#1 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Park and Recreation Department Conference Room, 11th Floor, City Hall Monday, January 10, 2005 3:30 p.m. Present: June Bailey, Dennis Brunner, Colleen Craig, Glen Dey, Janet Miller Absent: Bob Aldrich, Bobbie Harris Also Present: Scott Hearne - Skate Park Committee; Mike North - Law Department; and Larry Foos, Larry Hoetmer, Doug Kupper and Maryann Crockett (staff) President Bailey called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the December 13, 2004, Regular Meeting were reviewed and approved. PUBLIC AGENDA No items. OFF AGENDA ITEMS 1. President Bailey presented two plaques to park staff purchased by the Orchard Breeze Neighborhood Association to be hung in the Kiwanis Park shelter building to mark the 25th Anniversary of Kiwanis Park. One plaque dedicated in 1979 and one plaque dedicated in 2004. The plaques bore the names of the City Commission/City Council and Park Board members on each respective date, as well as park staff that was instrumental in the initial construction of the park and shelter and recent park renovations. She thanked staff for their efforts. 2. President Bailey also acknowledged that January 10, 2005, was Director Kupper's fifth year with the City of Wichita, Department of Park and Recreation. She thanked Director Kupper for his efforts on behalf of the Park Department and Park Board. Director Kupper commented that he looked forward to many more years with the City and Park and Recreation Department. REGULAR AGENDA 1. Review and Discussion of Skate Park Design. Director Kupper commented that the design phase for the skate park was approximately 95% complete and that bid documents should be ready for publication at the end of the month. He introduced Larry Hoetmer, Landscape Architect. Mr. Hoetmer began his presentation by giving a brief background on the project, which he said has been on the drawing board since Mr. Kupper's arrival as Director of Park and Recreation. He said the original plan was to place modular units for a skate park at Emery Park, where the City's BMX bicycle track is located. He said there was considerable discussion concerning location of the skate park, particularly since some skaters utilize areas in the downtown area. He said eventually it was decided to locate the skate park under the Kellogg Fly Over between Emporia and St. Francis Streets (with permission from the Kansas Department of Transportation). Mr. Hoetmer explained that a committee representing a cross-section of the local skating community was formed to discuss conceptual design of the park, which initially consisted of modular units. He said after meeting with the committee, staff realized that they were not on the right track design-wise. He commented that the skating community preferred a concrete park, with monolithically poured concrete bowls. He said staff realized that type of design would be extremely expensive. He said the project stalled briefly because of lack of appropriate funding and differences of opinion on park design. Mr. Hoetmer said the City applied for a development grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, (Land, Water and Conservation Fund Program) in the amount of $200,000. Mr. Hoetmer recognized Scott Hearne, Skate Park Committee Chairman, who he said was instrumental in assisting staff to prepare the grant application by providing a 3-D graphic computer software program as part of the application. He commented that in addition, the City retained the services of "California Landscape & Design, Inc.", a well-known skate park design firm. He said the State has approved the City's grant application. In addition, he thanked Mr. Hearne for his participation in the process. Mr. Hoetmer referred board members to the park site plan and explained that the skate park consisted of two separate sections. He said the section on the south end of the park contained three large bowls of different configurations, while the section on the north end of the park was considered a "street course" with ramps, stairs, and steel railings. He also pointed out the location of the parking lot southwest of the bowl area, which included ten parking spaces (one of which would be handicapped accessible). He added that the area south of the bowl structures would be bermed and that plantings would be installed along that section as well as along the east and west sides of the park. Mr. Hoetmer explained that the park was designed for all skill levels and that park amenities should provide challenges for novice, intermediate, and highly experienced or extreme skaters. He concluded by stating that Tina Murano (a local teacher and artist who provided art work for the Riverside Park System Renovation), had been hired by California Landscape & Design, Inc as the artist/consultant for the project. He referred board members to a sample of the proposed tile work to be included on various elements throughout the park. He said tile work would represent between 8-10 different "motions" made by skate boarders. Responding to a question from Janet Miller, there was brief discussion concerning how the tile would be mounted under the lip of the bowls. There was also discussion concerning drainage, lighting and signage. Director Kupper explained that lighting was not included in the project bid at this time; however, staff was hopeful that bids would be low enough that lighting could be added. Mr. Hoetmer also explained that signage would be posted regarding hours, the requirement for safety gear, and other items. Mr. Hoetmer asked Mr. Hearne if he would like to add any remarks. Mr. Hearne stated that completion of the skate park was highly anticipated by the local skating community. He said although the City is a little "behind the times" in this area of recreation, the proposed skate park is an excellent design which will probably be the best facility in the state. He said he thinks the Board will be surprised at the number and frequency of skate park users, once the project is completed. Colleen Craig asked about fencing and whether both skateboarders and in-line skaters could use the facility. Staff explained that no fencing would be installed and that the park would accommodate skateboarders and in-line skaters. They added that the issue of allowing bicycles was still being researched and discussed. 