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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2003 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2003 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Brian Miller called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. in the Main Floor Conference Room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Brian Miller (Chair), Eileen Rogers (Vice Chair), Frank Trafton, Jr., Randy Kline, Joan Linderoth, Mike Ryan, David Whipple, Bob Henderson, Rick Tollefson Member Absent: None Staff Present: Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Commissioners Titterness and Wrinkle; Kelli Regan of Jefferson County Health Quorum: There was a quorum Agenda: No changes Minutes: One correction was noted to the Minutes of the February meeting. On page 3 — "Brian Tillman" should instead be "Ryan Tillman." David Whipple moved to approve the minutes of the February meeting as corrected. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that he applied for Land and Water Conservation Funds for constructing the next segment of the trail. There are currently no matching funds aside from $30K in local match, which the BOCC has set aside for local property purchase. Several volunteer groups (Backcountry Horseman and two pony clubs) have approached him about developing the 40-acre parcel along this segment of trail that the County purchased last year. They are interested in creating a parking area, covered arenas, outdoor courses, and exercise areas. A site survey as well as discussions with neighboring property owners would be needed after receiving a formal proposal. It was noted that a property lease agreement might be considered. The PAB suggested that broader community input on such a project is needed. A steering committee including these groups might also be involved in drafting a master plan for the facility. Staff recognized that aside from their priority of working on the trail corridor and a possible trailhead, the County at this point would not be looking to develop this property for its own management. B. Chimacum Creekllrondale Beach Park: Nik Worden reported that there have been two meetings of the advisory committee, including a site visit. In the next eight weeks, Staff would be finalizing a contract for completing the fuel tank clean-up and addressing the associated safety concerns. At the next meeting, on March 20 at the Tri Area Community Center, there may be some information from Fish and Wildlife about their site plans. Issues raised to -date include the relationship with the WDFW, plant and vegetation management, storm water collection, vehicle control (short-term and long-term), current safety concerns, vandalism, camping/ night time use, offsite moorage, and restroom and sanitation facilities. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Jefferson Co. Health Dept. — Smoke Free Zones: Kelli Regan of Jefferson County Health talked about her coordination work on the Tobacco Prevention Program. She has had conversations with Staff about the possibility of smoke free parks, similar to those in other communities. While ordinances and enforcement are problematic, voluntary smoking bans (such as are used at baseball fields) can be effective. Sample banners and other promotional information as are used in Kitsap and Clallam were displayed as she talked about the importance of a consistent regional message. Warren recognized that banners could be displayed periodically on buildings or backstops to bring broader awareness about the dangers of smoking, including second-hand smoke. There was interest in laminating multiple signs for use on park kiosks and displaying banners in parks. II. OLD BUSINESS (Continued) A. HJ Carroll Park: The basketball courts and BMX track are being used frequently, as is the picnic shelter. High school and youth soccer programs are coming up. A letter to the editor in The Leader would be addressing vandalism in parks and roadside projects, specifically plant and shrub removal. B. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported on a meeting last month of the Healthy Youth Coalition at which youth shared their concerns about the role of drinking in the recent death of the teen in Chimacum. Youths came away from the meeting, with the understanding that initiating further discussions or working through similar safety issues would be up to them. A chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is starting to function. There was discussion of the role of the teen center in Hadlock and a desire to empower the youth in this area to make this center a community asset. There was also discussion of the new housing development Laurel Heights. Community Network is having discussions with the developer about community amenities, such as daycare, a family resource center, etc. that might be a part of their development. During the meeting with Senator Jim Hargrove there was recognition of the service gaps in the County, which Community Network is identifying. Commissioner Titterness reminded that with the many service clubs trying to raise funds that the HJ Carroll multi -use court could be used for a street dance or battle of the bands. The clubs could rent the concession facility from the County and provide their own enforcement. Warren Steurer noted that the idea of a dance as well as a three -on -three basketball tournament during Hadlock Days have been suggested. Eileen Rogers moved to direct Parks Staff to gather information about the possibility of working with service clubs and youth in the community for weekly street dances beginning this summer. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. David Whipple cautioned that there needs to be a core group who commits to a certain organizational/staffing task over a certain period and that baseline rules be developed. Rick Tollefson stressed the importance of the youth being involved in organizing an event, with adults facilitating their efforts, and even providing room for making mistakes. A suggestion was to work with students through school superintendents, possibly beginning with a community barbeque. Eileen Rogers moved that the Parks Board Chair appoint a subcommittee to work with Staff to get this youth dance initiative moving forward. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. Eileen Rogers, Rick Tollefson, and Bob Henderson volunteered to assist and would schedule a committee meeting. C. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer said there have been meetings about the Ropes Challenge Course development. A representative from the Turtle Bay Company, a challenge course contractor, is working through a Community Network grant on a low course procedures manual. Rick Tollefson and the Peninsula College carpentry class are building the remaining platforms. A facilitator training program would follow the course certification in late April. In May, the course would be open for use. Although there are two high rope stations, the course would first open with nine low course elements. The PAB was urged to visit the site. It was noted that the caretakers would be helping with security and on -site management. D. Community Pavilion: Frank Trafton, Jr. reported that the engineering assessment is nearly complete and that a building permit would be applied for around the first of April. Rotary has begun their fundraiser, selling roses. E. Camping Fees: Warren Steurer reported that the BOCC would hold a public hearing on March 17 on the Parks Board's proposed fee schedule. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 12, 2003— Page 2 F. Park & Recreation District Focus Group: (Warren Steurer, Rick Tollefson, Eileen Rogers, Monica Mick -Hager): Warren Steurer reported that he has presented to the YMCA, City Council, and the City's Park and Recreation Commission the information prepared by the Focus Group regarding the creation of a Metropolitan Parks District. The City Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended that the Council and Mayor continue to consider the advantages of a metropolitan parks district. A formal decision would be made during a City/County summit expected to be held in April. There have also been informative newspaper articles. He noted that at presentations, the concept appears to be well received and there have not been many initial objections. Bob Henderson noted that in his community there might be concern about the City of Port Townsend assuming control of County -purchased properties. The funding level of .40-.70 cents per $1,000 property AV is also going to be uncomfortable to many in his district. Discussion ensued about the process to -date and whether to make a formal recommendation. Randy Kline voiced his concern about the vulnerability of recreation programs in a move toward a district. Rick Tollefson reviewed the Focus Group's charge to review various funding options and make a recommendation on a preferred funding alternative. He stressed that while the Focus Group had put forward a discussion paper containing a recommendation, it would be inaccurate to assume that a decision has already been made to pursue a metro district. A metro district would be a significant shift in how Parks currently does business. He believes the possibility of a secure funding source is a concept the PAB could support, but there has to be the political will to mount a campaign to gain support. It was recognized that given the current financial crisis, the district appears to be one solution that works for everyone. Eileen Rogers left at 1: 30 PM. Warren Steurer noted that the Comprehensive Parks Plan describes potential enhancement for particular communities (such as improving programming in Quilcene and South County and possibly making improvements at the Brinnon school field area). He reminded the PAB that in discussions of the Comp. Plan it was made clear that the funding strategy for all three alternatives mentioned in the plan was a Metropolitan Parks District, but he apologized if there was not enough discussion of the pros and cons of the funding alternatives among the PAB. During additional discussion, it was noted that the assumption was that beginning in 2004 Parks would be operating with status quo or reduced funding. Rick Tollefson talked about the vulnerability of Parks and Recreation programs and his desire to maintain the quality of life in the County, which he believes is the charge of this department of County government. The tax seems a small price to pay for having predictable funding to support this quality of life. He recognized the complications of metro district governance arising from the differing needs in the City/County. A metro district was seen as the best solution if we want to move toward long-range regional planning that would benefit both the City and County and other stakeholders. Randy Kline moved that the PAB endorse the report developed by the focus group and send it forward as the PAB's recommendation to the BOCC as to how they should proceed. The motion was seconded. During discussion, David Whipple noted that he would no longer be able to participate on the PAB due to personal and professional commitments, but he would leave without being convinced that a Metro District is the best option or that other options have been adequately explored. The motion carried with one No vote by David Whipple. G. Robert's Rules of Order: Warren Steurer distributed a handout of Robert's Rules of Order meeting guidelines. IV. STAFF REPORTS -- None V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 9, 2003. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 12, 2003— Page 3