Loading...
10/05/2023 - Meeting Minutes PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Formal Meeting Thursday,October 5,2023 5:00 p.m.—7:15 p.m. Join Via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81344405499?pwd=ZgpybnNOefINMQMpOUWZSS210dldxdzO9 Or Join at the Public Lands Administrative Building:1965 W.500 S.Salt Lake City,UT 84104 Upstairs Parks Training Room Join by phone Phone:1-669-444-9171 Webinar ID:813 4440 5499 Access code:275031 Approved Minutes 1. Convening the Meeting 5:00 PM A. Call to order — Melanie Pehrson Clayton Scrivner — Kerri Nakamura — Jenny Hewson Samantha Finch — CJ Whittaker — Brianna Binnebose — Phil Carroll — Meridith Benally B. Chair Comments 5 mins Ms. Binnebose reminded everyone they are in CIP season and thanked everyone for attending that evening. She reminded everyone that Ms. Larsen sent calendar invites for CIP deadlines to help with internal time management. She invited Board members to contact herself or Ms. Larsen with any agenda requests. 2. Approval of Minutes 5:05 PM — Approve September 7, 2023 meeting minutes 5 mins Ms. Hewson motioned to approve the September minutes. Ms. Finch seconded.The Board unanimously voted to approve the September minutes. 3. Public Comment 5:10 PM — Verbal comments are limited to no more than 3 minutes; 15 minutes total. Written comments are welcome. Jan Hemming Ms. Hemming said she pleads with you tonight to use your authority and stewardship to take a deep look at the carnage,the neglect, and the terrible waste of Government money in Miller Park.These words are not aimed at any individual but at Public Lands policies, which she believes are harmful and misguided. Corrective action has been ignored or been awakened too slowly. She feels more mistakes are about to be made. She shared some of the damage done to trees, soil, and other vegetation in the park, issues with the irrigation system, and impacts to the stream and trail.She stated that hundreds of residents have signed petitions to restore the Lower Creekside trail,the purpose of Jim Webster's CIP. Steve Long PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Mr. Long said the question is what to do with using the grant (the original grant for Miller Park). He said the answer is simple: what it should be initially used for. He doesn't understand why the government could approve arbitrarily transferring a grant meant to restore the lower trail into whatever project they wish. He said the grant should pay for the sprinkling system problem in the park (Miller Park) because it was supposedly replaced after the oil spill. He watched employees replace the sprinkling system, and what he saw would make anyone angry. He added because of the problems of the sprinkler system when installed because of the oil spill. If there is a problem,the money should not be spent on that, and not with this grant; the grant is to replace the trail. He said the trail was safe. He said everyone talks about the safety issue.That's what we've heard; it's not safe down there. He shared there's never been a problem; no one has been hurt, and it's that big of a stream. He shared kids love to play in the water. He said it was a misappropriation of funds. With the 85-million-dollar bond, he can't imagine why this grant should be used for anything else. Mr. Long said he shared the project being done in the park regarding the trees with his brother-in- law, a professional of environmental impact for the United States Forest Service. He shared that nothing was done correctly.The stream was rerouted, and the canopy was destroyed, which impacted many of the animals and birds in that park. He added there were no engineering specifications on the upper trails. Mr. Long continued discussing some of the issues regarding the oil spill. He said the upper trail shouldn't have been put in, and a design plan was never approved. Lisa Long Ms. Long shared that Miller Park was very nice before 2014. She described how you could take a stroller around on the ninth south end, and now you can't. She shared how difficult it is to get up and down that hill. Ms. Long would like the trail to go back down where it was because that's where it belongs. She shared how Minnie Miller donated Miller Park to the children of the neighborhood, and the children of the neighborhood want the trail by the water because that's where the children play. Ms. Long shared how she's seen trees being cut down during nesting season, and it seems Parks is completely fine with that. She shared her husband has seen them spraying, and because of the chemicals that were used, some of her trees died as they share the same root system as some of the trees in Miller Park. Tom Lund Mr. Lund shared he walks the trail every day and sees all sorts of people on the trail: grade school children and preschool children. He said he knows it's some controversy but doesn't understand why. People using the park aren't fond of that upper trail. He said he's gone through the paperwork, and he can't find