manlove said he beheved renovating the
structure for commercial use would be even more costly
O'Neill said she would be concerned about the donor, given the length of time the
process has taken and the message that sends to other donors She felt that given the
complications with non-residenhal use and off site parkmg, she would favor savmg
• some of the timbers and demolishmg the rest of the buildmg.
Osborne expressed agreement with O'Neill, support for careful demolirion to
uncover history of the buildmg and to stay m compliance with Sheila Fortune's wish
that the site remam as a park.
Wmmg said he had no problem wrth carefizlly deconstructing the house as long as it
wouldn't be three trmes the cost of demolition
Bernhardt said she heard a ma~ority of the Board favor careful demolirion of the
building wrth preservation of historical pieces that might be found and possibly
mcorporatmg histoncal pieces into the park site.
von Bleichert asked if other Board members would support keepmg a mmer's shack
on the property if found dunng the deconstruchon process. Only Hoge expressed
support for the ~dea.
Sanford said he supported only careful disassembly of the structure, passmg on any
historical mformahon to mterested parties and perhaps mcludmg the mformahon m
signage on the site.
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PRAB Meehng 04/22/2002 - Page 7
Geden said she heard support for careful demolihon, documentmg any histoncal
• arhfacts that are found and then determme what to do with historical pieces that are
found
von Bleichert added that the Board would not want the cost to deconstruct the
buildmg to be higher than the cost of demolition. Bernhardt repl:ed that staff would
get several btds, including one from Resource 2000
Wmmg said rt would be appropnate to have signage if thmgs of histoncal interest
were uncovered.
C. 2003 Parks and Recreahon Capital Improvement Program
Presenters: Jan Geden, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kate Bernhardt, Achng Parks Planning and Constnzction
Superintendent
Bernhardt said this was an opportumty for the Board to provide mput on the Parks
and Recreahon 2003 Capital Expenditure Budget and specifically the Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP). Staff would address the Board's comments and return to
the Board m May for final approval of the CIP.
Geden commented on declmmg sales tax revenue and the real concern for programs
that aze funded by sales tax revenue.
• Osborne said she couldn't remember what decision had been made with Open 5pace
and Mountam Parks regarding lottery funds. Geden responded that the Parks and
Recreataon Department manages the fund and then distr~butes at Bernhardt and
Bridgewater explamed the breakout for the lottery funds
There was debate over the length of debt service fqr Area III and Geden said staff
would have that mformarion for the Board at the May 20 meetmg.
Osborne said $250K seemed excessive for planning of Valmont City Park and
expressed concern that $250K would be spent each year for plamm~g when those
funds could be put to some tangtble use. Geden responded that at was not expected
that $250K would be spent each year but at was expected that funds be spent to
~ump-start the partnershzp process She added that that some of that money would
6e set asade to allow for flextbelity '
There was discussion over future road and uhlity assessments for 63`d Street and
Butte Mill Dnve.
Manlove said he generally approved the strategy skaff proposed in light of budget
cuts. He suggested staff check wrth Plamm~g [Department] regardmg their
understanding of the hme frame for development 4f Dakota Ridge Park.
.
PRAB Meedng 04/22/2002 - Pagc 8
Hoge said she was glad to see the conhngency piace and that it was a good addition.
• She mquired about the Board's request for staff to look mto makmg small
improvements to neighborhood and pocket parks. Geden responded that money was
set aside for such projects and that staff would come to the Board wath
recommendations Hawthorne sazd there needed to be a careful balance because
addmg a picmc table here and there could mean extra day to day mamtenance that
staff was not prepazed to absorb.
Hoge asked if there were funds set aside to take advantage of opportunities such as
the hme a group came forwazd wrth a fundmg opportumty for legion ball fields if
Pazks and Recreahon would contnbute $25K The Board was unable to respond, as
tttere was no process m place to take advantage of the opportumty Geden
responded that the budget as a fluad document and can be examaned for ways to meet
an ammedzate need
Hoge said she was concemed about not havmg money allocated for land acqmsition
Wmmg compl~mented staff on simplifymg mformahon and providmg graphs to
make the CIP easter to understand
Wmmg expressed concern that no money was designated for land acquisition and
spoke about opporiumhes that could be missed far lack of funds Geden responded
that staff could look at a strategy to address that concern. Manlove agreed that a
• game plan was needed.
Sanford expressed support for maintenance and refurbishment plans and
complimented staff on the charts Sanford said he would hke to see a break out of
the funds for CIP pro~ects for 2003 to get an idea of what the money would be used
for.
von Bleichert said he was m agreement wrth everythmg sazd thus far With regard to
budget cuts affectmg development of Foothills Commumty Park, he asked if staff
had an idea of how far out that would push complehon of the park. Bernhard
responded that completaon was expected for the year 2007
Geden said she heard requests for clanfication for the next meetmg:
• More mformation on funds for Valmont
• Clanfication on the debt service as it relates to lottery funds
• Check with Plannmg [Deparhnent] on the development revtew related to Dakota
Ridge to determme what the plan was and whether there were commihnents
related to a specific time frame
• Develop strategy for land acquisihon
• More detail on the Foothills and Flarirons allocahon
• Foothills Commumty Park - How much further out does this plan take~ What
are the pieces, how would they fit and m what pnonty~
•
PRAB Meetmg 04/22/2002 - Page 9~
Sanford spoke about safety issues at the golf course smce the fence is too low.
• Hawthorne responded that staff would be worlcing on fencang for the east sede of the
drtving range He added that there was plannzng work that needed to be done
before a net can be anstalled
X. FUTURE BOARD ITEMS AND TOURS
Apn125, 2002 - Tour of sites relevant to tssues the department is facmg related to weed
management Depart from Ins Center parkmg lot at 4 pm
Apn128, 2002 - EBCC 10`h Annrversary Celebrahon - EBCC located at 5660 Sioux Dnve,
1 - 5 p.m.
May 4, 2002 - Foothills Commumty Park Commumty Workshop for Phase II Playground
and Plaza area - Foothills Commumty Park Mamtenance Buildmg located
at 800 Cherry Avenue (snow locahon• Ins Center Auditonum), 10 a m. -
12 noon.
June 15, 2002 - Study Session to go over the Needs Assessment. Location to be
determined.
XI. NEXT BOARD MEETING:
Monday, May 20, 2002 - at City Yards, 5050 Pearl Street
XII. ADJOURN
• The meehng ad~ourned at 10.00 p.m.
APPROVED BY PARKS AND
REC ATION ADVISORY B ARD•
~~~
Ed von Bleichert
Board Chair
Attest:
" ~ ~l ~e ~~~ ~'~~
Georgia'J kson
Recording Secretary
•
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