2003-11-24 Jt EC & OS&REC Agenda PacketAGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
AND
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Joint Meeting
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road
Council Conference Room
Monday, November 24, 2003
7:00 P.M.
Joint Meetinq
I. Call to Order
II. Individual Commission Approval of Minutes — October 27, 2003
III. Trail Paving Policy Discussion, Presentation by South Tyrol Hills
Neighborhood Association (Attachments)
IV. Update on TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EAW
Individual Commissions Adjourn to Separate Rooms
I. Buckthorn Eradication Goal Discussion
II. Program/Project Updates —
➢ BCWMC Second Generation Plan
➢ Bassett Creek Park Pond
➢ Hennepin County Sheriff's Site
➢ Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants
➢ Proposed Developments
III. Commission Member Council Reports
IV. Other Business
V. Adjourn
GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\112403.doc
Bonestroo
Rosene
Anderlik &
Associates
Engineers & Architects
Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderiik and Associates, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Employer and Employee Owned
Principals: Otto G. Bonestroo, P.E. • Marvin L. Sorvala, P.E. • Glenn R. Cook, P.E. - Robert G.
Schunicht, P.E. • Jerry A. Bourdon, P.E. • Mark A. Hanson, P.E
Senior Consultants: Robert W. Rosene, P.E. • Joseph C. Andedik, P.E. • Richard E. Turner,
P.E. • Susan M. Ebedin, C.P.A.
Associate Principals: Keith A. Gordon, P.E. • Robert R. Pfefferle, P.E. • Richard W. Foster,
P.E. - David O. Loskota, P.E.. • Michael T. Rautmann, P.E. • Ted K. Field, P.E. - Kenneth P.
Anderson, P.E. • Mark R. Rolfs, P.E. • David A. Bonestroo, M.B.A. • Sidney P. Williamson, P.E.,
L.S. - Agnes M. Ring, M.B.A. • Allan Rick Schmidt, P.E. • Thomas W. Peterson, P.E. - James R.
Maland, P.E. - Miles B. Jensen, P.E. - L. Phillip Gravel III, P.E. - Daniel J. Edgerton, P.E. -
Ismael Martinez, P.E. - Thomas A. Syfko, P.E. - Sheldon J. Johnson • Dale A. Grove, P.E. -
Thomas A. Roushar, P.E. - Robert J. Devery, P.E.
Offices: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Rochester and Willmar, MN • Milwaukee, WI • Chicago, IL
Website: www.bonestroo.com
Date: November 24, 2003
To: Jeannine Clancy, Public Works Director, City of Golden Valley
From: Sherri Buss, M.L.A., Landscape Ecologist, Bonestroo & Associates
Subject: Review of Materials for 11/24 meeting
On Friday I received the materials provided by the South Tyrol Hills Neighborhood regarding trail
materials.
My review of these materials suggest that they support the City's proposed Sidewalk and Trail policy.
The materials suggest that one addition to the policy may be useful to address the issue of minimizing
impacts of impervious surfaces to area waters.
Three items were included in the materials sent to me. The sections below summarize the findings from
each that are relevant to the City's proposed trail policy.
Northeast Illinois Planning Commission, Sidewalks/Walkways Guidelines for Local Ordinances
These guidelines for local ordinances are focused on sidewalks and sidewalk alternatives.
They do not discuss park trails.
The guidelines have been developed to minimize impervious surfaces that contribute to
stormwater and pollutants to storm drainage systems. It is appropriate to address sidewalks
as a part of the guidelines, since sidewalks are usually connected to city storm drainage systems.
Park trails typically are not "connected" impervious surfaces, so they are not included in this
discussion.
The model ordinance suggests that the appropriate walkway system for Golden Valley
neighborhoods with curb and gutter systems would be paved sidewalk, on one or both sides
of the street. (Page 71, "As a general rule of thumb, densities requiring curb and gutter
construction are probably "urban", and will likely benefit from sidewalks on both sides of the
street.") Unpaved walkways are recommended as an alternative for rural developments.
The guidelines suggest that in some areas, sidewalk could be developed on only one side of the
street, to minimize impervious surface. Development of a single paved trail in Golden Valley
neighborhoods without sidewalks could be viewed as equivalent to development of a single
sidewalk, except that park trails are not connected to the storm drain system.
As we discussed at the last meeting, park trails are not usually connected to the City's storm
drainage system, and so they are not considered "effective" impervious surfaces. The small
amount of runoff generated from these trails is infiltrated by the soils within a few feet of the
path.
Recommendation: Limiting additional impervious surfaces that contribute pollutants and
storm water to local water bodies is a concern. The City could make it clear in the proposed
Sidewalk and Trail Policy that "Park trails should be designed to be disconnected from the
City's storm drainage system. Trails should be designed so that stormwater runoff is
infiltrated by adjacent soils."
2335 West Highway 36 • St. Paul, MN 55113 a 651-636-4600 • Fax: 651-636-1311
Kentucky Transportation Center, "When to Pave a Gravel Road"
• This article is limited to discussing roadways only. None of the discussion applies to trails.
• Recommendations regarding gravel maintenance and other issues are different in Kentucky
than in Minnesota due to the differences in climate between the two areas.
Wisconsin DNR, Feasibility of Pavine Wisconsin state bicycle trails
• This research focuses on trails that are designed for bicycling. While the research indicates that
hiking is "allowed" on the trails, along with other uses, the trails discussed are primarily bicycle
trails that traverse rural Wisconsin on abandoned railroad grades.
• The trails discussed have a maximum Qrade of 3%. Most grades are about 1%.
• The research specifies that the state should consider asphalt paving the portions of trails in
and near urban areas, given the heavier use in these areas by a wider variety of users. The
report suggests use of limestone as the trail surface appropriate in rural areas based on lower use,
predominate use by bicycles, and a sense that some users prefer it aesthetically because it seems
like a more compatible with rural areas.
Tom Huber of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation: We fully expect to see trail
proiects within communities being built with asphalt, but that is not a requirement.
Asphalt trail proiects are easier to maintain year-round for bicycle and pedestrian use.
They are also cleaner when wet and do not limit use while they thaw. Because of high use
within communities, paving these trails is usually cost effective. Rural trail proiects are less
likely to have a vear-round bicycle and pedestrian constituency. Cheaper initial
development costs attributed to crushed stone or chip seal will make some rural trails for
competitive (for state fundine). Page 35
The research makes the following comments regarding asphalt vs. limestone surfaces:
o "Limestone normally remains smooth enough for touring bikes. However, burrowing
animals, illegal use of horses or all train vehicles, and heavy rains can more easily
damage limestone (than asphalt pavement)."
o "Some wheelchair users have problems on limestone surfaces" (Wisconsin DNR
Southeast Region Trails Coordinator)
o "One of the most serious problems with crushed limestone is its patches, " wrote Tom
Huber, a bicyclist and State Trails Council member. "Where there are washouts or
repairs, these patch jobs are difficult to spot and often lead to difficulty in controlling
one's bicycle. (Personally, patch jobs have caused the closest calls I have ever had on
trails.)"
o "Smooth asphalt is quietest."
o "Limestone surfacing softens when spring's warm weather thaws the ground frost.
Because asphalt doesn't soften during freeze -thaw cycles, it can be used for bicycling
two to four weeks earlier in the spring and later in the fall. If snow is cleared from the
path, it can be used for biking year round."
o Asphalt will increase use, and decrease the reason people use the trails (in rural
areas). Perhaps we should asphalt only those in urban environments, and leave the
others limestone. (Other park managers disagreed, and suggested that the primary
reason for the use of the trails was the lack of motor vehicles, and safety for bike users.)
o "The overall numbers of users have increased on trails that were first limestone and
then asphalt. A segment of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail in Waukesha experienced
much more use after it was paved... When Minnesota's Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail,
southwest of the Twin cities, was paved about three years ago, use increased
dramatically, and people can from greater distances. Use of the Douglas State Trail
southeast of the Twin Cities about doubled when it was paved..."
o The graph on page 27 indicates that for walking, both trail surfaces are "suitable",
2335 West Highway 36 9 St. Paul, MN 55113. 651-636-4600 • Fax: 651-636-1311 2
but for wheelchairs and baby carriages, asphalt is "best", and limestone is
"suitable".
o "There is more likelihood of erosion and rutting on the trail itself if it has a
limestone surface."
