AGENDA DATE: 6/13/18
TITLE:
Title
Biscuit Run Park Master Plan Team Structure and Engagement
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive information on the staff proposal for Biscuit Run Park team structure and process moving forward, and direct the County Executive to appoint the Biscuit Run Steering Committee
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Crickenberger,Bowman, Shifflett K.
PRESENTER (S): Bob Crickenberger, Kristy Shifflett
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeff Richardson
BACKGROUND: On January 4, 2018 Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a partnership with Albemarle County to open Biscuit Run park to the public. Governor McAuliffe and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) signed a 99-year lease with Albemarle County for the property. The park with be the first of its kind in Albemarle’s development area.
The lease was crafted to assure protection of the park’s natural resources. A minimum of eighty percent of the park will remain forested, all sensitive natural heritage resources will be protected, and management concerns like invasive species will be addressed.
Since the Governor’s announcement in January, a cross-functional team consisting of staff from Parks and Recreation, Facilities and Environmental Services, Community Development, Community Relations, Project Management Office and the County Executive Office have been organized to identify milestones for the early phase of the park.
This cross-functional team also met with DCR and Board member representation on May 23, 2018 to further discuss and plan roles and responsibilities moving forward.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations: Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION:
The development of a master plan requires a variety of skills and expertise to ensure a well thought out and successful process. Staff proposes initial steps in building the necessary team structures and public engagement outlined below:
Steering Committee: To facilitate a community-oriented planning process, staff recommends the Board direct the County Executive to appoint the Biscuit Run Steering Committee (BRSC). The BRSC will comprise of two Board members, Assistant County Executive, Director of Parks and Rec and others as identified. The committee will work with the Community Member Work Group and the Project Team to develop recommendations to the Board for a draft and final master plan to be submitted to DCR for approval.
Project Team: comprised of staff from Parks & Recreation, Facilities and Environmental Services, Community Development, and the County Executive’s Office to manage the process, provide communication to all teams and include internal subject matter expertise as the needs are identified.
Community Member Work Group: comprised of community members willing to take an active role in planning for the future uses of Biscuit Run, serve as community liaisons, and provide input and recommendations to the Steering Committee and Project Team
Consulting Services: staff requests funding for consulting services to support architectural and engineering design services for Biscuit Run Master Planning. The consultant will provide site analysis, design support for community engagement, schematic Master plan options, final cost estimates and a Final Master Plan.
In collaboration with DCR, the project team will host a Biscuit Run Community Meeting on June 19, 2018. The public will have an opportunity to learn more about the history and future of the project, review the State's site assessment and concept plan, and provide input on amenities including park access, connectivity, programming, and trails. The team plans for many strategies to receive community input to include potential focus groups, online public feedback tools, website, and the development of a Parks & Recreation Department led Friends of Biscuit Run. Staff will present a formal project plan to the Board once the teams are established but expects this process to deliver a final master plan no later than the Spring of 2019.
BUDGET IMPACT: This support for architectural and engineering design services for Biscuit Run Master Planning will be a one-time cost of $80,000. Funding is recommended from the existing FY 18 Parks and Recreation Department budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board endorse the proposed team structure and initial planning process and also adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) to approve appropriation #2018091 for local government projects and programs as described in Attachment B.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Appropriation