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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-16-PTRCAPPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES PTRC Minutes 4 -19 -2016 04 -19 -16 PTRC MINUTES.PDF UNFINISHED BUSINESS Remaining PTRC Meeting Dates PTRC 2016 MEETING DATES.PDF, 2016 PTRC MEETING DATES.PDF, BBQ FLYER.PDF NEW BUSINESS TCAAP Parks And Open Space Master Plan MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF Bee Hive Installation 05172016 BEE HIVE INSTALLATION.PDF, ATTACHMENT A - BEE HIVE PICTURES.PDF, BEE HIVE ARTICLE TINA KULZER.PDF REPORTS NEXT MEETING ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair: Rich Straumann Committee Members: Terry Finlay Chuck Michaelson Nancy O'Malley Harold Petersen Steve Scott John Van Valkenburg Josh Bloyer Keri Bloyer Council Liaison: Fran Holmes Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee May 17, 2016 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address: 1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone: 651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. 2. 2.A. Documents: 3. 3.A. Documents: 4. 4.A. Documents: 4.B. Documents: 5. 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDAAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPTRC Minutes 4 -19 -201604-19 -16 PTRC MINUTES.PDFUNFINISHED BUSINESSRemaining PTRC Meeting DatesPTRC 2016 MEETING DATES.PDF, 2016 PTRC MEETING DATES.PDF, BBQ FLYER.PDFNEW BUSINESSTCAAP Parks And Open Space Master Plan MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF Bee Hive Installation 05172016 BEE HIVE INSTALLATION.PDF, ATTACHMENT A - BEE HIVE PICTURES.PDF, BEE HIVE ARTICLE TINA KULZER.PDF REPORTS NEXT MEETING ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair:Rich StraumannCommittee Members:Terry FinlayChuck MichaelsonNancy O'MalleyHarold Petersen Steve Scott John Van ValkenburgJosh BloyerKeri BloyerCouncil Liaison:Fran Holmes Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee May 17, 20166:30 p.m. City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone:651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. AgendaCALL TO ORDER1.2.2.A.Documents:3.3.A.Documents:4.4.A. Documents: 4.B. Documents: 5. 6. CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Straumann called the April 19, 2016, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:32 pm MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rich Straumann and Committee Members Nancy O’Malley, Josh Bloyer, Keri Bloyer, John Van Valkenburg, Harold Petersen, Chuck Michaelson and Steve Scott OTHERS PRESENT: Staff Liaison Sara Grant, Recreation Programmer Aaron Thelen, Guests Bob Mullen and Terry Finley ABSENT: Council Liaison Fran Holmes 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Committee Member O’Malley requested adding graffiti complaints at Arden Manor Park to the agenda. This item has been added as item 4D. MOTION: The agenda was approved by the Committee unanimously (8-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 21, 2016 Joint Work Session with the City Council MOTION: Committee Member O’Malley motioned to approve the March 21, 2016, minutes and seconded by Committee Member Harold Petersen. The motion carried unanimously (8-0). 3. UNFINISHED BUSINES 2016 Joint Meeting Presentation Debrief Committee Member Van Valkenburg stated it was discussed that there was a potential issue regarding having a second dog park this summer and whether there would be one at Hazelnut Park again. He asked for clarification as to where the dog park(s) would be held this summer. Staff Liaison Grant indicated there would be two dog parks and they would be held at Hazelnut Park and Perry Park. She said that Public Works staff was in the process of preparing for the dog parks as the plan was to open them in mid-May. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 19, 2016 Page 2 Staff Liaison Grant also stated that Bark and Rec Day which is scheduled for July 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm would be held at Perry Park this summer and notification would be placed in the City newsletter or perhaps a utility bill. Committee Member Michaelson asked why Bark and Rec Day was not being held earlier in the season. Staff Liaison Grant stated that it was planned to occur once the majority of summer events were finished. She also said that the Penny Carnival event would take place at Perry Park on July 29 in the hopes that residents would return the next day and participate in the Bark and Rec Day event. Chair Straumann asked about the status of playground structure replacement. Staff Liaison Grant stated the Council did not formally approve replacement as proposed in the CIP. She noted that the PTRC supported the replacement of playground equipment. Committee Member Steve Scott noted that the CIP is a planning document. Committee Member Petersen asked about the parking lot repairs at Ingerson Park. Staff Liaison Grant stated that Public Works would be able to do this work. A discussion ensued regarding solicitation of donations for projects. Committee Member Van Valkenburg stated that Land O’ Lakes donated $2,500 for a half basketball court and the hope was that other generous businesses would follow suit and provide a donation. Staff Liaison Grant stated that Roberts Management Company donated $1,000 for the Family Fun and Run and Bark and Rec Day events. Chair Straumann indicated that a meeting was set with Bethel University and a donation could potentially be discussed at that time. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked about providing a donation solicitation letter to the University of Northwestern. Chair Straumann stated the City Council discussed the MnDOT Crossing Study results and basically not much information was derived from the study that directly affected Arden Hills. Committee Member Michaelson recapped the discussion about Floral Park and stated that Councilmember Holden suggested an article be included in the City newsletter regarding pesticides and how they affect the bee population. He wanted to know if this was an article that should be provided by the PTRC and when. Committee Member Van Valkenburg said that the Committee could request Tina Kulzer of the Communication Committee write the article. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 19, 2016 Page 3 Committee Member O’Malley stated the PTRC could write the article and provide it to the Communications Committee for finalization. Chair Straumann stated he and Staff Liaison Grant would be attending a meeting on April 21 in the Marsden Room at the Public Works facility and that pollinators would be discussed. He also noted that Ramsey County would be requesting the City of Arden Hills provide a resolution in support of being a pollinator city. Committee Member Scott asked if that meeting would be broadcast and Staff Liaison Grant stated it would not but that she could do an audio recording of the meeting. Chair Straumann stated that many times copies of the PowerPoint are distributed via email afterwards, and he would follow up regarding how to obtain information presented at the meeting. Committee Member Petersen asked about a tour of the TCAAP property. Committee Member Scott stated he attempted to schedule a tour a couple of years ago and that he could look into this again. A short discussion ensued regarding the Council asking that Rice Creek Commons be referred to as TCAAP. Staff Liaison Grant stated Rice Creek Commons appears to be associated with Shoreview and is a marketing name only. Once a master developer is selected, it will decide on the formal name. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. GreenStep City Chair Straumann stated he participated in a meeting with Julie from Minnesota Conservation. Environmental sustainability issues were discussed that included the bicycle and pedestrian plan, active living, waste management, an energy plan and Rice Creek Commons. Staff Liaison Grant explained that the GreenStep City program is a free, voluntary program that helps cities achieve their sustainability goals through implementation of best practices. She said that Arden Hills, Little Canada and Vadnais Heights are the only cities in Ramsey County that do not currently participate. She said the first step is to provide a resolution and that this was scheduled to be presented to the City Council at its April 25, 2016 meeting. She also said that currently, the City of Arden Hills has fulfilled some of the best practices requirements such as the newly added push button light at Cummings Park. Committee Member Petersen asked about the benefit of being a GreenStep City. Staff Liaison Grant stated that a City would have “bragging rights” but more importantly it would better the City’s chance of receiving grants and funding for projects. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 19, 2016 Page 4 Chair Straumann stated the Committee would be happy to help Staff Liaison Grant complete the necessary paperwork. Other Committee Members agreed. Committee Member Michaelson stated he would contact a representative from the City of Falcon Heights about their GreenStep City program. B. Twin Cities Urban Birding Festival Chair Straumann stated that there does not to appear to be many walking tours on the schedule this year, and no events in Arden Hills. He directed everyone to the Audubon’s Facebook Page for more information. C. PTRC Meeting Schedule Chair Straumann stated the meeting dates were correct with the exception of the addition of a joint meeting with the Community Development Department on May 17. D. Graffiti Complaints at Arden Manor Park Committee Member O’Malley stated her husband coaches a Special Olympics basketball team for young adults and one participant resides in Arden Manor. He stated that the graffiti problem in the area is worse than usual. While she had not personally looked at the graffiti, she believes it is on the street signs and shelter building. Recreation Programmer Thelen stated that he visited this park along with Josh and Keri Bloyer last week. They did see graffiti on the beams of the shelter building. Committee Member Michaelson asked how the graffiti would be removed. Staff Liaison Grant stated Public Works would first try to power wash the graffiti and if that did not work, they would paint over it. 5. REPORTS Staff Liaison Grant stated that the University of Minnesota would place a beehive at Crepeau Park for a research project. She also said the beehive will be mentioned in a City newsletter and also noted that Arden Hills’ resident Mike Noonan raises bees and will place a hive in a wooded area at Floral Park. Guest Bob Mullen clarified a statement he made at the joint meeting with the City Council in March regarding a church’s offer to volunteer at the park. He then stated he would like to create a garden to help foster the butterfly population. This would be located at Hazelnut Park on the east end, north side in a spot that is more hidden from the public and is sheltered from the wind. The goal would be to provide a breeding site for butterflies and the garden would be created by hand utilizing volunteers. He said it would be a relatively light workload, but would be broken down into a five-year program due to the difficulty in transporting water for the plants. Mr. Mullen stated potentially rain barrels would be used to assist in watering the garden area. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes April 19, 2016 Page 5 Staff Liaison Grant confirmed there is no running water at Hazelnut Park. She also said she will speak with Public Works Superintendent Joe Mooney to confirm that Public Works staff does not mow or use the area in question. The PTRC members stated they support a butterfly garden but want to ensure there is also approval by the City and Public Works. A discussion ensued regarding Bethel University’s students use of Hazelnut Park’s basketball court. Bethel University has stated that are not interested in donating money for repair/replacement of the basketball court at this location as they are donating $800,000 for a trail which will connect the University to Freeway Park. A short discussion ensued regarding the sidewalk by Lindey’s. It was suggested that perhaps Lindey’s would be interested in providing a donation. A short discussion ensued regarding a potential observation deck at the water tower which will be located on the TCAAP redevelopment site. It was noted there are no water towers in Minnesota that currently have an observation deck. Committee Member Bloyer suggested a destination playground for families be created in the TCAAP area. Committee Member O’Malley agreed and stated she would like to see a classy playground in the development area, and she would like to see at least one park in the TCAAP area have a full size basketball court. Staff Liaison Grant stated these suggestions would be discussed with Community Development at the joint meeting in May. She then noted that there will not be a Park Tour this summer but a Trail Tour instead and that the City’s trail map would be updated as well. 6. NEXT MEETING Joint Meeting with Community Development on May 17, 2016. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Petersen moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m., seconded by Committee Member Van Valkenburg. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). 05172016 Remaining PTRC Meeting Dates MEMORANDUM DATE: May 17, 2016 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Sara Grant, Parks and Recreation Coordinator SUBJECT: Remaining PTRC Meeting Dates Background Thank you all for your dedication to the PTRC Committee. Attached you will find the remaining PTRC meeting dates for 2016. Please let me know if you have any questions. 2016 PTRC Meeting Dates June – No Meeting July 19 – Committee BBQ at Cummings Park August 16 – No Meeting September 20 – PTRC Trail Tour (Meet at City Hall at 5:00 p.m.) October 18 – Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall November 22 – Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall December 20 – Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you! To thank you for your service on a Commission/Committee You and your family are invited to: The City of Arden Hills All Commission and Committee Appreciation Picnic WHEN: Tuesday, July 19th 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Cummings Park - 1219 Cummings Park Drive The annual all Commission and Committee Appreciation Picnic will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at the Cummings Park Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to contact Sara Grant, Parks and Recreation Coordinator, at 651.792.7845 or sgrant@cityofardenhills.org Hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Sara Grant at sgrant@cityofardenhills.org by Monday, July 11th at 5:00 p.m. with number of guests attending. Thank you! This event will be catered by Chuck Wagon Catering and will include: • BBQ Pork Sandwiches • Grilled Chicken Sandwiches • Skillet Potatoes • Coleslaw • Potato Salad • Corn on the cob • Brownies ______________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee Meeting for May 17, 2016 P:\Planning\Community Development\TCAAP\County Acquisition\Policies\TCAAP Parks and Open Space Plan\Memos Page 1 of 2 DATE: May 17, 2016 TO: Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee Sara Grant, Parks and Recreation Coordinator FROM: Matthew Bachler, Senior Planner SUBJECT: TCAAP Parks and Open Space Master Plan Requested Action Review the Park and Open Space Index (Section 2) of the TCAAP Parks and Open Space Master Plan and provide staff with feedback. Background The TCAAP Redevelopment Code identifies approximately 24 acres of future public parks and open space, and refers to a Parks and Open Space Master Plan for the site that includes required amenities for each park. The Community Development and Public Works Departments have been working collaboratively on a draft of this Master Plan document. In addition to identifying required amenities, the Master Plan will also describe the City’s goals for the expansion its park system on TCAAP, provide information on existing and future public trails on and adjacent to the site, and outline expectations for private and public improvements o f park facilities. It should be noted that the purpose of the Master Plan is to establish a general framework and minimum requirements and not to provide detailed development plans for each park. Discussion The Parks and Open Space Index of the Master Plan includes the following sections: Required Parks and Facilities The TCAAP Redevelopment Code identifies four public parks: one in the Creek Neighborhood, one in the Town Neighborhood, and two in the Hill Neighborhood. This section provides a brief MEMORANDUM ______________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee Meeting for May 17, 2016 P:\Planning\Community Development\TCAAP\County Acquisition\Policies\TCAAP Parks and Open Space Plan\Memos Page 2 of 2 description on the location, size, and general character of each park. While the location of the parks in the Creek and Town Neighborhoods has been determined, the City expects to work with Alatus, the TCAAP Master Developer, on a final plan for the Hill Neighborhood parks that will best serve the needs of the community. A minimum of 11.5 acres of land will be set aside for public park use in the Hill Neighborhood and may be within one park or divided between two. Included under the park descriptions is a list of facilities the City expects to provide in each. Staff developed these recommendations based on existing areas of need within the City’s parks system and expected future needs as new residents begin to move into TCAAP. The Master Plan allows the Cit y to revise the proposed facilities due to changes in community interest, site conditions, and development considerations. Standard Park Amenities The list of amenities in this section will be required for each of the TCAAP public parks. These amenities are basic items the public would expect to see in any park, such as sidewalks, benches, and picnic tables. The exact number of each amenity to be provided will be determined at the time development plans are created for the parks. General Development and Design Standards The purpose of this section is to establish minimum standards for facilities and amenities in order to ensure consistency for the TCAAP park system. Design requirements are also included with an emphasis on durable and cost-effective materials. The City expects to work with Alatus on additional and more detailed design standards to be applied throughout the public parks on the site. Staff is requesting that the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee review the Parks and Open Space Index included in Attachment A and provided feedback on the following questions: 1) Does the PTRC support the facilities recommended for each of the TCAAP parks? 2) Does the PTRC agree with the list of standard amenities required in each park? Are there amenities that should be added to or removed from this list? 3) Does the PTRC believe additional development and design standards are needed for any of the types of facilities listed? Are there any facilities that should be added to the list? Attachments: A. TCAAP Parks and Open Space Master Plan – Parks and Open Space Index (DRAFT) B. TCAAP Parks and Open Space Map City of Arden Hills TCAAP Parks and Open Space Master Plan Revised: May 10, 2016 Approval Date: ______, ____ 2016 2.0 Park and Open Space Index The park system on TCAAP will be comprised of a variety of different recreational areas, open spaces, and natural habitats designed to encourage physical and environmental health. Parks may be designed to incorporate wetland preservation and storm water management features, but at a minimum they will include the facilities listed for each individual park as well as the standard amenities included in Section 2.5. Proposed park facilities and amenities may be revised in the future based on site conditions, development considerations, and changes in community interest. Please refer to the TCAAP Parks and Open Space Map in Exhibit 1 for the location of the parks and open spaces described in this section. 2.1 Creek Neighborhood Park The Creek Neighborhood is located in the northeast corner of the TCAAP site and will be comprised primarily of single-family residential homes. A 6.3 acre public park will be situated at the western edge of the neighborhood. With its location adjacent to the Rice Creek North Regional Trail and the Natural Resources Corridor, this park will offer convenient access to passive as well as active recreational opportunities. The Creek Neighborhood Park will include the following facilities: • 1 multi-use recreational field for soccer and baseball • 1 half basketball court 2.2 Hill Neighborhood Park The Hill Neighborhood is situated on the east side of TCAAP between the Natural Resources Corridor and the Arden Hills Army Training Site. The neighborhood will be comprised of a mix of different types of residential housing including single-family detached, twin homes, and townhomes. A total of 11.5 acres of land will be set aside for public park use, divided between one or two parks. The City will work in partnership with the Master Developer to determine the number and location of parks in the Hill Neighborhood to best serve the community. Given the variety of housing types that will be developed in the neighborhood, the City expects a large number of young families to reside in this area and there will be a high demand for recreational facilities. The Hill Neighborhood Park will include the following facilities: • 1 full basketball court • 1 hockey/pleasure skating rink • 1 full size adult soccer field • 1-2 youth soccer fields • Warming house 2.3 Town Neighborhood Park The Town Neighborhood is located at the center of the TCAAP site and consists of medium and high density residential uses, retail stores, and small businesses. A 3.4-acre public park will be located at the east end of the neighborhood adjacent to the Natural Resources Corridor. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, the Town Neighborhood Park may have an important civic component with a monument and interpretive signage commemorating the history of the property. This park will also be designed as an anchor for the Town Center Pedestrian Corridor that connects the park to the retail and office districts on the west end of the TCAAP site. The Town Neighborhood Park will include the following facilities: • Water fountain/Splash pad • Amphitheater • Pavilion • Open lawn area • Specialized playground equipment • 1 full basketball court • 1 full tennis/pickle ball court • 1 sand volleyball court 2.4 Town Center Pedestrian Corridor The Town Center Pedestrian Corridor will run east-west through the Town Neighborhood and provide a visual and pedestrian connection between the Town Neighborhood Park on the east and the retail and office development area on the west side of the Spine Road. This centrally located public space will play an important role in supporting community events throughout the year. The adjacent areas to the north and south will be developed with a mix of residential and commercial uses, including townhomes, small apartment buildings, retail stores, and restaurants. Additional information on the planned design of the Town Center Pedestrian Corridor is included in the Rice Creek Commons Design Guidelines. 2.5 Standard Park Amenities The following amenities will be provided in each of the public parks on TCAAP: • Playground • Sidewalks and walking trails • Picnic shelter • Parking area • Park building including restrooms • Drinking water fountains • Benches • Picnic tables • Waste and recycling receptacles • Bicycle racks • Grill • Fencing • Lighting 2.6 General Development and Design Standards The goal of the development and design standards is to establish a consistent identity for the park and open space system on TCAAP. The City expects to work collaboratively with the Master Developer of the TCAAP property on further design standards that will be applied throughout the site. ADA accessibility will be accommodated to the fullest extent practical at all sites. A. Sports Fields and Courts i. All sports fields will be constructed using a sand base with draintile and an irrigation system will be provided to ensure proper maintenance. ii. Baseball and softball fields will include a backstop and players’ benches. Additional features may include outfield and foul line fencing, bleachers, and lighting. iii. Full size basketball courts will include players’ benches. iv. Tennis courts will include fencing around the perimeter of the court and lighting. B. Park Buildings and Shelters i. Park buildings will be designed to be clearly visible from adjacent public street or parking area. ii. Park buildings and shelters will be constructed with durable and cost-effective materials that are easily maintained. C. Playgrounds i. Playground areas will provide appropriate equipment for a range of different ages. ii. All playground areas will include a manufactured rubber safety surface or similar product. D. Other Amenities i. Water Fountain/Splash Pad: These types of water features will have a concrete surface and use a recirculation system that filters and treats water to ensure public safety. These facilities will be integrated into the overall design of the park space and include an adjacent seating area. These facilities may include a lighting feature. ii. Amphitheater: amphitheaters will be designed to have a natural appearance that integrates with the surrounding landscape. E. Site Furnishings (benches, picnic tables, bicycle racks) i. Site furnishings will be constructed with durable, low-maintenance materials, such as vinyl coated metal, aluminum, or steel. F. Landscaping i. Plantings will focus on simple and natural designs that are integrated with the site and surrounding areas. Landscape plans should be designed to address site conditions such as stormwater management, erosion control, and creating shade. ii. Plant species: landscape plans will include tree, shrub, and perennial species with distinct characteristics to provide a variety of scale, form, and color. The City will prioritize the use of native and drought-tolerant species. G. Lighting i. Design: all light fixtures will be designed to be full cutoff or fully shielded to minimize glare and sky glow. High efficiency lighting, such as LED lamps, will be required. ii. Height: path and area lighting will be pedestrian scaled with a maximum mounting height of 18 feet. Parking lot lighting will have a mounting height of no more than 30 feet. H. Sidewalks and Walking Trails i. Internal pedestrian circulation systems will provide user-friendly pedestrian access. All pedestrian walkways and trails will meet ADA guidelines. I. Parking i. Parking areas will be constructed using a hard surface and concrete curbs and designed to minimize impervious surfaces. ii. Landscaping will be integrated with the parking area design to provide shade and stormwater management. J. Signage i. A monument sign will be installed at the entrance to each park. Rice Creek NorthRegional Trail Future WildlifeCorridor Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) Cree kNeighborhood HillNeighborhood Town Center TCAAP Public Parks and Open Space ² Existing Trails Proposed Trails Natural ResourcesCorridor Proposed City Parksand Open Space 05172016 Bee Hive Installation MEMORANDUM DATE: May 17, 2016 TO: Parks Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Sara Grant, Parks and Recreation Coordinator SUBJECT: Bee Hive Installation Background Two beehives were installed in Arden Hills on Saturday, May 7 th . One of the hives is at Floral Park north of the pollinator gardens. Another hive was placed at Arden Hills City Hall. The hive at City Hall is in the open space right outside the main lobby windows. It was placed in the prairie grass that was recently cut. Attached you will find some pictures from the installation. Tina Kulzer from the Communications Committee was at Floral Park to get information for the newsletter. Discussion The PTRC Staff is excited to have bee hives in Arden Hills. What other things can the Committee do to help pollination in Arden Hills? If these hives work out well is something we would like to see at every City Park? Attachments Bee Hive Pictures Newsletter Article Draft – Tina Kulzer Floral Park Bee Hive – North of Gardens on the way to Bee Hive close up – City Hall location Baseball field. Bee Keeper Andy Murray installing the bee hive at Arden Hills City Hall. Bee habitats installed to support County resolution On February 9, 2016, the Board of Ramsey County Commissioners passed a resolution to declare Ramsey County “pollinator-friendly.” The County has since undertaken efforts to educate residents on the importance of pollinator-friendly best practices and garner support of this designation in municipalities within the County. In response to the County’s efforts, the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) has collaborated with resident volunteers and the University of Minnesota to install three bee habitats on City park and civic property. Arden Hills is now an active part of this County-wide environmental effort to increase pollinator habitat, increase pollinator forage, decrease toxicity, and raise awareness of these important environmental issues. Key volunteer expertise The knowledge base and generosity of resident volunteers figures directly in the City’s participation in this initiative. Arden Hills resident Mike Noonan, along with his cousin Andy Murray, who raises bees on a farm in Rice County, worked with the PTRC to bring two honeybee hives to City property. One hive has been installed in Floral Park to provide natural pollinators for the gardens that City resident Dr. Robert Mullin continues to cultivate. It is set back in a clearing among some trees and bushes approximately twenty feet off of a portion of the walking trail north of the pollinator gardens. A second hive has been installed at City Hall to further promote growth of local honeybee populations and natural pollinators in the area. The hive is located among the tress and tall wild grasses on the north side of the building and is easily visible from the windowed lobby area. The City plans to create and install signage at both hive locations to make residents aware of the installations and provide additional educational information. Murray expects to make frequent visits to Arden Hills throughout the summer to check on the bees and maintain the hives. At the end of the summer, he plans to harvest any honey produced and donate a portion of the harvest to the City to do with as they choose. The bees and their hives will then be removed to their winter home in Arkansas. University bee project In May, a bee nesting block was installed in Crepeau Nature Preserve and is being observed and maintained through the summer by the Minnesota Bee Atlas, a citizen science project of the University of Minnesota Extension. (Although the exact location of the block within Crepeau was not known as Arden Hills Notes went to press, signage will be posted at the site.) The nesting block will provide a place for wild bees to lay their eggs. The block will be collected in September, the larvae will be raised to adults, and the species will be identified and entered into a statewide database. According to Program Coordinator Britt Forsberg, “We chose Crepeau for a bee block because it has a large area of high-quality natural habitat and a nearby volunteer who is interested in monitoring the block. We wanted to choose locations where there would be strong existing bee populations as well as having plenty of wild flowers for bees to forage. The native bees will use primarily native plants, although some non-native plants like dandelions and clover are important resources for bees.” The study will cover three field sessions (2016-2018), but project staff has only asked sites to commit to one season. “We’d certainly be open to installing a block at Crepeau again next year!” Forsberg said.