Parks & Natural Resources Commission

Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Agenda November 4, 2020 | 5:45 p.m. Public Safety Education and Training Conference Rooms Public Safety, 2100 Radio Drive Please note: Due to COVID-19, the November 4, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting is taking place virtually and at Public Safety in the Public Safety Training Center. Members of the public may attend the meeting, but will be required to comply with social distancing parameters as determined by the City. Members of the public may also join the meeting using a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device. Public comments will be accepted during the meeting by using the link to the virtual meeting to join the meeting and then submit your questions via the online Q&A feature within the meeting. * Please note that all agenda times are estimates. 5:45* 1. Call to Order 5:47 2. Open Forum 5:50 3. Approval of the Minutes – September 1, 2020 5:55 4. Fair Haven Park Update 6:00 5. Valley Creek Park Update – Memorandum No. 20 – 14 6:15 6. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 20 - 15 6:20 7. Council Report – Council Member Morris 6:25 8. Announcements/Miscellaneous 6:30 9. Adjourn If a Commission member cannot attend this meeting, please contact Belinda Reed at 651-714-3584 by Monday, November 2, 2020. Thank you. The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities. The City is committed to full implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the City Administrator's office at 651-714-3500. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours in advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator, at 651-714-3500 (TDD 651-714-3568) to make arrangements.  City of Woodbury Woodbury City Hall 8301 Valley Creek Road Woodbury, MN 55125 651-714-3583 Minutes of Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Commission Members Present: Greta Bjerkness (Chair), Arin Kurttila, Deborah Musser, Rachel Nelson, Bruce Montgomery Commission Member(s) Virtual: Timothy Brewington II, Jakob Neau Commission Member Absent: Karin Freymann Council Member Present: Steve Morris Staff Present: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director Belinda Reed, Administrative Assistant Staff Virtual: Robert James, Information & Communications Technology Director Ben Strobach, IT Manager Call to Order Chair Bjerkness called the meeting to order at 8:49 p.m. Open Forum None Action Items A. August 18, 2020, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the Minutes of the August 18, 2020, meeting of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. MOTION: Moved by Commissioner Musser, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery, to approve the August 18, 2020, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes. VOTE: In favor All In-person and Virtual Against None Absent Karin Freymann Discussion Items B. August Revenue Status - Memorandum No. 20 - 13 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes September 1, 2020 Page 2 Ms. Okada noted that the August report shows that some areas are doing great and others struggling as would be expected during current pandemic conditions. Staff is working out what expenses may be covered by the CARES Act. The large majority of expenditures, particularly in Recreation, represent full-time staff expenses.. While Recreation has not been able to host all of the normal summer programs, and with the significant reduction of summer seasonal staff, regular full-time staff have been deployed to provide service to other areas of the City, including working at the golf course and HealthEast Sports Center (HSC). The limited number of programs that we were able to offer were held following safe guidelines. Ms. Okada also noted that other expenses in general, have been pretty low as staff utilizes costs savings in our reuse and sharing of supplies. It was noted that the golf course is doing exceptionally well and experiencing the benefit of people wanting to get outside, during the beautiful summer weather, to enjoy rounds of golf. HSC was closed for 2 ½ months, a couple of the hockey tournaments scheduled in may May moved to August dates. Although, HSC is not able to make up for all of the 2 ½ months the facility was closed, reservations going forward are in comparison to where HSC was in 2019, which was an increase from 2018. Due to all of the changes with regard to fall sports activities, staff will be meeting with HSC partners to determine how best to adapt to some fall sports moving to spring sports. The goal is to make sure that community members, which participate in those sports normally held in the fall, will also have some access available to them at the facility in the spring. Although there remain capacity restrictions and facilities are not able to host large groups, staff will continue to monitor and spread things out in trying to prepare for the upcoming youth and high school hockey season. Ms. Okada noted that people visiting HSC are excited to be there. Recreation is developing a program specifically for school-age children, which would complement the district’s hybrid school options. A discussion took place as to monitoring the traffic on the City website. It was noted that prior to COVID-19, staff used the RecTrac software registration information, layered with the City’s GIS system, to identify pockets of the City where there have been higher program registrations as well as areas with lower