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6.a) Staff Report-Korey Olson Eagle Scout Project� - , " ��2 ) 4 L�t- --,g- �Yj- SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: January 7, 2013 To: Parks and Recreation Committee From: Kristina Handt, City Administrator Re: Korey Olson Eagle Scout Project Agenda Item #: 6.a) Background: Korey Olson first appeared before the Parks and Recreation Committee on July 2, 2012 to propose an Eagle Scout project for Wind in the Pines Preserve. Olson explained that he would like to assemble and install two log -style benches and a picnic table at various locations within the park. He would anchor them into the ground with cement and varnish them with a protective sealant. Vogen questioned the wisdom of placing manmade structures in a park that is designated as a natural area, and that picnicking is really not encouraged. Lee expressed his agreement with Vogen's position that a key feature of the park is to maintain its natural setting. Bildeaux suggested that the installation of a new interpretive sign may be more acceptable to the Committee, along with replacing the logs in the parking lot area. The Committee recommended that Olson meet with Vogen and research the elements to include on an interpretive sign. Olson was encouraged to return to the August meeting with a refined proposal for a project at the Wind in the Pines Preserve. At the August PRC meeting, Olson reported that he spoke with Vogen and Vogen suggested he prepare a rough sketch of what Olson thought the sign should look like. Olson presented a sketch using the same information and design of the current sign, as Olson said that he liked the style of the existing sign. The sign would be protected with a plastic covering. The Committee recommended a number of changes and additions to the sign, such as adding "City of Scandia", adding photographs, noting that Parks rules and regulations apply, including park hours, "No access to the river", and "No fires allowed". The Committee recommended that Olson meet with Vogen as the Committee liaison and return to a future Park Committee meeting with a draft of the sign language and materials list, along with an order of deadlines. It was also suggested that Olson research National Park Service signs for ideas on graphic standards. Arnold stated that she would e-mail Vogen her design ideas, as Vogen was absent from this meeting. Motion by White, seconded by Zauner, to approve Korey Olson's Eagle Scout project in concept and to return to the Committee for final approval of the sign. The motion carried 6-0. At the September PRC meeting, Vogen reported that he had not met with Olson this past month. Vogen said that Park member Arnold had ideas for sign graphics and the two of them will meet soon to offer some direction for Olson's project. At the October PRC meeting, project mentor Vogen reported that he plans to meet with Olson regarding his sign project for Wind in the Pines in mid-November, and will have a report for the December PRC meeting. No update was available at the December PRC meeting as Vogen and Arnold were scheduled to meet with the Olsons a couple days after the monthly committee meeting. Following the December meeting between Vogen, Arnold and the Olsons the following update was provided to the City Administrator: "Tom and I (Pam) strongly feel that the sign proposed by Korey IS NOT up to code, nor will it fulfill the city's objectives for signage as described in the Architectural Guidelines. We discussed this with Korey and Grandpa. They agreed that Tom and I need to support the eventual building project (which is what they want to do) by developing a sign design, and content, to meet a high standard of both compliance, design and communication." A couple weeks after this meeting, Duane Olson visited me to express his frustrations with the process and the inability for the PRC to tell them what they want on the sign so that they can get a draft together. The project will still have to be approved by a couple other entities (Eagle Scouts committee, Lions) before construction can begin. Those committees may need two to three months to go through their approval process. The PRC should keep this in mind when setting a timeline for approval. Mr. Olson has provided us with a proposed sketch of the project. While he had been told by Tom and Pam that they do not approve of the sign project as proposed, he has not been given any direction on what needs to be changed to gain approval. You will note, Korey's proposal includes many of the items previously suggested by the PRC in August. What needs to change further? Duane Olson appeared before the City Council on December 18`h and described the timeline they have been through up to this point. The City Council is expecting to see this issue back on their March agenda. Issue: Should Korey's proposed Eagle Scout project be approved? If not, what needs to change? Proposal Details: From Tom and Pam: Tom and Pam are proposing to revise the design of the Wind in the Pines sign, work on the language components of the sign... all in light of the City's current standards. One notable point: the Wind in the Pines Park Preserve