anything that formally approves that upper trial. It was as though Parks just decided to put it in. He added it's not ADA and child or toddler-compliant. From an intrinsic value, walking by the creek heals everyone. He said the upper trail is navigable. He asked the Board to appeal to their kinder, softer, gentle nature to help restore that lower trail and bless many lives. Jim Webster Mr. Webster shared his expertise doing trails and parkways all over the country. He was the landscape architect who designed the original lower path. He referenced the cover photo on the Miller Engagement Report, and the wall in the image was the wall the City demolished.This wall allowed access to the creek side path for 35 years. He added no one understands why it was demolished. He shared he's reviewed the construction drawing approved by the City, and nowhere in those drawings does it indicate an upper path. He added it's not even appropriately engineered. Mr. Webster said nothing in the report on April 6th says a lower path can't be built. He would like to see the lower path restored. PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY 4. Director's Report 5:25 PM - Summary of current high-priority department items.— Kristin Riker 5 mins Ms. Riker said last week, she attended a conference with most of the Council members and the Mayor to visit Milwaukee to see what the city is doing well. Milwaukee built a freeway-like structure that cut through the city. It took out a lot of old historic locations, homeless people, and neglected neighborhoods under and around the freeway, and all the economic development stopped. Milwaukee has turned it around.They have approximately 31 business improvement districts.They are responsible for a 3-mile radius; in that 3-mile radius, they collect about$5 million from businesses and use that money to make the radius beautiful. She thinks from this visit,there will be more discussions about how to improve Salt Lake City. She shared some handouts highlighting the comparisons between Milwaukee and Salt Lake City. Ms. Riker shared how Milwaukee used the infrastructure under the freeway to install pickleball courts and other amenities. Ms. Nakamura asked Ms. Riker to share her photos. Ms. Nakamura added that they are working with UDOT to incorporate those concepts into the Central Ninth. Ms. Pehrson referenced the 9th South bike park under the freeway used all the time. Ms. Riker shared that UDOT has asked her to write a letter to discuss her experience in Milwaukee. Ms. Riker said six Public Lands employees will attend the National Parks and Recreation Association in Dallas next week. Ms. Larsen shared her screen to display a video of the Calle futsal court opening at Sherwood Park. Ms. Riker said the court was created on a former volleyball court. She imagines they will partner with them to do more with these underutilized spaces. She explained these sorts of courts are smaller than a soccer field.The organization they partnered with is called Calle. 5. Staff Presentations, Updates & Discussions 5:30 PM A. Emerald Ribbon Master Plan updates—Makaylah Maponga 10 mins Ms. Maponga shared her screen to display the Emerald Ribbon Update presentation.This presentation will quickly recap everything that's happened and where they're going.They purposefully use the language of embracing the Emerald Ribbon with what it is now and think about how to improve it.This project is for the 10 miles of Salt Lake City's portion of the Jordan River.This project will be a community vision, but it will also have components of implementation from a list of Capital Improvement Projects that will help inform staff on how to spend the$9 million awarded through the GO Bond, as well as a list of maintenance and operations guidelines which will allow internal staff to be able to achieve and maintain the corridor. Ms. Maponga highlighted the event's timeline and the work some of the consultants have done.There hasn't been a public launch, and the consulting team has been focusing on an existing conditions analysis.This fall will focus on public awareness. Ms. Maponga shared the project the seasonal Community Engagement Coordinator worked on over the summer. It's a live map where people can upload a photo and share a story of what they enjoy or don't enjoy about the Jordan River. She also shared their new blog series, "Currents on the River, " which will come out quarterly. She highlighted some of the focus groups with key stakeholders.The major themes were "Make Everyone Welcome," "Fair Care," "Share the Trail," and "Keep it Wild." Ms. Maponga continued to discuss the focus group findings. She shared the live website and hotline for the project. Ms. Nakamura suggested having QR codes accessible on the trail for people to use. Ms. Maponga shared some yard signs with QR codes staff created, mailers, character cards with species, and postcards.The character cards will be available at libraries, and the purpose is to increase brand awareness. Ms. Hewson asked if they