Minutes: Community Stakeholder Meeting No. 2

Minutes: Community Stakeholder Meeting No. 2 MEADOWDALE BEACH COUNTY PARK FEASIBILITY STUDY
Meeting Date and Time: Monday, April 20, 2015, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Meadowdale High School, 6002 168th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037
Attendees
Snohomish County Staff • Logan Daniels • Kathleen Herrmann • Tom Teigen • Doug Dailer, Park Ranger
Anchor QEA, Consultant Team • Kathy Ketteridge, Anchor QEA • Peter Hummel, Anchor QEA • Paul Schlenger, Confluence
Community Members • Community Participants
1. Introductions, Purpose of Meeting
Logan introduced the Snohomish County Staff and consultants. She explained the purpose of the meeting was to obtain input on the proposed alternatives.
2. Overview of Meeting Agenda
Peter went over the meeting agenda and explained that input from the attendees would be obtained in small group sessions following an upfront presentation of the proposed alternatives and completed draft studies.
3. Presentation of Proposed Alternatives
Peter presented the three proposed alternatives, which were shown on boards in the meeting space and on the screen as part of the PowerPoint presentation. Plan and section views for each of the three proposed alternatives are provided in Attachment 1, which is the PowerPoint presentation shown during the meeting.
4. Overview of Studies Conducted for the Project
Kathy provided an overview of each of the studies completed as part of the project (to date). A list of the studies is provided with the PowerPoint presentation shown in Attachment 1. Some of the studies were discussed in more detail, including: Cultural Resources, Environmental Phase 1, Geotechnical Evaluation, Creek and Coastal Studies,
Minutes: Community Stakeholder Meeting April 20, 2015
Meadowdale Beach County Park Feasibility Study
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BNSF coordination and Parks and Recreation. Summary talking points for the studies are also provided in the PowerPoint presentation provided in Attachment 1.
5. Small-group Discussion of Proposed Alternatives and “Report Back” on discussion
The attendees were divided up into small groups (less than 10 individuals per group) and each group had a facilitator from Snohomish County staff (Logan and Kathleen) or the Consultant Team (Peter, Kathy, and Paul) assist with the discussion and answer questions, as needed. Each facilitator recorded comments from the attendees during the small group discussion. These comments are provided (by facilitator) as Attachment 2. Comment card responses provided by attendees are summarized in Attachment 3. The majority of the attendees preferred Alternative 3.
6. Next Steps and Meeting Adjourned
Logan described the upcoming steps in the project, including a second organization/stakeholder meeting and County meeting to facilitate selection of the preferred alternative. Meeting minutes and other project information will be posted on the project website; information on the website is provided in the last slide of the PowerPoint presentation (Attachment 1)
Attachments
o Attachment 1: PowerPoint Presentation o Attachment 2: Flip Chart Notes, organized by discussion group o Attachment 3: Comment Card Responses
Meeting summary prepared by Peter Hummel and
Kathy Ketteridge Anchor QEA, LLC
April 2015
Communicate any discrepancies in these meeting minutes, in writing, to Kathy Ketteridge ([email protected]) within 7 days.
Meadowdale Beach County Park Feasibility Study Community Stakeholder Meeting #2
April 20, 2015
Introductions and Purpose of Meeting
Project Objectives:
• Pass sediment through the opening effectively and reduce maintenance
• Accommodate increasing stream flows and reduce potential flooding of public use areas
• Improve public access (including Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] access) and safety to the beach
• Enhance recreational and educational use of the park
• Improve fish habitat
Project Progress
Meeting Agenda
• Small Group Discussion of Proposed Alternatives
• Summary and Clarification of Stakeholder Input/Comment
• Next Steps
Proposed Alternatives
Alternative 1
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 3
Alternatives Considered but not Evaluated
• Pedestrian Overpass − Does not address sediment and flooding issues
− Large structure required for access
• Larger or additional box culverts through the railroad berm
− Box culverts cannot be built within BNSF work windows
• Large bridge that spans entire park frontage − Larger bridge not needed to meet objectives of project
Planning Studies
1999
2002
2010
2012
Creek and Coastal Effects
• All three alternatives were developed to allow passage of flows and sediment loads larger than the expected 100-yr flood.
