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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct. 2004 -MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2004 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Eileen Rogers called the meeting to order at 12:03 PM in the Main Floor Conference Room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Bob Henderson, Eileen Rogers (Chair), Joan Linderoth, Brian Miller, Mike Ryan, Judith Lucia Members Absent: Rick Tollefson (Vice Chair) excused, Judi Mackey excused Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Matt Tyler, and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Mimi Henley, Citizen; Michelle Stoch, Citizen; Tristan Stoch, Boy Scouts; Commissioner Pat Rodgers Quorum: There was a quorum Agenda: The agenda was reordered to address New Business ahead of Old Business. Minutes: Bob Henderson moved to approve the Minutes of the September 1, 2004 meeting. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Port Townsend Swimming Pool: Recognizing the tremendous efforts of the County's Park and Recreation Department to maintain its programs and facilities into the future, Mimi Henley was present to express her concern that the City is close to dropping its funding for the continued operation and maintenance of the pool. She provided a report of data collected over the past 11 months, which showed 28,530 entries to the pool (2,593 a month). Stressing the connection between healthy bodies and healthy minds, she reviewed a list of the facility's many programs and activities. Revenues are roughly $75-80K while expenditures are roughly $200K. She provided an article from Aquatics International magazine, whose "All -Purpose Solution" highlights pool elements of the future (servicing all age segments in the community) as well as an article about weight problems in children. She requested Advisory Board assistance in encouraging County financial support of the aquatics program or even setting some time on a future agenda for seeking an all-purpose solution. Mimi indicated her intention to testify before the City Council's property tax levy forum. B Skateboard Park at H.J. Carroll Park: A skateboard park in the Tri Area is part of the current Parks and Recreation and Open Space Plan. Warren Steurer suggested that there is a location that might be suitable as a skateboard area at H.J. Carroll Park. He introduced Eagle Scout candidate Tristan Stoch, who presented a written proposal outlining his project to create a high -quality, modular skateboard park that would provide youths in Port Ludlow, Chimacum and Hadlock with a local and legal place to skate. He recognized that this project would require several grants and a partnership between the Scouts and the County. If the project is approved, he agreed to do a cost analysis to include design, Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 6, 2004 — Page 1 construction, installation and maintenance costs. He asked for Advisory Board assistance on grant writing, and expressed his desire to participate in planning, development, and construction of the site. Warren Steurer noted that the City currently has grant funding to build a dug -in skateboard facility to replace the existing modular park. Joan Linderoth moved to recommend cooperating and partnering with Tristan Stoch in his Eagle Scout project and request that he keep the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board apprised of his cost analysis, design, location and other partnerships. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden reported that the County did not rank well enough to receive funding from the 2005 Washington Wildlife Recreation Program (WWRP) IAC grant for half of the costs of developing the next 3.5 miles of trail. For 2005, IAC has extended a $100K matching grant. The Jefferson Trail Coalition has matched $25K and the County Road fund has matched about $60K, which would allow the Road Department to assist in building as much of the Segment 3A trail as possible before June 2005. Using a map, Nik indicated the future trail extension and property acquisitions and easements that would enable the trail to reach the railroad right of way. He also pointed out the recently purchased 15-acre parcel, whose owners might eventually allow a trail easement. He talked about restoration activities in Salmon and Snow Creeks and the potential for trail access around Discovery Bay. The County is still seeking bids to utilize the $120K of current IAC funding to pave the trail exit and entrance onto SR 20, circumventing the bridge. B. Irondale Beach: Warren Steurer reported that next Monday, October 11 at 10:30 is the scheduled public hearing on the Irondale Beach Master Plan. After acceptance of the plan, Staff would begin looking at short-term projects, including the public process for officially naming the park. He reminded that the Advisory Board had provided the Port of Port Townsend with a letter of support for their IAC grant application for the improvement of their Lower Hadlock Boat Ramp and parking area. He does not have an update on Fish and Wildlife's restoration efforts. C. H.J. Carroll Park: Warren Steurer reported that there has been a lot of activity at the Park. The Leader published an aerial photo of the soccer fields taken during Sunday's youth soccer games. He is working with Tristan Stoch on the skateboard area. The construction of the picnic pavilion will begin soon, with a groundbreaking ceremony next week. He believes the building is expected to be complete by the end of December. D. Gibbs Lake/Challenge Course: Warren reported that the facility has been used by various groups and was most recently reserved by Bainbridge Island Commodore School, Mountain View School's 5 & 6th graders, and others. Facilitator training has been postponed due to a shortage of participants. E. Memorial Field. The field has been busy with football, soccer, and youth football activities. F. Fairgrounds: Members were given a copy of a letter he and Public Works Director Frank Gifford received from Little League regarding the County's Cape George Property as a future field opportunity. Warren mentioned that while the Advisory Board members and Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 6, 2004 — Page 2 County Commissioners might have mentioned the possibility of developing another County property as a field, the County has not made any commitments to developing this site as a park. There is a forestry plan for this 130-acre parcel off Cape George Road, in the old Landfill portion of the current Transfer Station, the revenue from which might be going for clock tower renovation and other capital projects. This public property, which is not designated as parks property, has an unofficial trail system used by motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and horseback riders. G. ORV.