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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan. 2004 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2004 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, Eileen Rogers (Vice Chair) Members Absent: Mike Ryan Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Nik Worden, 'and Wendy Ward of Public Works Guests: Commissioner Dan Titterness and Pat Rodgers Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: Eileen Rogers moved to adopt the agenda as amended, moving New Business item Road Vacations ahead of Old Business. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Minutes: Joan Linderoth moved to approve the minutes of December 3, 2003. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Road Vacations: Wendy Ward presented a proposal to vacate an alleyway near Prospect Avenue between Andrew and Victory Avenues. The Petitioner wishes to add the vacated portion to their lots to make them buildable. Staff recommends approval. Bob Henderson moved that the vacation has no significance to Parks and Recreation. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Election of 2004 Officers: Rick Tollefson nominated Eileen Rogers as Chair and agreed to serve as Vice Chair. Brian Miller moved that Eileen Rogers be appointed Chair and Rick Tollefson be appointed Vice Chair. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. B. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that the Peninsula Trails Coalition had raised $25K in cash and nearly $17K in donations of labor and equipment use. In 2004, the County would proceed with paving a section of the trail near the highway and finish acquiring all of the right of way in Segment 3A (from highway to the Ramage property). The property owner has filed a quiet title action on the railroad grade immediately adjacent to the highway. This would give the County a chance to clear up ambiguities from a 1999 court decision, which has blocked progress through this segment and it might even confirm the County's right to use the rest of the railroad right of way. County Parks will be applying for a 2004 IAC Washington Wildlife and Recreation grant to continue trail construction and development. C. Parks Board Introductions: The Parks Board welcomed new Commissioner Pat Rodgers. D. Irondale Beach: Following a brief discussion, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board agreed to move its regular February meeting from the first Wednesday to the first Thursday to receive a presentation of two alternatives by consultant Rick Sepler. Warren Steurer agreed to contact absent member Mike Ryan to confirm his attendance and invite members of the public who have been involved. E. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer agreed to contact Jefferson County Rotary for an update on the Pavilion. Projects for 2004 include chip sealing the second parking lot, creating some hard path trails, and relocating the labyrinth. There was a brief discussion about whether the Parks Board should be proactive in reaching out to area youth to discuss the possibilities for creating a skateboard park. Although Warren had some concern about raising the expectations of youth without funds to support a skateboard park, he acknowledged that there had been previous discussions about donation of concrete, etc. from area contractors. He agreed it would be a good idea to plan even though there might not be current funds to support such a project. Rick Tollefson spoke about the need for advocating for youth activities and reminded the Board of the $10,000 community parks grant funds it has available. F. Community Network: There will be three Healthy Jefferson open houses in January in Pope Marine Park Building in which Parks Board members might want to participate: January 22 — 3:30-5:30, Strengthen Support for Families with Children; January 27 — 3-5, Reduce Alcohol & Drug Abuse in Our Community; and January 29, Increase Job Skills and Family Wage Jobs. G. Gibbs Lake: Over the last month, Quimper Trails Association contributed 40+ hours of trail work to reroute the lake trail around the Ropes Course. This group would also be helping to improve park signage. Warren would also be talking with Rick Tollefson about the possibility of Peninsula College carpentry class helping to build a storage building. The Board expressed interest in holding this year's retreat at Beausite Lake in order to give further consideration to the idea and issues around bridging Beausite and Gibbs Lakes with the trail and endorsed Warren Steurer writing a letter to the Northwest Kiwanis to initiate this conversation. Warren mentioned that DNR would also need to be involved in future conversations. H. Fort Worden Parking: The parking fee issue has been resolved temporarily through the City of Port Townsend. I. Conservations Futures Committee: Eileen Rogers agreed to report on Committee activities next month. There would be a February 9' Conservation Futures Committee presentation to the BOCC. J. Indian Island Park — Peace Memorial: Warren said he would be meeting with Martha Hurd of DNR to talk about the County's lease agreement for that site. K. Quilcene Park Project: Warren reported having met with Joe and Joy Baisch of Brinnon, coordinators for the Gates Foundation Bridging Schools and Communities grant, which is intended to help assist youth in gaining skills for future job opportunities. In coordination with this grant, there is an effort to involve Brinnon and Quilcene youth in planning and coordination of Park improvement. Also present at the meeting were the Quilcene Forest Service Ranger and the Quilcene Fire District Chief to discuss the Fire Wise program, the purpose of which is to create safe areas around communities for fire prevention purposes. There might be a demonstration area around the park. This community is very interested in resurfacing the hard court. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of January 7, 2004 — Page 2 II. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) B. City of Port Townsend Metro District Task Force: Warren Steurer reported that last week the BOCC considered, but has not yet taken action on, a request from the City to appoint a representative to a new City task force to investigate a metropolitan parks district. Commissioners Titterness and Rodgers commented that the BOCC had questions and concerns about the size of the task force and County representation. Rick Tollefson then provided background about the work of the joint City -County task force, which under the direction of the BOCC, considered alternative sources of funding for Parks and Recreation. Their work resulted in a report to the BOCC and City Council with recommendations for pursuing a Metropolitan Parks District and a suggestion to conduct a cost benefit analysis. Warren distributed a copy of the report and noted that the solution was intended to be of benefit to both the City and County. There was significant discussion about the City and County's individual needs for a metro district and questions about the City's objective and the criteria for setting boundaries. There was support for recommending to the BOCC that a County representative be appointed to ensure good communication and flow of information. Although this involvement would not necessarily commit the County, it was thought to be an important expression of the County's desire to work with the City on long-term funding solutions. It was mentioned that previous discussions had the Metro Parks District as the funding center for the various recreation service providers in the County (Little League, YMCA, 4-H, etc.). Commissioner Tittemess said he believes the BOCC recognizes the value of Parks and Recreation in helping alleviate various social problems and would like to continue to fund the department to the best of its ability. Over the next two to three weeks, the BOCC would be receiving organization charts for everything under the BOCC direction, with job titles and descriptions and would be considering the five-year revenue projections. Rick Tollefson moved that the Parks Board recommend there be a representative on the City Task Force. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Eileen Rodgers appointed Rick Tollefson who had participated in the previous City/County collaboration to represent the PAB on the Task Force and Warren Steurer agreed to notify the BOCC of this recommendation. C. Parks Board Process: Eileen Rogers asked that as Chair she be given an opportunity to provide input into creating the Parks Board agenda. She also suggested the agenda go out with the minutes and include documentation on any proposed road vacations, including Staff's recommendation. Warren Steurer distributed copies of the new Parks and Recreation Board bylaws and agreed to work with Eileen on agenda preparation. IV. STAFF REPORTS — None V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 1:35 PM. The next meeting is Thursday, February 5, 2004. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of January 7, 2004 — Page 3