2. Naming of Old Linwood School Site. Director Kupper commented that since the City Council had designated the Board as the official naming committee for parks, he would like suggestions for the Old Linwood school site. He mentioned the possibility of Lulu or Pattie Park. Responding to a question from Glen Dey, he commented that the Property Management Office was working on the deeds for the land exchange with the School Board. Janet Miller asked if there were any park personnel that needed to be recognized. She also asked if the park were named after an individual, did they have to be deceased. Mike North, City Attorney, said he believed the ordinance stated that. President Bailey mentioned Chris Cherches. Staff commented that the CityArts facility was named after the previous City Manager. Glen Dey mentioned Roger Savage, facility person for the School Board. It was the general consensus that the Board would give the matter further thought and bring back suggestions for discussion at the February meeting. 3. Director's Update. Director Kupper reported briefly on the following items: * Status of Replacement parkland for Linwood and Planeview Parks. Reiterated that City staff was working on obtaining deeds to the Old Linwood School Site and two acres of Leon Robinson Park. He commented that replacement land for Planeview Park (owned by the City) has already been identified. * Orchard Park Vandalism prevention Efforts. Introduced Larry Foos, Superintendent of Park and Recreation. Mr. Foos reported that on December 12, 2004, Orchard Park staff met with members of the Wichita Police Department. He said WPD identified the individuals involved in the group, who refer to themselves at the "Insane Pot Heads" or IPH. He said police officers went to the homes of the various group members and discussed the Orchard Park situation with the youth's parents. He said they received positive feedback from the parents. He added that apparently the ringleader of the group has several criminal cases pending against him, that depending on their outcome, may remove him from the situation. He commented that park staff and the community police officer plan on attending the Orchard Park Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday, January 18, at 7:00 p.m. to explain park issues and concerns and get feedback and ideas on establishing a Park Neighborhood Watch Program. He said a meeting on establishing the Park Neighborhood Watch Program has been scheduled for Saturday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. and that over 81 flyers have been handed out the neighbors surrounding the park requesting their participation. He said staff has also invited representatives from Bryant Elementary and Hadley Middle School. In addition, Mr. Foos reported that the Recreation Center had received a $1,000 Community School Grant. He said possible items being discussed for purchase included mirrors to improve security/safety in the building, two-way radios, and play station games and equipment to attract kids to the after school program. He added that he thought recreation staff did a great job of organizing meetings and contacting people. Responding to a question from Colleen Craig on whether the vandalism and other activities were continuing, he said no; however, staff felt that the inclement weather was a major factor. Janet Miller requested that park staff be commended for their quick and thorough response to the situation. * Location of North Central Sewage Treatment Plant at Kingsbury Park. Reported that Cornejo and Sons have moved equipment to the site to begin the sand mining operation. He said park design had not been approved yet and will probably not be revisited until April or May. He added that a firm site has not been picked for the sewage treatment plant, but that it was unlikely that it would be placed on any of the Kingsbury land. He said he would report back to the board as soon as he receives further information on the project. Chris Blasdel - inquired when Cornejo would begin moving dirt at the site. Staff said they were unsure. * Location for El Zocalo. Stated that staff was looking at the former Disabled American Veterans (DAV) building on Market Street just south of 21st Street as a possible location for the Mercado, which could attract the businesses that are currently housed in the shops at 25th Street and Arkansas (former bowling alley); however, if that was not a workable solution, the former DAV building could be a possible location for El Zocalo. He said it all depended upon the 21st Street Revitalization Plan. * Status of Park Land Survey. Said the City is anticipating working with the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department and the Business School at Wichita State University to develop a survey on park issues. * Public Access Easement at Country Acres. Reported that park staff was working on a letter to the neighbors who have encroached onto parkland. He said after that letter is sent the Law Department will get involved. President Bailey and Dennis Brunner said they have heard that the Shrine will be closing on the property within the next week. Janet Miller stated that her concern was the 20-foot public access easement. She said the Board's motion was to grant the Shrine's request for an ingress/egress easement, provided the City received a 20-foot public access easement. * Status of Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Commented that staff is currently working on developing the CIP submittal and incorporating board member's and neighborhood association requests into the program. He said staff should have a draft proposal for board member review at the February meeting. He mentioned that the bike path signage project would be part of the CIP. He said a design would be developed that encompassed the entire bike system to include types of signage, where signage should be placed, what signage should say, etc. He said the project would be a lot more extensive and expensive than originally anticipated. * Request from Fireman's Museum to build on Parkland. Reported that the tennis courts at Lincoln Park have been removed; and, therefore, the park has more green space. He said the Fire Museum has not "officially" contacted the department regarding their plans to expand the museum. * Status of Assistant Director Position. Reported that Personnel has hired a consultant to conduct a national search to fill both the Century II Director's position and the assistant director position. He mentioned that there were three in-house candidates for the assistant director position. * Status of Fence at Linwood School. President Bailey reported that the fence was in place but that it sustained tree damage from the recent ice storm. She commented that it was black vinyl covered chain link. There was also brief discussion concerning the playground equipment to be installed at the school. * Ice Storm Damage. President Bailey requested an update on storm damage. Director Kupper responded that staff estimates that the City has lost over 15-20% of the canopy. He said in addition damage to the trees has left them susceptible to infection and disease. He said effects of the storm damage would still be evident 2-3 years from now. He said staff was working on specifications to hire a national firm to orchestrate storm clean up. Responding to a question regarding Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, Director Kupper said although the City has not officially been declared a disaster area City officials have begun the process of applying for relief and should hear something within 72 hours. * Twenty-First Revitalization Plan/Grove Park. Janet Miller referred board members to a brochure of the project with a map that showed that the Southwest corner of Grove Park was no longer parkland. Director Kupper said he thought the land had been exchanged for the Homeland Security Facility; however, he said he would look at that again and report back to the board. * Meeting on Sewage Treatment Plant. Janet Miller asked staff if they knew about the meeting at St. Peters Catholic Church tomorrow night (Tuesday, January 11) at 7:00 p.m. on the sewage treatment plant at Pawnee Prairie. Director Kupper said he had no knowledge of any meeting, but that he would check with other City staff and get back to the Board. * Side Walk near Harvest Park. Dennis Brunner said about six months ago he had mentioned the need for a sidewalk along the northwest corner of Harvest Park to the swimming pool, since there was no sidewalk from the drainage ditch to the pool. He asked about the status of that request. Director Kupper reported that the budget for sidewalks had been spent replacing one half a mile of the path at Harrison Park. He mentioned that Councilman Martz was going to check to see if USD 259 would split the cost. ADDITIONAL OFF AGENDA ITEMS 3. Cell Phone Tower at MacDonald Golf Course. Director Kupper stated that the Board was never consulted regarding constructing the cell tower at MacDonald Golf Course, although they are the owners of the property. He said the tower has been sold to another group and that he wanted to get the Board's approval to assign the lease to another group, as well as a motion to approve locating the cell tower on park property. Responding to a question from Janet Miller, he commented that the Park Department receives revenue from lease of the cell tower, not the general fund. Glen Dey asked if the tower was built before or after the City Ordinance on the issue. Director Kupper said the tower probably predated the ordinance, since it was built in 2000-2001. He also mentioned that the new tower owners have offered to buy the land the tower is located on. On motion by Dey, second by Miller, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to approve construction of the cell tower on parkland at MacDonald Golf Course and approve entering into a lease with the new tower owners. Janet Miller commented briefly about following proper procedures. 4. Executive Session. Janet Miller expressed concern as to when there would be public discussion on the proposed Ordinance changes. Mike North suggested that the Board wait until the proposed Ordinance language is finalized before public comment. On motion by Bailey, second by Craig, IT WAS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY that the Board recess into executive session for consultation with legal counsel on matters privileged in the attorney-client relationship relating to Ordinance #125 and that the Board return from executive session in approximately ten minutes at 4:50 p.m. The Board returned from executive session at approximately 5:00 p.m. No action was necessary as a result of the executive session. 5. Change of February Meeting Date. Since two board members would be unable to attend the February 14, 2005, regular board meeting, it was unanimously agreed to change the meeting date to the following Monday, February 21, 2005. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:05 p.m. ___________________________________ June Bailey, President ATTEST: _____________________________________ Maryann Crockett, Clerk Recording Secretary Park Board 1/10/05 (Contd.) Page 5 of 5 1 5