HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec. 1999-MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1999
I. OPENING BUSINESS
Chair Frank Trafton, Jr. called the meeting to order at 12:08 p.m. in the basement conference room of the Jefferson
County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington.
Members Present: Frank Trafton, Jr., Rick Tollefson, David Whipple; Karen Kautzman, Judy French -
Scott, Char Laughlin, Dick Broders
Members Absent: Randy Kline
Guests: Gail Jenkins
Staff Present: Tim Black, Warren Steurer of Jefferson County Public Works
Minutes: Minutes of the November 10, 1999, meeting were reviewed and approved.
Quorum: There was a quorum.
Agenda: The Off Leash report was moved to the beginning of the agenda and a discussion of
Election of Officers was added.
H. OLD BUSINESS
A. Off Leash/Woof. Char Laughlin presented a letter from the group Woof which represents dog lovers seeking an
off -leash area. They propose designating a site on County property off Cape George Road (across from Loftus
Road) as well as the County property on SR 20, just south of the airport. The proposal also recommends
changing wording in the Jefferson County Parks Land Ordinance to indicate that dogs need to be under "voice
control" as opposed to "restrictive control." Warren Steurer distributed and reviewed the current Parks Land
Ordinance, the County Code on Animal Responsibilities, and Bellingham's Park Regulations Related to
Animals. Bellingham reported no difficulty with their regulations which specifically list permitted and restricted
off -leash areas. Warren feels the issues are liability and the fact that the property on Cape George, while owned
by the County, is not a park site. He is preparing to talk with the County Prosecutor and will ask about
recreational use of County property.
David Whipple moved that Parks staff coordinate with Public Works on the feasibility of developing
unimproved recreation areas into off -leash dog areas on County properties located at Cape George and
the airport as described in the Woof proposal. In addition, Parks staff should notify persons of interest
in the affected areas about this potential use. Judy French -Scott seconded the motion for discussion.
Warren asked to confirm that the PAB subcommittee for the Off -Leash project is Char Laughlin and Karen
Kautzman. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Warren agreed to provide a progress report at the
February PAB meeting.
B. H.J. Carroll Park;
1. Aquatic Center: The next meeting is Thursday, January 6. The Advisory Board has been discussing
financing options. Commissioner Harpole and the BOCC will be working on a letter to the Port Townsend
City Council regarding plans for an aquatic center as well as future financing of City and County Parks &
Recreation programs. Warren Steurer said he believes the County will be recommending that a service area
or district approach be pursued, although there are many options.
2. Playground: The picket fence fund-raising project will begin in four to six weeks. Donors can get their
name or business name on a picket.
3. Restroom/Concession: Project manager Valerie Green continues to work with the volunteer group. The
expected completion is still March or April of 2000.
4. Other: The labyrinth project is complete although some drainage issues remain..Kiosk sign issues have
also been resolved and the roof will soon be complete. Eagle scout Kenji Crosland has nearly completed his
mile post project. Rick Sepler of Madrona Planning has agreed to facilitate work sessions in January and
February with the H.J. Carroll and Parks Advisory Boards to revisit the park's master plan.
C. Gibbs Lake: Quimper Trails Association (QTA) is working with County Parks to improve the backside trail.
Rick Sepler donated $500 for Geo-cell material that will allow moisture to move through the trail while having a
more solid surface above. The QTA group has surpassed 1,000 volunteer hours on trail maintenance. QTA and
Warren Steurer will be meeting with DNR representatives to discuss Gibbs and Anderson Lake issues.
Regarding the Olympic Peninsula Ropes Challenge Course, Warren may contact the new 4-H coordinator for
Jefferson and Clallam Counties. Frank Trafton, Jr. expressed continued concern about road safety to a
developing Gibbs Lake.
D. Paragliding: Commissioner Wojt recently witnessed a paragliding accident while he was walking on Larry
Scott Trail. Public Works is responding with signage instructing people to keep off the bluff Warren Steurer
said work on this project to date has been limited to evaluation of suitable park properties in Jefferson County
and drafting ordinance language. Larry Scott Trail is the closest suitable site and the next stage will be receiving
public comment. User safety, a landing area, bank stabilization, and County costs to support this project are
concerns that remain.
E. City Parks and Recreation: No report.
F. YippeelllesttzYeIf Program: Rick Tollefson reported the Brinnon and Quilcene after -school programs received a
$40,000 grant from the State Juvenile Justice Committee,
III. NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers: There was a discussion of chair and vice chair positions on the PAB. Frank Trafton, Jr.
nominated Char Laughlin and Randy Kline as Chair and Vice Chair. David Whipple moved to approve a new
slate of officers with Char Laughlin as Chair and Randy Kline as Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by
Rick Tollefson and carried by unanimous vote.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
Field and Recreation: Tim Black reported Phil Saxton has been digging a drainage ditch by the stands at memorial
field. In August 2000, a Chrysler Car Show is now scheduled just before the Classic Car Show. Proceeds go to the
Rec. Department. The installation of another basketball goal at the Quilcene Community Center will allow for full
court Junior Hoop practice. The Quilcene gym is not available due to construction at the school. The Brinnon gym
might be an alternate site. Junior Hoop registrations are about half way complete and more coaches are needed.
Senior Pickle Ball at the Rec. Center is held at noon a couple of days a week.
David Whipple announced that a new group called PT Athletic Field Foundation is looking for suitable soccer field
properties. It appears a likely area is behind Blue Heron School. David said he may be informally participating in
future meetings.
V. PREPARE NEW AGENDA
Northwest Kiwanis will present their annual report to the PAB.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 12, 1999.
Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Minutes of December 8, 1999
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