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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPackets - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (105)       *AMENDED (5/5/23, 5:00 PM) AGENDA ORO VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL SESSION MAY 9, 2023 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE        *REGULAR SPECIAL SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM   CALL TO ORDER   ROLL CALL   CALL TO AUDIENCE - at this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Board on any issue not listed on today’s agenda. Pursuant to the Arizona open meeting law, individual Board members may ask Town staff to review the matter, ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda, or respond to criticism made by speakers. However, the Board may not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during "Call to Audience." In order to speak during "Call to Audience", please specify what you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.   COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS   *REGULAR SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA   1.PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO RECOMMEND COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE VISTOSO TRAILS NATURE PRESERVE MASTER PLAN   2.*PROGRESS UPDATE, PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ORO VALLEY $25 BILLION MILLION PARK BOND PROJECT APPROVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL, RESOLUTION NO. (R)21-47   3.PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 23/24 PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET REQUESTS   DEPARTMENT REPORT   FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   ADJOURNMENT   POSTED: 05/4/2023 at 5:00 p.m. by dt *AMENDED AGENDA POSTED: 5/5/23 at 5:00 p.m. by ms When possible, a packet of agenda materials as listed above is available for public inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Board meeting in the Town Clerk's Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Town of Oro Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If any person with a disability needs any type of accommodation, please notify the Town Clerk’s Office at least five days prior to the Board meeting at 229-4700. INSTRUCTIONS TO SPEAKERS Members of the public have the right to speak during any posted public hearing. However, those items not listed as a public hearing are for consideration and action by the Board during the course of their business meeting. Members of the public may be allowed to speak on these topics at the discretion of the Chair. If you wish to address the Board on any item(s) on this agenda, please complete a blue speaker card located on the Agenda table at the back of the room and give it to the Recording Secretary. Please indicate on the speaker card which item number and topic you wish to speak on, or if you wish to speak during “Call to Audience,” please specify what you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card. Please step forward to the podium when the Chair announces the item(s) on the agenda which you are interested in addressing. Thank you for your cooperation. For the record, please state your name and whether or not you are a Town resident.1. Speak only on the issue currently being discussed by the Board.2. Please organize your speech. You will only be allowed to address the Board once regarding the topic being discussed. 3. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes.4. During “Call to Audience”, you may address the Board on any issue you wish.5. Any member of the public speaking must speak in a courteous and respectful manner to those present.6. “Notice of Possible Quorum of the Oro Valley Town Council, Boards, Commissions and Committees: In accordance with Chapter 3, Title 38, Arizona Revised Statutes and Section 2-4-4 of the Oro Valley Town Code, a majority of the Town Council, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Stormwater Utility Commission, and Water Utility Commission may attend the above referenced meeting as a member of the audience only.”      Parks and Recreation Advisory Board AGENDA ITEM: 1. Meeting Date:05/09/2023   Submitted By:Casey Wilson, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO RECOMMEND COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE VISTOSO TRAILS NATURE PRESERVE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Town of Oro Valley acquired the former Vistoso Golf Course in July 2022. Named, Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The Conservation Fund currently holds the Conservation Easement on this 202-acre property. To recap, the Conservation Easement was established to accomplish the following main objectives: The Town acquired the Property from The Conservation Fund by a donation which required the Town to grant this Conservation Easement immediately after acquiring the Property. This Conservation Easement is granted for the following “Conservation Purposes”, as defined in A.R.S 33-271 (2)(a) 1. Preserving land areas for outdoor recreation, by, or the education of, the general public. 2. Protecting a relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife or plants or similar ecosystem. 3. Preserving open space for the scenic enjoyment of the general public. 