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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2004 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 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, Joan Linderoth, Brian Miller Members Absent: Mike Ryan Staff Present: Warren Steurer and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Frank Trafton, Jr., Tom Yarbrogh, Neil Morgan, Darryl Erfle, Eric Holmes (Mud Toys); and others Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: Public comment would be added after the report Minutes: Bob Henderson moved to approve the minutes of February 5, 2004. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Irondale Beach: Consultant Rick Sepler reviewed the latest copy of the Master Plan, which incorporated minor corrections and changes discussed at the last meeting, recommending Alternative A as the preferred alternative and including a preliminary cost estimate. Consistent with the projects proposed, it is conceivable that the future Friends of the Park group would take on some of the work listed. A key issue that has come up is that the Port of Port Townsend has approached the County expressing their interest in exploring the establishment of an improved boat launch facility serving the south Port Townsend Bay area. He noted that it was the conclusion of those who have participated in the process to date that the area is indeed underserved and that the issue before the Parks Board was whether Irondale Beach was the best place for it. One limitation with the Chimacum beach site is Fish and Wildlife's proposed restoration work on the north half. It was thought to be two years after restoration work is complete before the site would be stabilized enough to understand the implications of sediment drift. The Parks Advisory Board had also agreed to revisit the boat ramp alternative after the restoration work was complete to see if it was appropriate. In response to the Port, he explained that Parks has outlined a new project to evaluate sites for this purpose and Page 21 now reflects this cooperative assessment of these issues. He talked about the appropriateness of working with the Port to do some evaluation, including looking at the existing Port facility in Lower Hadlock and investigating whether this or other sites might benefit from any advanced technologies. He said that the Parks Board's options today were to recommend to the BOCC that the plan be adopted as revised or direct him to make any additional improvements. Rick Tollefson asked whether Project 4 could be revised to suggest not only working with the Port and Fish and Wildlife, but also the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding and possibly the Port Hadlock Chamber of Commerce. There was further discussion about what might develop in Lower Hadlock as a result of the Heritage Campus project. Bob Henderson asked if there would be a gate controlling access to the Fish and Wildlife property, Rick Sepler said there is not presently a plan to close that site to access, but there are some interventions to address crime issues, which he described, such as modifications to parking area. Warren noted that the existing portion of Moore Street would be abandoned and there would not be a road on that portion of the restored beach area. There was further discussion about neighborhood stewardship. Rick Tollefson moved that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board accept the Master Plan Report as revised. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. The Board thanked Rick Sepler for his excellent work on this report. Warren Steurer explained the Master Plan Report would next move to the BOCC agenda, with notice of such dates to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. B. ILJ. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that Parks is starting to get a lot of reservations for summer (Hadlock Days). C. Gibbs Lake: There will be another Challenge Course facilitator skill building training in March, followed by new facilitator training class on April 17-18 and May 1-2. Rick Tollefson reported that this weekend the Peninsula College carpentry class would be erecting the walls for the Challenge Course shed, after which they would add the roof structure (March 20). They are still looking for a volunteer to add the roofing material. Trail maintenance projects continue with the help of the Quimper Trails Association. Warren Steurer reported meeting with Chuck Preble and Larry Browning of the Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC) on a memorandum of agreement for an adopt -a - trail group. PTC wants to be the volunteer group to organize and administer an adopt -a -trail for Larry Scott Trail, which would include the development of a trail maintenance handbook. Joan Linderoth noted that Larry Scott Trail has been much cleaner lately and not so much dog feces has been there as in the past. D. Northwest Kiwanis Camp: Warren Steurer reported having received a response from Bob Helander, Board President of the Northwest Kiwanis Camp, regarding the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board's request for reopening discussions about a trail linking Gibbs and Beausite Lakes. Kiwanis' concerns continue to be that such a link would compromise the security of users of Beausite Lake. It was noted that the site is only used for a short period of time during the year, that a gate could be used to address security issues, and that a trail between these two sites would enhance the use of the challenge course. After reviewing some of the history behind such a trail link, there was some Parks Board interest in entering into further discussions with Kiwanis to address their security concerns and come up with a win -win solution. It