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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting Packet - Parks & Recreation - 12/5/2011 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING West Senior Center Creekside Room 909 W. Arapahoe Avenue Monday, December 5, 2011 5:00 p.m. All agenda times are approximate AGENDA 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (5:00) II. ITE78IS FOR ACTION (5:01) A. Continuation of Boulder Reservoir Master Plan Recommendation of Approval (Public hearing was closed 11/28/11 - discussion continues 12/5/11). III. NEXT BOARD MEETING: January 23, 2012 IV. ADJOURN PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD FUTURE BOARD ITEMS (prepared March 26, 2012) Department of Parks and Recreation Mission The mission of the city of Boulder Parks and recreation Department is to provide safe, clean and beautiful parks and facilities and high-quality leisure activities for the community. These services shall enhance residents' health and well-being and promote economic vitality for long-term community sustainability. We will accomplish this through creative leadership, environmentally sustainable practices and the responsible use of available resources. Regular/Ongoing Updates • Park Development /Energy Efficiency Program Update Next Board Meeting Items (January) • Pottery Lab Report Discussion - January 23, 2012 • Capital Improvement Program Discussion - January 23, 2012 • Department Master Plan Update - January 23, 2012 Future Items • Pottery Lab Public Roundtable - Date TBD (prior to January 23, 2012 PRAB meeting) City Council Meetings on P & R Items • Public Hearing on the Acceptance of the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan (BRMP) January 17, 2012 Tours and Study Sessions • PRAB Tour - Pottery Lab and Columbia Cemetery - March or April 2012 2012 PRAB I<'Ieeting Dates • January 23, 2012 • February 27, 2012 • March 27, 2012 • April 23, 2012 • May 28 * May be changed due to Memorial Day holiday • June 25, 2012 • July 23, 2012 • August 27, 2012 • September 24, 2012 • October 22, 2012 • November 26, 2012 • December 19, 2012 Attachment A Proposed Modifications to the Draft- Final BRMP 1. Web-based hyper-links will be included in the Final Plan throughout the document to correspond with reference materials and data sources as required. 2. Chapter Name Change: Revised Chapter 3: Access, Parking and Trails to Chapter 3: Transportation and Access 3. Transportation and Access chapter will call out a sub-heading for 'Transportation' and paragraphs will be shifted as needed. 4. Move Chapter 3: Transportation and Access to new Chapter 4 5. Move Chapter 4: Management Areas to new Chapter 3 6. Inserted new text in Executive Summary or as a Prelude of the Executive Summary that clarifies Intent of Master Plan and Next Steps (Site Management Plan). Proposed text: Master Plan Intent The intent of the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan is to establish a long range vision, goals and objectives for the Parks and Recreation Department managed land and activities for Boulder Reservoir, including Coot Lake. The Plan will guide future management and investment strategies by integrating the principles of economic, social and environmental sustainability, including recommendations addressing water quality, natural habitat and recreational uses at Boulder Reservoir. Next Steps - Site Management Plan The future Site Management Plan will focus on several areas to further refine the Master Plan objectives. This phase of the Master Plan implementation will include all four Management Areas of the reservoir study area and will address: • Site Management Plan - Funded through 2012 CIP • Market, programmatic and operational assessment - Future funding • Detailed sustainable business model and operational plan - Future funding • Biological species inventory - Future funding • Traffic impact analysis and transportation alternatives assessment - Future funding • Adaptive Management Approach based on newly defined programs - Future funding The Site Management Plan will result in a 20-year physical site master plan illustrating, among other things, designated passive and active use areas, building footprints, natural habitat protected areas, recreational areas, trail alignments, parking area and possible shuttle service access point, landscape and park amenity improvements. 1 7. Proposed text changes related to Goal/ Objectives statements Chapter 8: Section A; Goals and Objectives (page 54) Goal 1 1k. Determine the feasibility of providing improved bicycle, carpooling, alternative fuel vehicle, and shuttle facilities and implement those strategies determined to be feasible in the redesign of the South Shore. 11. Work with GO Boulder and appropriate agencies to develop a bicycle and vehicular parking management strategy that promotes and supports alternative transportation mode use and carpooling to the Reservoir and establish incentives for pricing strategies to encourage car pooling and multiple occupancy visits. 1m. Encourage or require the use of shuttles for special and group events through a permitting process that requires a percent of alternative transportation for large events and determine the feasibility of requiring participants to use shuttles. 1n. Identify temporary shuttle pick-up and parking locations in other areas of the city for events. 1p. Work with Boulder County Transportation to design and construct improved bicycle lanes along 51st Street from Jay Road to the South Shore entryway. Goal 2 2f. Implement the main entry gateway enhancements to address bicyclist and vehicular conflicts on 51st Street. 