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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept. 2002 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 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), Frank Trafton, Jr., Rick Tollefson, David Whipple, Eileen Rogers, Randy Kline Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Tim Black, and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Monica Mick -Hager and Commissioner Titterness Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: Eileen Rogers moved to adopt the August minutes. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: The grand opening of Segment 2 is tomorrow at 10:00 at Mill Road and SR 20. Following a short presentation and thanks to those who participated in the effort, there will be a tour of the new one -mile section. Responding to questions about the next segment of trail, Nik explained that if it could acquire two properties next to the highway, the trail would continue on the railroad right of way all the way to Nelsons Landing Road. Now that the trail bypass across the SR 20 Bridge is complete, the Department of Transportation is considering signing the bridge for no bicycle traffic because of safety concerns. Some bicyclists prefer the highway because it is faster; citizen David McCullough may try to discourage the State from doing so. It was noted that there is a push-button crosswalk at the intersection at SR 20 and Mill Road for kids who might be commuting to school. The PAB expressed their sincere thanks to Nik for his efforts in reaching this milestone. B. Chimacum Creek/Irondale Beach: The purchase and sale agreement is under legal review. The Cotton family has requested their family name be considered in the naming of this new park. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has applied for a vacation of the usage road on the north part of the Cotton property between Moore Street and the creek, the purpose of which is to permit the removal of the beach fill and restoration of the natural shoreline. The petition for vacation should come to the Parks Board next month. While the County's intent is to bar vehicles from that portion of the site with a berm, etc., this would also block the Hodgdons' access to their property. The Hodgdons allege they had an easement to access the Cotton's property, but Staff has not yet found any recorded documents to this effect. A member suggested creating a local advisory group for the park similar to that done at H.J. Carroll Park. Once Parks sets the parameters and restrictions on this property, the neighboring community group or advisory group might provide oversight. As a park neighbor, Mike Ryan expressed his willingness to approach several other neighbors about participating in an advisory group. C. H.J. Carroll Park Community Pavilion: Warren Steurer provided background on East Jefferson Rotary's prior involvement as a partner in creating the community pavilion. Although Rotary had been committed to raising $50K, as the estimated costs for the timber frame design and construction increased to over $200K, the project became unrealistic for this partnership and was put on hold. Larry Howland and Brian Belmont of East Jefferson Rotary then displayed a 3D model of an alternative design in the same footprint as the original design, which would utilize pressure -treated laminated posts. Rotary remains interested in undertaking the project and has authorized a planning group to proceed with engineering plans. Howland and Belmont are hopeful that after receiving their report the Rotary will send a formal proposal to the County. They would also expect the two- or three-phase construction schedule to begin by spring and be completed during the summer. The County may be asked to do the ground and site preparations. There was some discussion and concern about the differences between the proposed design and the original design concept, which was intended to be a grand and long-standing structure — an enduring park centerpiece for community performances and events rather than a picnic shelter. Larry Howland agreed to the need for a centerpiece. He explained that it is Rotary's opinion that because Jefferson County citizens are currently not in a position to afford the grand design, it makes since to build a structure that the community can use now, but which can be enhanced over time. Continued discussion and questions about the design specifications and security of the site during the phases of construction; Rotary stressed they will work with the elements outlined by the previous design group and acknowledged the need to leave the work site in a safe condition. Another suggestion was that Rotary utilize the carpentry skills of the Community College/Homebuilders Association training work force. Other considerations noted were the windy conditions at the site and the need for inside lighting even though it is a day use facility. David Whipple moved that the PAB support the community pavilion project presented by Rotary and recommend to the BOCC that they also look favorably at the proposal and facilitate Rotary in moving forward on this project. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. The PAB commended Rotary for their willingness to work on this project. Another comment called attention to the importance of getting broad community participation in park projects so that they are reflective of the citizenry. Warren Steurer said this partnership with Rotary would be an opportunity to continue improving the way the Public Works Department works with community volunteer groups on public park projects. It was noted that the punch list is important, as is design oversight. Another reminder was that creating a public facility requires a higher level of responsibility than a home project. Long-term impacts, such as the health concerns associated with the use of pressure -treated material, were noted. It was mentioned that there are many alternatives to covering treated wood. There were additional compliments about the quality of the park facility as a whole and some question about whether this pavilion should be named. Staff reported that an auxiliary pump may be needed to help with the water pressure in the field irrigation system. The multi -use court will soon be lined and surfaced and a concrete walkway will be put around the asphalt surface. D. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that there is a meeting this afternoon of the Healthy Youth Coalition, which advisory board members are welcome to attend. They have hired a new PT coordinator to take over the Birth to Five Group, which focuses on supporting women and young families in the first five years, which are critical to healthy brain development. E. PAB Business: There were articles published in The Leader and the Peninsula Daily News calling for volunteers to fill open seats in the Parks Board's District 1 and 3. Two additional PAB members are needed. F. Gibbs Lake: The ropes challenge course facility is moving forward and should be available for use in the spring 2003. Seven of the 11 elements are built. More signage has been put up at the beach to address dog issues. There is no additional information on the maple tree thief. G. Conservation Futures: Eileen Rogers announced that the Conservation Futures Committee would meet on September 16 at WSU. The Committee will look at utilizing $300K for projects to be introduced at the meeting. Barbara McColgan Pastore has also recently been appointed to the committee. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Comprehensive Plan: Warren Steurer reported that PAB members received a public hearing plan draft for the BOCC hearing set for Monday, September 23 at 2:00 PM. Randy Kline explained that substantive plan consideration has already occurred and the BOCC will not take any action on the plan Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 11, 2002— Page 2 at the hearing. However, they will still be accepting public comment. The Planning Commission's role at this meeting is limited to those parts of the land use comprehensive plan where there are specific references to a 1995 Park and Rec. Plan. A member noted that on page 190 in the second paragraph of 9.4, the last sentence says, "Off -road vehicles may not share trail corridors or even areas with hikers, bikers and horses." This language is restrictive and might prevent a motorized trail corridor from being developed such as a third trail through a given corridor. It was proposed that this sentence be deleted. Frank Trafton, Jr. moved that the last sentence in the second paragraph of 9.4 be deleted. The motion was seconded and carried with one abstention by Randy Kline. B. 2002 Parks and Recreation District: Warren Steurer asked the Parks Board to review the Comprehensive Plan, paying particular attention to implementation and financial strategies in Chapter 11. Although the plan says Parks will continue to seek revenue enhancement, grants and other sources for financing, it also proposes the creation of a metropolitan parks district, which would significantly change the way Parks and Recreation is funded. He reported that on Monday, local citizen and former Bellevue Parks and Recreation Director Lee Springgate gave a presentation to City Council on parks and recreation funding mechanisms. Warren Steurer pointed out that a district would not preclude the City and County from working together. And even though the entire County would be involved in a district, funds collected in communities could support individual partnerships and programs in those areas. There was additional discussion of the pros and cons of having a tax and concern about the vulnerability of parks without the complete support from decision makers. The point was made that taxpayers might see little difference between the general fund plus revenue enhancement to support Parks and parks district taxation plus revenue enhancement to support parks. A subcommittee including David Whipple, Eileen Rogers and Rick Tollefson was created to further discuss how to proceed. There was also interest in inviting Lee Springgate to make a presentation to the BOCC and Parks Board. Warren reported there is a proposed 2003 budget -line of $24K for this tax initiative process, which would include staff hours, facilitated meetings throughout the County as well as funds to provide information to the general public. In the proposed 2003 budget, all of the basic park and recreation program and maintenance needs are being addressed. IV. STAFF REPORTS Recreation: Wooden Boat Festival parking in Memorial Field raised $2,835 despite the rainout on Sunday. Tim Black thanked PAB members for their staffing assistance. Junior soccer signups are occurring. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, October 9, 2002. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 11, 2002— Page 3