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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Parks and Recreation Board - 1997 - 11/10 - Regularj MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 - 7:30 P.M. PARB MEMBERS PRESENT Mark Stout, Vice -Chairman Mike Rippe, Secretary Dan Turner Kevin Pierce MEMBERS ABSENT Laurelle Zamparelli Cheri Jones Anne Campbell GUESTS PRESENT Mustang Creek Residents: Bill Bonner Bill Spicer Ted Rust Richard and Gayle Ogden Donovan Epling Lester Balcom Jesse and Pauline Furqueron Ken and Carol Dunlop Dan and Leslie Miller Jim Crisp Tim Chastain Gordon and Lynette Wright Wayne and Shirley Peters Rich Elder Brian and Cyndi Lidington Rob and Betsy Sears Cinde Pettey Karon and Steve Purcell Laura and Glenn Giordano Walt and Jan Knochenmus PAGE 2 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 Jennifer and Russell Brungardt Mark Kruzich Tom Reilly Doug and Lea Wailes Bill Marsh Eric and Kim Kendall Richard Swift Mark Taron Liz and Jeff Shetterly Michael and Mary Jane Celentano Frank and Martha Fitzgerald Wynn and Mary Hall Gregory T Brown Julie Shewbrooks Daniel Callahan STAFF PRESENT Don Horton, Director of Parks and Recreation George Conner, Engineer, Director of Public Works Tim Dentler, Park Superintendent Sue Witkowski, Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7.30 p.m., by Chairman, Mark Stout. II. WORKSHOP WITH RESIDENTS ALONG THE MUSTANG CREEK GREENBELT Parks and Recreation Board Chairman, Mark Stout introduced Don Horton, Director of Parks and Recreation who presented a brief background on the treatment of Mustang Creek, both the northern portion (Reed Park south to McDermott), and the southern portion (McDermott south to Allen Heights second crossing). Don indicated that Mr. George Conner would be presenting the plan for the clearing of the channel on the northern end of Mustang Creek, and then the residents of the southern portion of the creek would be invited to offer their input on what they wanted to see in their neighborhood. PAGE 3 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 Mr. George Conner, City of Allen Engineer and Director of Public Works made a brief presentation to the residents about what they could expect in their neighborhood. Mr. Conner explained that the northern end of Mustang Creek would be cleared out, and a 12 foot concrete pad poured to the bottom of the Creek channel. Mr Conner explained that there would then be a 20 foot area on both sides of the 12 foot concrete pad, then it is scheduled to have a 4-1 slope on both sides of the bank, with a 8 foot wide hike and bike trail along the top edge of the east side of the creek. Mr. Conner indicated that this would be a total of 52 feet from bank to bank. There will be an erosion mat installed on 40 feet of the 52 foot span of creek way Mr. Conner also indicated that the creek would be straightened in this process, rather than meandering, and an existing pond would be removed during the process. This proposal has been forwarded to the Corp of Engineers for their authorization to proceed. It is anticipated that this process will take about three months, at which time actual construction would begin. Mr Conner explained that the Corp of Engineers were involved since this area involved Wetlands. This project plan has been approved by City Council and a budget of $300,000 set for this project, and no tree money will be available for plantings at this time. Mr Conner assured the residents that trees would be planted in the future by the Public Works Department and/or Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Conner indicated that part of this process was being done for flood control of the areas along Mustang Creek. He indicated that it would get the water off the streets faster, move the water faster, but not add more water volume to the Creek. Concerns expressed by the residents included some of the following: Lea Wailes: Offered photos of similar areas in both Plano and Richardson, which depicted treatment of both drainage areas, banks and creeks. The photos were offered for study and Ms. Wailes told the Board that they could return her photos at a later date. Charles Ogden: Asked about the dirt being stockpiled along Allen Heights in the proposed park area and expressed concern over the silting of the pond. Rich Elder Asked if the plans for the northern end of the Creek would be revisited, and if not, what options were open to the residents for expressing their concern over the plans. Steve Purcell: Indicated he would not like to see the trees removed, wants the PAGE 4 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 area left in a natural state. He suggested the budgeted funds be used to beautify the existing area, but that the creek not be cleaned out, and the pond be left in place. Karon Purcell: Asked how the residents can evoke change in the engineering plans. Karon asked if a petition would be appropriate, or speaking to City Council would be more appropriate. Mr. Conner indicated that anyone wishing to get the phone number and contact name of a representative at the Corp of Engineers could see him following this meeting and he would be glad to help with that information. Mr Conner also indicated that he felt the Corp of Engineers would be studying the impact on the wildlife in and around Mustang Creek. Don Horton reminded the residents that the southern area of Mustang Creek was mainly a park area, while the northern end of Mustang Creek was primarily a floodplain. The installation of the hike and bike trail would connect the Reed Park area to the Bethany Lakes area when completed. Rich Elder: Wanted the minutes to reflect that the majority of the residents who were present at this meeting did not support the plans for the northern end of Mustang Creek as presented. He suggested that public input at Council level be allowed prior to the actual construction work begins. Chairman Mark Stout indicated that the meeting would move on to discuss the southern portion of Mustang Creek and invited any residents of to offer input if they were interested. Don Horton indicated that this was the time for the residents to express their desires regarding level of maintenance, natural areas, public access, etc. Don reminded the residents that the City park is the only area planned, and that there are no pre -conceived ideas of how the other areas along the southern part of Mustang Creek will be developed. Tim Derider, Park Superintendent spoke briefly and explained the process for the park design, and a brief history on the planning of this facility with the input of the residents. He reported that this was approximately a 3 acre tract of land, and that David Baldwin is the architect on this project. He reviewed the desires of the residents attending meetings on the planning of this park, some of those being: no