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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09272010REC AGENDA5) Old Business: 6) New Business: 7) Input from Public 8) Chairman's Matters 9) Member comments 10) Staff Comments 11) Set next meeting date and agenda 12) Adjourn CITY OF HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND 1225 MAIN STREET 0 SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (772) 228 -7052 FAX (772) 228 -7077 AGENDA CITY OF SEBASTIAN RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE September 27, 2010 5:30 PM 1) Call Meeting to Order 2) Pledge of Allegiance 3) Roll CaII 4) Approval of Minutes: August 30, 20101 Regular Meeting 2010 EAR Changes Impact Fee updates Fishing stock the ponds BSSC Flagpole Signs for Parks Hardee Park Playground Easy Street Lighting ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THIS MEETING (OR HEARING) WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. (286.0105 F.S.) IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AT 589 -5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THIS MEETING. City of Sebastian Recreation Advisory Committee August 30, 2010 Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Called to order by the Chairman: Roll Call: The following members were present Mr. Sims, Mrs. White, Mrs. Webster, Mr. Tenerowicz, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Adams was absent for roll call but arrived at 6:35 Pm and Mr. Van Arsdall was absent excused. Staff members present were Linda Kinchen, Secretary Al Minner, City Manager Approval of minutes: 6/26/10 Motion to approve by Mr. Sims second Mr. Simpson, Passed unanimously. Old Business: Project updates Schumann restroom plans are shown to the committee and waiting on permit from Indian River County. Skate Park plans are shown to committee told ready to start construction. Fishing carried to next meeting New Business: EAR Rescheduled due to Rebecca not being available. City Manager gives brief comments about the procedures and says currently waiting for DCA comments to be sent back. Rebecca will be available for the next meeting. Hardee Park Fill low spots on trail get playground prices and put new wood chips under exercise equipment. A motion to look into the butterfly garden maintenance by Mr. Sims second Mrs. White unanimous Playground RFP to council with note that committee wants trail improvements only and a wood sign for Hardee Park would be nice. Mrs. Webster asks if a sign for BSSC with marquee bottom could be put up Next agenda to have impact fee update, EAR comments, signage, fish stocking and piers Public Input Sunny Easy street park looks good but two trees have fallen in the water need to be removed. Feels lighting would be great at this park. Chairman's matters: After Christmas would like to have a parks planning meeting. Parks and Recreation Minutes August 30, 2010 Page Two Welcome to Joanne Webster as a new member President of the Little League Members Matters: Mr. Tenerowicz reminds every one about the Sept 11 remembrance service at the park. Mr. Simpson Says residents like our parks Mr. Sims Glad to be aboard. Lots of people visit the Bark Park. Schumann Improvements are great restrooms will be a nice addition. Can we secure the trash cans some how found one in the middle of the courts. Also four bolts on the north side of the fence are sticking up and need to be removed. Mr. Adams nothing Staff Comments: Secretary asks committee to vote for the Lions club in a contest awarding $25,000 for improvements to BS SC. Mr. Minner says parks will put maintenance of the fountain on a rotation schedule to keep clean. Check into increasing the pump size. Next meeting September 27 2010. Old Business: EAR, Impact Fee update and fishing Adjourned at 7PM. Approved September 27, 2010 Regular Meeting By Chairman, Parks and Recreation CIfYOF HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND City of Sebastian Growth Management Department 1225 MAIN STREET SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958 TELEPHONE (772) 589 -5518 FAX (772) 388 -8248 MEMORANDUM DATE: September 22, 2010 TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee FROM: Rebecca Grohall, Director SUBJECT: Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) update Background The Sebastian Comprehensive Plan is a living document designed to steer development in the City. Every seven years, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requires the City to evaluate the effectiveness of the City's Comprehensive Plan. This evaluation is known as the "EAR the Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The first step in the process was to hold meetings and invite public input to determine local issues that will be utilized in evaluating the Comp Plan elements. The City facilitated public input at meetings on March 25, April 1, April 14 and July 14, 2010. A draft of the City's EAR has been compiled by our consultant, Outlier Planning. The document has been prepared following workshops, scoping meetings, individual interviews, input from City committees, comments from neighboring jurisdictions, data research and map updates. Additionally, the document examines the most current population statistics against the populations previously utilized in the Comprehensive Plan. The EAR also evaluates the Comprehensive Plan for consistency with recently adopted State legislation. The EAR is primarily a document that examines the Comprehensive Plan and develops recommendations for future amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The Major Issues in the EAR are as follows: 1. Connectivity of arterial /collector roadways alternative transportation modes. 2. Economic development and job creation. 3. Balancing sustainable growth with community character. 4. Future development and funding of the park and recreation system. 