Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Council Members Present: Janet Brekke (via telecom), Alex Jensen (via telecom), Rick Kiley (via telecom), Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr Council Members Absent: Christine M. Erickson Council Chair Greg Neitzert called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call. 2. Councilor Remarks There were none. 3. Presentations A. Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan Update by Kelby Mieras, Park Operations Manager Presentation: Approximately 10 minutes followed by discussion Mieras began his presentation by referencing a June 12, 2018, City Council Informational meeting presentation of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB); and the lessons that they have learned. He also thanked all involved in this project. Mieras said they started in May 2018. There have been 5,400 active treatments and they are working to stay ahead of the death curve for the Ash trees. He said: the plan is being adjusted annually; infestation is spreading; treatments continue by property owners; the goal was to remove 2,200 street trees per year, we are averaging 2,283; and less than 1,000 Ash trees remain in the parks. For 2021, there is a plan to remove 2,210 street Ash Trees. Mieras spoke about some tracking devices. One is for arborists and it tracks treatment; the other includes tracking for stump removal. On April 30th and May 1st, the public is invited to participate in Planting Day. The goal is to plant 355 trees in 12 parks. So far, 184 volunteers have signed up. People can get signed up by contacting 211. The Park Department's overall goal for 2021 is to plant 500 trees in 20 parks. In 2020, there were 522 trees planted in 36 parks. Also in 2020, 133 permits were issued for the planting of 217 street trees. Mieras reviewed the variety of street trees that have been planted. He said they are working with Neighborhood Associations to find places to plant trees and are working on grants to help fund the project. Mieras concluded his presentation by reviewing their keys to continued success, which includes: continued communication; diversifying the tree population; and sticking with their plan. He said within a few years, people will begin to see the impact of the program.  Discussion followed regarding: what trees are in stock for homeowners; summer interns; Planting Days; donations are still being accepted for the tree fund through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation; preventing a crisis; getting the word out that Maple trees are not allowed; timing between tree removal and stump removal; work to be done along the bike trails; and street tree removal. B. Falls Park Public/Private Partnership Project by Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Recreation Presentation: Approximately 20 minutes followed by discussion Kearney announced a proposed ice skating ribbon and inclusive playground in Falls Park, through a public/private partnership with Garry and Dianne Jacobson and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. He then showed pictures of parks from across the country that feature these amenities. Kearney said that these are things that will bring in people from all around the region. The project aligns with the Downtown 2025 Plan: to bring year-round recreational opportunities downtown; and a downtown ice rink. This is also fitting the 2025 Park System Plan to offer new experiences in the Park System and to work towards the Department's goal of raising $10 million in private investments by 2022. The project budget is $4M with the Jacobson Family donation of $2M, coming from the SFACF, and the City's match to come from the Sioux Falls for All initiative. The initiative will be considered later this month. Kearney reviewed the proposed gifting agreement for Jacobson Plaza at Falls Park. Mike Patten, Park Development Specialist, explained the plaza design in more detail. The location would be the area between the Levitt Shell and Falls Park, which was leveled off in 2004. He spoke about the refrigerated ice skating ribbon, which would create a unique skating experience; would be refrigerated for an extended season from November through March; and would create a year round downtown recreation experience. The inclusive playground would create an opportunity for all children to play and develop physically, socially and emotionally. Patten reviewed the next steps and noted that the plaza would open in the Winter of 2022. Jim Wiederrich, attorney for the SFACF, said they have been working on this project for a while; and spoke briefly about the financial agreement. Robin Houwman, the Jacobson's daughter, provided a brief family history and explanation of their journey into philanthropy. Discussion followed, regarding: community generosity; a curling facility; Thank you to the Jacobsons; lack of interactive playgrounds in the city; a request to keep people with special needs in the forefront; skate walkers for those with special needs; operational costs; staffing needs; learning from other cities; the attitude of embracing winter; plaque in the park to recognize the Jacobsons; a warming house; funds; and this being an exciting project. 4. Public Comment There was none. 5. Executive Session A. Consulting with legal counsel or reviewing communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2(3) The Executive Session was canceled. 6. Adjournment Council Chair Greg Neitzert adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m. Denise D. Tucker, MMC, Assistant City Clerk