Parks & Natural Resources Commission

Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Agenda March 1, 2022 | 7 p.m. Ash North/South Conference Rooms City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road Please note: Due to COVID-19, the March 1, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting is taking place virtually and at City Hall in the Ash North and South Conference Rooms. 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. 7:00* 1. Call to Order 7:05 2. Open Forum 7:10 3. Approval of the Minutes – February 8, 2022 7:15 4. Environmental Stewardship Context Overview – Memorandum No. 22 – 09 8:15 5. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 22 - 10 8:20 6. Council Report – Councilmember Santini 8:25 7. Announcements/Miscellaneous 8:30 8. Adjourn If a Commission member cannot attend this meeting, please contact Belinda Reed at 651-714-3584 by Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. 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, Feb. 8, 2022 Commission Members Present: Chair Greta Bjerkness, Arin Kurttila (Co-chair), Deborah Musser, Bruce Montgomery, Rachel Nelson, Wallace Wadd, Brandon Mersch, Emerson Siefken Commission Member(s) Absent: None Commission Member Virtual: Commissioner Timothy Brewington, II Councilmember In-person: Councilmember Jennifer Santini Staff Present: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director Josh Kinney, Parks Planner Reed Smidt, Recreation Manager Belinda Reed, Recording Secretary Sarah Alig, Senior Management Analyst Jennifer McLoughlin, Sr. Environmental Resources Coordinator Staff Virtual: Jodi Sauro, Parks and Recreation Coordinator Kristin Seaman, Environmental Resources Specialist Heidi Quinn, Environmental Resources Technician Call to Order Chair Bjerkness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Open Forum None Action Items A. January 18, 2022, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the Minutes of the January 18, 2022, meeting of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Montgomery, to approve the January 18, 2022, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes. Vote: In favor All in-person and virtual Against None Absent None Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes February 8, 2022 Page 2 B. Environmental Stewardship 2001-2021 – Memorandum No. 22 – 03 Ms. Sarah Alig, senior management analyst, provided a presentation reviewing the memorandum provided to the Commission along with Ms. Jennifer McLoughlin, senior environmental resources coordinator. The presentation goals for the evening included providing an extensive history of the city’s environmental stewardship work from 2001 to present, including natural environment, sustainability, potable water, surface water, and the broader context (suburban, planning, fiscal, social) as well as potential next chapters and consideration as a future strategic initiative to be discussed by the City Council at their June, 2022 workshop. Ms. Alig noted that there will be lots of decisions going forward to determine next steps; whether that be further investment or maintaining status quo. Staff hoped the presentation created a shared understanding of past progress which may provoke the PNRC’s curiosity, discussion and insight for future steps and future chapters. Ms. Alig noted that the Comprehensive Plan is a guiding document for the city which reminds us as to what we are committed to. The Comprehensive Plan mission statement was reviewed. Ms. Alig noted that staff, from many city departments brainstormed and helped to create an inventory of topics that rose to the surface as important items addressed in the past 20 years. The items were sorted and coordinated, and a timeline was created with appropriate dates. A discussion took place about creating a larger vision and plan for the future and how having a plan in place would help take advantage of additional funds the government may make available. A discussion took place regarding the city’s use of benchmarks and performance measures and celebrating the many accomplishments over the years. With regard to next chapters, the priority of addressing the city’s drinking water continues to require a lot of staff time and creativity. Ms. Alig poised the following questions to encourage discussion: 1. What needs clarification? 2. What jumps out from the timeline? 3. What jumps out from the context? 4. What further information would you like to consider on this topic before the June City Council retreat? A discussion took place with regard to how the city has tackled and responded to unforeseen items that have come up, including PFAS in the municipal water, Emerald Ash Borer and large rain events and the time, effort and funding required to address each. It was noted that long-term drinking water sustainability is currently a Council strategic initiative, with the water treatment plant construction to begin in the next few years. A discussion took place with regard to cities in Minnesota that have declared a climate crisis. It was noted that the League of Women Voters has a scheduled Zoom event February 16, on Climate Action Plans. Ms. Okada asked the Commissioners what further information they would like to consider on the topic of environmental stewardship, to assist them with a recommendation for the City Council prior to the Council’s June, strategic planning workshop. It was noted that strategic plans usually have an end date rather than live on in perpetuity and are measurable and attainable. It was also Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes February 8, 2022 Page 3 noted that the biennial Community Survey results are also important in the process of identifying strategic initiatives. There was a consensus that the Commission views the subject of environmental stewardship as urgent and in need of being addressed. The Commission also noted it would be helpful to hear what other cities are doing and how far they are in their process. A discussion took place with regard to working with a consultant on a plan moving forward to address what Woodbury can do in the next 20, 40, 50 years, in terms of environmental stewardship. Ms. Okada noted that the goal at the March PNRC meeting, will include discussion on prioritizing and understanding what is important to the PNRC, with pieces to include finances, seeking grants, consultant dollars and staff time, in order for staff to move forward with what the PNRC would like presented for City Council’s consideration. As Commissioners digest the report and timeline, they were asked to consider the following questions: 1. What items or narrative elements need clarification? 2. What jumps out to you from the historical narrative or present context? 3. What further information would you like to consider on this topic in the future? C. Final Concept Approval Bridlewood Park - Memorandum No. 22 - 04 Mr. Kinney provided a review of the design process used for current concept plan development, schedule and potential approval of the plans. Locations were highlighted on the development map. Mr. Kinney highlighted the playground concept plan. With regard to the relationship of the park itself to Bailey Lake Road, Mr. Kinney noted that research that regulates playgrounds in the United States, namely: Consumer Product Safety Commission, determine that nearby hazards such as roads and ponds could be mitigated by providing methods to contain the children in the playground with either a hedge or fence. The concept plan for the park hasn’t changed since last presented with regard to the relationship of the park itself to Bailey Lake Road, however, the mitigation strategies have now been incorporated into the park plan with hedges. It was noted by two Commissioners that they feel the location is less than ideal citing the roundabout, two roadways: Bailey Lake Road and Chestnut Drive, and the stormwater pond. There was a recommendation made to not develop a park in that location. A discussion took place with regard to residents of the neighborhoods using the roadway and anticipated traffic increased once all the neighborhoods are built out. Existing parks in close proximity to roadways were reviewed including Fairway Meadows and Powers Lake East parks. One Commissioner recommended not developing the park in the location. Staff noted the park location was predetermined during the development of the neighborhood. The city’s Planning Commission and City Council, had also previously reviewed and approved the PUD for the development, including the park location. A discussion took place with regards to the bump in along the curb on Bailey Lake Road and whether there was concern about cars being parked in that particular area. Ms. Okada noted that the park is not considered a destination park. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes February 8, 2022 Page 4 The suggestion was made to widen the hedges on the roadway and stormwater pond sides of the park. Ms. Okada noted split rail fencing is a possibility with a hedge interior; however, it was noted that the hedges will take time to grow together. Edgewater Park was noted as having a split rail fence between the playground and water. Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the final concept plan for the Bridlewood Park – Memorandum No. 22 - 04, with the added feature of a split rail fence along Bailey Lake Road and Chestnut Drive, if feasible, and if not feasible, that the concept plan be moved forwarded, as presented. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Kurttila, seconded by Commissioner Brewington, to approve the Final Concept Plan for the Bridlewood Park – Memorandum No. 22 – 04, with the added feature of a split rail fence along Bailey Lake Road and Chestnut Drive, if feasible, and if not feasible, that the concept plan be moved forward, as presented. Vote: In favor Commissioners Bjerkness, Brewington, Kurttila, Musser, Montgomery, Wadd Against Commissioner Nelson Absent None D. Final Concept Approval Arbor Ridge Park – Memorandum No. 22-05 Mr. Kinney provided a review of the final concept plan for the yet to be named park in the Arbor Ridge Development noting the public engagement included a letter to the neighborhood and an open house. Highlights of the park included features to complement the existing pedestrian trail connection, access to existing natural resources present at the park site, a playground, picnicking, benches, and trees for shade and enhanced storm water quality Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the final concept plan for the park yet to be named in the Arbor Ridge Development – Memorandum No. 22 - 05, as presented. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Montgomery, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the Final Concept Plan for the yet to be named park located in the Arbor Ridge Development – Memorandum No. 22 - 05, as presented. Vote: In favor All In-person and Virtual Against None Absent None E. Final Concept Approval Hasenbank Woods and Fish Lake Vegetation Management and Restoration Project – Memorandum No. 22 – 06 Mr. Kinney noted that this project incorporates three distinct aspects to improve habitat, water quality and park usability over a period of three to five years. The project will include vegetative restoration of Hasenbank Woods, focusing on the protection of healthy oaks and other native trees, removal of buckthorn and other invasive species and the replanting of native species typical of oak savanna and oak woodlands. Practices will rely on the use of forestry mowing and goat grazing to remove invasive species in order to reduce the use of herbicides during site preparation. Future project considerations could include treatment of waters entering Powers Lake through a series of Stormwater Best Management Practices integrated into naturalized park spaces along the Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes February 8, 2022 Page 5 western and northern