5. Annexation and service delivery. Page 2 Parks and Recreation Committee Review Attached is the arks and recreation portion of the EAR. This section is relative to Major Issue #4. In preparing this section, it was determined that the review should include a re- examination of the parks and recreation level of service (LOS). As the City has grown the parks system has evolved but the LOS standards date back to 1970s and need to be updated. The recommendation is to simplify the LOS standards by adopting a new LOS standard of 4 acres of parks per 1,000 population, and eliminating the LOS standards of community and neighborhood parks at 2 acres per 1,000 population. It's important to note that the City is able to meet the proposed LOS standard. The Comp Plan outlines a LOS standard for the amount of parks per population, for various types of parks and facilities like neighborhood parks, community parks, football fields, golf courses, boat ramps, etc. By example, the numbers of tennis courts and playgrounds (equipped play areas) and the numbers of community park acreage per 1,000 population exceed the LOS standards. On the other hand, the City has developed an entire skate park facility, a dog park and several walking trails, none of which were driven by LOS standards, but rather by opportunities and community desires. These facility specific LOS standards have not been updated in over 10 years, even as community preferences have changed. Other parks and recreation EAR recommendations address methods to incorporate the North County Greenways Plan for open space, walking trails and water based trails (blue ways) into the Comprehensive Plan, to provide funding for the greenways and blueways, as well as coordinating with adjacent local governments on their implementation. The EAR also proposes to add a policy to the Comprehensive Plan to ensure that provisions for persons with disabilities are adequately considered when implementing capital projects in the City's Parks. Action The City has received tentative approval from the Department of Community Affairs, with a few recommendations. Pending any input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Staff will be finalizing the document and sending it to the City Council for final adoption at the Council meeting scheduled for October 13, 2010. After the City Council adopts the EAR by resolution, it is submitted to DCA. These actions complete the EAR process and the City begins implementing the recommendations for revisions to the Comprehensive Plan. Facility LOS Standard 2009 2015 2020 2025 Existing Demand Demand Demand Demand Neighborhood Parks (acres) 2 acres 1,000 pop. 45.44 56.14 63.47 70.23 52.15 Community Parks (acres) 2 acres 1,000 pop. 45.44 56.14 63.47 70.23 261.5 Tennis Courts 1 court 10,000 pop. 2 2 3 3 10 Basketball Courts 1 court 10,000 pop. 2 2 3 3 2 Baseball /Softball Diamonds 1 field 5,000 pop. 4 5 6 7 5 Football /Soccer Fields 1 field 25,000 pop. 1 1 1 1 3 Equipped Play Areas 1 area 7,500 pop. 3 3 4 4 7 Boat Ramps 1 ramp 12,500 pop. 1 2 2 2 3 Shuffleboard Courts 1 court 5,000 pop. 4 5 6 7 4 Volleyball Courts 1 court 12,000 pop. 1 2 2 2 Golf Course (holes) 18 50,000 pop. 18 18 18 18 18 Major Issue #4: Future Development and Funding of the Park and Recreation System: The City currently has a wide variety of parks, well distributed throughout the City, and the park system continues to grow incrementally. Additionally, the City has a dedicated financial resource in park and recreation impact fee funds to finance further capital improvements. As part of this analysis, the comprehensive plan's park system data regarding facility needs will be reexamined, and funding needs and sources for operations and maintenance will be considered. An area of possible further park development and one that could relate strongly to economic development via tourism is the development of greenways and blueways (water based trails). The Sebastian Park system consists of 19 developed park sites totaling approximately 315.01 acres, the City Golf Course facility (160 acres) and ten undeveloped park properties that total 79.6 acres. Much of this undeveloped park property though not all is suitable for passive recreation. Additionally, there are four County parks adjacent to Sebastian's boundaries, specifically the North County Regional Park on the north side of CR -512 west of the City boundaries, Dale Wimbrow and Donald MacDonald parks, located adjacent to one another between the St. Sebastian River and the Airport and West Wabasso Park north of CR -510. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is located just west of the City boundaries, on the west bank of the St. Sebastian River, extending west of 1 -95 and north into Brevard County. A map showing the locations of parks near Sebastian, including developed parks, the Golf Course, nearby county parks and the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is shown on the next page. The City's Schedule of Capital Improvements also indicates the development of a 3.8 -acre park at Barber Street and Acorn Terrace, as well as the development of a 1.9 -acre park at Celtic Avenue and Crown Street. The City's LOS standard for parks is two acres of community parks per 1,000 population, plus two acres of neighborhood parks per 1,000 population. The Recreation and Open Space Element further sets out LOS standards for a number of recreational facilities. The table below shows projected demand for parks and facilities through 2025 according to existing LOS standards, as well as existing facilities. Current and Projected Park Facility Needs Source: City of Sebastian Recreation and Open Space Element City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 52 SEBASTIAN 11.)ML Of MICA S !SIAM! .u.n.uouu. j w•• I n. i w# •S i V. i I t. P N 1 o 7 A 7.nouu.u.r 