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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/02/2025 - Meeting Materials DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC LANDS Public Lands Division Updates Parks,Natural Lands, Urban Forestry&Trails Advisory Board Thursday, October 2na Parks Division: The Parks Division Director met with Stephanie Duer, SLC Water Conservation Program Manager,to address ongoing water conservation goals within Parks. The operational leadership team will be identifying areas within each Parks district that can be converted from turf to low- water landscaping. Operational funding centers will be accessed to find those areas with the least impact to public use that have the greatest potential for water savings and -along with Stephanie-have a plan developed for field-expedient response and conversion. In the meantime,this incredibly dry summer has pushed monthly water budgets to the point that extra time and effort is being spent in determining which less-essential park assets could have irrigation turned down without permanently harming turf,landscape, and trees. Some assets, like the cemetery,have already seen a decrease in irrigation by to%,with further reductions anticipated. In much the same way,each Parks district will be addressing ADA upgrades needed in each park district as identified in last year's ADA Parks Assessment and engaging staff or contractors to begin completion of those projects. The South Korean delegation that visited the International Peace Gardens recently was energized by Public Lands' response and willingness to work with them to accept the donation of a hand-crafted traditional Korean pagoda in their section of the gardens. Traditional Korean artisans will be working starting Spring 2026 and using Korean-sourced materials and techniques to erect the structure where the original pagoda has fallen into disrepair and crumbled. All-Pro Security Park Update: Parks would like to report positive progress with our new security contractor,All-Pro Security.This group has shown a distinct uptick over our last two contractors, particularly in matters of professionalism,flexibility, and responsiveness, as we have had them check/lock restrooms, close down parks each night, and routinely patrol hotspots in the parks system where crime is at its worst. Planning&Design: • FAIRMONT PARK: Based on insights gathered during the first round of public input, three concept designs have been developed.These were presented to community members at an Open House on September 18th from 4-7 pm at the Forest Dale Golf Course Clubhouse.A new online survey opened that same day for community to provide feedback on each of the concepts.This project is funded by the GO Bond and CIP. • LIBERTY PARK: Public Lands is developing a Cultural Landscape Report and Vision Plan to guide the park's future.The most recent public open house for this project was on September 25 from 4-7 pm at the Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary.Three concepts for the park were presented for public comment, as well as an overview of work done to date, and goals for the duration of the project. • Demolition has begun on the Liberty Park Rotary Playground.The playground will reopen summer of 2026. • A new playground was built at Jefferson Park and was ready for play on Sept. 19. For input about design concepts for reimagining the rest of the park. Design for Reimagine Jefferson Park under the GO Bond kicked off this summer.We plan to share two revitalized park concept plans with the public for feedback in late 2025. • Construction is still in progress for the reimagined Seven Canyons Refuge in Liberty Park.The project is on track to be completed in October. • Construction of the Backman Community Open Space and Outdoor Classroom is still in progress and should be completed by early October.The playground is finished. The outdoor classroom and rest of the site landscaping will be completed in the coming weeks. • The Memory Grove Cultural Landscape Report and Preservation&Maintenance Plan kicked off the first week of September and is expected to take one year. Trails &Natural Lands Update: The Trails&Natural Lands Division rec'd a $57,000 grant from Jordan River Commission and Utah Forestry, Fire, and State Lands for vegetation maintenance along the Jordan River Water Trail.This grant was matched by internal TNL operational budget. The project's primary focus will remove overgrown and dead vegetation from the riverbanks and tree canopy, ensuring a safe, navigable waterway while improving habitat quality. By addressing this urgent need,the project will revitalize the corridor, reduce hazards, and demonstrate the City's commitment to caring for its most valuable west side natural asset.This project builds on the 2022-2023 efforts led by TNL that removed dead and downed trees and branches from the riverbed itself along the entire 45 blocks of Salt Lake City section of the Jordan River. Park Ranger Program: We have reclassified an open Park Ranger position into a second Park Ranger Supervisor. Currently,we have one Supervisor for 18 Rangers across a seven-day schedule,which makes the depth of supervision less than we would like it to be.Adding a second Supervisor will allow us to manage all of our Rangers much more closely to ensure high-quality work that is closely DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC LANDS coordinated with City and Departmental priorities.We are currently hiring for the second Supervisor position. We are starting our first UCORE field trips with Meadowlark and Escalante elementary school students this week.We partnered with SLC Schools Science Coach Kris Kaly on the grant using Ranger time as an in-kind contribution and providing a letter of support.The goal of the grant is to give kids outdoor education opportunities. Urban Forestry: The Urban Forestry Division hosted volunteers from the Kensington Investment Company at Liberty Park on September 11, 2025,for a tree planting event. 