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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept. 2004 -MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 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), Bob Henderson, Joan Linderoth, Brian Miller, Mike Ryan, Judi Mackey, Judith Lucia Members Absent: Rick Tollefson (Vice Chair) excused Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Matt Tyler, Nik Worden and Kelli Larson of Public Works Guests: Christina Pivarnik, Judy Anderson, and Teri Short, Olympic Dressage Club; Nora Porter, Fort Worden Advisory Committee; Lynn Mandelbaum, Admiralty Audubon; Phil Johnson, Citizen Quorum: There was a quorum Agenda: The agenda was reordered to handle several New Business items ahead of Old Business. Minutes: Bob Henderson moved to approve the Minutes of August 4, 2004. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Road Vacations: Kelli Larson reviewed the following proposed road vacations: 1. Alley in Block 145 of Irondale Addition #6, David Tonkins, Petitioner — The purpose of the vacation would be to reduce the setback, giving him enough area to add a garage to his property. There were no negative comments on record and Staff would be recommending approval. Joan Linderoth moved that the Parks Advisory Board accept the Road Vacation as submitted, noting that the vacation has no significance to Parks and Recreation. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. 2. A portion of Station Prairie Road off Woodland Drive in Cottonwood Court — Although a formal petition had not yet been received, it was believed that Staff would recommend approval of the vacation request. Judi Mackey moved that the Parks Advisory Board accept the Road Vacation as submitted, noting that the vacation has no significance to Parks and Recreation. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. 3. Linda View Drive — Kelli Larson distributed a letter to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board notifying that the County has since rescinded this vacation. Warren Steurer reviewed that Parks role in reviewing these vacations is to consider how they might impact County Parks (trail corridor, adjacent property, pathway to view, or dead-end at freshwater or saltwater). Kelli Larson recommended that in order to expedite Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 1, 2004 — Page I future approval of these vacations, she will bring a form for the Chair's signature stating that the vacation was presented and that the Parks and Recreation Board has approved proceeding with the vacation. There was no objection. B. Larry Scott Trail -- Ramage Property: Nik Worden provided background on this 40-acre parcel the County purchased with IAC grant funds. The State also holds a deed of right to the public for certain kinds of uses (recreational and related to non -motorized trail activity). While the County plans to use roughly 5 acres to develop a trail through that property, there is a substantial amount for which there is no programmed use. Christina Pivarnik, Teri Short, and Judy Anderson of the Olympic Dressage Club spoke about their past involvement in discussions of this property. Along with the Pony Club and Back Country Horseman, they would like to build an arena at this site for the recreational use of local residents. These two groups are forming Jefferson Equestrian as an umbrella for all the horse user groups. They would also like to see the arena used for horse shows or clinics to generate income. To see this project move forward, they volunteered to assist with a feasibility study, budget strategy, etc. and are looking for guidance from Parks and Recreation. Nik Worden acknowledged the Pony Club's interest in developing this site as an event arena as being instrumental in the County's decision to buy the property and to convince the funding agency that this equestrian activity would be trail -related. County development of the property would require a public process to solicit ideas for potential uses of the land. While he recognized this opportunity to develop a public facility that would not directly involve County funding or management, there would be a need for some County oversight to ensure the public interest is being served. Warren identified precedents for using County property by non -profits: the Northwest Kiwanis camp at Beausite and the Gun Club, and Wild Olympic Salmon at H.J. Carroll Park. While he does not want to discourage equestrian groups from working with others to generate ideas, it would be premature for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to recommend a feasibility study until Parks Staff has an opportunity to consider appropriate actions. Nik Worden further explained that this property was a critical piece of the right-of-way for Larry Scott Trail and the owner was unwilling to sell only an easement. The County would need to ensure that such a project is with the public interest. There was Park Board interest in seeing this project go forward. Eileen Rogers said the Parks Board would continue discussions with County Staff. It was also suggested that this group discuss their interest with the Commissioner in that district. C. Fort Worden Parking: Nora Porter was present to enlist the Parks and Recreation Board's recommendation to the BOCC to allow financial support in the amount of $10,000 toward the Ft. Worden Advisory Board's efforts to prevent the imposition of individual parking fees at Fort Worden in 2005. Last year, while there was not unanimous BOCC support, there was unanimous Parks and Recreation Board support. Their fundraising is currently $2,267 