1n....t namoolmoinA 14 1. ir z .....j R....n.,,.1 .,.....,.....n..i ti :...,..,ii CR 510 (WABASSO RD) DATE: JUNE 14, 2010 Outeict- CITY PARKS CITY GOLF COURSE COUNTY PARKS STATE PARKS MAP 1 2: PARKS SEBASTIAN VICINITY 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles (Ma SE HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN 2010 EAR The City charges a Recreation Impact Fee (RIF) on new development to provide for expansion of the recreational system to serve the needs generated by new development. The City's parks system otherwise depends upon general fund revenue or grants for operations and maintenance. The City's Golf Course at the Airport property is financially self- sufficient for operations and maintenance. As the Major Issue description above notes, Sebastian is well served by parks, and they are well- distributed throughout the City. While undeveloped park properties the City has acquired from General Development Corporation (GDC) provide multiple opportunities to further expand the system if needed, the City's park system is nearing maturity. This, combined with the completion of the North County Greenways Plan by the Indian River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) suggests that greenways and blueways may be appropriate foci for further development of the City's recreation system. This are also closely related to the issues of alternative transportation and economic development considered in Major Issues #1 and #2, respectively. The following are the provisions of the Sebastian Comprehensive Plan that relate most closely to this issue: Transportation Element: Objective 1.6: Multi -modal System. The City shall promote alternative modes of transportation to provide a safe and efficient multi -modal system and to provide for a possible reduction of individual motor vehicle travel. Policy 1.6.1: All major roadways shall be designed as complete transportation corridors incorporating bicycle and pedestrian features, and planning for transit features to start creating a true multi -modal system. Policy 1.6.2: By 2011, the City shall prepare a Greenways Plan for Bicycle and Pedestrian access. Policy 1.6.3: The City should provide adequate ROW and construct bicycle ways along corridors to be specified in the Bicycle Plan. Policy 1.6.4: Bike -paths shall be established linking arterial and collector streets. Policy 1.6.5: Sidewalks, shall be mandatory on all new roadway construction. a Sidewalks shall be constructed, concurrently with new non- residential development, by the developer. b New residential developments with densities of one or more dwelling units per acre shall provide sidewalks on both sides of every street. Policy 1.6.6: A Pedestrian Improvement Plan shall be prepared, adopted and implemented by 2011. Policy 1.6.8: By 2011, the City shall develop standards in the land development regulations for access to bicycle and pedestrian systems (such City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 54 SEW'S TLAN 110!,.11 1I 11 LIiA\' 15L:1 ;L Policy 1.6.9: Recreation and Open Space Element: Policy 7- 1.1.1: Level of Service Standards for Park and Recreation Facilities [lengthy, expresses the City's adopted park and recreation LOS standards] Policy 7- 1.1.3: Policy 7- 1.1.5: standards shall apply to new developments, substantial improvements of existing developments, and to road improvements). By 2011, the City shall review the land development regulations and address the provision of bicycle parking and circulation, pedestrian walkways, and handicap accessible facilities within new developments and existing developments undergoing substantial improvements. Mandatory Land Dedication or Fees in Lieu Thereof. The City shall enforce provisions for the mandatory dedication of land for parks and recreation or fees in lieu thereof contained in §20A- 17.1(H) of the Subdivision Regulations. These regulations are intended to assure that new development provides necessary recreation lands, facilities, and /or fees in lieu thereof in order to accommodate the demands generated by new development. Maintenance of Existing Recreation Lands and Facilities. The City shall maintain existing recreation and facilities through the use of proper management and funding techniques. The City shall assure that recreation facilities are well managed, well maintained, and that quality recreation programs are available to all residents. This shall be partially achieved by continuing efforts toward collecting, maintaining, and updating data concerning public and private resource inventory, recreation improvement, and demand factors, and by improving design criteria and evaluation to attain a high quality park and recreation system. Policy 7- 1.2.1: Implementing Land Development Code. In addition to the subdivision ordinance mandatory park and recreation land and facilities regulation, the City shall enforce land development regulations which include specific open space definitions and standards addressing protection of open space, natural vegetation, landscape, and signage. Regulations shall include stipulations governing the provision and use of open space for buffering, protection or natural corridors, including drainageways, as well as other commonly accepted uses. OBJECTIVE 7 -1.3: ACCESS FACILITIES. After January 2004, all public parks and recreational facilities shall have operational automobile, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Policy 7- 1.3.1: Right -of -Way Improvements. The City has established vehicle access facilities serving all public and private recreational sites. As future roadway improvements are analyzed, the City shall provide for nonmotorized transportation needs using FDOT design standards for City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 55 SE T IAN 1i0..1. 01 PEI I AA' 14.:1 \L Policy 7- 1.5.4: Policy 7- 1.5.10: Capital Improvements Element: Policy 1.2.9: bicycle facilities. No new roadway improvements are currently scheduled by the City. Policy 7 1.3.3: Bicycle /Pedestrian Accessways. All neighborhood parks are provided with bicycle and pedestrian accessways. In planning and designing these accessways, the City shall remove barriers limiting access to the physically handicapped. OBJECTIVE 7 1.4: ACCESS TO INDIAN RIVER LAGOON AND TRIBUTARIES. By December 31, 2001 the City shall adopt amended land development regulations which include performance criteria designed to preserve access points to the Indian River Lagoon, St. Sebastian River, and their tributaries. Utilize Grantsmen and Other Appropriate Fiscal Advisors. The City shall assure that the advantages of all appropriate local and non -local sources of financial and technical assistance are sought and received. Alternative funding sources and impacts must be monitored continually so that appropriate evolving State and federal assistance programs shall be aggressively pursued to ensure the attainment of recreation objectives in a cost effective and fiscally equitable manner. Fiscal Management. Review and evaluate park land acquisition proposals and recreation development programs to determine changing fiscal implications. Each year fiscal management policies including the capital improvement program and budget shall be reviewed, evaluated, and refined to reflect current program priorities for parks, recreation and open space. The capital improvement program shall reflect changes in recreation needs based on consumer demands and the impact of development trends and shifts in population magnitude and distribution. Adequate Parks and Recreation Funding. The following procedures shall be utilized to pursue adequate funding for parks and recreation capital projects: Grants shall be pursued and used for the completion of parks and recreation capital projects. Funds collected through the implementation of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fee. As can be seen from the data presented above, the City is currently meeting all parks and recreation LOS standards (exception: no data was available regarding the existing number of volleyball courts). With the addition of 5.7 acres of neighborhood park and with the scheduled development of parks at Barber and Acorn, and at Celtic and Crown, LOS standards for acres of neighborhood parks would continue to be met beyond 2015, while existing community parks are City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 56 SEBAST 110%1! 1111,An ISLAND adequate to serve projected population well beyond the City's 2025 long range planning horizon. With some exceptions, existing facilities would satisfy LOS standards in many cases. The parks and recreation LOS standards as currently devised are of limited usefulness at this stage of Sebastian's development. While the City finds itself with more than adequate park land to meet an overall LOS standard of four acres per 1,000 population (two acres of neighborhood parks plus two acres of community parks per 1,000 population), it could be expected to fall short of neighborhood parks, according to projected population, sometime between 2015 and 2020. One of the main purposes of distinguishing between neighborhood and community parks is to ensure that residents have parks nearby their homes, in other words to effect a more equitable spatial distribution. However, City staff has observed that park preferences differ between different areas of the City, with some areas preferring not to have additional neighborhood /pocket parks, and that, in general, those areas that want these types of facilities currently have them. The City could remedy its projected neighborhood park LOS deficiency by building additional neighborhood parks. However, if this results in neighborhood parks being built in places where they are not wanted, then the LOS standard has become counterproductive as policy. Likewise, the facility- specific LOS standards contained in the Recreation and Open Space Element (number of tennis courts, basketball courts, etc.) no longer seem to make sense as Sebastian's development continues. First, they do not appear to have provided a practical, real world guide to facility development. For example, the City now has 10 tennis courts and seven "equipped play areas" (playgrounds), far beyond what is projected to be needed even in 2025 to meet LOS standards. Meanwhile, the City has developed an entire skate park facility, a dog park and several walking trails, none of which were driven by LOS standards, but rather by opportunities and community desires. These facility- specific LOS standards have not been updated in over 10 years, even as community preferences have changed. This is largely because the standards were included in the Comprehensive Plan, which is updated relatively rarely. Fortunately, the City's park system was developed with the flexibility to respond to evolving preferences. These facility- specific LOS standards should be removed from the Plan to reflect that reality. The concept of greenways was popularized in the United States in the 1990s, and has remained an important planning tool for recreation, conservation, open space and transportation. There are a variety of definitions for greenways, but the one used in the North County Greenways Plan will form a starting point for this discussion: linear open space along natural or manmade corridors with facilities for non motorized travel, including walking, bicycling, running, horseback riding, and other uses." The North Indian River County Greenways Master Plan was adopted by the Indian River County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in late 2008. The goal of the plan is "...to establish an interconnected system of greenways and blueways in Indian River County that promotes multi -modal transportation, connects urban and rural areas locally and regionally, and enhances recreation and conservation opportunities." This plan builds upon several other plans and initiatives, including the St. Sebastian River Greenways Plan and the conservation boardwalk near Sebastian City Hall. City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 57 S H.) \4t' Of PI I WAN \\I' The North County Plan recognizes the utility of greenways for both recreation and multi -modal transportation, and establishes the framework for an interconnected system of greenways and blueways. The Plan provides a strong framework for Sebastian to continue to improve recreational opportunities for residents despite less expected construction of traditional parks, provide residents and visitors with convenient and non motorized access to the recreational opportunities of nearby rural and marine natural resources and provide for alternative means of transportation, primarily through better pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The Plan also takes note of the economic benefits of greenway development, which is primarily via improvements in quality of life and enhanced eco- tourism activities. The map on the following page shows existing and planned greenways according to the North County Plan, along with existing City, County and State park and recreation facilities as well as conservation areas. A blueway is a water path or trail that is developed with launch points, camping locations and points of interest for canoeists and kayakers. The blueway concept is similar to that of greenways, except that the corridors are waterways, and focus is almost entirely recreational, as opposed to a means of transportation. Prominent examples of blueway systems in Florida include the Great Calusa Blueway in Lee County, the Paradise Coast Blueway in Collier County and the Charlotte County blueway system. The Indian River Lagoon Blueway has been designated by the State of Florida. The Lagoon is North America's most biologically diverse estuary, and many believe that the Lagoon offers some of the best flat -water kayaking in the world, making this natural resource a potential tourism asset. A Plan for the Blueway managed by the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) calls for public acquisition of 26,610 acres on the east and west sides of the Lagoon. Acquisition sites near Sebastian include an addition to the Pelican Island public holdings and a site on the west side of the Lagoon near CR -510. Likewise, the St. Sebastian River is popular with canoeists and kayakers, and offers natural scenery enhanced by Indian River County recreational facilities: camping and launching opportunities at Dale Wimbrow and Donald MacDonald Parks and a canoe /kayak launch area, complete with paved parking, off of CR -510 just north of CR -512. The Blueways Resources map shows existing and potential blueways resources. The larger canals within Sebastian have less to offer environmentally, of course, than the Indian River Lagoon or the St. Sebastian River, but nevertheless should not be ignored. Via canal a canoeist or kayaker could feasibly access Schumann Lake Island, the Stormwater Park and Hardee Park, and on to the St. Sebastian River and, eventually, the Lagoon. Many people living along such canals already have this opportunity. Needed improvements, however, to make access convenient to the general public would be minimal, such as ensuring that the launching of small craft is possible at each of the parks along a canal. Directional signage is also a possibility, but again the needed improvements would be minimal. The greenways planned through Sebastian by the MPO should be considered the "backbone" of the future pedestrian bicycle system. The City should evaluate the need for other greenways besides those designated by the MPO's plan based on such factors as: opportunities to improve the connectivity of the City's open space /greenway system; the need to improve access in any part of the City that would otherwise have inadequate access to the open space /greenways system; or, providing connections between land uses that would benefit from the availability of improved bicycle pedestrian infrastructure, particularly where this might result in a reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Once complete, most residents of Sebastian would have easy access to the greenways system. Based on population distribution as of the City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 58 SEBASTIAN H )m1 PE LE AN E54 \N0 i r�r i 1,e 1 i i i 4 1 i 1 ,1 n i s R i• ,T it c 3 i z 0 ..»i i '2 i P� i r 1 i i i n inc i mor ould r .n. i I 'b,. i i h am, i G !not i i...»,r 0.».. ».,y ..11 .,,.,,.,,.,.,..j 1111011=1i i i i i i i CR 510 (WABASSO RD) SOURCE: INDIAN RIVER MPO NORTH COUNTY GREENWAYS PLAN DATE: JUNE 14. 2010 aattet- CITY PARKS CITY AIRPORT /GOLF COURSE PROPERTY COUNTY PARKS STATE PARKS CONSERVATION AREAS EXISTING /PLANNED GREENWAYS MAP 1 3: PLANNED GREENWAYS A 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles SET1 HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN 2010 EAR 1 r•�i a..11 I i r C CANOE /KAYAK f l11 11■1 111114 LAUNCH s.Il.uhi4 i 6 i top in.1l.u• T...n.y i ?i i1! ,7,, EXISTING N 9 A o 4G 0 P �C` 4 �s 1111.11...1. i i A S C 3 z z 0 1.1., 8......1..11.1..1! i 5 i 7.11.n.n.n.r CR 510 (WAAASSO RD) CITY PARKS CITY GOLF COURSE COUNTY PARKS STATE PARKS CONSERVATION AREAS SIGNIFICANT WATERWAYS DATE: JUNE 14. 201 0 MAP 1 4: BLUEWAYS: EXISTING AND POTENTIAL RESOURCES 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles :Ir c SEBAsTIAN iC HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN 2010 EAR 2000 Census, 81.3% of the population would be within one quarter mile (about a 5 minute walk) of a greenway. When including both parks and greenways, 90.6% of residents would be within one- quarter mile of public open space. Given this, Sebastian should primarily focus greenways efforts on ways to make implementation of the North County Greenways Master Plan a success, coordinating with other transportation and recreation agencies for implementation activities. Two greenways projects significant to Sebastian emerged as Tier 1 priorities in the MPO plan, meaning that some implementation activities would occur in the first five years of the plan. The first project in overall priority is the Trans Florida Coastal Railroad Corridor, which connects Sebastian (vicinity of the CR- 510 /CR -512 intersection) to the Fellsmere Water Conservation Area to the west. The next priority is the South Sebastian Greenway Corridor, which runs north from Barber Street through the Stormwater Park and Sebastian Harbor Preserve, also connecting to Easy Street Park and Schumann Drive Park. This greenway would also connect to the North Sebastian Greenway Corridor, which would further connect these assets with Sebastian Elementary School, City Hall, the North Sebastian Conservation Area (NSCA) and, possibly, Roseland Road to the north of the City limits. More details about these and other projects can be found in the North County Greenways Plan. Several policies in the Transportation Element seem to address the need for detailed bicycle, pedestrian and greenways planning in Sebastian. The policies use the terms "Bicycle Plan "Greenways Plan" and "Pedestrian Improvement Plan of which the latter two are to be done by 2011. It is unclear whether these are supposed to refer to the same document or separate documents. Also to be done by 2011 are reviews of the land development regulations to address access to bicycle and pedestrian systems, bicycle parking and circulation, pedestrian walkways and handicapped accessible facilities. Given the requirements of SB 360 (discussed in more detail in Major Issue #1), it seems that these policies should be clarified, and these pedestrian, bicycle and greenways plans should be completed together as part of a plan for multi -modal mobility. Future funding of the parks and recreation system has become a concern for Sebastian. While the City's Recreation Impact Fee (RIF), along with grants, have generally provided adequate revenues to fund needed capital improvements, concern has focused on the cost of operations and maintenance of park facilities once they are built. This is reflected both in comments by City officials and in the FY 2009 -2010 Budget Document, which states that: previously scheduled neighborhood parks and playground improvements projects have been cancelled due to concerns that the City will not be able to maintain them properly." As touched upon earlier, the City is unlikely to continue to develop parkland at rates seen previously. The City should begin to shift further development of open space and recreation to extend outward from its parks throughout the City, connecting the City's existing parks resources via the greenways discussed above to create a more integrated open space system. This will improve access to recreational facilities, make the City's park system more accessible and provide a green, nonmotorized connection between the developed environs within the City's jurisdiction and the recreational opportunities afforded by the beautiful natural resources surrounding Sebastian. This shift makes fiscal sense for several reasons. First, the greenway system serves two purposes: first, as open space /recreational opportunity; and second, as infrastructure for walking, bicycling and other non motorized transportation modes. Thus, capital funding, and in some cases maintenance funding, may come from transportation funds in addition to recreation funds. This is essentially a savings through efficiency, as the same infrastructure is used for City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 61 SE TIA N 1101.51 LM 1'L LIC ISLAM) two purposes. Because the trails planned through Sebastian are part of the MPO's broader plan, a large portion of funding would come from outside sources. For example, greenways are heavily funded under the federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, for which strictly recreational facilities would not be eligible. Additionally, greenways improvements can be integrated into ongoing infrastructure projects, substantially lowering their cost. The North County Greenways Plan estimates an annual operations and maintenance cost of $21,000 per mile, and a GIS analysis indicates that there would be approximately 26 miles of greenways at buildout of the system, representing an annual cost of $546,000. Maintenance, however, could be expected to be a multi- agency collaboration, and any portion of costs for which the City might be responsible would likely be negotiated on a case -by -case basis. Recommendations Based on the above analysis, the following are recommendations for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Also note that those recommendations of Major Issue #1 that relate to encouraging bicycle and pedestrian activity are also related to this Issue. Revise the recreation and open space LOS standards to a simple standard of four acres per 1,000 population, ending both the distinction between community and neighborhood parks for LOS purposes and removing the facility- specific LOS standards currently in the Plan. Include policies encouraging public private partnerships with local organizations that promote bicycling, hiking, canoeing /kayaking and other forms of eco- tourism. Revise policies in the Transportation Element calling for pedestrian, bicycle and greenways planning and for land development code reviews dealing with similar issues, to clarify that such plans and studies are to be conducted together, as