Some Conclusions
The additional material provided by the neighborhood generally supports the City's proposed trail policy
and the memo we provided to the City on October 15.
A variety of trail surfaces are available for park and recreational trails. All trails materials have some
situations for which they provide the best surface, depending on type of use, level of use, cost,
maintenance needs, and other criteria. For example, on rural bike trails in Wisconsin with grades of about
1%, limestone is a suitable, low-cost material.
However, given the urban densities in Golden Valley and other Metro Cities, the wide range of
potential users of all ages and abilities, desire for four -season access, variation in grades to over 10
percent, need for minimal maintenance, and for utility and safety vehicle access, the City's
proposed policy to pave most trails is supported by our research and the materials gathered by the
South Tyrol Hills Neighborhood.
The City's policy notes some exceptions, and suggests that other trail surfaces be used in areas with
poor soils, or where paving would damage natural resources. The City could add additional
natural resource protection by adopting a clause that runoff from park trails be disconnected from
the City's storm water system. These exceptions and policies will provide protection to the City's
natural resources, while maximizing access to trails for all City residents, year-round.
2335 West Highway 36 • St. Paul, MN 55113. 651-636-4600 • Fax: 651-636-1311
Presentation at November 24, 2003 Joint Commission Meeting
(Open Space and Recreation Commission and Environmental Commission)
1. Introduction and Overview Jim Abbott
Ladner
Key Points:
• City Council has asked the Commissions to review and comment on a revised
trail policy proposal. The desire was for policy allowing flexibility.
• Question is what policy proposal best provides a foundation for future
• We urge a policy that includes consideration of a variety of criteria such as:
i Economic Value and Cost
i Accessibility Considerations
➢ Aesthetic Considerations
➢ Historical and Cultural Factors
Safety and Security Considerations
➢ Environmental and Ecological Considerations
➢ Citizen input, incl. those in the vicinity of any proposed trail
• The Association has consulted with a myriad of experts and analysis of
interest to the issues at hand. We also seek to build on the work others have
done, and also bring our own experience and common sense in seeking the
optimum policy solution for our City.
There are a variety of surface possibilities, and the one chosen for any
particular trail should be driven by a review of a variety of factors.
2. Successes in Golden Valley Over Time — Celebrating History, Getting
Citizen Input, and Avoiding Cookie -Cutter Approach Should be a Goal: Bob
Draw on Envision Golden Valley Provost
Golden Valley is rightly celebrating its history. The new video "Celebrate
Golden Valley - A tradition of Pioneer Spirit and Community Values" has
just been released.
• Since prior to 1999, the City has been working on a Comprehensive Plan —
including a plan addressing its Open Space and Recreation areas.
The Parks and Open Space section of the Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan
(draft updated as of 9/21/99) recognizes that parks and open space can
provide "a measure of relief from the monotony of buildings, industrial areas,
parking lots, shops, streets, and other urban features, thereby imparting a
psychological uplift to its surroundings -- a value that is often difficult to
express in terms of dollars." (see p. 1)
Indeed, trails and nature areas have been and continue to be an important part
of the tradition of Golden Valley.
Presentation at November 24, 2003 Joint Commission Meeting
(Open Space and Recreation Commission and Environmental Commission)
• The draft Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan (Parks) notes that "there still
remain a number of opportunities to add to the system by further acquisitions,
particularly as related to the environmental or preservative type park holdings
and through and active park development program." (p.5)
• Similarly, the draft Comprehensive Plan says "Continued development of the
trail system throughout the [Golden Valley] community may entail additional
acquisition..." (p. 6)
• The implementation of a trail policy is not about one trail or area of the City
- all have a history, particular features to illuminate and draw upon.
• The Minnesota Historical Society — seeks to preserve Minnesota's cultural
resources— historical bridges, archaeology, land, houses, workplaces,
roadways; trails, and waterways. The Golden Valley Historical Society has
similar goals.
• Among other things, the draft (updated 9/21//99) Golden Valley
Comprehensive Plan (Parks Section) says the City will "strive to foster efforts
to retain historically significant elements within the community." (p. 8)
• History and cultural considerations should be part of any trail policy.
