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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 2001 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2001 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Randy Kline called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. in the basement conference room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Randy Kline, Eileen Rogers, Mike Ryan, Brian Miller, Frank Trafton, Jr., Rick Tollefson, Members Absent: Judy French -Scott, David Whipple Staff Present: Wendy Ward, Tim Black, and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: David Goldsmith, Rotary Club; Commissioners Dan Titterness and Richard Wojt Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: Eileen Rogers moved to approve the minutes of the June meeting. Frank Trafton, Jr. seconded the motion, which was approved by unanimous vote. Agenda Changes: New Business was moved ahead of Old Business to accommodate staff schedules. H. NEW BUSINESS Road Vacation: Wendy Ward provided information on the proposed road vacation of Lotta Street for the purpose of a boundary line adjustment. Frank Trafton, Jr. moved that the road vacation of Lotta Street is of no significance to Parks. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. III.OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that with the Seton property acquisition completed, Staff is in the process of laying out alignment of the trail along Mill Road and Hwy. 20 to the underpass. Preliminary drawings reflect the addition of fill below the underpass to reduce the trail grade to the road. Although DOT declined to meet to discuss impacts to the highway structures, these drawings will be submitted to them. Once drawings are ready to submit, the PAB will have an opportunity to provide input. The timeline for construction of this segment will depend upon when DOT approves the engineering and right-of-way plan. There was a successful trail work party last month, which cleared about 1,350 ft. of trail for the purpose of diverting users from an informal trail, which runs through private property. Nik Worden submitted a written summary and two proposed draft resolutions for PAB review regarding the development of a 1,000 ft. parallel trail for motorized use from the Mill up to where the power line crosses the trail (distributed). Because of the concerns listed, Staff recommends no action be taken to pursue a trail in this area. Some of the noted concerns are questions about resource allocation, use of grant funds, lack of legal access for this use, lack of City support, and potential complaints from nearby property owners and non -motorized trail users. Randy Kline proposed that there instead be a thorough review of alternative county -owned properties large enough to accommodate an ORV park. Nik Worden mentioned there is currently not a motorized element in the recreation planning process. However, the PAB could ask the BOCC to add a supplemental element at the next opportunity for a Comprehensive Plan update. During a discussion of the current usage, Frank Trafton, Jr. expressed his concern that once the property became public land, the unofficial use of the railroad grade by motorcycles was no longer allowed. He does not understand why current users cannot be accommodated. Commissioner Wojt said one concern is the growing constituency for non -motorized trail access. Regarding the proposal to legalize a portion of the trail, Commissioner Titterness said there is an unresolved issue of whether the funding allows use of the trail for motorized use and, if not, what costs the County would incur in buying back this portion for motorized use. Nik Worden agreed to contact IAC to see whether there is a conflict with using matching funds. Eileen Rogers suggested beginning a dialogue about addressing motorized uses in the Comp. Plan. Nik Worden agreed to ask Jim Pearson how this component could be included now that public review is complete. It was noted that while motorized use was not intended to be included in discussions about non -motorized trails, there was PAB interest in it being mentioned as a recreational element. Frank Trafton, Jr. moved to direct Staff to bring back to the PAB a resolution that motorized recreation be included in the planning process and initiate identification of an appropriate site (not restricted to parcels larger than 30 acres) in the County for motorized use. The motion was seconded by Eileen Rogers and approved by unanimous vote. B. Presentation on Ropes Challenge Course: Guest, David Goldsmith reported on Port Townsend Rotary Club's interest in participating in the development of a Ropes Course at Gibbs Lake. As a Ropes Course partner, 4-H has a national certification program for courses and facilitators/trainers. Meeting recently with interested parties about the possibilities for a course at Gibbs Lake, 4-H state representative for ropes courses Sam Tower mentioned that one of the advantages of this site is its accessibility to users of the Beausite Lake retreat center. A course designer has drafted a design for an area just before the caretaker's residence off a spur road on the lakeside. Except for two high elements, all of the course elements will be low. Although there will need to be some dead tree removal, only three trees will need to be removed to accommodate the course elements. The estimated cost for each individual course element, if built by a professional, would range from $280-$2000. Although the two high -course elements would need to be built by professionals, there is flexibility for how other elements are constructed and service clubs may be able to participate. A dry storage area for equipment will also be needed. Course elements will be locked and out of reach and a gate will limit access to the course to authorized professionals. The timeline is to have the course completed by Spring 2002. Other groups involved are Community Network, Boy Scouts and OlyCAP. Much of the construction costs will be covered by donations. Major costs will be for equipment, ongoing maintenance, costs of facilitator and insurance. The $2,000 Community Parks Grant previously awarded to the Olympic Peninsula Ropes Challenge Course will be applied indirectly to this project. Related to the proposed boat launch as discussed last month, Mr. Goldsmith said there would be a conflict in the uses but that another proposal to use another location is forthcoming. The PAB expressed their support for the project. C. Chimacum Creek: Nik Worden reported that Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, a nonprofit promotional organization verified that IAC funding ($685K) has been awarded to the County. The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account Grant ($350K) was also funded. A positive response was received from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, but they are delaying their grant commitments until the fall. A suitable agreement has been reached with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) which will allow the County to use WDFW purchase funds as an IAC match. Staff will review and provide input on the agreement between the Cotton family and WDFW. There was a question whether there are conflicting uses with the salmon groups who have also applied for funding at this site. Mr. Worden said due to public right of ways and recreation, the SRF Board funding received by Fish & Wildlife for reconstruction of the beach is subject to negotiations with the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2001— Page 2 County. There does not appear to be a conflict with uses. Mr. Worden said it is uncertain whether the site assessment for hazardous materials can be completed in time to negotiate a purchase price with the Cotton family before year-end. D. H.J. Carroll Park: Tim Black said there has been a significant amount of work on the maintenance/caretaker area and the construction of the maintenance building should soon be complete. Randy Kline said second base on the ball field is misplaced and the surface is sandy and hard. Tim Black agreed to follow up. There is some progress on getting material on the BMX course. Project Manager,Debbie Berreth, continues to work on McLamey Basketball Courts. The project will be divided into Phase I, which will involve getting the surface and goals in place and Phase II, which will complete the surrounding berme and monument. E. YMCA/Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that the State legislature funded Community Network at 75%, an evaluation process will be used to determine whether all communities will be funded at this level or whether less effective communities will be dropped. Locally, Community Network is committed to helping the Tri-Area determine their needs and consider how best to partner with the school district, County, and other user groups toward a goal of supporting the unique needs of families and youth in this area. F. Comprehensive Plan Update: Eileen Rogers said she attended non -motorized task force meetings, but there is no update. G. Trail Report. Quimper Trails Association (QTA) continues trail maintenance work parties the first Sunday of every month at Gibbs Lake. IV. STAFF REPORTS Recreation: Tim Black distributed a quarterly report of Recreation and Park Maintenance Activities. Attached to the report is a list of summer programs and activities, including services provided within the City of Port Townsend. Photos of Safe Night at the Rec. Center and the Brinnon Youth Bike Day at H.J. Carroll Park were included. He noted that Safe Night, sponsored by the Elks Club, had an enthusiastic response with 128 participants, 108 of which stayed overnight. There was great support from local merchants who contributed prizes for drawings. Hardline Sports Skate Camp will be offered in August, with a focus on skateboard safety. Flag football camp was cancelled due to lack of sign ups. There was some discussion about equipment improvements at the skateboard park and the City's proposal to consider relocating the site to Kearney St. While there was interest in the Kearney site, PAB comments were supportive of the current site because of visibility (youth want to be seen in this activity) as well as its access to services. Rick Tollefson said there may be soon be interest in siting a facility at H.J. Carroll park. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, August 8, 2001. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2001— Page 3