playground, privacy of homeowners an issue, passive only, no active play areas, and natural areas along houses on north edge of property to encourage play areas more to the south. Tim also informed the group that many I PAGE 5 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 of the elements will be done in-house by City staff. The following residents of the Shadow Lakes Development spoke to the Board and Staff: Liz Shetterly, Reported that her family had laid sod and planted trees behind their home and ask if there were any chance of the City reimbursing them for their expenses. Bill Bonner Concerned over jogging path, and brought photos with him supporting his safety concerns with children playing near the dam area. He also indicated that more than two culverts were needed, and suggested that barricades be erected at the dam and at low-water crossings. Lester Balcom: Likes the lot he bought, and enjoys the creek. He would like to see it remain as is, but cleaned out of construction debris left by builders. Among other things, he indicated there was a 55 gallon drum, concrete debris and old furniture in the creek Up calling City Hall he was told that if could pull this debris from the creek, the City would pick it up for disposal. Bill Spicer Indicated that for the past two years the residents had been working to clean out the area Mustang Creek in the Shadow Lakes development. He indicated that couches, as well as refrigerators have been removed from the creek. He indicated he did not want a manicured environment, but that the vegetation growth along the creek is changing the flow of water and affecting the wildlife. He praised George Conner for his helpfulness and asked for assistance with the vegetation control. Don Horton reported that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had told him the body of water wasn't large enough for grass carp, that the fish get too large. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also indicated that the run off from fertilizer has an effect on the water vegetation and that the dredging of that facility might improve the situation. Michael Celentano: Indicated he lives by the bridge and reported that the debris collect on the bank He would like to see it left as natural as possible, wants the island left in place, and wants to assist the City in whatever efforts are made to [� improve the Shadow Lakes area of Mustang Creek. i Jesse Furqueron: Is concerned with the speed of the water, in high water times, i the area is dangerous, reported that the pond is stagnant, and reported that people like to fish in this area and that it needs to be kept clean. He likes the PAGE 6 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 open area behind his house, wants no picnic tables or high plantings. Would like to see the area kept natural, but cleaned up. Unidentified Resident: Is concerned with poison ivy, and worried about unclean bank, safety and integrity of the wildlife. Charles Ogden: Concerned with erosion of dirt into the creek from the park area. Tim Derider informed him that a filter fabric will be installed soon. Also the City is considering the planting of rye grass. Mr. Ogden reported his concern about the floodplain on the east side being changed from the rise on the west bank when the soil was brought in. Gordon Wright: Wants no picnic areas behind his home, likes the open fencing, wants to know the extent of how homeowners will become involved in the maintenance issue. Is concerned with the run-off of water toward his home, and would like these issues considered before re -channeling of creek has begun. Donovan Epling: Wants water flow on both sides of creek, so there would be no stagnant area. He feels improved water flow to the pond will prevent problems now being experienced. Wants no picnic in greenbelt. George Conner indicated that the State will take out the temporary dams located at the bridge on McDermott as soon as they are through with that construction (probably in January). Mr. Conner feels most of the water flow problems will be rectified once that is done. Ted Rust: Is concerned about water level at the dam, the concrete slope is gone, due to erosion Once a low water level is appropriate, would like it backfilled with concrete. Concerns were raised over the need to have the concrete redone, and made more attractive. Greg Brown: Has concerns over safety issues with kids crossing the dam, is opposed to connecting the park to the hike and bike trail, wants no jogging trail on the west side of the creek behind his house, and would like the consideration of the City in aerating of the pond. Kim Kendall: Is concerned with the amount of silt collecting in the creek and L ask if it could be dredged. Cindy Lidington: Is concerned over erosion, the holes in the dam that are PAGE 7 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 getting bigger, water Flow concerns when hard rains come in the fall, water level rises over jogging trails. Jennifer Brungardt Wants the greenbelt groomed at least half way up to the trail, suggested handrails on the dam and was concerned over the poison oak growing in the area. R.A. Alexander: Likes the park, suggested the dam could be a bridge, and also suggested that barricades might not work since kids are going to go across the dam no matter what is put in place to prevent it. Chairman Mark Stout summarized the meeting, thanked the residents for their attendance and concerns over the issues. Cindy Lidington: Invited all residents out this coming Saturday for a clean-up day She reported that they could register at Ford Park if they wanted but that residents would begin the clean-up at 8 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 1997 Parks and Recreation Board Member, Kevin Pierce indicated that during his walk through of the greenbelt, he noted several picnic tables put in place by the residents of the Shadow Lakes Subdivision, and expressed concern over the type of trees being planted in the area that did not have the life span or growth pattern desired. Kevin also expressed concern over electrical cords being put in place in the greenbelt that might not meet the City of Allen Electrical Code Don Horton indicated that he heartily supported the suggestion by a resident that a walk-thru of the facility be organized and residents be invited to Join staff in evaluating the different areas. He also suggested another forum be held in three months and that the residents would have the opportunity for feedback before anything was finalized. III. ITEMS OF INTEREST No items were brought forward at this time. 1 11 PAGE 8 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 1997 IV. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m. These minutes read and approved this 8" day of December, 1997 0 Mark Stout. Ch.'rman SMt/II Cnm�f+-�f.Q.i�i Anne Campbell, Secretary