Workshop Item: 2 - Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
OPEN SPACE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2014 - 2020
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.
Staff proposes to distribute a request for proposals (RFP) that would deliver a formal concept plan defining the goals for Site 7. This plan would be presented to the City Council for acceptance and then be used as the basis for bids to do the final design. The design would be a separate process, expected to be bid in late summer 2014, with bids to be let for implementation and construction by winter 2014-15. Construction is expected to be a phased process beginning in 2015 and culminating by 2020.
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.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Council authorize staff to proceed with the proposed RFP for Site 7 and a separate RFP for the second wetland banking project. A recommendation would then be brought to Council to award the contracts. Future phases of these projects would be brought to Council for approval to proceed and to expend funds.