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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/02/2025 - Meeting Minutes PARKS,NATURAL LANDS,URBAN FORESTRY AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD of SALT LAKE CITY Formal Meeting Thursday,October 2, 2025 5:00 p.m. -7:18 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 https: us02web.zoom.uW3703674458?pwd=xigAA5545gKVfbjuBUjQhpOPQtUb20.1 Meeting ID:370 367 4458 Passcode:133477 Unapproved Minutes 1. Convening the Meeting 5:00 PM A. Call to order Kerri Nakamura Ginger Cannon Aaron Wiley Eric McGill Clayton Scrivner Steve Bloch Sarah Foran Melanie Pehrson B. Chair Comments 5 mins Board Chair Kerri Nakamura briefed the board that Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director, would join the meeting later in the agenda. She has provided her written updates as presented. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura commended Makayla Maponga, Public Lands Planner, on her presentation to the Central 9th Community Council, along with the Urban Forestry Division Staff, on their work at the Meadup Project We extend our gratitude to former Board Member Clayton Scrivner for his dedicated service on the Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry, and Trails Advisory Board. His leadership and commitment to representing District 4 have made a lasting impact on our public lands and the communities they serve. • The following Board Members provided comments on the matter: Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon, Board Member Aaron Wiley, Board Member Clayton Scrivner, 2. Approval of Minutes 5:05 PM - Approve September 4, 2025, meeting minutes 5 mins A motion to approve and adopt the Thursday, September 4th, meeting minutes for the Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry, and Trails Advisory Board was made by Board Member Clayton Scrivner. The motion was seconded by Board Member Steve Bloch. The vote passed unanimously from the Board Members present to approve and adopt minutes from the Thursday, September 4th, 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. • Anne Cannon commended the board on their work, along with raising the issue of low water at the Wasatch Hollow Preserve and requested an update. • Christian Chavez did not provide a public comment. • Thomas Merrill, Urban Trail Committee member, commented that they have joined to learn more. • Michelle Mooney, Equity Manager, commented that they joined to learn more about how the Mayor's Office Commissions can collaborate with City Board & Commissions. 5. Board Action Item 5:05 PM — Board Members will discuss the proposed SLC Indigenous Commission document 20 mins and vote on the proposal— Meredith Benally The board discussed the ongoing Indigenous Commission proposal and decided to Postpone the vote until the Thursday, November 6 meeting. Board Member Meridith Benally, who has been leading the proposal, was unable to attend, and several members felt her input was essential before moving forward. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura, Board Member Steve Bloch, Board Member Sarah Foran, Board Member Eric McGill, and Maria Romero, Board Manager, further discussed the matter. Ultimately, Board Member Eric McGill's formal motion to move forward with the short letter did not receive a second, and the board agreed to revisit the topic at the next meeting with Board Member Meridith Benally present. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura noted the importance of maintaining focus on the board's primary responsibilities, while ensuring respectful follow-up on this proposal. 7. Staff Presentations, Updates &Discussions 5:25 PM A. Urban Forestry Division Update—Tony Gliot, Division Director 20 mins Tony Gliot, Urban Forestry Division Director, began the presentation with a brief introduction, followed by information about Salt Lake City Urban Forestry data, along with information on how the Urban Forestry was introduced to Salt Lake City during the early 1800s. The presentation provided fiscal year service data, information about the various training the Urban Forestry takes part in and provides to the Salt Lake City Fire Department, and Sycamore Anthracnose Study details. • Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon asked the following questions: if there is an estimate on hours and the economic impact on staff time, are there any inroads with Utah State to publish research?Tony Gliot, Urban Forestry Division Director, further discussed the matter. Tony Gliot provides information on preservation methods for City trees, including the pruning practices, the negative effects of development on trees, and the effects of short-term rentals. The presentation included information about outreach to the community on best practices for caring for