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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov. 2002 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING NOTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2002 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Mike Ryan 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: Mike Ryan (Chair), Brian Miller (Vice Chair), Randy Kline, Rick Tollefson, Eileen Rogers, Frank Trafton, Jr. Member Absent: David Whipple Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Tim Black, Nik Worden, Wendy Ward and Bob Turpin of Public Works Guests: Bob Helander and Bill Range of Northwest Kiwanis, Commissioners Titterness and Wojt Quorum: There was a quorum Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of the September meeting. Eileen Rogers seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. II. NEW BUSINESS Northwest Kiwanis Camp: President Bob Helander provided the annual report of the Kiwanis' 2002 camping season. He noted that although the goal has been to increase the number of sessions offered, the amount of staffing required has proved difficult to achieve through volunteers. They are investigating collaborations with other programs, such as YMCA, for hiring camp counselors. Future goals include building more cabins, a picnic shelter and a laundry/restroom facility. Mr. Helander said that on Saturday, December 14 they would be holding a retreat, open to anyone, to get clubs and supporters together to talk about the camp's short- and long-range plans. The Home Builders Association, through Rick Tollefson, offered the assistance of the carpentry class at Chimacum High School. The PAB recognized the efforts of the Northwest Kiwanis Camp. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Road Vacation -- Usage Right -of -Way of East Moore Street: Wendy Ward reviewed the petition by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to vacate the usage right of way of East Moore Street to facilitate the beach restoration of the historic Chimacum Creek estuary. During discussion, the question was raised whether a hearing examiner decision in opposition to the vacation would prevent Fish and Wildlife from removing material from the beach. Staff indicated that while Public Works has not seen a detailed restoration plan, there is speculation that the F&W plan is to put the dredged material on top of the current roadbed. Staff recognized that the County does not yet have a plan for its future park property. Wendy Ward said Public Works is waiting on other input before making a recommendation about this vacation. She noted that 45 vehicles a day are utilizing that road. She circulated a sign-up sheet for those who wish to be notified of when this matter is going before the Hearing Examiner. The PAB was concerned about vacating any road going to the water prior to receiving more information about specific plans. Mike Ryan said the neighbors of this property would prefer to leave the site as is, which would maximize its usability. There was some interest in better understanding what other permitting would be required of Fish and Wildlife for this project. Rick Tollefson moved that the PAB request Fish and Wildlife produce more information on the restoration project before considering whether or not this vacation has significance to Parks and Recreation. Eileen Rogers seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. B. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that on November 19, AmeriCorps volunteers would be doing some plantings on the berms for aesthetic reasons as well as for better guidance for trail users where the trail intersects the highway. Staff will attempt to flag the extended horse trail so that AmeriCorps will be able to decide whether or not they can assist with that trail work. Safety concerns on the Highway 20 Bridge prompted DOT to prohibit bicyclists from using the bridge. Several bicyclists contacted the Department of Transportation asking how to avoid the prohibition, arguing that it is a quicker commute into Port Townsend via the highway than on the trail. There was further discussion about the safety concerns of bicyclists crossing the bridge, including a suggestion that current bridge sign placement might be too high for viewing by bicyclists. Nik said he felt the trail detour would provide an alternative to using the bridge. A suggestion was to paint bicycle lanes directing cyclists onto the bypass before the bridge. There was PAB support for making a recommendation to DOT that the lines be painted and that a sign prohibiting bikes also be posted. Staff noted that Gene Seton has tentatively agreed to provide two parcels of property next to the highway, which would allow continuation of the trail to Nelsons Landing Road. C. Chimacum Creek: Nik Worden reported that the escrow account is open and the purchase of the Cotton property should be ready to close within two weeks. Next steps would include creating a development plan and holding a public meeting. D. H.J. Carroll Park: There is a lot of activity in the park, including regular use by the Soccer Association and the County's youth soccer program. Jefferson Transit has placed a bus shelter in the park. A users group is being coordinated to meet on a quarterly basis, which would serve as the basis for work parties for the BMX track. The basketball courts are finished and it was suggested that Staff prepare a letter of thanks to those who participated in the construction of the basketball courts. . Warren Steurer commented that this project was completed on budget. Experience gained in this project would help future partnerships such as the East Jefferson Rotary community pavilion project. Tom Jay has finished the Salmon Bell and it will soon be installed at the park. Next year, the Chimacum Park dragon will also be moved to H.J. Carroll Park. Maintenance of the labyrinth continues to be an issue. Through discussions with the creators of the labyrinth, its relocation to a more passive area of the park is likely. The concession stand was heavily used through the soccer season, working well to raise money for the Parks Department. It is hoped that other groups will use the facility as a fundraiser for their organization. E. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that the Board has been expanded to include Warren Steurer and a City Council representative. Because of the current budget crisis, legislators want Community Network to ensure money funneling into this community is being maximized and that there is more accountability for how funds are used. There will be a legislative conference in Olympia next week to talk about how this oversight can best be achieved. He noted that Community Network was set up by the State in a 10-yr contract with this local network of providers and people in the community to focus on the issues of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and teen substance abuse. F. Gibbs Lake: Randy Kline reported that Quimper Trails Association (QTA) recently did trail work, mostly on the backside trail, involving 10 people for a total of about fourty hours. The trails are in good shape. Grey Wolf youth assisted with work on the Ropes Challenge Course and the Boy Scouts might also be helping in the future. Goals are to get the course certified by Washington State 4-H and get facilitators trained so that the course is open and operating by spring or summer in 2003. G. Conservation Futures Committee: Eileen Rogers reported they met this month. The fund currently contains $300K, but for 2002, no applications would be accepted. On February 1, the Conservation Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 13, 2002— Page 2 Futures Board will hold a workshop with all interested applicants to review the application process. Applications would be accepted between February 1 and March 30. In April, the Board will review applications against the funding criteria/guidelines. The BOCC would receive a summary report in May to be followed in May and June by site visits and then funding recommendations. She stressed that if the Parks Department is seeking funding, it should consider submitting an application and be present for the February workshop. She would review the criteria at the December PAB meeting. H. State Parks — Parking Fee: Commissioner Titterness reported on the State Park's idea of instituting revenue generating parking fees at Ft. Worden State Park. The fee would be $5 per day with the possibility of an annual ticket option. He recognized that implementing this parking fee at Ft. Worden State Park would significantly impact North Beach County Park. In an attempt to respond proactively, he has scheduled a meeting with Kate Burke, the new Director of Ft. Worden State Park as well as with Scott Wilson of the new Rotary Club, which might consider providing enhancements to North Beach Park. Commissioner Titterness wanted the Parks Board to be aware of the potential impacts as well as the possible improvements so that it might offer guidance regarding this situation. It is likely that any parking fees at the Fort would be for the lower section by the beach rather than Conference and Centrum events, which might build parking costs into their fee structure. Warren Steurer noted that the County owns approximately one acre of North Beach Park. A City street enters into the park and the City maintains the street and parking lot. During discussion additional concerns or issues were as follows: potential impacts to North Beach Park, the parking lot, and area residents; $5 seems excessive for a park that is largely self-supporting; expanding/improving the North Beach parking lot might encourage more use. It was noted that any communications with State Parks should reflect County Parks' desire to have an enhanced relationship with them. It should also stress that we see the Fort Worden facility as part of the community. Commissioner Titterness said the issues he would communicate at the meeting would be that there be an option for an annual pass, consider impact to North Beach, and Rotary's interest in helping with improvements. A suggestion was that the Rotary club talk with Warren Steurer about their interest in possible improvements at North Beach and bring their ideas to a Park Advisory Board meeting. There was also interest in getting Rick Whitaker of the State Parks Commission to talk with the PAB. I. Community Pavilion: The East Jefferson Rotary has appointed Frank Trafton, Jr. as project manager for the Community Pavilion project. He and Public Works Staff will meet next week to discuss Rotary's involvement and expectations as well as discuss the County's punch list. The goal would be to have the facility completed by next spring. Funds raised to date total $25K and it is expected that the entire structure might be able to be completed with that funding, although additional funding will be sought for the next phase. Warren Steurer noted that a project manager from Public Works would be assigned to work with Rotary on this project. He noted that the H.J. Carroll park budget was supplemented by the BOCC to help with this project. J. Park & Recreation District: The subcommittee has had some good meetings and will be meeting again tomorrow. They continue to gather information and look at alternative funding for Parks and Recreation and will discuss whether a City and County can remain autonomous while working under the same funding umbrella such as through a Metropolitan Park District. They hope to eventually make a recommendation to BOCC and City Council. K. Water in County Parks: Warren Steurer reviewed the philosophical problem of the municipal water in County parks being used by non -park patrons, such as for filling water tanks. Recently a broken water faucet at Quilcene Park was locked until it could be fixed. This was not perceived to be a problem as the campground was closed, but the Commissioners' office received calls asking why the faucet was locked. It raised the question about the County's position and policy on the use of water in County parks. While this is currently not a financial problem, the campground ordinances states the "...removal of any public property is prohibited." A sign at Chimacum Park says "Water for Park Patrons Only." Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 13, 2002— Page 3 Commissioner Titterness noted that the County operates the water system in Quilcene, which not only supplies the park, but a couple of business and the Quilcene Community Center. He noted that this is not only a Parks Board issue, but also a Health Board and County facilities policy issue. Warren Steurer reviewed that water is available at the following parks: Chimacum, H.J. Carroll, Upper and Lower Oak Bays, and North Beach. IV. STAFF REPORTS -None CA�i Zi111.7uu I D I ► 9 Y The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, December 11, 2002. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 13, 2002— Page 4