City Council Meeting - FINAL (AMENDED)

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15.B.

Meeting Date:	11/05/2019
From:	Robert Wallace, Open Space Specialist
Department:	Public Works
Co-Submitter:	Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Manager

Information

TITLE:

Schultz Creek Trailhead Community Survey Results, Update, and Future Direction: Staff will share the results of a community surveys that requested input on how the 20-acre City of Flagstaff property in the Schultz Creek area (3620 W Schultz Pass Rd., Parcel # 30047004), zoned as open space, could be developed and managed. Staff will request direction from City Council on development and management of the parcel.

DESIRED OUTCOME:

Provide staff with direction on how to develop and manage the parcel.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

In 2013, the City Council requested the Open Space Commission review a number of city owned parcels for their open space values. The Commission recommended that Parcel # 30047004 (3620 W Schultz Pass Rd.) be preserved as open space. In addition to the Commission’s recommendation, members of the public also voiced their support to protect the parcel. Staff was then directed to incorporate these 20 acres of City property into the City’s open space program. The Council requested that staff utilize the parcel to provide access and connectivity to the Schultz Creek area for recreational purposes.

From 2014 -2017 staff worked on annexing the parcel from the County, passing a historic overlay ordinance, and rezoning the parcel from Rural Residential to Public Open Space.

In FY 18, the Open Space Program received $23,000 in one-time dollars and due to the complexity of the parcel including flood plain and grade, the FY18 budget process included an additional one-time $75,000 was allocated, for a total of $98,000.
Open Space staff has been working with the U.S. Forest Service, Flagstaff Trail Initiative, Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Flagstaff community to develop concepts that meet multiples needs.
The parcel has historical significance and the Historic Preservation Commission recommends steps are taken to preserve the parcel as there is a portion of the Beale Rd on the property. Additionally, in 1898 the City of Flagstaff and the Santa Fe Pacific Railroad entered into a contract wherein the railroad would lease the land, water rights, and a pipeline route to the town. This is the site of the original reservoir for the Inner Basin water line. The water reservoir from this agreement is still visible on the property and the Historic Preservation Commission has recommended its preservation and interpretation.
Staff received over 500 responses to a public survey that has helped identify the community’s preferred development and management of the Schultz Creek open space property. When asked about what amenities they thought were important to develop most people indicated that they would prefer that developments or improvements be minimized.

53% stated that running water was not needed or least needed
55% indicated that picnic tables were not needed or least needed
51% did not support a bicycle staging area for events
69% did not desire an equestrian staging area

Regarding the development of parking:

46% of respondents indicated that they would support parking for between 60 to 100 vehicles;
45% supported parking for 60 or less vehicles;
5% preferred no parking development.

Feedback indicated an emphasis on maintaining the natural quality of the parcel. Comments included pursuing an opportunity to acquire part of parcel #30047005C (also known as “the Y” property at the intersection of Schultz Pass and Elden Lookout Roads) if an opportunity were to present itself. Comments pertaining to the topic of acquiring part of parcel #30047005C “the Y” indicate the location is preferred because it would minimize impact and because there is public familiarity with the location.
There were additional comments made, which can be viewed on the Flagstaff Community Forum at: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/3284/Flagstaff-Community-Forum.

Given community and partner input, staff developed the following options for consideration:

Option A: Do not move forward with parking lot construction on city property until the opportunities to acquire part of parcel #30047005C “the Y” are investigated. This will minimize impacts to the City’s parcel, allow for the open space to be used solely for education and trails, and will capitalize on public familiarity with the Y’s location. If by the end of the calendar year 2020 no progress has been made towards an agreement with the property owner that is beneficial to both parties abandon investigations and implement option C.

Option B: Build a parking area to accommodate 28 regular and 2 large vehicle spaces in the southeast corner of the City owned parcel #30047004. Develop a short interpretive trail on the property, a connector to the Forest Service Schultz Creek trail system, and a connector to the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). Investigate opportunities to acquire part of parcel #30047005C “the Y” to develop an additional 30 parking spots and to minimize impacts to the City’s parcel and capitalize on public familiarity with the Y location. If by the end of the calendar year 2020 no progress has been made towards an agreement with the property owner that is beneficial to both parties abandon investigations and prepare a concept for moving forward for an additional 30 parking spaces.

Option C: Build a parking area to accommodate 56 regular and 4 large vehicle spaces in the southeast corner of the parcel. Develop a short interpretive trail on the property, a connector to the Forest Service Schultz Creek trail system, and a connector to the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). Do not pursue further development of the city property and do not investigate opportunities to acquire part of parcel #30047005C “the Y”.

Option D: Work with the Forest Service to mitigate use challenges at the official Schultz trailhead. This current trailhead is located directly along Schultz Creek, it is sloped, prone to erosion, and accommodates minimal parking.

Option E: Table any further discussion on developing this open space parcel for parking and reprogram the remaining budget within the Open Space Program.

INFORMATION:

The community survey was open from November 28^th, 2018, through March 31^st, 2019. Feedback was provided by over 400 Flagstaff residents, special interest groups, such as the Sierra Club, and residents from neighboring communities. Over 36% stated that they use the area 1 to 2 times per week, 26% used the location 2 to 5 times per week, and 27% use the area less than once a month. Comments support incorporating basic amenities in the development plan.

68% stated that restrooms are needed
39% supported some basic interpretive signage
71% supported an informational map kiosk

City Council has provided previous direction:

In October 2013, the Flagstaff City Council recommended incorporating approximately 20 acres of City property located at 3620 Schultz Pass Road into the City’s open space program after receiving substantial public input regarding the issue.
From 2014 - 2017 staff worked on annexing the parcel from the County, passing a historic overlay ordinance, and rezoning the parcel from Rural Residential to Public Open Space.
2014 ordinance 2014-22 setting aside and preserving the 20 acres as open space.

2014 ordinance 2014-22 set aside and preserved the 20 acres as open space
In 2017 ordinance 2017-06 annexed Property to the City of Flagstaff
In 2017 ordinance 2017-07 amended the Flagstaff Zoning Map to rezone the Property to Public Open Space and to apply the Land Mark Overlay.
December of 2017 a Title Report was completed
In FY 2018 the Open Space Program received $23,000 in one-time dollars. Due to the complexity of the parcel including flood plain and grade, the FY19 budget process included an additional one-time $75,000, for a total of $98,000. Thus far $7,500 has been spent on an engineering firm to explore preliminary options.

Connection to Council Goal and/or Regional Plan:
Council Goals:
Enhance public transparency and accessibility
Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources
Regional Plan:
Goal OS.1. The region has a system of open lands, such as undeveloped natural areas, wildlife corridors and habitat areas, trails, access to public lands, and greenways to support the natural environment that sustains our quality of life, cultural heritage, and ecosystem health.
Goal LU.3. Continue to enhance the region’s unique sense of place within the urban, suburban, and rural context (Policy LU.3.3).
Goal CC.2. Preserve, restore, and rehabilitate heritage resources to better appreciate our culture.
Goal ED.7. Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff’s unique sense of place as an economic driver.
Goal REC.1. Maintain and grow the region’s healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.

Attachments
Presentation
Survey Results Summary