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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/13/2023 - Meeting Minutes MINUTES FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BOARD MEETING(CDCIP) Monday, March 13, 2023 S:30pm 1. Board Members Board Members Not Present Heidi Steed, Chair Jenny Bonk, Vice-Chair Jake Skog Brooke Young Jason Motley Brad Christensen Elke Opsahl Staff Present Kalli Ruiz, Rachel Molinari- CIP Team Aaron Price, Mike Atkinson, and Jordan Smith—Department of Finance Ben Luedtke- Salt Lake City Council Staff Kristin Riker, Tom Millar-Department of Public Lands Constituents Present Mark Wright Jayla Wolf and Karen Hamilton Anne Cannon Sarah Woolsey Steve Hunt Brian Hutchinson Michael Mayo David Osokow Lauren Simpson Jennifer Robinson Parth Gandhi Richard Layman Christy Johnson and Nedra Crow Steven Lemmon Ester Stowell Ian Arnold and Bianca Shepard Dan Potts 2. Staff Updates There were no staff updates. 3. Approval of the Minutes Ms. Young made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2023. Mr. Christensen seconded the motion. Upon roll call the minutes were approved. 4. Meetiniz Structure Outline Ms. Ruiz explained the meeting structure to set expectations for the constituents attending the meeting. She said that the Board would ask any clarifying questions about the applications and if there were no questions, the constituent would have an opportunity to provide a brief overview of their submission. Ms. Ruiz informed the participants attending online to limit the use of the chat feature to technical issues and reminded the attendees to please keep their microphones muted until called upon. She also stated that each person must state their name for the public record before answering any questions. 5. Business A. Welcome & Introductions Ms. Steed welcomed the CDCIP Board members and City staff and opened the meeting at 5:33pm. B. Questions & Discussion on Proposed CIP Projects Constituent Public Lands Applications: Jefferson Park Improvements Constituent- Mark Wright Mr. Christensen asked Mr. Wright about the main uses of Jefferson Park. Mr. Wright said the biggest use was the retention pond for the water system and the local community has been brainstorming ways to activate the park. He explained that currently the only amenities include an off-leash dog park and a small playground, and that an addition of the walking path would be an upgrade to the site. Mr. Skog acknowledged Public Utilities use of the retention pond and asked if the park was owned by the City. Mr. Wright confirmed that it was City property classified as open space. Mr. Skog asked if Public Utilities had any concerns with the addition of a walking path. Mr. Millar said that they would be excellent partners to work with if the project were approved and the only concern would be if trees were planted on the berm which could degrade its structural quality and that of the retention pond. Mr. Motley questioned the decision to check the box for the application question related to legal obstacles. Mr. Millar stated the box was checked because the work will need to be coordinated with Public Utilities but that they did not anticipate any issues. Ms. Bonk asked the applicant if he had connected with any other constituents in Council District 5 to collaborate on their other CIP requests. Mr. Wright said he presented the Jefferson Park Walking Path to the Community Councils and has had discussions with neighbors but does not know how the Community Councils prioritized the proposals from District 5. Mr. Wright used the remaining time to speak to the application, stating that Jefferson Park felt like a forgotten park and how the neighborhood could benefit from the addition of usable green space. 11 th Avenue Park Pickleball Expansion Constituents-Jayla Wolf and Karen Hamilton Ms. Bonk asked if a citywide pickleball strategy existed and if there was a map that showed the locations of all the pickleball courts. Mr. Millar said that the Public Lands Department does not currently have a mapped-out inventory of all the pickleball courts. He said that 11 th Avenue Park and Fairmont Park were the two city-owned parks that currently have pickleball courts and that this application was seeking to expand the popular 11 th Avenue location. Mr. Skog asked the applicants to explain the need for expansion while there are other parks that do not have any pickleball courts. Ms. Wolf explained that the popularity and growth in the sport has created a huge demand for courts and while they would welcome adding courts anywhere within the City, this location has the space needed to expand. She added that the sport was accessible to people of all ages and athletic abilities and the current courts often have long wait times to play. Mr. Christensen asked if the current parking infrastructure would accommodate the increased traffic if more courts were