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2016.10.05 Work Session Packet (2nd) Posted: Sept. 30, 2016 City Council Second Work Session Agenda Oct. 5, 2016 Immediately following the regular EDA meeting Conference Room A Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter, the second work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on Oct. 5, 2016 in Conference Room A at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota. I. Attendance Council members Staff ____ Kolb ____ Norris ____ Libby ____ Therres ____ Parsons ____ Ray ____ Peak ____ Revering ____ Adams ____ Sutter ____ Dahl ____ Gilchrist ____ Deshler II. Agenda The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items: 1. Update on park planning • MAC Park • Park System/Becker Park Master Plan 2. Constituent issues update 3. New business* 4. Announcements* * Denotes no supporting information included in the packet. III. Adjournment The work session adjourned at ______ p.m. Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763) 531- 1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529. 4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov 4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov Memorandum DATE: September 27, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director SUBJECT: MAC Park Update The City of Crystal utilizes a portion of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) land for a nature-based park. The land currently consists of trails and boardwalks; some of which have fallen into disrepair. Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) is interested in working with the City of Crystal to improve MAC Park for nature viewing and interpretation. City of Crystal and TRPD staff has toured the site; and additional Three Rivers Park District staff came back for a follow- up review. Some of the findings include:  The park is in a great setting for nature viewing and interpretation.  A TRPD Landscape Architect has some preliminary ideas including: o New Boardwalk loop trail around the lake. o Elevated platform for wildlife viewing over cattails (see photo on page 2).  Outdoor Education staff has some preliminary ideas including o Several learning stations along boardwalk. o Would like whole area to be an environmental learning center. o Proximity of park to local schools would be beneficial.  Area immediately to north is a racially concentrated area of poverty (RCAP) as recognized by the Met Council o TRPD would like to investigate this park as a potential “bridging facility” within the Metropolitan Regional Park System. o This designation would potentially allow funding through regional sources.  Some graphics and very early cost estimates are being worked on, but are not available at this point. Staff recommends continued discussions with TRPD on issues related to park design and potential inclusion in the Metropolitan Regional Park System as a “bridging facility”. Definition from a Regional Parks Policy Plan presentation on what a “bridging facility” is can be found on page 2. Since the designation is new, the path to create this type of facility is uncertain and may require community input and support. 2 MAC Park Trail Memorandum DATE: September 27, 2016 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director SUBJECT: Park System Master Plan and Becker Park Master Plan The City of Crystal has a strong commitment to providing high quality parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programming for all citizens and visitors to the community. To assure that the city continues to offer facilities that are beneficial, and to develop a clear vision for the future of Crystal’s parks and trails, a public planning process is proposed. The final outcome will be a park system master plan as well as a Becker Park master plan. A park system master plan will serve as a comprehensive guide for parks, recreation, natural areas, and trails; and will contain a 20 year vision for the future of the city’s park system. The plan will help ensure the parks and recreation system meets community needs and will guide decisions on future park and recreation investments. The Becker Park master plan will build on recent surveys and community discussions by developing a conceptual design for the park. The intent is to develop a common vision that can be formed into a plan and provide a preliminary design for development. These plans will utilize an extensive public engagement process and will incorporate the many reports and surveys that have been done to date. The City of Crystal’s Park and Recreation Commission recommended that the city hire a consultant to help develop a park system master plan, and the Becker Park timeline indicates hiring a park planning consultant. Staff has discussed these projects with consulting firms that specialize in this type of work and recommends that the City develop a contract with one of them to help lead the process. The contract with complete cost and funding information would come back to the Council at a later date. Park and Recreation System Master Plan and Becker Park Master Plan Project Overview The City of Crystal has a strong commitment to providing high quality parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programming for all citizens and visitors to the community. The city maintains 243 acres of parkland in 26 parks; 6 passive, 14 neighborhood, and 6 larger community parks. The city also operates a community center, outdoor aquatic facility and skate park in the center of the city. Previous planning has been completed that will provide a starting point for this project, including:  Crystal Comprehensive Plan  2014 Long Range Park and Open Space Plan  2015-2016 Bass Lake Road station Area Plan  2016 Park Commission Community Surveys  2016 Becker Park Stakeholder Meeting and Survey, and  City Park Inventory The City of Crystal is seeking professional services to create the City’s first Park and Recreation System Plan, and create a conceptual master plan for Becker Park which is located in the city’s main commercial area. The Consultant will work closely with City staff, Park and Recreation Commission and other community groups in preparing these plans. Scope of Services Proposed Timeframe  Kick-off: November 2, 2016  Inventory / Evaluation: November, 2016 – February, 2017  System Visioning March, 2017 – May, 2017  Prepare System & Park Plan May, 2017 – August, 2017 Public Process  Establish a clear and extensive community involvement plan.  Gather information from key leaders and stakeholder groups such as athletic and cultural associations, Lions Club, VFW and others; listen to their positions concerning local park and recreation services.  Facilitate input from a Parks and Recreation System Plan team and Becker Park advisory committee 2  Coordinate efforts to provide information and solicit input from the general public at community functions such as Winterfest in early December, public open houses, surveys, etc.  Identify key times to engage the City Council and Park and Recreation Commission.  Provide written records and summaries of the public process and communication strategies. Demographic Trends / External Forces  Review and interpret demographic trends and characteristics of the City of Crystal.  Integrate information on how the City can respond to a population that is aging and increasingly diverse; to include compatibility with current ADA requirements.  Incorporate national trends that indicate an increasingly health conscious and environmentally aware society.  For the Becker Park Master Plan, consider how adjacent land uses interact with the park, and how those uses and interactions may change in the future Existing and Future Facilities – Analysis of Level of Service  Update the City’s Park Inventory  Provide an assessment of current facilities to include peer community analysis, comparisons to national standards, and the identification of key strategies to advance service levels.  Provide recommendations on the removal of obsolete facilities and inclusion of new types of recreation facilities to engage the community.  Provide recommendations for enhancing partnerships and minimizing duplication where appropriate.  Analyze the quantity and distribution of recreation amenities throughout the city. Rank and Prioritize Demand and Opportunities  Prioritize recommendations for the development of parks, trails, open space, and recreation facilities.  Develop a 20-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for park and trail improvements with potential funding sources such as grants.  Identify priority improvements and cost estimates for projects to include in the 2018 budget by August of 2017.  Create a schedule for major new and replacement infrastructure with emphasis on playgrounds, hard surface courts, picnic shelters and 4-season buildings. Becker Park Master Plan  Change is coming to Becker Park and the surrounding area. o City leaders and community stakeholders agree that the park’s current configuration limits its usefulness to the community. o The proposed Blue Line Extension project includes an LRT station adjacent to Becker Park. The project is anticipated to start construction in 2018 and operation in 2021. o Stormwater infiltration tanks will be installed under a portion of the park in 2019. o The city intends to reconstruct the streetscape on the north side of Bass Lake Road in 2017. 3  Public Visioning Process to Date o A Vision statement has been developed by city leaders and community stakeholders: “Becker Park is a multi--use destination park that provides a vibrant, year--round gathering place that includes recreation, community events and entertainment for residents and guests of all ages while serving a variety of interests."  The master plan will build on the work done to date by evaluating Becker Park’s unique role in the city’s park system, how that role could change in the future, and what the park needs - or doesn’t need - to fulfill that role. Deliverables The Park System Plan must include:  Goals, objectives, and policy statements that state a clear vision and direction for Parks and Recreation in the City of Crystal; including trails, preservation areas, public art, etc.  An updated City of Crystal Park Inventory.  A summary of existing conditions and level of service analysis.  A major park infrastructure repair and replacement schedule, considering potential changes in the existing infrastructure.  Phased implementation plan and 20-year CIP.  Charts, graphs, maps, and other data as needed to support the plan.  A color version of the Final Park System Plan document consisting of three (3) printed and bound color copies and an electronic copy in PDF. The Becker Park Master Plan must include:  Evaluation of the existing park use, layout and facilities  Summary of the work completed to date including the vision statement  Determination of changes needed to implement the vision  Concept Plan showing proposed park modifications and improvements  Phasing Plan showing a step-by-step process to implement the Concept Plan  Capital Improvement Plan based on the Phasing Plan  Charts, graphs, maps, and other data as needed to support the plan.  A color version of the Final Becker Park Master Plan document consisting of three (3) printed and bound color copies and an electronic copy in PDF. All proposals should include the following background information:  A letter of submission with the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the person(s) who is authorized to legally represent the firm.  Background on the firm and its experience in preparing Park and Recreation System Master Plans and ‘signature park’ master plans for public agencies.  A narrative that presents the services the firm would provide detailing the approach, methodology, deliverables, and client meetings to be provided. 4  Identification of the personnel to be assigned to this engagement including a resume of related experience.  A timeline for preparation and delivery of the Park and Recreation System Plan and Becker Park Master Plan.  Provide the total project cost with a specific breakdown detailing project tasks, associated hours, and individual costs for each of the projects (system plan and Becker Park master plan).  The total project cost for services shall be a “not to exceed cost for services.” Project budget  Budget should provide the highest level of service at a reasonable cost.  It is encouraged to outline the work that is reasonable for staff and advisory committees to perform (particularly related to public engagement). The City shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by the consultants, including but not limited to, the expenses associated with the preparation of the proposal or final contract negotiations. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to request additional information from any or all proposers. Standard City of Crystal contract terms and conditions will be applied. 10/5/2016 Planning Process Will build on planning efforts to date Will inventory and evaluate existing facilities • Will incorporate demographic trends • Crystal specific trends on aging and diversity • National trends related to health and environment G. Planning Process (cont.) +� Will continue to involve the City Council, Park & Recreation Commission and other stakeholders • Will seek additional community engagement • Will utilize a variety of methods for communication • Solicit input at existing community events • Will utilize surveys and other data collection methods • Will produce maps, charts, tables and other graphics Park System Plan • Incorporate planning efforts to date • Seek community involvement from residents, park user groups, athletic leagues and other stakeholders. • Develop a vision for parks and trails in the city • Provides an assessment of current facilities • Provides recommendations for future development • Identify priority improvements for capital planning • Will guide preparation of the 2oi8 budget • Will determine long-term investment needs 10/5/2016 a 10/5/2016 C'. Becker Park Master Plan • Vision • Becker Park is a multi -use destination park that provides a vibrant year-round gathering place that includes recreation, community events and entertainment for residents and guests of all ages. • Master Plan will move vision & survey forward • Determine changes needed to implement vision • Concept Plan showing what those changes look like • Phasing Plan showing how to make those changes • CIP showing costs and potential funding CI.. --,,..- Becker Park Survey Results • Promoted on social media, Channel 12, etc. • 3,000 postcard invitations distributed • 297 responses • 94% of respondents were Crystal residents or businesses Top future use: Farmer's Market Top benefit sought: Increased Use / Healthy Living Willing to pay higher taxes for parks? Yes G, Becker Park Survey Results (cont.) What activities would you like to see? Farmers Market 77.60% corKerts/Entertainment 64.80% Food Venues/Food Trucks 46.60% Playground 40% Multi -use green space AFARkSINNERINEM 40% Picnic area 1 38.60% Summer Trails ENIONNEklEOM 38.60% Community Ice Skating 36.60% Winter Trails 3111111111011111l 33.40% Active uses 26.60% Other 15.90% Becker Park Survey Results (cont.) What benefits would you like to see come out of this project? Strongly Agree w Somewhat Agree d Disagree 213 139 87 3�8� Revitalize retail Create a district healthier community 219 195 133 9d 67 39 0 Attract more Increased park Become a businesses usage destination CAM 10/5/2016 4 Becker Park Survey Results (cont.) Would you support additional tax dollars to provide funding for City Park + A majority of improvements? respondents would support " < �o additional tax' dollars to fund park improvements. Next Steps October, 2o1 • Select a consultant / develop final contract details November, 2,oi( * Bring contract to the City Council • Project start-up Januar -August, joi7 • Public involvement process • Develop the Park System Plan and Becker Park Master Plan 10/5/2016 5 10/5/2016 Questions? Location F, corner of city Conservancy Area A.cres Crystal City Park Map ;- it ra+�•x� Nns.wi. - ��.r«...Fye• 10/5/2016 Current Status Owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission + Contains a wetland and some woodlands Cw-reiii development • Boardwalks • Trails Floods Easily +► Inaccessible C. - Future Opportunity Three Rivers Park District is Interested in the Park * Focus on nature viewing and interpretation • Unproved boardwalks - with elevated platform • Learning stations along the boardwalk • Better connection between underserved youtli & nature 10/5/2016 2 Future Opportunity Three Rivers Park District Advantages • Regional agency with potential access to regional funds • They can lead a regional `bridging facility' discussion • Would not require the size commitment of a regional park • Would allow for single purpose area to attract new users • They will lead a public input process • They are working on initial drawings and cost estimates Next Steps • Continue working with Three Rivers Park District • Further investigate the `Bridging Facility' concept • Coordinate MAC park planning with city planning • Seek additional community engagement • Continue involvement with City Council, Park and Recreation Commission and other stakeholders 10/5/2016 3 10/5/2016 Questions?