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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2009 NRRC 09 Levee ParkCity of Hastings Parks & Recreation th 920 W 10 St, Hastings MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-6175 Fax: (651) 437-5396 Web: www.ci.hastings.mn.us “Creating Community Through People, Parks, and Programs” Date: 3/29/09 To: Natural Resources and Recreation Commission From: Barry Bernstein, Director, Parks and Recreation Subject: Levee Park Recommendations As the NRRC knows, I have been meeting with a committee initiated by Mayor Paul Hicks and chaired by Councilmember Mike Slavik. This committee has examined Levee Park and any improvements to this area for the past several months. This committee has explored several concepts including which features are still relevant from the 2006 approved master plan. The committee also has explored financing options along with a possible timetable for construction. In most cases, the desire from the committee is to attempt to renovate this park during bridge construction. I have enclosed the recommendations from this committee for your review. I will accept and forward any recommendations from the NRRC. Civic ArenaAquatic CenterYouth First th 2801 Red Wing Blvd. 901 Maple Street 920 W 10 Street Ph: (651) 480-6195 Ph: (651) 480-2385 Ph: (651) 480-6182 Fax: (651) 437-4940 Fax: (651) 437-5396 Fax: (651) 437-5396 March 5, 2009 – 7:00 AM Levee Park Task Force Meeting Recap City Hall Community Room Present: Al Cheney, Barry Bernstein, Char Stark, Chris Hellie, Dave Osberg, John Grossman, John Hinzman, Julie Flaten, Karen Jung, Kevin Hoeschen, Mark Vaughan, Mike Slavik, Pam Holzem, Russ Rohloff, Tony Alongi, Tony Nelson Director Bernstein passed out a list of cost estimates for scheme #3. The estimates were based on the figures from the 2006 master plan and cover a four-year time period. The cost estimate for the substation screening is just a guess – we haven’t found out actual costs of that yet. The screening for the backs of the buildings on 2 Street also was not included, as Mr. Peine is nd researching those costs. The rest of the total estimate for the plan is $1.5 million. This cost doesn’t include the Visitor Center. Director Grossman asked about public restrooms. The intent is to have them included with the Visitor Center. Mr. Hoeschen asked what the “electrical service” on the estimate sheet included. This would be the costs of running electricity through the park for use in the performance area, for lighting, and for events held in the park such as Rivertown Days. The City electrician would do the work and we would only have to pay for materials. Director Stark discussed possible funding options and sources next. The City uses something called ERF, which is in effect, a savings account. As of December of 2008, the Levee Park fund has $50,000 in it. The City is hoping to add to that figure each year, but is unsure yet due to budget constraints. The Levee Park redevelopment is part of the City’s 5 year Capital Improvement Plan and the City has most of it starting in 2013. Exceptions to this are items that are included in earlier budgets – the gardens (2010), the water feature (2011), and the entrance (2012). There are also some park dedication funds in the Parks capital account for Ward 1 to the tune of $76,000. Any use of these funds for Levee Park would have to be approved by both the NRRC and the Finance Committee of Council. Another option is to apply for grants, one of which is the Clean Land & Water grant. In the past, the City had received money from the McKnight and SEP grants for an interpretive center, however, this money was returned when the interpretive center did not proceed. The SEP funding was reapplied for and used for the Freitag property and the Mississippi River Overlook. The City can reapply for grants each year and Director Bernstein stated that he is trying to apply for as many as possible, although grants are very competitive. Some advantages on our side is that the Levee area is part of the MNRRA corridor and there are water control issues that could be used to advocate our project. Mr. Rohloff stated that he thought park dedication funds could be used from all four wards if the project was considered a regional park. There is a difference between a community park and a neighborhood park, and if the park is classified as a community park (which Levee Park is) there is a possibility to use funds from all wards. Director Bernstein stated that while we need to be careful that development money stays in the area it was intended for, we also need to balance the needs of the entire City. Director Stark just needs proper documentation for any decision so that she can explain to any residents who contact her. Councilmember Slavik stated that there have been cases of litigation where a City didn’t use the developer fees in the area of the development. Ms. Jung asked if staff knew when the project may begin. Director Bernstein said that he didn’t pencil in specific years because everything is so dependent on the bridge construction. Once MNDOT has set construction limits, we will be in a position to choose a starting year. It could be as early as 2010. Mr. Hellie asked if MNDOT would pay for any of the Levee Park redevelopment. MNDOT will repair/replace any property damaged by the construction, but they will not enhance it. Mr. Hoeschen stated that he would like to see the park construction concluding when the bridge construction does. Director Hinzman stated that MNDOT should be finalizing where they will be working the next 6 months or so and then we’ll have a better grasp on where/when we can start redevelopment. An update on the bridge construction was given next. There is still discussion on a ped/bike access to the park itself. Councilmember Alongi pointed out that the trail north of the bridge will end about 100-150 yards short of the Washington County trail. If MNDOT doesn’t put in a connection, people will travel on the road in order to access the other trail. MNDOT is currently trying to get Washington County to extend their trail to meet up with the new MNDOT trail, but it is an expensive connection due to the railroad tracks. There will be another open house on the environmental impacts of the bridge. A question was asked on the bridge’s impact on Hudson. About 20,000 square feet of Hudson’s property will be used. MNDOT is working with Hudson to come up with proper remediation. Also, the City has asked Hudson about the possibility of moving out to the Industrial Park. The Task Force concluded by discussing recommendations to City Council for the Levee Park redevelopment. Various recommendations were discussed, which will be typed up and sent to Councilmember Slavik and Director Bernstein for review before proceeding to City Council in April. During discussion about the ped/bike access to the riverfront, it was suggested to make the walkway skateboard-proof in some way. Councilmember Alongi also stated that with the bridge construction, his two high priorities were trail connections to the north and adding some historical aspects to make the bridge unique. This was the final meeting of the Levee Park Task Force. Thanks to all involved for their participation. ADJOURN at 8:24 AM. Levee Park Task Force Recommendations to City Council ? nd Some form of pedestrian access to the riverfront without crossing 2 Street is supported. ? Attempt to have the park completed at the time the bridge is completed. ? City Staff should continue to pursue and work with various agencies to get a Visitor Center in Levee Park. ? Remove two large electrical towers and place them underground. ? Hold neighborhood meetings regarding plans for Levee Park. ? Prepare the area for as large a Visitor Center as possible. (Sewer, water, etc.) ? Include public restrooms in the park. ? Support scheme #3 as long as there is no net loss of parking. ? Complete a parking study of the area. ? Try to incorporate some materials from the existing bridge in park amenities.