HomeMy WebLinkAbout10B - Enhanced Nature Area and Trail on City Property Adjacent to St. Michael's
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
APRIL 21, 2008
10 B
DANETTE WALTHERS-MOORE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &
NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FOR AN ENHANCED NATURE AREA AND
TRAIL ON CITY PROPERTY
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request Council authorization for Staff to
work with individuals representing Saint Michael's School to install woodchip
trails and an observation pier among other amenities for public usage on City
owned property. The subject property is located north of Priorwood Street,
south of Pleasant Street, west of Duluth Avenue, and east of Albany Avenue.
Historv
The City acquired the subject parcels in the vicinity of the Saint Michael's
Church and School through tax forfeiture. Since acquiring the property, the
City has constructed a stormwater pond (2001). Otherwise, the property has
remained natural and undeveloped as homes and institutional uses have been
constructed around it. Saint Michael's students and neighborhood youth have
utilized the area for interpretive and recreational purposes on an informal basis
in the past.
Current Circumstances
Saint Michael's School has requested that the City allow for the enhancement
of a natural area encompassing two wetlands adjacent to the Saint Michael's
property (church parking lot). A group of individuals affiliated with Saint
Michael's School (Eagle Scout candidates, Saint Michael's Building/Grounds
Committee, and volunteers) have proposed installing the following amenities
on the subject City property (plan attached):
. A woodchip trail
. Benches
. Bird feeders
. Fitness stations
. An observation pier/dock (approximately 8 ft in width x 75 ft in length)
In addition to providing educational opportunities for the Saint Michael's
students, it also enhances the area for all citizens to enjoy. The improvements
will be maintained by the Saint Michael's School. When school is not in
session, Junior Naturalists (3rd_ath graders) will be responsible for visiting the
site to assure that it remains maintained (filling bird feeders, etc). The project
will be supervised by the Saint Michael's Building/Grounds Committee to
assure that necessary maintenance is accomplished.
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The improvements are proposed to take place in phases. The first phase
would involve the installation of the walking trail, which is proposed to be
installed by September of 2008. The remainder of the proposed improvements
would take place by the spring of 2009.
Conclusion
The Parks Advisory Committee reviewed the request at their March 20, 2008
meeting and had no noted concerns. The Council should determine if it
desires Staff to proceed along the lines of the proposal.
ISSUES:
While reviewing the request, staff recommends the City Council consider the
following:
. Fitness Stations: There are four fitness stations planned for the site.
These fitness stations will involve signage for recommended
callisthenic exercises. Initially, the fitness stations were proposed to
involve structures (chin-up bar, sit-up bar structure, etc). After
consideration of Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements
and the American Standards Testing Methods, Staff recommended and
the Saint Michael's representative agreed that instructive signage
would be used instead. Does the Council concur with this
recommendation?
. Observation Pier. The observation pier would be constructed by Saint
Michael's representatives to City standards (specifications will be
provided). All costs associated with the pier will be incurred by the
applicant. A safety inspection will be conducted by City staff on a
yearly basis. If any issues are noted, it will be the responsibility of the
applicant to make the corrections. The City will be responsible for
ongoing inspection of this structure, together with other floating
platforms the City is responsible for.
. Long-term Maintenance: The periodic addition of woodchips to the
trails, replacing vandalized signs and other typical maintenance will be
the responsibility of Saint Michael's School. If any safety issues arise
and remain uncorrected in the future, all effected elements (pier,
benches, etc) will need to be removed.
. Consistency with the 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan: The preservation
of this natural area is consistent with the goals and objectives of the
strategic plan.
. Liability: These improvements will draw more people to the property.
However, the property will be better maintained than it is presently,
which should mitigate against accidents. In any case, the property is
covered under the City's liability insurance policy.
. City Costs: The City Council has had recent discussions regarding the
cost of park maintenance. This proposal is responsive to the concerns
in the short run. It is possible in the long run that Saint Michael's will
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not have the resources to continue to maintain the property. At such
time, the City Council will have the option to direct that the property
revert to its present use, or to continue to maintain it on a more long
term basis.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The proposed improvements will be paid for, constructed, and maintained at
the expense of the Saint Michael's School. However, the City will utilize staff
time to conduct the yearly inspection of the site and observation pier to assure
that no safety issues exist. Overtime, the City could wholly become
responsible for maintenance of the property amenities.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council has the following alternatives:
1. Approve the proposal.
2. Deny the proposal.
3. Defer this item and provide staff with speCific direction.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Staff recommends Alternative #1.
Reviewed by:
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