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9.1. SR 04-04-2016City of EW +i R�,..iver Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session April 4, 2016 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description Reviewed by Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Discussion. Background/Discussion The city recently received bids for Rivers Edge Commons Park improvements. At the bid opening, Council Member Wagner questioned the absence of a dock alternative. Staff was directed to research and return with findings to a work session. The findings were discussed in work session on September 8, 2015, and included the challenges River's Edge Park presented with regard to current, river depths, deadheads, etc. Our consultant from HKGi indicated that a dock would be feasible, however a study was recommended to determine specific needs and to better identify costs. The City Council agreed at the work session to have Mayor Dietz contact Chris Carlson of Sportech regarding his interest in funding a feasibility study. The Mayor later informed staff that Mr. Carlson was not interested in a feasibility study. Council provided staff direction regarding the park improvement project, project phasing, and alternates which did not include a dock. Annie Deckert informed staff that the Downtown group has completed further investigation regarding the viability and requirements for a dock and asked for a discussion before the Council. Approval of bids for park improvements with fall construction are anticipated in the regular Council meeting. Past Council discussions regarding the downtown dock stipulated private funding as initially proposed by Fred McCoy at Open Forum. If the Council so desires a dock at Rivers Edge, direction is needed regarding funding, professional engineering/design services, and timing to coordinate with planned improvements. Paul Paige from HKGi will attend the work session to discuss the dock and answer any questions. Financial Impact N/A Attachments ■ Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock Timeline A IR City E Memorandum TO: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director From: Laura Wetch, Recreation Assistant Date: March 29, 2016 Subject: Rivers Edge Commons Park — Expansion with Dock As you requested, I went back through City Council and Park and Recreation meetings and work sessions to create a sequence of discussions and actions taken regarding a dock at Rivers Edge. The history is as follows: June 16, 2014 During Open Forum at the City Council meeting, Fred McCoy of McCoy's pub states he is part of a group interested in a dock/fishing pier at Rivers Edge. He asks for council support in this and city staff help in working as a go-between with the DNR for requirements and permits. He states the downtown group is willing to raise money for some of the costs and looks to the city to put in some money. This is given to Michael Hecker to pursue. Summer 2014 Michael Hecker talks to DNR and they discourage a permanent dock and say they would like to see a concept plan. November 3, 2014 Suzanne Fischer, COD, proposes re -doing park pavers and retaining wall at Rivers Edge. During the City Council work session, Council expresses an interest in Option 5 — which is to close off the alley and expand the park. City Council asks for Parks and Recreation Commission input on Option 5. December 10, 2014 Park and Recreation Commission approves a budget of $14,000 for design and development of the Rivers Edge expansion. Michael Hecker states that City Council asked him to include a dock of some type; P&R Commission members express concern about dock. December 15, 2014 City Council approves CIP, which includes $14,000 for design of expansion at Rivers Edge. Project PIF -15. April 8, 2015 Park and Recreation Commission reviews final concept plan for expansion that includes a dock. It is noted that the dock is in the plan at the request of City Council. P&R Commission approves the concept plan with an acknowledgment that they have concerns about a dock. Concerns expressed are cost, money that could be ut into ark expansion, safety of a dock in this part of the river Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. with a fast current, cost of maintenance of a dock; safety of stairs going to the water if there ends up not being a dock. Agreed that if a dock is built, it should be a separate project different than the ark expansion. April 20, 2015 HKGi shows Council the concept plan and phasing options. Dock still not defined as permanent or seasonal in the concept plan. Michael Hecker asked for Council's approval to submit concept plan to DNR. Council approves concept plan and advise staff to come back with breakdown of individual features and funding sources. July 6, 2015 City Council approves professional services contract for HKGi to com lete design and construction management documents. September 8, 2015 In work session, dock is discussed. Michael Hecker reports he showed concept plan to DNR. They said a seasonal dock is possible and would cost a lot less than a permanent dock. They offered names of several vendors. Paul Page with HKGi states cost could be approximately $75,000 - $200,000 for seasonal dock, plus cost of maintenance and removal/installation costs each year. States DNR doesn't need to permit a seasonal dock. Council expresses concern about cost and if it would be a point of commerce as some people suggest. Feasibility study cost is $8,700; Mayor Dietz states he will go to the interested parties and ask them to pay for the study and he will let Paul know the result of that conversation. November 2, 2015 City Council reviewed the CIP including the Rivrs Edge Commons Park expansion capital project. Consensus was provided to move ahead on the biddig process for construction, including the additional elements shown on the concept plan. The additions and alternatives are discussed but there is no dock in the plan and nothing about a dock is discussed. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. River D Purpose 9 ie worK WIM the UTY OT LK Kover TO onSTOH 0 temporcry (seasonal) dock for river access on downtown Bk Rover There os an eppertunoty t® mcxo oze 66river traffoc" to promote becufiU downtown Elk River, increase rover aceessobIlity for residents & nen--residents, and increase patronage of downtown businesses. 'l s background Dock was removed from Rivers Edge Commons expansion plans due to cast feasibility Discussion was held based on permanent structures - we are asking for consideration to allow for a temporary deck and stairs Per HKgi, feasibility study is not needed for this project Existing Public River Docks There are 30 community docks along rivers in MN o 9 along the Mississippi alone n Some examples include: Cold Spring, Monticello(2), St. Charles, Wabasha, Appleton, St. cloud, Vrginia, Duluth (3), Little Falls, Battle Lake, Thief River Falls (confluence of Red Lake & Thief Rivers), Pelican Rapids, Morristown, Fairboult(2), Roseau, Baudette, New London, Grand Rapids(2), Cohasset, Park Rapids, Lanesboro, Cross Lake, Ft. Ripley, 'Brainerd, Granite Falls, Pillager, ortonville, Big Borg State Recreation ,area research Based upon discussions (dock manufacturer, DNR, etc.), river current is non -issue; dock location is on main river channel, current flow estimated to be consistent with the main channel dock locations. DNR Hydrologist visited area with staff & community members and identified ideal site for dock and had no reservations - very supportive of increased access to river No permits are required from the DNR for this project President Paul Paige, HKgi visited site with community members, discussed several options for temporary dock and access WM-W-M 19-00'fd r0 �un shi FdTc, 4 -RI I "FaAu Mr- ` I e;-07 a A Im*, - pp- OMPl- TITO 06 tv. P-4 •ysI I WE FPO - '47 2 City Support Adding connectivity, recreational, opportunities & pubfic dock downtown is mentioned 18+ times in the Park & [deco Master Plan, Downtown Redevelopment Plan o Downtown Rover's Edge Business Association hos been "trying to get c dock downtown since the e&y 2000s95 (W. Simenson, member since e&y 19$0s) Parks & Rec. MASTER PLAN ® "Creating better connections to the rivers is an important task for the city" o There's a "lack of public connectivity along the rivers" and a "potential for more river - based recreation" Initiative 1, Recommendation #4: "improve access to water -orientated recreation with beaches, docks, boat launches, fishing opportunities, etc." Parks & Rec. MASTER PLAN cont'd InIN'UNWo I© o'Vev's Foggo Vgnaore 0000po "Recommended improvements include ... 0 seasonal dock... floating seasonal dock, for I cc stairs. . . 95 9HMMH[we 00 0o000 �o R[Ve7s "improve riverfront connectivity Mississippi Connections Plan (Downtown Redevelopment Plan) 00 o "The reed to redefine the characteristics of downtown to include accessib lity to the river" ^ "Public access to the river is under-utilized99 o The Plan seeks to reinforce and create a variety of connections between the Mississip� 'i River, and the rest of the Elk River communaty49 Mississippi Connections Plan (Downtown Redevelopment Plan)cont'd o "Identify locations along the rivers for public access" Core Downtown: "Establish the Mississippi River as the significant recreational amenity by creating a variety of public access opportunities, physical connections and activities within the Study Area (downtown Elk River) " Community Support o Communoty business owners and stakeholders hove been working since lost year to make this happen "Would you like to see a temporary/seasonal dock in Downtown Elk River2, " (Twitter poly o 82% YES oho said no o 18% said maybe, but would like more information Community Support cont'd o "Yes please! The river should be embraced and enjoyed" o 'This is a brilliant idea and 1 support it fully" o "It is an opportunity for an additional access point to the little town we call home" o "1,000 percent support!" o 'Awesome idea!" o "Yes yes yes!!" o "Great idea!" o "Cool!" o "It sure would be nice to pull up with a boat and walk up to the Depot for something cold to drink and a bite to eat" o "Yes, love the idea" 0 "Love it" "Yes, please!" "Cool idea!" P" Cost Estimate Dock cost approximately $10,000-$15,000 (Walks -on -Water, Inc., MINNCOR.) Temporary stairs (portable aluminum) cost approx. $5,,000 No maintenance Option of gangway/bridge between stair and dock cost approx. $2,000 TOTAL: $17,000 - $22,000 Conclusion o There is no additional cost or need for a feasibility study The DNR LOVES the idea! There is overwhelming community support, both publicly, and in documented city plans.