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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-11 PACKET 10.A.EXCLUSIVE CONTENT MULTI 17M The value of natural play By Gordon Maclntyre The little boy stood on the downslope of the wetted sands staring out at the vast, oblique ocean. He waited for the next wave to crash the shore, planning his escape from its watery grasp at the last possible moment in a game of cat -and- mouse. The wave crept on its belly through the still moving currents, rose up on its haunches and pounced against the awaiting shore with all its playful might. The waters foamed and sizzled, licked their way over the drying sands and then retreated into the arc of the next ascending wave. The little boy rejoiced in the sensation of the water speeding past him as he clambered up the beach, encircling his waist and tugging gently on him as it recoiled. He fell backwards and spun in the fast disappearing shallows of the tide, crying out in deep, gutteral laughter and wondrous excitement. As I watched my youngest son on our recent holiday, I was reminded of the value of this kind of natural play. I was reminded that natural play is nourishment to a child's soul. It is something I recall with great fondness from my own childhood. For me, it was the vacant lot across the road in which we built forts, hurled dirt bombs at each other, and dug pits to trap the wild animals we imagined traversed the grounds. We were adventurers and explorers, huntsmen and herdsmen. COMMUNITY PULSE The vacant lots, the dykes and ditches, the parks, the canyons, the beaches and the forests were the venues where we played and Do today's children spend too much time developed. These were the spaces of our youth, but they offered so indoors? much more than mere play. We developed our senses. We weighed the risks of jumping ditches, observed the phenomena around us, and 1. Yes focused our minds as we designed and constructed ramps, forts and 2. No traps. We also learned to function in groups without an adult structuring our play, or watching over us telling us to use our "inside voices" and to make sure everyone got exactly the same number of turns. But perhaps more important than the social, cognitive, neural and creative development that these natural play spaces offered us, we learned simply to be outside, to appreciate the richness of the outdoors, and to be grounded in the context of something much bigger, more eternal than ourselves. Children today do not play outside as much as even a generation ago. It is a function of the way society, parenting and, therefore, children are developing. As parents, we worry about the boogeyman syndrome, that if we let our children out of our sight, someone will harm them. We worry about the evil in the world and about the safety of children, and so, albeit with good intentions, we restrict them. We don't let them explore on their own. We structure the majority of their time, too often placing our own rules on them, leading their play. And when children are given the freedom to play and explore outside, what do they find? A society that increasingly seeks control and order, and that prohibits forms of natural play. Some municipalities have enacted bylaws to ban road hockey, while others require permits to build tree houses in backyards. Strata councils develop covenants that limit the hours and forms of children's play. All of this is done to protect children, but it has a cultural effect. Children more than ever play indoors and are disconnected from nature and outside, unstructured play. At the same time, children today are also growing up as digital natives. Technology and electronics are as much a part of their world as trees and grass, streams and mountains. This is not an entirely bad thing. Technology offers unprecedented opportunities and tools to enrich children's knowledge, creativity and learning. They are fortunate to have digital access to the world and to develop an understanding of global issues through connected networks hitherto unimagined and unrealized. But have we lost some balance? Given too much screen time, too many children would rather stay indoors and play video games than venture outside. I remember that the worst punishment a teacher could give us was to keep us inside at lunch. It never ceases to amaze me nowadays how many children simply prefer to stay inside given a choice. We have gone wrong somewhere if children are disconnected from nature. This is why experiential programs at Mulgrave like outdoor education, field trips, service learning and camps are so critical to balancing the education of children and to enriching it. As author Richard Louv writes, "Modern life narrows the senses until our focus is mostly visual... By contrast, nature accentuates all the senses, and the senses are a child's first line of self- defense.... Play in nature may instill instinctual confidence" (Louv, 2005, p. 180). There is a strong body of research that shows children who spend time in nature and green spaces develop better cognitive skills and motor coordination, show greater creativity and increased attention control, and experience less stress (Louv, 2005). Natural and green play spaces also allow children to lead through language skills, imagination and inventiveness. Artificial play spaces, on the contrary, do not offer these same benefits. Stress levels are higher and cognitive capacities less engaged, while children will determine their social hierarchy almost exclusively on the basis of physical competencies. We ought to be concerned about the place of nature, play -based learning and experiential education in schools. The value of these elements to the social - emotional, physical and cognitive development of our children is critical. Children play outside less today than in the past, but we can do something about that. We are fortunate on the North Shore to live in the cradle of nature. We have the ocean, the mountains, the forests and beaches at our doorstep. We can do our children a great service by taking them on nature walks, letting them explore streams and creeks, plunk rocks in the water, dig in the dirt or sand, and generally mess about in nature. It is good for their minds and bodies, and for their souls. It centres them, allows them to regenerate, and hopefully instills in them an appreciation for nature that will lead to environmental stewardship in the future. If we can model an appreciation for natural, unstructured play, then our children will benefit. It will be everyone's gain. Gordon Maclntyre is the deputy head of school at Mulgrave School in West Vancouver, B. C. His responsibilities include the learning of students ages 3 -4, enrolled in the Early Learning Centre. I SINGE 1864 State of California Resources Agency AN ELEMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNING PROGRAM The preparation of this study was financed in part through a planning grant from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, under the provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 (Public Law 88 -578, as amended). The report is an element of the California Outdoor Recreation Planning Program, formulated under the provisions of Chapter 5099 of the California Public Resources Code. © 2005 California State Parks. All rights reserved. For more information or additional copies contact: California State Parks Planning Division P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, California 94296 -0001 (916) 653 -9901, Fax (916) 653 -4458 or see www.parks.ca.gov /planning California State Parks does not discriminate against people with disabilities. To use the California TTY Relay Service, call 711, TTY relay service. This publication is available in alternative formats by contacting the Planning Division at (916) 653 -9901 or visiting www.parks. ca.gov /planning. Photo Credits: Courtesy of California State Parks: lower three images on the front cover and pages 7, 15, 17, and 18. Courtesy of California Tourism: pages 1, 13, and 14. Courtesy of John Woodbury, Bay Area Open Space Council: pages 2 and 16. Courtesy of Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association: pages 4 and 10. Upper image on the front cover and images on pages 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12 are from PhotoDisc 28. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor State of California • The Resources Agency DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION - P.O. Box 942896 • Sacramento, CA 94296.0001 Ruth G. Coleman, Director 0 Date: May 13, 2005 Subject: Park and Recreation "Trends in California There can be little question that Californians have a love of fitir with the great outdoors. Their pursuit of High - quality outdoor recreation experiences is unrelenting. As urbanized as the state has become, Californians still think of themselves as active, dynamic, out -of -doors people. With a mild climate, long coastline, spectacular scenery, and highly diverse landscapes, Californians are blessed with outdoor recreation activities that are varied and numerous. Er•om neighborhood playgrounds to national icons, Californians have many parks, recreation areas, programs, and services from which to choose. By no means, thortgh, should this harmonious situation cause service providers or decision makers to be complacent. As noted in this report, changes in the size and structure of California's population, changing participation patterns, and shifts in recreation styles and preferences will have a dramatic effect on the adequacy of • existing park and recreation services. This report examines the treads trffectingparks, recreation areas, programs, and services. By understanding these trends, providers Barr conduct needs assessments, analyze market demands and niches, and identify programs that are likely to be successfrtl. Understanding the likely direction of these trends will enable providers to adjust to the types and kinds of park and outdoor recreation settings that are needed, the facilities and programs that will likely be supported, and the appropriate levels ofservices to be provided. Ultimately, understanding current and future treads allows service providers to better position their activities to respond to market changes and to secure greater support. Dr: Bmilyrr Sheffielel Chairperson of the Department of Re and Parks Management at California State University, Chico prepared this report. Dr: Sheffield is widely recognized as one ks of Cali for•rria's pr•eernineiit park and recreation • frttitrists. Staff err the California State P r Planning Division contributed to the development of the report. The report is presented as a part of State Parks' ongoing support to service providers. Ruth G. Coleman, Director This page intentionally left blank. Park and Recreation Trends in California Introduction alifornians have a long- running love affair with the great outdoors. From neighborhood parks to national icons, they can select from hundreds of parks and public lands and thousands of outdoor recreation experiences. But growth is looming large in California with the population aging and becoming more diverse. The impact of these trends on outdoor recreation is the subject of this report. Population —The Driving Force Changes in the size and composition of California's population, more than anything else, will drive the impacts on the delivery of park and recreation services in the coming years. Since gold was discovered in 1848, sparking the greatest peacetime migration in history, California has been growing rapidly. In the first 150 years of statehood, California grew from fewer than 100,000 citizens in 1850 to almost 34 million in 2000.' Between 1950 and 2000 alone, California's population increased by 200 %. Currently, one in eight U.S. residents calls California home. If California continues to add nearly 500,000 persons each year, by 2012, the population could easily exceed 40 million. The 50- million mark will be passed sometime between 2030 and 2040 if current growth rates persist.' Population and Demographic Trends to Watch An understanding of trends and their most likely implications is essential as the population increases and the rate of demographic change accelerates. Park and recreation professionals are working hard to respond to changes in patterns of population growth and changing recreation activities and preferences. Understanding the most likely direction of change may enable providers to position their services and respond more quickly to market changes. The interactions of several changes will have dramatic impacts on California recreation and park service providers: • California's population will approach 50 million before 2040. • Californias population is becoming more culturally and racially diverse. • California's senior population will double by 2020. • California's baby boomers are approaching retirement age. • California's 18 -40 year -old young adults are creating new ways to experience the great outdoors. • California's K -12 children will accelerate the rate of change. Changes in the size and composition of California's population, more than anything else, will drive the impacts on the delivery of park and recreation services in the coming years. 1 Lands not acquired now may be unavailable or prohibitively costly in the near future. California's population will approach 50 million before 2040. California is projected to add between 425,000 and 525,000 persons annually through 2030. For comparison, this is like adding a city about the size of Sacramento every year. Sometime between 2030 and 2040, California is projected to have more than 50 million residents. Compared to the 2000 census figures, this increase represents an additional 16 million people or the current population of California's three largest counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange. Providing housing, jobs, roads, and other public infrastructure for this growth will make land more scarce and costly. It will also impact open spaces and natural resources, especially near urban areas. The expanding transportation infrastructure, particularly for mass transit and freeways, will be challenging and expensive. Californians prefer to travel in their personal vehicles and their equally entrenched commitment to solo commuting remains unchanged despite increasing travel times and crowded roadways. Lands not acquired now may be unavailable or prohibitively costly in the near future. With this level of growth, even activities with static or declining rates of participation will grow in absolute terms because there will be more Californians to participate. California's population is becoming more culturally and racially diverse. Part of California's complexity lies in the diversity of its population. California, currently 12% of the entire U.S. population, is also home to varying percentages of the total U.S. population of several racial and ethnic groups:' • 36.1% of the U.S. Asian American population • 31.1% of the U.S. Hispanic or Latino population • 29.3% of U.S. Native Hawaiians /Pacific Islanders • 23.6% of all persons choosing "Two or More" races in the 2000 census • 13.5% of the U.S. American Indian/Alaska Native population • 9.5% of the U.S. White population • 6.5% of the U.S. Black population The proportions of California's ethnic and racial groups will continue to change through 2020 and beyond. California's Hispanic population is projected to comprise 43% of the state's population by 2030. Between 2000 and 2020, population increases are projected for several racial and ethnic groups:' • A 58% increase in Hispanics • A 55% increase in Asian /Pacific Islanders • A 29% increase in Native Americans • A 20% increase in African Americans • A 4% increase in persons of European descent 2 Another important element of California's rich racial and ethnic diversity involves the country of birth. California leads the nation in the number of foreign -born people living in the state. Nationally, 11% were born outside the United States; in California, that percentage climbs to 26 %. More than 50% of Californias foreign -born came from Mexico and 33% came from Asian countries.' A remarkable 37% of California's foreign -born have arrived since 1990, making California a large and important center for recent immigrants. Many of these recent immigrants have limited experience with the ready availability of outdoor recreation and public lands. Ways to encourage Californians to become users of and advocates for parks and recreation should be developed. California's seniorpopulation will double by 2020. Californias senior population, those 60 and older, will "increase by 112% during the period between 1990 and 2020. " More than half of Californias counties, many in central and southern California, will see their senior populations double. 13 The oldest, those 85 and older, will increase at an even faster rate. From 2030 to 2040, as the baby boomers begin reaching 85 years of age, the influence of these elders will be its strongest. With additional California seniors will come the need for more senior programs and facilities. Additional mobility enhancements will be needed to ensure their independence and access to outdoor experiences. The increase in senior adults is being fueled, in part, by baby boomers approaching retirement. These boomers will transform aging and the meaning of social services for senior adults. Generally healthier and more active than any previous generation of seniors, these elders will continue seeking engaging outdoor recreation experiences. California's baby boomers are approaching retirement age. Every institution has been influenced by the generation known as the baby boom. The leading edge of Californias baby boom is nearing 60, and the trailing edge of this group turned 40 in 2004. This, the largest generation ever, is fast approaching its golden years with an appetite for adventure and an aversion to slowing down. For California boomers, the outdoors has been an important extension of the California lifestyle, and they are likely to carry this attitude forward into retirement. The older portion of the baby boom is anticipating a satisfying and experience - filled leisure lifestyle. With children starting careers or college, their trailing counterparts are approaching their prime years in terms of workforce and political involvement. This generation, born and bred in prosperity, is looking for an amenity-rich and meaningful outdoor recreation experience, increasing the need for programs, facilities, and infrastructure. Boomer seniors will be drawn to conservation and heritage causes, adding much - needed capacity to California's citizen- steward ranks. They will travel extensively and participate in A remarkable 37% of California's foreign -born have arrived since 1990, making California a large and important center for recent immigrants." 