ahead of their end of August goal. Twenty-five thousand has come from the City but they still need $10,000 from the County if they are to make their end of the year goal. She believes this item will also be on the BOCC's agenda Monday. She reviewed results of a recent survey of employees, which showed 178 people are employed at Ft. Worden (55 are full-time with benefits) and pointed out that Ft. Worden not only provides recreational opportunities but also is an economic driver. She believes that access to parks and Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 1, 2004 — Page 2 recreation areas is important to the quality of life in Jefferson County and that using a portion of the $182K in LTAC funds would be an appropriate use. She volunteered the Advisory Board's assistance in helping to negotiate the fees for other State parks in the County. D. Audubon Society Impact on Shore Birds: Len Mandelbaum, the Conservation Chair of Admiralty Audubon was present to report on the Audubon Society's project examining the relationship between dog interactions and diminishing shorebird species. In 2004, they will create a map of key birding areas and list species in decline because of these impacts. He has found interest within the City, County and Port in tackling this problem of reduced breeding success among brandts, oystercatchers, and Heerman's gulls through public education. He requested the County fund the design (by artist Larry Eifert) and placement of signs explaining the impact of these interactions at North Beach, on Larry Scott Trail and maybe at Ft. Worden. While the Parks Board expressed concern for impacts of dogs in County parks, discussion ensued about the coordination and funding of such a project. Referring to the Society's commitments to other fundraising, Mr. Mandelbaum suggested the group help with the wording of the sign. Warren Steurer mentioned that he and Mr. Mandelbaum might be able to work on a mock-up using signage funds from the Parks Improvement Fund. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that the County's 2005 IAC grant application for $360K to build the next 3.5 mile section was ranked 12th out of 26 projects, with only six proposals for trail development expected to be funded. Points were lost for factors beyond the County's control, including population, the trail segment not being located on the water, and the County being out of compliance with the GMA. If the County can come up with matching funds, a smaller amount of IAC funding might be available from projects that were unable to be carried out. The paving project along the SR20 section of the trail should be going forward this month. Approval by the Parks and Rec. Advisory Board and the BOCC put in place an Adopt -a -Trail maintenance agreement with Peninsula Trails Coalition. The Parks Department is still responsible for any major maintenance. B. Irondale Beach: On September 13, Warren Steurer and Rick Sepler would meet with the BOCC to talk about taking the master plan through the public hearing process. Warren Steurer reviewed the Port of Port Townsend's request for a letter of support to accompany its IAC grant application for improvements to the Lower Hadlock boat ramp. He reminded that the Parks Board had recommended these improvements as a priority over a launch at the Irondale Beach site. Eileen Rogers moved to approve the letter of support as written for the Port's submittal of an IAC application for the redevelopment of the Lower Hadlock boat launch facility. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. C. H.J. Carroll Park: The facility has been very busy with plenty of rentals. Soccer camps are over. The Coke machine was vandalized again and has been removed. D. Gibbs Lake: Warren Steurer reported another facilitator training is scheduled for September 18-19. The County is a little over 50% toward its $7K revenue goal. The coordinator of a new alternative school in Quilcene has plans to take this group through the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 1, 2004 — Page 3 course next week. There was some Parks Board interest in utilizing this facility as a Board activity or observing a group there. E. Memorial Field. Warren Steurer reported that while Staff is working to prepare it for fall sports programs, the field is also being used for other events and activities, such as the outdoor movie and youth concert. The first youth concert held recently was very successful, with 400-500 youth in attendance and no mishaps. There is interest in doing another event next year, possibly even at H.J. Carroll Park. F. Port Townsend Little League/Jefferson County Fairgrounds: Representatives of the Fairground and PT Little League met to discuss how to resolve space issues. The Little League has been looking at some other property, recognizing that the field space at the fairground is unlikely to be expanded. G. OR Update: The focus group sent a letter of intent seeking IAC funding for a feasibility study in Eastern Jefferson County, but this does not obligate the County in any way. This very active focus group of ORV users will next meet on September 8. H. Quilcene Park Project: Staff will meet at the site tomorrow at 11:00 to work on fencing and preparing for the court resurfacing, which is hoped to be finished by the end of September. I. Conservation Futures: Eileen Rogers reported that the Conservation Futures Committee has an upcoming policy meeting and she would provide a report next month. J. Parks Advisory Board Membership: The vacant District 1 position was advertised. K. City/County Joint Meeting: There was agreement that last month's joint meeting was a positive networking opportunity and ideas were shared. III. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) E. Strategic Planning Discussion: Eileen Rogers and Warren Steurer said this item was on the agenda to not only recognize future funding concerns for Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, but also to prompt discussion of entering into a strategic planning process. Matt Tyler handed out an overview of the proposed Strategic Planning process, the purpose of which is to find a way to be proactive and to address issues comprehensively as a department. The process would include Strategic Planning Committee meetings, a presentation to the BOCC on September 20, and a series of five focus groups around the community, in which Judi Mackey, Joan Linderoth and Brian Miller would be participating. IV. STAFF REPORTS A. Recreation: Matt Tyler solicited volunteers for the car parking fundraiser during the Wooden Boat Festival, as well as others to make and post signs for the September 10-12 event. The youth soccer program is now open to 4 year olds, using modified rules and field size. With roughly 115 registrations in so far, there have been no complaints about the $39 registration fee, but several about the lack of a scholarship program. There was Parks Board support for scholarship programs for all the youth programs. Eileen Rogers moved that all parking fundraiser profits would benefit a scholarship fund for Jefferson Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 1, 2004 — Page 4 County Youth Recreational Programs. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Matt Tyler noted there would need to be a general policy to manage these scholarships. He reviewed the concept he co -developed with WSU of an Arts Center to be held at the Port Townsend Recreation Center. He would like to increase Rec. Center hours from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 2-7:00 PM to meet the need for before- and after -school program. He also proposed longer hours during teacher in-service days. Noting that the additional hours would cost roughly $10 an hour, Judi Mackey moved that the Parks and Rec. Board write a letter to the Port Townsend School District to request that it work cooperatively with County Parks to fund the extension of Recreation Center hours during teacher in-service days. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Eileen Rogers agreed to work with Warren Steurer to prepare a letter to the District using Matt Tyler's budget figures. Matt suggested the request also include a pick—up/drop- off bus service. Matt Tyler reported he is also working on a pamphlet to describe Recreation Department programming. B. Manager's Report: Warren Steurer distributed copies of the 2005 Parks and Recreation Budget. He reminded that the BOCC's budget resolution identified a 20% decrease in the general fund contribution to Parks and Recreation for each of the next five years. He recognized Matt Tyler's efforts to create after -school programs that would produce net revenue for the department. There was additional discussion of Parks and Recreation as being extremely important to our quality of life as well as assets to protect and enhance. Staff saw a possible trail link between Beausite and Gibbs Lakes and specifically the I Challenge Course as an opportunity to increase revenues by enhancing and increasing utilization of the Beausite Lake facility. Eileen Rogers commended County Staff for its handling of the current budget and encouraged the Parks and Rec. Board to move through this funding crisis. Saying that he suspects that only one out three people pay for using the Quilcene campground, Bob Henderson said that the lack of signage there for about nine months depressed revenue. Quilcene Days are September 18. Port Townsend resident Todd Wexman reflected that this funding crisis isn't all bad in that it challenges us to spend wisely and to do more with what we have. He also said that Parks and Recreation deserves to see its success rewarded with ample funding in the future. He suggested that a Parks and Recreation mission statement should include "enhance communal spirit" and said one of the things the County could do toward building community in Quilcene is establishing at the park or at a crossroads a bandstand where the PT Band could be invited to play. He requested time at the next meeting to discuss more of his ideas and asked for access to maps. Related to comments about Quilcene, Phil Johnson said he was part of the group that put North Beach Community Park together and it did help create a strong community. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, and upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM. The next meeting is Wednesday, October 6, 2004. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of September 1, 2004 — Page 5 JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA September 1, 2004 12 noon to 2 p.m. 1 s` 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 Larry Scott Trail Trail Agreement PTC Irondale Beach HJ Carroll Park: Warren Gibbs Lake/ Challenge Course: Warren Memorial Field Events Fairgrounds ORV Update Quilcene Park Project Community Network Conservation Futures Committee: Eileen R. P&R Advisory Board: Membership/ City PT, other City / County meeting debrief C. NEW BUSINESS Road Vacations Strategic Planning Fundraising events/ revenue enhancements (GLCC-NW Kiwanis Camp) Summer Recreation Programs Other: D. STAFF REPORTS: Recreation Division / Parks Division F. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE G. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT