7.b) Staff Report-Create Strategic Action Plan for 2013►71,..tiNDLA
.Staff Repo
Date of Meeting: February 4, 2013
To: Parks and Recreation Committee
From: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
Re: Discuss Process for Create Strategic Action Plan for 2013
Agenda Item #: 7.b)
Background:
In 2006 a Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan was adopted by the
township. This plan provides a wealth of information and also includes goals, strategies and an
implementation plan. A copy of the implementation chapter is included in your packet. You may
view a copy of the entire plan on the city's website. Click on Comprehensive Plan then the park
plan link will show up on the left hand side of your screen.
The 2030 Comprehensive Plan makes reference to the 2006 plan and again identifies goals,
policies, and strategies for implementation.
There seems to be a lack of vision when one looks at last year's agendas for the Park and
Recreation Committee. The agendas are often composed of numerous items and items are often
carried over to multiple meetings because no resolution occurs.
Issue:
Should the PRC develop and recommend a strategic action plan that will establish some
priorities for the near future?
Proposal Details:
I would suggest the PRC take some time to review these plans and put together a list of goals or
action plan for 2013-2014 that are consistent with the previous plans. The PRC should also
discuss if they would like to send an invitation to specific groups (Lions, Friends of the Parks
and Trails, Community Market vendors, etc) to join in this process. All of our meetings are open
to the public but an extra invitation may be appropriate and help in getting these partners to the
table so we can collaborate on projects more easily.
If the PRC wants to pursue this, the first thing we would do at a meeting is review the vision
statement in the 2006 plan (page 8-12), review the goals and strategies, then members would
have an opportunity to choose their top three priorities. The priorities with the most votes by the
group would be further discussed either in small groups or with the whole committee. For each
goal identified, the action steps, who would complete the tasks, what resources are needed and a
time line for completion would be established.
Fiscal Impact:
There would be no cost to create the plan with City staff. If the committee wanted to bring in an
outside consultant to facilitate that discussion there would be some costs involved.
Options:
1) Direct staff to invite community partners to the next PRC meeting and follow the process
outlined above.
2) Direct staff to invite community partners to the next PRC meeting and follow a different
process for creating a strategic action plan.
3) Do not invite community partners but plan to have the PRC complete the process outlined
above.
4) Do not invite community partners but follow a different process for developing a
strategic action plan at the next meeting.
5) Do not create a strategic action plan or prioritize goals for the coming year.
Recommendation:
Option 1.
Chapter Eight Implementation
CHAPTER EIGHT
IMPLEMENTATION
INTRODUCTION
This Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan serves
as a guide for New Scandia Township in developing a system that meets the
needs and desires of its residents. Earlier chapters of the Plan analyzed
existing conditions, identified park and recreation needs, and proposed park,
trail, open space and recreational facility recommendations. This chapter
assists the Township in implementing the recommendations of the Plan. It
discusses implementation goals and strategies, priorities, financing, phasing,
and maintenance.
GOALS AND STRATEGIES
The following goals and strategies relate to implementation of the Parks,
Trails, Open Space Plan and Recreation Plan. The goals are broad, general
statements that New Scandia Township will strive to attain. The strategies
are specific, action -oriented statements that provide the framework for a
wide range of open space decisions that the Township will make through the
year 2025. The Township should periodically review and update the goals
and strategies expressed in this plan. The implementation goals and
strategies are as follows:
Goal 1: Involve the public in all aspects of parks, trails, open space
and recreation facilities and programs planning. To accomplish this
goal, the Township establishes the following strategies:
1. Continue to encourage residents to serve on the Park and Recreation
Committee and its subcommittees.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-1
Adopted 18July2006
Chapter Eight
Implementation
2. Formally express appreciation and recognize the efforts of the Park
and Recreation Committee, volunteers, and the various individuals
and organizations that contribute to parks, trails, open space and
recreation facilities and programs.
3. Promote discussion of parks, trails, open space, recreation facilities
and programs at annual community meetings, community events,
through community newsletters and on the New Scandia Township
website.
4. Periodically seek input from residents about existing parks, trails,
open space, recreation facilities and programs and respond to the
input.
Involve residents in the master planning process of parks, trails, open
space and recreation facilities.
6. Recruit and make use of volunteers for special projects.
Goal 2: Clearly communicate decisions related to parks, trails, open
space and recreation facilities and programs. To accomplish this Goal,
the Township establishes the following strategies:
1. The Park and Recreation Committee, Township Staff, Planning
Commission, and Town Board will come to consensus regarding the
goals and strategies of this Plan.
