#8 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Monday, August 12, 2002 Present: June Bailey, Colleen Craig, Glen Dey, Janet Miller, M.S. Mitchell, and Trix Niernberger Absent: Joe Todd Also Present: Lee Engler - Wilson-Darnell-Mann, PA; Phil Meyer - Baughman, PA; Mike North, Law Department; Henry Jackson, City Manager's Office; and Larry Hoetmer, Leah Hoffman, Doug Kupper, and Maryann Crockett (staff) President Mitchell called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the Regular Meetings of June 10, 2002, and July 8, 2002, were reviewed and approved. 1. Presentation of the Riverside Park System Master Plan. Director Kupper introduced Lee Engler from Wilson-Darnell-Mann, PA, who introduced Phil Meyer from Baughman, PA. Engler began the presentation by briefly reviewing proposed changes, which included, but were not limited to: renovation and upgrade of the lily pond, spring and bogue area at Oak Park; removal of the existing parking lot and construction of a replacement parking lot on east side at Park Villa; installation of a new walkway and American's with Disabilities (ADA) ramp to connect Park Villa to the restroom building; removal of fencing and renovation/upgrade of the pond and drainage system at Park Villa; installation of traffic round-about at Nims; installation of period signage; installation of grass/concrete pavers for temporary parking for special events; renovation/upgrade of the Wichita Wild offices in the old concession building; establishment of two-way traffic along Stackman; removal of Murdock Street through the center of park; establishment of a strolling path with historical markers; installation of a zero-depth water feature/interactive fountain and entrance plaza; removal of two parking lots near the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit; installation of some type of artistic light feature, period lighting, arches, benches and trees in the entrance plaza and promenade area; installation of a lake and gazebo; installation of an "annuated calendar"; construction of a small stage area; and construction of an event/run center with offices and storage space. Engler concluded by stating that the historic character of the park had been taken into consideration with all design renovations. He added that it had been decided to keep the pagoda building in "as is" condition and not make any renovations. Niernberger asked if the historical markers/tablets would reflect any Native American history. Engler responded that they didn't have any details on the artist's design. There was also brief discussion concerning the number of parking spaces that would be lost/gained during the redesign. Mitchell mentioned that the majority of people felt there were too many artsy/craftsy items in the original design, but that it looked like those areas had been addressed. The Board agreed to receive and file the report. Mitchell reminded board members that Wilson-Darnell- Mann would give a presentation to the Riverside Citizens Association on Wednesday, September 11, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Church. 2. Report on Chemical uses in Parks. Director Kupper referred board members to a hand out entitled "Herbicide Summary" dated 8/5/02. The document listed the types and amounts of chemicals used on various noxious weeds and the number of acres sprayed in 2002. The report also provided tree locations and the 2002 bagworm-spraying list. Bailey inquired about the department's use of pretreated lumber and mentioned the hazards involved with that type of material. Director Kupper responded that some of the older picnic tables currently being replaced were constructed of pretreated lumber. He added that constructing playground equipment out of the pretreated material has not been banned by the organizations that establish and monitor playground equipment safety standards. 3. Report on Mountain Bike Trails. Leah Hoffman, Superintendent of Park and Recreation, South Division, reported that the bike trail sub-committee would be meeting Thursday, August 15, 2002, to develop a final recommendation to submit to the District V Advisory Board (DAB). Responding to a question, she stated that the sub-committee consisted of two people from the equestrian group, two people from the bicycle group, two people from the homeowner's association, and one DAB member. Hoffman reported that the sub-committee had developed five recommendations as follows: * Do nothing * Develop a plan for shared use * Develop a schedule for some type of alternate usage by each group * Develop Air Capital Park for the mountain bike group * Keep Pawnee Prairie Park for equestrian use only and find another location for the mountain bikers Hoffman reported that Air Capital Park had been used to dispose of concrete and other debris from the Kellogg/US 54 project, which would need to be cleaned up. She said the area also had sandy soil, which was a problem for the mountain bikers. She said sandy soil was also a problem at the South Arkansas River Greenway, which had been considered as an alternate site. Other suggestions for alternate sites included Fairmount, Swanson and College Hill Parks. President Mitchell questioned staff concerning the posting of "No Bicycle" signs at Oak Park. He said he felt that allowing mountain biking in the park discouraged other unwelcome activities. Director Kupper explained that staff had received numerous phone calls and complaints from members of the Audubon Society and other bird watching enthusiasts concerning the impact of mountain bikes on the natural environment as well as the safety issue of bikers traveling at high speeds throughout the trail system at the park. 4. Director's Update. Director Kupper reported briefly on the following: * Consultant's Report on fee structure. Reported that the fee consultant's report was being further processed for additional information. He commented that a summary would be brought to the Board for review as soon as it was completed. * Land acquisition. On motion by Mitchell, second by Bailey, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED that the Board recess into executive session to consider discussion relating to the acquisition of real property and that the Board return from executive session in ten minutes or at approximately 4:30 p.m. The Board reconvened at approximately 4:35 p.m. No action was necessary as a result of the executive session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:35 p.m. ___________________________________ M.S. Mitchell, President ATTEST: _____________________________________ Maryann Crockett, Clerk Recording Secretary Park Board 8/12/02 (Contd.) Page 3 of 3 1 3