part of a plan to improve multi -modal mobility in Sebastian. On an ongoing basis, review right -of -way width requirements for roadways to ensure that there is adequate space for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including greenways where applicable. Include policies in the Transportation and Intergovernmental Coordination Elements to review all proposed road improvements in and near Sebastian to ensure that any opportunities for advancement of the North County Greenways Master Plan have been included. Include policies to ensure that the land development regulations will ensure interconnection of new development with any adjacent designated greenway. If mobility fees or a similar concept (discussed at more length in Major Issue #1) are instituted in Sebastian, consider redirecting a portion funding from roadways to bicycle pedestrian facilities, including greenways. Include a policy the Recreation and Open Space Element that to the extent feasible, all parks located adjacent to a canal shall have an area suitable for launching a canoe, kayak or similar small craft. Revise the Intergovernmental Coordination Element to address implementation of the North County Greenways Master Plan. Include policies in the Future Land Use Element to review the land development regulations to ensure that kayak rentals, bicycle rentals and similar uses associated with eco- tourism are permitted and adequately regulated in the Riverfront Mixed -Use (RMU) area Add a policy to the Parks and Recreation Element to ensure that provisions for persons with disabilities are adequately considered when implementing capital projects in the City's Parks. City of Sebastian 2010 EAR DRAFT 7 -16 -2010 62 SEBASTL/ HOW 01 PEL ISLAM) City of Sebastian, Florida Subject: Recreation Impact Fees Review of Zones and Zone Fund Balances for Submittal by: er, City Manager Agenda No. Department Origin: Administrative Services Reviewed By: City Attorney: City Clerk: I Date Submitted: September 21, 2010 For Agenda of: September 27, 2010 Exhibits: Schedule of Recreation Impact Fees by Zone EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: N/A AMOUNT BUDGETED: N/A APPROPRIATION REQUIRED: N/A SUMMARY Ordinance No. 0 -01 -15 created Impact Fees. It requires that the fees be accounted for separately by Zone and be encumbered within seven (7) years of being collected. The exact wording from Sec. 75 -55 of the Ordinance is: "The fees paid pursuant to this article shall be segregated and held in trust by the city in its recreation trust fund. The city shall maintain records of monies collected adequate to determine the amount contributed to the fund from each particular development. The funds collected from any development shall be used only to acquire, construct or provide recreational improvements or facilities, but may not be used on a Neighborhood Park facility located in a different Recreation Zone than the one containing the originating development. The city shall maintain records of all funds expended and the purposes for which they were expended. Funds must be encumbered for a qualifying project within seven (7) years of being collected." The attached Schedule on each Zone provides a summary by fiscal year of receipts, amounts allocated and the unencumbered balances. The estimated FY2010 ending unencumbered balances are identified by the fiscal year collected. Then the currently allocated projects from the Capital Improvement Program are presented, which after being deducted, leaves the currently estimated balance of remaining unallocated funds identified by the fiscal year they were collected and when they should be encumbered. RECOMMENDED ACTION The Parks and Recreation Committee should become familiar with the requirements of the Ordinance. They should note that identified CIP allocations have fully encumbered balances in Zone B and Zone C. Zone A has about $57,000 unencumbered, some of which should be allocated by FY2013; and Zone D has about $290,000 unencumbered, some of which should be allocated by FY2012. City of Sebastian Recreation Impact Fees Ordinance 0 -01 -15 Zone A Required Allocations Fiscal Amounts Unencumbered Must Year Receipts Allocated Balance Encumber By FY2002 65,024.16 0.00 0.00 FY2009 FY2003 102,958.03 0.00 0.00 FY2010 FY2004 145,304.64 30,500.00 0.00 FY2011 FY2005 53,943.21 94,750.00 0.00 FY2012 FY2006 105,328.00 19,336.50 89,042.87 FY2013 FY2007 25,688.31 56,750.00 25,688.31 FY2014 FY2008 13,784.33 105,595.73 13,784.33 FY2015 FY2009 5,888.49 9,945.94 5,888.49 FY2016 FY2010 10,311.00 66,637.00 10,311.00 FY2017 Totals 528,230.17 383,515.17 144,715.00 Less Capital Improvement Program Allocations: 25% of $100,000 Riverview Park Street Parking 25,000.00 25% of $75,000 Bark Park Project 18,750.00 25% of $50,000 Riverview Park Pavillion 12,500.00 25% of $25,000 Riverview Park Irrigation /Fountains 6,250.00 25% of $100,000 Riverview Park Lift Station 25,000.00 87,500.00 Remaining Unallocated Funds: FY2006 Partial Year's Receipts 1,542.87 FY2013 FY2007 Total Year's Receipts 25,688.31 FY2014 FY2008 Total Year's Receipts 13,784.33 FY2015 FY2009 Total Year's Receipts 5,888.49 FY2016 FY2010 Total Year's Receipts 10,311.00 FY2017 57,215.00 City of Sebastian Recreation Impact Fees Ordinance 0 -01 -15 Zone B Fiscal Amounts Unencumbered Must Year Receipts Allocated Balance Encumber By FY2002 22,331.53 0.00 0.00 FY2009 FY2003 28,470.71 0.00 0.00 FY2010 FY2004 58,782.33 30,000.00 0.00 FY2011 FY2005 31,068.56 64,750.00 0.00 FY2012 FY2006 60,979.37 19,336.50 0.00 FY2013 FY2007 40,673.16 94,341.16 21,630.38 FY2014 FY2008 5,907.57 0.00 5,907.57 FY2015 FY2009 1,310.05 12,247.62 1,310.05 FY2016 FY2010 2,332.00 0.00 2,332.00 FY2017 Totals 251,855.28 220,675.28 31,180.00 Less Capital Improvement Program Allocations: 100% of $50,000 Azine Terrace Park Remaining Unallocated Funds: Shortfall for