3 "Diversity marks our state population and immigration shapes our state".' record numbers in second -home and RV ownership. They will assemble vast collections of digital equipment and motorized and mechanized outdoor recreation gear. r Baby boomers, born and bred in prosperity, are looking for an amenity -rich and meaningful outdoor recreation experience, increasing the need for programs, facilities, and infrastructure, California's 18 -40 year -old young adults are creating new ways to experience the great outdoors. The self - reliant young adults who ushered in the digital revolution continue to probe its frontier. Technologically fluent and well educated, these young professionals are comfortable with change and cultural diversity. They are well attuned to the global nature of life in the 21st century. Electing to marry later or not at all, and post- poning children and home purchases, many are enjoying an extended period of freedom from many of the traditional rites of passage. Consequently, they are remaining friend and group oriented longer than their predecessors. Fun, broadly defined, is essential. In terms of recreation and leisure, they �F view travel as a right and often seek experiences rather than acquisitions. Into extreme sports and adventure recreation, these young adults are constantly on the move and looking for the next source of excitement. They came of age during the digital revolution and during a period of rapid expansion of muscle- powered outdoor recreation (e.g., mountain bik- ing, kayaking). Attuned to the rapid speed of change, many of their leisure choices involve technology. Seeking a balance between work and leisure, they generally choose recreation that involves day -trips and often includes multiple activities in one excursion. New and better equipment enables them to go farther more quickly than ever before. 7M California's K -12 children will accelerate the rate of change. Almost 40% of Californias households include children under the age of 18. The annual number of incoming school -aged children has remained fairly steady, except for an increase in the early 1990s that is now bolstering middle school enrollments and increasing the need for after - school child care programs. These younger Californians are more ethnically and culturally diverse than any of their predecessors, further accelerating the rate of change in the state. Today's youth are the most urban of any generation. Nearly three - fourths of California's elementary and secondary students live in only 10 of California's 58 counties. Five southern California counties have 56% of all K -12 school -aged children. Riverside County has the distinction of being one of the largest K -12 counties in terms of enrollment as well as one of the fastest growing. San Benito, Placer, and Madera counties are three other California counties with fast - growing enrollments. While there are certainly more recreation and leisure alternatives available to today's youth than ever before, many are sedentary or solitary in nature. For the social and heath - related benefits of outdoor recreation to accrue for these generations of children and youth, access to outdoor recreation must be available and involvement modeled and encouraged. Where K -12 enrollments are robust, there will be 4 increasing need for outdoor recreation facilities and programs to ensure that new generations have access to and skills for enriching outdoor recreation experiences. i Demographic projections suggest large increases at either end of the f lifespan, with many new Californians from immigration and births, and an increasing number of older Californians. Families with children, youth, and senior adults are large markets for park and recreation service providers, so increases in these segments of the population will increase demand for recreation and leisure services. These important user groups will grow throughout the state but will be concentrated in the urban areas of southern and central California. The Good Life — California's Outdoor Recreation Lifestyle l Outdoor recreation is as much a part of California as the l coastline, forests, valleys, lakes, rivers, and mountains that shape the state. To ensure the best possible match between the demand for outdoor recreation and the supply of outdoor recreation opportunities, many well - designed studies to chart Californias outdoor recreation patterns and preferences through the years have been commissioned. The most recent, Public Opinions and Attitudes on Outdoor Recreation in California 2002: An Element of the California. Outdoor Recreation Plan, provides an important snapshot of contemporary outdoor recreation in California." Other datasets include additional information about recreation in California and the western United States. From this body of research, an outdoor recreation profile for California emerges with these key elements: r -~ • Californians are avid and active outdoor recreation enthusiasts. • Californians look to their outdoor recreation pursuits for f relaxation and natural values. • Californians differ in their participation patterns and outdoor j i recreation styles. � • Californians are using advances in technology and transportation to expand their outdoor recreation opportunities. f • Californians will continue their love affair with the great { outdoors into the foreseeable future. Californians are avid and active outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Californians are active outdoor enthusiasts with 65.5% to 92% reporting participation in the most popular outdoor recreation activities. In 2002, the top 10 adult or family outdoor activities were walking, driving for pleasure, visiting historic sites, attending cultural events, beach /pool activities, visiting museums, picnicking at developed sites, wildlife viewing, trail hiking, and using open turf areas. Annually, average participation days ranged from more than 100 for walking to about 7.5 for visiting museums." 5 California's youth reported similar outdoor recreation involvement, albeit with increased participation in water- related recreation. They reported walking for fun and fitness most often and engaged in walking more often than any other outdoor recreation activity. The next three most common outdoor recreation activities were all water related: pool swimming, visiting water sites, and beach activities. Rounding out the top ten youth outdoor recreation activities were visiting outdoor nature centers, outdoor cultural events, and historic /cultural sites, followed by picnicking, biking on paved surfaces, and playing on open turf areas. Due to the small sample size, these data are best interpreted as trend data, but they indicate areas of interest and possible future growth. Typically, these favored outdoor recreation activities do not require specialized equipment or training and are available at low cost throughout the year. Some require a sizeable investment of public resources in terms of facilities and public safety. If the number of participants and the number of times they participate are measures of popularity, the most popular outdoor recreation activities for Californians and California youth appear in the box below: All Californians Walking for fun /fitness Driving for pleasure Wildlife viewing Trail hiking Using open turf areas Bicycling on paved surfaces Pool sw im mi ng, beach activities Using open turf areas California Youth Walking for fun /fitness Pool swimming Beaches, surf play Visiting non -beach water sites The vast majority of Californians visit parks and public lands. When asked to compare their 1997 and 2002 levels of outdoor recreation involvement, most reported equal or greater amounts of time devoted to outdoor recreation. When respondents reported less involvement in outdoor recreation activities, work schedule was the most frequently mentioned barrier. Most of the factors that led to decreased participation were beyond the managerial control of park and recreation agencies. The most commonly reported barriers that could be controlled by agencies were security and facilities related. Some respondents reported reducing their levels of participation due to safety concerns and the lack of facilities specific to their interests. Californians look to their outdoor recreation pursuits for relaxation and natural values. Public park and recreation programs, facilities, and lands play an important role in connecting people to nature and to each other. As part of the 2002 Public Attitudes and Opinions Survey, Californians were asked to identify the primary benefits and values of their outdoor 6 recreation experiences. More than 50% of the respondents identified these factors as very important to their enjoyment of outdoor recreation: • Being able to relax • Feeling safe and secure • Being in the outdoors • The beauty of the area • Getting away from crowded situations • Releasing or reducing tension • The quality of the natural setting • Being with family and friends • Doing something that children enjoy • Having a change from the daily routine • Keeping fit and healthy Californians differ in their participation patterns and outdoor recreation styles. Despite the generally positive status of outdoor recreation as part of the California lifestyle, not all Californians are involved in outdoor recreation to the same degree. Until recently, the concepts of race, ethnicity, and immigration status were seldom the subject of outdoor recreation research. When these variables have been investigated, there appear to be ethnic and racial differences in both outdoor recreation participation and outdoor recreation style. While it is beyond the scope of this brief report to present an exhaustive summary, Myron Floy&s review of 40 years of research across all levels of outdoor recreation identifies several consistencies : • Non - Hispanic whites are consistently over represented in most types of outdoor recreation, and African Americans are consistently the most under represented of all ethnic and racial groups in outdoor recreation. • Racial and ethnic variation in outdoor recreation exists, although the variation is much less pronounced at the local level, in highly developed outdoor recreation settings, and for high - volume outdoor recreation pursuits like picnicking, sightseeing, and walking. Floyd concludes that differences in outdoor recreation involvement may stem from cultural norms and values, as well as socio- economic status. He notes, though, that the role of discrimination has not been systematically addressed in the research' Hispanics, due to their rapid growth in California, will greatly influence recreation participation patterns." For most measures, Hispanic respondents were more similar than different from non - Hispanic respondents in the 2002 Public Opinions and Attitudes Survey. But in several important areas, their responses were statistically different from the non- Hispanic respondents. Hispanics were far more likely to report Being able to relax in a safe and secure outdoor setting and enjoying the beauty of an area are the top factors that lead to outdoor recreation enjoyment." 7 .id not feel safe using outdoor parks. They were more likely to local parks were needed near them or in urban areas and that ide recreation areas were needed. Hispanic respondents were more supportive of buying more parkland and open space for recreation purposes. Finally, activities that a significanly larger percentage of Hispanics said they would do more often if opportunities were available, and for which they would support government spending, included walking for fitness and fun, driving for pleasure, and field sports (e.g., soccer, football, rugby, softball, and baseball) 16 1 While there are clearly racial and ethnic differences in outdoor recreation involvement, it is important to remember that there is also tremendous variation within groups. Further, there are high levels of involvement in many outdoor recreation activities by all Californians. Also, as Deborah J. Chavez points out, low frequency of involvement does not mean low intensity of involvement. 17 Outdoor recreation opportunities are important to millions of Californians. Understanding recreation style, or how people recreate outdoors, rather than percentage of involvement, enables recreation planners and policymakers to more effectively serve people who do come to outdoor recreation sites. California's large and growing Hispanic population has been the focus of most of the recreation -style research conducted in California. Ten years of research of the southern California wildlands managed by the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management" and the most recent Public Opinions and Attitudes Survey confirm the following features of Hispanic outdoor recreationists. Hispanic outdoor recreation participants often • prefer to recreate in larger groups and prefer forested sites with water features and amenities to support a day -long, extended - family social outing with extensive on -site meal preparation; • are interested in an outdoor experience with a strong social recreation component, such as facilities and programs that involve families, programs for children and youth, and family - oriented entertainment events and festivals; • identify stress relief and having a good family experience as the most important features of a satisfying outdoor recreation excursion; • enjoy picnicking, day hiking, camping, and large family - gatherings in outdoor settings; 8 • respond to interpersonal communication from multilingual and culturally diverse staff. Only a few studies have investigated the outdoor recreation patterns and preferences of immigrants. Most have focused on cultural assimilation or the degree to which immigrants adopt the patterns of the dominant culture. Floyd summarizes some of the trend findings as follows : • First generation immigrants are more likely to recreate with immediate and extended family groups; second and subsequent generations are more likely to recreate in friendship rather than kinship groups. • For immigrants, recreation appears to preserve cultural heritage and traditions. • For Hispanics, the emphasis on family endures, with many Hispanic respondents continuing to retain traditional Hispanic family values regardless of how long they have lived in the United States. For many natural resource agencies, outdoor recreation is an important, but by no means singular, agency goal. In an era of well- documented needs and preferences and declining resources, increasing numbers and greater variation will challenge planners and managers to serve people's needs while maintaining consistency with the mission and goals of the agency. As the diversity and size of California's population increases and the urban - wildland interface expands, it will become even more important to understand similarities and differences in outdoor recreation participation and style, and the associated implications for planning outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Californians are using advances in technology and transportation to expand their outdoor recreation opportunities. Californians love personal vehicles and outdoor recreation gear. They use both to expand their outdoor recreation opportunities. Californian expansive road system provides access to far -flung destinations, and vehicles of every imaginable size and shape routinely hit the road in search of scenic vistas or active adventures. Once Californians arrive at their destinations, they set off on muscle- powered, mechanized, or motorized outdoor recreation equipment for further adventures and exploration. All- terrain equipment and navigational aids (e.g., Global Positioning System units, customized digital mapping software, and cellular phones) allow more people to go farther faster than ever before. All this equipment -aided outdoor recreation is costly to the consumer and to service providers. Though pursued in natural places, mechanized and motorized outdoor recreation, in particular, require infrastructure in the form of trails and staging areas. They also require a different style of management for visitor safety, noise, user conflicts, and environmental disturbance. This is a growing area of outdoor recreation and a cause of user conflict and managerial concern. Many Hispanic outdoor recreationists continue to retain traditional Hispanic family values regardless of how long they have lived in the United States. 9 l i Californians also pioneered the digital revolution that brought personal computers and the Internet within the reach of millions of l `= Californians in their homes, gathering places, or worksites. California ' led the way on information delivered via the Web. In the relatively short decade since the widespread availability of the Internet, almost all outdoor recreation providers have added an Internet component to their communication and information efforts. The Internet has increased access to information about opportunities for outdoor recreation. Information, in much greater detail than previously imaginable, is now available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. People make virtual visits to public lands and purchase maps, books, and information materials via the Web. New forms of outdoor recreation will be created, enabled, or promoted to communities of interest that know no geographic boundaries via the Internet. Geocaching, a high -tech adventure game that uses GPS technology and clues to ay locate hidden objects, is merely one of many such innovative • mergers of the Internet and outdoor recreation. .