portions of the site. Development of plans for the vegetative restoration of wetlands and associated habitats surrounding Fish Lake, which is currently dominated by near monotypes of invasive Reed Canary Grass and Hybrid Cattail. Future project planning will include consideration of features to provide access into and through restored natural areas and stormwater treatment practices as appropriate. Conversion to native plant communities will consider long-term management strategies to support resilience and sustainability through periodic, but regular maintenance practices. Mr. Kinney noted that public engagement included resident letters and an open house. A discussion took place regarding buckthorn removal which includes bringing in goats to eat the buckthorn re sprouts. Mr. Kinney noted that stormwater areas could be added to clean water before it gets to Powers Lake and there is a trail opportunity which could connect to the trail south of Powers Lake. Ms. Okada noted that this project is multi-phased and no formal approval is required at this time as there will be more public engagement going forward and a concept plan will be brought back to the PNRC at some future date. The project is through the South Washington County Watershed District and no city funds are being expended on this portion of the project. There was consensus among the Commission to move the Hasenbank Woods and Fish Lake Vegetation Management plan forward. F. Community Gardens – Memorandum No. 22 – 07 Mr. Smidt noted the city had been contacted by Woodbury Thrives about adding a community garden. Once the project was moved forward, staff reached out to resident master gardeners for input and feedback on a pilot project. Andy’s Bark Park was chosen as the ideal location for the pilot project. At the park there is access to well water, availability of onsite parking and room for future expansion should the pilot program be successful. Mr. Smidt noted; however, that there may be limitations to future expansion due to the current water source being a well. It was noted that Woodbury Thrives has applied for a $5,000 Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) healthy eating grant, which if granted, would cover additional equipment, and supplies for the pilot program. Mr. Smidt noted that the pilot program will consist of 16 garden plots, each 8-x 12-foot. The plot size was determined as a manageable size for individual gardens. Once the pilot program is advertised, Woodbury residents will have the opportunity to register for a single plot, online, first come, first served, for a yearly fee of $25. It was also noted that local organizations may be interested in renting a garden plot as well, and that there may be training opportunities at the site for participants through the Washington County Master Gardner’s program. Mr. Smidt was asked if vandalism is a concern. Mr. Smidt noted he could reach out to other community gardens to see if they have experienced vandalism; however, the subject of vandalism was not brought up initially. It was also noted that fencing the garden area, to keep deer out, would probably be a good idea. The Commissioners were in favor of and excited about the pilot program. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes February 8, 2022 Page 6 G. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 22 – 08 Ms. Okada noted that the 2022 Woodbury winter medallion hunt “Coin Quest,” was once again a huge success. Ms. Okada noted that staff will be working in the next couple of weeks on the rebranding of the HealthEast Sports Center. Council Report – Councilmember Santini Councilmember Santini thanked the Commission for their discussion surrounding the environmental stewardship presentation at the meeting and that she is looking forward to future discussion prior to the Council’s June strategic planning workshop. Announcements/Miscellaneous A discussion took place with regard to Commissioners receiving calls from residents, in particular, reports of downed trees on city property. Ms. Okada noted that staff is available to receive calls and obtain follow-up information, especially if there is a safety concern close to an active park space, in order to complete work orders that are then provided to the Parks and Forestry Division. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ Belinda Reed Administrative Assistant Approved by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on March 1, 2022.  City Of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 22 – 09 March 1, 2022 Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: Subject: Environmental Stewardship Context Overview At the February Parks and Natural Resources Commission meeting, staff presented a summary of the past twenty years of Environmental Stewardship. In the course of that discussion, Commissioners expressed a desire to receive further information about the following topics: • Significant actions that have been taken by other cities related to environmental stewardship and climate action; • Typical best practices that occur in resilience, mitigation, and adaptation plans; • Best practices for determining priorities and selecting relevant approaches in our community; • Parallel operations and existing priorities in Woodbury (i.e. EAB and water) that would be interdependent and interrelated with any future action towards Environmental stewardship; and • Benefits of planning. Staff will present more information on these topics at the March 1, meeting. In order to guide that discussion, staff asks that Commissioners consider the following questions with regard to the environment, natural resources, and climate: 1. What is one reason you chose to serve on this Commission? What called you to action? a. Experience, feature, element, relationship, information, emotion? 2. What are some events, factors, or information that have influenced your understanding or impression of environmental stewardship over time? What trends do you see emerging? 3. How might a changing environmental context affect our community, specifically? 4. What is something you find particularly hopeful or exciting? 5. What are our advantages or strengths in this situation? 6. What makes you uneasy? Why? 7. What are our vulnerabilities? 8. How does this conversation begin to inform our priorities for the coming year? 9. What kind of story would you like to see take shape in future chapters of Woodbury’s Environmental Stewardship? 10. What would you like for the City Council to know/consider about this conversation? What is the “so what”? As discussed at the February meeting, the goal of this next meeting will be to evaluate the requested information, create a statement expressing urgency around Environmental Stewardship in Woodbury and share stories of why this topic matters to the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Sarah Alig Senior Management Analyst  City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 22 – 10 March 1, 2022 Eagle Valley Golf Course (EVGC) – Dan Moris Eagle Valley Golf Course staff is gearing up for the start to another season. It has been an amazing two-year run in the golf industry and we hope that trend continues with another busy and successful year. The hiring process is in full swing in an effort to fill out our staff over the next month or two. Merchandise has started to arrive as we prepare to open the golf shop March 15. Patrons will have the opportunity to purchase Eagle Club memberships, season passes or register for the many youth and adult programs offered at Eagle Valley. The facility will have limited hours throughout March or until the practice area opens for the season. Historically the golf course opens the first week of April. With that being said, the range can vary widely based on the weather we are experiencing each year. Over the course of our twenty, plus years, Eagle Valley has opened as early as March 7, and as late as April 26. Our maintenance crew monitors the weather and turf conditions closely as we prepare to open each spring. Staff will ensure the ground is thawed and course conditions are acceptable prior to opening the course for play. HealthEast Sports Center (HSC) – Katie Ryden The hockey season is in its final three weeks as district, regional and state tournaments will all be held and new champions crowned in their respective divisions. It was a busy and successful season. Staff is actively forecasting and planning for the next season by meeting with our core user groups for feedback, and to determine the schedules for the 2022-2023 winter season. Approval was granted by Council to move forward with the replacement of the sand floor on the west rink with a more efficient concrete floor, LED lighting upgrades and an update to the dehumidification system. The project is anticipated to take approximately 8-9 weeks to complete. We are anxiously awaiting the end results of this project! It may not look or feel like spring outside just yet, but the spring sports are in full swing. High school captains’ practices, youth association practices and games for soccer, lacrosse, baseball/softball and flag football are all making use of the field house space as the snow keeps falling outside. Recreation Division – Reed Smidt The Recreation Division staff are focused on preparing for a fun and exciting 2022 summer season. The summer recreation program brochure will arrive in Woodbury households the week of March 7, with registration opening on Wednesday, March 16. Recreation programs offered mid-April through the end of August, will be featured in the summer brochure. Seasonal staff recruitment began Tuesday, Feb. 1. There are a variety of open positions with Parks and Recreation in the Recreation Division, at Central Park and at Eagle Valley Golf Course. The Recreation team created and sent out the annual sponsorship brochure and letter to Woodbury businesses at the end of January. The sponsorship process provides businesses with the opportunity to partner alongside the Recreation Division, by financially sponsoring various programs, events and services. New this year is the opportunity to sponsor various programs related to Pickleball and the opportunity for full-event or partial event sponsorships. The sponsorship process runs year-round, with the majority of sponsorships being received in February and March. Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 22 – 10 March 1, 2022 Page 2 of 2 The second annual Coin Quest: Woodbury’s Winter Medallion Hunt concluded on January 31. Community members enjoyed searching for the coins, exploring the parks and trails and meeting the Recreation and Public Safety staff involved. Facility and Project Updates - Josh Kinney • Highcroft Park and the park in the Briarcroft Development – Project bidding is complete and within budget. Construction anticipated to start late spring/early summer. Project completion is anticipated in September of 2022. • Valley Creek Park Phase II Trail – Project bidding is complete and under budget. Pre- construction activities will commence in late February, with completion prior to March 31, to avoid Oak Wilt and Long-Eared Bat restrictions. Trail completion is anticipated in July 2022. • Shawnee Park (Community Development Block Grant CDBG) Project – Project bidding is complete and within budget. Construction anticipated to start late spring/early summer. Project completion is anticipated in October of 2022. • Bridelwood Park and the park in the Arbor Ridge Development – Project bidding is anticipated in March, 2022. Construction anticipated to start late spring/early summer. Project completion is anticipated in August of 2022. • Park Monument and Wayfinding – Planning for additional replacement of old park signs, new wayfinding signage, and installation in 2022. A 2022 project timeline will be provided to the Commission at the March 1, meeting. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Michelle Okada Parks and Recreation Director