program registrations and subsequently targeted those areas. Ms. Okada shared the most recent Woodbury Parks and Recreation brochure for fall, which was reduced to a four-page, folded flyer. Compared to previous brochures, which were described as full and oversized, with multiple pages and multi-color, this most recent brochure represents a significant printing and mailing costs savings. The folded flyer is meant to serve as a highlight of programs and directs residents to look online to view the full complement of everything that we are offering and to register. Staff will continue to use social media and email blasts to promote program offerings, as again, the flyer is a sampling of what we are in a position to offer. Council Report – Council Member Morris Mr. Morris noted that this past Sunday, a reverse parade was held at East Ridge High School’s parking lot. The parade was organized in conjunction with the Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, Woodbury Days and the City with organizations having stationary sections of the parking lot and the public, staying in their cars, drove through. Although Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes September 1, 2020 Page 3 an exact number has not been public, it was estimated there were over 300 people participating in the parade. Mr. Morris noted that at the August 19 Council workshop, Council reviewed a Public Safety year- long staffing study conducted by a consulting firm, and encouraged the public to look at the study information that is available on the City’s website. It was noted that the annual City Council Budget Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 4 p.m. at the Public Safety Education and Training Conference Room. For the first time, this workshop will be held not only in-person as well as virtually Announcements/Miscellaneous Ms. Okada noted that although there is not a Monthly Update this month, as not much has changed since the late August update, the update will resume in October. The Commission inquired as to whether there are any projects that are not going to be moved forward due to budgetary issues caused by the pandemic. Ms. Okada noted that more information will be available in October, as some of the City projects are more maintenance related, with staffing capacity may have factored into whether maintenance projects were not moved forward or were paused. It was noted that the Parks and Recreation Department projects have been more contractor related with the contractors not being available to schedule our projects because they are so busy and with some of our projects being a little bit smaller. Ms. Okada noted that a model of the Night to Unite, which was not able to take place throughout the City neighborhoods back in August due to the pandemic, is in the planning stages to be held on October 6. Again a reverse parade is envisioned, in combination with Recreation’s largest yearly special event: Big Truck Day. The location and exact time are yet to be determined, but information will be available on the City’s website and via social media channels. The October 6, PNRC monthly meeting will again immediately following the next joint PNRC and Audit and Investment Commission meeting. October 6, 2020 – 7 p.m., Public Safety Education Room November 4, 2020 – 7 p.m., Public Safety Education Room Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Belinda Reed Administrative Assistant Approved by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on October 6, 2020.  City Of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 20 –14 November 4, 2020 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: Subject: Valley Creek Park Design Development Draft Summary City staff continues to work through the Design Development phase of the Valley Creek Park project. Adjustments to trail locations, parking lot size, and the adventure play area reflect all of the input received from stakeholders and the community. The result of these adjustments to preserve trees, reduce impervious surface, and enhance the natural resources present, is a park plan that creates a community park where park users can explore and enjoy a natural environment. A detailed engineering analysis was completed of Miller Barn, which concluded that the structure is still in good condition overall. In addition, the repairs recommended to the foundation, internal structure, and surrounding site are within the scope of work anticipated prior to design development. A detailed packet of information is currently under review with the Minnesota Historical Society for grant compliance with the Legacy Grant, being utilized for some of the work needed to keep Miller Barn as a fixture on the landscape of Valley Creek Park. Recommendation City staff requests the Parks and Natural Resources Commission provide input and guidance on the proposed revisions of the concept plan. A more in-depth review of tree impacts and grading limits will be provided during the meeting for Commission discussion. Budget Impact The 2020-2024 adopted Capital Improvement Plan identifies $65,000 in 2019, for the Master Planning process of Valley Creek Park. Included in the scope of these planning efforts is the determination of an overall project budget, which will be proposed to City Council for approval and authorization for construction in 2021. Background Valley Creek Park is an undeveloped 70-acre community park in Woodbury and is part of a larger area known as the Fish Lake Greenway Corridor. This property is part of a larger collection of City-owned open space and park parcels that were acquired through a City open space referendum in 1998, Park Dedication from development, a State Metro Greenways Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a Land and Water Legacy Grant from Washington County. The open space is a mixture of oak woodland, coniferous tree plantation and retired agricultural fields. Significant investment has been made since 2006, regarding the active vegetation management of this area with prairie and oak savannah restoration. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum No. 20 – 14 November 4, 2020 Page 2 of 2 Public Process Key Milestone Project Dates March 29, 2019 RFPs created for architectural services and site plan design May 22, 2019 HCM selected as consultants for project. June 19, 2019 Kick-off Meeting with City staff and HCM Held August 21-23, 2019 City staff at Woodbury Days gathering public input on project October 15, 2019 Neighborhood Meeting held at City Hall November 12, 2019 PNRC provides recommendations to Staff on initial concept plan November 19, 2019 Second Neighborhood Meeting held at City Hall April 15, 2020 Council Workshop to review concept plan June 17, 2020 Council Meeting to authorize Design Development and Construction Documents Summer 2020 Finalize Master Plan concept with public engagement & Architectural Design November 2020 Complete Design Development, Review Preliminary report and financing December 2020 Final report delivered and Council adoption of project January 2020 Project Bid Spring 2021 Project Construction December 2021 Project Completion Respectfully submitted, /s/ Mike Adams Parks Planner Attachments: Revised Valley Creek Concept Plan 10/28/20  Co Va l l e y C r e e k P a r k D e v e l o p m e n t G o a l : nif Create a community park where park users can explore er Pa and enjoy a natural environment, play, and learn. ss Restored Prairie e t r a i l R iverston Wetland Nature Enhance Existing Forest Ecosystem Added Trees 140’ Enhance Paved Existing Woodland Trail Prairie Restoration Enhance Existing Woodland Enhance Existing Oak Savana Unpaved Trail Protect & educate park users on trout stream headwaters Road 85’ Enhance Existing Woodland Stormwater Treatment Deephaven Added Trees Adventure/Nature Play Space Enhance Existing Woodland Portable Restroom Added Trees Maintain Parking Play & Explore Prairie Adventure / Nature Playground Stormwater Miller Barn Remove Buckthorn improving Remove visibility to wetland Shed Headwaters 100’ Buffer Overlook Zone Trout-Stream Headwaters Paved trails Unpaved Trails Snowshoeing Wetland Settlers Ridge Parkway Widen Road & Unpaved Enhance Box Culvert Observation areas Trail Restored Prairie Paved Trail Pump House Miller Barn Park Entry Sign Valley Creek Road Potential Trail Access to Liberty Park Park Concept Plan Valley Creek Park Master Plan October, 2020 Woodbury, Minnesota  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 20 – 15 November 4, 2020 The Parks and Recreation Department continues to adjust to the Governor’s Executive Orders, and guidelines presented by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eagle Valley Golf Course – Dan Moris Eagle Valley is coming off an incredible run with unmatched volume over the past four-plus months. Rounds played and practice range activity has been phenomenal over the summer months and through September. As of October 13, the course set a record for most rounds played in a single season. The old record (2000) of 38,283, which included 1,700 rounds in March, took seven months to reach. For the record setting year of 2020, golf did not start until the middle of April and only took six months to break the all-time mark. October 20, blindsided us with six inches of wet snow and at this point, the extended forecast is not looking favorable. If the weather miraculously turns around, we hope to top the 39,000 mark by the end of the season. HealthEast Sports Center (HSC) – Katie Broderick HealthEast Sports Center wrapped up the summer with three hosted AAA hockey tournaments in the ice arenas. September brought the start and completion of hockey tryouts and a more regular schedule due to school being back in session. Staff spent time developing facility guidelines for user groups, and to allow for open programs such as open walk to resume. Almost as quickly as the weather has changed seasons, HSC kicked off its busy season. Hockey and Figure Skating clubs are all seeing excellent turnouts and their registration levels seem not to have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Lacrosse, the Open Walk program and the Recreation program “Recess Imagined,” have been utilizing the field house, and indoor soccer began the first week of November. Staff continues to pivot as the guidelines change and we look to hold events that may look a little different due to COVID-19 guidelines. The Woodbury Figure Skating Club hosted its annual competition the weekend of October 23/24. Participants competing, represent over 20 metro figure skating clubs. The Minnesota State High School Hockey League adjusted the season for high school hockey practice and game schedules, due to COVID-19. Staff is working through adjusting the ice schedule for the three high school hockey programs that call HSC home for their season: Woodbury High School Girls, East Ridge High School Girls and Woodbury High School Boys. Staff is also working on developing a plan for operating the outdoor rink within the state guidelines, preparing for outdoor rink ice install and training new maintenance/equipment operators. Recreation Division – Reed Smidt Recreation staff have continued to adjust recreation programs and special events to follow the MDH guidelines. A variety of programs and special events are being offered to the community.  