• Warren Steurer and Judi Mackey continue to work with the focus group preparing to present to the IAC a grant application for a feasibility study. Part of this study would involve looking at various properties in East Jefferson County that might be suitable for an off -road vehicle site. H. Quilcene: The County has removed some fencing and, after patching the court, is working on a resurfacing for basketball, tennis, and skating uses. The goal is to make the court usable by the fall. The hope is to provide the same type of surface, as at the courthouse court and this might be a project for early spring or summer in 2005. Bob Henderson reported that new signage has been installed at Crocker Lake and there has also been a trimming of trees. Warren noted that Fish and Wildlife manages that property. DNR forester Mike Cronin has outlined a tree thinning at Quilcene Park, however thinning would not occur until after the County begins a community Master Planning process for that park in 2005. I. Fort Worden: Bob Henderson reported that there was not support at the recent LTAC meeting for contributing any funding toward keeping parking free at Fort Worden State Park for 2005. From a citizen's perspective, the LTAC Board did not appear to be open to the potential advantages to the County. He complimented Nora Porter for doing a good job of presenting the issue and representing the people of the County. J. Advisory Board Business: Warren reviewed that the By -Laws state that an Advisory Board member may request reappointment by the BOCC upon completion of their term. Vacant positions would be advertised in the newspaper to allow citizens to apply for BOCC appointment. Joan Linderoth's term was to expire in November and, although she was eligible to request reappointment, she instead reapplied. Although one reason to consider a change in the current By-laws might be that others in the community were not being given an opportunity to serve, Warren did not believe there was a reason to change this procedure. The Advisory Board concurred. Warren agreed to continue to notify members when their terms are to expire. Bob Henderson's term expires November 12, 2004, so in the next month he should state whether he would like to be reappointed. K. Strategic Planning: Matt Tyler reported that about eight members of the public attended the Strategic Planning workshop in Brinnon. The overall tone of the discussion was excellent and while they did not get to spend much time on financing options, there was a good sharing of desires for programs and facilities. Ideas were as follows: more access to swimming classes and exercise classes; broaden public access/utilization of school gyms, Camp Parsons, and the beach at Point Whitney Shellfish Lab; facilitate access to private sector sites/facilities, working through insurance and liability issues that might be a barrier; outreach to all youth in community including those home -schooled; parent involvement; and a playground with equipment, field, exercise trail. He noted that the idea of the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 6, 2004 — Page 3 workshops is not to pack the room, but to use a focus group method to promote a trust and open atmosphere so that good communication can occur. The focus groups have already resulted in some changes, such as organizing an open gym at Brinnon School. Eileen said that residents recognized the need to help themselves, possibly through endowments or adopt -a -program. She was impressed with the openness of participants (including youth) and complimented Warren and Matt on being open and direct with citizens, discussing how to maximize existing programs without setting unrealistic expectations. Pat Rodgers shared that many more citizens were interested than were able to participate. He pointed out that there are very involved citizens in Brinnon and there is a strong sense of community (Friends of Brinnon, School Board, Dose Ducks, volunteer tea). He conveyed Commissioner Tittemess' concern that it will be important to develop partnerships in the event there are further budget cuts beyond the County's control. Warren reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule, Quilcene (Oct. 6), Chimacum (Oct. 21), then Port Ludlow and Port Townsend. He expressed his belief that Parks and Recreation would be more innovative and entrepreneurial in 2005 and would strengthen its link with community partners. He is excited about the work Matt Tyler has been doing. L. Fundraising Events/Revenue Enhancements: Eileen Rogers reported that she and Warren had met with representatives of the Northwest Kiwanis Camp to discuss how a trail link between Gibbs and Beausite Lakes could help maximize utilization of both facilities and present better marketing opportunities for their amenities. Warren said that while the County's desire is to be a good partner on the Beausite Lake facility, he recognized Kiwanis representative's reluctance to make any changes and their legitimate concerns to protect the security and safety of their site. Warren also recognized Eileen's extra efforts as chairperson to attend this and other meetings. M. Budget: Warren reported that the budget for 2005 would be status quo with a 2% increase. There will be a one-time adjustment a transfer from Public Works to make up for the loss in revenue from the General Fund. A big issue is what would be negatively impacted in recreation — pool, parks maintenance, YMCA subsidy — if the City of Port Townsend tax initiative were not passed. He noted that an article in The Leader asks whether it is time to create an East Jefferson County recreation district and whether there might be a grassroots effort by citizens. He talked further about the work of the City and County to seek alternative funding sources. IV. STAFF REPORTS A. Recreation Division: Matt Tyler said the soccer program includes 330 kids, from Brinnon to Port Townsend, with 40 full coaches and another 20-30 assistant coaches/parent helpers. Staff worked with Swains to donate new shoes and shin guards to the Brinnon teams. While there are more teams each has fewer players, allowing more "ball time" per player. Some other changes to the soccer program were to have coach's meeting/training using a handbook, and parents to act as referees for the smaller kids, along with some technical changes. There are six more weeks of games, one additional week over last year. Planning will now start for the basketball season in a similar format. He provided a draft program Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 6, 2004 — Page 4 catalog for future distribution on the website and/or possibly as a newspaper insert, containing concepts, pictures of activities, an overview of campgrounds, fields and parks and a letter about who we are and what we do. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 3, 2004. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of October 6, 2004 — Page 5 JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA October 6, 2004 12 noon to 2 p.m. 15` 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 Irondale Beach HJ Carroll Park: Warren Gibbs Lake/ Challenge Course: Warren Memorial Field Events Fairgrounds (LL Baseball) ORV Update Quilcene Park Project Community Network P&R Advisory Board: Membership/ City PT, other C. NEW BUSINESS Skateboard Park HJ Carroll (Eagle Scout project) Tristan Stoch Strategic Planning (Matt -Warren) Fundraising events/ revenue enhancements (GLCC-NW Kiwanis Camp) Budget Other: D. STAFF REPORTS: Recreation Division / Parks Division F. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE G. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT