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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec. 2001 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2001 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Randy Kline called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. in the Main Floor Conference Room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Rick Tollefson, Brian Miller, Frank Trafton, Jr., Randy Kline, Mike Ryan, David Whipple Members Absent: Judy French -Scott, Eileen Rogers Staff Present: Tim Black, Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Public Works, Guest: John Summers, Northwest Kiwanis; County Commissioner Richard Wojt Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of the November 14 meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. Agenda Changes: No additions. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Northwest Kiwanis Camp — Beausite Lake: Northwest Kiwanis Camp President John Summers was present to deliver the annual report on Beausite Lake camp activities. For the third year in a row they were able to provide two camps involving 49 individuals. Among the significant improvements was the completion of the septic system, which has a capacity of 3,500 gallons per day, accommodating 60 resident campers plus the kitchen facility. They added storage barns, began construction of a footpath bridge over the outlet of Beausite Lake, and extended the hallway upstairs in the house for betterrestroom access. He stressed how the donation of volunteer labor not only offset the costs of the septic system construction, but also was critical to staffing the camps. Future goals include adding a shower, restroom and laundry facility, the creation of a fishing pond, painting and window maintenance, maintaining the American Camping Association accreditation, broadening support of the camp to other area Kiwanis clubs, offering three camping sessions, and increasing public and private use through rentals. The PAB recognized the efforts of the Northwest Kiwanis Camp, saying the Beausite Lake facility is an asset to the County. Rick Tollefson noted that there has been interest in opening up trail access from Beausite to Gibbs Lake.especially given the development of the Ropes Challenge Course at Gibbs Lake (which is accessible for those who are developmentally disabled). Kiwanis might be able to generate more revenue by increasing rental of the Beausite Lake facility and possibly providing access to the ropes course as an additional activity. Mr. Summers said maintaining security at the site continues to be an issue. They are hopeful the new septic system will allow them to obtain permitting to serve more than ten resident campers. Richard Wojt asked Mr. Summers to consider making a presentation to the BOCC. B. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that the State Department of Transportation performed its property acquisition audit and it appears to be satisfactory. Rough grading on the next section of the trail from Mill Road to SR 20 is ready to begin in February. Excess fill from the Discovery Bridge project will be relocated to the SR 20 under -crossing. Eight equipment contracts will be needed for trail construction, much of which is to be completed by summer. He discussed the next segment, which will reach to Nelson's Landing or possibly the Rumage property. There was additional discussion about needed property acquisitions. In response to a question about tree planting on the portion of the trail at Mill Road, Nik noted that while many trees are being salvaged, there isn't a budget to purchase additional trees, although through Master Gardeners, 30-40 trees will be donated next year. C. Chimacum Creekl7rondale Beach: Nik Worden reported that while IAC funding has been frozen, it now appears there will be funding to cover the purchase and construction grants. Staff continues the site hazard assessment, with contamination so far limited to diesel and high lead levels in the slag. A site appraisal is in process and negotiations with the Cottons can begin in February. In response to a question about potential impacts to the County Park due to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife restoration plan improvements, Nik said no County park improvements, aside from removing site hazards and making minor parking changes, are currently budgeted or planned. In response to a question whether a more detailed site - plan needs to be completed, Nik noted that this site was included in the Comp. Plan. Warren Steurer cautioned against planning for another park at this time because of budget and staff limitations. The PAB congratulated Nik on his exceptional efforts on this project. D. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that the BMX track and concession stand were officially opened with a ceremony on November 17. The design and construction document contract for the community pavilion was awarded to Timber Craft. East Jefferson Rotary are co-sponsors with the County on the development of the community pavilion. County Project Manager Debbie Berreth is working on the community pavilion and basketball court projects. The caretakers are in place and maintenance staff isutilizing the maintenance building. Tim Black said the concession stand operation worked well for the Junior Soccer and Jefferson Soccer clubs. E. Community Network/YMCA: No new report. F. Comprehensive Plan Process: Warren Steurer said that discussion of the plan is on the BOCC agenda for Monday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m. and he encouraged the PAB to attend. Tom Beckwith will be presenting drafts and financial strategies. He distributed copies of the survey, which are being conducted via telephone and mail, with a goal of 100 responses. The desire is to gain public opinion on open space, non -motorized j trails, recreational trails and funding for capital improvements. G. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer reported that a meeting was held at the end of November to discuss fundraising for the course elements. He will also be meeting with a challenge course specialist. Pathways and areas are being developed and Port Townsend Rotary is pursuing sponsors for course elements. The hope is to complete the project by the spring or summer 2002. H. Park Grants: Warren Steurer reported that all grants have been distributed. The Port Townsend Preschool Co- op is busy generating the matching portion of the grant for improvements to the Port Townsend Community Center Park. The soul salmon painted by Larry Eifert has returned from an exhibit at the Bellevue Art Museum. After a new base is added it will be on display at the Port Townsend Post Office building before moving to other locations. PAB suggestions for locations were the County library, Brinnon and Quilcene schools and community centers, as well as the Bay Club and Heron Inn in Port Ludlow. I. 2002 Budget: Warren Steurer said the budget should be approved December 24. He talked about this year's budget challenges and the resulting reductions in Parks and Recreation. It is expected that there will be roughly a $6-1OK reduction in park field maintenance and recreation, which will primarily affect clerk hires at the Port Townsend Community Center, Memorial Field and H.J. Carroll Park. Some unknowns include outstanding offers to the City for taking over the operations of the PT Community Center and Memorial Field. With the possibility that the YMCA will launch operations in the City, the County will increase its recreation focus to other areas of central and south County. It is planned that the Comp Plan will provide new direction to the development and delivery of recreation programs to county residents. The PAB then reviewed the 2002 Recreation Fee Schedule and the 2002 Revenue and Fee Schedule. With the goal being to raise an additional $18K in revenues through programs, he noted the schedule reflects a 25-30% increase in fees. Although the proposed fees are consistent with other jurisdictions, there remains a concern about keeping costs reasonable. He noted that costs fluctuate depending on whether the user is a profit or non - Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 12, 2001— Page 2 profit organization. Referring to the sport and field facility statements, he said he is being encouraged to use more of a business model in which fees are used to ensure all costs and overhead are covered. Parks will continue to work with youth and families and there will continue to be subsidies to support these programs. PAB suggestions for changes included increasing camping fees to $12 for Upper Oak Bay and $15 to Lower Oak Bay. In the winter, there was support for keeping the Lower Oak Bay fee at $8/night. There was no PAB objection to moving forward with the fee schedule as presented. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Trails: Nik Worden mentioned that Peninsula Trails Coalition volunteers Jan Marts and Chuck Prevel, who have mapped trails in Clallam County, have offered to do the same in Jefferson County. They intend to map trails from Four Corners around the South end of Discovery Bay. They would complete the west end of Discovery Bay in a later phase. B. Tomanowos Rock: Warren Steurer reported that he became aware of a pending default on the payment of back taxes and subsequently was invited to attend a meeting with representatives of State Parks and Land Trust as well as citizens to discuss strategies for protecting this local landmark. Although Mr. Heidergerkin has since paid these taxes, it is likely there will continue to be public interest in the purchase of this area which also includes adjoining property owner Washington State Parks. C. JCIA Property — ORV.• Frank Trafton, Jr. asked about next steps for discussing the designation of a 10-acre parcel at JCIA for off -road vehicle use. Warren Steurer suggested the question be presented to the Port Commission although it was noted that as part of the Port's upcoming sub -area planning process, it might best be addressed during public comment with Port Commissioners. D. Anderson and Gibbs Trail Link: There was a question about Quimper Trails Coalition's progress on a trail link between Anderson Lake and Gibbs Lake. Commissioner Wojt provided his understanding which was that QTA agreed to obtain approval from DNR to access lands. Randy Kline commented that he understood that there was a need for a lead agency before DNR would write up an agreement. Warren Steurer noted that this trail link is being addressed in the County Comp. Plan. E. Nominations for Board Chair: Chair Randy Kline called for nominations for a new chair and vice chair of the PAB. Mike Ryan was nominated as Chair and Brian Miller was nominated as Vice Chair. Rick Tollefson moved that the PAB approve the appointment of Mike Ryan as Chair and Brian Miller as Vice Chair. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. IV. STAFF REPORTS Recreation: Tim Black circulated a card from students at Brinnon School thanking him for holding an all -school basketball camp. He believes it provided positive contact with the kids and it was a worthwhile event. Sign ups for Junior Hoop (K-6) is occurring and Staff will again try to coordinate games with Brinnon and Quilcene. An adult basketball league is also being arranged. Skyhawks summer sports camps are being coordinated and the County will now receive 15% of the fees as compared to 10% in 2001. Cliff Wood's cartooning classes continue at the Rec. Center. The YMCA will hold a low ropes course on Tuesday at the PT Community Center. Because of 2002 budget cuts, there will be a reduction in hours at the Rec. Center. There may be some volunteer staff opportunities. David Whipple commented how inconvenient it is for Port Townsend parents to travel to South County for games. Tim Black recognized the travel distance, but stressed the importance of getting Brinnon involved. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 9, 2002. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 12, 2001— Page 3