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
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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
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(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
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DATE: JUNE 14. 2010
aattet-
CITY PARKS
CITY AIRPORT /GOLF COURSE PROPERTY
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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN
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COUNTY PARKS
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DATE: JUNE 14. 201 0
MAP 1 4: BLUEWAYS: EXISTING AND
POTENTIAL RESOURCES
0 0.25 0.5 1
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: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
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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