Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec. 2003 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 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, Rick Tollefson, Randy Kline, Joan Linderoth, Mike Ryan, Eileen Rogers (Vice Chair) Members Absent: None Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Nik Worden, Wendy Ward and Tim Black of Public Works Guests: Frank Hoffman, Raven and Michael Mullen of the Cedar Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace; Nick Harper and Jim Ott of the Northwest Kiwanis Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: Rick Tollefson moved to adopt the agenda as amended, moving New Business items Road Vacations and Cedar Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace Proposal ahead of Old Business. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Minutes: Rick Tollefson moved to approve the minutes of November 5, 2003. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Road Vacations: Wendy Ward presented a proposal to vacate a portion of Upper Hoh Road on the West End. The petitioners are requesting the vacation of the right of way, which goes through the middle of an existing home. Rick Tollefson moved that the vacation has no significance to Parks and Recreation. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. B. Cedar Island Center for Non Violence: Representing the Cedar Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace and All My Relations, Raven presented a proposal for a peace memorial in the County (Lions Club) park, the centerpiece of which would be a cedar tree. After originally being proposed for Indian Island, the Navy instead suggested that the symbolic cedar tree be planted in the County Park across the street from the entrance to Naval Magazine Indian Island. It evolved into a peace memorial to recognize and honor those, especially local individuals, who have given their energy or their lives to peacemaking in a nonviolent way. He emphasized that it is not intended to be a protest, but a collaborative and inclusive community project to acknowledge a vision for peace and harmony. Michael Mullen then presented a design and development proposal for the memorial at Indian Island Park (formerly Lions Club), which would be comprised of a 30' x 15' area with a mow strip with a single cedar tree (50 gal) in the center surrounded by cedar bark and four landscape boulders. The frontage boulder would have a memorial plaque. Cedar Island and/or All My Relations would take responsibility for maintaining the memorial area and there would be an annual ceremony to add names. Expressing its initial support for the concept the PAB requested the proposal in writing to avoid any potential misinterpretation of such a project within the community. Collaboration with and a letter of understanding with the Navy about the project and the establishment of criteria for the names on these M plaques were thought to be important. Staff said that there is a lack of clear policy regarding memorials in parks and noted that, outside H.J. Carroll Park, the park system has no other memorials. Although Jim Story (formerly of the Lions Club and now of the Port Hadlock Chamber) has been mowing that area for 10 years, maintenance responsibility actually resides with the County. Suggestions were to increase the size of the footprint to allow for growth and not create a walkway in the area of the roots. Staff agreed to research the issue of property ownership and report back to the PAB in January, after which the PAB might consider a formal recommendation. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that there has been substantial storm damage to the trail near the Port and volunteer clean up of bark that washed up onto the trail. In 2004, there would be no trail extension due to time limitations and funding. Instead, IAC grant funds (nearly $100K that must be expended in 2004) would be used to pave Segment 2 (adjacent to the highway starting at Thomas Avenue and continuing to Jacob Miller Road, including two spur trails). This would reduce hazards to bicyclists using the bypass. The total project budget, including Segment 3 property acquisition (surveying, appraisals, route options and statutory vacations), would be about $200K. Nik is to meet with Chuck Preble to discuss the delay in moving forward with Segment 3 (for which Peninsula Trails Coalition raised $25,000). There was additional discussion about the possibility of using these funds to create an informal extension into Segment 3. Rick Tollefson suggested planning for an eventual Clallam County trail connection along the public right of way around the head of Discovery Bay near Gardiner Road. Nik reported that the Peninsula Trails Coalition has looked at this and there is a reference in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, but the County has not committed any staff resources. B. frondale Beach: Warren Steurer reviewed that there has been good attendance at the public meetings. The Parks Board received an alternatives summary that would be reviewed at the next meeting on Tuesday, December 9. The alternatives were generated from the public meetings held this past spring and November. There would be an opportunity for the Parks Board to make comments and/or recommendations on the resulting set of priorities before their submittal to the BOCC. Alternatives range from the least to the most impact. With no support for a sports grass field area, but instead for the open view, a suggestion was to restore the area to natural habitat — a transition area/wetland with salt tolerant, low -growth grasses. There is interest in having a boat ramp in the Hadlock area, but there are concerns about siting a ramp in this location due to neighborhood traffic impact. It was also noted that ramps are expensive to operate and maintain, take up a lot of space, require permitting, and can become an attractive nuisance for vandalism and misuse. C. H.J. Carroll Park: Parks staff is working on winterizing this site and the agreement with the caretakers has been renewed for another year. It was noted that Chimacum youth are interested in siting a skateboard facility in the Tri Area. There was some question whether the relocation of the labyrinth might make space available for a skateboard area. There was acknowledgement that the County has no funds for such a development. D. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer reported that Quimper Trails Association work parties have been busy and are going to work in coordination with Parks Staff to reroute some trails and make trail and sign improvements. Rick Tollefson noted that there is an individual wanting to rent 2-3 acres in the vicinity of Gibbs Lake Park for bicycle tours and mountain biking. This person has contacted Rick's neighbors along Van Trojen road about potential property. They were interested in a 3-6 month Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 3, 2003— Page 2 arrangement whereby they could have parking for 6-12 cars, overnight camping, outdoor shower and portable toilets. E. Fort Worden Advisory Committee: It was noted that last month the Parks Board recommended to the BOCC to support the efforts of the Fort Worden Advisory Committee to subsidize the parking fees and mark $5,000 from the Parks Improvement Budget toward the $10,000 per year subsidy; however, for many good reasons, the BOCC did not vote to subsidize parking fees. The PAB discussed the long-term concerns with parking fees including cutting support for quality of life activities. There was acknowledgement of the BOCC's concerns about taking the money out of the Parks improvement fund and what would happen when improvements are needed. There are also issues of equity for other areas of the County. It was noted that larger policy decisions also come into play. The County does not stand to gain as much from tourism as the City, whose primary source of revenue is sales tax. F. Conservations Futures Committee: Eileen Rogers noted that the Committee last met on November 13. For 2004, $150,000 is available for open space improvement projects. The Quilcene Park project may present an opportunity for a South County group to apply for funding if it meets criteria. A workshop would be held in February to review the application process. G. Quilcene Park Project: Warren Steurer reviewed a draft 2004 Project List for Quilcene Park that might be supported by the Parks Improvement Fund. It was noted that the sale of property at Broad Spit also contributed $73K to this fund. Having consulted with those at the Quilcene teen center, he reviewed some of the potential uses of Park Improvement funds at Quilcene park: resurfacing of tennis court, playground improvements, forest management work, trail improvements, interpretive projects, and picnic shelter improvements. If done in stages, the court resurfacing might be done this year. It was noted that the Gates Foundation might be a potential partner in this project and there would be a meeting today with Brinnon resident coordinators. There was a brief discussion about the request for the BOCC's financial support of a South County museum and the potential to impact the Parks Improvement fund. II. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) C. NW Kiwanis Camp Annual Report: Nick Harper, President of the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club, introduced Camp Director Jim Ott, who then presented an annual report on behalf of Northwest Kiwanis Camp President, Jim Helander. Accomplishments since becoming Camp Director were the reestablishment of the American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation and expanding camping sessions from two to three weeks. He commended the young counselors working at the camp. They are also striving for better recognition/promotion of the camp and its availability to the general public when not in session. Their rental revenues of $5,400 are derived mostly from family reunions and church groups. Because of their overnight accommodation constraints, the next efforts would be to build resident housing and shower facilities. They also hope to get some grant writing assistance. Nick Harper stressed that the camp provides needed family respite in addition to supervision and activities for individuals with disabilities. He reviewed the vast improvements to the site made by volunteers. Warren Steurer mentioned that the recent opening of the ropes challenge course at Gibbs Lake might enhance the Kiwanis' summer camp program or teambuilding exercise with program counselors. It was noted that a trail between Gibbs and Beausite Lakes might also be discussed further. Rick Tollefson reminded that the carpentry class at Peninsula College has offered their assistance in building the cabins. Warren asked that Kiwanis work with the Parks Department when it is ready to begin planning for building the cabins. The PAB recognized the efforts of the Northwest Kiwanis Camp. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 3, 2003— Page 3 D. Election of Officers 2004: Elections would occur at the January 2004 meeting. Both Eileen Rogers and Rick Tollefson expressed interest in the position of Chair. IV. STAFF REPORTS Recreation: Tim Black said the Sky Hawks Summer Camps are established. Sign ups for Junior Hoops are occurring and drafts would be held next week. Adult city leagues are forming also. Next week, he and an assistant would conduct a basketball camp at Brinnon School. As of January 1", Tim would be retiring from the Parks and Recreation Department after 26 years to pursue other interests and business opportunities. Members recognized Tim's accomplishments and significant contributions to the Recreation program over the years. Warren said there would likely be a scheduled celebration event in the next three weeks. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 7, 2004. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 3, 2003— Page 4