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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb. 2002 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2002 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Mike Ryan called the meeting to order at 12:08 p.m. in the Main Floor Conference Room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Mike Ryan (Chair), Eileen Rogers, Randy Kline, David Whipple, Frank Trafton, Jr. Members Absent: Judy French -Scott, Rick Tollefson, Brian Miller (Vice Chair) Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Tim Black, Wendy Ward and Nik Worden of Public Works Guest: Commissioner Wojt, Jamie Gilran Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: Eileen Rogers moved to approve the minutes of the January 9 meeting with one correction in the first paragraph, changing "Vice Chair Mike Ryan" to "Chair Mike Ryan." The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. Agenda Changes: In order to accommodate Staff s schedules, the agenda was reordered slightly to address the New Business Item — Road Vacation ahead of Old Business. II. NEW BUSINESS Road Vacation: Wendy Ward provided information on the road vacation of a portion of Holman Blvd. lying between blocks 89 and 92 in the plat of Irondale. David Whipple moved that this vacation has no significance to Parks. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden said although he reported last month that the County would have to cease trail work in order to conduct a plan, specifications and estimate process as directed by the State Highway Department (administrator of T-21 grant funds), it now appears the County can proceed without this process. Once the County receives the certification necessary, it can begin construction on the segment from Mill Road to the intersection of SR20, then on the East side of SR 20, and down under the Railroad bridge up to Thomas Avenue. He recognized the efforts of the Peninsula Trails Coalition and volunteer consultant Chuck Preble to map the Olympic Discovery Trail from Four Corners to the south end of Discovery Bay in four trail segments. They have complete aerial photographs of the route, a list of affected property owners, and a narrative of trail challenges. Chuck has extended an invitation to anyone interested in walking portions of the trail. Warren Steurer recognized the 24 hrs. of volunteer trail work by Commissioner Wojt in the area between Mill and Thomas road. Commissioner Wojt said that just today he finished pulling scotch broom and trimmed branches along the Larry Scott trail. He noted the trees also need thinning. Warren noted that one of the non -motorized trail corridors discussed during the Comp. Plan process would link Chimacum Schools and H.J. Carroll Park, and cross the valley into Port Hadlock. B. Chimacum Creek/Irondale Beach: Nik Worden reported receiving the contract with DNR Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) to acquire the Chimacum Beach site. The remaining purchase funds should arrive any day from IAC. The site clean up totaling $10,000 will also come out of the grant. He noted that outside of minor overhead expenses, no County outlay was needed on this project. Nik said although he has good communications with the in -field staff of the Department of Fish and - Wildlife, it has been a challenge to get a response from Olympia. Fish and Wildlife requested the County's assistance organizing public hearings on their proposed road vacation, but they have not yet provided detailed plans in order for the County to proceed. There was PAB interest in creating a planning group for this site, the purpose of which would be to get started with a development plan (i.e., water access, hand -launching of boats, and passive access). There was also a desire to get a better understanding of the interests of the different parties and to help Fish and Wildlife establish stakeholder contacts in the community. Nik suggested it would be appropriate to begin a group in May after acquisition funding is complete. C. Comprehensive Plan: Eileen Rogers reported that the Non -Motorized and Parks & Recreation Task Force budget priority discussions yielded two potentially workable plans which were submitted to the BOCC for consideration. Due to the State's budget crisis, there is concern about providing existing services. Although funding the recommendations does not appear likely, the goals will be documented in the Plan. Following a few more Task Force meetings, a final recommendation will be presented to the PAB and BOCC. Warren Steurer agreed to notify PAB of scheduled task force meetings and said a prioritization process will also be needed. Commissioner Wojt mentioned the lobbying arm of the IAC is the WWRC (the Washington Wildlife Recreation Coalition). He proposed the PAB send a letter to legislators thanking them for listening to WWRC and listing the IAC projects these funds have helped accomplished. Rick Tollefson also agreed to try to talk with Representatives Buck and Kessler and Senator Hargrove to express his support when he visits Olympia next week. The discussion then moved to whether a bond or levy would be necessary to finance the completion of recommended Non -motorized and Parks & Recreation capital projects. The survey responses were thought to reflect priorities of which citizens would be financially supportive. Warren said the Comp. Plan will list capital facilities and services. Nik Worden stressed that the plan needs to outline visions even though funds may be lacking. Regarding the Olympic Discovery Trail, he noted that a lot could be accomplished by combining a small amount of local money with grant funding. Frank Trafton, Jr. questioned going to taxpayers with a bond issue for trail money, but believes we would find backing for a regional recreation center or an Aquatic Center. He believes that for the entire county to be supportive of a regional