trees. B. Public Lands Capital Improvement Projects— Kat Andra, Senior Planning Strategist 30 mins Kat Andra, Senior Planning Strategist, provided an overview of the Capital Improvement Project process and clarified the PNUT Board's responsibilities. Kat Andra shared that Capital Improvement Project funds are available for projects on City-owned property with a minimum five-year lifespan and costs typically above$50,000. Maintenance and operational costs are not eligible. Departments and community members can submit applications, with public lands typically receiving 20+ constituent applications per year. 0 Board Chair Kerri Nakmura further discussed the matter. Board Member Sarah Foran and Board Member Steve Bloch requested clarification. Kat Andra reminds the Board that they will review both internal departmental requests and constituent applications, prioritizing projects for recommendation. Historically, the Board has submitted top five lists for each category. • Board Member Kerri Nakamura asked a clarifying question. Kat Andra provided details on the Strategic, Capital, Acquisition, and Asset Management Plan, and information on prioritization criteria. o Strategic alignment with master plans o Community benefit and access o Environmental value o Connectivity and system integration o Project readiness and sustainability o Funding leverage o Equity and geographic distribution o Timing and opportunity • Board Member Steve Bloch directed a question at Kat Andra. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura further discussed the matter. • Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon discussed that they would bring forth the SCAAMP updates during the next meeting. • Board Member Sarah Foran discussed using the Environmental Justice Data Kat Andra concluded the presentation by reminding the board that on Thursday, November 6 PNUT Advisory Board will receive the following materials. o A list and map of constituent and departmental applications o Internal project priorities o Updated prioritization criteria • Board Member Steve Bloch asked clarifying questions, and Board Chair Kerri Nakamura further discussed the matter. C. Staff Updates.—Maria Romero, Board Manager 5 mins Maria Romero provided an update on the interviews scheduled for the Advisory Board vacancies, as well as requesting Board Member representation on the panel. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura and Vice Chair Ginger Cannon further discussed the matter. Board Member Aaron Wiley volunteered to be a panel member for the interviews. The update included a reminder that Board Member Aaron Wiley would attend the Mayor and Council Chair Glendale Park Tour. 8. Board Discussion 6:30 PM A. Committee Reporting 15 mins Board Chair Kerri Nakamura provided an update on the Urban Trails Committee. The committee recently met to discuss the vision statement and strategic measures. She discussed that they would be sent to the Transportation Department, followed by the Public Lands Department for feedback. Board Member Steve Bloch provided a Foothills Committee update on the recent work on the multi- stakeholder Memorandum of Understanding. • Board Member Eric McGill requested clarification, and Board Member Steve Bloch further discussed the matter. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura reminded the board that the Communications Committee has limited members at this time. Board Member Sarah Foran and Board Member Eric McGill will now serve as committee members. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura reminded the group to review the Capital Improvement Ranking Sheet. Board Vice Chair Ginger Cannon mentioned the prioritization criteria might be available in November. • Board Member Steve Bloch and Board Chair Kerri Nakamura requested clarification. Board Member Ginger Cannon provided an update on the Bylaws Committee, which discussed updating the information storage practices to ensure the board is adhering to GRAMA. Board Member Melanie Pehrson provided an update Jordan River Committee. She requested support from Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director, to provide more information. Board Member Melanie Pehrson further discussed the work on the Jordan River Trail to clear the areas for visibility. • Board Member Sarah Foran and Board Chair Kerri Nakamura, and Board Member Steve Bloch discussed donations for the Jordan River Trail. B. Board comments and question period, & request for future agenda items 10 mins Board Member Melanie Pehrson requested clarification on the concerns raised by constituent Anne Cannon. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura clarified Board Member Aaron Wiley commented on the Rosewood Park partnership. He asked what the process will be and how the Advisory Board can be part of the process. • Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director, further discussed the matter. Board Member Sarah Foran requested an update on the Dry Creek Fire investigation report, specifically, what was the cause of the fire. Board Member Eric McGill has requested clarification on the board vacancies and Board Member attendance. • Board Chair Kerri Nakamura and Vice Chair Ginger Cannon further discussed the matter. Board Chair Kerri Nakamura requested clarification on the Korean donation Update provided in the Public Lands October Written updates document. • Kim Shelley, Public Lands Director, further discussed the matter. C. Board Engagement Opportunities/Requests 5 mins D. Written Updates Packet Overview: • Wasatch Hollow Preserve Update • Rosewood Park Update • Dry Creek Fire Investigation • New Public Lands Employees • Division Updates; Parks, Planning & Design, Trails & Natural Lands, Urban Forestry E. Next meeting: November 6, 2025 3 mins 9. Adjourn 7:13 PM Board Member Aaron Wiley made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Board Member Steve Bloch seconded the motion to adjourn at 7:13. 0DEPARTMENT of . PUBLIC LANDS Public Lands Division Updates Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry&Trails Advisory Board Thursday, Nov 6t' Parks Division Liberty Park-The Liberty Park Greenhouse is experiencing break-ins and vandalism. Public Lands staff replace broken glass panels as soon as possible and are working with Salt Lake City Police Department to enhance patrols and other security measures to address the issue. Cottonwood Park-Ahead of the Mayor's Bike to Business Day, Public Lands crews removed more than 3,000 pounds of abandoned belongings and trash from Cottonwood Park.The park continues to experience significant misuse, and the pavilions have become a focal point for criminal activity.We are working with the State to address maintenance and safety concerns on the adjacent vacant property,which has fallen into disrepair. In addition, Park Ranger patrols have been increased, and we are evaluating options to temporarily close the pavilions, such as through rolling overhead doors or similar mechanisms,to help reset and stabilize the park. Wildfire Safety-Wildfire Safety at the PL Building: staff have effectively built and will create a maintenance schedule for a fire break along our southern border at the Public Lands Office. With the Tiny Homes Village's permission, and after two recent human-caused grass fires that needed emergency response, Public Lands staff have had heavy equipment out on the southern fence line (Tiny Homes property)building an approximately 20400t fire break. Ongoing conversations will include the property owner's care of each side of the fence to control fire outbreaks. RAC- Due to recent rainfall,both the Public Lands equipment yard as well as the RAC parking lots and some playing fields were flooded. Costs associated with this flooding,which significantly impacted tournament play at the RAC and equipment yard access at the PL building, are being tracked. Employee Safety-With a very powerful and tragic reminder of traffic vs.pedestrian safety happening near the Public Lands offices in the month of October, our teams will be reviewing and improving,where needed,their operational safety plans regarding work in or near traffic zones. Rosewood Park Field Conditions Update-The multi-use fields at Rosewood Park are currently in good condition,though an ongoing gopher issue continues to impact certain areas. While some sprinkler heads still require adjustment,maintenance crews have addressed safety concerns by filling in low spots throughout the fields.The baseball field is undergoing renovation in preparation for use by the Salt Lake City School District in the spring,with construction efforts actively underway.Additionally, a new softball field is being constructed just east of the baseball field,with completion also targeted for next spring.The project is operating under a tight timeline, and progress is being made at an accelerated pace to meet the established deadline. Seasonal irrigation blowout is scheduled in the near future, and fertilizer will be applied next week to promote healthy turf growth for the upcoming year. Pavilion Winter Closures: Due to vandalism, misuse(fires,large groups, excessive trash), and drug and alcohol abuse,three parks will have their pavilions temporarily fenced off: Cottonwood,Jordan, and the Rice Pavilion in Liberty Park. Due to lower temperatures, Parks is seeing a number of warming fires in regular parks, along urban trails, and on Natural Lands. All-Pro Security is helping with extended sweeps and addressing fires when they encounter them,but it is a large and widespread problem. Planning&Design ALLEN PARK Construction for the water/fire line in Allen Park is anticipated to begin in