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2010-04-20COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, April 20, 2010 7: 00 pm Richfield Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) I Commission Members staff I Liaisons I Reed Bornholdt Greg Mangold Bob Shotwell I Jim T�� tzhofer (Staff Liaison) Fred Wro,�e (Council1 i Gerry Chamitz (Acting Chair) Ada Nelson Joe SFrin�er 11 John EvansfSecret�ry) i Rick Jabs IP/anning Com) I Dan Edgerton Rodney Schmidt Sara i l Chris Link Street orestrv) Michele Thompson i I II Ili J li .I I I I III I I ul II 1111111 I I , Id 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes ❑ Regular Meeting: March 16, 2010 3. Public Comment ❑ Items not printed on the agenda 4. Staff Reports ❑ Parks Capital Improvement Plan ❑ Lincoln Athletic Complex 5. Discussion Items ❑ Emerald Ash Borer Public Relations Plan and Criteria for Removal/Treatment (Link) 6. Action Items ❑ Parks Ordinance Revision (Topitzhofer) 7. Committee Reports ❑ Transportation Commission (Shotwell/Charnitz) ❑ Bike Planning Group (Edgerton/Shotwell) ❑ Veterans Park Planning Group (Charnitz/Schmldt) ❑ Community Bandshell (Bornholdt/Jabs) ❑ FOWL (Bornholdt) ❑ Honoring All Veterans Memorial, Inc (Bornholdt/Schmidt) ❑ Planning Commission (Springer) ❑ Arts Commission (Thompson) 8. Next Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2010 7:00 pm Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) 9. Adjournment J DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CSC. March 16, 2010 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday. January 19. 2010. Communitv Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) CSC Members Bob Shotwell, Dan Edgerton, Michele Thompson, Greg Mangold, Sarah I ill, Gerry Charnitz, Reed Bornholdt, Joe Springer, Arlan Nelson Planning Commission I Rick Jabs Staff I Jim Topitzhofer, John Evans I Call to Order I Ness called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. I Approval of Minutes J Mangold moved, seconded by Till, to approve the minutes of the regular January meeting. Approved, ayes all. I Elections/Appointments I Motion and second was made to elect Gerry Charnitz as Chair, Sarah Till as Vice Chair. Approved, ayes all. The following liaison appointments and reappointments were made: Springer -Planning Commission, Thompson -Arts Commission, Bornholdt-FOWL Board, Shotwell and Charnitz-Transportation Commission. Approved by consensus. Topitzhofer said that Schmidt will report on the Honoring All Veterans Memorial activities, and Schmidt and Chamitz will report on the Veterans Park Planning Group, which is a group of residents discussing some vegetation ideas for the park. I Bike Task Force I Shotwell said that this new group has been assigned the task of studying the feasibility of different bike trail linkages, corridors, and connections throughout Richfield. Edgerton was appointed as liaison to this group. I Staff Reports Parks Ordinance Revision Topitzhofer told the group that a number of park ordinance revisions have been discussed by the group and the Council has expressed support. The City Attorney is considering amendments that would address enforcement penalties (fines, etc). I Action Items I Lincoln Athletic Complex Play Equipment Selection Topitzhofer told the group that a neighborhood meeting was held to gather input on types of play equipment that the neighbors would prefer. Till and Jabs said that it was lightly attended, but kids were there and were very excited to be involved. Topitzhofer said that an RFP was sent out and we received nine proposals. Topitzhofer and Till scored the proposals on a number of different criteria (many objective, determining if the proposal had or didn't have what was required by the RFP; one criteria was subjective scoring on value and design) and Clearwater Recreation scored the highest. Charnitz asked about the budget; Topitzhofer said that the RFP stated a budget of $55,000, making it feature - competitive, rather than price -competitive. Thompson moved, seconded by Springer, to recommend to Council the award of contract to Clearwater Recreation. Approved, ayes all. I Discussion Items I Concert Backdrop Topitzhofer said that Dave Butler, retired lawyer and member of the Richfield Symphonic Band, has approached staff and the group about constructing a bandshell. Topitzhofer told Butler that the capital improvement plan includes the purchase and construction of a removable, fabric backdrop. Butler said that he is suggesting a more permanent backdrop. Topitzhofer said that Butler is asking what the options may be for a site; Topitzhofer said that selecting a site first can create some controversy and disagreement, so he asked the group for feedback regarding building a permanent backdrop. Nelson said that the current location of the concrete pad, the low area of Augsburg, is prone to flooding in the spring, so that may create problems for a permanent structure. Nelson said that a removable sound system should be utilized at Augsburg for acoustics. Charnitz asked how many sites would be realistic options for a backdrop; Topitzhofer said that Vets and Augsburg Parks. Shotwell