21. Make improvements to the existing 55th Street and Coot Lake parking lots such as parking design, access and egress upgrades, new informational boards, resurfacing, and evaluation of parking capacity. Goal 5 5i. Provide educational information at trailheads and kiosks about water pollutant sources including stormwater runoff, pet waste, bodily contaminants, fuel spills, and ANS. Goal 8 8c. Work in conjunction with adjacent neighborhoods, Boulder County Transportation and other affected agencies to develop acceptable transportation alternatives intended to address vehicular traffic as a part of Special Events at the reservoir. A transportation study would include a traffic impact analysis report and identification and assessment of feasible transportation alternatives that may include; the potential for a second vehicle 2 access point to the South Shore considering access to the Diagonal Highway or other secondary routes, roadway improvements along 51St Street to Jay Road, and a variety of travel demand management strategies to help minimize the impacts of traffic resulting from Special Events. 3 November 30, 2011 MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, City of Boulder From : Concerned Residents of Valhalla Subdivision cc: Keith Walzakk Re: Requested revisions to the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan We thank the PRAB for hearing our concerns at the Nov. 28th meeting and giving us the opportunity to request changes in the current Master Plan Draft based on those concerns. The entire area surrounding the Reservoir is a very special place and we appreciate PRAB's sensitivity to maintaining its environmental quality. We thank the PRAB in advance for consideration of these changes. Before suggesting specific modifications to the Plan we felt it would be helpful to provide a succinct statement of our main concerns. This summary represents a "mainstream" view based on communication within the neighborhood but does not necessarily represent the views of all. To be clear, the primary issues are: • The management of the current level of events has been totally inadequate leading to significant disruption, inconvenience and environmental issues o Traffic o Noise o Safety issues o Water quality impacts o Greenhouse gases Restrictions, Management Plans and other measures need to be put in place to resolve these problems • The dramatically increased number of events proposed in the Master Plan is totally unacceptable - the Plan is suggesting that these numbers could go up two to three times vs current levels. And it is not just "Signature Events" that are of concern. While the "special events"; defined as 50+, may not feel like a concern they are indeed a huge concern. Recent history shows that many of these are very large - sometimes a 900 - 1000. Judging by the proposed numbers the plan seems to treat these as incidental but in fact they are very consequential. Current numbers in the Plan would allow as many as 180 of these during the year. • It is the feeling of most who live in the area that the current number of events is at or close to the maximum that should be accommodated based on the capacity of the area to absorb the impacts. (and this is predicated on far better management that significantly mitigates those impacts) • Any consideration of event volume needs to be based on a thorough and transparent Carrying Capacity Study that considers all impacts, potential measures of mitigation and the City's Goals of environmental protection, sustainability and balance of uses. In general there is concern that the Plan would transform the reservoir into a very busy Event Center to maximize its revenue potential to the City, especially during the spring and summer. The proposed number of events reflects this and language in "Goal 7" does as well. This would profoundly change the character of the entire area in a negative way, especially during the warm months of the year when the demand for general recreational use at the reservoir is also at its peak. To address these concerns we propose the following modifications to the Master Plan Under "Goals and Objectives" pp 54 - 58 Under Goal 1 (Sustainability; Carbon Emissions Reduction) • Include a provision to "Eliminate excessive traffic congestion at major events that results in large numbers of vehicles idling" ■ 1 m Require the use of shuttles for special and large group events as well as major holiday events (eliminate "encourage") ■ Include a provision to work with Boulder Country Transportation define and implement roadway improvements and policies that will improve traffic flow and minimize conflict points during periods of heavy use (not just improved bicycle lanes along 51S) Under Goal 2 ■ First item should be - Conduct a Carrying Capacity Study that would define thresholds of activity beyond which undesirable impacts or conditions result. Issues examined would include o Pollutant loading and water quality impacts o Habitat loss and wildlife impacts o Boating levels o Sanitation o Transportation - general traffic to and from and within facility o Noise o Economic, social and property value impacts Include recognition that study will be conducted in an objective and transparent fashion with public input ■ 2e for examining feasibility of number of events add "within the parameters defined by the Carrying Capacity Study" ■ 2f Implement main entry gateway enhancements.. etc including the provision of additional gate houses ■ 2h in addition to signage mentioned work also with BC transportation to define traffic control procedures to improve flow during times of heavy use at this intersection. ■ additional point - Pursue the development of additional access from C0119 with Boulder County and CDOT Under Goal 7 Business Model • Include a bullet that recognizes the need to balance activity load within the parameters that come out of the Carrying Capacity Study Under Goal 8 Endeavor to be a Good Neighbor ■ "hold periodic meetings with neighbors during busy event seasons to share upcoming event information, reservoir needs and discuss any issues residents may have" • Specifically notify neighbors of any City meetings regarding Reservoir Policy and invite attendance • "Develop a revised Management Plan that mitigates the impacts of major events o Traffic o Noise o Environmental (wildlife, sanitation, water quality) • Maintain a thorough and consistent approach to enforcement of the regulations and requirements for events Under Key Policy Recommendations (pp 59 & 60) Special