2. Involve the Park and Recreation Committee in the early phases of
discussing potential subdivisions, road improvements, and the like.
3. The Park and Recreation Committee will make clear, written findings
and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Board
related to parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities decisions.
The Park and Recreation Committee will base its findings and
recommendations on the adopted goals and strategies of this Plan.
4. The Township will promote review of this Plan by affected agencies,
the area school districts, and adjacent communities.
5. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and the Town
Board will formally adopt this Plan.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-2
Adopted 18July 2006
Chapter Eight
Implementation
Goal 3: Maintain safe, efficient, and attractive facilities. To accomplish
this Goal, the Township establishes the following strategies:
1. Develop a maintenance management plan that provides guidelines
and schedules.
2. Plan and budget for improvements to existing facilities.
3. Develop a risk liability inventory of existing facilities and prepare a
plan to effectively address the risks.
4. Consider aesthetics in addition to function throughout the
development of facilities.
Goal 4: Continue to develop park master plans for each park.
To accomplish this Goal, the Township establishes the following strategies:
1. Develop a model format for the master planning process.
2. Identify and prioritize parks that need master planning and design.
3. Reflect the goals and strategies of this Plan in each park master plan.
4. Ensure architectural integrity and continuity in master plan designs.
5. Use park -planning professionals to prepare master plans and
construction documents.
Goal 5: Periodically review and update this Plan. To accomplish this
Goal, the Township establishes the following strategies:
1. Annually review demographic conditions, funding issues, priorities,
and so on and make necessary changes to this Plan.
2. Plan to provide a complete update of this Plan in 2025.
Goal 6: Set priorities for implementing this plan. To accomplish this
Goal, the Township establishes the following strategies:
1. Prioritize park improvements and acquisition.
2. Prepare a five-year Capital Improvement Program and annually
update the program.
3. Identify expected and potential funding sburces.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-3
Adopted 18July2006
Chapter Eight Implementation
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES
There is a logical sequence of actions needed by New Scandia Township to
adopt and implement this Plan:
1. Inform Township Staff, residents, and developers about the Plan.
2. Conduct a public hearing on the Plan.
3. Adopt the Plan as part of the Township's Comprehensive Plan.
Prepare and adopt master plans with acquisition and development
cost estimates and establish priorities for areas to be acquired or
developed.
5. Allocate funds through the Township budgeting procedure for
staffing, acquisition, and development to accomplish the Plan
objectives.
6. Apply for funding assistance from appropriate agencies to
supplement Township funding.
7. Begin acquisition of areas designated in the Plan.
8. Prepare detailed development plans and Contract Documents and
award construction contracts according to established priorities.
9. Expand staff and equipment as needed to ensure a high level of
maintenance and use of additional parks and trails.
10. Review and update the Plan at regular intervals.
ACQUISTION FUNDING SOURCES
The Township will need a variety of acquisition sources to successfully
achieve the acquisition of properties identified in this Plan:
1. Acquire land through parkland dedication wherever possible.
2. Negotiate purchases when necessary.
3. Consider long-term leases.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-4
Adopted 18July 2006
Chapter Eight Implementation
4. Require easements for use or protection when desired.
5. Consider land trades or transfer of development rights.
6. Seek assistance or cost sharing with other agencies.
7. Encourage donations, bequests, and foundations.
8. Explore acquisition of tax -forfeited land.
9. Apply for grants through federal, state, private agencies and
organizations.
SELECTED MnDNR GRANT PROGRAMS
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers several grant
programs for land conservation, habitat improvement and community
forestry. For additional information on all Minnesota DNR grants, refer to:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants. Some of these programs are listed below:
1. METRO GREENWAYS
a. Program's Purpose: To protect, connect, restore and manage
a regional network of natural areas, parks and other open
spaces interconnected by ecological corridors through
collaborative public/private partnership.
b. Eligible Projcgu: Land restoration and acquisition (fee title or
conservation easement) on sites within Metro Wildlife
Corridors Focus Areas with high overall ecological
significance, willing landowners, local support and project
readiness.
e. Application Deadline: Typically in late fall to be funded the
following year in July- confirm with MnDNR.
2. REMEDIATION FUND GRANT PROGRAM
a. Program's Purpose: To acquire lands for protection and
restoration of natural resources, compensating the State of
Minnesota for damage to resources from the release of
hazardous substances from closed landfills.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-5
Adopted 18July 2006
Chapter Eight Implementa tion
b. EligibleProjects-. Fee title acquisition of natural areas and
administrative costs associated with the donation of fee title
for natural areas; funding may also be available for
restoration.
e. Application Deadline: Late March for projects funded in July
of the same year- confirm with MnDNR.