is a unique park in the Scandia Park system. Their thoughts initially are that the sign must set a standard for compliance that both reflects the permanent sign markers ("Off Building Signs") already in place, while offering a variation to reflect the quality of this park. The goal is to contribute to the code while appropriately marking this KIND of park. Pam would like to see Tom and her (from the vantage of PRC) take the helm, and deliver a final design drawing, APPROVED BY THE PRC AND DISCUSSED WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR APPROVALS, BEFORE we involve Korey and Duane again." Pam will not be able to attend the January PRC meeting but suggests having a draft for the PRC to consider at their March meeting. Pam did provide some written thoughts about how to develop a comprehensive signage program and how it relates to Korey's project. A copy of her submittal is included in your packet. Staff Input: The pages from the Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines regarding Off -Building Signage are included in your packet. You will notice many of the requirements reference reflecting the building design. How does this apply at a place like Wind in the Pines Preserve which has no buildings? The committee could discuss establishing color, size and font criteria so that there is continuity throughout the signs. Landscaping requirements include having shrubs surround the sign on all sides and extend at least three feet out from each side. City of Scandia Development Code, Chapter 2, Section 3.13 Signs. (4) would apply to Korey's sign since it is located in the Agriculture -Core District. The criteria are as follows: A. No sign shall be so constructed as to have more than 2 surfaces. Korey is proposing two surfaces front and back B. 1 of each of the permitted type signs and 1 political sign for each candidate will be permitted. This would be the only identification sign at the site as it would replace the existing sign C. No sign shall exceed 32 square feet in size. Proposed sign is 4x6 feet=24 square feet D. The top of the display shall not exceed 10 feet above grade. Per drawing, top of sign would be 6.5 feet above grade E. Any sign over 2 square feet shall be setback at least 10 feet from any property line. In no case shall any part of the sign be closer than 2 feet to a vertical line drawn at the property line. Sign proposed further than 10 feet from the property line. It appears to staff that the proposed sign is consistent with the zoning code and given that no building exists at the site is consistent with the Design Guidelines with the exception of landscaping requirements. If the committee would want to establish font type and size and acceptable colors for signs, they should convey that to Mr. Olson so he can move forward with the project. These types of requirements would not need to be approved by the Planning Commission but could be guidelines adopted by the PRC to help in the evaluation of future park signs. An accepted "rule -of -thumb" to follow for legibility for signs other than Interstate is to have 1 inch (25- mm) of letter height for every 40 feet (12 m) of desired legibility (Manual of Uniform traffic Control Devices 2003 ed.). Options: 1) Develop and recommend to the City Council sign criteria at February meeting and vote on Korey's project at March meeting. 2) Provide feedback to Korey at the January meeting about changes to make to his proposal. Require Korey to come back to February meeting with cost estimate and materials lists consistent with direction given at January meeting. 3) Establish some other timeline. 4) Vote to not recommend approval of Korey's project. Thereby letting him know he should find another project to complete his Eagle Scout Project. Recommendation: Option 1. Eagle Scout project My name is Korey Olson and I am working on my Eagle Scout project. My Eagle Scout project is to replace the old deteriorating sign at Wind In The Pines Preserve. I plan on replacing the current sign with a new sign. We will be using treated posts for support that will have a 0.60 pcf (per cubic foot) penetration. We will be wrapping the frame work with cedar boards. The sign will have a treated plywood backer with a polycarbonate cover. We are waiting for a few final figures and then we will have an estimate total. Once we get the estimate we will be meeting with the Scandia Marine Lions for funding. We plan to have the new sign installed by early summer. 12/29/12 �;��r `.t � �"� ti ,� •Ir4 � .��� rix '�° , 'i � t - u t3 Do Lo LLJ lip- it PAW a {� ;, LLI • * 6. 66 s r a iLu cc CL �1' Jr art' zz< i. +� r r. 1�lat i 1 f� fir+ i 1.• _LL - ,•ti' i Sf3r . cc 0 r �; i # Yea' OV ZA yam- _._ - .-��. _,._.-_.•___ c_�.� —. _.. ._ _..._.—._tom-.._�__., _.._.—. .. _.• ... t _ .. - .