Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct. 2000 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2000 I. OPENING BUSINESS Acting Chair Rick Tollefson called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. in the basement conference room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Judy French -Scott, Mike Ryan, Rick Tollefson, Frank Trafton, Jr., Randy Kline Members Absent: Char Laughlin (Chair), Karen Kautzman (Vice Chair), David Whipple Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Tim Black, Debbie Berreth, Jefferson County Public Works Minutes: Minutes of the September 13 meetings were approved with the following corrections in spelling: page 1, second paragraph, Sheri Sullivan should be Solomon and T-21 should be TEA-21; page 2, fourth paragraph, Morris should be Moore. Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda Changes: None II. OLD BUSINESS A. Gateway Visitors Center: Project Coordinator Debbie Berreth circulated site maps, conceptual drawings, and project assumptions. She reported that the County is still working with ORM on acquiring the property and is waiting on contract approval for Phase I. Phase I involves design work, environmental and engineering studies, and right-of-way acquisitions. She talked about how this facility would benefit the Olympic Peninsula and discussed the differences between an interpretive center and rest area. She indicated that the project scope may be expanded to include other elements such as a rest area and park -and -ride. Currently, acquisition through land donation remains the biggest obstacle. She outlined funding opportunities and talked about the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) as one of the options for operating and maintenance funds. She agreed to provide the PAB with a report of current users. B. Larry Scott Trail. (written report) Warren Steurer provided an update on right-of-way acquisitions, possible coordination with Pony Clubs for the Rumage property, and Soroptomist support for maintenance of the Olympic Discovery Trail. He announced that the Gardiner Bridge is nearly complete and includes a bicycle lane. A ribbon -cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 21 at 11:00 a.m. He circulated a picture of this project, C. Chimacum Beach: (written report) Warren Steurer said the County is in good standing to receive IAC funds to purchase the Cotton property. Commissioner Huntingford, Terry Nomura, and Nik Worden testified at the hearing in support of the project. The ALEA grant proposal was rejected because it contained inadequate clean-up plans. He reviewed alternative funding sources for acquisitions as outlined in his report. He announced that the Department of Fish and Wildlife's proposal to restore the beach to its original configuration was ranked number one on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board's list of restoration projects. The PAB expressed an interest in better understanding this project to avoid any conflict between public access and salmon restoration efforts at this site. D. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported the H.J. Carroll Advisory Board meeting is tomorrow at the Tri-Area Community Center. Recent park activities include work on the BMX track, kiosk y J design, and drain field and septic system for the restroom and concession facility, the opening of which is scheduled for November 9. The maintenance and caretaker area should be available by March 2001. Recent plans for the Tom Yarr Memorial include an open area, picnic tables, tree plantings, and flag pole. Tim Black said plans and costs for the basketball court have been outlined and there has been work on a fund-raising presentation. E. Off. Leash/Woof This group has not met recently and is still in the process of looking at properties. F. Northwest Kiwanis Camp / Quimper Trails Association (QTA): Warren Steurer reviewed the County's position regarding a possible trail link between Gibbs and Beausite Lakes. At the meeting with representatives of the County, QTA, and the Northwest Kiwanis Camp, the County agreed to commit staff time to work on a non -motorized trail plan as an element of the County's Comprehensive Plan. The BOCC recognized the significant contributions of these two groups through their individual projects. However related to a Gibbs/Beausite trail link, there was no interest in pitting one group against the other or compromising the integrity or security of the Beausite Lake site. If another trail route in that area were to be proposed, staff agreed to give it further consideration. The PAB discussed the confusion over the interpretation of the lease. It was mentioned that while allowing public access to the lands is part of the lease, the site is intended as a public retreat site by reservation only. It was suggested that the policies need to be known to eliminate any confusion and that an update of the Gibbs Lake master plan — which includes Beausite Lake — may be an opportunity to mitigate concerns of the Kiwanis by involving them in the process. There was some question raised about the cost to the County for these dirt trails. There was a comment that it would be a disappointment to forego projects because of the potential maintenance cost to the County. It was suggested that the cost to the County is minimal for trails. Warren Steurer agreed to contact Kiwanis asking them to present their annual report and public outreach and education strategies for discussion at the next PAB meeting. The discussion is to identify their major concerns with a possible trail link and offer mitigation such as a fence to block access during the two -week Kiwanis camp. G. Yippee: Tim Black reported that Camp Parsons was judged to be unsuitable and the Quilcene Community Center is being used instead. A coordinator has been hired. H. Aquatic Center: Warren Steurer said it appears from The Leader article that the City might be considering a Parks and Recreation District in the City. Under advice from Lee Springgate, the City expressed to the Port Townsend School Board its interest in using the Mountain View School campus and enhancing the site as a recreation location. There was a question whether there would be a Phase II of the Parks and Recreation Summit. It was suggested that County Administrator might be invited to the PAB meeting to provide an update of the Parks and Recreation Summit for a discussion on how to proceed. III. NEW BUSINESS A. HJ Carroll Site Plan: Warren Steurer reviewed the updated site plan showing changes since the original concept. Along with the elimination of the aquatic center due to a lack of space, the maintenance/caretaker area has been relocated. Plans are to continue working with the Rotary Club on their adoption of the picnic pavilion, Wild Olympic Salmon on enclosing their picnic shelter, maintaining the labyrinth and horseshoe pits, and continued expansion of the playground area to include the bronze turtle and salmon bell. Landscaping will also continue. He talked about other plans for the basketball court, small soccer fields, and another small playground area. Other improvements may be to create a hard trail surface next to the soft trail and increasing parking capacity through improved lot design improvements. A part of the County's non -motorized trail plan might include a trail connection across the valley to Chimacum Road. It is believed this revised plan will be presented to the BOCC. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 8, 2000. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 11, 2000 Page 2