3. NATURAL AND SCENIC AREA GRANTS
a. Program's Purpose: To increase, protect and enhance scenic
areas.
b. Eli le Projects: Up to 50% of the cost of fee title and
permanent easement acquisition by local units of government
and school districts.
c. Application Deadline: Late March for projects funded in July
of the same year- confirm with MnDNR.
4. OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS
a. Progra�n� x se: To increase and enhance outdoor
recreation facilities.
b. Eligible Projects: Up to fifty percent of the cost of park
acquisition, development and/or redevelopment.
c. Application Deadline: Late March for projects funded in July
of the same year- confirm with MnDNR.
5. SHORELAND HABITAT RESTORATION GRANT
PROGRAM
a. Program's Purpose: To expand the diversity and abundance
of native aquatic and shoreline plants, improve and protect
the quality of shoreline habitat, enhance and protect water
quality and raise awareness of the value of native shoreline
and aquatic vegetation.
b. Eligible Projects: Shoreline habitat improvements and
restoration (e.g. planting native species in buffer zones and
related education and monitoring).
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-6
Adopted 18July2006
Chaptet Eight
Implementation
c. A1212ligation Deadline: September 1 for projects starting the
following year- confirm with MnDNR.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION
PARTNERSHIPS GRANT PROGRAM
a. Program's Purpose: To encourage the enhancement of fish,
wildlife and native plant habitats, research and surveys of fish
and wildlife directly related to specific habitat improvement
projects and to encourage environmental projects, and related
education activities through cooperation by private
organizations and local government.
b. Eligible Prci egt§: Up to 50% of the cost of habitat
enhancement project and related research/survey and
environmental service (e.g. natural area clean up).
c. Application Deadline: Late March for projects funded in July
of the same year- confirm with MnDNR.
7. MINNESOTA RELEAF PROGRAM
a. Program's Purpose: To assist Minnesota communities with
planting and caring for their trees to increase energy
conservation, reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and achieve
other environmental benefits.
b. Fl jble Proicc s: Up to fifty percent of the costs of purchase
and planning of predominantly native trees to conserve
energy, benefit wildlife and establish community windbreaks,
actions to preserve and maintain healthy community forests
(e.g. oak wilt control), educational programs in conjunction
with these activities, and conducting tree inventories for land
use and comprehensive planning.
c. Application Deadline: To be determined- confirm with
MnDNR.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-7
Adopted 18July2006
Chapter Eight
PROPERTY ACQUISITION OPTIONS
Implementation
New Scandia Township will use whatever means are most appropriate to
acquire land for parks and trails. Sensitivity to landowners and dedication to
accomplishing the goals of the Plan will be important ingredients in the
negotiation process. The following lists possible acquisition options:
1. Acquire land from willing sellers.
2. Life tenancy of current owners.
3. Purchase — lease back.
4. Options and right of first refusal.
5. Relocation.
6. Tax advantages.
7. Land exchange.
PARK DEVELOPMENT FUNDING OPTIONS
The Township should explore a variety of funding sources for park
development including the following:
1. Annual Township budgeting and Capital Improvements Program.
2. Grant programs through federal, state, and local agencies (see section
"Selected MnDNR Grant Programs" above).
3. Park dedication fees for new subdivisions.
4. Periodically review and update the dedication requirement as
necessary.
a. The 2005 Municipal License & Permit Fee Survey (see
Resources) surveyed communities across the State of
Minnesota for their park dedication requirements for
commercial/ industrial, residential, and planned unit
developments. According to the 2005 survey, Forest Lake
was recorded as requiring $2,000.00 per lot as park dedication
fee for residential areas. New Scandia currently requires
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-8
Adopted 18July2006
Chapter Eight Implementation
$1,500.00 per lot (2006). The Township should reevaluate
their fees in keeping with similar communities in the
surrounding area.
5. Private or non-profit organizations and local businesses.
6. Volunteer labor and contributions.
PRIORITIES AND INDICATORS
It may take 20 or more years to fully achieve the goals of the Parks, Trails,
Open Space and Recreation Plan. Progress towards meeting the goals
generally occurs in increments or phases, rather than all at once. Therefore,
to help ensure continuous progress, the Township may prioritize and divide
the goals into high and moderate priority goals. Although it is important for
the Township to follow the guiding vision of the Plan, it is also important for
the Township to be flexible in implementing the vision. Therefore, the
Township should periodically review and refine the goals and priorities of
this Plan. The following provides general recommendations for high and
moderate priority goals.
