Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Workshop #6 MEETING SUMMARY HELD Tuesday, September 9, 2014 6:30 8:30 PM Nokomis Community Center 2401 E. Minnehaha Pkwy Minneapolis, MN 55417 Meeting Purpose: Discuss recommendations for regional park master plan. CAC Attendees: Sandy Colvin Roy (Chair), Bryan Barnes, Bob Fine, Amy Greeley, Mary Lynn Kadrie, Cammie Kimmes, Dave Kornecki, Shannon Korrer, Jeanne LaBore, Erin Lauderman, Chris Lautenschlager, Luis Morales, Darren Nyquist, Robert Srichai, Kyle Werremeyer Consultants: Bryan Harjes (HKGi), Jennifer Cater (HKGi), Kevin Biehn (EOR) MPRB Staff: Adam Arvidson (Project Manager) Approximately 30 members of the general public were in attendance. The meeting was opened by Sandy Colvin Roy (CAC Chair) who welcomed attendees and began with reviewing the purpose of the meeting. Adam Arvidson (MPRB) then reviewed where we re at in the current the project process. Preferred plans presented at this meeting are based on this collective input. These plans are not the final plans, and must be recommended on tonight, which can include caveats, amendments, or exceptions. The meeting began with reprising the conversation about the Main Beach and Athletic Field focus area and continued to review of each recommendation topic in this order: C. Nokomis Main Beach & Athletic Fields Focus Area D. Nokomis Community Center & East Beach Focus Area E. Cedar Avenue Crossings Focus Area F. Lake Hiawatha Focus Area G. Circulation / Connectivity Framework Project Prioritization
C. NOKOMIS MAIN BEACH A motion was made and seconded to approve revised Staff Recommendations to determine the layout of the athletic fields at a later date when reconstruction is implemented. A vote of the CAC was taken. 11 in favor; 1 opposed. The motion was carried. [staff response] Page 2
A motion was made and seconded to approve the revised Staff Recommendations to the new layout of bicycle, shared, and pedestrian trails near the beach, with the following caveats: 1. Connect the walking and multi-use trails near the beach house 2. Bikes to have right-of-way at drive crossings 3. Shared path will have slow signage and markings 4. More bike parking near beach A vote of the CAC was taken. 11 in favor; 1 opposed. The motion carried. Public Comments - Integrate sustainabile design throughout the process international living future initiative - Rowing club is an active use at Nokomis; want to see addition of rowing shelter for watercraft. Club caters to people of all ages and abilities [staff response] Page 3
D. HIAWATHA A motion was made and seconded to approve the Staff Recommendations. CAC Discussion - Replace beach with boardwalk Will not be built until funding and timing is there - Clarify the crossing proposed at 28th Ave is under the bridge Replacement of bridge is on the City s short-term capital projects and trails are proposed to run underneath the bridge, while still retaining access on street-level - The SENA Board and the SENA Quality of Life Commission considered, in their own separate meetings, the seasonal trail and replacement of the beach with the boardwalk and pavilion. Both groups give their support to the seasonal trail and boardwalk amenity to replace the beach. - The master plan should highlight basic circulation principles of keeping pedestrians near the water and bicycles on higher grades - [staff response] Page 4
Public Comments - Is contraflow of bicycle traffic proposed on 27 th? Yes, the one-way road has parking on one side and the preferred plan includes a two-way bike route on the road to connect to the 26 th Ave city bicycle route - If you close the beach, there needs to be a boat access/launch added for canoes and kayaks Noted: we will address a designated access - There is no reason for a seasonal path over the golf course not sure golf community is even aware this is proposed. A seasonal trail is open only during non-golf times. - Opposed to beach closure we have a lake and it should be swimmable. - Dogs will be let loose in the habitat on west side of lake if there is any trail allowed they will chase wildlife away, especially during critical spring migration time. - I hate to see the beach closed it s used a lot - Closing the beach would be a disaster it s a huge amenity for the neighborhood. A boardwalk and pier is not needed we already have these things. - I oppose the lakeside trail on the west side near the golf - Will the seasonal trail tie into the ski trail? Seasonal trail would be designed as a winter walk trail and provide access to cross-country trails - Support the beach - Dogs contribute to poor water quality need more education in the park about the impact dogs have on lake quality A system-wide plan is currently being developed to address dog use in Minneapolis parks - The Hiawatha Golf Course is sinking has there been any long-term proposal to increase the size of the lake by dredging and using the soil to raise up the golf course? A new trail could then be added around the lake and the additional water volume would help with water retention and water quality improvements. - Bike trail through the recreational area - Trail under 28 th Ave will be flooded it s too close to the Creek - Increase wild areas to include edible landscape - Increase buffering between golf and lake where seasonal trail is identified - Proposed savanna areas are conflicting with highly-used picnic and play lawns - Large trees are required north of golf course balls fly out regularly - FEMA is providing money to repair the golf course after the floods this year and can be used to address needed trees [staff response] Page 5
CAC Discussion A motion was made and seconded to amend the Staff Recommendations and keep the beach open. A vote of the CAC was taken. 3 in favor; 9 opposed. The amendment failed. A suggestion was made to include an amendment to the original motion to approve Staff Recommendations: 1. Add an identified canoe/kayak launch and storage racks A vote of the CAC was taken for the original motion to approve Staff Recommendations with the amendment of adding a designated boat launch and storage. All in favor. The motion carried. [staff response] Page 6
E. NOKOMIS COMMUITY CENTER / EAST BEACH CAC Discussion - Move bike away from parking; move ped paths away from lake; 2 bike paths and crossings Current plan gives bike priority Plan keeps bikes out of use area around community center Give bikes priority - Add a running path north of the parking lot - Need for more stop signs on parkway This needs discussion with City. - Make more natural landscape between parkway and golf. This is included in the natural resources framework. - Move event space to top of hill make current event space natural. - Consider amphitheatre and skatepark conflicts move skatepark slightly away from amphitheatre - Oppose expanded beach. [staff response] Page 7
Public Comment - Crossing at community center is awkward improve bike connection to Minnehaha parkway with extension of trail to east; add curb-cuts at Woodlawn - Add metered parking near beach (management issue) - Limit boat launching at beach - Expansion of community building should include major sustainability improvements; net zero energy/water use - Scenic overlooks need to be preserved; naturescape is blocking views and impeding passive activity. When this was planned, community was promised open areas; open up the slopes - Pine trees in area are look bad - Address water quality improvements >This is intended to be addressed through the increase of natural areas in the park - Support for skatepark, which can be integrated with stormwater treatment A motion was made and seconded to amend the Staff Recommendations to include a recommendation for improved environmental performance of a new or expanded community center building. A vote of the CAC was taken. 11 in favor; 1 opposed. The motion carried. [staff response] Page 8
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Staff Recommendations with the newly decided amendment. Additional amendments were suggested, including: 1. Extend bike trail to east along the south side of Minnehaha Parkway to Woodlawn 2. Move event space to top of hill 3. Expanded parking lot should fully replace the number of parking spaces lost by removal of the existing parking lot near the playground. A vote of the CAC was taken to approve the original motion with all amendments. 11 in favor; 1 opposed. The motion carried. F. CEDAR AVENUE CROSSINGS [staff response] Page 9
CAC Discussion - It is not the CAC s responsibility to make recommendations regarding roadway design/proposals - The proposed road connection between Edgewater and Nokomis Parkway is opposed by the neighborhood trail connection is supported. - CAC support for road connection? - An amendment was suggested to remove the road connection between Edgewater and Nokomis Parkway, but keep the trail connection Public Discussion - Close access at Edgewater / Cedar - Support for more road connections - Significant opposition of central proposed wetland keep for picnic and open play An amendment to Staff Recommendations was suggested to remove the roadway connection between Edgewater Blvd and Nokomis Pkwy, but keep the trail connection. A motion was made and seconded to amend the Staff Recommendations to remove the roadway connection between Edgewater Blvd and Nokomis Parkway, but retain the trail connection in the same location. A vote of the CAC was taken. 3 in favor; 9 opposed. The motion failed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Staff Recommendations. A vote of the CAC was taken. 9 in favor; 3 opposed. The motion carried. The two-hour time dedicated for the meeting is over. Two agenda items remain, including the Circulation Framework and Project Prioritization. Adam requested any comments or questions about these be sent to him; he will propose by email a way to address these additional item for collective recommendation. [staff response] Page 10
Concern was expressed by a couple CAC members about the ambiguity of the online survey used for prioritization preferences. Adam will address this as well. The meeting adjourned at 8.45pm. [staff response] Page 11