− Alternative 2 requires the creek channel to be re- aligned to the north of its current location
− The opening for alternative 3 is larger than required
• All three alternatives will distribute sediment on the delta in a wider area than happens now
− Alternative 2 will push delta formation north of it’s current location
− Alternative 3 provides additional width for creek migration and delta formation
• More complex channel formation is expected from all three alternatives
• Alternative 3 would provide additional width for migration of the beach landward due to sea level rise
Railroad Coordination Study • All alternatives were developed to be
consistent with BNSF bridge design guidelines and O&M Procedures
• All alternatives were developed to be constructed within the 6-hour work windows required for this location
• Alternative 3 would take longer to construct and require additional maintenance costs than Alternatives 1 and 2
Cultural Resources and Environmental Phase 1 Studies
• Initial “desktop” study did not identify any significant issues
• Additional study would be conducted during the design phase for the project
Habitat Study • Site currently provides productive estuary
waterward of railroad and altered, but generally adequate habitat in creek. At and immediately upstream of railroad crossing is severely impaired habitat.
• Restoration elements focus on restoring natural estuary transition between creek and Puget Sound. Overall, the main elements of the restoration are the same among the alternatives, but the size and configuration differ.
− Wider creek opening for sediment to pass and fish to access the creek
− Estuarine marsh area landward of railroad − Creek habitat improvements − Riparian vegetation improvements
• Alternative 3 provides widest opening, largest space for marsh and most certainty of sustained function over time.
Parks and Recreation Study • Conversion of Lawn to Natural
Habitat
• Beach Access:
− Alternatives 1 and 3 provide the best beach access. Can be further refined in Preferred Alternative
− Alternative 2 retains the use of existing culvert/tunnel
Small Group Discussion: Proposed Alternatives
Next Steps
• Synthesize and summarize input gained from this meeting (late April)
• Second organization/agency stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed alternatives (early May)
• Selection and refinement of a preferred alternative (mid to late May)
• Meetings with BNSF and agencies to discuss preferred alternative (late May)
• Finalize Draft Studies and Compile Feasibility Report (June)
Project Status and Point of Contact
For current project status, updates, and document availability go to: www.snocoparks.org
Questions or Comments: Contact: Logan Daniels, P.E., Project Manager Phone: 425-388-6619 Email: [email protected]
Thank you for your participation!
ATTACHMENT 2
Community Stakeholder Meeting No. 2 Notes, by Group MEADOWDALE BEACH COUNTY PARK FEASIBILITY STUDY
Peter Hummel, facilitator Sheet 1
• Is lawn to habitat, direct correlation • Mix and match clearance for pedestrian walkway • How is the lawn used and how often? • Like the idea of smaller lawn and more habitat (Alternative 3) • Concur with prior bullet item: like the Alternative 3 habitat • Noise: when building a bridge
o Will train horns be required? o Would like to minimize horns o Like Alternative 3– largest opening, less lawn OK
• Can BNSF pay? • Like Alternative 1 – least cost • Like Alternative 3 – best habitat and sediment passage
Sheet 2
• Like Alternative 1 – keeping more lawn • (Park user) usually walking to the beach • Alternative 2 is least desirable; Alternative 3 is the best over the long term:
opening size, fish, and views • More picnic sites is better • Like Alternative 1 – more protected from tides • Like gravel path, north side • Like Alternative 1 – cheaper, railroad would like, Alternative 3 – railroad (may have
issues with it)
Drawing on Un-numbered Sheet
Community Stakeholder Meeting No. 2 Notes, by Group April 20, 2015
2
Kathy Ketteridge, facilitator Sheet 1
• Most folks avoid the western lawn • Most folks just want to get to the beach • Put more picnic tables at the beach since access will be better • Lawn is important, but need to have more habitat • Views are important – picnic spots • Boardwalk could be useful for public
3
• Want to know costs! • Larger habitat with smaller opening • Picnic tables – folks use them, but shading is not ideal • Walking loop is important • Park is a hike, so not like a typical park where folks bring coolers, etc. • Picnic areas – sunny locations are better! • Volleyball court could be moved to beach • Like the larger opening (Alternative 3) • Improve the lawn • Coho populations have fallen in the creek, chum are doing OK • Alternative 2 – pro/dynamic • Boardwalk through wetland for bird watchers • The culvert does get impacted by high water now – bottom is at approx. 9 feet –
check drawing • Two reasons to go to the park: the walk/hike, and the beach
Logan Daniels, facilitator Sheet 1
• Time frame and cost • Parking • High-flow bypass – route to Sound • What about the problem upstream?
Sheet 2
• Get rid of lawn altogether • Leave some lawn • Most important aspect is the beach • Alternative 2 – the creek would want to go back into the tunnel • Volleyball court can go • Note that concerned about picnic views • Alternative 3 is preferred but concern for cost
Paul Schlenger, facilitator Sheet 1
• Water and sediment on path • Cost • Want something that lasts • Alternative 3 gives room for creek meandering • Alternative 2 maintenance trouble – culvert
4
• Sea level rise sustainability • Want space for birds/wildlife that marsh/wetland would provide • Lawn upstream of the picnic area is often wet • Keep volleyball somewhere • Need to recognize that there will be trails created along the north even if not part
of the design • Wide riparian zone for salmon – good • Favor habitat over recreation
Sheet 2
• Alternative 3 – room for change over time, e.g., sediment • Life cycle cost – Alternative 3 sustainability provides value • More maintenance-free, the better • Alternative 2 creek bend problematic over time • More space lessens the likelihood for trampling • When did the culvert go in? In 20 years would it need to be replaced? • Do it once, do it right • No one uses horseshoes
o Sometimes volleyball o The lawn is rough (mole hills), not easy to run on o Picnic area is used often
• Big investment of Alternative 3 still a value • Big lawn not needed
Sheet 3
• Alternative 3 less lawn maintenance, more bird viewing • Playground could add use by kids, but not wanted instead of Alternative 3 • Want a project that doesn’t need to be redone in 20 years • Park usage statistics – increasing over time • Passive park – lessen lawn maintenance • Increased park use leads to railroad crossing safety issues that this project needs
to address / will address
What is County priority?
Q: Alternative 1
• Not that concerned about view/height; concerned about access • Community park will be key over the next 50 years • Once you are on the beach, you have a view
5
• Folks aren’t big on Alternative 2 – don’t want to walk in the tunnel • BNSF – What’s the cost of Alternative 1 vs. Alternative 3? • What about BNSF buy-off?
Sheet 2
• What about a “Bradley bridge,” which was used in wars? • Good to have double track by park • Regarding lawn: only one part of it is sunny; people would rather go to the beach
for views, rain or shine • The lawn is a swamp; the lawn is a waste – better to have a pond for fish • Reduce lawn for habitat and leave a bit for picnic shelter • What about building a platform (at the north end regrade / dead end trail) for a
view on Alternative 1?
Sheet 3
• What about a boardwalk with big pilings, to allow the stream to flow and people to walk?
• Lots of good County folk / expertise working on this – what do we think? • Can/should we put pressure on BNSF/Berkshire Hathaway to participate?
Sheet 4
• Seen people with strollers crossing the railroad tracks • Some people put rocks on the tracks • Public safety issues • Folks like Alternative 3: better views, better access, more habitat, allows flexibility
Sheet 5
• Who are other agency partners? • Has sediment load changed recently? • Where was new conservation land approx. 13 acres bought? (Lynnwood?) • If the lawn is being kept, it needs to be regraded because it is a swamp • Regarding dead-end path: keep the picnic area and remove trees/foliage to keep
open view, to keep personal safety Sheet 6
• 6.5-foot vs. 6-foot clearance difference is inconsequential • How long will it take for native plants to come in after restoration? • What is the timeline for constructing this project?
ATTACHMENT 3
Community Meeting No. 2 Comment Cards MEADOWDALE BEACH COUNTY PARK FEASIBILITY STUDY
Comment No. 1 “Very well-facilitated discussions; great information and visuals – thanks!”
Comment No. 2 “Good options on more riparian zone for salmon habitat.”
Comment No. 3 “My first meeting on this; great surprise on how developed it is. Good luck, and keep it going!”
“I would like to be more involved! Let me know what I can do.”
“I suggest putting BNSF/Berkshire under pressure.”
Comment No. 4 “Alternate 1 sounds good (the best); thanks.”
Minutes_Meadowdale Beach Community Mtg 04-29-2015_DRAFT_gs_ha_gs_kk
Attendees
4. Overview of Studies Conducted for the Project
5. Small-group Discussion of Proposed Alternatives and “Report Back” on discussion
6. Next Steps and Meeting Adjourned
Attachments
Slide Number 1
Project Objectives:
Project Progress
Meeting Agenda
Proposed Alternatives
Alternative 1
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 3
Planning Studies
Next Steps
Thank you for your participation!
Flip Chart Notes
Peter Hummel, facilitator
Kathy Ketteridge, facilitator
Logan Daniels, facilitator
Paul Schlenger, facilitator
Kathleen Herrmann, facilitator
Comment No. 1
Comment No. 2
Comment No. 3
Comment No. 4

Documents

Minutes: Community Stakeholder Meeting No. 2