said that Adams Hill may be good for its natural basin. Nelson said that airplane noise may be a problem at Vets; Topitzhofer said that bugs would also be a problem. Charnitz asked if the structure would be used for the 4 "; Jabs said that the space required for 4t" events is only available at Vets. Mangold said that the concept of a permanent bandshell is favorable. Bomholdt said that he has talked with Butler and they envision a similar, "bowl" type of backdrop, as are seen in some small-town central parks. Bornholdt said that the site would need sufficient parking. Till said that Edina has weekly kids concerts that are well -attended; Edgerton said that Bloomington has a bowl type of backdrop in Normandale Park and their concert series is well -attended; he said that utilizing a good sound system will help with many of the acoustic issues. Topitzhofer said that Butler is asking the group for volunteers to attend a task force to look at the feasibility of different locations; Bornholdt said that he could serve. Charnitz suggested running it past the Council; Jabs suggested a study session item. Topitzhofer said that the first decision should probably be whether or not to pursue the permanent backdrop idea. Shotwell said that there may be options other than just fabric or permanent. He said that there are mobile stage ideas and different sites could be tried out. Charnitz said that the group seems to be in favor of some kind of better concert facilities and suggests that the Council is notified, then a task force could proceed. Jabs said that he could also attend such a group. I Discussion Items (cont) I Parks Capital Improvement Plan March 16, 2010 Topitzhofer said that the Council had delayed the skate park idea in 2009 because of the operating budget climate and other capital improvements like City Hall. This year, the Council discussed the project for 2010 and requested that the Community Services Commission further consider the skate park project for 2010. Charnitz clarified that it's largely a perception issue as it relates to the operating budget because capital money can't be used for the operating budget; Thompson said that they did mention using the skate park funds to pay down debt service on Lincoln. Shotwell said that, from a political standpoint, the project should probably be delayed until after election season and until after the state budget is set. Jabs said that the item should stay in the capital improvement plan; removing it from the plan would make it difficult to add back. Mangold said that this group should consider the items in the capital improvement plan with the City's recreational needs in mind, as the group did for the bandshell, and let it be decided as part of the overall capital budget by the Council. Springer agreed, saying that the skate park was added to the plan out of an expressed need from kids and adults in the community, so it should be proposed and recommended by the CSC as part of the capital plan and ultimately, the Council will approve or reject it. Nelson asked what a type -one park is; Topitzhofer said that it's similar to play equipment in that it doesn't require supervision and has a streetscape aspect to it. Jabs said that the Council may suggest a compromise, like leaving $10,000 in for this year and moving $60,000 to next year. Mangold suggested leaving all $70,000 in the plan for this year, to clarify the original intention of the group. Mangold moved, seconded by Edgerton, to keep $70,000 in the 2010 capital improvement budget for the type -one skate park. Charnitz asked if the $15,000 for the sound system and backdrop should remain in the plan for 2011. Thompson suggested pushing it out, but keeping it in the plan to express the group's interest in some kind of concert facility. Thompson said that the $15,000 could be applied to the Lincoln Field debt service for 2011, then keeping the sound system item in the plan for 2013 (with the Lincoln payment being less after 2011). Topitzhofer asked if the Vets Park sign should stay in the plan for 2011; Thompson said that the sign is part of the Arts Commission strategic plan, as well (to identify the Art Center more clearly). Topitzhofer said that he'll rewrite the plan and bring it back to the CSC for formal approval in April. Committee Reports Transportation Commission: Shotwell provided the report. FOWL: Bornholdt provided the report. Honoring All Veterans Memorial: Bomholdt provided the report. Planning Commission: Springer provided the report. Arts Commission: Thompson provided the report. Other Nelson told the group to consider getting involved with the City's emergency responder training program. Adjournment I ompson moved, seconded by Springer, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm. Next Meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 7:00 pm, Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave J RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: April 20, 2010 Agenda Item: Emerald Ash Borer Public Relations Plan/Criteria for Removal/Treatment Discussion Agenda Section: Discussion Items Attachments: EAB Policy and EAB Management Plan