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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/11/29 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Regular OFFICIAL MINUTES Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission November 29, 2017, 6 p.m. Rec Center Programming Office MEMBERS PRESENT: Rich Bluma, Tiffany Bushland, Bruce Cantor (6:10 p.m.), George Foulkes, Elizabeth Griffin and George Hagemann MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter May GUEST(S) PRESENT: Glen Waguespack, Nancy Blankfard and Molly Eagen (HGA) STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Monson, Planner, Mark Oestreich, Manager of Westwood Hills Nature Center, Cindy Walsh, Director of Operations and Recreation, Jason West, Recreation Superintendent and Stacy Voelker, Recording Secretary 1. Call to Order Commissioner Bushland called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. 2. Presentations None. 3. Approval of Minutes a. October 2, 2017 Commissioner Hagemann made a motion to approve the minutes of October 2, 2017. Commissioner Foulkes seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6 – 0. 4. Business a. Schematic Design for Westwood Hills Nature Center (HGA) Ms. Walsh introduced Glen Waguespack, Nancy Blankfard and Molly Eagen from HGA. Ms. Blankfard indicated there is a conceptual design for the Commissioners to review. Following the conceptual design phase, there are two other phases: design development and construction documents. As the design phase continues to evolve, the project is continually aligned with the scope and budget. The farther into the process, the more challenging it is to change items in the design. Ms. Eagen, an architect in sustainability, reviewed three project goals: occupant health environment/water; integrating sustainability/experience learning and appreciating the natural world; and identifying specific building certification that aligns with St. Louis Park’s green building policy. Zero Energy buildings are highly energy efficient buildings in which the total consumption of energy from all sources is balanced by onsite renewable Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 2 November 29, 2017 energy generation on an annual basis. The Zero Energy Building Certification (ZE) is a newly available certification (as of March 2017), and builds on years of leadership towards zero energy building design from both the International Living Future’s Institute (ILFI) and the New Building Institute (NBI). ILFI is the organization behind the Living Building Challenge –which is arguably the most progressive green building certification available for buildings today. The New Building’s Institute has been a third-party auditor and verifier for zero energy buildings since 2009 and is also responsible for establishing an industry-wide definition for Zero Energy buildings, as well as documenting these projects through the Zero Energy Database. The St. Louis Park Fire Station No. 2 is listed as an Ultra-Low Energy verified building, Ms. Eagen advised. Zero Energy buildings are among the most progressive sustainable design projects in the world today. Due to the new and innovative nature of this goal, St. Louis Park has the opportunity to create a project which is among the first (or perhaps be the first) non-residential Zero Energy Project in Minnesota--leading the way for future sustainable design work in our cold-climate region. Generally, zero energy is accomplished through maximizing passive climatic opportunities, choosing efficient mechanical systems, and continuing to fine tune the building’s operation to reduce energy loads dramatically. Offsite energy may need to be used during some years as elements that are beyond our control as weather plays a huge role in meeting these sustainability goals. HGA completed an energy benchmark study on how to expect a nature center in St. Louis Park to perform. Commissioners viewed slides of a typical building utilizing passive solar heating. This consists of high insulation glazing, radiant floor slabs and shading blocks to capture solar heat and radiate for a longer time. Ms. Eagen described how the blocks capture solar heat. Commissioners viewed how sunlight will be harvested and the illuminance in various areas of the building. They are also researching how to maximize the south facing roof. Ms. Eagen showed the Commission two potential scenarios for ventilation. They are working to find a way to bring natural ventilation into the space. Ms. Eagen reviewed all of the energy factors which will be going into the nature center building and prioritizing which to focus. Example would be using ceiling fans to cool the space in the summer and push warm air down in winter (plus natural ventilation). Commissioners reviewed high efficiency HVAC, lighting and other items. Mr. Waguespack reviewed the site and building design with the Commissioners. The items that drive designs include site history, ecology, topography, hydrology, parking, transportation and where to place the building. They also analyzed site resources to maximize passive strategies for Zero Energy. The site plan was reviewed which includes a main entry, group entry, service entry, bus drop off, additional parking, paved parking lot, overflow “green” parking, picnic and play, parking lot prairie, threshold prairie, forest threshold, turtle pond connection, bird watching, primary trail connections and landscape classrooms. The old building will be demolished and a landscape classroom area created. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 3 November 29, 2017 The Commissioners reviewed the proposed floor plan which includes two entrances, reception area, staff offices, vestibule, terrace exhibit area, library/conference space, fireplaces, three multipurpose classroom/education spaces, corridor, gathering space, lounge, bird watching area, outdoor deck, classroom deck, opportunities for outdoor programs, staff work area, catering kitchen, program storage, public restrooms, cubby area, raptor cages/animal cages and building support areas. The project is a teaching tool in itself (education), threshold to nature (experience) and natural materials and performance (water resources). They are utilizing the site resources wisely. Commissioner Cantor asked for more details on how sun and wind area optimized by building placement. Ms. Eagen described how they attempt to harvest the sun and wind resources as much as possible with an east-west building placement. Commissioner Cantor inquired how they can make concrete look natural. Ms. Eagen advised any type of shapes can be made with concrete. Mr. Waguespack indicated they recently had a project where the concrete wall was made to look like sticks and twigs. Commissioner Hagemann feels there is great flow getting into the building from the parking lot. He expressed concern about the normal traffic flow and how to preserve the dignity of the quiet space; how groups or trail users will not affect the visual of the indoor quiet space. Commissioner Griffin inquired on the size of the library/lounge area to which Mr. Waguespack indicated approximately 400 feet. There are various options for seating in the lounge which will be determined in the design development stage. Ms. Bushland inquired on the size of the classroom to which Mr. Waguespack advised each classroom fits about 50 people, is approximately 1.5 times larger than the size of the existing classroom and there will be three classroom areas. The existing building is 2,600 square feet and proposed building will be approximately 15,000 square feet. The Commissioners suggested more information on the building and high level information only on the Zero Energy aspect should be provided to the City Council. Ms. Walsh asked Commissioners to connect with her with any additional comments. Staff will be present for the proposal of the schematic design to the City Council on December 11, advised Ms. Walsh, and will ask for formal approval at the December 18 City Council meeting. If the City Council approves, the next step will be to move to the design development stage followed by construction document stage. b. Comprehensive Plan Discussion (Jennifer Monson) Jennifer Monson, Planner, was introduced to the Commission. She reviewed the draft plan included in the packet and indicated the items highlighted in yellow will be updated. The plan includes history, improvements, natural resources, community partnerships, events and an area titled “Where we are Today” which promotes active living, healthy living, access to parks and shows all residents are .25 miles away from a park. It also includes a list of parks, open spaces, the replacement policy for playground equipment, trails, the park amenities table, existing athletic, recreation & education programs, The Rec Center, the ROC, natural resources, Westwood Hills Nature Center (master plan and public involvement), remeander of the Minnehaha Creek, trees, restoration, tree planting Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 4 November 29, 2017 replacement and wildlife management. Throughout the whole document shows how all departments and areas integrate. Commission Griffin suggested including the skate park and work the city does in the Bass Lake area. Commissioner Hagemann recommended adding how the city assists private residents with trees on their property, note the addition of water bottle fillers on drinking fountains and resources are handled internally versus outsourcing. Commissioner Cantor suggested including information on the trails and also how volunteer groups assist with amenities (i.e. gaga pit by Girl Scouts). Commissioner Bushland recommending including the recycling / composting efforts of the city in parks. Ms. Monson asked members to contact her with any other suggestions. Community meetings are taking place and a survey link has been created on the city’s website. Ms. Monson will return at the Commissions January or February meeting. Members thanked Ms. Monson for her work on the plan. c. Skate Park Update (Jason West) Mr. West advised the new