4. Preserving historical, archeological, or cultural aspects of real property. The Town of Oro Valley published a Request for Proposal for master planning services in July 2022. Sites Southwest LLC was selected to lead the project. Sites Southwest has done extensive community engagement, research, data collection, and ground truthing methods in the development of the Master Plan. The first draft was presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) on February 21 and to Town Council on March 15, 2023. Since those meetings, staff has met with representatives from The Conservation Fund to ensure the concept plans, maintenance standards, and education programming meet the spirit of the conservation easement. The salient points raised by The Conservation Fund in their letter to the Town Parks and Recreation Director, dated February 17, 2023 regarding the Master Plan concepts are as follows: Proposed New / Adjusted Pedestrian Pathway Trails: The pedestrian cart path loops and ADA loop extensions proposed need to be in keeping with the easement’s objective to preserve the open space character, natural environment, and existing condition of the property. For example, creating new paved or hard pedestrian pathways i.e., concrete or other paving materials across existing native and natural desert areas would violate the easement terms. However, adding a narrow dirt footpath on either side of the existing cart path or immediately adjacent to existing disturbed areas would likely be acceptable subject to the expressed topographical, ground disturbance, and vegetation Conservation Easement terms and conditions. Former Pond Area The Conservation Easement does allow for the former pond located at the northern portion of the property to be restored in whole (or in part) with permitted uses described in the Conservation Easement. However, any proposed uses which may necessitate topographical changes to accommodate new utilities or uses would not be supported. Further, significant ground disturbances may NOT negatively affect or damage any potential cultural resources. Former Driving Range Any proposed use or improvement of the former driving range that is located at the northwest portion of the property is limited to the boundary of THE EXISTING disturbed area. So, careful consideration should be given to altering or modifying the existing area to accommodate permitted low impact recreational activities. Also, any topographical changes to accommodate new utilities or uses would not be supported. Further, significant ground disturbances may NOT negatively affect or damage any potential cultural resources. Lastly, staff met with the Rulney Development to identify the main trailhead location as part of the proposed multifamily development that is being proposed. Rulney Development proposes to build a trailhead located immediately west of their property line and consisting of approximately thirty (30) parking spaces. The meeting today is to present the updated and final plan for recommendation to Town Council at their meeting scheduled for June 21, 2023. Background or Detailed Information Through a competitive bid process, Sites Southwest LLC was selected to lead the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Planning process. Sites Southwest project managers are Liz Cole and George Radnovich. The project team also includes Jennifer Rigby, interpretive planner with The Acorn Group, Inc. The project team began work in September 2022 that included site research, development of a base map, a species inventory, a habitat management preliminary plan, stakeholder interviews, and data collection. Community Outreach started in November and included the following: Staff Interviews Stakeholder interviews Town Council interviews Community workshop PRAB presentation Town Council presentation Community meeting Findings community workshop Findings staff workshop Findings stakeholder workshop Direct email communication The first draft was presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) on February 21 and to Town Council on March 15, 2023. Feedback from those meetings included statements like, “Less is More” and “Keep is Simple” were consistent. There was a general consensus in not disturbing undisturbed areas of the property; the need for accessible trails that meet Americans with Disabilities Act trail standards; the desire to get started on revegetate sooner rather than later; and education/programming concepts. General areas where consensus was not clear included the treatment of the pond; additional loop trails and/or the creation of cart path shoulders; night sky viewing decks; and the size of the parking lot off N. Vistoso Highlands Drive. Town staff and Sites Southwest consultant team met to discuss these items and make changes based on this feedback. Staff then met with representatives from The Conservation Fund to ensure the final Master Plan aligns with the spirit of the Conservation Easement and that any plans proposed adhere to the conditions stated in the February 17, 2023 letter. A cultural resource map (Attachment A) provided to the Town showing the areas of “no conflict” within the easement was provided. Notable elements of the final Master Plan Document (Attachment B); include: Context of the project to include Master Plan Goals Process of information gathering and community engagement Recommendations Landscape regeneration Rip or cultivate existing conditions Hydroseed mix and cult pack/press seed into soil Overlay with straw Plant trees and shrubs in select areas Bunker treatments Feather edges and repurpose for wildlife drinker areas/water harvesting Education opportunities Former Pond Safe and functional – removal of edging for wildlife to get to water Small water feature and renovated water fall for circulation Revegetation, seating and shade features Driving Range Node Outdoor classroom with seating Demonstration gardens and education trails Trail System Maintain existing concrete cart path Development of two ADA accessible loop trails Develop minimal loop trails in former fairways where desert has already been disturbed. Plan for future 3’ shoulder paths, focusing on “blind spots” first Interpretation and Education Theme: Once a golf course and now a Preserve, this site demonstrates nature’s resiliency. Plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert continue to “take back” the land, increasing the richness of both the Preserve and the visitor’s experience. Four Sub-themes Thanks to Donors, The Conservation Fund, and the Town of Oro Valley, the Vistoso Golf Course was purchased and repurposed as a nature preserve. Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is a remarkable piece of the Sonoran Desert. Spanning over 200 acres, it is home to remarkable cacti, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, as well as a dazzling array of wildlife. Nature is resilient, but still, it can benefit from human intervention. Removal of invasive weeds and revegetation with native desert plants are ongoing projects at the Preserve. The Hohokam and other Indigenous People have lived on this land for thousands of years. Resilient and resourceful, the Hohokam were sophisticated desert farmers. Implementation of the Plan will be a long-term phased approach focusing on safety first. Phase I – Safety, Access, Education, Revegetation Phase II – Accessibility and Revegetation Phase III – Driving Range Node and Revegetation Phase IV – Pond (final) and Revegetation The next step in the process is outlined below Town Council meeting June 21, 2023. BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION: N/A FISCAL IMPACT: N/A SUGGESTED MOTION: I MOVE to recommend (approve or deny) the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan as presented. Attachments Vistoso-Trails-MP-report-5-1-23 Vistoso-Preserve-DRAFT_CultResource-SensitivityAreas Vistoso trails Sites Southwest presentation      Parks and Recreation Advisory Board AGENDA ITEM: 2. Meeting Date:05/09/2023   Submitted By:Casey Wilson, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: *PROGRESS UPDATE, PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ORO VALLEY $25 BILLION MILLION PARK BOND PROJECT APPROVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL, RESOLUTION NO. (R)21-47 RECOMMENDATION: N/A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This agenda item is to provide the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board a Park Bond project update from the February 2023 meeting. BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION: During the February 2023 PRAB meeting, Director Diaz-Trahan presented the outcome of the Value Engineering (VE) exercise that was presented to Town Council in October 2022. The following is a list of Value Engineered changes and outcomes. Naranja Park Expansion Roads and Parking Lots Skatepark and Pump Track Splash Pad Pickleball Ops & Maintenance Center Multi-Use Fields Remote Control Airfield Dog Park Golf Irrigation Replacement Phase 2 – Canada Course has started. 36-holes to reopen November 1. Tennis/Pickleball Courts Replacement Complete and heavily used! Community Center Parking Lot Dirt lot finishing design – anticipate construction to begin in June Multi-Use Paths La Canada path – in design Naranja path – in design, completely funded by outside sources CDO to JDK path – defer until later FISCAL IMPACT: N/A SUGGESTED MOTION: Presentation and discussion item only. Attachments PRAB 5.9.23 Bond Update      Parks and Recreation Advisory Board AGENDA ITEM: 3. Meeting Date:05/09/2023   Submitted By:Casey Wilson, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 23/24 PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET REQUESTS RECOMMENDATION: N/A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This agenda item is to provide the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board an overview of the Parks and Recreation Department FY23/24 Town Manger Recommended Budget. BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION: The Parks and Recreation Department FY23/24 recommended budget is led with its mission statement at the core. Inspire Connection through Recreation Connecting People to People, People to Nature, and People to Community Furthermore, recommendations are “connected” to the Town Council FY23/24 - 24/25 Strategic Plan, specifically Focus Area 2: Recreation and Culture Goal 2.1: Invest in and maintain Oro Valley recreational assets that provide opportunities for residents to connect with each other, nature and community. Goal 2.2: Invest in and maintain the Oro Valley trail system for accessibility, to best serve the needs of the community, and as a way to connect with neighbors and nature. Goal 2.3: Increase Oro Valley residents’ involvement in multi-generational recreation opportunities and programming. Overall, there is a 13% increase from FY22/23, primarily due to the cost of goods increasing, new 1.5 personnel, and bringing new inventory on-line. FISCAL IMPACT: N/A SUGGESTED MOTION: Presentation and discussion item only. Attachments FY23.24 Recommended Budget Detail Report Budget update FY 24