mid-to-late November.A contractor has been selected through a formal bidding process, and we are in the final stages of procurement. Due to the nature of Allen Park, Public Lands has determined it is in the best interest of the project and for public safety to close the park during construction.We anticipate construction lasting 3-4 months. Our communications team is preparing materials and a strategy to let the public know of the upcoming construction and park closure. Public Lands has engaged Utah artist Daniel Fairbanks to perform restoration/stabilization work on three historic art elements in Allen Park.The work should be completed by mid- November. Daniel is working on the concrete headless deer,the Emigration Creek stone and concrete light pillar with mosaics, and the stone arch in front of the Allen home.We are grateful to have someone of Daniel's caliber working in Allen Park. Daniel grew up in Sugarhouse. MILLER BIRD REFUGE The ioo%design review meeting for Miller Bird Refuge was on 10/22/25.The scope of work was defined by the City Council in October of 2023 and includes modifications to: make the park more accessible; protect and repair the historic WPA-era stone retaining walls; and stabilize eroding crib walls that serve to hold up the trail in multiple locations.The consultant is working on permitting,while Public Lands simultaneously prepares to go out to bid once permits are in place.We anticipate construction in early 2026 and will coordinate with Salt Lake County Flood Control on timing for creek work. Trails &Natural Lands Update Wasatch Hollow Preserve Conditions: The pond in the wetland on the Wasatch Hollow Preserve is fed by a spring and groundwater and may fluctuate depending on precipitation levels throughout the year.We have no control over adjusting these levels. Park Ranger Program: Angela Bowman started this week as our second Park Ranger Supervisor. She is a former Law Enforcement Ranger at Point Reyes National Seashore and served for over a decade in the 0 DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC LANDS military prior,gaining valuable supervisory experience.Angela and Owen,our current Supervisor,will split the team in half so that our 18 Ranger team can receive more coaching and oversight of operations and conduct. Urban Forestry: On Friday, October loth,Tony Gliot,Urban Forestry Division Director,will be participating in the American Planning Association (Utah Chapter)fall conference as a presenter and panelist. The session is titled'Trees are Infrastructure Too.'The Forester will speak about the differences between trees and other civil infrastructure,the challenges to maintain urban forest infrastructure, and the questions that Planning professionals need to be asking if our Cities are to maximize the benefits of urban trees. New Urban Forestry Employee Mina Brown, Forest Area Service Coordinator W1884 LINE CO. SLC Foothills Wildfire Mitigation—Use of Specialized Equipment Rocky Mountain Power is actively working on a transmission and distribution line project to reduce wildfire risk along the wildland-urban interface in the Salt Lake City foothills. As part of this initiative to improve safety, reliability, and long-term resilience, 1884 Line Co. has been contracted to carry out the work. At 1884 Line Co., we recognize the ecological, recreational, and cultural importance of the Salt Lake City foothills.This area is not only a cherished part of our community but also a vital habitat for local wildlife. To protect this landscape while delivering wildfire-hardened infrastructure, we are utilizing highly specialized equipment designed to minimize environmental impact. These include: • Utility Helicopters—These helicopters are specifically designed for utility work and will be used to transport poles to and from steep terrain. By eliminating the need for large access roads typically required for pole trailers, we significantly reduce ground disturbance and preserve native vegetation. • Spider Excavators— Engineered for steep and rugged environments, these machines "crawl" like spiders across slopes and utilizes a technique called "drive and crush."This method protects root systems and minimizes soil disruption, allowing vegetation to naturally regenerate the following season. Spider excavators are rare and in high demand across North America due to their unique capabilities and low environmental footprint. By using this equipment, 1884 Line Co. can access remote pole locations that previously required invasive access routes or the use of pack animals. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the natural landscape and supports long-term ecosystem health. Due to the limited availability of this specialized equipment, it is essential that construction proceeds on schedule to ensure continued access and minimize delays.