Contact: Chris Link (612-861-9174) Recommended Action: Discussion Only Summary: As part of the regular Community Services Commission meeting, Public Works staff will be presenting information about a public relations plan in response to an Emerald Ash Borer infestation and criteria for the removal or treatment of ash trees. Staff will also be seeking input to help develop and implement a public relations plan that specifically targets private property owners and criteria for the removal or treatment of ash trees. All items discussed will be brought to a future City Council meeting for approval. Emerald Ash Borer Removal/Treatment Policv Citv of Richfield Introduction The City of Richfield believes it is in the best interest of the resident for the City to assume the basic responsibility for the removal, treatment, and detection of trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The City will provide these services in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns. The City will use City employees, and/or private contractors to provide these services. Determination of Emerald Ash Borer The City of Richfield Tree Inspector will determine trees that are infected with EAB. A tree inspector must carry a tree inspector's license, which is distributed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To become a licensed tree inspector one must pass a test showing proficiency in diseased tree management, firewood identification, and shade tree management, and attend annual recertification workshops. Marking Trees for Removal After a tree is determined to be infested with EAB, the City's Tree Inspector will mark the tree for removal. The Tree Inspector will mark a boulevard tree with an orange dot and tag with a specific number. For private trees, the Tree Inspector will mark the tree with an orange stripe around the circumference of the tree and a numbered tag. All marks will be placed at breast height. Time Limits for Removal No ash tree that has been deemed to be infested with EAB shall be removed within the months of May through August. During this time EAB is most active and removal of trees during this period may cause unintentional movement of the pest. All ash removals and pruning shall be completed during the months of September through April. Treatment/Prevention Options Recent studies conducted by universities of Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and Illinois have stated that chemically treating trees offer protection and improve the health of a tree from the effects EAB. Specifically the chemical emamectin benzoate has shown to successfully protect and improve the health of a tree for up to three years. City staff will advise residents of all types of treatment options. Injecting trees on public and private property will only be performed by a certified pesticide applicator. Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Citv of Richfield, MN Purpose By implementing the provisions in this management plan, the City will take a proactive approach and attempt to spread the costs associated with the outbreak of Emerald Ash Borer over a number of years. The loss of every ash tree in Richfield will have a devastating effect on home values, quality of life, and the environment. Our goal is to buffer that impact in advance by implementing current arboricultural management activities. Introduction Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an introduced pest that is currently killing all species of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Since its discovery in Detroit, Michigan in 2002, the insect has spread killing all ash trees in its path. The City of Richfield must prepare and manage for the arrival of EAB on three fronts -boulevard, park, and private trees. Staff completed a tree inventory in December of 2009. Currently there are 3254 boulevard ash trees, which represent 20% of our entire boulevard tree population. Staff's best estimate for park ash trees is approximately 200 total trees. Private property trees are not included in this plan at this time. The current evidence form Michigan and Ohio show that once EAB becomes established it takes four to five years to infest and kill the majority of the ash trees in the City. The following elements of the City's EAB management plan are recommended for adoption by the Community Services Commission and City Council and are subject to periodic revision, as new information about EAB becomes available. This plan is also subject to change should state or federal policies dictate. Administration The Operations Manager of Street/Forestry, through the Public Works Forestry Division, will be responsible for implementing and following up on the provisions of this plan. Communication The City Council, City Manager, Public Works Director, and Operations Manager of Streets/Forestry will receive periodic updates through normal channels. All media relations will follow normal City protocol. Operations Boulevard Trees 1. The City will begin by publicly announcing the policy of excluding any new ash trees on public property and boulevards with recommendations that residents and businesses discontinue the use of ash in new plantings. 