would be anywhere else besides the libraries. Ms. Maponga said they are focusing on libraries and will carry them when they're out and about. Mr. PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Whittaker suggested some businesses, like REI. Ms. Binnebose recommended the schools.The postcards are meant to be engagement material, and there will be library drop boxes. Ms. Maponga shared the upcoming"Dinner on the River" event,targeting key stakeholder groups. The goal is to celebrate everything these groups have accomplished this year and discuss ideas for the Emerald Ribbon Plan. Ms. Maponga continued to discuss the event.The consultants will return in November to share the full report on existing conditions. More events to post presentation. Ms. Binnebose asked if there were any paid social media ads. Ms. Maponga said once they decide which visual to use,they will. Staff and Board continued to discuss the Emerald Ribbon. B. CIP—Tom Millar 60 mins Mr. Millar said today's discussion is focused on the internal CIP ideas.They thought they would have applications for everyone to review, but there has been a slight delay.Today's projects will be ideas and summaries.There are 10, and the staff doesn't plan to apply for all 10. Mr. Millar asks for the Board's help whittling the projects and any ideas on their scope, whether combining them or delaying them. Staff would like the prioritization of the ten by the end of October. Ms. Nakamura asked if the staff has a target number of applications or a dollar figure. Mr. Millar said no to the number of applications. Mr. Millar explained this year's approach was focused on more significant, more impactful projects that may have benefited either citywide or the greater number of our population rather than smaller projects-that still take a long time to get going and implemented. Mr. Millar continued to say that they are focusing on projects that are impact fee eligible. Especially since impact fees expire. He shared that in the last two years,the application total between the general fund and impact fees has been in the$6 to $7 million range, and what Public Lands has been granted is in the$2 to $4 million range.The Board and staff continued to discuss applications and budget. Mr. Millar shared his screen to display a map of the projects. Four of the ten projects are city-wide in scope and impact. 1. Property Acquisition to Meet the City's "94 New Park Acres" Goal—staff is asking for$5 million to give staff more flexibility in acquiring property.The goal of this is to take a more proactive approach.This is impact fee eligible and will help the department stick to its goal of 94 acres by 2040 to continue the current level of service. Mr. Whittaker asked if the money would sit there until it was used. Mr. Millar explained it's like a savings share, and each project creates its own savings share.The Board and staff continued to discuss this project and land acquisition. 2. Community Stage for Dynamic Events—staff rent an event stage. It would cost$5 million to purchase their own by buying a stage versus renting. Last year, there were between 30,000- $33,000 attendees that would probably use the stage. Ms. Binnebose asked if buying a stage would allow staff to expand programming. Mr. Millar said potentially, which still falls onto what staff can handle. Mr.John asked about stage rentals. Mr. Millar explained the stage they'd use is for city events.They wouldn't lease or rent it out to groups. 3. Courts and Playgrounds would replace two courts and two playgrounds.The staff has some promising leads on external funding sources, especially for the playgrounds. Because of this, the team may not have to spend this on the worst playground in the City.Those may be able to be replaced with private dollars.This project would then tackle the next worst. Ms. Pehrson asked if this project has determined playgrounds. Mr. Millar explained there are several eligible for replacement.The Board and staff continued to discuss the courts and playgrounds. 4. Building Resilient Public Lands for a Hotter, Drier Future—this project is a water and resource-focused application. It has three essential parts: improving irrigation efficiency, reducing turf where unnecessary, and supporting resilient Public Lands operations. PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY 5. Elevating Access:The Regional Athletic Complex's (RAC) Blueprint for the Future—this project expands the RAC from 16 to 22-24 fields, putting the RAC in the next tier of tournaments they can host.This would increase the economic development return that the RAC provides from about$15-$18 million per year up to$25-$30 million per year.This project includes the planning, design, and possible construction for two of those 6-8 new fields and improvements along Rose Park Lane that lead to the RAC. Ms. Riker said those fields would be open to the public. Mr. Millar said this plan and design intend to include amenities, including fields that would be publicly accessible and