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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct. 14, 1998 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 14, 1998 A. OPENING BUSINESS Chair David Whipple called the meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. in the basement conference room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: David Whipple, Judy French -Scott, Kate Spear, Rick Tollefson, Jr., Char Laughlin, Frank Traflon Members Absent: Dick Broders, Karen Kautzman Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Klara Fabry, Tim Black, Jefferson County Public Works Guests: Stephanie Taylor, The Trust for Public Land; George Benny, Quimper Trails Association; Jim Pearson, Gene Skovbo, and Peter Stanley, Citizens; Commissioners Dan Harpole and Richard Wojt. Minutes: Minutes of the September 9, 1998 meeting were reviewed/approved with the correction that there was a quorum at the meeting. Agenda Changes: New Business before Old Business. Quorum: There was a quorum. B. NEW BUSINESS Point Hannon/ALEA Grant Request with The Trust for Public Land.- Dan Harpole provided some background on the County's opportunity to secure the Point Hannon property as a public day use boating park (two maps and a letter were distributed). Dan introduced Stephanie Taylor from The Trust For Public Land. Stephanie reviewed that a placeholder application has been submitted to ALEA and the funding requires support from a public agency. She requested Jefferson County consider becoming the sponsor and long-term steward of this park. Warren stated a partnership approach would be important for the County since the County doesn't currently maintain any properties inaccessible by roads. Dan , Harpole said the BOCC is requesting a recommendation from the PAB on whether to go forward as a co- sponsor. He stressed that the County is not contributing fiscally toward the purchase of this property aside from possible future operation and maintenance costs. The intent is for the creation of long-term relationships with nonprofits including possibly a Friends of Point Hannon to do the maintenance. Jim Pearson, a local resident and kayaker, voiced his support for the property acquisition in partnership with Washington Water Trails Association. He believes the property is a valuable water -access resource. Rick Tollefson made a motion that Jefferson County acquire the 7.7 acre Point Hannon property located on Hood Head Island, assuming the ALEA grant is obtained. The PAB requests the acquisition be done in partnership with Washington Water Trails Association, The Trust for Public Land, and a local Hood Head community group and would include the following site provisions: 1. Jefferson County take lead agency status, 2. the addition of a public restroom facility (a composting or pit toilet), 3. classification as a Day -Use Only park, 4. the State's completion of its process with the Wolf Property State Park tidelands, 5. an inquiry into parking issues on and around Seven Sisters Road, 6. encouraging the use of Termination Point as the interim access to this property, 7. the creation and placement of interpretive signage, 8. an attempt to resolve the public access question across Bywater Bay, and 9. the intent to minimize future operation and maintenance costs on behalf of Jefferson County. The motion was seconded and approved. Klara asked to clarify that this park development would prevent any additional demand on Seven Sisters Road. Dan added that because of resident complaints about parking on this road, it is in the state's proposal to put a new road into that property and include a new parking area for that state park. Gibbs Lake/Quimper Trails Association: George Benny, representing the Quimper Trails Association, announced that on October 24-26, Quimper Trails and PT Cyclery are hosting work parties from the INIBA (International Mountain Biking Association). The work parties plan to work on problem areas and possibly building a new trail link. George requested funding assistance for gravel and materials for trail repairs and the new trail link. He attended a seminar on trail building at Tahuya State Park and mentioned it was clear that trail successes are a result of the cooperation among all types of trail users. There was significant discussions about trail improvements through the pedestrian -only, wetland area. Warren commented that any new trails, including a trail link would need to be discussed and approved by County staff and the PAB. Warren reported Will Butterfield has been working with the DNR on the legal agreements and it appears resolution could come by December regarding the trail corridor at Gibbs Lake and other trails. Rick Tollefson made a motion that the BOCC approve a Community Park Grant to the Quimper Trails Association for an amount up to $500 for gravel and materials. The grant is contingent upon Quimper Trails presenting a proposal. to staff and obtaining staff approval for their activities 350 Street Park Project: Dan Harpole reported that it appears likely the City of Port Townsend will be asking to renegotiate their original agreement with the County on this proposed park project. The changes are a result of watershed and water disbursement problems as well as considerable public opposition to the park being an active recreational area. Dan will recommend this issue be brought back to the PAB for fiuther discussion. There was some discussion about the need for a community park in or around that location and other possible locations for practice fields. SR 20 Bicycle Traffic Concerns: Gene Skovbo was present to comment on the increased vehicle and bicycle traffic on SR 20 and safety concerns at the bridge at Jacob Miller Road and Fredrickson St. Following some discussion about possibilities for a bypass alongside and below SR20, Klara Fabry indicated that Phase II of the Larry Scott Trail should address some of the concerns. Next year, trail design on this portion will occur and construction is planned to begin in 2000. Klara stated she has been and will continue to work closely with DOT on these issues. C. OLD BUSINESS H.J. Carroll Park: Warren reported Phase I is now finished. The park is now open to the public and is widely used. The H.J. Carroll Advisory Board has been meeting and working with a citizens volunteer group on the BMX bicycle practice area. Community Park Grant work has also started this month with Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 14, 1998 Page 2 plantings by the Tri-Area Garden Club and work by Wild Olympic Salmon and the Homebuilders Association. The County is working on the project plan for the restroom facility scheduled to be complete by September 1999 and a project manager will be assigned. Auxiliary parking spaces have been developed for larger, special events. A memorial fund dedication for Kyle Thies will be held at the park with the funds going to purchase playground equipment. Rick Tollefson mentioned Jim Bishop, President of the East Jefferson Little League, would like a partner relationship in developing the other ball field site at the park. Bill Kush, Rec. Director for the City of Port Townsend, is circulating a proposal for a new pool/recreation facility in Port Townsend at one of two sites. Bill also expressed interest in being involved in the planning group for H.J. Carroll Park. Larry Scott Trail: Judy said the public is using and loving the trail. Klara said that planning now involves next year's additional right-of-way acquisitions and development of the design. The Port of Port Townsend made a presentation to the BOCC regarding the possibility that the Port's long -tern plans might impact the trail head. After-Sckool/Sammer Best Self Program: Rick Tollefson reported a part-time coordinator has been hired. The program is scheduled to be in place by June 1999. D. STAFF REPORTS Manager's Report: Warren reported the camping season was over on October 1. So far this year, $23,700 in camping fees were collected which is above last year. There were no major problems this summer and winterization projects are occurring as well as working on picnic tables and some kiosks. Recreation: Tim Black reported that some of the crew at Memorial Field are working 7-days a week and the field's schedule is full. Soccer fields are ready at Brinnon and Quilcene. All fields are in good shape. They have expanded the use of the H.J. Carroll fields with occasional use by the Port Townsend High School girls as well as other teams. The Rec. Center is going well. The 18 and Under policy is working well and younger kids are using the facility. The soccer program is going well with approximately 400 kids and 40 teams. E. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE - None F. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 1998. David Whipple asked to include on next month's agenda a 12-18 Month Parks Outlook. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 14, 1998 Page 3