2014-08-05_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Roseville, MN - Official Website Commissioner Stoner thanked the City Council for their attendance and support at the recent Parks Renewal Program Kick-off Event; and asked that they continue to alert the Commission to any questions and/or comments. Natural Resources Program including Forestry Commissioner Doneen noted the advantages of tying together the Master Plan volunteer projects, volunteer coordinator, and natural resource programs of the community. As an example, Commissioner Doneen addressed the recent Buckthorn removal project at Reservoir Woods, and removal of brush for shipping. While a small project and not well-advertised with the Commission for some reasonfailing on every communication resource available to them, Commissioner Doneen noted that over twenty volunteers still showed up to help. Commissioner Doneen opined that this was indicative of the importance the community placed on their natural resources in area parks and Master plan efforts to-date. Commissioner Doneen noted that this created a concern he?d heard from the community of the need for management of those natural resources in the City environment, which they had not found active or adequate to-date; and therefore the inclusion in the Parks Renewal Program package of a specific program and the need for their restoration. Commissioner Doneen advised that he?d long advocated that natural resource needs be funded annually to avoid big time expenses or their further degradation, through effective capitalization. Commissioner Doneen asked that the City Council give that serious consideration moving forward, opining that some of the City?s most valuable assets are its trees and forest, specifically the current dangers to Ash Trees, and the need to remove diseased trees, but also replace them not just for aesthetics, but also for their benefits for energy conservation, soils and water quality. Commissioner Doneen suggested that proactive planning be done and monies set aside annually as originally intended. Commissioner Doneen respectfully asked that the City Council include natural resources in their long-term capital improvement program (CIP). Commissioner Doneen noted that staff had done a good job of leveraging the Department of Agriculture for funding, but in the Commission?s dual capacity as the City Tree Board, they recommended moving forward from the basic Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) plan; and ramp up and plant trees in advance of any infestation. Commissioner Doneen suggested that the City move from its limited forestry efforts with a one part-time forestry employee, and opined that it would prove a wise investment to increase the position to serve as a general resource management person and provide expertise with tree preservation as the City redevelops parcels with existing mature trees. As the Tree Board, Commissioner Doneenstated that they would be more than willing to engage with the Planning Commission in cross-efforts and endeavors for a reasonable tree preservation plan. Councilmember Willmus asked Commissioner Doneen if, in his involvement with the Natural Resources and Trail System (NRATS) portion of the Renewal Program if he saw continued work with the PWETC on some issues (e.g. water quality and tree preservation), recognizing that there were commissioners on the PWETC that were passionate about those topics as well. Commissioner Doneen recognized that potential, but having worked with that group already, opined that his best sense was that a specific charge should be provided rather than an ongoing relationship, whether with the Parks & Recreation, PWETC, and/or Planning Commission, and at the discretion of the City Council for a specific task and recommendation. Chair Holt concurred, noting that the NRATS was looking for a more proactive approach and specific direction from the City Council to develop action steps. Community Center Commissioner Terrance (Terry) Newby noted that there had been considerable discussion in the past, including public surveys in 2011 and 2014, all identifying strong public support for the idea of a community center. Commissioner Newby opined that the next step for the Commission was guidance from the City Council as to whether they were charged with moving forward to pursue this further, or if it should remain on the back burner as not being a top priority. Given the expanse of the issue and amount of time it could consume, Commissioner Newby sought direction in relationship to the other priorities of the Commission at this time. Over time, Councilmember Willmus noted that the City Council was aware of the interest and survey data providing a fairly consistent message from the community for a community center. Councilmember Willmus advised that he'd be interested in learning more about how the City would http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=&Type=&ADID=1785&PREVIEW=YES