� Public land management has become highly visible through a the Internet. Consequently, more people are learning about and commenting on outdoor recreation concerns on public lands. Managerial documents are posted for public review and comment. Far -flung digital communities are augmenting ,! face -to -face interactions with local interests. With the speed of an Email, advocacy groups are mobilized, and information is circulated in expanding, loosely knit circles. Combined, these forces make public land management more visible as they increase and accelerate the expectations of the public. Californians will continue their love affair with the great outdoors into the foreseeable future. Based on demographic changes and recent participation patterns, it is likely that Californians will continue their outdoor recreation involvement into the foreseeable future, albeit in some new and different ways. Mostly, though, the short -range future of five to seven years will be more similar than different from the immediate past. Some outdoor recreation activities, already enjoyed by millions of Californians, are likely to increase along with the state's population. These activities can be enjoyed with minimal equipment. Many have a strong social recreation aspect, and the entire family can participate. Further, in most, participants of widely ranging skill lev- els or interests can find satisfaction in their pursuits. Even those with flat or slightly negative changes in the percentage of participants will grow due to increases in California's population. Look for these perennial favorites to continue to dominate the future of outdoor recreation: 10 • Walking • Picnicking and family gatherings in the outdoors • Swimming (e.g., pools, lakes, streams) • Developed camping • Visiting beaches • Sightseeing • Outdoor sports events and concerts • Visiting nature centers and historic sites Other forms of outdoor recreation in California bear watching because they are growing quickly and already have millions of enthusiasts. If growth rates continue, day hiking, bicycling (including mountain biking), running, and wildlife viewing may join the list of perennial favorites as the mega- outdoor recreation activities of California. The outlook for other forms of outdoor recreation is also bright. Many of these activities are high cost, very specialized, or require specialized settings for participation. Despite these logistical challenges, they still inspire passionate participation. They also bear watching because some are fairly new forms of outdoor recreation, and their staying power and sustainability have yet to be determined. They are presented in alphabetical order due to varying participation figures and rates of growth that make other listing strategies potentially misleading: • Backpacking • Canoeing • Caving • Cold -water fishing • Football • Golf • Horseback riding • Kayaking • Mountain climbing • Off -road driving • Outdoor handball /racquetball • Outdoor ice - skating • Outdoor tennis • Personal watercraft • Salt -water fishing • Snowboarding • Snowmobiling • Soccer Outdoor recreation stalwarts like walking, picnicking, family gatherings, visiting nature centers, attending outdoor concerts, developed camping, and swimming will continue to be the major types of outdoor recreation into the future. 11 . Surfing • Visiting archeological sites • Warm -water fishing The Future of Outdoor Recreation in the Golden State The context for recreation has changed dramatically in the past 50 years, growing steadily in importance as a component of life satisfaction. There has also been growing recognition of the economic significance of recreation and tourism. Across the length and breadth of California, there is some type of outdoor recreation opportunity for every demographic and psychographic profile. From tot -lots to senior centers, wilderness solitude to boisterous team playing fields, picnic sites and campgrounds to heritage sites and castles, California really does have something for everyone. Californians embrace outdoor recreation and believe that it improves the quality of their lives. They are generally pleased with the availability of outdoor recreation opportunities within their local communities and within the state. Californians enjoy outdoor recreation and will continue to engage in a wide array of outdoor recreation activities. Walking will remain the most popular outdoor recreation activity. Driving for pleasure, visiting historic sites, attending cultural events, beach /pool activities, visiting museums, picnicking at developed sites, wildlife - related recreation, trail hiking, and using open turf areas will continue to be popular outdoor recreation activities. Wildlife viewing, day hiking, and cycling will continue to grow. Based on data from a wide variety of sources, outdoor recreation activities with learningcomponents, trail - related outdoor recreation, and water recreation will increase. Muscle- powered, mechanized, and motorized recreation, often augmented with navigational equipment, will continue to grow. This optimistic picture of outdoor recreation needs to be interpreted with caution, for there are other similarly well- designed studies that report increases in obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and reduced involvement in sports and outdoor recreation by young people. But for those persons interested in planning recreation and leisure experiences, the future of outdoor recreation will include participants with greater ranges of ages, lifestyles, skill levels, economic means, and ethnic and racial variation. They will seek more educational experiences, more amenities, and more value for their precious hours of leisure time. More media savvy than ever before, these outdoor enthusiasts will expect instantaneous information about specialized and customized experiences. Taken together, these trends suggest a future where outdoor recreation becomes more augmented, extreme, and amenity laden. Having said this, Californians are not likely to want to pay for their interests through 12 higher taxes or higher use fees, though the public's early reaction to the recent budget- induced fee increases at California State Parks has been generally supportive. Further, when citizens are faced with more extreme management actions (e.g., closures, reduced services), they may become more motivated to take supportive action. Implications for the Future With growth looming large, service providers and policymakers cannot be complacent, or Californias envied lifestyle may be diminished. The primary task confronting planners throughout California is the sheer magnitude of Californias growth. There will be many more people, straining all social systems. The expanding population will need additional spaces and places for recreation and the associated infrastructure necessary to provide the individual, social, and community- building benefits of recreation and public space. Beyond the simple increase in population size, California will become more diverse. Already the most ethnically diverse state in the United States, California will be home to a greater range of lifestyles and family groups than ever before. The very notion of family, an important segment for community and commercial recreation, will expand to a wider range of caregiver, friendship, and kinship patterns. Further, the age and linguistic range as well as varying levels of ability and mobility will also challengerecreation and park planners to provide access and opportunities for more diverse users and uses. All current providers in the outdoor recreation system and many new partners will be needed to ensure an adequate array of outdoor recreation opportunities for a large and growing population. As the population of California increases, competition for the remaining open space will be particularly acute along the interstate corridors; in the five southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino; in the Central Valley; and along the western face of the Sierra Nevada. People will continue to flock to recreate at beaches, rivers, and lakes, finite natural resources at best. New partnerships and resources are needed to acquire lands now before they are permanently lost to development or escalating land costs. People continue to express a visual and emotional preference for pristine open spaces, but they are more likely to visit developed nature - oriented parks with amenities that enhance their recreation experiences. People want access to water recreation, campgrounds, trails, and comfortable amenities. More amenity-rich campgrounds and RV parks are needed to meet the growing demand for overnight accommodations. Many of the recreation facilities in California are nearing the end of their use cycles. Two recent bond issues provided infrastructure and facility funding, but the need far exceeds the available resources. With growth looming large, service providers and policymakers cannot be complacent or California's envied lifestyle may be diminished. 