skate park in Carpenter Park is open! It was designed and built by California Skateparks. Commission members viewed the base of the storm water vaults which creates storm water storage for a future light rail station or is funneled to Bass Lake. The 6,500 square foot skate park sits on top of the vaults. The skate park took 5.5 weeks to build following installation of the vaults. Concrete will be added on the south side of the skate park and will include a drinking fountain, picnic table, skate park fix-it station, bike fix-it station and portable toilet, Mr. West indicated. The grand opening of the skate park will be held in spring. Staff is researching organizations that could create a city logo to be added on the flat part of the skate park by California Skateparks. The goal is to have the logo added prior to the grand opening. Commissioner Bluma suggested adding concrete on the north side of the skate park also. Mr. West advised the skate park has a very slight pitch to ensure proper drainage so unsure if able to accommodate suggestion. Commissioner Bluma advised opening day was very busy. The location is great and it’s a versatile park for various abilities. Commissioner Cantor inquired if California Skateparks could create a video showing how to use the various features. Commissioner Bluma commented creating rules is against the rules as skateboarding reasons vary. Commissioner Hagemann inquired if there is an opportunity to offer classes at the skate park. Mr. West indicated classes were offered at the old skate park and will do the same on the new park in conjunction with 3 rd Lair. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 5 November 29, 2017 d. Fastpitch Softball Update Ms. Walsh showed members the design option (1C) at Aquila Park selected by the City Council. The design is a half pinwheel design. The project is currently going through a schematic design process including surveying and some demolition. A contractor is currently removing light poles and fencing; the fencing will be reused. The existing light poles will remain on Aquila fields two and three but lights will be changed to LED. Commissioner Cantor inquired on outcome of neighborhood meeting regarding fields. Mr. West indicated the meeting had minimal attendance but the design was favorable to those that attended. Staff has received requests for lights at the Dakota Park complex also so teams can play later Ms. Walsh advised. Staff is researching the expense of the request, will host a neighborhood meeting to discuss and request will be brought back to the Commission at a later date. e. Naming Policy Request Ms. Walsh reviewed the park naming request which was included in the members’ packet. Past requests and outcomes of those requests were also reviewed. The commission could create a subcommittee which would meet with the applicant or invite the applicant to a regular Commission meeting. Commissioners reviewed the application and discussed potential park locations. Members discussed and decided to create a subcommittee for this request. Commissioners Cantor and Griffin volunteered. The subcommittee, along with Ms. Walsh, will meet to discuss and bring recommendations to next PRAC meeting. f. Elect Officials for 2018 Commissioner Hagemann motioned to elect Commissioner Bushland as Chair; Commissioner Cantor seconded. Motion passed 6 – 0. Commissioner Cantor motioned to elect Commissioner Bluma as Vice Chair; Commissioner Hagemann seconded. Motion passed 6 – 0. 5. Staff Communication a. Bike Repair Stations Discussion Commissioner Hagemann advised he received a call from the Engineering Department to discuss bike repair stations in St. Louis Park. He recommends using standardized stations and discussing appropriate locations. Ms. Walsh would like input from commissioners on potential locations for bike repair stations. Suggested locations include: LRT Trail, the Rec Center and by Community Gardens (off north Cedar Lake Trail). The city could start with two locations with the potential to expand if used, advised Ms. Walsh. Jack Sullivan from engineering is Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 6 November 29, 2017 scheduled to attend the January meeting and would be a great discussion with him present. Commissioner Bluma mentioned adding Ped Pads along the greenway. Ms. Walsh indicated that would be a great question for Jack Sullivan. Mr. West showed Commissioners the new winter brochure. Me mentioned the U.G.L.Y. Sweater Dash will be held on Sunday, December 3 and showed the metal and hat participants would receive. Mr. West advised the New Year’s event will take place in the ROC this year and invited Commissioners to attend. 6. Member Communication None. 7. Other / Future Agenda Items Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m., 8. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner Hagemann and seconded by Commissioner Foulkes to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. The motion passed 6 - 0. Respectfully submitted, Stacy Voelker Stacy Voelker, Recording Secretary