2. The Forestry Division shall begin to remove any poor quality trees or fair quality trees with major defects. 3. The City will remove any boulevard ash tree at resident's request. 4. The Forestry Division will begin a program to chemically inject emomectin benzoate to protect public ash trees from infestation. 5. Ash trees that are removed will be replaced. Species diversity will be a planting objective to better protect our community's trees in the future. This will include planting power line compatible tree species under energized lines. 6. Plantings will occur in the spring and fall per Forestry Division's operating procedures. 7. Removal and injections will start in the eastern 1/3 of Richfield and will continue throughout the City reoccurring every three years. If an infestation site is found to be present, that area will receive immediate attention. 8. Staff will reevaluate the need for future removals and injection treatments each year. Park Trees 1. The Forestry Division shall begin to remove any poor quality trees or trees in fair condition with major defects. 2. Infected ash trees in wooded areas will be left alone -unless by a bike/walking trail or structure that may cause harm if it falls. 3. Trees removed in open parkland will be replaced. In wooded areas natural regeneration will play a significant role in reforesting parkland. Treatment of park trees will have to meet criteria to be set by the Community Services Commission. Trees on Private Property 1. There are numerous ash trees, large and small, on private property. No reliable inventory exists and ash densities vary by neighborhood. 2. Property owners are urged to monitor for EAB. 3. City of Richfield's Ordinance 910.07 should be updated to reflect the Emerald Ash Borer threat. The same parameters concerning Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt are appropriate measures to slow the spread of EAB. 4. The City will enforce the relevant section of the Richfield Code should it receive complaints about hazardous private trees. The City encourages residents to replace trees lost to EAB with species appropriate for the site, or to plant new trees in advance of EAB infestation and ash removal as a way of continuing the City's tree canopy cover and lessening the large economic and environmental impact of EAB. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: April 20, 2010 Agenda Item: Park Ordinance Revision Agenda Section: Discussion Items Attachments: None Contact: Jim Topitzhofer Recommended Action: Discussion Only The City Attorney prepared a draft parks ordinance that will be presented at the meeting. The revised ordinance introduces additional park rules including a comprehensive restriction of the use of tobacco, no feeding wild animals and a restriction on the selling of products or services in parks. With regards to the tobacco restriction, the City will have the choice of using misdemeanor/criminal method or administrative enforcement program as the process of collecting a fine for smoking on park grounds. Richfield has used only the misdemeanor/criminal method in the past, which is administered through the Hennepin County Court System. In this system, some of the fees are predetermined, such as traffic offenses, and the fine amount is listed on the ticket. A judge can fine someone up to $300 for a petty misdemeanor. Hennepin County collects the fine and a portion is then given to the City of Richfield. For the administrative enforcement program, City must adopt a schedule of fines for offenses through resolution. The City is required establish and maintain a hearing officer. A person that receives a ticket has the option to pay the fine or to settle the offense through a hearing officer. The County is not involved with fee collection. Enforcement of the tobacco ordinance was a concern to the Council. To provide enforcement without placing a burden on Richfield Police, it is recommended that Recreation Services Staff be given the authority to issue parks ordinance citations. Furthermore, the following enforcement plan is recommended: • Staff Traininq, - Richfield Recreation Services staff shall receive training from the Pubic Safety Director about the implementation, enforcement, and violation of the Park Ordinance. • Public Education - Richfield residents will be informed about the implementation, enforcement, and violation of the Park Ordinance through press releases, Recreation Brochure, utility bills, City website and cable TV. • Si na e — All park signs will be replaced with updated signs. Some targeted areas will be installed with tobacco free signs and signs pertaining to the feeding of wild animals. • Translation- All materials used to inform residents about the Parks Ordinance will be available in English and Spanish. Another Council concern was the enforcement of the tobacco ordinance during the Fourth of July Celebration, where there are thousands of people attending, many of which do not live in Richfield. The Commission should consider whether or not to include an exemption of the ordinance during the Fourth of July Celebration.