13 ig pools and water parks represent popular recreation features, y issues and maintenance expenses work against expansion to meet demand. The current practice of building specialized will be augmented with large, multipurpose "megafacilities" to provide extended leisure experiences for all types of ity members. ided network of trails is needed to connect parks and green good trails network responds to and distributes demand by providing safe ways for people to get to recreation features. For people unfamiliar with an area, trails serve an itinerary function leading hikers, bikers, boarders, runners, walkers, and equestrians to their destinations. Trails encourage cooperation because they often cross jurisdictions and boundaries. Trails are an important magnet for citizen involvement, civic engagement, and social capital, adding value beyond their fitness and stress - reducing benefits. Significant funding is available to develop community and agency trail networks, and trail advocates and planners envision a system of trails to connect public spaces across the California landscape. With a growing urban population and crowded staging areas, more attention must be given to mass transportation and the siting of outdoor recreation areas and access points. more closely with transportation planners and authorities can enable all Californians affordable access to their outdoor recreation heritage. Recreation programming will continue to be important. Fitness, sports, positive recreation and leisure activities, and acquisition of life skills will be the primary goals for youth - oriented programming. Local parks and recreation departments, already very large after - school care providers in California, will continue to offer much - needed safe and supervised settings for children and youth. As the population ages, all levels of the recreation and leisure services system will see more participation by older and healthier adults. For senior adults, fitness, mobility, social connections, and cognitive capacity will be the recreation program goals. For immigrants, skill acquisition, civic engagement, and the maintenance of cultural traditions will be important outcomes. Sports programs, regardless of participant profile, will continue to focus on skills, competition, fair play, and teamwork. Special event outcomes will include economic development, civic pride, and cultural understanding. As the new century continues to unfold, there will be many new partners in recreation service delivery. More educational and skill- acquisition programming as well as more interpretive and environmental education programs will help participants understand the relationship between humans and their natural and cultural heritage. 14 Special interest groups, nonprofit organizations and associations, and community -based organizations will develop programs to advance their missions and serve their members. Private and public sector recreation providers can work _ closely with these community and nonprofit partners to usher a new generation of residents and citizens into the mainstream of American life and leisure. Outdoor recreation is a cherished part of the California lifestyle and will remain so for the foreseeable future. As the population of California evolves and changes, there will be many new supporters and advocates for outdoor recreation and unlimited opportunities for partners to contribute to Californians' high quality of life. Working together, cooperation and partnerships between public, private, and nongovernmental service providers can ensure a seamless system of outdoor recreation opportunities and experiences for all Californians. 15 Postscript The California State Parks Planning Division encouraged me to add a postscript ofimpressions about the fitture ofoutdoor recreation in California. These impressions appear as observations and occasional expressions of optimism. EAS California became a national economic engine and an international icon based on its rich natural resources and the optimistic and creative people irresistibly drawn to share in her bounty. California is still a bellwether for population growth and change, outdoor recreation activities, and concerns about the environment. In addition to being the most populated state, California also has the greatest range of geographic, human, and natural diversity in the nation. Californians will continue to set the tone for outdoor recreation in the United States and, by extension, the rest of the world. Traditional sightseeing and outdoor recreation activities such as walking, picnicking, camping, fishing, and hiking have been augmented by a widening array of new forms of outdoor recreation. Muscle- powered adventure recreation, cultural heritage exploration, motorized recreation, and nature -based educational excursions are merely four examples of new types of outdoor recreation. The market for outdoor recreation experiences appears to be changing. If we do not change our way of managing outdoor recreation, we risk irrelevance and erosion of public support. Baby boomers and older adults want more amenities and improved access. Younger adults want more immediate and lively information and access. Many are reluctant to leave their digital communication devices behind or go where coverage is limited. Almost all urban adjacent wildlands that allow public access are becoming urban or suburban parks (e.g., places to picnic and gather with friends, engage in active outdoor recreation, or relax and socialize). and bounded resources. Technology continues to remove physical work from our lives and from our outdoor recreation experiences, increasing access and changing user groups. As a consequence, people will seek more physically demanding outdoor recreation and, at the same time, go farther faster via motorized and mechanized means. New and improved infrastructure will be needed to support these outdoor recreation pursuits. Recreation has become more important, especially to personal identity, social groups, and community livability. We must work together to i ensure the best fit between supply and demand while realizing that our efforts will often be conflicted and contentious. We will continue to be torn between trying to keep up with the demand for traditional, high- volume outdoor recreation spurred by population growth and the 16 As California's population approaches 50 million people recreation and leisure service providers must plan for a time of unbounded expectations needs of new and emerging users and user groups. Many of these new groups are very highly organized, though their overall participant numbers are much smaller than the outdoor recreation stalwarts. Further, these new groups seem more likely to define them- selves in terms of their outdoor recreation pursuits. They want access to a finite and increasingly scarce supply of outdoor recreation opportunities, and their chosen forms of outdoor recreation are often perceived to be in conflict with the perceptions of existing users or leisure service managers. Managing demand and resolving conflicts will be an ever - increasing component of our jobs. Despite changes, several constants remain. There is an enduring connection between humans and natural environments. In today's fast -paced and technology -aided society, this longing expresses itself as a desire to find a change of pace and a place to refresh, recharge, and renew. But we are social creatures, and there is also a desire to be with friends and family. And so we flock to parks and public places with the two things we cherish most—our loved ones and our free time. Despite great variation in the ways that people seek to interact with each other in natural environments, their reasons for doing so are remarkably uniform. When asked, people consistently report that they seek outdoor recreation experiences to have fun, relax, and be with family and friends. They want to experience nature, get exercise, reduce stress, and enjoy better health. So while people have more choices for and more diverse styles of outdoor recreation, the benefits they seek are fundamentally unchanged. That means that we, as professionals, can focus our attention on how their respective definitions of fun, relaxation, and family are being expanded or redefined and adjust our systems and processes to continue to facilitate their desired outcomes. Consequently, we need to keep recreation family friendly, but define family more broadly. As leisure service providers, we increasingly facilitate the "threshold experiences" for youth in sports and outdoor recreation through leagues, clubs, events, and organizations. It is essential for us to ensure equitable access to these important systems so that youth and young adults have opportunities to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in outdoor recreation safely and with a high degree of satisfaction. Leisure service providers can best influence a positive future for California by being means to good ends and by using our collective ability to facilitate these desired "ends" through public lands. While Opportunities to connect with loved ones, celebrate our heritage, reconnect with nature, and engage in physically active recreation abound as do opportunities for less physically demanding but equally important spiritual and artistic forms of individual and cultural expression. 