not solely limited to the pay- to-play tournaments. He explained that Ms. Maponga is working on a playground project at the RAC. From this project,the community has expressed a desire, for a very long time, to open up at least some of the fields for public use.The Board and staff continued to discuss the RAC project. Ms. Riker explained the RAC uses about a million dollars per year, and their revenues cover just over half of that, so the City partly subsidizes the RAC.The staff and the Board continued to discuss how the RAC runs.The staff and the Board discussed water usage in parks and the RAC. Mr. Millar explained there is a great demand for soccer fields in this community. He said parts of the improvements included in this application are to make the RAC more easily accessible by foot or bike. Ms. Nakamura shared that she is biased against using taxpayer dollars to build fields kids don't get to play on. She understands the economic return of it, but not when we don't turn around and use that money to fill it back in to support parks and other play places. The Board and staff continued to discuss the RAC project. 6. Memory Grove Park Urget Repairs+ Preservation & Maintenance Plan is a two-pronged application. Most of the funding funds urgent maintenance and restoration needs of monuments and critical historical structures in rough shape. It combines that with a preservation and maintenance plan for the entire park.The purpose of that preservation maintenance plan is so we don't get to this point where everything is falling apart again.The staff has asked for this request several times and has been unsuccessful, so they are changing their approach. Ms. Hewson asked if there have been any alternative funding options for this, given its historical significance. Mr. Millar said yes,these are just our most urgent needs. He explained that the plan is similar to the approach with the cemetery.The plan will put them on track to request,fundraise, or otherwise reach out to other donors who could. Or, if staff can't find them,give staff the dollar figures they need. 7. Green Loop Implementation: Civic Center Block—This loop goes around downtown on North Temple—part of State and South Temple, 200 East, 900 South, and 500 West. Mr. Millar explained this: a multi-departmental teams in the City is working on designing the 200 East section of the Green Loop.There is a section of the street that will be more ready for design and construction and more critical to what the remaining blocks would like to look like, and this is the block between 400 and 500 South, between Washington Park and Library Square. This block is often closed because of events.The vision would be to transform that block into more of a civic space and less a street. The Board and staff continued to discuss the Green Loop. 8. Foundations for Fleet Block—Mr. Millar said the Fleet Block would be developed soon.Three acres will dedicated to public open space, with the development coming and the knowledge that we will want to keep the mid-block streets into basically four tiny blocks, wanting to save those public, foundational money will be needed to begin those infrastructural improvements around the public open space that would not only facilitate staff building the available space but would also improve part of the public infrastructure space that it outside the space that would eventually be needed in that block. He continued saying one of the critical pieces of this project, which will come soon, is the property's rezoning.The City Council will hear about this in the next few months. Once the rezoning is done, it will permit the City to proceed with its plan to basically lease that land to developers and then allow PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Public Lands to develop the space. Ms. Nakamura asked if this was funded in this cycle. Some things would need to go away. Mr. Millar said yes; besides the infrastructure, which would be impact fee eligible, some remediation needs to reoccur.The Board and staff continued to discuss the Fleet Block project. 9. Sugar House Park Pavilion Replacements (50/50 Match)—Mr. Millar said this project aims to replace two pavilions and associated amenities at Sugar House Park. The cost for design and construction would be split between Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. While the City only has to pay 50%of the upfront costs,they pay 0% in operations and maintenance costs, and residents will get more benefits from this park. One pavilion costs nearly$1 million, including the tables, barbecues, landscaping, water, and accessibility features. Mr. Millar continued that the City will fund half of one pavilion if the Council approves. 