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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb. 2004 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Eileen Rogers 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: Eileen Rogers (Chair), Rick Tollefson (Vice Chair), Bob Henderson, Randy Kline, Joan Linderoth, Brian Miller, Mike Ryan Staff Present: Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Dennis Broder; Larry Crockett, Port of Port Townsend; Steven Crosland; Joan Gordon; Kevin Long, North Olympic Salmon Coalition; Jim Pearson; Michelle McConnell, Marine Resources Committee; Consultant Rick Sepler; Doris Small, Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: Public Comment would be added after the report Minutes: Mike Ryan moved to approve the minutes of January 7, 2004. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Irondale Beach: Warren Steurer provided background on the hiring of the consultant to work on the master planning process for this property. Consultant Rick Sepler then presented a preliminary plan, including two alternatives, which were the result of community meetings. He said while there was consensus on the draft vision statement and goals, in response to differing opinions about the suitability for a boat launch, two alternative site plans were developed. Alternative A was for low impact park development (wetland restoration, trail network, interpretive signage, active informal use area, restoration of filled areas, limitations on inappropriate vehicular access, hand boat launch, expanded and relocated parking area, restroom and picnic shelter). Alternative B is the same with the addition of a boat ramp. A written Preliminary Analysis of a proposed boat ramp was also produced. The consultant reviewed initial considerations of Alternative B as documented in the analysis. Aside from security, the main consideration with Alternative B would be the environmental impacts in terms of the Fish and Wildlife beach restoration project. Issues of cost, construction, and management might be addressed through a partnership with the Port of Port Townsend. The Board was asked to give Staff guidance/direction on selecting Alternative A or Alternative B, a combination of A and B with additional research, or a hybrid. Mr. Sepler noted the Board received appendices to provide a regulatory framework. He then provided a plan overview, reviewing elements and opportunities with each alternative. Questions and comments from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board were as follows: Eileen Rogers asked how many had expressed the desire for a boat launch and whether there is a cost comparison of the various alternatives. Mr. Sepler responded that there were strong feelings for and against such a use. Although a cost comparison has not yet been prepared, Alternative B would be more expensive because of the ramp, but grant monies would be available for that purpose. Rick Tollefson said that given the changes in store with the Fish and Wildlife restoration project, it would seem premature to recommend Alternative B. It would seem better to let the site evolve gradually and then see what the needs are. Mike Ryan added that a boat could currently be hand launched from nearly any area on that beach. He noted that Fish and Wildlife would likely be dealing with cultural remains and artifacts from the tribal encampment. He did not understand the need for restoration of a beach that changes with each tide when no one can remember what the former site was like. Public Comment: Larry Crockett, Executive Director of the Port of Port Townsend, said he would have liked the Port to have been formally included in this process. The Port still thinks there is an enormous need for a boat ramp in the area. He talked about the problems with sediment drift and the constant silting in of the Port's ramp in Lower Hadlock and believes it would be shortsighted if the County did not explore/research the concept of a boat ramp. Newly engineered boat ramps can be constructed over the beach to allow natural sediment drift to occur. Larger boats would likely use the Boat Haven ramp in Port Townsend. He would propose that the Port Commission write a letter to the BOCC and Parks Board offering their partnership in seeking funding to explore this topic as well as possibly other aspects of this park. In terms of affordability, the Port would likely be willing to operate and maintain such a ramp. To be a true community asset, we need to encompass as much of the community as possible. The more use, the better in terms of reaching individuals for education. When asked whether the new technologies might be of more benefit at this site than in Lower Hadlock, Mr. Crockett added that because the Port does not own any uplands there, parking is also problematic. In response to a question, Mr. Crockett indicated that the Port had not considered repairing the ramp at Lower Oak Bay County Park. Ramp fee revenues are used for maintenance of Port launch ramps. Jim Pearson, a Moore Street resident, thanked Parks Staff and the consultant for the good community process. He asked the Board to consider how such a use would impact the site. The main limitations to using it for a boat launch is that such a facility requires a lot of dedicated space that would not be used most of the time. A large parking lot next to the water would detract from the other aspects of the site, which is a low impact, low development natural area. Clearly, there is interest in a boat launch in the southern part of Port Townsend Bay but before we decide which is the best site, we should investigate further the opportunities at the Lower Hadlock site. He would recommend that the Board support Alternative A. Michelle McConnell, on behalf of the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, commented on Section 3.2 the interpretation component, where she sees interests similar to those of the MRC. She explained the MRC's voluntary eelgrass protection zone project off the Port Townsend waterfront — where, through boater education (signs and brochures), boaters are being encouraged not to drop their anchors in the eelgrass beds, critical marine resources. She would be happy to talk Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 5, 2004 — Page 2 further about what cooperative activities — including interpretive signage — might be possible at the Irondale Beach Park if the County were to consider a boat ramp. In addition to being a potential source of funding for restoration projects, the MRC might be interested in working with Friends of the Park. She noted there is a lot of discussion among stakeholders related to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding's desire to establish a field of mooring buoys in Lower Hadlock and consideration of a waterfront planning approach. Joan Gordon commented that the park naming process described on pages 12 and 13 seems limiting. Several in the Irondale community have suggested a name of someone who is no longer with us, but who had a major impact on the Tri-Area. She believes this part of the plan should be changed. Steven Crosland commented that he understood that this was a local park serving the needs of the local community, rather than a regional park. He believes the Parks Board should consider in its deliberations that 20-25% wanted a boat ramp and the rest did not. Doris Small of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and a watershed steward working on salmon recovery projects, including the one next to the park, recommended that before the County continues with a feasibility study for the boat ramp, that they first send letters to some of the resource agencies to get their feedback on the feasibility. Aside from the environmental costs, the newer boat ramp technologies themselves are expensive. Fish and Wildlife is just about to start the environmental review process with the County and the public process. They are hoping to start construction this summer. She said that preliminary site plans could be forwarded to Parks Staff and offered to provide a more extensive update at another time. Kevin Long of the North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC) expressed concerns about Alternative B because of the boat ramp and parking lot. A parking lot so close to the nearshore would likely create stormwater problems and excess runoff, as compared to Alternative A, whose smaller parking area leaves space for a more natural setting with dunes and grasses. There are obvious concerns about natural sand transport and he cautioned against getting involved in a drift cell that is going to be seeing some additional changes with the Fish and Wildlife restoration work. Aside from the maintenance associated with a boat ramp, he noted that such structures can also create shading where predators hide, thus pushing migrating salmon — who move along the shoreline — into deep water where predators are once again a concern. There are definitely fish and wildlife impacts with Alternative B. He spends time a lot of time at the beach himself and believes that much of the area community uses this setting as a place to walk and enjoy the wildlife. He would hate to see the County use tax dollars on a feasibility study of a boat ramp and a parking lot without first talking with agencies. Doris Small clarified that Fish and Wildlife has been working with the County on blending these two properties. Because purchase funds were targeted for restoration of endangered species, there is no funding for restroom and parking facilities. Rick Sepler said he has tried to steer away from this becoming a political issue, which would likely occur if the Port and County decided to partner on this site alone. The intent is to create a park to serve the community, and while there is no doubt a ramp is needed, he does not believe this is the best site. There should be acknowledgement of the other sites suitable to meet the parameters. Rick Tollefson said while he believes boat ramp needs are important to address not only on Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 5, 2004 — Page 3 southern Port Townsend Bay, but also on Discovery Bay, he believes a boat ramp at this site is premature. Rick Tollefson moved to accept Alternative A with the option for the Parks Board to revisit this issue in 2-3 yrs when the impact of the Fish and Wildlife restoration work is done in order to update the plan. The motion was seconded and carried with five votes In Favor and two Opposed. Rick Sepler agreed to revise the Plan to reflect that the preferred recommendation from the Parks and Recreation is Alternative A. He would also note in the plan that associated with providing access to the water by smaller boat trailers that this site and other sites should be considered. Warren mentioned that in order for Rick Sepler to attend the next Park's Board meeting, the meeting would again need to be rescheduled for the first Thursday (March 4). B. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that East Jefferson Rotary is continuing with their plans to construct a pavilion this summer. The coordinators of Hadlock Days would like to locate this year's festival in the park. He is also working on the idea of coordinating a community effort to create a skateboard area in the park. Rick Tollefson recommended that there again be discussion of the Chimacum Trail (trail from downtown Port Hadlock down Chimacum Road and across the valley to H.J. Carroll Park) in order to create safe passage for youth from Chimacum School to downtown Hadlock. Warren noted that this is a Road Department project that is also documented in the Non -motorized Transportation Plan. C. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer reported that Parks Staff and the Quimper Trails Association have completed the rerouting of the backside trail around the lake and Challenge Course. There are conversations with the equestrians about improving horse trailer parking and trail access. Increasing parking capacity might be a 2005 project. Staff is also talking with Peninsula College about building a shed for Challenge Course equipment. Seventeen facilitators are now trained on the course and more facilitation training events would be forthcoming. D. Quilcene Community Center Park Project: The Parks Board received notes from the last meeting on this project and Warren clarified that $60K from the Parks improvement fund was budgeted for 2004 for resurfacing the courts next to the Community center and safety improvements to the play equipment. Joe and Joy Baisch of Brinnon, coordinators for the Gates Foundation Bridging Schools and Communities grant, are also working to get students in the school involved in the community — teaching life skills and considering ways to create economic opportunities centered on tourism. Ideas shared during community meetings were evidently misinterpreted and some residents felt they were being excluded from conversations about changing some of the uses on Park properties and how grant funds were being expended. Warren noted that if there were going to be changes in uses, there would be a public meeting to explain such changes. Rick Tollefson explained that the Gates grant extends over 4-5 years and the total amount of about $300K requires in kind contributions. Of the roughly $60K per year, half would be used by the Baisches for community coordination and the rest for projects. Bob Henderson noted a campground sign had blown down in the recent windstorm. E. Indian Island Park — Peace Memorial: Warren Steurer met with Martha Hurd of the Department of Natural Resources. In addition to the need to update the County's lease, DNR would like the County to survey the property, possibly in the 2005-06 budget. Warren has also been in touch with those interested in the Peace Memorial. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 5, 2004 — Page 4 F. Northwest Kiwanis Camp: In the agenda packet was a letter to the President of the Northwest Kiwanis Camp reiterating the Parks Board's interest in linking Gibbs and Beausite Lakes with a trail. Kiwanis representatives continue to express concern that such a trail would jeopardize security at Beausite and generate other problems. He believes there could be more dialog to consider what compromises or assurances could be made while still linking these parks. G. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported he is in the process of selecting survey consultants for this year's work. Toward working on next year's funding, he attended last week's IAC grant workshop. An item of interest is the Department of Fish and Wildlife's recent purchase of property at the end of Discovery Bay from where Highway 20 approaches waterfront before crossing the bridge, down to lagoon on the far side by Gardiner Road. The Chumsortium has invited Parks Staff to participate in a March 4th discussion of the development of that shoreline property from 9-11 AM. Last week, a work party of the Back Country Horsemen and other volunteers helped build back trails for horses and off road bicycles, as well as doing trail clean up. Warren Steurer noted that Richard Wojt had sent a letter to the BOCC expressing interest in forming an adopt -a -trail group for Larry Scott Trail and Warren is moving ahead on that idea with the Pacific Trails Coalition. Nik Worden said he has been collecting information from counties with similar programs. H. Community Network: Rick Tollefson noted that at their quarterly meeting, they had considered $35K in requests for funding. The Healthy Youth Coalition meeting is today. I. Conservations Futures Committee: On Saturday from 1-4:00 PM, the Conservation Futures Fund would have their outreach workshop for agencies interested in applying for funding. Sunny Field Farms representatives would be present to describe the status of their project. The County might have a proposal to submit regarding a wetland acquisition in the Tri-Area. Randy Kline further explained the potential acquisition of the natural wetland area near the school for the purpose of providing a sewage treatment alternative for the Tri-Area. Along with this, there might also be an opportunity to create a park facility. After a general sewer plan is created, additional funding sources would be sought to begin discussions with various property owners about potential acquisitions. Warren then explained another possible proposal, which would be used to purchase .83 acres adjacent to Lower Oak Bay Park. III. NEW BUSINESS A. City Metro Parks District: Rick Tollefson had received a letter welcoming him to the City Task Force, which meets today at 6:30 PM. B. Parks Board Retreat: Discussion of a Parks Board retreat elicited support for a tour of the parks. Rick Tollefson moved to hold the Parks Board Roving Retreat from 9AM — 3 PM on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 in conjunction with a one -hour regular Parks Board meeting in Quilcene. Warren and Eileen Rogers agreed to work on putting together the time and location. A tentative retreat agenda could be discussed at the March meeting. C. Parks Board Process: Eileen Rogers announced that a possible Parks Board candidate from District 3 would be attending the next meeting. District 1 representative Randy Kline announced that he would be resigning from the Parks Board due to a change in his job situation that would impact his ability to meet during the day. He would be looking for a replacement. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 5, 2004 — Page 5 IV. STAFF REPORTS Manager's Report. Warren Steurer noted that Tim Black's position is being advertised through February. Seasonal and clerk hire positions are also being advertised. 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, March 4, 2004. Information on the Community Parks Grant would be part of the March agenda. Mike Ryan noted that he would not be attending next month's meeting. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of February 5, 2004 — Page 6 JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA February 5, 2004 12 noon to 2 p.m. 1St Floor Conference Room, Courthouse A. OPENING BUSINESS Call to order Introductions Roll Call Agenda Additions or changes Adoption Minutes Additions or changes Adoption B. OLD BUSINESS Staff Updates Irondale Beach: Master Plan Report, Warren / Rick Sepler HJ Carroll Park: Warren Gibbs Lake: Warren Quilcene Park Project: Warren Indian Island Park: Warren NW Kiwanis Camp: Warren Larry Scott Trail: Nik Community Network: Rick T. City/ Metro Park District Task Force: Rick T. Conservation Futures Committee: Eileen R. C. NEW BUSINESS Road Vacations: None Parks Board Retreat Community Park Grants 2004 Other: D. STAFF REPORTS: Recreation: Parks: F. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE G. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT