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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov. 2004 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 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, Rick Tollefson (Vice Chair) Members Absent: Judi Mackey excused Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Matt Tyler, and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Commissioner Dan Titterness; John Fischbach, County Administrator Quorum: There was a quorum Agenda: Joan Linderoth moved to approve the agenda as amended to include, under Additional Business, "Election of New Officers." The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Minutes: Joan Linderoth moved to approve the Minutes of the October 6, 2004 meeting as corrected. On page 3, item H, "Crocker Lake" should instead be "Quilcene Park." The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: The County again sought bids for paving of the trail adjacent to the highway. With the receipt of only one rather high bid and the closing of the seasonal window for paving, this project would be put on hold until spring. The County will use the remaining funds (which expire June 30th) to complete property acquisitions for Trail Segment 3. Staff is soliciting construction projects to be done by the end of the year, which would also include surveying a 40-acre parcel on Cape George Road, Gene Seton has offered to sell a section of railroad right-of-way and adjacent property, which would allow the trail to stay on the railroad right of way, saving re -grading other areas. Staff is working on getting trail signage for the adopt -a -trail program (regarding the trail, volunteerism, and dogs impact to bird populations), which has been approved by the BOCC. They are also coordinating with a volunteer who is building two kiosks for the Larry Scott Trail; one would be in the Port area and the other by the overpass. B. H.J. Carroll Park: Site preparation for the pavilion project is being done.. The Recreation Department's soccer program will end this Sunday, although field use by the J.C. Soccer Club would continue through November, after which the fields would be rested for the winter. Phyllis and Jerry Smith will renew their caretaker agreement. C. Gibbs Lake/Challenge Course: Recent groups using the facility were Bainbridge Island Commodore School, soccer teams, and Grey Wolf Ranch. Improvements are being made in the equipment shed built by Peninsula College students and power is also needed. It was suggested that a promotional video be produced. The 2004 revenue of roughly $5,500 is Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 3, 2004 — Page 1 covering expenses and is hoped to go up next year with increased use of the facility. There is a desire to add a couple of high course elements. Another facilitator training is planned for April — of the 30 already trained, 18 are active. Eileen Rogers explained the discussion she and Warren had with representatives of the Northwest Kiwanis camp about how a trail link between Gibbs and Beausite Lakes would create an opportunity for increased usage and revenue from park facilities. Kiwanis, who lease the Beausite Lake facility from the County for summer camps and other purposes, remain concerned about safety and security issues. Respecting the Kiwanis' mission and concerns, it is hoped that there could be continued discussions about how such changes could benefit them. With the addition of the Challenge Course, a suggestion was that it might also be time to consider improvements to or an expansion of the swimming area. There are Eagle scouts looking for projects. D. Memorial Field. The field has been busy with football and soccer. After a few more games, the field would then be put to rest for the season. Warren Steurer complimented Parks Staff on their field preparations for soccer programs, including the field at Brinnon School. E. Fairgrounds: There is nothing new to report on the possibility of setting aside a portion of the landfill site property off of Cape George Road for the future development of recreation facilities for Port Townsend Little League. John Fischbach reported that the BOCC had committed $50K in revenue from the tree harvest planned at this site. F. ORV: Focus group meetings continue. They are working on their IAC grant application (due mid -December) to conduct an Off -Road Vehicle feasibility study of possible sites, impacts, etc. The $56K estimated project costs would receive roughly $16K in matching funds, mostly from local donations. G. Quilcene: Asphalt patching of the court would soon be underway, although having missed the weather window, the County would delay applying the court covering until 2005. Bob Henderson noted that despite recent progress, some citizens remain frustrated about the level of improvements over the last few years. H. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that at tomorrow's meeting there would be discussion of a prevention plan for County government. Also, there will be a State conference on youth, child abuse and domestic violence December 1st_3ra When asked about partnership opportunities in the County, he said the Tri-Area resource center is now partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs. Also, the monthly meetings of the Healthy Youth Coalition provides for a lot of networking and coordination. With its $30-50K in grant funding, the Network supports many service providers in the community, who must in exchange measure their program's effectiveness. I. P&R Advisory Board Membership: Bob Henderson announced that in order to focus on his volunteer efforts in Quilcene, he would not be requesting reappointment when his Board term expires in November. Joan Linderoth has been reappointed in District 1 and the BOCC would interview two other District 1 candidates on November 15. The Parks and Recreation Board also welcomed Rick Tollefson back. I Skateboard Projects: Warren Steurer recently met with a youth from the Chimacum area who is interested in creating a skateboard