Board of Parks Commissioners Meeting

Norman Board of Parks Commissioners December 5, 2019 The Norman Board of Parks Commissioners of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in Council Chambers on the 5th day of December, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. and notice and agenda of the meeting were posted at 201 West Gray Street, 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. ITEM 1, being: ROLL CALL Present: Chair Wright and Commissioners Favors, Ross, Sallee, Salmond, and Starke Absent: Commissioners Dolan, Isacksen, and Moxley City Officials Present: Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation James Briggs, Park Planner Jason Olsen, Recreation Superintendent Wade Thompson, Parks Superintendent Karla Sitton, Administrative Technician IV ITEM 2, being: APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 7, 2019 MINUTES Commissioner Sallee made the motion and Commissioner Favors seconded to approve the minutes. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Chair Wright and Commissioners Favors, Ross, Sallee, Salmond, and Starke NAY: None ITEM 3, being: APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Chair Wright said due to time constraints, Item #7 would be heard after Item #4. Commissioner Salmond made the motion to revise tonight’s agenda, stating Item #7 will be heard after Item #4 and Commissioner Starke seconded approval of the revised agenda. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Chair Wright and Commissioners Favors, Ross, Sallee, Salmond, and Starke NAY: None _________________________________________________________________________________________ Park Board Regular Meeting Page 2 of 9 December 5, 2019 ITEM 4, being: NORMAN FORWARD SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER PRESENTATION Mr. John Semtner with FSB highlighted the Norman Wellness Center presentation to the Park Board beginning with the schedule of past and present meetings to include: Ad Hoc, Public, Online Survey, and Workshops. He said the construction budget for the Norman Wellness Center is a total of $6 million: $800,000 for site construction and $5.2 million for building construction. Mr. Semtner said the online survey was open for approximately 30 days; the City mailed out surveys and stuffed flyers into water billing as well as leaving copies that could be picked up at several locations including the current Senior Center and Whittier Recreation Center. He said approximately 1,400 online and handwritten surveys were submitted/returned to the City. Mr. Semtner said the top six (6) indoor activity priorities include (in order): Indoor Walking, Group Exercise, Educational Classes, Social Gathering, Fitness, and Aquatics Warm Water. Mr. Semtner highlighted the base building design and phasing options for the Norman Wellness Center. The 15,506 square foot base building included: Senior Lounge, 120 Person Event Space, Administrative Office(s), Lobby, Fitness/Weights Area with Walking Track; and a Mac Gym. Mr. Semtner said a Porte Cochere/Covered Entrance and Covered Parking could be added between Phases 1 and 2 for a cost of $379,901 and $94,627 respectively. Phase 2 included: Wellness Pool, Lockers, Storage, Mechanical Area, and Aquatics Support. Phase 3 included: Dry Arts & Crafts, Wet Arts & Crafts, and a Game Room. Phase 4 included: Senior Wellness, 25 Person Class Room, a Catering Kitchen & Optional Patio/Porch Area off of 120 Person Event Space (Option 1). Mr. Semtner highlighted the base building/site cost and project cost for each phase. He said Phase 1 project cost is $6,197,322; Phase 2: $2,3 Million; Phase 3: 1,683,479; Phase 4: $1,020,516; and Phase 5: 1,364,217 for a total Project Cost (Phase 1 – Phase 5): $13,040,062. Mr. Semtner showed pictures depicting what the interior of the Senior Wellness Center could look like. He said the Reaves Wellness Center will be located in the southwest corner of Reaves Park and the building will be rotated on the property to allow for additional parking which will be approximately 82 spots – 10 of which can be covered. Mr. Semtner showed pictures depicting what the Senior Wellness Center and parking area could look like on the project site. Commissioner Salmond asked if a storm shelter is proposed to be constructed at the Senior Wellness Center and Mr. Semtner said there is not a storm shelter proposed at this time. Mr. Semtner said a storm shelter was not a priority per the surveys gathered; however, one can be constructed if so desired but it would make the project cost more and/or something may need to be taken out of the project. Commissioner Ross asked about the space behind the lobby area and could that be used as a shelter in space area. Mr. Semnter said that space is mechanical/heating area(s) and said the building code has changed for storm shelter construction and FEMA requirements must be used which makes it a lot more expensive. Chairperson Wright asked where in the facility are the art/craft areas and Mr. Semtner said they are located on the northeast side of the facility. She said she was an Ex-Officio member of the Norman Forward (NF) Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc Group and the Ad Hoc Group mentioned one option is to keep the crafts and ceramics at the current facility. Commissioner Starke asked if the project included walking trails and Mr. Semtner said yes, walking trails are part of the Park Board Regular Meeting Page 3 of 9 December 5, 2019 Reaves Park Master Plan. He said as the facility is constructed and Constitution Street is re- aligned, sidewalks and walking trails will be joined/connected together. Commissioner Favors asked if the plan presented today was shown to the NF Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc Group at their December 3, 2019 meeting and Mr. Semtner said yes; however, they requested the plans be revised to include a warming kitchen. Commissioner Favors asked if the swimming pool is part of this proposed plan and Mr. Semtner said yes, as part of Phase 2; however, Phase 1 and 2 can possibly be constructed at the same time if we can stay in budget. Ms. Nadine Jewell, NF Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc Member, asked what role does the Park Board play in the Senior Wellness Center Project; Chairperson Wright said the Park Board can endorse the proposed plan and recommend it to go forward to City Council. Mr. Art Chapman, concerned citizen, said he has been following the NF Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc meetings and process since February, 2019. He said initially the budget was $7.6 million and the figures/budget are not that now. Mr. Chapman asked the budget amount and price per square foot. He said the surveys gathered determined that 21 activities are wanted at the Senior Wellness Center; however, only 5 activities are being done in Phase 1 and 2. Mr. Chapman said he is the Tai Chi instructor at the current Senior Center and he knows what senior citizens want. He said the budget is not enough to build what we deserve. Mr. Chapman said he has visited the newly constructed Senior Center in Ada; additionally, the facility has 18 programs and cost $2 million less than what is being proposed for the Norman Senior Wellness Center. He recommended that the Park Board not send this plan forward to City Council. Commissioner Sallee asked whether land was included in the Ada Senior Citizen Center and Mr. Chapman said no, there was not a land acquisition; however, a 3-story building had to be demolished before new construction started. Mr. Semtner said the Ada project and Norman Senior Wellness Center cannot be compared because there is not an indoor pool at the Ada Senior Center and the indoor pool is one of the major cost(s) at the Norman Wellness Center. Mr. Chapman requested a description of the indoor pool and Mr. Semtner said he does not have dimensions today for the indoor pool, but it will include deck space, have warm water and can be used as a work out pool as well as a lazy river. Mr. Paul Arcoli, concerned citizen, asked whether tonight’s meeting is being taped and Staff said it is being taped audio only. He said there has been very little attendance at the NF Senior Wellness Center meetings (Public and/or Regular Ad Hoc) and felt the proposed plan is still lacking. Mr. Arcoli said the meetings have not been publicized and Mr. Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation said all the meetings have been posted and publicized. Mr. Semtner said a lot of public outreach has been done and will continue throughout the process and the project timeline has been mentioned/shown at every meeting. Mr. Arcoli said it is egregious that a storm shelter is not included in the plan and the project is not being funded correctly. He said former Councilmember Robert Castleberry has mentioned at recent NF meetings that NF projects were underfunded from the beginning and City Council should be asked to find additional funding for the NF Senior Wellness Center as well as all other NF projects. Mr. Arcoli said the proposed plan is toxic and this community deserves a better Senior Center plan. He urged the Park Board to vote no and send it back to the NF Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc Group. Park Board Regular Meeting Page 4 of 9 December 5, 2019 Commissioner Favors asked whether the Ad Hoc Group had concerns about the proposed NF Senior Wellness Center plan and Chairperson Wright said there have been many concerns from the beginning. Mr. Foster reminded the Park Board the proposed plan being presented is only a concept, stating there is much more work to be done and the details will be worked out as the process moves forward. Mr. Semtner agreed and said today’s presentation is the first part of the design process. He said the plan is to make rooms more multi-functional with proper storage rather than have rooms that can only be used for one specific activity/program. Commissioner Sallee asked whether card games can be played in the proposed multi-purpose room and Mr. Semtner said absolutely. Commissioner Sallee asked how many people are on the NF Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc Committee and Mr. Foster said there are seven (7) members. She asked how many of the members attended the December 3, 2019 meeting and voted to recommend the proposed plan go forward to City Council. Mr. Foster said six (6) of the seven (7) members were in attendance and recommended (voted) to move it forward to City Council. He said the Ad Hoc Group requested some changes on the plan and requested to see a revised plan at a future Ad Hoc Group meeting. Chairperson Wright said she is the Park Board Ex-Officio on the NF Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc Group. She felt like the proposed plan has progressed through the meetings and the Ad Hoc Group did not vote to halt this plan. Mr. Foster said the Ad Hoc Group requested and met with City Council at a Joint Council and Ad Hoc Group Conference scheduled November 12, 2019, to discuss their funding concerns. Commissioner Salmond said he would like to hold off on recommending plan/presentation move forward to City Council until after the Ad Hoc Group sees the plan revision. He felt a safe room/storm shelter area needs to be included in the project as well. Commissioner Salmond made the motion to reject the Norman Forward Senior Wellness Center Presentation as shown until after the next Norman Forward Senior Wellness Center Ad Hoc meeting and Commissioner Ross seconded to approve. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Chair Wright and Commissioners Favors, Ross, Sallee, Salmond, and Starke NAY: None _________________________________________________________________________________________ Item #7 was heard after Item #4 _________________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 7, being: CONSIDERATION OF PARK LAND REQUIREMENT FOR BOYD STREET COMMONS ADDITION Mr. James Briggs, Park Planner, said Boyd Street Commons Special Planned Unit Development (SPUD) Addition is located in part of Section 32, Township 9 North, Range 2 West of the Indian Meridian and is located south of Boyd Street, just west of 12th Avenue Southeast. Boyd Street Commons SPUD Addition is on a tract of land that will ultimately encompass Park Board Regular Meeting Page 5 of 9 December 5, 2019 approximately 4.7 acres, with a total of 19 lots. At this density, the addition will generate a parkland dedication requirement of .1245 acres. The developer would like to pursue a private park decision, and to that effect has proposed an area of open space at the entry of the addition which connects to the open space around the dry detention space just inside the entry to the addition. This would satisfy the doubled park land acreage (.2489) that would be required if a private park decision is made. The developer has indicated they will provide a landscaped area with irrigation, lighting and seating for residents and the general public to enjoy as a park-like setting. Mr. Briggs said the project is located in part of town with existing neighborhood parks located less than a mile away. Faculty Heights Park on Lindsey Street and Eastwood Park located along land that is accessed on both Ponca and Oklahoma Streets are both within walking distance to the Boyd Street Commons SPUD Addition. A private park decision would make sense based on the small amount of land that would be required of a public park when there are other parks available. Also, the private park land would have public access and be maintained by the mandatory Property Owners Association being created with this development. Mr. Briggs said an alternate option would be to collect a Fee-In-Lieu of Land, which in this case could be used at Eastwood or Faculty Heights Park. The fee would likely be less than $2,000, which would have little impact on improvements at those parks. Mr. Briggs said based on the park land requirements for this small of an addition, and the proposed design and maintenance plan for the space being proposed, Staff is in agreement with the developer’s request and recommends a private park decision for the Boyd Street Commons SPUD Addition. Commissioner Sallee made the motion and Commissioner Favors seconded to recommend a private park decision for the Boyd Street Commons SPUD Addition. The vote was taken with the following results: YEAH: Chair Wright and Commissioners Favors, Ross, Sallee, Salmond, and Starke NAY: None _________________________________________________________________________________________ Commissioners Allison and Salmond left the meeting at 6:30 p.m. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 5, being: ANNUAL PRESENTATION FROM THE DEPOT Ms. Shari Jackson, Executive Director, Performing Arts Studio DBA The Depot, said The Depot produces Summer Breeze, Winter Wind, and Whistle Stop Concerts, The Depot Gallery, and Second Sunday Poetry Readings. Ms. Jackson said they also manage the rental of the Norman Depot for weddings, meetings, parties, and other events. Ms. Jackson highlighted the programs stating the Summer Breeze Concert Series is a Norman tradition featuring national and local musicians performing at Lions Park from May to September Park Board Regular Meeting Page 6 of 9 December 5, 2019 and the Sunday evening concerts are casual family-friendly events. She said the 2019 Summer Breeze concerts included local artists Byron Berline, Seth Glier, Kyshona Armstrong, The Greyhounds, Making Movies, Levi Parham, and OKC’s Adam & Kizzie. The Summer Breeze finished the season with “Homegrown Volume 1”, which was a concert headed by local stars Terry “Buffalo” Ware and Kyle Reid who put together a blockbuster show of our best local talent. Ms. Jackson said “Homegrown Volume 1”, was such a hit that it will be continued in the 2020 Summer Breeze Concert Series. Ms. Jackson said the Winter Wind Concert Series continues to showcase the best of what The Depot is about featuring musicians that perform in the listening room at the historic train station. She said the concerts are on Sunday evenings, October through March and has been expanded to include a subset of concerts produced and promoted in collaboration with Jazz in June. Ms. Jackson said The Depot is now a part of the Folk Alliance International which is drawing audiences from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas and included musicians Jeff Black, Smokey & The Mirror, Slaid Cleaves, Susan Gibson, Radoslav Lorkovic, Nobody’s Girl, Chely Wight, Wes Collins, Peter Bradley Adams, and Grace Pettis and Wood & Wire. Ms. Jackson said the Second Sunday Poetry Readings present monthly readings with regional poets coordinated and hosted by Former Oklahoma Poet Laureate and Oklahoma Book Award- winning poet Carl Sennhenn. She said the Depot Gallery works with outstanding Oklahoma artists that are exhibited in The Depot throughout the year with new artists every eight (8) weeks and receptions held in conjunction with 2nd Friday Art Walk. The gallery is Free and open to the public. Ms. Jackson said The Depot has become the premiere gallery in Norman with annual sales averaging $20,000 and art provided for viewing for over 25,000 patrons including gallery guests, rental patrons, train customers, and the groups hosted by our venue. She said the artists included Skip Hill, Douglas Elder, Julie Marks Blackstone, Sue Moss Sullivan, Don Holladay, and many more. Ms. Jackson highlighted The Depot revenue sources to include rentals, membership programs, and Program Partners. She said The Depot serves as host to passengers boarding Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, by ensuring passengers have required ticket information, luggage tags, parking information and providing complimentary coffee. Ms. Jackson said she is extremely grateful to the City of Norman for the use of the beautiful, historic Depot and for paying a percentage of the utilities. Ms. Jackson said The Depot had a Fall 2019 Strategic Planning Session and set goals to expand their programming and improve their existing presence so they can be prepared for the Cleveland County’s Healthy Living Block expansion. A written report including financial information was submitted prior to the meeting. The board acknowledged the report. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 6, being: ANNUAL PPRESENTATION FROM BALL CLUBS OF NORMAN Mr. Trent Wells, President of Ball Clubs of Norman, highlighted their annual report and said their mission statement is: Provide a safe and supportive baseball environment for all participants, at all levels of play; Install and promote respect for each other and for the game, fair Park Board Regular Meeting Page 7 of 9 December 5, 2019 play, sportsmanship, teamwork and effort regardless of result; Facilitate quality instruction geared to teach the physical and mental skills necessary to allow each child to maximize his or her abilities as a baseball/softball player; and to provide a fun and supportive environment. Mr. Wells highlighted the following for the 2019 Spring and Fall leagues to include: Spring 2019 Fall 2019 Age of Participation: 4U – 14U 4U – 14U Number of Games: 12 8 Number of Participants: 1,118 475 Number of Teams: 120 Baseball and 26 Softball (both seasons combined) Registration Fees (total): $68 plus umpire fees $38 plus umpire fees Umpire Fees: $19 - $35 $19 - $35 Financial Aid: 97 28 Mr. Wells highlighted the 2019 tournaments for the Spring season to include: April 26-28th: 44 teams; May 17-19th: 30 teams; and June 14-15th: 31 teams. He said the Fall season tournaments had 28 teams on September 21-22nd and 42 teams on October 19-20th. Mr. Wells said the 2020 tentative tournament schedule will begin with a pre-season tournament scheduled March 2-8th. He said there will be tournaments on the following weekends: March 21-22nd; April 4-5th; April 18-19th; May 2-3rd; May 16-17th; May 30-31st; June 13-14th; and end with a post season tournament scheduled June 22-28th. A written report including financial information was submitted prior to the meeting and Mr. Wells highlighted the fund balance. He said the beginning fund balance was zero; and after receiving donations ($23,000), collecting League Revenue ($132,000) and paying Expenses (-$115,000) the ending fund balance was $40,000. Mr. Wells said Ball Clubs of Norman will probably spend $25,000 to $30,000 on top dressing and bringing in dirt for fields at Griffin Park. Chairperson Wright said Member Isacksen was not able to make it to the meeting; however, via email, she requested a detailed budget and Mr. Wells said he will send it to Park Staff and Park Staff will send out to the Board. The board acknowledged the report. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 8, being: NORMAN FORWARD PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation gave a Norman Forward Update to the Board. Ruby Grant Mr. Foster said the City will hold the first OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meeting in December to go over the construction schedule for the Ruby Grant Project. Work has started on the northern part of the park, where the new parking area, pavilion and memorial to Ruby Grant will be constructed near the old home site along Franklin Road. Dirt work will commence throughout the park to create the walking and running trails that will tie all parts of the project Park Board Regular Meeting Page 8 of 9 December 5, 2019 together, as work progresses to the southwest section along 36th Avenue NW (where the new restroom, pavilion and inclusive playground will be built along with a new parking lot), and then to the southeast section along the I-35 Frontage Road (where the new dog park, disc golf course, restroom building and parking lot for those activities will be built). Work will progress throughout 2020; with substantial completion anticipated in the fall. Crossland Construction is the construction manager for the project, which was designed by Howell & VanCuren, Landscape Architects. Andrews Skate Park The 2nd Public Meeting was held on November 25, 2019 to present the initial concept for the new Blake Baldwin Skatepark and receive feedback from local skaters and cyclists. The new park design included a beginner’s/warm-up area, an expansive plaza area with multiple banks, grind ledges, stairs, rails, pads and other skate-able features, and at least one drop-in bowl area to be constructed along the eastern edge of Andrews Park (where the old water storage tank is located). Based on feedback at the meeting, we expect a revised concept that includes some lighted areas, a second bowl area and some modifications to the plaza features in order to help make this a park that is enjoyed by all wheeled athletes. The design team from American Ramp Company (ARC) and Cabbiness Engineering will work to complete the engineering documents and coordinate the project construction this winter and spring—with a Grand Opening planned for Summer 2020. Reaves Park The Design Team continues working on the Norman Forward Reaves Park Project and construction documents are 95% complete. He said the project should go to bid after the first of the year. Griffin Park The Norman Forward Griffin Park Project Phase 3 work is underway and construction has begun on the restroom facility and parking lot. Adult Softball and Flag Football A kickoff meeting for the Norman Forward Adult Softball and Flag Football is scheduled for December 16, 2019. The Design Team, Howell and Vancuren, will give a presentation to the Group. Indoor Aquatic and Multi-Sports Facility The Norman Forward Indoor Aquatic and Multi-Sports Facility Ad Hoc Group met on December 2, 2019. The Design Team, FSB, is revising concept plans and will bring back to the Ad Hoc Group meeting scheduled on January 22, 2020. Mr. Foster said the budget appears to be short for a 50-meter pool and an 8-court facility; however, options are being explored to subsidize the project budget. Neighborhood Parks Rotary Park: Staff recommended PlayWell Grooup to be the awarded the Rotary Park Playground Project and it will be scheduled as an agenda item on December 10, 2019, for Council consideration and approval. Prairie Creek Park: Park furniture was set and we are working to coordinate the installation of the new picnic pavilion for that park, which arrived at our shop late in the month. Songbird Park: Work will continue at the new Songbird Park with the installation of the park walking trails, basketball court, soccer facilities and park furniture. A gazebo is also being Park Board Regular Meeting Page 9 of 9 December 5, 2019 delivered to construct in the park once the concrete and playground contractors have finished their work. Norman Community Dog Park: Crews worked to clean the main entry at the park and the watering station prior to installation of new seating, a shade tree, new bag dispenser and a plaque at the park in honor of long-time dog park volunteer coordinator, Betty Blatt. We have worked with Ms. Blatt’s family to create an area that thanks her for her years of service to the community. OG&E are working to replace the underground lines and upgrade the light fixtures along the entry road, parking and fencing at the dog park. Also, the fixtures are being upgraded to LED lights, which are longer-lasting, more energy efficient and brighter. OG&E is running the project; which was scheduled to be completed by Christmas, weather permitting. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 9, being: MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation, said there are many events occurring in December and invited the Board to attend or participate in the following:  12-6-19 at 5:30 pm: Andrews Park Tree Lighting and Open House at New Central Library  12-7-19 at 5:30 pm: Winterfest at Legacy Park, ending with a firework show at 7pm  12-7-19: Santa’s Calling - Staff, along with Santa, will be making phone calls to children. For information or to register a child, go to www.normanparks.com.  12-14-19 at 5:30 pm: Ugly Sweater Dash – prior to the Annual Holiday Parade. To register for the Ugly Sweater Dash, go online at https://cityofnorman.thundertix.com/. Commissioner Sallee invited everyone to attend a sing-a-long she is doing at the West Side Library on December 15, 2019, at 4pm. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ITEM 10, being: AJOURNMENT Chairperson Wright adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Passed and approved this ____________of ________________________ 2020 Kristi Wright, Chair