Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-06 Parks & Recreation PacketKENAI PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 6, 2011 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY -- August 4, 2011 ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion -- Capital Improvement Projects b. Discussion -- Goals & Objectives c. Discussion -- Trail Signage Discussion ITEM 7: REPORTS a. Commission Chair b. Director c. City Council Liaison ITEM 8: NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION a. December 1, 2011 ITEM 9: COMMISSION QUESTIONS & COMMENTS ITEM 10: PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 11: INFORMATION a. Beautification Committee Goals & Objectives /2011 -2012 b. Beautification Committee CIP Priorities FY 2013 -2015 ITEM 12: ADJOURNMENT PLEASE CONTACT U5 IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING: COREY - - 283 -8231 OR BOB -- 283 -3692 KENAI PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AUGUST 4, 2011 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. CHAIR AL HULL, PRESIDING MEETING SUMMARY ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Item 3. Chair Hull called the meeting to order at approximately 7:08 p.m. Roll was confirmed as follows: Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Staff /Council Liaison present: No quorum was present. ITEM 2: ITEM 3: 3 -a. ITEM 4: 4 -a. ITEM 5: 5 -a. 5 -b. ITEM 6: ITEM 7: 7 -a. 7 -b. 7 -c. ITEM 8: 8 -a. Chair A. Hull C. Stephens, J. Beeson, K. McDonald, G. Oliver, J. Wilson, R. Lambourn Parks and Recreation Director B. Frates, Council Member T. Bookey AGENDA APPROVAL APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY April 7, 2011 PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD Nancy Casey, Casey Planning and Design -- Trail Planning OLD BUSINESS Discussion -- Indoor Turf Facility Discussion -- Cemetery NEW BUSINESS REPORTS Commission Chair Director City Council Liaison NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION Schedule September Special Meeting -- Trails, Goals and Objectives ITEM 9: COMMISSION QUESTIONS 86 COMMENTS ITEM 10: PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 11: INFORMATION ITEM 12: ADJOURNMENT Due to lack of quorum, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:10 p.m. Meeting summary prepared and submitted by: Corene Hall, CMC, Deputy City Clerk PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 4, 2011 PAGE 2 I boa. "Village with a Past, Gity w 210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611 -7794 Telephone: 907 - 283 -7535 / FAX: 907- 283 -3014 111 1' 1992 MEMO: TO: Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Robert J. Frates, Parks & Recreation Director DATE: September 29, 2011 SUBJECT: Draft Capital Improvement Plan Attached is a draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY13, 14, and 15 for your review. Please be prepared to discuss and update these recommendations at the October 6th meeting. These recommendations should be finalized at this meeting. Administration will refine scope and cost estimates, including any changes you may have before submission to the Planning & Zoning Commission. I am also including the Capital Improvement Plan for FY12, 13, and 14 that you worked on last year. Please let me know if you have any questions. KENAI PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FY2013 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 Kenai Soccer Park Irrigation Project would design and install underground irrigation to four soccer fields. $ 75,000.00 Currently 300 to 400 hours of labor hours go into keeping the 19 acres turf watered. Project would significantly reduce staff labor and allow more time to focus attention on other maintenance needs. 2 Skate Park Equipment Upgrade Project would add to existing equipment. $ 15,000.00 Equipment upgrade would include some streetscape elements, i.e., picnic table, rails, etc. i3 LH Memorial Park Veteran's Wall and Sidewalk This project replaces an aging memorial wall that has badly deteriorated, including the corresponding sidewalk. $ 25,000.00 The existing wall was built through volunteer labor at the time the park was developed and structure is failing, along with portions of the sidewalk leading to it. Lj Playground Replacement Project would replace aging equipment deemed most appropriate pending a park study. $ 30,000.00 Most all the existing playground equipment in the park system was installed between 1992 and 1998. Equipment standards have changed since this time and it is getting increasingly more difficult to find replacement parts. 5 Kenai Trails /Signage Project would construct portion of trail system in a location yet to be determined and pay for design /construction of signage. $ 100,000.00 Trail construction methods could incorporate use of wood chips (obtained from ties) and youth labor led by crew foreman. Signage could be incorporated into already existing areas such as Municipal Park & Meeks Trail. 6 Wood Chipper Funds used to purchase a wood chipper for trail construction and other maintenance projects. $ 10,000.00 Machinery used by trail maintenance crews, providing chips for trail construction and for use in landscaping. KENAI PARKS RECREATION CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FY2014 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 Playground Replacement Project would replace aging equipment deemed most appropriate pending a park study. $ 205,000.00 Most all the existing playground equipment in the park system was installed between 1992 and 1998. Equipment standards have changed since this time and it is getting increasingly more difficult to find replacement parts. 2 Large Area Grass Mower Project would provide a large mower to keep up with turf mowing demand each summer. $ 30,000.00 Amount of turf areas continue to expand and department needs to acquire another large mower capable of providing efficient turf maintenance. Mower would replace a John Deere Reel mower purchased in 1992. It currently has 1,900 hrs and increasingly difficult finding replacement parts. 3 Fan System for City of Kenai /Conoco- Phillips Multi- Purpose Facility Project would design and construct a large fan system to alleviate condensation problem. $ 15,000.00 Condendsation during shoulder use season creates undesirable ice conditions that take valuable labor time to address. 4 Old Town Park Fencing Upgrade Project would replace fencing around Old Town Park. $ 35,000.00 Fencing around park was installed in the late 1970's or early 1980's and is in a deteriorated state. 5 Kenai Cemetery Columbarium This project would construct a Columbarium containing approximately 100 niches. $ 100,000.00 Design money is included in FY11 budget. A Columbarium would not only extend the life of existing cemetery but would also give individuals an alternative from a more traditional burial presently not available. 6 Kenai Little League Restrooms Project would construct vaulted restrooms. $ 60,000.00 Restrooms would serve complex and dipnetters during peak times. KENAI PARKS RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS (CIP) PRIORITIES FY2015 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS Playground Replacement Project would replace aging equipment deemed most appropriate pending a park study. $ 60,000.00 Most all the existing playground equipment in the park system was installed between 1992 and 1998. Equipment standards have changed since this time and it is getting increasingly more difficult to find replacement parts. Kenai Softball Complex Bleacher Upgrade Project would replace aging bleachers $ 75,000.00 Bleachers are either in a deteriorated condition or do not meet any current standards for hand rails or fall prevention protection. 3 City of Kenai Tent /Vehicle Campground Project would purchase property for purpose of constructing a tent /vehicle campground $ 325,000.00 Parks and Recreation Commission has discussed and believes it to be in best interest of City to have a tent /vehicle campground. Project fulfills an identified need particularly during the annual Personal Use Fishery. 4 Snowmachine & Grooming Equipment Funds would be used to purchase a new wide -track snow machine to replace early 1990's model and replace aging grooming equipment. $ 20,000.00 Needed to support the City's trail grooming efforts. KENAI PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FOR STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2012 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 Kenai Little League Safety Upgrades Project would replace aging bleachers and provide any other specific upgrades determined priority. $ 100,000.00 Estimated $75,000 to replace 8 bleachers. Bleachers are either deteriorated or do not meet current safety standards for fall protection. $25,000 recommended by Commission for field refurbishing, i.e., soil conditioning agents, clay bricks for pitching mounds, netting, fence repair, dugout replacement, etc. 2 Kenai Soccer Park Irrigation Project would design and install underground irrigation to four soccer fields. $ 75,000.00 Currently 300 to 400 hours of labor hours go into keeping the 19 acres turf watered. Project would significantly reduce staff labor and allow more time to focus attention on other maintenance needs. 3 Skate Park Equipment Upgrade Project would add to existing equipment. $ 15,000.00 Equipmen upgrade would include some streetscape elements, i.e., picnic table, rails, etc. 4 Leif Hansen Memorial Park Veteran's Wall and Sidewalk This project replaces an aging memorial wall that has badly deteriorated, including the corresponding sidewalk. $ 25,000.00 The existing wall was built through volunteer labor at the time the park was developed and structure is failing, along with portions of the sidewalk leading to it. 5 Playground Replacement Project would replace aging equipment deemed most appropriate pending a park study. $ 30,000.00 Most all the existing playground equipment in the park system was installed between 1992 and 1998. Equipment standards have changed since this time and it is getting increasingly more difficult to find replacement parts. KENAI PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FOR STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2013 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS Most all the existing playground equipment in the park system was installed between 1992 and 1998. Equipment standards have changed since this time and it is getting increasingly more difficult to find replacement parts. 1 Playground Replacement Project would replace aging equipment deemed most appropriate pending a park study. $ 205,000.00 2 Large Area Grass Mower Project would provide a large mower to keep up with turf mowing demand each summer. $ 30,000.00 Amount of turf areas continue to expand and department needs to acquire another large mower capable of providing efficient turf maintenance. Mower would replace a John Deere Reel mower purchased in 1992. It currently has 1,900 hrs and increasingly difficult finding replacement parts. 3 Fan System for City of Kenai /Conoco- Phillips Multi- Purpose Facility Project would design and construct a large fan system to alleviate condensation problem. $ 15,000.00 Condendsation during shoulder use season creates undesirable ice conditions that take valuable labor time to address. KENAI PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FOR STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2014 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 Playground Replacement Project would replace aging equipment deemed most appropriate pending a park study. $ 60,000.00 Most all the existing playground equipment in the park system was installed between 1992 and 1998. Equipment standards have changed since this time and it is getting increasingly more difficult to find replacement parts. 2 Kenai Softball Complex Bleacher Upgrade Project would replace aging bleachers $ 75,000.00 Bleachers are either in a deteriorated condition or do not meet any current standards for hand rails or fall prevention protection. 3 City of Kenai Tent /Vehicle Campground Project would purchase property for purpose of constructing a tent /vehicle campground $ 325,000.00 Parks and Recreation Commission has discussed and believes it to be in best interest of City to have a tent /vehicle campground. Project fulfills an identified need particularly during the annual Personal Use Fishery. Village with a Past, a w. MEMO: It�em(ok 210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611 -7794 Telephone: 907 - 283 -7535 / FAX: 907 - 283 -3014 TO: Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Robert J. Frates, Parks & Recreation Director DATE: September 29, 2011 SUBJECT: 2011 — 2012 Goals & Objectives Attached are some 2011 -2012 goals and objectives for your review and discussion. I am also including a worksheet for you to note any ideas you may have for possible inclusion. For purposes of making it easier to navigate your way through the goals, I have defined them by eight categories: • Administrative • Landscapes • Hardscapes/Trails • Recreation Areas • Structures • Amenities • Special Features • Cemetery Also included in your packet are the draft goals and objectives from the Beautification Committee. These are located in the Information Section. I consolidated all of that content into the Parks & Recreation Commission Goals & Objectives 2011 -2012. Please let me know if you have any questions. Attachments City of Kenai Parks & Recreation Department Parks & Recreation Commission Goals & Objectives 2011 — 2012 A. Administrative Goal: Improve overall cleanliness and presentation of park areas. Objective: Ensure quality standards are continually met. Actions: • Create and implement foinial Quality Control Standards (Evaluation Form). • Tool for self - evaluations, internal reporting and monitoring of parks and recreation areas, particularly for FT staffers. Goal: Effectively utilize volunteers for planting, maintenance and weed pulling activities. Objective: Save staff time so resources may be spent performing other related work. Effective utilization fosters community pride, builds important relationships for the department and provides a means of recreation and socialization for participants. Actions: • Access needs for 2012 volunteer plant day. • Explore organizing weekly or bi- weekly volunteer bed maintenance schedule. • Continue promoting Adoption programs (Adopt -a- Garden, Adopt -a- Bench, Adopt -a -Park, Adopt -a- Trail). • Investigate adding an Adopt -a -Tree program. Goal: Update department infoitnational brochure. Objective: Market and promote parks and recreation amenities through printed material. Actions: • Design and implement brochure. Goal: Implement a pond hockey community event. Objective: Provide additional winter recreation