17 innumerable "good ends" from which to select, three — healthy tents, healthy citizens, and healthy societies will have the greatest n all Californians. st readily achievable "good end" is a healthy environment. The health of the land, air, and water that sustain us will be a primary issue in coming years as the population continues to increase. Clean water flows from and is filtered by public lands and open space. Trees and other vegetation help cleanse the air. Wildlife need habitat and corridors to keep their populations strong. Public parks and lands make essential contributions to environmental health. A healthy citizenry is another "good end" of public lands. Opportunities to connect with loved ones, celebrate our heritage, reconnect with nature, and engage in physically active recreation abound as do opportunities for less physically demanding but equally important spiritual and artistic forms of individual and cultural expression. The last category, healthy society, is a less apparent "good end" and merits a note of explanation. In an age that is increasingly fragmented, segmented, and encouraged to view itself and its members in terms of isolation, our civic spaces, systems, and programs must mold a common good from an increasingly diverse citizenry. Leisure service professionals have many important contributions to make to the essential end of a healthy society. Perhaps the most important is to provide a support system for the renewal of civic engagement and volunteerism. Collectively the park and recreation professionals of California are stewards of rich and varied natural and cultural resources. They are the custodians of cherished places that are visually spectacular, economically vital, ecologically critical, culturally significant, recreationally active and emotionally profound —the places of the heart and spirit that define our highest aspirations and values. 18 Endnotes 1. State of California. Department of Finance. (2002, August). Census 2000 California Profile. 2. SCDE (2002). 3. State of California. Department of Finance. (2004, May). Population Projections by Race /Ethnicity, Gender and Age for California and Its Counties 2000 -2050. Sacramento, California. 4. SCDE (2004). 5. SCDE (2002). 6. California Department of Parks and Recreation Planning Division. (2002). The State Park System Plan 2002, Part 1: A System for the Future. 7. CDPRPD. (2002). Citing U.S. Census data, 2000, p. 6. 8. California Association of Adult Day Services. Retrieved from CAADS web site on March 8, 2004: http: //Nvww.caads.org /Itcdata /statewide- overvieNv.htm 9. SCDE. (2002). 10. SCDE (2002). 11. SCDE (2002). 12. State of California. Department of Aging. Statistics and Demographics. Retrieved from Department of Aging web site May 17, 2005: http: //Nvww. aging. ca. gov /html /stats /demographics.html 13. SCDA. 14. SCDA. 15. State of California Department of Finance. (2003, October). California Public K -12 Enrollment and High School Graduate Projections by County, 003 Series. Sacramento, California. 16. California Department of Parks and Recreation. (2003, December). Public Opinions and Attitudes on Outdoor Recreation in California -2002: An Element of the California Outdoor Recreation Plan. 17. CDPR. (2003). 18. CDPR. (2003). 19. CDPR. (2003). 20. CDPR. (2003). 21. CDPR. (2003). 22. CDPR. (2003). 23. Floyd, Myron. (1999). "Race, Ethnicity and Use of the National Park System." Social Science Research Review. Vol. 1, No. 2. 24. Floyd. (1999). 25. CDPR. (2003). 26. CDPR. (2003). 27. Chavez, Deborah J. (2001, January). Managing Outdoor Recreation in California: Visitor Contact Studies 1989 -1998. Pacific Southwest Research Station: USDA Forest Service General Technical Report PSW -GTR -180. 28. Chavez. (2001). 29. CDPR. (2003). 30. Floyd. (1999). 31. Cordell, Ken, Betz, Carter and Green, Gary (n.d.) Outdoor Recreation and Region 5's National Forests: Using the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment to Help Set Recreation Priorities. Southern Research Station: http: / /www.srs.fs.fed.us /trends. 19 References California Association of Adult Day Services. Retrieved from CAADS Website March 8, 2004: http://www.caads.org/Itcdata/statewide—overview.htm. California Department of Parks and Recreation. (2003, December). Public Opinions and Attitudes on Outdoor Recreation in California 2002: An Element of the California Outdoor Recreation Plan. California Department of Parks and Recreation Planning Division (2002). The State Park System Plan 2002, Part 1: A System for the Future. Chavez, Deborah J. (2001, January). Managing Outdoor Recreation in California: Visitor Contact Studies 1989 -1998. Pacific Southwest Research Station: USDA Forest Service General Technical Report PSW -GTR 180. 100 P. Cordell, Ken, Betz, Carter and Green, Gary. (n.d.). Outdoor Recreation and Region 5's National Forests. Using the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment to Help Set Recreation Priorities. Southern Research Station: http: / /wwwsrs.fs.fed.us /trends. Floyd, Myron. (1999). "Race, Ethnicity and Use of the National Park System." Social Science Research Revieww, Vol. 1, No. 2. State of California Department of Aging. Statistics and Demographics. Retrieved May 17, 2005: California Department of Aging Website: http: / /www. aging. ca. gov /html /stats /demographics.html State of California Department of Finance. (2002, August). Census 2000 California Profile. Sacramento, California. State of California Department of Finance. (2003, October). California Public K -12 Enrollment and High School Graduate Projections by County, 003 Series. Sacramento, California. State of California Department of Finance. (2004, May). Population Projections by Race /Ethnicity, Gender and Age for California and Its Counties 2000 -2050. Sacramento, California. SINCE 064 A Q State of California Resource Agency The following persons were instrumental in preparing this report: Dr. Emilyn Sheffield, Chairperson, Department of Recreation and Parks Management, California State University, Chico and Principal Author Alan Rellaford, Design Director, Tourism & Communication Design Partnership Gary A. Baugh, Graphic Designer, Tourism & Communication Design Partnership Keith Demetrak, Chief, Planning Division (former), California State Parks Nina Gordon, Chief, Planning Division, California State Parks Eric Natti, Associate Park and Recreation Specialist, Planning Division, California State Parks Alexandra Stehl, Park and Recreation Specialist, Planning Division, California State Parks SINCE 18641 State of California Resources Agency AGENDA COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBER 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY FEBRUARY 20, 2013 Agenda Updated: February 15, 2013 SPECIAL MEETING — 6 :30 P K' — WORKSHOP: 70 STREET REALIGNMENT Persons wishing to address the Council during this meeting are asked to sign the "Public Input Signup Sheet" which is located on a clipboard near the Council Chamber entrance. This information will aid in the accurate publication of the official meeting minutes. OPEN FORUM - 7:15 P.M. Persons may address the City Council on subjects that are not a part of the Regular Meeting agenda, but must limit remarks to three (3) minutes. Open forum will adjourn to the Regular Meeting promptly at 7:30 p.m. Open Forum and a portion of the Regular Meeting are televised LIVE, airing on Government Channel 16. REGULAR MEETING — 7 :30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL — City Clerk ADOPTION OF AGENDA 2. PRESENTATIONS 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Accept and Place on File the Following Minutes: i. Public Works Commission Meeting Minutes from October 8, 2012 and December 10, 2012. FEBRUARY 20, 2013 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council B. Consider authorizing issuance of licenses to the Church of St. Rita as follows: 1. Calendar Raffle (4/20/2013) Temporary Intoxicating Liquor and Single Occasion Gambling. 2. Pig Roast (8/10/2013) Temporary Intoxicating Liquor. 3. Fall Festival (9/21/2013 & 9/22/2013) Temporary Intoxicating Liquor and Single Occasion Gambling. Staff Recommendation: Authorize issuance of the licenses. During the required background investigation, no facts were found that would constitute a basis for denial of the applications. C. Consider accepting the resignation of Barbara Gibson from the Environmental Commission, effective 2/28/2013, and declare a vacancy. Staff Recommendation: Accept the resignation and declare a vacancy. D. Consider reappointing commissioners to the Human Services /Human Rights Commission; Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission; Public Safety, Health & Welfare Commission; and Planning Commission. Staff Recommendation: Approve the reappointments per Joe Fischbach's memo dated February 15, 2013. E. 1. Consider approving the 2013 Annual Mining Permit to allow Aggregate Industries to continue their mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island. 2. Consider granting a variance to the ordinance requirement limiting mining operation hours. Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution approving Aggregate Industries' 2013 mining permit with a variance to mining operation hours. F. Consider restricting parking on East Point Douglas Road from East Point Douglas Lane to County Road 19 (S.A.P. 180 - 112 -010). Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution restricting parking. G. 1. Consider authorizing the acquisition of a 1,221.81 square -foot parcel of land (PIN 22.027.21.32.0005) from Century Link/Qwest/Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a component of the Phase I East Point Douglas Road Project. 2. Consider authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement related to the acquisition of Parcel 22.027.21.32.0005 with Century Link/Qwest /Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Staff Recommendation: 1. Authorize the acquisition. 