• Indeed, while working together as a community and sharing and celebrating
common goals and experiences should be pursued, variability and diversity
should also be cherished and encouraged.
• Under principles of Biophilia and similar theories, researchers find that
people are healthier, happier and more alert under subtly dynamic conditions.
This seems to be common sense, although not always common practice.
• Any trail policy proposal should allow for, and, actually even encourage,
variety and the capturing of interests and dynamics specific to a local area, as
well as of course being based on other sound construction and development
principles.
• The Envision Golden Valley initiative contemplates citizen input setting the
stage for and shaping the City's development and future.
• The Envision Golden Valley initiative recognizes that the citizens have been
important contributors in making the City a great place to live, work and play
since Golden Valley was incorporated in 1886. This is thus part of our
history -- an important part of our citizenry.
2
Presentation at November 24, 2003 Joint Commission Meeting
(Open Space and Recreation Commission and Environmental Commission)
• Any trail policy should, at a minimum, allow for citizen input in shaping the
particulars for any proposed trail.
3. Any Trail Policy (and specifics deriving from any trail policy) Should Be
Grounded In The Usage Envisioned - How Any Particular Trail Is Used Ken Huber
• It is well accepted that the particulars for any proposed trail should be
determined based the anticipated usage of the trail.
• The draft (updated 9/21/99) Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan (Parks
Section) states that the City will "periodically review its trail design and
maintenance practices to ensure that they remain consistent with accepted
designs that accommodate users needs." (p. 12).
• Surveying trail users or likely trail users is a commonly used technique for
determining anticipated usage of a trail. This is also one way of obtaining
citizen input.
• Governmental bodies of all types use surveying and other techniques to
identify anticipated and expected usages.
• Canvassing studies by the USDA Forest Service (Adams, 1999) have found
that small, local trails were used repeatedly by local residents and that trails
close to home (within 8 km) were used most frequently.
• Based on surveys like this, siting trails close to residential areas, diligent
maintenance of trail surfaces and facilities, planting and management of
vegetation, and regular safety patrols would improve the perception and use
of greenways by metropolitan area residents.
• We are unaware of any formal surveying that has been conducted by the City
in connection with the development of the trail policy proposal under
consideration.
• As just one local surveying example, however, despite comments from City
officials to the contrary, surveying initiated by our Association indicated that
likely users of the trail and path in the South Tyrol Hills area almost
unanimously did not want it paved with asphalt. (See packets attached) .
• Our surveying and canvassing of likely users in this case has told us that a
variety of factors are important, including aesthetics, history and culture,
safety and security, environmental issues, accessibility and the desire of
citizens to participate in shaping their destiny and surroundings.
0 Just in terms of aesthetics, or even economics (maintenance), there are pros
Presentation at November 24, 2003 Joint Commission Meeting
(Open Space and Recreation Commission and Environmental Commission)
and cons that many may not think about. (Pictures of graffiti)
• There need not be a presumption in the trail policy for asphalt. A variety of
other suitable options exist, and new technologies and approaches are being
developed and tested all the time.
McGill University says "Since the 1970s, landscape professional have been
pioneers in the development and use of pervious paving materials, which
combine surface stability with permeability. These materials are gaining
acceptance, but unfortunately are not as well known as they deserve to be.
Considering how often the professional is involved in (and frustrated by)
pavement design, familiarity with these materials is a must for being part of
the solution rather than part of the problem."
• The surface chosen for any particular trail should depend on the expected
usage and the specific conditions at play at the location of the proposed trail.
4. A Trail Policy Should Foster Considerations of Value -- A Variety of Values
are Meaningful, Important and Should Be Criteria in Any Policy Jeff
Scherer
• Aesthetics, and historical and cultural context, really do matter -- they
improve the way we all view and experience life
• Design matters:
"All the really important mistakes are made on the first day"
-old design adage
• The Greed Design Approach (Go sustainable):
- Whole Systems Thinking
- End-Use/Least Cost Considerations
- Front -Loaded Design
- Teamwork
Leading professional thought in this area encourages establishing flexible
design standards for walkways. (See, e.g., Conservation Design Resource
Manual -- Language and Guidelines for Updating Local Ordinances)(March
2003)
• The Non -;Point Education for Municipal Officials (MEMO) materials and the
analysis provided by so many others wisely urge governmental entities to
pursue sustainable development principles and practices.
The draft (updated 9/21/99) Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan (Parks
Section) states that the City will "utilize site planning, construction and
maintenance techniques on public parklands to minimize negative impacts on
the natural environment." (p. 13) This concept should be captured in any
Presentation at November 24, 2003 Joint Commission Meeting
(Open Space and Recreation Commission and Environmental Commission)
trail policy.
• The draft Plan also says that the City will "increase its emphasis on
minimizing runoff volumes through implementation of filtration and other
practices that are environmentally acceptable and financially feasible." (p 13)
• "Communities that choose to implement conservation design will see a
variety of benefits, including reduced flooding, improved water quality,
enhanced biodiversity, higher property values, higher property tax revenues,
and greater community cohesion."
• There are intrinsic benefits that derive from allowing, and even encouraging,
flexibility and dynamism in our habitat, including landscape features.
5. Practical Factors Should Play A Role In Establishing a Trail Policy
The draft (updated 9/21/99) Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan (Parks
Section) says that "the City will continue to develop park and recreation
facilities which minimize maintenance demands on the City as much as
possible through appropriate planning, use of durable, quality materials, and Bruce
labor-saving techniques and practices, while maintaining high standards of Taber
quality of appearance and conditions." (p. 9). Nothing controversial here.
• Certainly while not the sole driver, economic considerations should be part of
any trail policy. Accessibility considerations, safety and security
considerations, and environmental and ecological factors should also be part
of any trail policy.
• The available evidence suggests that asphalt, both in terms of implementation,
but also maintenance, is actually MORE EXPENSIVE than other satisfactory
alternatives.
• The Wisconsin Report on the Feasibility of Paving Wisconsin State Bicycle
Trails is an example of this. They appeared to have studied the cost issue, as
well as other issues, fairly carefully. (See, e.g., pp. 28-34).
• No matter what, building trails to last requires an attitude of excellence.
(When to Pave a Gravel Road Handout, p. 3)
• With many trails, whether paved or unpaved, inadequate engineering and care
has been taken in preparing the base, and in addressing alignment and
drainage problems. (When to Pave a Gravel Road, p. 1)
• Gravel or paved is a matter of trade offs. Well maintained gravel trails are an
effective alternative, and have benefits over asphalt paving. For instance,
6.
Presentation at November 24, 2003 Joint Commission Meeting
(Open Space and Recreation Commission and Environmental Commission)
gravel or crushed stone trails have the advantage of lower construction costs,
and, studies show that they can have lower maintenance costs as well. (When
to Pave, p. 2)
• Gravel trails may be easier to maintain, requiring less equipment and possibly
lower operator skill levels. Potholes can be patched more easily, cheaply and
effectively. Gravel roads are also more forgiving of external forces (for
instance, large, heavy trucks)(When to Pave, p. 2)
• Thus, while heaving and cracking may occur with an asphalt paved trail, frost
will be less likely to affect a crushed stone trail, and even if it does, it will be
easier and less expensive to repair.
• Given its dark surface, there will be more freezing and thawing on an asphalt
trail than a crushed stone one, making travel on an asphalt trail more
hazardous than many other surfaces in the winter.
• Gravel roads generate lower speeds than paved surfaces. (When to Pave, p. 2)
• There are maintenance and safety issues that may be unique to trails surfaced
with asphalt paving. Wet leaves on asphalt can create a dangerous condition.
Sand and debris on asphalt also create issues. There may be a need to
perform regular sweeping. (State of Wisconsin Report recognizes this).
• Other personal experience with crushed stone surfaces (driveway, biking, and
aesthetic conditions).
Summary and Closing Comments
• There are a variety of trails in the metro area, and Golden Valley should pursue
and allow a variety of surfaces in its trail policy.
• There are a nuumber of considerations that suggest paving should not be the
presumptive surface of choice. The trail policy should require consideration of
number of key factors and criteria, not just one or two.
• Our community should pursue sustainable design wherever possible.
• Citizens should have a voice in the process.
Jim Abbott
Ladner
All
7. Questions and Discussion presenters