- ., _. «.. •_... _ _.. � ...._. .. _:. Z Z Z Z 0 LO LO ,.._ CO) U z LL 0 0m _ . _ - - - - U : U U a M Q W - _... __....... _.......,...._ - �_ o co W z O C7 -- Q Q Z Z LL,YW O �. W W W U IX W W ZO o CL 0 W < Ir 1: �. Q aw awz�m ht ® Z o5 zm>W O °. m17— W z - _ - N ch !n w > O U - - - - o Oo Ix y �Ww a)aW------:._- _ O �. W �O�zz T �a w u I- __ January 2013 / Proposal to the Scandia Parks and Rec Committee (PRC) Wind in the Pines Preserve: Entrance Marker and Interpretive Sign Introduction Wind in the Pines Preserve (WPP) is unique among Scandia Parks; It is neither an historical landmark (associated with a building structure), a bike route/path, nor a playing field. It's location next to Falls Creek Science and Natural Area (SNA) extends the Preserve's boundary to visitors. Unique topography associated with stream gorges and 2"d/3rd generation forest give WPP a special quality; it is the only park in Scandia accessible from the St Croix National Scenic Byway (Hwy 95), and it is the city's only Park Preserve. Its features are more often associated with, and typically accessible from the St Croix River, albeit WPP is a reclaimed dump—an interesting fact in itself. WPP is encroached by private property making the river inaccessible to WPP visitors. Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing are allowed on the Preserve grounds. There are several contiguous walking/hiking loops, and room to expand. Signage The entrance sign at WPP is in disrepair and needs to be replaced. Parameters for design in the city's Architectural Guidelines do not specifically refer to the circumstance and context of this type of Entrance Marker. Tom Vogen and Pam Arnold, PRC members, would like to support the development of the WPP sign while expanding the guidelines for Scandia's signs to include this and other unique park signs. The process and outcomes that we propose to follow and complete include presentations to the PRC. The schedule will be intense. The Plan is to complete the process in time for the March 2014 City Council Meeting. Design Standards Councilwoman Sally Swanson has volunteered to work on a graphic standards guide for the city, contributing to the existing ordinance and potentially expanding on the existing Architectural Guides. Our proposal is to contribute to the development and content of the standards, and not to disrupt the process or flow. The outcomes of the process may include ideas that point to a comprehensive system of signs that include logos, maps, logo marks—Scandia's current logo, as well as references to other entities: Friends of the Parks and Trails, Lions, PRC, and others (the Gateway Trail, National Park Service, Trust for Public Lands, Friends of the St Croix River Association, et al.). Creating specific "classes" of sign may be useful to orient process and solutions to the context and purpose of each kind of location: Museum, Historical Landmark, Park Preserve, Commemorative Ball Park/ice Rink, City Building, Bike Trail, Hiking Trail, etc. An inventory of what currently exists will be the basis for discussion. Process The process for residents to propose a sign project to the PRC should refer to guidelines or standards applied elsewhere in the Scandia Sign Program. The process for content development, materials selection, plantings/site preparation should follow a prescribed sequence or protocol. Currently there are 2 sign projects proposed to the PRC: Hay Lake Historical Marker, Luke Eklund; and Wind in the Pines Entrance Sign, Cory Olson. Both are Eagle Scout projects. WPP Entrance Sign Proposal Tom Vogen and Pam Arnold believe that the final sign to be designed and installed at the entrance of WPP should have a higher profile than the current sign. The current sign design is adequate, but the structure and content of the sign could be improved. Outcomes: 1. The new WPP Entrance Sign will present itself with equal permanence and authority as other markers in Scandia. 2. Key questions will be asked during the process, including the role of an Entrance Sign in its relationship to other parks and trails in Scandia, as well as to a visitor's experience at WPP (in this case). Discussion points might include the idea of a design system ... and cohesion among all signs in Scandia including semi- permanent signs, flyers and other print materials. There are many references already in use, on maps included in the current comp plan for instance. 3. Discussions and presentations will include an overview of the design process, while looking at "case studies"—other sign programs that might offer examples, and new ideas. 4. We might agree on the role and importance of signage as key communication vehicles reaching new and outside audiences while reinforcing the identity (brand if you will) of Scandia. Scandia's 2030 Comp Plan builds from a vision of preservation and outdoor experiences for visitors as well as residents. Whatever the discussion is, it will build on the foundations already agreed upon and in use. We are not proposing anything radically different from current Guides. 5. Verbal content of signs that include narrative components, graphics as well as directions and concrete information. 6. Consensus on a design solution for Wind in the Pines Preserve that might be executed by Cory Olson, as the case may be. 7. Lastly, the role of signage in marketing Scandia has not been discussed. We tend to think of ourselves as the primary users of Scandia's parks and trails, but clearly an important strategy is to reach and involve new audiences, and outside users. The commercial benefits for Scandia of endorsing a visually cohesive system of signs is part of the discussion at hand. As we look forward to writing grant proposals, and expanding park and museum assets in Scandia, a visually cohesive system that is TRUE to Scandia's culture and values will support expansion. Involving volunteers will always be part of the process. Outside audiences might benefit to know the foundation of volunteerism in Scandia; references to this might be a marketing advantage, as well as a way to thank volunteers. Caviat: This is a tall order in the time we have. The goal is to cut to the chase, have some fun exploring the opportunity we have to dig a little deeper into the discussion, and to finally produce a new sign for Wind in the Pines Park Preserve. The outcome itself will be part of a larger and longer discussion concerning Signs, and communications in Scandia. Our hope is that the PRC will feel inspired, and clearer about our role in these kinds of projects, and in supporting members of our community who bring proposals to the PRC. Our interest in this project stems from an overall response to the challenge of working with resident proposers while maintaining a high standard for process and execution. Beyond a great sign solution we hope that in the future residents like Cory and Duane will be able to anticipate the process, and count on a timely and professional response to their proposals. Sincerely, Tom Vogen, and Pam Arnold Parks and Rec Committee Liaisons to Cory Olson, Eagle Scout Project Presentation Outline: 1. Case Study Overview Look at local, regional and national park signage programs. Invite comparisons, and discussion about the potential and possibilities for Scandia's signage program. Discuss proposal for the content (verbal, and graphic) of WWP Entrance and Interpretive Marker sign. Discuss design of the sign. Open discussion (brain storm). Make some basic decisions: a. Work with the existing sign structure design while refining the content and materials. b. Look at the sign from a long-term perspective: what information should be permanent, what other information is variable and should be treated as impermanent. How to execute both with one sign / location. c. Decide that a new direction for structure and design could be taken within the existing time frame for execution (expectation for completion and installation). 2. Follow up to Case Study Overview, including presentation of a "draft" for the WPP Entrance and Interpretive Marker Sign. a. Content reviewed, and discussed (text, logos, graphic gestures, maps, etc.) b. Design reviewed and discussed. c. Manufacturing processes and specs, reviewed and discussed. d. Cost vs. budget. e. Execution plan. Final recommendations and edits to present to the City Council; Discuss the potential to propose the project to the city council ... to engage a longer and more comprehensive discussion. Definitions, a start... Purpose of Wind in the Pines Park Preserve Entrance Marker and Interpretive Sign: I] Interpretive Sign Definition (National Park Service Manual): "The word Interpretation means many things. It can mean the translation of languages, perceptions about poems or novels, how a person feels about a historic building, or thinks about a scientific theory. In the National Park Service, other agencies and many zoos and aquaria around the world, Interpretation is the process of providing each visitor find an opportunity to personally connect with a place. Each individual may connect to the place in a different way ... some may not connect immediately, but everyone should have an opportunity to explore how that special place is meaningful to them. It might be that a ranger's discussion of a scenic vista inspires an emotional connection for some. In the mind of another, an interpretive sign describing the geologic history of the same landscape might provoke a more intellectual connection. The goal of all interpretive services is to increase each visitor's enjoyment and understanding of the parks, and to allow visitors to care about the parks on their own terms." 2] Entrance Marker -Scandia Architectural Design Guidelines -2030 Comp Plan: Parks and Trails Final Report -City Ordinance No. 133: Rules and Regulations for Use of Scandia Parks Entrance Signs play an important role in welcoming visitors, apprising visitors of some of the ground rules for visiting the park, and for "setting up" the particular experience of Wind in the Pines Preserve. It also has the potential to be a vehicle for Scandia's larger agenda: to allude to a system of park experiences available to visitors, their locations... Not to mention referencing something about Scandia ... projecting our brand identity (bare with this big term...) Content (to be determined and developed as part of the bigger conversation): 1. Title of the Park, and Relationship of Wind in the Pines Preserve to the Scandia Parks and Trails System, the city of Scandia, and other elements that will become part of the "system". 2. Welcome message. 3. Interpretive Map of the Preserve (Trails, Junctures (streams, elevations, etc.), neighboring SNA, Natural Features and Significant Flora/Fauna... 4. Information: Hours, Rules, Boundaries...