ITEM 12.2 ADMINISTRATION - Robert Therres, Public Services Director
Title
ADOPT THE 2014 OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Background
Since the late 1990's the city of Blaine has made a commitment to purchasing and preserving open space areas within the city borders. Efforts have resulted in 13 areas totaling over 600 acres to be dedicated as official open spaces. In 2008, the City implemented an Open Space Management Plan designed to control invasive species in the open spaces (including Pioneer, Laddie and Lochness parks), promote restoration of native species and develop public use and appreciation of these significant areas. To date, management projects have been successful with the exception of two areas where projects have not been started as yet. One is a landlocked area that is waiting for development to make access feasible (Lever Street, north of Main St.) and the other is an area named Site 7 in the management plan.
Site 7 is approximately 500 acres in size and contains a mix of wetlands and uplands that are home to a diverse inventory of native species, some of which are endangered or threatened. The location is north of 109th Ave. and west of Lexington Ave. in east Blaine. It is bordered on the east by Anoka county Ditch 53-62 and on the west by residential development. Improvements have been delayed here as a result of a wetland banking project that was initiated in 2009. That project has progressed to the point where designing trails and other amenities are now feasible.
Site 7 has been envisioned as a potential destination for nature lovers and an example of pre-development Anoka Sand Plain ecosystem. Beginning with control of invasive species, the project would restore the native diversity and add amenities such as trails and bird watching stations. The project would culminate with the construction of a nature center, providing interpretative services and educational programs.
A second wetland banking project is being proposed for an area immediately north and adjacent to the current banking site. It is proposed to run concurrently with the improvements to Site 7. It will be bid independently of that RFP and the ensuing improvement project. Outcome of that project would be new wetland credits, the sale of which would provide revenue to maintain the open space areas.
Funding for both the Site 7 improvements and the second wetland banking project would come from the Open Space and Trails fund. With the current balance and the projected revenue from residential park dedication fees there will be adequate funds to support these projects. No General Fund dollars will be necessary.
Improvements in all other open space areas will be culminating by 2015-16. At that point, the focus will turn to maintaining the improvements and keeping invasive species under control. The cost of maintenance cannot be covered by revenue from park dedication fees. The proposed banking project would create credits that, when sold, would provide the needed revenue to support open space maintenance. This work would be accomplished without drawing upon the General Fund.
The attached 2014-2020 Open Space and Trails CIP itemizes improvement costs over the next few years and the estimated costs for the proposed Site 7 projects. A second attachment tracks revenue, expenditures and fund balances through the completion of the proposed projects, showing a positive balance throughout the period of the CIP. This forecast does not include maintenance costs or the projected revenue from the sale of wetland credits to be created.
Recommendation
By motion, adopt the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the trails and open spaces of the City of Blaine are being developed for the benefit of the residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has approved the Open Space Management Plan for the development and improvement of Blaine's open spaces; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Resource Conservation Board has developed and now recommends approval of the 2014 Open Space and Trails Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Blaine.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council hereby adopts the 2014 Open Space and Trails Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Blaine.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 20th day of March, 2014.