added. Ms. Wolfe said there was a parking lot to the South of the courts and that most people park on Terrace Hills Drive. She explained that they have talked with neighbors throughout the CIP process to make them aware of the proposal. Ms. Hamilton added that Terrace Hills Drive was a wide street that would accommodate any additional parking as well as traffic. Ensign Peak Nature Park Improvements Constituent- Brian Hutchinson Mr. Hutchinson stated that there have been many instances with speeding cars and illegal activity in the park afterhours especially during the July holidays that involve fireworks. He said that the current gate does not do an acceptable job of keeping people out of the park at night and that the proposal was for a study to help provide a solution to the problem. Mr. Hutchinson expressed the safety concerns due to the steep and dangerous paths used by visitors at night. Mr. Christensen inquired about concern that people would ignore the gate and go around it. Mr. Hutchinson said the study would determine how far people go to walk around the gate and provide a solution to discourage the behavior. Mr. Skog asked if the gate was a practical solution. Mr. Millar said there was no easy solution to the issues facing the park. He explained that many other sections of the Foothills natural areas were unfenced and fencing this particular park would differ from how Public Lands manages the Foothills areas. Mr. Millar stated that Ensign Peak holds significant historical ties for the community and if funded, the Department would find the best solution to solve the issues the community is facing without cutting off access to the park. Liberty and Jordan Parks Greenhouses -Revisioned Constituent- Michael Mayo Mr. Christensen asked if the City had staff with the knowledge to manage greenhouses. Mr. Millar said the Department employed many fulltime greenhouse and plant cultivator staff members as well as botanists. He noted that the constituent application was for improvements to two greenhouses and that the Department has operational funding earmarked for phase one of the improvement efforts. Ms. Young acknowledged the funding awarded last year to the Liberty Park Cultural Landscape Report(CLR) and asked how this submission tied into the previously approved project and the Jordan Park CLR. Mr. Millar stated the greenhouses were integral structures in both parks and that the improvements could occur irrespective to the timelines of the CLR and Master Plans. Ms. Bonk asked the constituent to elaborate on his interest in the greenhouses. Mr. Mayo said he was a recent transplant to Salt Lake City and fell in love with the greenhouses and frequents them often and has received tours of the facilities by the botanists. He explained that he has worked closely with the Public Lands Department staff who informed him about the CIP process. Mr. Mayo said the request was for a structural analysis of both greenhouses as well as a marketing study to determine how they can be repurposed in order for the local community to get the most out of them. He added that they have received buy in from the University of Utah to restore the greenhouses to their historic roots. Madsen Park Improvements Constituent- David Osokow Mr. Christensen acknowledged the Staff Comments document stating the North Temple Master Plan includes a recommendation to close the park and acquire land on 800 West. Mr. Osokow said the master plan was outdated and that the community does not want to move the park. He added that there has been a lot of development in the area and that the park compliments the Folsom Trail. Mr. Millar elaborated on the information provided in the Staff Comments document, stating that the local community is not supportive of moving the park and would rather see additional activation and usage of the existing site. Ms. Steed asked the applicant what inspired them to apply for CIP funding. Mr. Osokow said that Madsen Park was shut down in past years because of illegal activities and safety concerns. He stated that the park continues to carry the perception that it is dangerous and noted that the Westside was growing and needed more green spaces which the park could provide if the improvements suggested in the application were made. New Liberty Park Crosswalks and Trails Constituent- Lauren Simpson Ms. Young asked about the existing crosswalks on 500 East and if the constituent was wanting to improve the infrastructure already installed near the park. Ms. Simpson clarified that the proposal was to add two new crosswalks on 500 East at Edith Avenue and Williams Avenue. Ms. Bonk questioned the need for additional crosswalks when there were already two on the street. Ms. Simpson admitted that the original idea was to have only one additional crosswalk at Edith Avenue, but because no one was aware of how expensive a crosswalk is we added a subsequent