Workshop Item - Jerome Krieger, Senior Parks and Recreation Manager
Title
Title
Draft Plan for Merging of NRCB and Park Board
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Background
On January 24, 2023, a joint workshop with the City Council, the NRCB, and the Parks Board was held to discuss a possible merger of the NRCB and the Parks Board. This proposal to merge is being considered as there is significant overlap between the two groups and combining the talents, knowledge and skill sets of all will benefit both parks development and open space programs. Both groups provide an important service that impacts the quality of life in Blaine. At the meeting, members of both boards shared their thoughts with the City Council and staff.
After listening to feedback from the joint workshop, staff recommends Council consider 2023 as a hybrid/transition year.
o Extend all NRCB commissioners whose terms were due to expire in March 2023 for an additional year to retain full membership through the transition period.
o Need to review prior to 2024 which terms to stagger as part of the annual appointment process.
o Allows the opportunity to work together to see how a merged board would proceed.
o Allows conversations to move forward that were highlighted at the workshop.
o Schedule 3 joint meetings (more as needed) over this transition period.
§ Point to draft workplan to schedule meetings.
• April - held on NRCB regular meeting date.
• June - tour of parks and open space
• August - held on Park Board regular meeting date.
o Allows us to realize true overlaps, synergies, budget review.
o Allows staff to share this hybrid proposal year to both boards at their regularly scheduled board meetings. (Draft NRCB February meeting minutes attached; Park Board draft minutes to be attached when available)
o Avoid running the risk of rushing messaging
o Feedback from boards would be reviewed at the 3/6 Council Workshop
In considering some of the comments from NRCB members, staff has developed an option for future discussion. Proposed language for a possible code amendment could be developed that may address some of NRCB’s concerns:
o Place language in Code for new board would outline the City’s commitment to natural resources.
o Incorporate environmental education into our park system (interpretative signage/features)
o Provide direction/recommendation for wetland credit revenue to be reinvested to the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary
o It should be noted the purpose of the park board already highlights “protection of natural resources” in City Code
o Any new initiatives stemming from City Council’s strategic planning process could be incorporated
Staff recommends council consider the new 2023 applicants be appointed as “adjunct members” during this transition year.
o includes new members and prepares us for possible changes on the board.
o highly encourage these new members to become involved on the ground floor and provide valuable input and begin their education process.
o encourage them to reapply in 2024.
§ potential for many current members and adjunct members all wishing to be appointed but will address like any other year (or at that time could implement the policy on term limits)
Attachment #1 is a work plan, drafted by city staff, which would be followed during the hybrid transition year. Attachment #2 was drafted by an NRCB board member, and was discussed at the February 21, 2023 NRCB meeting.
The NRCB discussed inviting regulatory agencies to their April meeting to present an update on the Site 7 Wetland Bank and an update on the permit status of the Pioneer Park Wetland Bank. The April meeting is proposed as a joint NRCB and Park Board meeting and this topic of presentation aligns with one of the draft workplan items in quarter 2. Staff recommends scheduling a joint NRCB/Park Board meeting in April to hold a “wetland banking workshop”.
A summary of the February Park Board meeting comments will be shared with the council during the 3/6/23 workshop, as their meeting occurred after the workshop agenda deadline. Draft minutes from the Park Board meeting will be attached to this item when they are available. One Park Board member was unable to attend the meeting but provided her comments regarding the proposed merger and plan; those comments are included as Attachment #4.
Questions for City Council:
• Is City Council comfortable proceeding with the proposed hybrid transition year plan for the NRCB and Park Advisory Board?
• Is City Council comfortable with the proposal for Park Board/MRCB appointments as outlined in this report?
• Does City Council have any feedback about other topics covered in this report?
NRCB Additional Information:
During their February meeting the NRCB discussed a number of items, described below, that are provided as information to City Council and may be part of future discussions.
Some ideas that have been suggested and could be explored include:
o council liaison(s) to boards/commissions
o annual reports to council by boards/commissions
Additionally, the NRCB made a motion to ask that the City Council revisit the Pioneer Park Wetland Bank.
The NRCB was not in favor of looking at expanding the small parking lot at Okinawa Street off 109th Avenue as a part of the RFP of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Trail Expansion. The thought is that the expanded parking lot will impede the wetland by requiring more backfilling of the site. Staff is recommending that the parking lot expansion remain in the RFP for the consultant to plan and design. The consultant can aid in evaluating options for the parking lot and any impacts on the wetland area. The additional parking will allow more access to the site for all residents without parking on the neighboring streets.
The NRCB would also like Council to consider additional staffing to focus on sustainability and ecology within the city. This is a recommendation that should be considered as part of the strategic planning process.
Attachment List
2023-24 Proposed Work Plan (Open Space and Park Items by Quarter)
NRCB Members Agenda Item - Prepared by NRCB Board member(s)
NRCB Meeting draft Minutes from February 21, 2023
Park Board Member Tonya Lizakowski’s Email with comments regarding the proposed merger
Park Board draft Minutes from February 28, 2023