Authorize Work Plan for the Park System Components of the Comprehensive Plan, and City-wide Parks Master Plan

The purpose of this case is to approve a 2017 work plan and budget for the Parks Recreation and Open Space chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and City-wide Parks Master Plan.

The City Council is familiar with the comprehensive planning process to-date in 2017, and the work plan being considered as part of this case addresses and includes the system plan relating to parks within the Comprehensive Plan (presently Chapter 10). In terms of the overall work plan, only a small portion is attributed to the minimum requirements of the Comprehensive Plan Update. A list of required plan elements is attached for review.

In addition to the above endeavor, Council also directed the Parks and Recreation Commission and Staff to proceed with a new format for the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan for 2017. This directive was an outcome of the 2016-17 Strategic Action Plan.  Currently, the parks plan is comprised of a future improvement/planning map alongside the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP is an important financial planning tool for the City and is intended to be complimentary to the Comprehensive Plan. This new 'Master Plan' however, will supplement and transform existing park planning into a more thematic and visionary document, looking more long-term and comprehensively at the community's recreation needs, rather than simply a chronological financial planning tool.

Public notifications are on-going throughout the 2017 City-wide Comprehensive Plan process.

The recommended work plan for both the Parks Recreation and Open Space Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and City-wide Parks Master Plan.

Attached is a detailed work plan and budget developed at the request of City Staff, combining the resources of Landscape Architect Bruce Jacobson and LHB Inc.  This team was assembled so as to provide the best talent and proven effectiveness in delivering on the task of developing with Staff and the various Commissions, Ramsey's first Master Park and Trail Plan (in addition to the required Comprehensive Plan elements relating to parks).

Bruce Jacobson has been engaged in park planning and design for over 30 years, and is an Adjunct Professor and Senior Research Fellow with the Metropolitan Design Center – University of Minnesota College of Design.  Most notably, Bruce worked extensively with the City of Ramsey and the Park and Recreation Commission (early 2000's) on the park and public realm elements of The COR, (then Town Center).  A critical aspect of the that work was thorough public engagement and detailed design development for the parks that are in use today or planned for. One example of effective design (and incorporating public input), was in 2008-2009 when the City was moving forward with developing Final Plans and Specification for what would become The Draw, the City carefully examined the park plans prepared based upon Jacobson's guidance and did not identify any elements to be changed or improved upon. Following 2010 construction, the park and amphitheater is functioning well, and as intended today.  Mr. Jacobson is very familiar with the City of Ramsey, is creative, abreast of the latest theory and trends in park planning and a proven partner in developing plans that are aligned with realities for Ramsey.

LHB was looked to for their expertise in park planning and public engagement as well.  A notable and successful example of this was the recent Master Planning for Roseville, Minnesota. Ramsey City Staff meet with Roseville's project manager specifically to critique LHB's competence and performance for their city.  Jeff Evenson stated:

"As Park Superintendent for the City of Roseville I had the opportunity to work with Lydia Major and LHB on several projects including the 2010 City of Roseville Park System Master Plan Update—the effort to complete park master plans for 28 of the 31 Roseville parks, and finally to complete all of the final plans and bid documents for the $12M City of Roseville Parks and Recreation Renewal Program.  This final phase of LHB’s work was completed in a very short timeframe of 18 weeks was a primary reason for the successful completion of the construction program.

LHB proved to be outstanding in all aspects of the work I managed for the City of Roseville.  Their understanding and focus on public process, ability to stay on time and within budget, and the quality of their deliverables have consistently exceeded my expectations.  Lydia Major played a key role in all of these efforts and I would consider her and LHB very favorably for your park planning effort."

A resume and Statement of Qualifications for Bruce Jacobson and LHB is attached.

As an informational item, the following is a 'snapshot' of various planning work that is being done concurrent with the Comp Plan, and those consultants who are anticipated to be working with Staff and the Boards and Commissions as well as City Council in the Comp Plan and related endeavors:
 

•   Transportation Plan:  WSB  (with SRF on Parking Structures)
•   Park System:  Jacobson/LHB/WSB
•   Water System Plan: Bolton & Menk Inc. (BMI)
•   Sanitary Sewer: BMI
•   Water Supply: BMI
•   Natural Resources: City Staff Et. al.
•   Housing: City Staff Et. al.
•   Land Use: WSB
•   Economic Development: Ehlers/ACG Consulting    

The proposed 2017 work plan schedule for Jacobson/LHB is also attached, as is the existing Chapter Parks Recreation and Open Space (The content was developed over ten (10) years ago, and includes some information that is out of date with existing plans and policies).

The parks planning to occur in 2017 is anticipated to cost approximately $50,000 in consulting work, and this amount is included in the parks Professional Services line item of the General Fund budget, specifically for this purpose (Comp Plan + Master Park and Trail Planning).

The Park and Recreation Commission  and Staff recommends approval of the attached work plan utilizing the consulting services of Bruce Jacobson and LHB at a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.

Motion to authorize approval of the attached 2017 work plan utilizing the consulting services of Bruce Jacobson and LHB at a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 for park planning.