August and September recreation programs were very successful this fall. Many programs and classes either reached participant maximums or had high participation numbers. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 20–15 November 4, 2020 Page 2 of 3  Recreation staff kicked off the new Recess Reimagined program on Monday, Oct. 5. The program is designed to provide support to families with elementary-aged children that are distance or hybrid learning. The afternoon school day program is held at HSC.  Staff collaborated with the local Woodbury Cricket Club to offer a ‘Learn to Play Cricket’ workshop at HSC on October 3. An adult indoor cricket tournament is being planned for Thanksgiving weekend at HSC.  Recreation staff collaborated with Public Safety to combine the Night to Unite and Big Truck Day events. The event was held on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at HSC and supported the Christian Cupboard with over 3,000 pounds of food and supplies and $2,079 in donations.  The Halloween Hoopla took place on Saturday, Oct. 24. The event sold-out a couple weeks in advance.  One full-time recreation staff continues to support Eagle Valley Golf Course maintenance operations through the end of the season.  Recreation staff are evaluating the upcoming outdoor skating rink and warming house season. It will be even more important this year to provide safe outdoor recreational activities to the public, as we expect an increase in use due to the pandemic. In order to provide safe facilities, warming house hours may be modified, additional outdoor seating will be available and push button/timed lighting at rinks will be added, to maintain user access to the rinks when warming houses are closed. Program offerings in August, September and October  Youth Sport Camps  Soccer Shots  Adult Softball League  Youth Tennis  Amazing Athletes  Rhythm Kids Online  Miracle League  Mayor Arts  Science Explorers  Leaders in Training  Virtual Music Lessons  Movie in the Park  Geocaching Adventure  Halloween Craft Party  Amazing History  Playground Programs  Halloween Hoopla  Pickleball Club  Mountain Bike Lessons Central Park – Polly Blom The facility is open to allow rentals, host programming, and in cooperation with the Library needs. Hours in coordination with the library, ECFE and early voting are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.  Tables, Amphitheater and access to the YMCA are still closed until Library and Central Park are open to free-flowing public.  Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground remains closed to the public.  A Community Survey, as part of the Central Park Remodel project, was available during the month of September. The survey results have been summarized and staff is now reviewing.  Liberty Church started hosting services at Central Park on Sept. 27. This will be a great partnership. The current agreement is for six months; however, we anticipate that it will continue through 2021.  Full facility rentals have been few due to the pandemic. There have been two weddings booked: one took place on Oct. 4, and the other scheduled for Dec. 26. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 20–15 November 4, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Facility and Project Updates Tamarack Nature Preserve Boardwalk- This project was completed in October and is now open to the public. Additional boardwalk was added to the trails in the northern portion of the park, which will help make this park even more accessible.  Highcroft Park – Public engagement began October 30, with construction completed by the end of 2021.  Brookview Elementary Trail – Trail is mostly complete with the pavement done and restoration work put on hold due to weather.  Bridlewood, Summerlin and Fair Haven Parks - Grading plans are being finalized and projects will be bid this November.  Park Monument Signage – 15 signs without monument bases have been installed. A third round of signs is currently being planned.  Carver Lake Park Parking Lot – The construction project started at the end of August and the overall project is 90 percent complete. The unseasonably cold and snowy weather mid-October has delayed the final wear course paving. The final paving will be completed the first week of November if the weather warms enough, and striping will be completed in the spring. The main components of the project include repaving and a minor redesign of the main parking lot and road, an expanded parking lot by the new bike park playground, adding an electronic gate at the main road entrance, and enhancing the pedestrian crossings for paved trail and off-road cycling trail users. Paved trails in the park were repaved in advance of the larger parking lot reconstruction project.  Splash Pad - Closed for the season on September 9  Non-heated park buildings and shelters - Closed for the season on Monday, Oct 19.  Athletic fields - Officially closed for the season on Saturday, Oct. 24.  Playgrounds - Remain open with caution; we are not able to clean those amenities between users. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Michelle Okada Parks and Recreation Director