15 trees were planted by approximately 15 volunteers. In 2023,this group donated$1ok,which the city used to install irrigation and plant trees at Cottonwood Park. Sycamore Anthracnose Study Progress-Contractors working on behalf of the Urban Forestry Division have begun fungicide treatments (intended to mitigate the effects of anthracnose and powdery mildew in the City's largest Sycamore trees).Approximately 1/3 of the study group trees will receive the trunk-injected fungicide treatment this year.Treatment of the remaining study group trees will be split between 2026 and 2027. Residents living adjacent to trees that will be treated will be mailed a notice. Additionally,the Urban Forestry Division has leveraged in-house resources to provide anthracnose treatments for approximately 50 to 75 additional sycamore trees (that are not in the study group).This service is being provided as a means to evaluate alternative treatment options and to cultivate the support and satisfaction of our customers (Salt Lake City's residents).The Anthracnose Study funding provides for the treatment of approximately 500 of the City's largest sycamore trees.As a result,this has enabled the Urban Forestry Division to satisfy public requests to treat trees that are not in the study group. Washington Square Tree Pruning: Over the month of September, Urban Forestry Division Arborists will be meticulously pruning the crabapple trees that line both sides of the primary walkway from State Street to the west entrance of the City and County Building.These trees have numerous dead and low-hanging branches that impact grounds maintenance and tree health.As some of these trees are in various stages of decline (mostly due to being outcompeted by neighboring trees),the pruning should improve their overall health.This work will occur in the morning hours (prior to 9:0o am)to minimize any disturbance to those working and visiting the City and County Building. Golf Division: Golf Division Associate Golf Director, Kelsey Chugg will be inducted into the Weber State University Athletics Hall of Fame on September loth. Chugg was a two-time All-Big Sky performer with the Weber State women's golf team from 2011-13, and has since gone on to unprecedented success as an amateur golfer. A native of Phoenix, Chugg played two seasons at Redlands Community College before coming to Weber State to join coach Jeff Smith and the Wildcat women's golf team. She was a part of the Wildcats for two seasons from 2011-13. She earned All-Big Sky honors in each of her two seasons, including first-team all-conference honors as a senior in 2013. During her junior season Of 2011-12,she finished ninth at the Big Sky Championships and earned second-team honors, and followed that up with first-team honors the following year. During her Wildcat career, she was an individual medalist at three tournaments. She also recorded 13 top-20 finishes,with nine top-los and six top-five finishes. She was named the Big Sky Golfer of the Week four times in her career. She was also recognized for her academic success, earning all-conference academic honors twice and being named to the WGCA Scholar- Athlete team. Following her Wildcat career, Chugg has gone on to a stellar amateur golf career. She is a six- time champion of the Utah Women's State Amateur Championship,the second most in history. She has been named the Utah Golf Association's Women's Player of the Year seven times and has competed in three final matches of the US Women's Mid-Amateur Championship PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD Of SALT LAKE CITY Formal Meeting Thursday, September 4, 2025 5:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m. Or Join at the Public Lands Administrative Building:1965 W.500 S.Salt Lake City,UT 84104,2nd Floor,Parks Training Room Join Zoom Meeting i tps:;/us02web.zoom.u§(y3703674458?pwd=xigAA5545gKVfbjuBUjQhpOPQtUb20.1 Meeting ID:370 367 4458 Passcode:133477 Unapproved Minutes 1. Convening the Meeting 5:00 PM A. Call to order 5:04 PM Board Members: Kerri Nakamura Ginger Cannon Aaron Wiley Erin McGill Clayton Scrivner Steve Bloch Brianna Binnebose Sarah Foran James Alfandre B. Chair Comments 5 mins We commemorate Brianna Binnebose, Meredith Benally, and Talula Pontuti for completing their service on the Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry,and Trails Advisory Board of Salt Lake City. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura commended Board Member Talula Pontuti and Brianna Binnebose for their work and completion of their terms, citing Board Member Meredith Benally will apply for reappointment. • Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon thanked the exciting Board Members and commended Board Member Brianna Binnebose's work and priorities during her term. Board Member Brianna Binnebose commented and thanked the board. 