activity not currently provided. Actions: • Coordinate with community organizations, i.e., Kenai River Brown Bears, Kenai Peninsula Hockey Association and other interested groups. B. Landscapes Goal: Continue to work toward protection, care, and enhancement of the City's urban forest. Objective: Increase the beauty and appeal of parks, right -of -ways, open space and recreation areas within the City of Kenai. Actions: • Continue introducing a diversity of trees /shrubbery that will provide for long -tei,n coverage. • Identify parks, right -of -ways, open space and recreation areas for minimum ten (10) new plantings. • Provide moose protection (cage) for all newly planted trees. • Continue coordinating with State Forestry and local landscapers for meeting staff training needs. Goal: Create and implement formal tree maintenance program. Objective: Actions: • Perfoinn a tree assessment & inventory of all park, open space and recreation areas. • Continue windshield surveys for identification of hazardous and dead trees for remedial action. Goal: Continue improvement of streetscape elements along prominent corridors and park areas. Objective: Increase functionality and aesthetics of targeted street corridors and parks. Actions: • Formalize plan through Beautification Committee. • Target Walker /Spur Hwy for first implementation. • Expand static winter displays in LH Memorial Park. • Add sidewalk addition to Blue Star memorial Park. • Implement LH Memorial Park flowerbed design work. • Provide landscaping for Sports Complex sign. • Complete landscaping for Municipal Park sign • Remove lower tier on A11- American City sign. Goal: Continue to control spreading of invasive weeds in Kenai park lands and ROW areas: Objective: Minimize spread of invasive weed species on City properties. Actions: • Continue working jointly with local Cooperative Extension Service. • Increase staff training & awareness. • Coordinate a weed pulling activity or activities utilizing community volunteers. • Obtain State of Alaska Pesticide Certification for select staff members. • Continue utilization of integrated pest management. C. Hardscapes /Trails Goal: Construct cost - effective community trails. Objective: Create linkages and public access for non- motorized recreational use. Actions: • Continue working with contractor for finalization of trail plan. • Evaluate signage needs and cost estimates for existing and future areas, i.e., Municipal Park and Meeks Trail. • Coordinate through HEA for wood chips. • Evaluate and implement summer trail crew utilizing summer staff and volunteers. • Create new winter trail map for ski trails at the Kenai Golf Course. Goal: Install trails at Daubenspeck Family Park. Objective: Provide linkage to /from parking lot area and shelters. Actions: • Obtain measurements for purchase of material and supplies. • Delegate installation. D. Recreational Areas Goal: Complete upgrades to Little League Complex. Objective: Improve safety, playability and maintenance. Actions: • Construct bullpens at Field #3. • Add screening to outfield fence on Field #3. • Add topsoil /sand mixture to infields on Field #3 and Field #2. • Add soil amendment (Play ball) to infield on Field #2 & #3. • Construct new dugouts on Field #4. • Order additional clay bricks and clay for pitching mounds. Goal: Insulate water outlets at Sports Complex Objective: Assist in preventing freezing of water lines. Actions: • Purchase and install insulation. • Delegate installation. Goal: Evaluate adding a youth run to the Kenai River Marathon event. Objectives: Promote recreation and healthy choices for our youth. Actions: • Evaluate feasibility of a "Final Mile" youth run by seeking potential sponsors and volunteers. • Coordinate with the Kenai River Marathon Committee. E. Structures Goal: Insulate and add electrical wiring to fee collection shacks. Objective: Provide wainith and lighting. Actions: • Evaluate cost and purchase material. • Seek potential volunteers or delegate work in- house. Goal: Add parking bollards around Cunningham Park restroom. Objective: Protect restroom from vehicles. Actions: • Procure treated lumber and delegate installation. Goal: Replace sidewalk and veteran's memorial wall at LH Memorial Park. Objective: Structure is in disrepair. Actions: • Continue working with veteran's group for possible solutions. F. Amenities Goal: Replace drinking fountain at the Park Strip. Objective: Provide functional access to drinking water. Actions: • Evaluate cost and schedule for replacement. Goal: Refurbish recycling bin for Cunningham Park Objective: Continue providing recycling options to park users. Actions: • Replace broken wood, paint, and add appropriate signage. • Add depository for used fishing line. • Consider coordinating work through Community Work Service Program. Goal: Install HDP water lines to north beach. Objective: Provide water service to proposed fish cleaning stations. Actions: • Coordinate with Water & Sewer Department. • Finalize design of water stations. • Delegate installation. Goal: Add additional burn pits to north beach. Objective: Provide locations for beach goers to build warming fires, particularly during the dip net fishery; minimizes ground fires and debris. Actions: • Obtain costs, purchase, and install pits. Goal: Install signage in park locations. Objective: Park identification. Actions: • Explore alternatives for minimizing costs and coordinate as needed. Goal: Install tee -pads at the disc -golf course. Objective: Increase safety and playability. Actions: • Coordinate work with the Kenai Disc Golf Association and community volunteers. Goal: Install additional benches at the Kenai Eagle Disc Golf Course. Objective: Create resting areas for park users. Actions: • Coordinate effort through volunteer labor. Goal: Install a disc golf course at Bernie Huss Trail. Objective: Promote outdoor recreation and increase positive use of trail system. Actions: = Coordinate design and installation with the Kenai Eagle Disc Golf Course. • Coordinate implementation with individual potentially donating equipment. G. Special Features Goal: Construct underground sprinkler systems. Objectives: Provide better turf and utilization of resources (water management). Actions: • Design and obtain cost estimates for implementation at Sports Complex and Erik Hansen Scout Park. • Purchase materials /supplies and delegate installation. Goal: Expand US flags mounted to light poles during holidays, etc. Objectives: Create larger presence of displays other than downtown corridors. Actions: • Obtain costs and purchase additional supplies and materials (flags, brackets, etc.) Goal: Investigate feasibility of raised beds at the Community Gardens Objectives: To minimize weed problem and facilitate ease of maintenance Actions: • Review costs, available staff rime, and implementation plan. K Cemetery Goal: Identify and mark unreserved plots for potential winter use. Objective: Facilitate ease of winter burials. Actions: • Coordinate effort with City Clerk. • Identify and mark locations before freeze -up and snowfall. Goal: Identify and correct headstone encroachments. Objective: Facilitate future burials and correct misalignments. Actions: • Complete the inventory and cataloging of encroachments. • Send letters to affected parties for seeking and ensuring corrective action. KENAI PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION GOALS & OBJECTIVES WORKSHEET A. Kenai Parks & Recreation Administration B. Landscapes (lawns, flower /shrub beds, tree maintenance, natural areas) C. Hardscapes /Trails (parking lots /roads, trails, sidewalks, Nordic trails) D. Recreation Areas (turf athletic areas, outdoor athletic surfaces, playgrounds, Kenai River Marathon, personal use fishery, skate park) E. Structures (restrooms, shelters /gazebos, boardwalks /platforms, bridges /walkways, concession facilities, storage facilities, veteran's wall, memorials, statues, town clock, flag poles, fences /gates /bollards, greenhouse, fountain, dasher boards, warming shacks, bleacher at MPF) F. Amenities (drinking fountains, benches /tables /grills, waste & recycling receptacles, spotting scopes, fire rings /burn pits, signage, lighting, disc golf baskets) G. Special Features (irrigation systems, flags, banners, winter decorations, community garden plots) H. Cemetery (cemetery maintenance) Bert 42c. Proposed City of Kenai Sign Locations and Text (4/16/2011) By Rebecca Lambourn To: Michael Bemard and Alan Boraas, I am proposing four signs for the purpose of cultural education for school children /field trips and tourists. Please feel free to add or delete information, verify accuracy, and give opinions. This is meant to be a starting point. By the way, there are large signs already at the Scout Park in Old Town that describe the volcano views and some ecological information about the Kenai River. Proposed sign locations and text: 1. Sign at top or bottom of Meeks trail in Old Town. (The one that starts on bluff next to the red apartments and has a bridge over the creek (Shqit Tsatnu) and ends at the beach. Proposed Text: "Site of the Russian Fort, St. Nicholas Redoubt, built in 1791 and the site of a subsequent siege of Kenai by the indigenous Dena'ina in 1797. The Cook Inlet was the focus of European colonialism with Captain's Cook (1778), Artega (1779), Fidalgo (1790), and Vancouver (1794) exploring, looking for a Northwest Passage and keeping track of each other's activities. The Russian fur traders were the first to establish forts with three fur trading posts in the Cook Inlet at Kasilof (St. George Redoubt, 1787), Nanwalek (Alexandrovsk Redoubt, 1786) and Kenai St. Nicholas Redoubt (1791). The Russians arrived at Kenai in 1791 and sailed their boat up the tidal creek seen below in the late fall, beached it and used one side for their first building. They built a permanent fort on top of the bluff a few years later. The trail you see was used in historic times for hauling supplies by horse and wagon up the bluff from barges. 2. Sign at bottom of trail starting at big dip netter parking lot at the beach next to treatment plant. The trail slopes slowly up the hill into the Municipal Park and is currently lined with a post and chain fence. Proposed Text: "You are entering the Kenai City Municipal Park which lies along the creek called Shqit Tsatnu (meaning "sloping flat cliff river" in Dena'ina). It was once the site of a Dena'ina village of pQt ra zS fe-e-( -' i In uitifle houses stretching along the creek. A semi - sedentary life?ty'=.e was made possible here for the Dena'ina by social groups of matrilineal clan based kin and the harvesting of salmon. Found along this trail and in the park are Elnen tug1, of birch bark lined cold storage pits, in which salmon could be stored in the fall for the winter and spring. Please respect the integrity of the archaeological sites and one of the ancient villages of the indigenous Dena'ina." 3. Sign at the top of the trail from the beach and in the center of the Municpal Park. Here there are two NichiL or house pits (nichils or barabaras). Proposed Text: (A drawing of the layout inside and a drawing of the structure to be included, taken from Alan's report). "Two Ni :il, or traditional house foundations are visible on the natural boreal forest floor. Charcoal from what is presumed to be the last fire built in the house was carbon dated to approximately 1500 A.D. A rectangular outline is visible with an elevated fire place in the middle, a steam bath room towards the back and a smaller room off to one side. The entrance faces the freshwater creek and the morning sun. The Dena'ina were guided by the spirit and awareness of nature. Out of respect for their natural surroundings, no material artifacts were left behind. 4. A fourth sign in or near the Scout Park: Michael and the youth group wrote this: E rkal ` _u outh). The view you. are Kenai River, or Kenaitze sources such as fish and suer I Ia. City of Kenai Parks & Recreation Department Beautification Committee Goals & Objectives / 2011 -2012 A. STREET TREES 1. GOAL: Continue to work toward protection, care, and enhancement of the City's urban forest. BACKGROUND: Department has been actively increasing canopy coverage in targeted areas throughout town these past five years. Since 2007, a total of seventy - eight trees have been planted along with approximately 200 shrubs, excluding memorial plantings at LH Memorial Park. This trend needs to continue into the future as does a need for a formalized tree maintenance, assessment, and inventory process. OBJECTIVE: To continue increasing the beauty and appeal of parks, right -of -ways, open space and recreation areas within the City of Kenai. ACTIONS /STRATEGIES: • Continue to introduce a diversity of trees and shrubbery that will provide for long -term coverage. • Provide moose protection (cage) for all newly planted trees. • Identify parks, right -of -way, open space and recreation areas for minimum ten new plantings. • Perform a tree assessment & inventory of all park, open space and recreation areas. • Formalize annual tree maintenance program. • Continue coordinating with State Forestry and local landscapers for meeting staff training needs. • Continue windshield surveys for identification of hazardous and dead trees. B. PARKS & STREET SCAPES 2. GOAL: Continue improvement of streetscape elements along prominent corridors and park areas. BACKGROUND: It is the desire of the Beautification Committee to add visual appeal to various street corners and park areas, i.e., concrete pad, bench, flowerboxes and trees, and landscape pavers. Other incorporated corners or locations may only include shrub /flowerbeds upgrades, banners, or winter decorations. A draft quality control inspection program was developed in Spring 2011 for implementation in summer 2012. OBJECTIVE: Increase functionality and aesthetics of targeted street corridors and parks. ACTION /STRATEGIES: • Formalize plan and associated costs. • Target Walker and Spur Hwy for first implementation. • Expand static winter displays to Leif Hansen Memorial Park. • Expand winter lights along Spur Hwy leading west to Forest Drive. • Complete staining of flower boxes. • Add sidewalk addition to Blue Star Memorial. • Implement LH Memorial Park flowerbed design work. • Provide landscaping for Soccer Complex sign. • Provide landscaping for Municipal Park sign. • Provide landscaping for All- American City sign. • Budget and implement continuation of Leif Hansen Memorial Park flowerbed makeover as needed. • Finalize & implement standardized quality control inspections. C. INVASIVE WEEDS 3. GOAL: Continue to control spreading of invasive weeds in Kenai park lands and right -of -way areas. BACKGROUND: The expanding presence of highly invasive weeds is on the incline statewide and in Kenai. Of particular concern is Tansy, Yellow