Higla�ty Goals. High priority goals reflect actions that the Township
should take over the next couple of years. Some high priority goals may also
reflect actions that are very important to the community, but that the
Township may not actually implement in the short term. For example, New
Scandia Township identified the importance of developing a corridor for the
Gateway Trail within the Township, and that this corridor should connect
with other Township trails. A high priority goal would involve building
consensus with regard to identifying the search area for the Gateway Trail
extension and acquiring property for the trail. The development of the
Gateway Trail itself may take many more years to complete.
It is also helpful to develop high priority goals that will have an immediate
impact on the community. For instance, the Township may develop
uniform signage for the park and trail systems or provide landscaping to
improve the appearance of existing parks. These types of actions would
likely not require a great deal of effort or cost, but it would likely inspire a
desire to implement other projects. Developing high priority goals and
making tangible progress in implementing these goals will help the
community develop and meet other goals that may be more involved or
long-term.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-9
Adopted 18July2006
Chapter Eight Implementation
Primary high priority goals of this Plan are as follows:
1. Develop existing undeveloped parcels as an integral part of New
Scandia Township's Park System for the benefit of residents and
visitors.
2. Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search
areas for purchase, lease, or easement to augment the existing Park
System, if and wben it becomes available.
3. Identify the Gateway Trail Extension Search Area.
4. Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and
William O'Brien State Park.
5. Develop and install uniform park system signage (to include park,
trail, open space and recreational facility components).
6. Provide pedestrian crosswalk on Olinda Trail North between the
New Scandia Community Center and the Gammelgarden/ Barton
Johnson Memorial Park.
7. Explore how the immediate needs for athletic fields can be met.
8. Continue development of master plans for all existing parks.
9. Implement the German Lake Management Plan, as per CMWD
recommendations.
10. Develop a Landowner Outreach and Stewardship Program, as per
CMWD recommendations.
Moderate Priority Goals. Moderate priority goals reflect actions that the
Township should take over the next five to ten years. Primary moderate
priority goals of this Plan include the following:
1. Develop neighborhood parks in growth areas as development
warrants.
2. Continue development of trail network throughout the Township.
3. Update (or replace, if necessary) and enhance existing recreation
facilities in existing parks as identified in park master plans.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-10
Adopted 18July 2006
Chapter Eight Implementation
4. Complete a Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan, as per
CMWD recommendations.
5. Develop a Formalized Greenway Corridors Plan, as per CMWD
recommendations.
6. Establish a Natural Resource Monitoring Program, as per CMWD
recommendations.
Again, the Township should periodically review and refine the priorities set
forth in this Plan.
Indicators. The Township should develop indicators to help evaluate
progress in implementing this Plan. For example, a goal of this Plan is that
the Township should provide recreation facilities that meet the needs of
residents. A survey of residents and recreation organizations could indicate
if the Township is making progress towards this goal. Other indicators
might involve monitoring water quality, and so on.
The Township should periodically review the findings of its indicators. If
the indicators show that the Township is not making progress on meeting its
goals, then the Township should either refine its goals or develop new
strategies for meeting its goals.
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-11
Adopted 18July2006
Chapter Eight Implementation
VISION
It is appropriate to conclude this Plan where it started — New Scandia
Township's vision. The vision succinctly states the community's preferred "Vision without
future as it relates to parks, trails, open space and recreation. The Township action ..merely a
should periodically review and update the vision statement to ensure that it is fie"
relevant and meaningful. Action without
vision merely
"We envision the New Scandia Township'sparks, trails, open .pace and recreation passes time....
system will preserve our rural character, protect our natural beauty and recognise our Vision with action
history. can change the
"We support our Community Center as the heart of New Scandia Township from which a world."
strong network ofparks and trails extend throughout the township and beyond to serve the Joel Barker
needs and desires of all residents.
We value the natural environment of the Lower St. Croix River Valley and red nrsr
that the River is a unique regional asset and national icon.
We encourage the stewardship of our lakes, streams, wetlands, woodlands, prairies and
agricultural lands toward a healthy ecology that supports a diversity of habitat and
recreation opportunities.
We strive for New Scandia's parks, trails, open space, recreation facilities and programs to
be appropriate across all age and ability levels.
We will promote the New Scandia Township's Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space
and Recreation Plan as a versatile and innovative guide for our future growth, while
encourrighr g compatible development and preserving sign (cant open pace as a complement
to the New Scandia Comprehensive Plan. "
-Adopted by the New Scandia Township's Town Board
18 July 2006
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 8-12
Adopted 18July 2006
/ ZZ
P" ctoa 7
The City of Scandia adopted a Parks, Trails, Recreation, and Open Space Plan in 2006. The plan included
five park goals and seven trails goals, with multiple policies or strategies for each goal. The policies identified
both general principles for creating and managing parks and trails and specific recommendations for tools to
achieve park and trail goals. In addition to the goals, policies and strategies, the Park Plan identified specific
improvements to existing parks, search area priorities for new parks, and a general prioritization of the local
needs for different types of parks.
The park and trail goals, policies and strategies of the 2006 Parks, Trails, Recreation, and Open Space Plan are
adopted by reference in this Comprehensive Plan. The goals, without the accompanying policies and strate-
gies, are listed below. The Park goals, Trails goals, and Recreation goals were listed separately in the 2006 Plan
but used largely identical language and have been combined in the first seven of the following goals. Three
additional new goals (8, 9 and 10 below) have been added to support other recommendations of the 2006
Parks, Trails, Recreation, and Open Space Plan and integrate with the rest of the Comprehensive Plan.
PT Goal 1: Develop a park, recreation, and trail system that meets the needs of City residents.
PT Goal 2: Develop a close working relationship with other agencies and groups to enhance the parks and
recreation facilities and develop trails and routes in the City.
PT Goal 3: Design and locate parks, recreation facilities, trails, and routes in a manner that best meet their
purpose.
PT Goal 4: Develop an effective planning approach to developing and maintaining parks and recreation
areas and constructing and maintaining trails and routes.
PT Goal 5: Scandia supports the establishment of a network of public parks and public, multi -use, non -
motorized trails, including the Gateway Trail, which the City Council might establish as part of a program of
providing outdoor recreation amenities and community -wide connections that serve the health and welfare of
the City's residents.
PT Goal 6: Identify the search area for a trail connection between William O'Brien State Park and Big Ma-
rine Regional Park Reserve.
PT Goal 7: Consider potential trail connection when/if the abandoned Soo Line railway corridor from
White Bear Lake to Wisconsin through the City of Scandia becomes available.
PT Goal 8: Use the four park search areas and five recreational facilities search areas identified in the 2006
Park plan and other natural resource information to guide park acquisition donations and potential site acqui-
sitions when property becomes available.
PT Policy 8.1: Consider limitations on recreation or park amenities suggested by the future land use
areas and Natural Resource Protection Areas overlay.
PT Policy 8.2: Identify new park search areas consistent with the natural resource priority map.
PT Policy 8.3: Identify lakes that should be designated for non -motorized recreation.
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N# SCANDIA 5
1p",a4a("
PT Goal 9: Implement the recommendations of the 2006 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan for improve-
ments to Scandia's existing parks and trails.
PT Policy 9.1: Consider the compatibility of suggested park, trail, and recreation improvements
with the primary and secondary land uses surrounding each existing park.
PT Policy 9.2: Provide for connections to possible residential areas, consistent with the land use
map, during implementation of the recommended improvements.
PT Goal 10: Since the adoption of the 2006 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan, Scandia has become an
incorporated city and taken a greater responsibility for its own green infrastructure. The Citywill continue to
work closely with Washington County, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources on more detailed planning efforts to insure that the regional green infrastructure system is de-
signed in a manner compatible with existing and planned development in the City.
PT Policy 10.1: Emphasize the importance of connecting regional trails, particularly the Gateway
Trail, with the village area.
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The Parks, Trails, Recreation and Open Space Plan identified the following actions as high
priorities for implementation:
1. Develop existing undeveloped parcels as an integral part of Scandia's Park System for
the benefit of residents and visitors.
2. Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search areas for pur-
chase, lease, or easement to augment the existing Park System, if and when it becomes
available.
3. Continue to identify the Gateway Trail Extension Search Areas. The trail right-of-way
has now been identified from William O'Brien State Park to the village center as shown
on Map 20, Park and Recreation Search Areas.
4. Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and William O'Brien State
Park.
5. Develop and install uniform park system signage (to include park, trail, open space and
recreational facility components).
6. Provide pedestrian crosswalk on Olinda Trail North between the Scandia Community
Center and the Gammelgarden/ Barton Johnson Memorial Park.
7. Explore how the immediate needs for athletic fields can be met.
8. Continue development of master plans for all existing parks.
9. Implement the German Lake Management Plan, as per Carnelian -Marine St. Croix Wa-
tershed District (CMSCWD) recommendations.
10. Develop a Landowner Outreach and Stewardship Program, as per CMSCWD
recommendations.
C� iitl911� Mi7l/1 UVG � ti
SCANDIA �75