10. Cultivating Glendale's Emerald Ribbon (Jordan River Corridor 1:1 GO Bond Match)—Mr. Millar explained this project is a supplement or a match to the GO Bond dedicated to the Jordan River project. Currently, staff has$9 million for the Jordan River and about 45 blocks of the Jordan River in Salt Lake City.They anticipate to spend about$200,000-$250,000 per block.The five blocks that are in the greatest need and have the greatest density of users, destinations, and amenities are the blocks between Indiana Avenue and California Avenue. This section houses Modesto Park,Three Creeks Confluence, Bend in the River, Urban Tree House, International Peace Gardens, Fife Wetland, 91h South River Park, and the 9 Line Trail. This request is a one-to-one match requesting to double the money they spend in these five blocks and an extra $250,000 to do cultural landscape reporting and potential additional expansion and modernization planning and design for the International Peace Gardens. Mr. Whittaker asked about the link to the plan on the website for Fleet Block, and he's wondering what the rezone is. Mr. Millar said they'll let the planning division know. Mr. Whittaker asked what some of the acronyms mean. Mr. Millar shared his screen to zoom in on the Fleet Block on Google Maps. Mr. Millar explained the Fleet Block's history,which currently doesn't serve a purpose. The Board and staff continued to discuss the zoning of the Fleet Block. Ms. Hewson asked, in relation to the "Building Resilient Public Lands" project, if it mentioned the greenhouses. She remembers a while ago, there was an opportunity to purchase an area for native propagation. She asked what happened to that project. Ms. Riker said that Public Utilities has a project going through that project, and they can no longer build that native garden center there. Mr. Millar said this CIP project does include repair and improvements to the current greenhouses. Ms. Nakamura asked where she could find more information on the history of the RAC and the vision. Ms. Binnebose agreed on the equity portion of the pay-to-play issues, especially if there is a high demand for more public play fields. Mr. Millar said this application intends to simultaneously enhance the capacity of the RAC while also acknowledging the limitations of the use of the RAC to the public. Ms. Nakamura asked about the reassurances of the following fields for public use. Ms. Riker asked if Ms. Larsen could work with Mr. Laughlin to get more information for her. Mr. Whittaker asked what is meant by access. Mr. Millar explained it's access for more community access to the fields and amenities and physical access to the fields with trails, sidewalks, and roadways.The Board and staff continued to discuss the RAC CIP project. Ms. Finch asked how they strategize for equity in balancing or utilizing a pot of money for one versus another, impact versus general. Ms. Riker said they try to use impact fees whenever they can.They don't have to match the funds so that they can use their impact fees differently than other departments, and it's open to how they can use them. With the RAC project, Ms. Riker that Transportation is planning a new bridge over the Jordan River Trail to increase the ability to get in and out of the RAC.The Board and staff continued to discuss the RAC project. PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Ms. Hewson asked if they could get the District number for each project. Mr. Millar said he is open and accessible to any questions the Board may have as they review the projects. Ms. Binnebose asked if Mr. Millar could put this information into a spreadsheet. Mr. Millar said he could once the internal and constituent CIP applications are more refined. He didn't put it into a spreadsheet this time because there's a lot more information in each of these than there has been in the past, and it would make the spreadsheet messy.The Board and staff continued to discuss the internal CIP applications. Ms. Larsen shared her screen to display the Board's Google Drive, and the Board discussed how they would notify Mr. Millar of questions and CIP project organization within the folder. Ms. Binnebose reminded the Board how the ranking process works for their CIP process.The Board continued to discuss their ranking process. Ms. Binnebose said they'd advance their top five since there are only ten applications this year, compared to prior years with 20-30. C. Staff updates—Ashlyn Larsen 5 mins Ms. Larsen said she's reserved Memory Grove for the upcoming retreat. She knows other locations have been discussed, but Memory Grove costs nothing, and the staff handles setup. She said she knows the Carriage House was discussed as an option. Ms. Riker said she doesn't know if the Carriage House would be ready to host the retreat with tables and chairs. Ms. Larsen shared that the upcoming agendas are heavy for the rest of the year with the Foothills update, Urban Forestry update, and CIP season. She suggested extending the meeting time unless the Board is fine with having these other updates at the retreat. Ms. Nakamura said she was fine extending. Ms. Binnebose said they'd probably extend the November and December meetings. Ms. Finch said she's fine with that,too. Ms. Hewson asked if the Urban Forestry update could be in December since she can't attend the full November meeting.The Board and staff continued to discuss upcoming agendas and extended the November and December meetings to 8 PM. Ms. Larsen said she is continuing to work with the community engagement coordinator and will continue sending out invites to Board members. 6. Board Discussion 6:45 PM A. Retreat agenda 10 mins Ms. Binnebose listed some agenda items the Board may want to discuss further, such as the Foothills, Forestry, Wasatch Hollow, and Miller Park. For Miller Park, she referenced how, at the last meeting, she'd like the Board to take more time to review the constituents' comments and staff's information. She continued to list the subcommittee discussion and the possibility of creating new subcommittees. She reminded the Board that if it's a subcommittee they'd like to propose to start, to come prepared at the retreat to discuss the subcommittee scope of work and membership and, possibly, rotating members through existing subcommittees.Another agenda request was stakeholder presentations, especially concerning the Yale Crest Community situation regarding Miller Park.The Board continued to discuss the agenda for the retreat. Ms. Larsen shared that Mr. Miller suggested having an Indigenous Subcommittee created possibly. Ms. Nakamura asked about the request the community member made tonight during the Public Comment Section, and she's not sure that's a role the Board has. She suggested having legal come to the retreat and educate the Board on their role. Ms. Riker said it is outlined in the ordinance.The Board thought getting that refresher on their role would be good.The Board continued to discuss their role as a Board. B. Subcommittee Reporting 5 mins Communications Subcommittee Ms. Binnebose shared the Communications Subcommittee summary during the retreat agenda discussion. PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Trails Subcommittee Mr. Whittaker said their work is on hold because of the work the consultants are finishing. He referenced the notes in their subcommittee folder, and everything is pending. C. Board comments and question period 10 mins Regarding Miller Park, Ms. Binnebose said some staff reports are available on the Council website. Ms. Binnebose shared that many of the community members who came to the Board meeting tonight and others were also at the hearing last night. She referenced the YouTube video of that night's Council session and the 28-minute, 11-second timestamp for the Miller Park items. Ms. Binnebose said there is an ask for the Board to send a letter of recommendation. She continued to say that before the Board has that discussion, reviewing the full letter that Yale Crest Community Council sent to the Board would be prudent. She noted that Tyler Murdock has responded. Mr. Whittaker said all his questions regarding Miller Park are for staff. The Board and staff continued to discuss Miller Park and Yale Crest Community Council. Ms. Nakamura asked what the October 171h deadline was. Ms. Riker explained the original CIP application and the trail moving within Miller Park. Staff decided to pull in consultants to understand the request to move the trail back to its original location and what the right thing to do was.The consultant gave some recommendations to make it ADA accommodating to provide WPA wall stabilization, and crib wall stabilization. Because that's not what was originally applied for, staff has to return and present the new scope to the City Council for the budget amendment deadline of October 171h.The Board and staff continued to discuss the CIP project for Miller Park. Ms. Finch said the Board couldn't decide by the October 17th deadline. She told Board members they could comment but can't represent the Board. Ms. Finch suggested reopening this discussion in February or March when their agenda schedule opens again.The Board discussed their future agenda topic for the retreat and when public members requested to present to the Board. Ms. Riker said that the October 17th deadline is a bit of a false deadline. Groups will agree on some of the projects so that part of the scope will change, and the rest is still open for discussion. The Board continued to discuss Miller Park. Ms. Binnebose reminded everyone the agendas are quite full for November and December with the Foothills and Forestry update. She suggested leaving Miller Park for a retreat agenda item. That would allow Board members to read through all the information provided.As well as a chance for staff to gather additional background information or help condense it. Ms. Riker said she doesn't want staff to spend too much time on this. She said they can put it together when they already have, but the Board has the information.The Board and staff continued to discuss Miller Park. D. Next meeting: November 2, 2023 5 mins E. Request for future agenda items 5 mins Ms. Finch motioned to adjourn. Ms. Hewson seconded the motion.The Board unanimously motioned to adjourn the meeting. 7. Adjourn 7:15 PM