was known that the Parks lease requires that Kiwanis make the facility available to the community, which Kiwanis does to some degree. During discussion, it was thought that there is underutilization of both sites and there is a potential to increase revenue. There was Board support for giving this matter more thought and inviting Kiwanis to a future meeting to solicit more input. E. Larry Scott Trail. Nik Worden reported on his attendance at a meeting of the Chumsortium group, who was invited to participate and advise the Department of Fish and Wildlife on their use of the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 4, 2004 — Page 2 property at the end of Disco Bay. A land management plan would eventually be created to address the habitat restoration work occurring in this area. There is also support for using a portion of this property for the Olympic Discovery Trail, as well as other public uses such as interpretive centers and saltwater public access. Warren Steurer pointed out that the Discovery Trail is also part of the County's non -motorized trail plan. Nik noted that 8-10 volunteers would hold a work party Saturday to clear an undeveloped part of the Larry Scott Trail by Chevy Chase Creek (at the end of South Edwards Road). The County has a continuous easement from the Ramage property on Cape George Road down to the golf course. Recently, the Public Works road crew added gates and signage to distinguish the trail from the adjacent private property. The Peninsula Trails Coalition is actively pursuing trail progress south of Four Corners. They spoke with Commissioner Rogers before his trip to Washington, DC, asking him to urge Congressman Norm Dicks to follow up on his promise to fund the trail continuation. Warren asked if there are any specific problems regarding the use of the undeveloped portion of Larry Scott Trail. Nik responded that as there have been no efforts to draw people to this route, primarily users have been those living in the Cape George area or the Heron Pond Estates area north of the golf course. F. Community Network: Rick Tollefson noted that this week's newspaper contained a description of available funding. The Healthy Youth Coalition meets today. G. City Metro Parks District: Rick Tollefson reported on his participation in Task Force meetings, along with former Parks Board member Judy Scott, representatives of the Jefferson Land Trust, YMCA, and Warren of County Parks. He reviewed some of the differences in how the City versus County parks are structured and, as such, how challenging it can be to understand and compare their budget and recreation components. Under discussion is whether a Metro District would solve Parks and Recreation funding problems and other financial issues in the City. He talked about some of the options for a ballot measure for a district — by City Council resolution, partnership with the County, or by petition from a citizens group and how some might negatively impact County Parks and Recreation. With no mandate to provide recreation services, the City and County struggle with how to approach this issue, and yet there are different City and County priorities, tax caps, and demands for service. He noted another challenge is the steep learning curve to understanding these issues. H. Conservations Futures Committee: A workshop was held February 7. There are several potential projects. In response to a request by Eileen Rogers, Commissioner Titterness reported on the recent communications with George Barber about purchasing his piece of timber property — the strip of land at the entrance to Port Townsend from Jacob Miller Road between Discovery Bay and Highway 20 to the outer limits. Although the County had previously inquired about purchasing this property, due to budget constraints was unable to initiate a purchase. Now that the owner has chosen to log or sell within a certain period, the County is actively pursuing such a purchase. There is an opinion that Conservation Futures funds might be applied to this purchase and the Port Townsend Chamber might be involved in advancing the application. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Memorial Field — Farmer's Market: Warren Steurer provided some background about the displacement of Farmer's Market due to construction of City Annex and a discussion with Farmer's Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 4, 2004 — Page 3 market representative about the possible use of a corner of Memorial Field for this activity. The Farmer's Market felt they might get better street exposure in the area in front of the Port Townsend Athletic Club. In response to question as to whether the fence could be modified to accommodate activities such as this, Warren said through the County Administrator, the City Manager has been asked to begin discussions about such opportunities. Responding to a recent letter to the editor about the underutilization of Memorial Field, Warren reported on the many events scheduled in the field, including a new Earth Day event, Centrum Jazz and Blues Festival events, and Bellevue high school football practice. Commissioner Titterness suggested the Parks Board urge Staff to respond to that letter and list some of the many activities that are occurring. There was support for such a response, which Warren Steurer agreed to prepare. B. Parks Board Retreat: The Quilcene Community Center is reserved for a 12-2:00 regular Parks Board meeting on May 5, after a 9:00 AM tour. As part of that meeting, there might also be dialogue with the local community, sharing Parks Board interest and ideas for that Park project and encouraging the public to share their concerns. C. Parks Community Parks Grant: Warren Steurer said $10,000 is budgeted for parks grants, with matching funds required