location to make sure the request hit the CIP threshold amount. She explained that she was a mother who lived in the area and noted how 1300 South is unsafe with many speeding cars on the narrow street. Ms. Simpson stated she knows people already cross at Edith Avenue because of paths left in the snow. She added that there was an elementary school nearby and these crosswalks would add safer walkability in the area as well as additional access to the Tracy Aviary. Mr. Skog inquired about the Staff Comments document that indicated it might be difficult to make the improvements because Liberty Park was a historic landmark. He asked if this issue had hindered the City's ability to add these crosswalks in the past. Mr. Millar said that he worked directly with Ms. Simpson on the application and the fact that the park is historic does not disqualify the proposal. He added that with any historic property there were bound to be unknown factors that could come up that can only be known once work is started. Rose Park Lane Beauti ication, Trail, and Safety Improvements Constituent- Jennifer Robinson Ms. Steed recalled the Public Lands application presented to the Board at the last meeting and asked the applicant to explain how their submission differed from the internal request. Ms. Robinson said that she lives off Rose Park Lane and has noticed the increased traffic from I-215 becoming a safety hazard. She said vehicles speed down the street and noted that the street lacks any speed limit signs. Ms. Robinson said the danger increases in the Winter when the conditions are icy because cars cannot slow down as quickly and believes it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. She explained that the beautification elements of tree planting were something that she had been working on with the Westpointe Community Councilperson, Dorothy Owen and Mayor Mendenhall before the pandemic. Ms. Robinson said the application was also requesting to redo the uneven sidewalk. Mr. Motley said the issues presented seemed more serious than what could be solved with a speed limit sign. He asked if there were any traffic calming measures being taken in the area. Mr. Millar said was unaware if Rose Park Lane was included in the Transportation Division's Livable Streets program. He said that drivers slow down when the roads are narrower so adding trees would have the desired effect and that they would also help improve the sound issues. Mr. Millar clarified that tree planting was not in the constituent's budget and that cost would be covered by Public Lands. Ms. Bonk asked if there was a pathway for residents and community groups to fundraise and volunteer to plant trees or a way to request trees in their neighborhoods. Mr. Millar said the Public Lands Volunteer and Partnership Coordinator, Van Cooper works with organizations, schools, and nonprofits that provide labor and materials for the beautification of Salt Lake City's public lands. He said that any resident can request a tree be planted and if it's on public property, the Department will care for it. He said if anyone was interested to email him, and he would put them in contact with Urban Forestry. Salt Lake City Petanque No Constituent Present Mr. Christensen asked if there was a current site to play petanque. Mr. Millar said that he believed the current players use space at Library Square, but the application is a request for a formal area. Ms. Bonk inquired as to if the Rosewood Park site selected because it was ideal for the sport or if there were other reasons. Mr. Millar stated that the applicant originally requested to build an indoor facility but that after discussing it with Public Lands staff, the application was updated to focus on an outdoor space at Rosewood Park where there is current feasibility for the additional amenity. Sunnyside Pickleball Courts Constituent- Parth Gandhi Ms. Young asked Mr. Gandhi if his submission included additional pickleball courts now and a pickleball center at a later date. Mr. Gandhi confirmed that was the intention, and that the original request was to add six courts near Sunnyside Park but that the scope changed after discussing the project with Ms. Maus in Public Lands. He said the request changed to a new location near Guardsman Pass. Mr. Parth explained that this location allows for the possibility to add 18 courts and a championship court. He said there were no locations in SLC that could accommodate a project of this size and that he hopes within the next three to five years there could be youth camps and that Steiner Sports Complex could possibly manage a pickleball league. Ms. Young asked if Mr. Gandhi had anything else he wanted to share with the Board. Mr. Gandhi said the sport allows people of all ages to participate and noted the aging community in the area would benefit from greater access to pickleball courts. Citywide Park Restroom Planning Study/Fairmont Restroom Conceptual Design Constituent- Richard Layman Mr. Christensen asked the constituent to explain the main issue they were looking to solve with the restroom study. Mr. Layman said that in 2013, the City published a memo that included a public restroom policy and how to stage public restrooms in regional parks. He explained that since then due to the City's growth, increased use of public parks, and the increased number of people experiencing homelessness that it was time to update the policy. Mr. Laymen stated that other cities including Denver, CO and Pittsburgh, PA have recently completed restroom studies. He said most people have negative experiences when using public park restrooms and there is room for improvement. He explained that the Public Lands Department has acknowledged that restrooms are the most difficult civic asset to operate and maintain. Mr. Laymen said that his original proposal was to rebuild the Fairmont Park restrooms and was updated to include the scope and budget for a citywide restroom study and conceptual design at Fairmont Park. Ms. Bonk thanked Mr. Laymen for his `city-first' mindset. Mr. Laymen said he had a background in commercial district revitalization, and he believes SLC has the opportunity to improve the regional park restroom visitor experience. First Encampment Park Constituents- Christy Johnson and Nedra Crow Ms. Bonk recalled this was a resubmission from last year's CIP cycle and asked the constituent what changes they made to the new submission. Ms. Johnson stated that she learned a lot from participating last year and shared the history of the park. She said the request for funding is to fix the sprinkler system that currently hits the rocks, eroding the names etched into them. And to re- etch those names so that residents and visitors can come to see their ancestors' names. Ms. Johnson said the park needs to be spruced and have native plants installed to restore its beauty and make it a safe neighborhood space. Ms. Crow said that they met with City staff while collaborating on the application and discussed drainage, homelessness issues, and the addition of lighting to the park for safety improvements. Ms. Johnson concluded that there is a celebration every year at the park for Pioneer Day and they do not want it to become an eyesore for the community. Historic Restorations, Replacements, Conservation Work at International Peace Gardens Constituents- Steven Lemmon Mr. Christensen asked how the City planned to keep the plaques safely in the park if they were repurchased. Mr. Lemmon said he has not been in contact with the Police Department but believes that they provide security for the International Peace Gardens. He said he has proposed GPS tracking chips be installed on all the plaques to discourage theft and vandalism. Mr. Lemmon added that he would like to see all the old plaques and garden pieces returned to the park that were previously removed for safekeeping. Ms. Steed asked Mr. Millar if he could speak to the security concerns at the International Peace Gardens and if the Department had a strategy. Mr. Millar said the Department's approach was to maintain the site's elements as they are and explained that items were placed in storage because they could not protect them. He said Jordan Park and the International Peace Gardens have dedicated full time staff, but the Department does not have enough members or operational budget to provide the level of service that the park requires. Ms. Bonk recalled the Department's internal CIP application for the International Peace Gardens and asked if it tied into the constituent's application. Mr. Millar said the CLR and Master Plan for Jordan Park and the Peace Gardens was similar but focused more on planning and assessment elements and less on the capital asset or maintenance of the parks. Ms. Steed asked if the CLR offered considerations for replacing or adding features that were removed. Mr. Millar explained that the possible outcomes of the CLR were unknown. Poplar Grove Park Full Court Basketball Expansion Constituent- Ester Stowell Ms. Bonk asked the applicant to share more about their proposal. Ms. Stowell said that the basketball court has been neglected for a long time and needs an expansion. She said that the timing for the project made sense because of the work currently being done to add pickleball courts and refreshing the sand on the volleyball courts. Ms. Stowell expressed that the park's popularity has grown since the pandemic and the basketball court has the required space needed for a full expansion as well as room to build seating. She added that the goal of the application was to create positive change for an area of the park that is well used by the local community and to have a safe space for children to be able to play outside. The Board thanked Ms. Stowell for her time and for submitting the application. Wasatch Hollow Park: Engagement, Planning&Restoration Constituents- Ian Arnold and Bianca Shepard Ms. Young said she understood the need for an off-leash dog park within Wasatch Hollow Park and asked how those needs would be met with the planned study for activation elements of the park. Ms. Shepard explained that the Wasatch Hallow Community Council (WHCC)put together a working group of diverse individuals to assist with planning and community engagement to come up with an innovative solution. She said that dog ownership had reached an all-time high during the pandemic and there were not enough off-leash dog parks f to enjoy. Mr. Skog asked when the City made the upper section of the Wasatch Hollow a dog park. Mr. Arnold said the earliest records he could find indicated that a one-year pilot program was approved by the City Council in 2016 and that 2017 would be the first year it would have been permanent. Ms. Bonk said she was familiar with the dog park's muddy conditions and acknowledged the fact that dog ownership reached its peak. Mr. Arnold explained that Wasatch Hollow is the closest park that offers off leash opportunities for a wide audience in the eastern and northern parts of Sugar House, the western part of the East Bench neighborhood, and all of Wasatch Hollow. He stated that for this reason, the park deserved more investment to fix its degraded conditions. He said they are looking for funding to explore and accommodate all the current and potential users of the park. Mr. Skog inquired as to if the City had an adopted dog park strategy. Mr. Millar confirmed the City does have a strategy but that it often requires amendments and local expertise to incorporate the desires of each neighborhood. He said the City tailors its approach and implements different strategies in different parts of the City to provide diversity in each dog park. Ms. Shepard said that while it is great to have diversity among the dog parks, they also can be a safety risk. She explained that her son was bit by a dog at one of the parks while walking on the sidewalk and that it was only a matter of time before something more serious occurs. Ms. Shepard expressed the importance of a solution that would be cognizant of the safety of the community. Fred and Ila Rose Wetland Preserve Improvements Constituent- Dan Potts Mr. Christensen said he shared the constituent's concerns about the various elements in the preserve and asked why it was imperative to replace them now instead of at the end of their lifecycle. Mr. Potts provided a brief overview of the historic perspective leading up to the current conditions of the nature preserve. He stated that he applied for CIP funding in the past but that his proposal was not approved by the City Council. Mr. Potts said the current proposal had been improved and that he presented it to the Glendale and Poplar Grove Community Councils and provided tours of the site to gather support. He commented on the Westside's inequities and pleaded for funding that would give the preserve the potential to become a gem in the City. He thanked the Board for their time and consideration. Mr. Christensen reiterated his previous question about the rock cages and why it was important to replace them now. Mr. Potts explained that they were in disrepair and that it posed a safety risk because the wires are falling apart on the baskets. C. Overview&Expectations of next meeting Ms. Ruiz said that the next meeting would take place on Monday, March 20, 2023, covering the Constituent Transportation and Engineering related projects. She stated that the next meeting would follow the same meeting structure. 6. Adiournment There being no further business. Ms. Bonk made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Skog seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:13pm. Xtfei�fi`Ste�� Heidi Steed(Mar 21,2023 21:08 MDT) CDCIP Board Chair This document along with the digital recording constitute the official minutes of the CDCIP Board meeting held March 13, 2023. Minutes 03. 13.2023 Final Audit Report 2023-03-22 Created: 2023-03-21 By: Rachel Molinari(rachel.molinari@slcgov.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAoTcNiV1T4QOOLJCLQu8e2uXEgEHht0to "Minutes 03. 13.2023" History Document created by Rachel Molinari (rachel.molinari@slcgov.com) 2023-03-21 -2:44:57 PM GMT Document emailed to heidisteed@gmail.com for signature 2023-03-21 -2:45:15 PM GMT Email viewed by heidisteed@gmail.com 2023-03-22-3:08:00 AM GMT Signer heidisteed@gmail.com entered name at signing as Heidi Steed 2023-03-22-3:08:22 AM GMT 6o Document e-signed by Heidi Steed (heidisteed@gmail.com) Signature Date:2023-03-22-3:08:24 AM GMT-Time Source:server Agreement completed. 2023-03-22-3:08:24 AM GMT Names and email addresses are entered into the Acrobat Sign service by Acrobat Sign users and are unverified unless otherwise noted. Powered by 'F Adobe �' Acrobat Sign