park. Warren suggested he contact Tristan Stoch, who is doing background work on his proposal for a facility at H.J. Carroll Park. The Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 3, 2004 — Page 2 County recently received skateboard equipment (1/4 pipe) from local resident Barbara Minchin that might eventually be able to go to Quilcene. It is hoped that additional equipment from Port Townsend might also become available when their new facility is complete. Judy Mackey has forwarded grant information from the Tony Hawk Foundation to Warren. Becky Anderson in Quilcene has expressed interest in seeking grants. Warren would attend a Quilcene Recreation Center Annual Board meeting today at 4:00 p.m. K. Conservation Futures: The Conservation Futures Committee would meet Thursday and expects to recommend to the BOCC some improvements for the Committee's processing of applications, including requiring project updates once there is a grant award. The expected 2005 funding is $150K, less Staff and other administrative expenses. There are no carryover funds, since the BOCC awarded more than was recommended by the Committee. She agreed to continue to keep the P&R Board apprised of this committee's actions. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Irondale Beach Park: Following the required public process, the BOCC approved the Irondale Beach master plan, which is now a part of the Parks Comprehensive Plan (and available on the website). There would be advertisements in The Leader and Peninsula Daily News regarding the naming process. A group of community volunteers would be working with the County to advocate for future improvements and park maintenance. The criteria for the naming is that the name reflect rich history of the site or celebrate a feature of the natural shoreline environment, and that the name not be that of a person or group excepting such that had a direct historic connection to the site or surrounding community. 1 Staff would also try to involve Chimacum schools in the naming. Suggested names would be brought to the P&R Board, who would prioritize and select three proposals to then go to the BOCC for approval around early February. B. Strategic Plan Focus Group: Many citizens attended the Tri-Area workshop to discuss programming, facilities, and finance. Ideas for recreation programming included the following: softball fields, sports and/or swimming facilities, and health and fitness classes. There was also support for a tax initiative to support such services in East Jefferson County. Staff felt that while no youth were in attendance, their interests were well represented. Positive aspects of the focus groups are that while there was a willingness to consider possibilities for broader improvements, there were also suggestions for quick fixes. Judith Lucia complimented Staff s presentation of information in the Quilcene focus group, stating that the sharing of information about Parks and Recreation's activities is important. While some citizens might have felt themselves underserved, they were impressed with the programs and services being provided. The upcoming meeting schedule is Port Ludlow (Nov. 4) and Port Townsend (Nov. 17). C. Parks and Recreation Catalog: Matt Tyler then reviewed the many program and recreation activities for adults and youth around the County as listed in the draft newspaper insert that would go into a December issue of The Leader. Members were asked to provide their suggestions and input to this eight -page insert. Since some events are fee -based, they are susceptible to possible cancellation if not enough sign up, but it is an attempt to bring revenues in line with expenditures. There were many compliments about the efforts to put together this programming, including the efforts made to improve services in South County. Depending on available space, there might be other recreation resources in the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 3, 2004 — Page 3 County. Judith suggested that in order to reach the Brinnon home school population, saying "children of these age groups" rather than "school grade levels." With County Parks as a leader in providing programs and services, some discussion then ensued about whether it is time to partner with other agencies and organizations toward funding Parks and Recreation by taxation. Amending the County charter to mandate providing Parks and Recreation services was also suggested but it was also thought that a separate funding source for Parks and Recreation outside of County government was crucial. It was noted that a tremendous education effort is needed and that the current community focus group format is providing some informative discussion about financing. Noting that the City's ballot initiative to raise their level of taxation just failed, prudent planning was recognized as important. While the City and County have looked into alternative funding, any effort to solve these funding issues would need the participation and cooperation of both citizens and governments. IV. STAFF REPORTS -None V. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE Eileen Rogers, noting that the by-laws state that a Member shall serve no more than one consecutive year as Chair or Vice Chairman, reminded that replacements for these two officers would need to be elected at the December meeting. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM. The next meeting is Wednesday, December 1, 2004. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of November 3, 2004 — Page 4 JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA November 3, 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 Larry Scott Trail 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 Skateboard projects C. NEW BUSINESS Irondale Beach: Naming and "Friends Of" process Strategic Planning/ Focus Groups (Matt -Warren) Parks and Recreation Catalog Other: D. STAFF REPORTS: Recreation Division / Parks Division F. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE G. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT