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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2001-MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2001 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Randy Kline 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: Randy Kline, Mike Ryan, Frank Trafton, Jr., Eileen Rogers, Brian Miller Members Absent: Char Laughlin, Judy French -Scott, Rick Tollefson Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Tim Black, Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Commissioners Dan Titterness and Richard Wojt; Jim Minish, Citizen. Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: The minutes of the February meeting were approved by unanimous vote. Agenda Changes: Additions to the agenda were: Non -motorized Transportation Plan Advisory Board and Off -Road Vehicle Plan. Randy Kline introduced new members Eileen Rogers and Brian Miller who then described their interests in the Parks Advisory Board. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that his activities have primarily been focused on completing the purchase of the Rumage 40-acre parcel in Segment 3 on Cape George Road and claiming the grant money to pay for it. To receive grant funds, the County must grant an irrevocable deed of right for public use of the property, prohibiting any future non -recreational uses, motor vehicles (except for trail parking), and enclosed structures. He proposed that the PAB recommend the BOCC consider reserving a two -acre parcel of this property for future enclosed building(s) such as an interpretive center, classroom, storage, or restroom. County funds of approximately $15,000 would be needed for such a purchase. Mr. Worden said it may be possible that IAC would allow a delayed designation of the two acres. There was interest by the PAB in reserving only one acre if there is flexibility on where the parcel was to be located. If there is no flexibility, then the County may pursue a two -acre parcel. Frank Trafton, Jr. moved that the PAB recommend to the BOCC that Nik Worden be given the direction to reserve from one to two acres of the Rumage parcel for the future building of enclosed structure(s); one acre if there is latitude through the granting agency for choosing where the parcel is located and two acres if there is no latitude. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. Nik Worden distributed minutes of the last Larry Scott Memorial Trail Advisory Committee and an update from Public Works on the South Discovery Road railroad bridge over -crossing replacement project. There was some discussion about lighting the large culvert on this portion of trail. B. Non -Motorized Transportation: Nik Worden reported that as a part of Public Works beginning the process for a Non -Motorized Transportation (NMT) Plan, Jim Pearson has requested that there be a PAB representative on the NMT Task Force. A handout describing the planning process was distributed. Warren Steurer noted that the scope of work for the Comprehensive Plan update was also mailed to the PAB. Consultant Tom Beckwith of Beckwith and Associates will assist in the effort to create the Non -Motorized Trail and Recreational Trail Plan. Help from PAB members will be needed in the public meetings that will likely be compressed into one week. At a minimum, it is hoped that members can attend public meetings in their districts. The kick-off meeting is Tuesday, March 20, 2001 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.. The NMT Task Force will meet earlier the same day, from 10:00-noon. Mike Ryan moved to appoint Eileen Rogers to the Non -motorized Transportation Task Force. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. C. Chimacum Beach: Nik Worden said he continues to work on an arrangement to partner with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to purchase the Cotton property, which runs north and south of Moore Street. The Department of Ecology is willing to work with the County to fund the site contamination clean up. As a backup plan, the County applied for a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant which would also provide matching funds. He said the goals in acquiring this site are to maintain public access and restore the near shore habitat for salmon. D. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that the restroom is now open, which coincides with the season of increased park activity. A restricted phone line has been added by Sprint. Other improvementprojects in process are the information kiosk, the Tom Yarr Memorial, a sand box, and benches (which were donated by the National Park Service). Bonnie Scott memorial contributions are going to H.J. Carroll Park fund and currently total $900. Jack Carroll also donated $40,900 for project development of theBMX area, concession stand and basketball courts. Mr. Carroll has requested the County provide matching funds to help complete these projects. Mr. Steurer distributed and reviewed an accounting of the H.J. Carroll Park Fund. He noted that a binding site plan was an unexpected expenditure of $12,000. He talked about the fundraising campaign that would also help with these costs and showed renderings of the proposed picnic shelter and McLarney court. Mike Ryan moved that Warren Steurer present the H.J. Carroll Park Fund financial report to the BOCC and request the County's support in matching funds. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. E. Parks Advisory Board Business: Warren Steurer reported that the County will advertise the District 3 PAB position which remains open. He distributed a membership roster and noted that terms for Char Laughlin and Rick Tollefson will expire in 2001. F. Quilcene After School Program (Yippee): Tim Black reported that 4-H is now sponsoring this program in which twenty-eight kids are involved. The agency providing grant oversight,visited recently and was pleased with the program's operation. G. Parks Grants: Warren Steurer said his recommendation is to restructure this year's Community Park Grant program. He envisions that the PAB, with staff assistance, would identify certain programs or facility projects and then solicit individuals or community groups to apply for grant funds. A total of $10,000 is budgeted. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Off -Road Vehicle Plan (ORVs): Jim Minish reviewed his concerns about the displacement of ORVs by the development of Larry Scott Trail without either a designated alternate corridor or a site for off-loading and riding motorcycles. He believes it is time to organize the ORV community into a club, set aside a test site (possibly the 80-acre county owned parcel off Cape George Road), and begin developing rules and guidelines for its use. Frank Trafton, Jr. expressed his support for designating a temporary site. Mr. Minish stressed that noise limits, helmets, and day -use only are just some of the important elements to include in the rules. He added that designating a site would also reduce the unauthorized use of existing corridors such as the Larry Scott Trail. Warren Steurer said that the trail element of the Comprehensive Park Plan could address ORVs. He agreed to follow up Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 14, 2001 Page 2 with Mr. Trafton to begin working on a proposal to present to the Board. There was general consensus that an officially -organized group needs to be developed to work with the County. B. YMCA: City and County staff will meet tomorrow to discuss this matter further. Warren Steurer has been attending the meetings and will keep the PAB apprised. IV. STAFF REPORTS A. Manager's Report: Campgrounds will open April 1, 2001 with improved kiosks and other new signage. The parking lot at Lake Leland is being reconfigured to create more space between parking areas and shoreline. Campground hosts are being solicited through the newspaper and other seasonal employees are being hired. B. Recreation: Tim Black reported that the Quilcene girls softball team is going to play home games at H.J. Carroll until their field can be reconstructed for use next year. Maintenance crews are busy with field work. Youth are utilizing indoor activities at the Rec. Center during periods of inclement weather. Staff will be promoting expanded use of the popular Salvation Army camps at Camp Arnold near Mount Rainier. The County will sponsor eleven summer camps, including those focusing on football, soccer, baseball, tennis and basketball. He distributed an application form for an after -school program the County is sponsoring at Chimacum Creek Elementary School starting April 9. He will attend a meeting in Brinnon with the 4-H group on how the County and City might coordinate their summer programs with the summer "After School" program in Quilcene. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 14, 2001. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 14, 2001 Page 3