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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb. 2001 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 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: Judy French -Scott, Randy Kline, Mike Ryan, Frank Trafton, Jr., Rick Tollefson Members Absent: Char Laughlin Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Tim Black, Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Commissioners Dan Tittemess Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: There were no changes to the Minutes of the January meeting Agenda Changes: None II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that the acquisition of the Rumage property is complete. The County arranged an exchange of small portions of Richardson and Ramage properties. The attempt to purchase Gene Seton's property was unsuccessful because of an unrelated property issue. In the meantime, CMC, the real estate company who assumed assets of the Milwaukee Railroad, has agreed to quitclaim to Howard Nibecker a corner portion of property. Mr. Nibecker will then give the property to the County in exchange for payment of back taxes. Property exchanges for two other parcels owned by Gene Seton appear likely. Nik Worden briefed the PAB on the trail route around the Ramage property and talked about neighbor concerns and political issues that arose from the public meeting organized by the equestrians. At this meeting, Mr. Worden informed equestrians that the County would also entertain proposals for other uses of this area. While a conditional use permit does not require a public process, it would be helpful in this situation. PAB assistance may be needed to review other projects. He will also ask for input from the L.S. Trail Advisory Group. During a discussion of other possible uses, there was concern over the displacement of motorized trail users who access the right of way and gravel pit area. Frank Trafton, Jr. proposed that motorized use be considered on a portion of the County's 80 acres near the landfill. He also stated his desire for a 3`d corridor as part of the 100-ft. trail right of way on the Mill property and use of the right-of-way of Cape George Road. He agreed to work with Jim Minish of Port Townsend Honda to prepare a proposal for PAB consideration. Warren Steurer suggested the plan specify times, conditions for use, and inter -policing. The Recreation Trail Plan could also include elements of motorized use. The PAB agreed that even though the equestrian group may set rules, guidelines and manage the property, the desire is to be inclusive of other groups and uses. Nik Worden envisions consultant assistance might be needed to prepare a binding site plan. Although he would like to get something built this summer, the public process on the equestrian property will not be a priority until the next two segments of trail can be completed. B. Chimacum Beach: Nik Worden announced that legislators in Olympia are not hopeful that monies will be appropriated for IAC projects. Public Works' is trying to develop a strategy for working with f the Department of Fish and Wildlife on their condition that all site contamination is cleaned up before they provide Coastal Zone Management matching funds. Within four weeks, a formal application will be submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on a grant to match the IAC grant. The PAB expressed their appreciation of Mr. Worden's efforts. C. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that final drawings for the kiosk are available and construction is expected to be complete in March. From the donation by Betty Anderson for the Tom Yarr Memorial, a flagpole and picnic tables have been installed. The $51,732 placed in the H.J. Carroll Park Fund by the BOCC will be used as seed money for volunteer and Division projects; among those to be addressed are the concession stand,maintenance/caretaker area BMX track, outdoor basketball courts, picnic pavilion and conclude the binding site plan for the DCD. The goal for the concession stand project is to be open for the Second Annual Family Play Date on Saturday, May 26. Tim Black and Warren reviewed the scope of the outdoor court project and announced that Mike Kowalski will be doing a rendering of this area. D. Yippee: Rick Tollefson reported Brinnon and Quilcene programs are in their second year and are most likely going to become 4-H sponsored. Program coordinator, Penny Smith is doing an excellent job. For long-term program success, permanent funding will be needed to replace grant funding. III. NEW BUSINESS A. YMCA: There was considerable discussion about the possibility of YMCA involvement in recreation activities in the City and County. Rick Tollefson said discussions are occurring with the school district regarding interest in and options for starting an after -school program in the Tri-Area. He feels better youth representation is needed in Brinnon and Quilcene with an emphasis on at -risk youth. The area of the new Chimacum Elementary School, might also be suitable for a drop -in center similar to that at the PT Community Center. He believes the Parks Board needs to discuss how current recreation programs might evolve if YMCA comes into the County. Warren Steurer said that as a part of updating the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, the Parks Division will consider how it could reinvest recreation dollars in South County. It was suggested that a part of this planning effort might be completing an asset and needs inventory as was discussed at the Parks and Recreation Summit. Mr. Steurer said his biggest concern is how the City, County and nonprofits can work together to serve recreation needs. Tim Black stressed that many County recreation activities are already centered in the Chimacum area because the cost of using facilities is less expensive. B. Parks Board Update: Warren Steurer said five applications for Parks Board positions were received, including requests for reappointments from Frank Trafton, Jr. and Randy Kline. A total of five positions are available. IV. STAFF REPORTS A. Manager's Report: Public Works' staff are updating the web page and it will include a description of facilities. The maintenance crew is removing dead trees and re -siding the irrigation control building at Irondale Park. The backstop at Memorial Field will soon be extended. A modernized vault toilet will be placed at the Quilcene campground and other projects include tennis court resurfacing and new park signage. B. Recreation: Tim Black reported Memorial Field is in great shape. The seasonal employees are now coming on to help with softball, baseball and soccer at Memorial and H.J. Carroll Fields. The Jefferson Soccer Club will begin playing games on Sunday, March 11. On February 26, Chimacum Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 14, 2001 Page 2 and Port Townsend High School soccer teams will have turnouts. The Blue Heron fields are not yet ready for recreation use. The Junior Hoop program is nearly complete with 38 teams and 400 youth involved. Junior and Senior Hoop will soon begin. A 5`h and 6th grade basketball tournament is set for March 24 and 25. The County will also sponsor swing dance classes led by Sandy Hershelman. Mr. Black reviewed the list of summer camps that have been planned including a dance camp, flag football, Northwest Soccer Camps, basketball camp, and weeklong Salvation Army camps at Camp Arnold near Mount Rainier. These camps will be followed by tennis, soccer, and baseball camps. He suggested inviting Salvation Army representative Bob Twitchell to talk about the camps. In response to The Leader editorial questioning what is being done for South County, Mr. Black reviewed the many recreational activities, programming, clubs, and support through sponsorship that the County is providing to South County youth. C. Trails: Randy Kline reported that Quimper Trails Association did general maintenance and added a bridge to the backside trail at Gibbs Lake. They are receiving good support from the maintenance crew. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 14, 2001, Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 14, 2001 Page 3