HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb. 2000-MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 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: Dick Broders, Randy Kline, Char Laughlin, Rick Tollefson, Frank Trafton,
Jr., David Whipple
Members Absent: Karen Kautzman, Judy French -Scott
Staff Present: Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Jefferson County Public Works
Minutes: Minutes of the January 12, 2000, meeting were reviewed and approved.
Quorum: There was a quorum.
Agenda: Addition of Advisory Board Business
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. Larry Scott Trail: The Transportation Improvement Board approved TEA-21 grants for Larry Scott
Trail segments 2 and 3 ($264,850), planning for the Olympic Gateway Visitors Center ($160,000), and
Clallam County's application for the Discovery Trail between Port Angeles and Morse Creek. Related
to trail access, Warren Steurer said DNR is approaching a regional agreement on the Burnt Hill area and
ORV usage is a possibility. Frank Trafton said it might be possible to satisfy the conditions of Gene
Seton's acquisition through ORV access at Burnt Hill, but corridor access remains an important
consideration for ORV users. The trail section heavily used by ORVs is between Thomas Street and
Cape George Road. Frank proposed that this portion of the trail be expanded for motorcycle use and that
the PAB support Nik in pursuing the possibilities of a power line easement agreement with Puget Sound
Energy (PSE). Rick Tollefson said Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC) is currently negotiating with PSE
and he agreed to try to get more information from PTC. Warren Steurer agreed to follow up with Don
McDaniel of PSE. Commissioner Harpole mentioned that Gary Rowe and Martha Hurd are having
discussions on possible ORV sites in cooperation with DNR. He indicated the BOCC is aware of ORV
displacement and accessibility issues.
B. Chimacum Creek — Irondale Beach: Last week, there was a coordinating meeting with North Olympic
Salmon Coalition (NOSC), Wild Olympic Salmon, and the Jefferson County Conservation District and
Jefferson Land Trust. Jefferson Land Trust would like to purchase property at the branch headwaters of
Chimacum Creek and NOSC is pursuing properties around the mouth of the creek. The Department of
Fish and Wildlife (DFW) offered to purchase property on the north shore of the creek from Port
Townsend Paper, but has had no response. The pursuit of the up -stream property replaces the offer on
the Cotton property since the DFW, with IAC funding, is not able to make an offer until there is cleanup
of the contamination at that site.
C. Gibbs Lake: Parks staff completed construction of a second kiosk and by spring there will be a map of
the trails. Peninsula Trails Coalition is mapping their route between Four Corners and Eaglemount and
they are considering an option to access Gibbs Lake as well as a connection to Anderson Lake.
Commissioner Harpole said although funding exists for road design work in 2000, State or Federal
construction funding is uncertain.
D. Olympic Peninsula Ropes Challenge Course: Warren met with Debbie Nestler, the WSU coordinator
for 4-H activities. She is willing to lead WSU and Jefferson County into an agreement on a site at Gibbs
Lake with the first phase being a low, handicapped -accessible course. In the future, Warren will be
contacting Sam Tower for assistance with design and budgeting. David Whipple suggested a possible
partnership with schools to access additional funding.
E. H.J. Carroll Park: Staff is conducting winter maintenance. Fifteen plaques are ready for the picket
fence project and fundraising will continue. Seventy individuals received an H.J. Carroll Park report
card including H.J. Carroll and Parks Advisory Boards. Staff is collecting responses and has scheduled a
focus group for Wednesday, March 1 from 3:00-5:00. The purpose is to discuss the results, future
direction, and park limitations. Warren encouraged PAB members to participate.
Rick Tollefson said the Aquatic Center subcommittee has agreed on a draft scope of the project and will
approach the City for financial support of the feasibility study. Commissioner Harpole said there is
support for holding a Parks and Recreation summit. The expected result is an agreement on a funding
strategy for City and County Parks and Recreation Departments to handle large capital requests and to
have discussions on facilities, services and community partners. Commissioner Harpole said he supports
conducting the feasibility study. Long-term operation and maintenance costs are a concern.
F. Off Leash/Woof: The Jefferson County ordinance states the owner has responsibility for controlling
their animal and does not state that dogs must be on leash. At their last meeting, Woof listed potential
off -leash parks and discussed Irondale Park as a possible test site. Warren said an off -leash park still
means owner responsibility and posting these restrictions will extend education to park users.
G. Yippee/Best-Self Program: Commissioner Harpole said contracts were signed for the Yippee
coordinator for the Quilcene after -school program.
III. NEW BUSINESS
Advisory Board Business: Terms will soon expire for members David Whipple (March 21), Dick Broders
(March 2) and Judy French -Scott (March 21). A District 1 position also remains open. Warren said although
it is customary that an advertisement be placed in the newspaper, he encouraged these members, if
interested, to submit a written request to the BOCC for reappointment. A tentative date for the Board Retreat
is Saturday, April 15, 2000.
IV. STAFF REPORTS
Manager's Report: Warren said routine parks and campground maintenance is occurring as well as
preparation for the camping season. Lower Oak Bay is open for camping and fees are being collected. Field
maintenance and preparation for upcoming baseball and soccer seasons will be the next priority. Seasonal
park workers will be hired. Youth and adult basketball programs are winding down.
V. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
David Whipple said it appears likely the PT Athletic Field Foundation will pursue the creation of two full-
size athletic fields behind Blue Heron School.
VI. PREPARE NEW AGENDA
Discuss the process for Community Park Grants.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 8, 2000.
Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Minutes of February 9, 2000
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