2. Authorize execution of the purchase agreement. H. Consider approving the plans and specifications and establishing a March 21, 2013 bid date for the East Point Douglas Road Utility and Street Improvements, - Phase 1. Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution approving the plans and specifications and establishing the bid date. I. Consider increasing the Fire Relief Association pension benefit amount which is guaranteed by the City. Staff Recommendation: Increase the City guaranteed benefit level from $2,600 per year of service to $3,150 per year of service and that the City contribute 65% of the annual independent audit costs for the Cottage Grove Fire Relief Association in 2013. J. Consider providing municipal consent for the CSAH 22 (70 Street) [SAP 082- 622 -010, 180 - 020 -006]; CSAH 20 (Military Road) [SAP 082 - 620 -009, 180 -020- 006]; and CSAH 19 (Keats Avenue) [SAP 082 - 619 -023, 180 - 020 -007] Road and Utility Improvements Project. Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution providing municipal consent for the 70 Street /Military Road /Keats Avenue Road and Utility Improvements Project. FEBRUARY 20, 2013 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council K. 1. Consider approving the Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Cottage Grove and Washington County for Construction Costs of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 19, CSAH 20, and CSAH 22, subject to the City Attorney final approval. 2. Consider approving the Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Cottage Grove and Washington County for Maintenance of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 19, CSAH 20, and CSAH 22, subject to the City Attorney final approval. Staff Recommendation: 1. Approve the agreement. 2. Approve the agreement. 5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES A. Receive response regarding miniature potbelly pig certification /registration. Staff Recommendation: Receive response. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 1. Hold the public hearing for the 2013 Pavement Management Project, Districts C1 and C2. 2. Consider ordering the project. 3. Consider authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications. Staff Recommendation: 1. Hold the public hearing. 2. Adopt the resolution ordering the project and authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications. B. 1. Hold the public hearing for the Hinton Avenue South Reclamation Project - 80 Street to 70 Street. 2. Consider ordering the project. 3. Consider authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications. Staff Recommendation: 1. Hold the public hearing. 2. Adopt the resolution ordering the project and authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications. 7. BID AWARDS 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 11. PAY BILLS A. Approve payment of check numbers 180230 to 180406 in the amount of $449,227.38 and EFT payment of $140,539.25. 12. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC 13. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED TO PUBLIC ADJOURNMENT AGENDA COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBER 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY MARCH 6, 2013 Agenda Updated: March 4, 2013 Persons wishing to address the Council during this meeting are asked to sign the "Public Input Signup Sheet" which is located on a clipboard near the Council Chamber entrance. This information will aid in the accurate publication of the official meeting minutes. OPEN FORUM - 7:15 P.M. Persons may address the City Council on subjects that are not a part of the Regular Meeting agenda, but must limit remarks to three (3) minutes. Open forum will adjourn to the Regular Meeting promptly at 7.30 p.m. Open Forum and a portion of the Regular Meeting are televised LIVE, airing on Government Channel 96. REGULAR MEETING — 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL — City Clerk ADOPTION OF AGENDA 2. PRESENTATIONS A. 2012 Photo Contest Winners. B. Recognize Commission Volunteers. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 19, 2012 Regular Meeting. B. January 2, 2013 Regular Meeting. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Accept and Place on File the Following Minutes: i. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes from November 12, 2012 and December 10, 2012. ii. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes from December 17, 2012 and January 28, 2013. B. Consider scheduling a Special City Council Meeting for March 23, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a Capital Improvement Plan Workshop. Staff Recommendation: Schedule the Special City Council Meeting. MARCH 6, 2013 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council C. Consider rescinding Francisco Gonzalez's reappointment to the Human Services /Human Rights Commission at Mr. Gonzalez's request. Staff Recommendation: Rescind the reappointment due to scheduling conflicts. D. Receive report from City Council Special Meeting on January 26, 2013. Staff Recommendation: Receive report. E. Consider adopting a resolution amending the Part -time Pay Plan. Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution. F. Consider appointing Michael Zurbey and Chad Rediske to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission for terms expiring February 28, 2015. Staff Recommendation: Approve the appointments. G. Consider appointing Sabrina Webb and Hannah Webb to youth seats on the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission for terms ending February 28, 2014 Staff Recommendation: Approve the appointments. H. Consider approving the purchase of one new Toro Model 4110 -D 10.5 -foot Rotary Mower from MTI Distributing, Inc. for a total purchase price of $70,335.44. Staff Recommendation: Approve the purchase. I. Consider approving the purchase of one new Tymco Model 600 Regenerative Air Sweeper from Environmental Equipment and Service, Inc. for the total purchase price of $204,154.33. Staff Recommendation: Approve the purchase. J. Consider accepting the letter from Jerry Perron of Leonard, Street and Deinard documenting US Homes Corporation's compliance with City Resolution No. 2012 -048 and allow staff to resume issuing building permits for Pinecliff 5th Addition. Staff Recommendation: Accept the letter and allow staff to resume issuing building permits for Pinecliff e Addition. K. Consider supporting the development of the Mississippi River Trail (U.S. Bicycle Route 45). Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution supporting development of the Mississippi River Trail. L. Consider awarding a two -year Service Agreement Extension FY 2012 & 2013 for the Joint City -wide Street Sweeping Program to Mike McPhillips, Inc. at the quoted price of $72.75 1hour. Staff Recommendation: Award the service agreement extension. M. Consider approving the final plat for Mississippi Dunes Estates Fourth Addition and authorizing the preparation of a development agreement. Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution approving the final plat and authorize preparation of a development agreement. N. Consider authorizing the purchase of one MPH digital display speed trailer from MPH Industries in the amount of $19,576.00. Staff Recommendation: Authorize the purchase. At a future date the Crime Board intends to donate $6, 000.00 to the City toward the cost of the trailer. O. Consider reappointing Judy Spooner to the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation. Staff Recommendation: Approve the appointment per Joe Fischbach's memo dated March 1, 2013. MARCH 6, 2013 AGENDA Cottage Grove City Council *P. Consider appointing Wayne Johnson to the Planning Commission to a term expiring 2/29/2016. Staff Recommendation: Approve the appointment. Mr. Johnson was interviewed by Planning Commission Chair Rostad, Council Liaison Olsen, and Community Development Director Levitt. 5. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED OPEN FORUM ISSUES A. Receive response regarding contracted services. Staff Recommendation: Receive response. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. BID AWARDS A. Consider awarding the contract for the Water Meter Replacement Project to DSG for the base bid of $243,991.53. Contract award also based on unit prices in base bid quote dated 2/21/2013. Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution awarding the contract. DSG submitted the lowest of two bids received. 8. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 9. RESPONSE TO PREVIOUSLY RAISED COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS A. Receive response to Council regarding combining Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission and Public Works Commission. Staff Recommendation: Receive response. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS 11. PAY BILLS A. Approve payment of check numbers 180407 to 180565 in the amount of $516,943.23 and EFT payment of $6,319.00. 12. WORKSHOP SESSION — OPEN TO PUBLIC 13. WORKSHOP SESSION — CLOSED TO PUBLIC � Ii Iil�►l►�il���lr *Agenda item submitted 3/4/2013.