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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 2001 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR WEDNESDAY, DUNE 13, 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, Frank Trafton, Jr., Rick Tollefson, Judy French -Scott, David Whipple Members Absent: Eileen Rogers, Mike Ryan, Brian Miller Staff Present: Wendy Ward and Warren Steurer of Public Works; Tim Black; Nik Worden Guests: George Binney, Michelle McConnell Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of the May meeting. Judy French -Scott seconded the motion, which was approved by unanimous vote. Agenda Changes: New Business was moved ahead of Old Business to accommodate staff schedules. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Road Vacation: Wendy Ward provided information on the proposed road vacation on Ricky Beach Drive near Hood Canal Bridge. Staff s recommendation is to vacate this street since the County is no longer maintaining it due to its steep terrain and susceptibility in extreme weather conditions. Rick Tollefson moved that the road vacation of Ricky Beach Drive is of no significance to Parks. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. B. Union Wharf Discovery Program: Warren Steurer introduced Michelle McConnell and distributed a handout she provided outlining her ideas for the Union Wharf Discovery Program. She explained her concept of an interpretative program designed to showcase Port Townsend's maritime history as well as the near shore environment. Although her idea is to begin this program at Union Wharf, she believes the program will be able to expand to other park locations. The model is based on one she developed in Seaside, Oregon with displays, hands-on models, and tanks with sea creatures. There would be no scheduled program or lectures, the center would instead be driven by the public's interest and might be staffed by local students taking associated course work. Jefferson County might consider being a sponsor along with other potential partners such as the City, Marine Science Center, Northwest Maritime Center, etc. Suggestions from the PAB were that a Community Park Grants might be available if the program were on County property. Peninsula College and the schools outside of Port Townsend might be worth contacting. The PAB expressed general interest in the program. There was concern that this program might duplicate the efforts of the Marine Science Center. Ms. McConnell said she sees this program as enhancing their programs, but will have further discussions with them. Rick Tollefson directed staff to write a letter to Ms. McConnell stating that the PAB supports the concept of the Union Wharf Discovery Program. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. C. Water Access for Small Boats Gibbs Lake: George Binney distributed a memorandum from the Gibbs Lake Coalition of Fly Fishing Clubs. He noted that several fly fishing clubs have sought to change the State rules and regulations in order to receive a "quality lake" designation, meaning that the lake would become a catch and release site, requiring the use of single barbless hooks with no bait. The memo outlines a proposal for improvements to accommodate the increased use of the lake by sports fisherman, including alleviating parking/unloading congestion in the beach area, improving the launch area and turnout, creating off -road parking and possibly a restroom facility. They are asking the County for oversight and guidance in the design of improvements and for surfacing material for road improvements. Discussion turned to whether the caretaker and the proposed ropes challenge course areas would be impacted. Warren Steurer responded affirmatively, but noted that while this area is planned to be used by the ropes course, it is time to get clarity about improvements to the shoreline (i.e., better access for fishing away from the swimming area and expansion of the swimming area). It may be possible to develop another skid road or other alternatives. It was suggested that the ropes course and sport fisherman might be able to share the cost of a pit toilet. Randy Kline spoke in favor of these proposed improvements and thanked Mr. Binney for the proposal. There was support for the PAB reviewing Gibbs Lake planning documents related to the beach extension, day use facilities, caretaker relocation, use of the cabins and dock area, but it may not be necessary to wait for a complete review of the Gibbs Lake plan for this project. There was support for having an extended discussion about Gibbs Lake next month after receiving more information on the ropes course. It was recommended that a date be set for responding to the group. It was suggested that this project might be a good candidate for a community parks grant. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail. Nik Worden reported that, related to Segment 2, the section subdivision drawings, completed in 1996, are ready to record. The County acquired from Discovery Timber the two parcels on SR20 (between the under crossing and Jacob Miller Road), which will now allow the building of the planned trail up to Thomas Avenue. There was a recent presentation to the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization (PRPTO) about the trail during which the regional highway engineer expressed interest in eventually replacing the bridge altogether. If this occurs at a later date, the DOT would need to accommodate the trail. Nik Worden reported that he has discussed with Warren Steurer, the City and Mill the possibility of developing a parallel 1,000 ft. trail for motorized use between . Mill Road and where the power line crosses the trail. While there are no problems accommodating an additional trail within the 100 ft. wide right of way, there are concerns about building a trail that is a dead end. Following some discussion about avoiding a dead end, Frank Trafton proposed a trail loop that would go from Mill Road to Thomas Street, turn through Mill property, and come out at the top of the hill before going down the water line corridor. He believes this would keep the ORVs off the power line altogether while gating could prevent riders in the other sections. Nik Worden agreed to investigate and draft this proposal for the PAB to review. There is uncertainty about restrictions for use of the water line easement. B. Chimacum Creek: Nik Worden reviewed the four grant opportunities: IAC ($685K), Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account Grant ($350K for which the County somehow became re -qualified), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Fish and Wildlife matching funds. IAC and ALEA funds are dependant upon passage of the legislative budgets. In order to meet an IAC request for certification of matching funds, it is hoped that purchase funds from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) can be used. He has also requested the BOCC pass a resolution whereby the County would guarantee to take responsibility for site clean up, freeing Fish and Wildlife from any clean up liability and allowing the County use their matching funds. There was some discussion about the many proposed uses for this area and their potential conflicts. C. H.J. Carroll Park: The PAB will receive an invitation to a recognition ceremony on Friday, June 22 to celebrate the kiosk and officially recognize the Tom Yarr Memorial Field. For the BMX facility, 400 yards of material have been delivered and work party activity will begin in the next few weeks. Parks will be advertising for the maintenance/caretaker area. Project Manager Debbie Berreth will be working Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of June 13, 2001— Page 2 on McLarney Courts. There is also a partnership with the local soccer club to finish the concession stand in time for operation this fall. Youths from Brinnon were transported along with their bikes for a successful bicycling event at the park. Wild Olympic Salmon continues developing their native plant garden and there are many planned recreation programs and park activities. Frank Trafton, Jr. announced that the East Jefferson Rotary is selling raffle tickets to fund the new picnic pavilion. D. Ropes Challenge Course: Warren Steurer reported that a ropes course expert will be visiting the site on June 27. He said the PT Rotary, WSU, 4-H and OlyCAP are interested in partnering on this project to sight a facility at Gibbs Lake. He described the team -building philosophy of the programs and the typical elements of the ropes courses themselves. During discussion of liability issues and accessibility, it was mentioned that the proposed Gibbs Lake site offers the needed space and seclusion. E. YMCA/Community Network: Rick Tollefson said he represents the PAB on the Community Network, which wrote a letter to the County in support of the YMCA program. It appears that the Clallam County YMCA is trying to establish a YMCA satellite facility in Jefferson County. He drew a distinction between the City's desire, which is to privatize recreation, and the Network's which is to address social and health issues. Along those lines, he and a few others, including Warren Steurer, attended a Family Policy Council conference in Lake Chelan, which was followed by a Community Network meeting in the Tri-Area. The latter meeting was hosted in partnership with two local churches to discuss assets in this area. Many programs exist, but coordination and communication appear to be lacking. The discussion shifted to over -arching issues around youth who are unable to take advantage of these programs due to a lack of family support. Sheriff Pete Puccini reported that while Jefferson County is ranked third in the state for juvenile crime, there is no facility for juvenile offenders. Rick Tollefson said he believes the County is a major player in coming up with some solutions, some of which were identified at the meeting (mentoring, parental guidance, and early childhood intervention) but these solutions have less to do with facilities and more to do with social issues. Randy Kline said he supports intervention versus building a detention center. There are needs for positive role models and good supervision of youth. David Whipple said he also believes modeling for parents is important as well as setting standards of behavior. Randy Kline suggested the PAB can have an impact and should keep the topic in the forefront. IV. STAFF REPORTS Recreation: Tim Black talked about the successful soccer camp held recently in Brinnon. Staff is interested in coordinating another for the fall. He believes the program could be enhanced by busing kids to a jamboree at H.J. Carroll Park. The same program could be duplicated for Junior Hoops. He distributed a recent photo and ad from The Leader, and reviewed the summer program schedule. He noted that the Quilcene Summer Drop -In includes an open gym, ping pong, pool and harmonica lessons by Andy Mackie and then youth can shift to other activities at the Quilcene Youth Center. Upon David Whipple's recommendation, Warren Steurer agreed to write a letter of recognition to Andy Mackie on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board thanking him for his work with youth in the County. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, July 11, 2001. It was suggested that the PAB schedule one of its upcoming meetings at Gibbs Lake. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of June 13, 2001— Page 3