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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct. 2003 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2003 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Brian Miller called the meeting to order at 12:02 PM in the Main Floor Conference Room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Brian Miller (Chair), Bob Henderson, Mike Ryan, Rick Tollefson, Eileen Rogers (Vice Chair) Members Absent: Randy Kline, Joan Linderoth Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Nik Worden, and Tim Black of Public Works Guests: Rick Sepler Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: Rick Tollefson moved to adopt the agenda as amended, moving New Business Item — Irondale/Chimacum Beach Master Planning Process ahead of Old Business. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2003 meeting. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Irondale/Chimacum Beach Parks Master Planning Process: Warren Steurer introduced consultant Rick Sepler who reviewed a draft outline for the "master plan" planning process for this property. After gaining an understanding of the key issues and goals for this property by talking with the County, PAB, Fish and Wildlife, and key partners in the community including neighbors, he would be preparing a summary report of the regulatory requirements and a planning schedule. In November, there would be two public open houses to review the process to date, including Fish and Wildlife's plans, and to talk about opportunities and constraints so that these ideas having the most support could then be prioritized. After preparing conceptual plans, there would be a meeting on November 20 to discuss and prioritize a range of alternatives or propose new alternatives. A preferred alternative and proposed uses would emerge and be included in a draft master plan. This plan would then be presented to the PAB and to the BOCC, at which point input would again be solicited before implementation. In response to PAB member questions, Rick further explained that estimated costs would be included in the master plan as well as the grant possibilities. He reviewed that Fish and Wildlife's plans are similar to what were depicted in early drawings, but indicated that there might be a way to blend uses so that County uses cross over into Fish and Wildlife property and vice versa. The outcome for the master plan is to create a vision for the park goals, a schematic site plan and projects and perhaps a ranking of projects for seeking funding. Mike Ryan commented that most of his neighbors in the vicinity of the property would rather see the site left as it is, but realize that there would be some changes with Fish and Wildlife's purchase of the property. Rick further explained that the reason for presenting the plan to the BOCC in December is that permits for Fish and Wildlife would be hitting right about then. Nik Worden reviewed several issues/considerations for this planning process: stormwater, the inclusion of interpretive elements at the site, and changing shoreline designation to be consistent with the desired use. Rick Sepler urged PAB members to reserve November 6 and 20 meeting dates on their calendars (7-9:00 PM). III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail. Nik Worden reported that although the deadline for confirming the $320,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Segment 3 trail development and property acquisition is October, he has not found matching funds. It is likely the Land and Water Conservation grant would be abandoned in order to seek matching funds for a 1996 IAC grant that was not fully funded at the time, but which IAC is now able to fund with $112K. It appears $30K is available through Public Works' budget and funds remaining in the Transportation Enhancement grant, which can be used as an IAC match. In addition, two members of the Peninsula Trails Coalition may make donations to match the grant. Although smaller private grants might be possible ($5-7K each), it might be more feasible for the PTC as a nonprofit to seek this funding. While these IAC funds would not complete Segment 3, it would allow trail construction from the state highway west to Cape George Road and the Ramage property. Two of the five relatively small property acquisitions needed for this segment might be donated and count as matching funds, as would volunteer hours in trail construction, fence installation, and plantings. In response to a question about a trail connection to Clallam County, Nik said while this is a possibility, he could not take any action on it because it is not a designated project. He did note that Jeff Chapman and Lary Browning, avid off -road bicyclists, are interested in exploring the designation of the equestrian trail as a cross-country trail, which would allow a safe combination of bicycle and horse use. This would not only expand usage, but increase volunteer opportunities for trail maintenance. The PTC has been trying to negotiate with DNR and Pope Resources for utility easement access between Eaglemount Road and Anderson Lake. B. HJ Carroll Park: The parking lot has been chip -sealed and striped, for an additional 40 parking spaces. The watershed bell would be dedicated at 11:00 on October 11 during the Wild Olympic Salmon Festival. Landscaper Linda Landcammer, creator of the native plant garden around the WOS shelter, is also building an artistic wall at the same site. The labyrinth is expected to be relocated by January I't. The park is seeing a lot of use for soccer practices, games and various events. C. Community Network: The Health Youth Coalition meeting is tomorrow at 4:00 at the Tri-Area Community Center, where the two candidates for District 3 County Commissioner would be in attendance. D. Gibbs Lake: The second Challenge Course facilitator's training session is tomorrow. The opening dedication went well and received good press coverage. The Challenge Course revenues are expected to merely offset expenditures initially, but there might be some opportunities for increased revenue once high course elements are developed. There was a suggestion that the PAB review and consider updating the Gibbs Lake plan, specifically considering that there might be more revenue potential if the trail connecting Gibbs and Beausite Lakes were developed. Warren agreed to bring that plan forward for review. He noted that the Quimper Trails Association is busy doing backside trail maintenance and might be helping build a new trail around the Challenge Course. They are also interested in a trail from Four Corners to Anderson Lake and on to Gibbs Lake. The Hadlock/Chimacum Boy Scouts have asked about restoring one of the old cabins at the lake on the water side of the road for use during day -time hours. E. Aquatic Facility/Metropolitan Parks District: Mimi Hanley, a swimming advocate who attended last month's meeting, is trying to gather momentum for the aquatic center idea. Lee Springgate, former Bellevue Parks and Recreation Director and now Jefferson County resident, is interested in promoting the metro district idea. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 1, 2003— Page 2 F. Conservation District: Eileen Rogers reported that the first meeting of the year is tomorrow, II. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) B. 2004 Park Projects: The Parks budget was approved with a reduction of $15K, which would provide the same maintenance and program budget as 2003. The Quilcene Community Center Park Project would be a priority project in 2004. He has submitted two IAC youth athletic facility grants: one requests a $36K match for improvements to the Memorial Field irrigation system and a new field lighting system and the second $42K matching grant would add the third field at HJ Carroll Park. A fire protection grant would allow the upgrade of fire rings throughout all camping areas, as well as retrofitting all woodstoves in picnic shelters so that they could be used for cooking. IV. STAFF REPORTS A. Recreation: Tim Black reported that even with the Sunday rainout, Wooden Boat Festival parking raised over $4,200. He thanked Brian Miller for his help. Junior Soccer has started with 370 kids and 36 teams — two more than last year — with games played at 1:00 on Sundays. Recreation Center rentals include men's open gym basketball, volleyball, group meetings of individuals with developmental disabilities, African dancing, and a variety of other uses. Rec. Center use was high this summer. Fall hours are 3:00 — 7:00 Monday through Friday and 1:00-9:00 on Saturday, and 1:00-5:00 on Sunday. B. Manager's Report: With the exception of Lower Oak Bay, campgrounds will close October 31. Year-to-date campground revenues total $27.6K, which is up from last year despite an increase in camping fees. Parks maintenance Staff is busy keeping up with all the scheduled field activities. Warren reported meeting with Jim Meyer, the new coordinator of the Sheriff's citizen volunteer program, about what patrolling support they might provide in County Parks. PAB members felt these patrols would be a tremendous help in deterring vandalism in parks such as H.J. Carroll, Gibbs Lake and Irondale Beach. Rick Tollefson suggested the County or WSU 4-H take the lead in pursuing after - school programming in Chimacum. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 3, 2003. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 1, 2003— Page 3 October 9, 2003 Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County Dear BOCC, OU09 0 OFF R13'J" ROAR 0 Last year the County and the City collaborated with The Chamber of Commerce, several citizens groups and individuals in order to prevent the imposition of day -use parking fees at Fort Worden for 2003.Our efforts were successful. Fort Worden was the first, and remains one of only two State Parks where community access for everyone has not been hampered by fees. Our County residents have benefited tremendously as have all of the important local non-profit partners like Centrum, the Marine Science Center and others. Thank you for your support this year. The State Parks' budget is still in critical condition and the Park Commissioners have concluded that the only way to keep our State Park system intact is to generate revenue from day users. They are even contemplating raising fees to $7 per day. At the same time, they understand that some parks are different and both the Commissioners and the State Parks Director Rex Derr are allowing communities to come up with creative solutions in lieu of parking fees. The net proceeds State Parks expected from parking fees at Fort Worden was anticipated to be over $72,000 per year in the next biennium. We think the net should be more like $60-65,000 and are currently in negotiation concerning that figure. (The net revenue total statewide was projected to be $6 million). We believe that it is reasonable for our community to help support the state parks financially. We also believe that doing so with parking fees at Fort Worden would hurt our local communities in many ways: * Less access for those who can least afford the fees. * Increased use of local county and city parks resulting in more damage and costs to local tax payers. * Decreased use of Fort Worden State Park with less revenue for Centrum and others, thus threatening some of the 120+ jobs at the park. * Less tourism to both the City and the County. i --Ay-,, b0Lvk to i 1zc13 The Fort Worden Advisory Committee has worked diligently during the past year to seek a variety of revenue sources representing day -use fees. We believe we have succeeded and once again need your support. Last year your $5,000 contribution was one fifth of the total cost. This time we are asking you for about one sixth (or less) of the total goal, or $10,000 each year for 2 years. We have asked the City to make a $25,000 contribution each year and that request has been referred to committee and is currently under consideration. The remainder of the revenue would come from a number of other sources including: * Sale at Fort Worden of annual park passes for ALL state parks. * Reservation fees for day -use of meeting rooms, etc. * Additional $1 charge on all tickets sold in park venues. In summary, we greatly appreciate the support and cooperation of all parties who recognize the unique economic -development and job -retention issues associated with Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center. Working together to solve problems creatively can benefit us all and we hope you will support our request. Sincerely, 0 . P. /��" '��n Nora Porter Kees Kolff Parking Fee subcommittee for the Fort Worden Advisory Committee