by recipients. This application would be brought forward next month for discussion, after which there would be a public advertisement. Warren reviewed grant guidelines and urged the Parks Board to consider what specific projects it might want to suggest — such as a volunteer appreciation day at H.J. Carroll Park. D. Off -Road Vehicle Presentation/Proposal: In response to a request by Neil Morgan to present to the Board this topic, Warren Steurer provided background about the discussion of this issue and the slow disappearance of unofficial areas for off -road vehicles use such as Kali Tai lagoon, H.J. Carroll Park, and the railroad right of way. There have been past attempts at locating property to use for this purpose. A negative reputation also follows this use — fairly and unfairly — for environmental and noise impacts. He noted that former Parks Board member Frank Trafton, Jr. was an advocate for creating ORV areas. Jim Minish then mentioned a DNR study and public meetings conducted in 1988-90 in ten different counties, which acknowledged ORV users but which was never completed due to pressure by opponents. Neil Morgan of the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association gave a presentation seeking Parks Board support for the development of an OHV (Off -Highway Vehicle) area on the Olympic Peninsula. A proposal given to the Parks Board covered background, project scope, funding, positive benefits, and negative impacts. The recommendations were as follows: 1) Jefferson County, through the public meeting process, make notification of their intent to study areas for the establishment of an OHV area in the County; 2) give notification of their intent to establish a focus group to be comprised of not more than two members from each identified user group, such as four wheel drive users, motor bike users, horseman, land owners, hikers and citizens at large; and 3) initiate an IAC letter of intent and subsequent grant request to fund the investigation for the development of this project (the deadline for which is September 1, 2004). Mr. Morgan requested that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board present a letter of position (approval/disapproval/recommendations) to the BOCC at the earliest possible date. Questions from the Parks Board were as follows: 1. Is there a suggested location? Mr. Morgan said such a decision would be up to a focus group. He recognized that four-wheel drivers and motorcycles have different needs/desires. Focus group Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 4, 2004 — Page 4 was a two or three-year process. He noted he has been involved in a two to three year focus group process at Burnt Hill. 2. Regarding Burnt Hill as a solution, Mr. Morgan gave an overview of this area, which had many environmental restrictions and issues. Once there was an assessment of inventory of critical areas, the 4-wheel drives moved off one side of the mountain to an area of two square miles. There are plans to put in another mile and a half and he said there is an IAC grant application in process. He noted they are also working with DNR on a possible trail system at Sadie Creek, eight miles west of Joyce. He talked about their evaluation of eight areas in Jefferson County, but stressed that the focus group's task would be to propose areas. Mr. Morgan then talked about his presentation in South County and about the potential for bringing revenue such as the $2-$3,000 brought to the Jefferson County Fair from the mud bog event as well as the benefit to the businesses in the local community. Although he does not yet have letters of support, he spoke with and received verbal support from the Jefferson County Sheriff's office and the Olympic Resource Management. He talked about the receipt of letters of commitment for man- hours and equipment from clubs in Jefferson and Kitsap County. Darryl Erfle said he believes having a designated area would reduce illegal use of other areas (and in some cases sensitive areas) of the County. Jim Minish talked about other facilities that are well - kept and well maintained and accommodate multiple uses — hiking, horses, and ORVs. There were also comments about the positive affects of clubs — educating their users about proper use of off - road vehicles. Frank Trafton, Jr. mentioned the 1980 study that found that 25% of Jefferson County residents had some type of off -road vehicle. Off -road vehicle parks are for multiple users. The more recreation we can have in the community and for youth, the fewer problems we would have with crime. He added that there are two types of uses — ORV park and ORV trail systems. If there is a park, people will find a way to get there. Then there could be a look at how to better access such a site. It was mentioned that the Tarboo mud flats in Quilcene off of the power line right of way (DNR and Bonneville) was an area used for roughly 30 years until recently closed. Mr. Morgan noted that the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association recognizes there is misuse and they want to establish a school outreach program for educating about responsible off -road use. He also spoke about other educational events and opportunities. Rick Tollefson moved that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends to the BOCC that a public meeting process and focus group be established to create an OHV area in the County (with the caveat that it include a Parks Board member and a Conservation District member). During discussion, there was agreement that this is long overdue and it appears to be a positive solution. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 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 Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 4, 2004 — Page 5