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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan. 2002 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2002 L OPENING BUSINESS Vice 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: Rick Tollefson, Brian Miller, Frank Trafton, Jr., Mike Ryan Members Absent: Judy French -Scott, Eileen Rogers, Randy Kline, David Whipple Staff Present: Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Public Works Quorum: There was a quorum. Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of the December 12 meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. Agenda Changes: None. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that trail construction process has slowed down. The State Highway Department has been assigned as administrator for all T-21 federal grant money and has stipulated that to use the T-21 dollars, the County must go through a complete plans, specifications and estimate process (with advertising and bidding for a general contractor). This presents a problem because the County would spend as much money complying with this requirement as is needed for construction. I was planned that Surplus fill from the Discovery Road Bridge project will be stored at the Cape George road pit. B. Chimacum Creek/Irondale Beach: Nik Worden reported that the only issue revealed by the hazardous materials study is oil residue in the bottom of the big cement tank on the beach. Once Ecology releases its formal report, the County can execute a contract with IAC for acquisition funding. Because the tank is considered a contained contaminant, cleanup would be required only when the property is developed as a recreational resource. There was some discussion about how the structure could be removed for safety purposes. C. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that there were several meetings this week on the pavilion project. Timber Craft is working on the building design and construction documents. Funding from the County, East Jefferson Rotary fundraising, and possibly grants will help complete the project. There is no current timeline for project construction. Staff is working to improve the labyrinth project by creating a defined and protected space. They are also working on the heavily used BMX area and have appreciated several adult volunteers helping out with drainage issues. The McLarney Court project should begin this spring with Jack Carroll's $43,717donation, fundraising and County match dollars. To increase revenue, summer events at the park may include softball and basketball tournaments and possibly an outdoor movie or dance. Rick Tollefson brought a concern by a citizen who thought that the new maintenance building and caretaker area were unattractive. In response to concerns about the unattractive appearance of the South end of the park, Staff and the new caretakers are working to make some aesthetic improvements with plantings and landscaping. Other park improvements this winter will include the addition of more benches and a dumpster. There was support from the PAB and artist/sculptor Malll Johani for relocating the Chimacum Park dragon to H.J. Carroll Park. Warren said it would be used as a play/climbing structure and be located by the Kyle Theis playground area. There was additional discussion about the difficulty in getting grants for parks projects. A question was what private versus public dollars have been contributed to this facility. Warren will report back to the PAB on these figures. D. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that with the legislature wanting to cut programs, Community Network has been crossed out of the Governor's proposed budget. Funding was expected to continue through the end of the biennium (6/03). The Prevention Council will next meet on January 17. Prevention Council member Robin Purnell is interested in organizing a youth fair in March, in which youth activity providers could have demonstration and information booths. E. YMCA: Rick Tollefson said he is not clear where the YMCA is headed, but he has been promoting them as an excellent program provider for the County just like Jefferson County Parks and Rec, 4-H, and the Wooden Boat Foundation. He expressed interest in getting on the YMCA's Facility Board. He talked about the difficulties YMCA will have getting established and the need for agencies to work together if we want to get moving on a regional facility. Referring to the amount of home construction occurring, he believes the County's tax base will increase to support such a facility. He added that selling family membership would be key to the Y's success. Warren Steurer reported that City Recreation Director Bill Kush has approached the County about the YMCA having an office space at the Community Center, though he still plans to run most of their programs through school district properties. There has been no action on the request from the City to acquire other County park property within the City. F. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer said some trail work has been completed around the ropes course. Port Townsend Rotary now has about 50 or 60% of the course elements sold. Yesterday, Molly Hilt and Warren met with George Binney regarding his interest in creating a new hand carried boat launch area on the turnout just past the swimming beach on Gibbs Lake Road. The goal would be to expand the turnout for more vehicles and to make improvements on the trail to the water. G. 2002 Budget: Warren Steurer said the budget for 2002 remains about the same as last year and should not impact services. The fee schedule proposed at the last meeting has been tabled by the BOCC, along with some other proposed fees. The only significant change will be the decrease of 800 hours of Rec. Center operation during the spring and summer when the usage is seasonally down. The Soul Salmon is now visiting the Post Office lobby and will stay for 3-4 weeks before going elsewhere. Frank Trafton, Jr. suggested adding information about the location of the gallery where the soul salmon auction will occur. III. NEW BUSINESS Comprehensive Plan Survey: Warren Steurer distributed survey information. He noted that the survey information will be presented tomorrow and Thursday, January 24, from 12-2:00 p.m. in the Public Works Conference Room. There will be a full discussion of the survey, including a discussion of how to use this information to set goals, objectives and priorities for Parks and Recreation. The next step will be to compare the survey information with financial strategies to begin to develop a capital improvement plan for Parks and Recreation. In reviewing the survey responses, the PAB noted the under -representation of the younger population, this despite the fact that the programs are geared toward youth and that respondents were generally supportive of activities for youth and families. It was also noted that 43% of those completing the survey were from Port Townsend. Considering the lack of information from the 25-34 and the youth groups, it was suggested that Parks seek out the opinions of those under 34 years old. Regarding financing, Warren noted that he reads Item #65 to mean that people do not want to lower the quality of services available. There was also little support for increasing tax revenues to pay for non -motorized transportation and park facilities. Warren said this information will be helpful when discussing how to finance capital improvements. IV. STAFF REPORTS - None V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, February 13, 2002. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of January 9, 2002— Page 2