facility, the County would also need to agree to make certain improvements in each community from which they would directly benefit. Rick Tollefson spoke about how some of the services represent quality of life issues — proactive/preventative measures. He said the survey results provided encouragement, even among seniors, for providing youth services. He noted there was a successful bond issue in King County for parks, open space, etc. He supports strategizing and prioritizing projects and working with community partners such as schools. Warren and Eileen Rogers recommended a discussion of the potential bond issue at the next task force meeting in order to formulate a recommendation to the BOCC. David Whipple noted that to better formulate its recommendation, the PAB may also need more information from the County on what a request for a bond issue — or a recreation district — would look like. D. H.J. Carroll Park: The picnic pavilion is in the design stage and there have been meetings with Timber Craft as the project designer. Staff is getting ready for soccer season and fieldwork. Tom Jay is constructing the salmon bell and it should be complete this summer. The BMX track has been popular with youth. In response to a question about whether there is an opportunity for expansion of the BMX area, Warren indicated that the area is confined because of the third field. In a recent development, Robie Robichaux and Gene Seton offered (via the BOCC) to be volunteers helping with the outdoor basketball court. Public Works project manager for the basketball court, Debbie Berreth, is working on funding, design and drainage, with a construction schedule showing project completion in June `02. Discussion then moved to whether it would be possible to site a skateboard area at the park. There was PAB support for continuing to discuss fitting one into the site plan. E. YMCA: Rick Tollefson said the new City YMCA Board has been dealing with the effects of misinformation that the YMCA intends to take over the Senior Center. It appears the P.T. City Council will discuss the YMCA issue on March 11. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 13, 2002— Page 2 II. NEW BUSINESS —Continued A. Equestrian Facility/Usage: Guest, Jamie Gilran talked about her desire to develop equestrian activities into a high school lettering or academic sport. Assigned the Olympic Peninsula region by the Administration of the Equestrian High School on the West Coast, she has been visiting schools to encourage them to support the many rodeo and equestrian activities in this area. Although there is wide interest, a major roadblock to expanding these activities has been the need for property. Referring to the Rumage Property and Fairgrounds as potential sites, she asked whether there was County property that might be used as a potential site to build a pole barn where teams can meet and have events. She noted the Jefferson County Fair Board was not initially receptive to the idea. Nik Worden described that the County owns the Rumage property and while the property was intended for horse access to Larry Scott Trail, there is currently no agreement with an equestrian group. He talked about the challenges and limitations of this site noting that constructing physical improvements on the property would be a long-term project. The PAB was supportive of Ms. Gilran following up with the Fair Board because of the suitability with existing activities. They suggested submitting a written request to be on the Fair Board's agenda, copying the BOCC and PAB. Another suggestion was to partner with other organizations such as pony clubs and schools. They noted that the recently completed survey ranked equestrian activities low in terms of a county -wide facility meaning less energy is likely to go into an equestrian capital development than other higher priority projects. B. Board Business. Judy French -Scott is resigning from the PAB. She is getting married and may possibly be relocating out of the state. There was support for preparing a letter of recognition from the PAB and BOCC. Warren Steurer said Brian Miller (Dist. 2) and Mike Ryan (Dist. 2), whose terms are up, would be reapplying to the Board. With the new redistricting, current PAB members are now representing the following Districts: Dist. 1 are Eileen Roger and Randy Kline; Dist. 2 are Rick Tollefson, Brian Miller, David Whipple and Mike Ryan; Dist. 3 is Frank Trafton, Jr. Warren said he would advertise to fill a District 1 and 3 position. IV. STAFF REPORTS Warren Steurer reported that the Youth Opportunities Fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at Chimacum School Multi Purpose Gym. County Parks and Rec. is co -sponsoring this event which will assemble Jefferson County youth program/ service providers, giving the public an opportunity to gather information, register and interact with the program providers in attendance. It will also be a great opportunity for the various county agencies/providers to network with each other. The Soul Salmon is now at the Chimacum Elementary library and the middle school is interested in having the salmon visit there also. The auction will be April 13" at the Odyssey Discovery Maritime Center, Pier 66, 221 Alaskan Way in Seattle. Tim Black spoke with George Binney about scheduling a fishing derby on Saturday, June 1, 2002 at Lake Leland. The County would be asked to provide transportation. Tim has also asked East Jefferson Rotary to donate $100 toward transportation costs. Some of the summer programs are being scheduled, including baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball camps. It is hoped that these activities will involve Brinnon and Quilcene youth. This weekend will conclude Junior Hoop. Tim recognized the good cooperation from schools. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 13, 2002. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 13, 2002— Page 3