HomeMy WebLinkAbout5F - Enhanced Nature Area and Trail on City Property
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MAY 19, 2008
SF
DANETTE WALTHERS-MOORE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &
NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
PROPOSAL FOR AN ENHANCED NATURE AREA AND TRAIL ON
CITY PROPERTY
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request Council authorization for
Staff to work with individuals representing Saint Michael's School to
make enhancements to City owned property for public use. The subject
property is located north of Priorwood Street, south of Pleasant Street,
west of Duluth Avenue, and east of Albany Avenue.
Historv
On April 21,2008 the Council considered a request by a group of
individuals affiliated with Saint Michael's School (Eagle Scout
candidates, Saint Michael's Building/Grounds Committee, and
volunteers) who proposed installing the following amenities on the
subject City property:
. A woodchip trail
. Benches
. Bird feeders
. Fitness stations
. An observation pier/dock (approximately 8 ft in width x 75 ft in
length)
At the April 21st meeting, the Council discussed the following:
. Support for the enhancement of parks through partnerships.
. The need to rigorously inspect the site to maintain safety.
. The necessity to maintain the same standards as those in
existing Prior Lake parks.
. The desire to see structured fitness stations on the site.
. Concern regarding increased liability.
. The hope for connectivity between the subject site and other
natural areas in the City.
Current Circumstances
Since the Councils previous discussion, the applicants have revised
www.cityofpriorlake.com
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their plan to include the following elements (in the indicated phases):
. Phase1 (to be completed in September, 2008): Installation of
woodchip trails, bird feeders, bird houses, and nesting areas.
. Phase 2 (to be completed in September, 2009): Installation of
two or three benches.
. Phase 3 (optional, If funding is available, to be completed in
September, 2010): Installation of an observation pier/dock.
Conclusion
The Council should determine if it desires Staff to proceed along the
lines of the proposal.
ISSUES:
City Staff has met with representatives of Saint Michaels School to
discuss the proposal. The representatives stated that financial
constraints required them to remove the fitness station component of
the proposal. In addition, it remains unclear as to if or when there will
be funding available for the observation deck/pier. However, the
representative's request that the deck/pier remain as a part of the
proposal, in case a funding source may be found.
It has become apparent that this proposal is financially more tenuous
than was originally believed. The Council could conclude that this would
be reason enough for the City to drop the project. On the other hand, it
does represent a partnership and a demonstration project (privatization
of City parks), which may be worthwhile to test and learn more about.
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 to
assure that no safety issues exist. Over time, 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.
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Frank BOY10 tyJanager
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Reviewed by:
2
To:
From:
Re:
Date:
AI Fridges and Danette Moore
Maureen Peterson and Bonnie Lurquin
St. Michael Catholic School Four Seasons Nature Center Project
May 3, 2008
The following provides information requested:
I. The Principal of St. Michael Catholic School, currently Patrick Fox, will be
responsible for the oversight of ongoing construction and maintenance of this project.
2. Description of construction phases:
Phase I: (completed September, 2008)
;,. Installation of wood chip trails & bird feeders, bird houses, nesting areas
*Construction and installation to follow City of Prior Lake guidelines.
Phase 2: (completed September, 2009.
,.. Installation of two to three benches within confines of nature area.
*Construction & installation to follow City of Prior Lake guidelines.
Phase 3: (optional and dependent upon funding, September 2010)
,. Installation of a floating observation dock in compliance with City of Prior
Lake safety codes.
Note change from initial proposal: fitness station construction eliminated.
Additional funding may, include the following organizations:
,. Lions Club
;,. Rotary
;,. Jeffers Fund
,.. Prior Lake Foundation
;,. John Deere Knights of Columbus
,. St. Michael Education Fund .
,.. Prior Lake/Spring Lake Watershed District
4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
RESOLUTION 08-xx
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A PROPOSAL FOR AN ENHANCED NATURE AREA AND TRAIL
ON CITY PROPERTY
Motion By:
Second By:
WHEREAS, Representatives from Saint Michael's School (Eagle Scout candidates, Saint Michael's
Building/Grounds Committee, and volunteers) will install woodchip trails, bird feeders,
bird houses, nesting areas, benches, and possibly a future observation pier/deck; and
WHEREAS, The City will inspect the site to assure that safety standards are maintained; and
WHEREAS, The Prior Lake City Council considered the proposed on May 19, 2008; and
WHEREAS, The City Council finds the proposal supports the City of Prior Lake 2030 Vision and
Strategic Plan.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The Recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. The enhancement of the nature area and trail on City property is hereby approved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 19th DAY OF MAY, 2008.
YES
NO
I Haugen
I Hedberg
I Erickson
I LeMair
I Millar
Haugen
Hedberg
Erickson
LeMair
Millar
Frank Boyles, City Manager
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Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245