HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov. 2001 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 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, Judy French -Scott, Brian Miller, Frank Trafton, Jr.
Members Absent: Randy Kline, Eileen Rogers, Mike Ryan, David Whipple
Staff Present: Tim Black, Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Public Works
Guest: Robert Loya, intern with City of Port Townsend
Quorum: There was a quorum.
Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of the October meeting. The
motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote.
Agenda Changes: No additions.
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that construction paperwork has been submitted to allow trail
construction to begin. However, the State Department of Transportation, which oversees the Federal
TEA-21 grant, has requested there first be an audit of property acquisitions. This process should be
complete after tomorrow. Bruce Seton's bid on the Discovery Road bridge project was accepted. Excess
fill material from that project will be relocated to use on Larry Scott Trail under the Hwy. 20 bridge.
Frank Trafton, Jr. requested an update regarding the proposed use of the 100 ft. corridor between
Thomas Street and Mill Road for motorized use. Mr. Worden reported that the IAC project manager
believes it would be extremely unlikely due to restrictions on the use of funds. Since matching funds
were used, the County would have to come up with another match. He added that while it may be
possible to remove a portion of the gift property from the IAC account, a new legal description
(requiring a survey) would be needed to split the property and there is no guarantee IAC would accept
the request. The County would also need to obtain the State's permission to revoke the deed of right on
the property, which provides an easement to the State for public use.
B. Chimacum Creek/Irondale Beach: Nik Worden reported that two agreements have been received from
the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The first would permit the use of WDFW purchase
funds as IAC matching funds to purchase the Chimacum Creek beach property (Cotton property). The
other would allow a public road across the property provided the County vacates the road. In response to
a question about the possibility of a boat launch, Mr. Worden noted the County would like to provide a
boat launch at the site, but it may only be for hand launching boats. Mr. Worden then said IAC has
announced that all of their grant funds are frozen until the legislature can act on the as yet unreleased
2002 revenue projections. During a discussion of the beach restoration project, he noted that soil
contamination appears to be limited and may be able to be contained.
C. H..J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that the Wild Olympic Salmon Festival was successful. The
BMX track is complete and an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will be held at 10:00 this Saturday.
Kids are already using and are excited about the course. Also this weekend, the concession stand will be
operated by the Soccer Club for the President's Cup event. Staff noted the concession stand worked well
at last week's soccer event and is available to rent. They recognized that $5,863 in labor and materials
were donated by Jefferson County Soccer toward the total of $19,889 that has been paid to date to finish
the interior of the building. As was mentioned previously, the large grill in the building was donated
from Ft. Flagler State Park. Jerry and Phyllis Smith recently signed a 12-month agreement as the new
caretakers for the park, providing some assistance with routine maintenance. Tim Black reported they
are still reviewing design and placement of the outdoor basketball and multi -purpose hard court area,
which is expected to be in operation for summer 2002. There was some discussion about the potential
for a skateboard area at the park.
D. Community Network/YMCA: Rick Tollefson said a communication from the State reassured the group
their funding is secure. Tomorrow there will be a retreat from 1:00-5:00 at Beausite Lake for the
Prevention Council, whose meetings have been well attended.
E. YMCA: Warren Steurer said he attended a community forum where this project was discussed, but
noted not many were in attendance who are not already connected to the process. He said he was asked
recently to provide information to the City on Memorial Field, the Community Center and North Beach
as potential facilities to be operated by the City. The County is open to working with the City and there
are discussions about how the County may become more of a regional recreation and park provider.
F. Comprehensive Plan Process: Warren Steurer distributed a copy of a telephone and mailout survey
which are part of the comprehensive plan process. He reviewed survey elements and noted the goal is to
receive 100 responses. Another Comp. Plan meeting will be held before the end of the year for which he
will notify the PAB. With the public meetings complete, the survey will be one of the last pieces before
finalizing a draft to be submitted to the BOCC.
G. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer said there will be a meeting Tuesday, November 27 at 4:00 at WSU, the
purpose of which is to discuss fundraising for the course elements. It is hoped that the course can be
completed by June 2002. Other agencies partnering with Port Townsend Rotary on the project are
7 OlyCAP and WSU's 4-H. The PAB expressed interest in going through the course when it is complete.
H. 2002 Budget: Warren Steurer said there was an article in The Leader today which talks about potential
budget shortfalls in the County. Mandated services become the priority and as an unmandated service,
the Parks budget is vulnerable to cuts. Staff has been reviewing revenues and fees for programs and
services in preparation for the 2002 budget. To increase revenues, staff will be approaching the Board
about increasing fees or creating new ones. Among the ideas are allowing the Wooden Boat Festival to
use Memorial Field for auxiliary parking. Another suggestion was to allow cycling groups to camp at
Chimacum Campground or H.J. Carroll Park. The goal is to raise about $15,000 in new revenues.
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Park Grants: Warren Steurer reported that Larry Eifert has completed the soul salmon commissioned
last month. The artist was on hand this morning for a brief unveiling ceremony at the courthouse. The
salmon will soon travel to the Bellevue Art Museum for a special exhibit, after which the PAB will be
able to choose other display locations. Ideas for how funds from the auctioned piece will be used by the
Parks Division as well as whether a minimum bid will be established will be discussed next month.
Currently, the write-up attached to the salmon says that the proceeds will go back to the Jefferson
County Parks for a facility or program that enhances environmental awareness. Warren Steurer
expressed his support for utilizing funds for the turtle sculpture at H.J. Carroll Park, the cost of which is
$18,000. He mentioned that moving the dragon sculpture from Chimacum campground to H.J. Carroll
Park has been discussed recently. There was initial support from the PAB for moving the dragon.
B. Parks and Campground. Warren Steurer reported that campgrounds are closed, with the exception of
Lower Oak Bay which will remain open. Park fee revenues this year remain consistent with previous
years at roughly $22,000.
Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Minutes of November 14, 2001— Page 2
IV. STAFF REPORTS
Recreation: Tim Black said the Junior Soccer ended last Sunday with the taking of team pictures. It was a
positive soccer season with lots of positive comments from parents. The Port Townsend Girls Soccer Team
did a great job officiating. Brinnon was pleased that three games were played at home and there was good
participation. County -wide Junior Hoop sign ups. for grades Kindergarten through 6`b will start January 7,
with games beginning January 19. There will again be Brinnon and Quilcene games. Adult winter hoops
will start again with a new 45-and-over, three -on -three half -court league, one night a week at the Rec.
Center. Cliff Wood is again holding his popular cartooning classes for all ages at the Rec. Center. From
November 26-30, Tim Black will hold a 2-3 hour in -school basketball camp at Brinnon. George Binney said
Trout Unlimited is interested in holding a fishing derby event at Lake Leland as well as spring fly fishing
classes. Rick Tollefson reported receiving a questionnaire from Chimacum middle school asking about
after -school programs.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, December 12, 2001. Judy French -Scott
noted she will not be attending December or January meetings.
Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Minutes of November 14, 2001— Page 3