Hawkweed, Orange Hawkweed, Dandelions and to a lesser degree, Toadflax. The department assisted with a one -day weed pulling event with USFW & the local Cooperative Extension Service in 2011. The department should take the lead and provide a couple events throughout the summer. OBJECTIVE: Continue to control spreading of invasive weeds in Kenai park lands and right -of -way areas. ACTION /STRATEGIES: • Continue working with local Cooperative Extension Service. • Continue staff training on weed identification. • Coordinating a weed pulling day utilizing community volunteers. • Continue removal efforts either by chemical means or mechanical removal. • Obtain State of Alaska Pesticide Certification for select staff members. • Target areas to date include Spur Hwy corridor, cemetery, Community Gardens, Kenai City Shop, LH Memorial Park, South Forest Drive. D. UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER PROJECTS 4. GOAL: Install underground sprinkler system. BACKGROUND: Erik Hansen Scout Park is one of the most heavily utilized parks within the system during the summer months. Park was targeted in summer of 2011 for a redesign of its flowerbeds. Shrubs and flowers were incorporated along with drift wood, rocks, bark, wood border, and flower planters for visual appeal. A automated sprinkler system will save on staff watering time. OBJECTIVE: Install underground sprinkler system to increase health of turf, conserve water consumption, and save on staff watering time. ACTION /STRATEGIES: • Obtain cost estimates for electrical needs (Scout Park). • Perform design work to include psi test, lateral lines, placement of manifold, number of sprinkler heads (Scout Park). • Perform cost estimates and order material and supplies (Scout Park). • Explore costs for sprinkler project located at the Kenai Sports Complex. E. VOLUNTEERISM 5. GOAL: Effectively utilize volunteers for planting, maintenance and weed pulling activities. BACKGROUND: Each summer the department utilizes volunteers to plant certain areas. Additionally, volunteers from the court system are sometimes used to achieve maintenance needs. OBJECTIVE: Save staff time so resources may be spent performing other related work. Effective utilization fosters community pride, builds important relationships and provides a means of recreation and socialization. ACTION /STRATEGIES: ® Determine needs for volunteer plant day. • Explore setting up weekly or bi- weekly volunteer bed maintenance schedule. • Continue promoting Adoption programs (Adopt -a- Garden, Adopt -a- Bench, Adopt -a -Park, Adopt -a- Trail). • Investigate adding an Adopt -a -Tree program. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FY 2013 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 LH Memorial Park Landscape Improvements Project would provide upgrades to Leif Hansen Park flowerbeds. $ 30,000.00 Upgrades would involve a contractor installing landscape bricks around remaining flowerbeds at Leif Hansen Memorial Park. Project would provide visual appeal and facilitate ease of maintenance. 2 Riding Mower Funds would purchase a mower w/ bagger system. $ 15,000.00 Purchase would replace an existing mower purchased in 2000 which presently has over 750 hrs. 3 Work Vehicle Funds would purchase a 1/2 ton work truck. $ 10,000.00 For seasonal use; used truck. 4 City Benches & Trash Receptacles Funds would be used to purchase metal benches and trash receptacles for use throughout town. $ 15,000.00 Benches and trash receptacles would be utilized at key areas throughout town and accompanied with tree plantings where appropriate. Targeted areas include intersections, pathways, etc. lei 3 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FY 2014 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 Winter Decorations Funds would be used to replace pole mounted winter displays currently used along Airport Way and Willow St. $ 25,000.00 Some of the pole mounted displays currently used along Airport Way and Willow St, are over 15 years old. 2 Storage Shed Concrete Slab Project would construct a concrete slab in a currently existing storage shed located at the maintenance yard. $ 10,000.00 Provide for a more functional floor so equipment and other items can be proberly stored and better organized. Existing floor is gravel. 3 Scenic Bluff Overlook Project would purchase needed timber to construct a parking perimeter along front edge of paved parking lot. $ 5,000.00 Delineates paved parking area from turf area. 4 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) PRIORITIES FY 2015 PRIORITY NUMBER PROJECT TITLE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED FUNDING NOTES /COMMENTS 1 Challenger Learning Center Sidewalk Paver Project Funds would be used to provide pavers alongside existing sidewalk leading to main entrance into facility. $ 5,000.00 Turf areas adjacent to sidewalk receive continual damage due to lack of snow coverage and ice melt chemicals being used. 2