2. Approval of Minutes 5:05 PM - Approve August 7, 2025, meeting minutes 5 mins A motion to approve and adopt the Thursday, August 7th, meeting minutes for the Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry, and Trails Advisory Board was made by Board Member Steve Bloch. The motion was seconded by Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon. The vote passed unanimously from the Board Members present to approve and adopt minutes from the Thursday, August 7th, Advisory Board meeting 3. Public Comment 5:10 PM - Verbal comments are limited to no more than 3 minutes; 15 minutes total. Written comments are welcome. Constituent Austine Whitehead D5 provided the board with a brief introduction and commented that he had joined the September meeting to observe, as he is considering applying for the open board seat. Constituent Ella commented that they attended the meeting to observe the work of the board. 4. Director's Report 5:15 PM — Summary of current high-priority department items. — Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director 20 mins Kim Shelley updated the board that the Liberty Park Rotary Play Playground has closed on September 2nd, 2025. Prior to closure, staff monitored the playground closely. She added that Taufer Park has closed for maintenance. The Fairmont Park fire pit has been closed for repair. Additionally, Kim Shelley briefed the board on the Homeless Campus that will be built in the 16-acre property on 2520 N. 2200 W. She reports that the property has a Purchase and Sale Agreement that has recently been executed by the State and the City. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura directed a question. • Board Member Eric McGill asked where the funds from the property would go, along with whether the property was being held by the City for the purpose of use. Kim Shelley responded that she hopes the funds will be used to purchase additional open space, or if there is a clause for a land swap with the state. Also mentioned that the property, if not sold, could have been used for a wood reutilization project. • Board Member Kerri Nakamura addressed a question about the transportation of clients to the future facility. • Board Member Sarah Foran asked whether the land is fully state-owned. Whether the State is more likely to build a relationship with the city. Kim Shelley responded. Board Member Sarah asked whether the Park Ranger Program would be involved. Kim Shelley reported that the CIP Budget was approved on August 19t", adding that it has been the most successful CIP Budget Public Lands has had. There is$16 million appropriate for 14 projects. She further discussed the success of the applications. Kim Shelley provided an update on the July Public Lands volunteer summary: 150 volunteers, 540 hours of service, and a staff wage equivalent to$18,000. S. Board Action Item 5:35 PM — Board Members will discuss the proposed SLC Indigenous Commission document 20 mins and vote on the proposal — Meredith Benally, Board Member Board Member Kerri Nakamura has requested that the board postpone the item, as Board Member Meredith Benally is not present. • The following Board Members further discussed the matter: Board Member Ginger Cannon, Eric McGill, and Brianna Binnebose. • Board Members agreed to continue providing feedback on the draft proposal, and complete feedback by the next meeting. 6. Urban Trails Committee Nominations 5:55 PM — Nominations for Urban Trails Committee: Brianna Binnebose— Kerri Nakamura, Board Chair 5 mins Board Members agreed to have Brianna Binnebose serve in the Urban Trails Committee. 7. Staff Presentations, Updates & Discussions 6:00 PM A. Public Lands Capital Improvement Projects—Kat Andra, Senior Planning Strategist, and Tom 30 mins Millar, Planning & Design Division Director Tom Millar provided the board with an overview of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including the funding amount, the projects funded, and information that all CIP Projects from Public Lands were approved total of$16,753,56, towards the 14 projects. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura asked a clarifying question about the Playground Replacement line item. Tom Millar provided the board information on Constituent CIP Applications, and how Public Lands can collaborate with the application Downtown Farmers Market— Upgraded Electrical Service under the Pioneer Park Project that is happening is a couple of months. • Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon asked whether the standardization of the process has accounted for the success. Kat Andra commented on the matter. Kat, Andra, Senior Planning Strategist provided a brief introduction of her role for Public Lands, and her role in the CIP Process in the next cycle. Kat included information on the City Code on the duties of PNUT Advisory Board in the CIP process. She also included a high-level overview of the City CIP Process, Constituent CIP Applications, and the Public Lands CIP Application Process. Kat Andra anticipated the PNUT Board will receive CIP Public Lands Applications in the October meeting to discuss. Kat Andra, shared with the Finance Department, is implementing a 10-year Capital Asset Plan for all City departments and divisions, to unify CIP requests. In addition, Kat briefed the board on the Strategic Capital, Acquisition and Asset Management Plan, a guide for the department for the next 10 years. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura asked a clarifying question about the Strategic Capital, Acquisition and Asset Management Plan. Board Vice Chair provided a comment on the matter. Board Member Sarah Foran provided feedback for the constituent application process. • Tom Millar, Kat Andra, and Board Chair Kerri Nakamura further discussed the matter Board Steve Bloch requested for the October CIP presentation to include information on the Go Bond and Impact Fees funded projects. Board Member Eric McGill posed the question, if a constituent needs guidance on a Public Lands related Constituent CIP Application, they can be referred to the Public Lands Planning & Design Team. D. Staff Updates.—Maria Romero, Board Manager 5 mins Board Manager Maria Romero provided the board an update on recruitment for the open positions, along with the focus of indigenous representation when recruiting. Maria Romero shared her experience tabling on behalf of the PNUT Advisory Board at the Native Excellence Center event Blessing the Journey. Maria Romero discussed her conversations with Mayor's Office staff in regard to the Indigenous Commission Proposal. • Board Member Sarah Foran requested a written update on the Warm Springs Park 8. Board Discussion 6:35 PM A. Committee Reporting 10 mins Board Chair Kerri Nakamura provided the board with an update on the Urban Trails Subcommittee, she reported the committee receiving a presentation from Tom Millar on Transportation, Parks, and Urban Trails items. As we as having Sarah Bennett from Trails Utah. Additionally, speaking on Lynn Wang, from City IMS department on the GIS maps for trails. • Board Member Melanie Pehrson commented on the matter. Board Member Brianna Binnebose commented that when the trails map is ready, the PNUT Board to be part of the testing phase. • Board Member Meanie Pehrson asked if there is a document with a timeline with CIP Projects. Board Member Meanie Pehrson provided the board an update on the Jordan River, she reports to have a meeting scheduled with Makaylah Maponga, Public Lands Planner and Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director Board Member Brianna Binnebose provided an update on the Communications Committee, she committed to sharing the log-in information for Google Drive as well as permissions to many of the current working documents, Board Member Clayton Scrivner will be the person to take on the ownership. She included recommendations on communication best practices that can be discussed in the retreat and included in the bylaws. Board Member Steve Bloch provided an update on the Foothills Committee on the University of Utah Environmental Dispute Resolution. • Board Chair Ginger Cannon asked whether there is a timeline for the MOU. Board Member Steve Bloch and Vice Chair Ginger Cannon further discussed the matter. Board Member Eric McGill asked a clarifying question. • Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon discussed the focus to include general information about filing best practices. Maria Romero, Board Manager, and Cameron Johnson, Senior City Attorney provided comments. Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon provided an update on her attendance of meetings on Strategic Capital, Acquisition and Asset Management Plan, Ginger commented she has provided feedback on documents to the consultants. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura provided a comment • Board Member Eric McGill further discussed with Ginger Cannon on perusing a Golf Committee. B. Board comments and question period, & request for future agenda items 10 mins Board Member Steve Bloch requested a presentation from the Urban Forestry Division, and to add Parks, and other Divisions in rotation for presenting. Board Member Steve Bloch requested a detailed paper map. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura, Board Vice Chair further discussed the matter. Board Member Clayton Scrivner asked about the Seven Canyons Construction at Liberty Park • Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director, provided information. Board Member Melanie Pehrson reminded Public Lands Staff to prioritize equitable disbursement of efforts in assets around the city. Additionally, requesting information about the Glendale Park Pool Constituent feedback • Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director provided comments on the matter, Board Member Clayton Scrivner provided a comment. Board Member Eric McGill requested information about the Downtown Alliance • Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director, added there will be a update in January. C. Board Engagement Opportunities/Requests 5 mins D. Written Updates Packet Overview: • Allen Park Update • Parks Fire Safety • Korean Pavilion Update • Planning & Design Update; Glendale Park, Jefferson Park • Park Ranger Program Schedule Change • Urban Forestry Sycamore Anthracnose Study Progress • Golf Division Updates • Community&Volunteer Event E. Next meeting: October 2, 2025 3 mins 9. Adjourn 7:04 PM Board Member Clayton Scrivner made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Steve Bloch seconded the motion to adjourn at 7:04 PM