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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2000 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2000 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Char Laughlin called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. in the basement conference room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington Members Present: Randy Kline, Karen Kautzman, Char Laughlin, Judy French -Scott, Rick Tollefson, Frank Trafton, Jr., David Whipple Members Absent: Dick Broders Guests: Larry Little, Jeannie Glaspell, Citizens and Members of the Aquatic Center Committee Staff Present: Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Jefferson County Public Works Minutes: Minutes of the February 9, 2000, meeting were reviewed and approved. Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda Changes: Moving New Business Item Aquatic Center Committee Presentation to the beginning of the agenda. II. NEW BUSINESS Aquatic Center: Guests Larry Little and Jeannie Glaspell provided background on the work of the committee and proposed that the County earmark money for an aquatic center feasibility study. The study is estimated to cost a maximum of $40,000 and would provide information necessary to customize an aquatic center that meets the needs of the community. They distributed a handout explaining what the community can gain from a feasibility study. Mr. Little said his vision is to create a recreational facility with leisure, athletic, and therapy components for East Jefferson County residents. Ms. Gaspell indicated that an aquatic center project is going to be a continual expense for the community. This expense is something the City is aware of as the City pool nears the end of its life expectancy and struggles with maintenance costs and meeting the variety of users. They feel now is the time to move forward on a new facility. The first step in that process is to conduct a study to find out what the community wants. Warren Steurer said it is likely there will need to be a cooperative agreement between the City and County to conduct a feasibility study. Commissioner Harpole indicated west -end Jefferson County residents are currently lobbying the BOCC to support a pool in Forks (Clallam County). He personally supports having a meeting of all park and recreation providers in East Jefferson County to look seriously at the development of a Park and Recreation District. He noted that the City and County have signed a resolution to work together on capital facilities' development. There is a concern about what would happen with the City facility if another aquatic center opens. Some view an aquatic center as an intervention and prevention strategy that the law and justice system needs more than additional courtroom space. Rick Tollefson moved that Parks' staff send a letter to the BOCC advising that the County contribute up to a maximum of $20,000 to be matched by the City of Port Townsend to complete an aquatic center feasibility study. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. Warren said the City and County need to discuss matching funds. Commissioner Harpole believes one entity will need to take lead status for management of resources. He suggested the City Manager and County Administrator work with staff from the City Pool and the Aquatic Center Committee. The $10,000 in the Parks Improvement Budget is for other projects such as park comprehensive work and professional studies. It may be possible to redirect capital facilities' dollars. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden said that right-of-way plans for the state highway route cannot be firmed up until a survey is complete. He is working on getting a surveyor under contract to complete work left unfinished in 1996 and 1997. He is also working on correctly apportioning grants to each part of the trail work so the funds can be accessed. Rick Tollefson said he spoke with a representative of the Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC) about the possible use of the Puget Sound Energy right of way for ORVs. The actual agreement is between Puget Sound Energy and the Pacific Northwest Trails Coalition. Although PTC has not formally responded, they are looking at a number of possibilities for trails, but do not foresee any problem with including off -road vehicles. Commissioner Harpole noted that Gary Rowe and Martha Hurd of DNR will be working together on site opportunities in the South County area. Nik agreed to investigate whether the 100 foot easement from Thomas to Mill Road, was specified as nonmotorized when granted by the Mill. B. Chimacum Creek — Irondale Beach: Nik Worden said the Department of Ecology has agreed to assist in determining the extent of the contamination conditions and to write a clean-up plan. These are two prerequisites for getting the funding to purchase the site. There is still no response from the Cotton family on the offer from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rick Tollefson suggested it may be appropriate at some point to get a third party such as the Trust for Public Lands to negotiate for DFW. Nik Worden said the completion of the current negotiation will occur before others can become involved. C. H.J. Carroll Park: The H.J. Carroll Advisory Board met on March 1 to review report cards and talk about fixture direction and park limitations. There was overwhelming support to increase the use of the park with youth activities and create a more user-friendly and safe environment for kids. The Port Townsend High School soccer team is practicing on the fields. Parks staff will soon place signs encouraging the public to continue to invest in the playground development by purchasing pickets for the fence. The restroom concession project is moving along slowly and is about 50 percent complete. The kiosk is being roofed; signage is also underway. Eagle Scout Kenji Crossland has completed his mile marker project. The trail loop is exactly 7/10`h of a mile. There was support for sending him a letter of thanks for his work. D. Gibbs Lake: Parks staff completed maps of the trails that will be available in Plexiglas containers. Nik and Warren met with Quimper Trails Association (QTA) about the connection on DNR land between Anderson and Gibbs Lakes. Randy Kline reported QTA continues trail maintenance work. Warren said some of the trails are beginning to show grooving. There is no update on the Olympic Peninsula Ropes Challenge Course. E. Off Leash/Woof. Warren said he believes the County is going to invest in some dog litter disposal options. Judy French -Scott mentioned some parks use sani-cans for dog feces. The County still aims to create and claim a dog park and become clearer about the expectations for dog owners. F. Parks and Recreation Summit: Warren said he is working on scheduling the summit for late April or early May. The goal of the summit will be to lay out current and future activities and priority projects. It is expected the summit would involve schools, little league associations, trail groups, city and county parks, YMCA and 4-H. Another part of the summit might be discussion of the parks and recreation district and whether the City and County can more effectively provide for recreational needs of the community by combining their services. David Whipple said he would like to see the summit result in a priority project or mission. He suggested that prework by organizations could include goals, barriers and } likely partners. Rick Tollefson suggested recruiting a steering committee, with representatives from the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 8, 2000 Page 2 parks departments, to set up the ground rules for the summit. He believes there could be a prevention and intervention focus and a strategy that addresses the underrepresented youth in the community. G. Yippee/Best-Self Program: No report. H. Board Retreat: The PAB agreed to reschedule the Board Retreat after the Parks and Recreation Summit is complete. IV. STAFF REPORTS Manager's Report: Park grants will be advertised next Wednesday. It is likely grants will be awarded in May. The County has requested reports from recipients of past grants. Campgrounds will open April 1. The Memorial Field crew is working on a field lighting safety issue that may require funds from the capital improvement dollars to repair ($14,000-$20,000). Memorial Field needs to be considered in long-term park plans. Rocky Friedman has approached Parks staff about using the recreation center gym for the Port Townsend Film Festival. V. PREPARE NEW AGENDA VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 12, 2000. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 8, 2000 Page 3