Events • Eliminate any reference to specific numbers of the different types and make this part of the development of the Site Management Plan (this seems like the logical place for this anyway) • The number of events and some other specifics of the Management Plan would be guided by the outcome of the Carrying Capacity Study. ■ Additionally, the description of the event types needs to be refined - there's too much range of size in the "special event" category ■ There should be some parameters placed on the types of events that are appropriate for the Reservoir - could also be a part of the Site Management Plan Action Items The above items need to be incorporated into the action item list - especially the Carrying Capacity Study PRAB should also be aware that some in the neighborhood request that certain power boating restrictions in the Plan be reconsidered. Attachment C Staff Response to Valhalla Residents' Comments The "Concerned Residents of Valhalla Subdivision" recommended changes are listed in bullet form below: Under Goal 1 (Sustainability; Carbon Emissions Reduction) ■ Include a provision to "Eliminate excessive traffic congestion at major events that results in large numbers of vehicles idling Recommendation - add to Goal 1 m and work to eliminate excessive traffic congestion as a result of special events, that helps eliminate large numbers of vehicles idling. ■ 1m Require the use of shuttles for special and large group events as well as major holiday events (eliminate "encourage") Recommendation - as related to the word encourage, all events no matter what size, will be encouraged to use shuttles for their programs. Smaller events are encouraged to use alternative transportation methods and the larger events will be required to develop Traffic Management Plans (as exists currently), that will require additional use of alternative transportation (i.e. shuttles) for events that have traffic impacts on the roadway and community. As a result, uses of the two words - encourage and require, reflect the actions planed. ■ Include a provision to work with Boulder County Transportation define and implement roadway improvements and policies that will improve traffic flow and minimize conflict points during periods of heavy use (not just improved bicycle lanes along 51st) Recommendation - add to Goal 1 p...and identify possible roadway improvements and identify event procedures that will improve traffic ingress and egress (flow) and minimize traffic conflict points during periods of heavy Reservoir use. Under Goal 2 ■ First item should be - Conduct a Carrying Capacity Study that would define thresholds of activity beyond which undesirable impacts or conditions result. Issues examined would include o Pollutant loading and water quality impacts o Habitat loss and wildlife impacts o Boating levels o Sanitation 1 o Transportation - general traffic to and from and within facility o Noise o Economic, social and property value impacts Include recognition that study will be conducted in an objective and transparent fashion with public input Recommendation - These identified items are currently under multiple goals including plan Goals 1, 2 and 5, with the exception of "Economic, social and property value impacts". Regardinq Pollutant loadinq and water quality impacts - See Goals 5 a - 5i, as related to managing water quality impacts and pollutants, use impacts, monitoring, evaluation and use requirements that are to be consistent with water quality thresholds. See also Goal 2a - Develop a Site Management Plan to address "Operation and Management Thresholds." Such thresholds would relate to existing water quality standards as enforced by the City of Boulder and, as such, the City is required to follow the established acceptable levels. Regarding Habitat loss and wildlife impacts - See Goal 2a - Develop a Site Management Plan to address "Operation and Management Thresholds." These "thresholds" include work on the baseline information for the existing flora and fauna. The additional work related to the Site Management Plan and ongoing work that is part of an adaptive management approach would result in regular analysis and monitoring of such data, and identification of subsequent actions that would need to be undertaken as a result of the impact. See Goal 3a and 3b regarding protection and enhancement of wildlife and habitat. Regarding Boating levels - See Goal 2a - Develop a Site Management Plan to address "Operation and Management Thresholds." Currently staff enforces limits and regulations related to use of all watercraft at the Reservoir. In addition, the Site Management Plan will identify and establish any additional controls that will be needed at the facility. Regarding Sanitation - See Goal 2a - Develop a Site Management Plan to address "Operation and Management Thresholds." The plan would include the establishment of, or recognition and acknowledgement of, existing codes or regulations that must be adhered to by operations of the facility. In addition the reduced and or zero waste goals of the Department will continue to be enhanced and enforced at the facility. Acknowledgement of the continued effort by the Department to improve environmental actions and stewardship, of which waste diversion and zero waste is one goal, was recognized in November 2011 by the Department receiving the National Recreation and Park Association - Barb King Environmental Stewardship Award. Regarding Transportation - general traffic to and from and within facility- 2 See Goal 2a - Develop a Site Management Plan to address "Operation and Management Thresholds." Such a plan would include the establishment of procedures and regulations that would be followed relative to ingress and egress impacts of the facility and during events or peak use periods. The Department will work with Boulder County as currently identified in Goals 1 k - 1 p on transportation impacts to the community as a result of the facility and on other transportation goals of the plan. Regarding Noise - See Goal 2a - Develop a Site Management Plan to address "Operation and Management Thresholds." Such a plan would include the establishment of, or recognition and acknowledgement of, existing codes or regulations that must be adhered to by operations of the facility. Regarding Economic, social and property value impacts - This request is beyond the scope of the planned Site Management Plan. Further, information on the economic, social and property values and impacts of adjacent or nearby parkland has been documented to increase property values by 5% - 15%. See Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System, The Trust for Public Land, 2009. ■ 2e for examining feasibility of number of events add "within the parameters defined by the Carrying Capacity Study Recommendation - add to 2e - within the parameters and thresholds defined by the Site Management Plan. ■ 2f Implement main entry gateway enhancements etc. including the provision of additional gate houses Recommendation - add to 2f - including the planned provision of the additional gate house. ■ 2h in addition to signage mentioned work also with BC transportation to define traffic control procedures to improve flow during times of heavy use at this intersection. Recommendation - add to 2h - and to modify traffic control procedures to improve flow at this intersection during times of heavy use as a result of Reservoir programs. ■ additional point - Pursue the development of additional access from C0119 with Boulder County and CDOT Recommendation - This is currently stated in Goals 2r and 8b. Under Goal 7 Business Model 3 ■ Include a bullet that recognizes the need to balance activity load within the parameters that come out of the Carrying Capacity Study Recommendation - under 7a add - and balance visitor capacity and activity levels within the parameters identified in the Site Management Plan. Under Goal 8 Endeavor to be a Good Neighbor ■ hold periodic meetings with neighbors during busy event seasons to share upcoming event information, reservoir needs and discuss any issues residents may have Recommendation - Add to Goal 8 an additional objective 8d that states - Invite the community to participate in meetings on the development of the Site Management Plan, discuss issues related to special events and meet with the community to share information about the Reservoir. ■ Specifically notify neighbors of any City meetings regarding Reservoir Policy and invite attendance Recommendation - The Department will add any individual or group to the e- mail listserv for notice of Department meetings and activities. Neighbors who would like this to occur should contact the Department to request they be added to the e-mail listserv if they are not currently on the list. ■ "Develop a revised Management Plan that mitigates the impacts of major events o Traffic o Noise o Environmental (wildlife, sanitation, water quality) ■ Maintain a thorough and consistent approach to enforcement of the regulations and requirements for events Recommendation - The adaptive management approach that will be used by the Department will regularly evaluate and assess existing and new/additional management controls or actions that are required to ensure all plan goals are met, including enforcement of regulations. See also Goals 3, 4, 5. Under Key Policy Recommendations (pp 59 & 60) Special Events 4 ■ Eliminate any reference to specific numbers of the different types and make this part of the development of the Site Management Plan (this seems like the logical place for this anyway) Recommendation - Currently the draft BRMP identifies 1,200 participants as the number for a signature special event designation and 50 participants as the level that designates a special event designation (see page 29 and page 60). The Department believes that the designation should remain as identified in the draft plan. Please note that as related to special events; future effort is called out on pg. 60 as "The department will develop a cumulative analysis and impact report, as well as standards and a tiered approach to event permitting to be aligned with the Boulder Reservoir vision and mission." This specific reference is to identify the next steps in managing special event use of the facility which would include identifying and or creating all associated procedures and management controls. ■ The number of events and some other specifics of the Management Plan would be guided by the outcome of the Carrying Capacity Study. Recommendation - The number of events will relate to the overall adaptive management plan for the facility and will be guided by the process related to an impact report. See pg 60. ■ Additionally, the description of the event types needs to be refined - there's too much range of size in the "special event" category Recommendation - The Department will research an additional refinement of event size for the Boulder Reservoir as part of the work identified on pg 60 related to special events: "The department will develop a cumulative analysis and impact report, as well as standards and a tiered approach to event permitting to be aligned with the Boulder Reservoir vision and mission". ■ There should be some parameters placed on the types of events that are appropriate for the Reservoir - could also be a part of the Site Management Plan Recommendation - same as above "The department will develop a cumulative analysis and impact report, as well as standards and a tiered approach to event permitting to be aligned with the Boulder Reservoir vision and mission". Action Items The above items need to be incorporated into the action item list - especially the Carrying Capacity Study 5 Recommendation -Action items are identified in the appendix of the draft master plan. In addition, the next level of staff work will help identify further actions and estimated expenses that are associated with the actions. PRAB should also be aware that some in the neighborhood request that certain power boating restrictions in the Plan be reconsidered Recommendation - The Department believes that the identified boating restrictions and recommendations should remain intact as recommended. 6