Funding CIP Allocations Zone C Less Capital Improvement Program Allocations: 25% of $100,000 Riverview Park Street Parking 25% of $75,000 Bark Park Project 25% of $50,000 Riverview Park Pavillion 25% of $25,000 Riverview Park Irrigation /Fountains 25% of $100,000 Riverview Park Lift Station Required Allocations 50,000.00 (18,820.00) Fiscal Amounts Unencumbered Must Year Receipts Allocated Balance Encumber By FY2002 65,680.97 0.00 0.00 FY2009 FY2003 71,176.77 150,000.00 0.00 FY2010 FY2004 106,666.81 40,000.00 0.00 FY2011 FY2005 136,223.67 50,871.22 25,553.77 FY2012 FY2006 50,261.78 19,336.50 50,261.78 FY2013 FY2007 8,562.77 6,750.00 8,562.77 FY2014 FY2008 1,312.79 54,227.73 1,312.79 FY2015 FY2009 17.89 16,372.00 17.89 FY2016 FY2010 1,177.00 16,637.00 1,177.00 FY2017 Totals 441,080.45 354,194.45 86,886.00 Required Allocations 25,000.00 18,750.00 12, 500.00 6,250.00 25,000.00 87,500.00 Remaining Unallocated Funds: Shortfall for Funding CIP Allocations (614.00) City of Sebastian Recreation Impact Fees Ordinance 0 -01 -15 Zone D Less Capital Improvement Program Allocations: 50% of $100,000 Riverview Park Street Parking 50,000.00 50% of $75,000 Bark Park Project 37,500.00 50% of $50,000 Riverview Park Pavillion 25,000.00 50% of $25,000 Riverview Park Irrigation /Fountains 12,500.00 50% of $100,000 Riverview Park Lift Station 50,000.00 100% of $125,000 Barber Street Field Expansion 125,000.00 100% of $50,000 Barber /Acorn Park 50,000.00 100% of $50,000 Celtic /Crown Park 50,000.00 400,000.00 Required Allocations Fiscal Amounts Unencumbered Must Year Receipts Allocated Balance Encumber By FY2002 105,417.96 0.00 0.00 FY2009 FY2003 200,619.18 40,000.00 0.00 FY2010 FY2004 255,934.30 21,342.45 218,202.60 FY2011 FY2005 184,021.44 0.00 184,021.44 FY2012 FY2006 167,416.09 19,336.50 167,416.09 FY2013 FY2007 49,949.50 6,750.00 49,949.50 FY2014 FY2008 45,291.37 138,631.89 45,291.37 FY2015 FY2009 6,964.00 34,435.00 6,964.00 FY2016 FY2010 18,681.00 83,273.00 18,681.00 FY2017 Totals 1,034,294.84 343,768.84 690,526.00 Remaining Unallocated Funds: FY2005 Partial Year's Receipts 2,224.04 FY2012 FY2006 Total Year's Receipts 167,416.09 FY2013 FY2007 Total Year's Receipts 49,949.50 FY2014 FY2008 Total Year's Receipts 45,291.37 FY2015 FY2009 Total Year's Receipts 6,964.00 FY2016 FY2010 Total Year's Receipts 18,681.00 FY2017 290,526.00 Date: September 23, 2010 TO: Parks and Recreation Committee FROM: Linda Kinchen, Administrative Supervisor Subject: Fish stocking in ponds Attached is the information received from Florida Fish and Wildlife regarding stocking the Ponds with fish. Based on this information and discussions by phone, they do not recommend stocking the ponds without first checking the vegetation in each pond and if necessary adding plants etc. Based on this information, staff is not recommending that this request be pursued at this time. Ik MEMORANDUM Ginny Sieferd From: Cimbaro, John [john.cimbaro @MyFWC.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 9:47 AM To: Ginny Sieferd Subject: Fish Stocking Hello Ms. Sieferd, I enjoyed the opportunity to answer some of your questions about fish stocking this morning. As I mentioned, in Florida stocking is usually only performed on lakes that have no fish populations already present. For existing lakes with even small populations of bass and sunfish "bream in place, stocking is unnecessary. If the fish present are not as abundant or as large as desired, lack of habitat —and, as a result, lack of forage —is usually the cause. In these situations, a vegetation enhancement program for the lake is what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) would recommend. Once desirable aquatic vegetation is in place, available forage (minnows, insects, grass shrimp, etc.) will increase and the fish population will follow. Fish population expansion is benefited by the extremely long reproductive season bass and sunfish have in Florida almost six months, compared to Tess than a month in northern states that have much colder annual temperatures. This is a process, however, and it may take a year or two to begin seeing noticeable results in the fish population. In addition to vegetation enhancements, other options that will help to concentrate fish and improve angler success include fish feeders (mainly for sunfish), and fish attractors or "structure" (which will attract both sunfish and bass). Below are website links that should give you a good overview of basic fisheries management in Florida lakes, and what the City of Sebastian might be able to do to improve fishing within some of its water bodies: A good, basic overview of fish management. http://myfwc.com/docs/Freshwater/CITFSH6b.pdf A good example of when it is appropriate to stock, and also covers some general pond management basics. http: /myfwc.com /docs /Freshwater /CITFSH28.pdf (p. 5) Our lake management booklet; most of what you need to know about managing a Florida lake for fisheries is here. http: /myfwc.com /docs /Freshwater /Pond Management_Booklet 2009.pdf Common local plant identification; includes most of the species mentioned in the previous brochures. http /my_fwc.com /DOCSFRESHWATER /FRESHWATER AQUATICPLANTIDENTIFIER_PDF Online plant identification aids: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/photocom.html http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/database/index.htm Page 1 of 2 These should give you a good overview of enhancements you might consider within your water bodies. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions that you come up with. I also have more detailed information would be glad to provide regarding vegetation enhancement, fish feeders, and fish attractors should the City be considering any specific actions. Regards, John Cimbaro Biological Scientist III Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 9/2/2010