Agenda Date: 06/27/2017
Subject:
Title
A resolution adopting the 2017 South Platte Park Management Plan
Body
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Presented By: |
Mark Relph, City Manager |
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support a resolution adopting the 2017 South Platte Park (SPP) Management Plan?
BACKGROUND:
Council received an initial presentation on the SPP Management Plan and amendment to the Management Agreement in October 2016. Staff then refined the documents to address public comments and other issues identified since that time. A presentation of the draft final management plan was given to a joint study session of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) Board of Directors and the city council on May 23, 2017.
The attached memorandum from SSPR staff provides a complete overview of the process and documents.
Other attachments include; the May 2017 draft of the SPP Management Plan, a summary of public comments received on the draft plan, and the 2009 Cooley Lake Area Management Plan information.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
City staff supports the work and analysis of the SSPR staff included in the May 2017 draft of the SPP Management Plan. The SSPR staff memo details the additional work performed and changes to the document. Council did not voice significant concerns during the initial presentation of the documents in October 2016. Changes made prior to the May study session were primarily clarifying technical information, and response to public comments.
There was a request to consider shortening the review time frame should development around the park occur. The accompanying IGA dictates the plan should be reviewed and approved at least once every ten years. This statement gives flexibility to the staff, the city council or the SSPR Board to request a review should an event warrant a revision to the plan. General practice has been a staff level review about every five years. Staff is willing to decrease the period between reviews if needed.
Additionally, a request was made by a council member to open Cooley Lake occasionally to allow for fishing and recreation. There did not appear to be consensus to move forward with this request. This request is noted, but not supported by SSPR or city staff. The concern is that even occasional openings create demand and expectation that are very difficult to manage. This would likely lead to an increase in trespass, patrol requirements, and ongoing pressure to open the area. The staff recommendation is to continue the policy that the Cooley Lake area be enjoyed during the guided access only. As requested, the documents from the 2009 plan detailing a similar request and discussion are provided as attachments. The impact assessment to open Cooley Lake to recreation begins on page 8 of that attachment.
Lastly, there was a request made to develop a publicly available key indicators or web-based dashboard for data regarding the park. This has been noted and staff will work to accomplish this as staff resources allow.
It is important to note that the SSPR Board has adopted this plan. Should council decide not to adopt the plan or request changes, and depending on the scope of those changes, an additional series of public input would be required as well as another joint meeting of both the SSPR Board and city council per the park’s management IGA.
OPTIONS:
1) Approve the plan as presented. Management of the park is guided by the 2017 plan.
2) Reject the plan. Management of the park continues under the 2009 plan.
3) Request changes to the plan. Per the management IGA and depending on the scope of the requested changes, at a minimum this would entail additional staff review, and potentially the need for additional public input and another joint meeting of the city council and the SSPR Board to discuss requested or proposed. Until the new plan is approved, management continues under the 2009 plan.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution approving the South Platte Park Management Plan.
MOTION:
I move to approve the resolution adopting the 2017 South Platte Park Management Plan.