Morgan Valliant introduced the referral to review 2018 Open Space Bond initial capital improvement undertaking requests. The requests will move to the Open Space Advisory Committee for review and approval Thursday, October 10, 2019.
Morgan Valliant presented individual budget, overview of implementation and supporting documents for each capital undertaking. He asked Park Board to provide recommendations and verify if each request meets the goals of the Open Space Bond City Council Resolution 8276. Morgan noted the approval process of capital improvement requests is the same as open space acquisitions. Donna Gaukler stated the requests are tentative for the November 4, 2019 City Council meeting.
Wendy Ninteman - does the $775,000 leave enough funds for other priorities?
Donna Gaukler - yes, number is below total amount approved
Ross Mollenhauer - what is the process between OSAC and Park Board?
Donna Gaukler - OSAC makes recommendations on open space; capital improvement requests were included in 2018 Open Space bond which OSAC reviews and makes recommendations. There is nothing that requires Park Board review items. Input from each group (Park Board, CLAC and OSAC) is important as they all work together.
Morgan Valliant - there is a good working relationship between CLAC and OSAC. CLAC will conduct site visits on space OSAC is recommending for acquisition. Once acquired CLAC begins working on a management plan. The plan moves to Park Board for review/approval.
Overview of Capital Improvement Undertakings
1. Reforestation
$250,000 of 2018 open space bond funds is being requested to plant trees in parks and open space areas. Planting will take place where none exist and to renew plantings in parks where existing trees have reached the end of their useful lifespan.
Ross Mollenhauer - where is definition of open space defined?
Donna Gaukler - the Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan provides this definition
Ross Mollenhauer - White Pine is not included in planting area
Donna Gaukler - there is a plan to focus on White Pine separate from this request
Ross Mollenhauer - how many trees are being planted a year?
Donna Gaukler - about 150 trees were planted last year in public right of way; that does not include parks. Trees are planted when parks are new or at end of lifespan. Only 10 - 15 trees are planted a year across all parks.
Wendy Ninteman - are trees being planted as part of the river access request?
Morgan Valliant - yes but not included in this ask.
Morgan Valliant reviewed the budget for the reforestation capital project. The majority of trees will be planted through a volunteer program; will not take away from regularly planting scheduled in the Urban Forestry program.
2. River Access and Restoration Project
$225,000 of 2018 open space bond funds is being requested to begin developing plans to improve river access and restoration of riparian areas. This undertaking will involve several phases; the first requested will fund project development, engineering, permitting and public process. Work done in phase 1 will allow the department to properly bid later the projects in later phases.
Sonja Verlanic - what will funding in this request cover?
Morgan Valliant - funding will supply blueprint for project, form partnerships and provide clear idea of what project will look like when work is done. This is an accurate estimate of what it will take to make the project tangible.
3. Conservation Lands Trailhead Improvement
$3000,000 of 2018 open space bond funds is being requested to improve all trailheads on conservation land. This undertaking is broken into two distinct projects.
Waterworks Hill Trailhead and Interpretative trail ($135,000)
Morgan reviewed the scope of the project and funding sources.
Ross Mollenhauer - where will the open space funds be applied?
Morgan Valliant - 2018 open space bond funds will only be applied to the trailhead
Wendy Ninteman voiced concern that the proposed parking lot looks too small. Morgan Valliant stated that the parking lot design is a preliminary design and will be looked at moving forward.
Wendy Ninteman - will the trailhead include lighting? Lights provide security.
Morgan Valliant - lights will be included in the design process.
Ross Mollenhauer - will there still be street parking?
Morgan Valliant - no, there will no longer be street parking.
Upgrade all existing, secondary and local access points ($165,000)
Morgan reviewed the scope of the project and funding sources outside of 2018 open space bond.