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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec. 2004 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2004 1. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Eileen Rogers called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM in the Main Floor Conference Room of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Port Townsend, Washington. Members Present: Eileen Rogers (Chair), Joan Linderoth, Brian Miller, Mike Ryan, Judith Lucia, Rick Tollefson (Vice Chair), Rich Stapf, Jr., Judi Mackey Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Matt Tyler, and Nik Worden of Public Works Guests: Freida Fenn, City Councilmember; Linda and Megan Ferris, The GatheringPlace Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: New Business items Chimacum Creek Park and GatheringPlace Presentations would be addressed ahead of Old Business. Rick Tollefson moved to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Minutes: Judi Mackey moved to approve the Minutes of the November 3, 2004 meeting as corrected. On page 2, under Community Network, Prevention Plan should be capitalized. On page 3, the first paragraph should say "Quilcene Teen Recreation Center." The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Eileen Rogers welcomed new District 1 representative Rich Stapf, Jr. II. NEW BUSINESS A. Chimacum Creek Park: City Councilor Freida Fenn, liaison to the City Affordable Housing Taskforce, was present to talk to the Board about the issue of emergency shelters in Jefferson County. She cited a recent Olympic Community Action Program (Olycap) survey in which over 100 people identified themselves as without shelter and having been in those circumstances for about a year. After reviewing the shelter alternatives available to those who apply and are screened by a social worker under the Homeless Sheltering Program administered by Olycap, she indicated the need to find not only long-term shelter opportunities, but more camping locations primarily for men during the winter months. Noting the federal program whose goal is to end homelessness within ten years, she said the Governor has asked each County to design a plan to reach that same goal. In January, after another, more refined survey, these survey results would be updated. In addition to approaching the Fair Board about utilizing their campground, she suggested exploring the Chimacum Creek Park campground next to the Tri-Area Community Center, since it is near Olycap, the food bank, Chimacum Schools, library, transit transportation, etc. Freida responded to several questions about the model to be used at the campground. Olycap will perform a background check on all individuals who apply, some of which have Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 1, 2004 — Page 1 their own tents and sleeping bags that are being moved from a location where they were not authorized to be. Since they are still developing these procedures, Olycap would like to outline issues and integrate elements the Parks Board think need to be in place. Staff reported that Chimacum Park has 12 sites as well as a pit toilet and water spigots. The park is closed to the public from November 1 to April 1, which Freida felt might be a good period to try this experiment. If it worked well, perhaps Olycap could place someone in one or two sites during the busy months. During Parks Board discussion, there was appreciation for trying to address these needs and to work towards a solution while also recognizing that the County provides parks for general public. Screening and monitoring were the primary concerns. It was thought to be important to consult with the Tri-Area Community Center, the neighbors and the nearby school to make them aware this is being considered and to give them a contact in the event issues arise. Noting that camping is less than ideal because it doesn't guarantee a place to get dry and warm, the barracks at Fort Worden were proposed as a viable option. It was also asked whether the survey took into account those who might have chosen this as a way of life. Locating individuals farther from the community might make it harder to take advantage of employment/job opportunities. There was also interest in considering the impact to the County's expenses and potential liability. Freida recognized that it might be important for an Olycap representative to more fully describe Olycap's roles, responsibilities and process before the Parks and Rec. Board makes any recommendation. She stressed that only those individuals who cooperate with Olycap's process of identification and background checks would be eligible. Eileen suggested there be an update at the January meeting, at which point the Parks Board could decide to recommend or not recommend. Staff would also need to investigate the potential financial impact to the County. Freida mentioned she would also be presenting this topic before the BOCC. B. GatheringPlace. Linda Ferris thanked the Parks and Rec. Advisory Board for its past Community Grant support and circulated a photo album documenting their participants' visits to County Parks, which they hope to be able to continue on a monthly basis. She reviewed some of the many activities GatheringPlace provides and announced that they would be starting production of large dog biscuits at their space at Point Hudson in December. In considering other needs of the GatheringPlace, Warren reminded there would again be 2005 Community Park Grants. Linda expressed interest in once again using the Rec. Center gym for Wednesday night activities. In addition, Rick Tollefson suggested the gym at the Chimacum Creek School might be an alternative. Linda gave the Board 2005 GatheringPlace calendars. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail: Nik Worden showed the property acquisitions and anticipated trail route from the Highway 20 Bridge to Chevy Chase golf course. He reminded that the County would be pursuing Discovery Timber's offer of a large parcel along Highway 20, which would allow a better trail route. Pending changes include new ADA accessibility signs on the trail and paved ADA accessibility to the Port restrooms, and work along Segment 2 to improve drainage and soil issues. Vandalism seems to be increasing, primarily to signs and fences as does trail damage due to the inability to contain motorized traffic on the trail. In Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 1, 2004 — Page 2 the last two weeks, eight junk cars have also appeared on the trail. Warren noted that he is also ordering adopt -a -trail signs for the three adopted sections. A volunteer is constructing information kiosks for placement at the trailhead and by the Highway 20 Bridge. Warren inquired about the placement of additional trail signage for the inbound approach to the bridge. Nik noted that this is a state right of way but added that the Department of Transportation might be persuaded to add a sign below the bicycle sign. B. H.J. Carroll Park: The soccer season is complete. East Jefferson Rotary is working on the Pavilion. The City Parks Manager indicated they would be proceeding in the spring with a concrete dug -in skateboard facility in the Monroe Street location. Warren indicated having sent a letter to the City requesting the City's current skateboard equipment. C. Gibbs Lake/Challenge Course: Quimper Trails Association continues their trail maintenance work parties. Two soccer teams used the Challenge Course in November. D. Memorial Field: The Chimera Circus is returning to Memorial Field, sponsored by Port Townsend Rotary. Some changes would be made to minimize impacts to the field. E. ORV.• They continue focus group meetings and are working on their IAC grant application, the deadline of which is December 17. If received, this would fund a feasibility study to look at eight potential off -road vehicle sites in the County. They are also gathering letters of support from big property owners, such as Olympic Resources, DNR and U.S. Forest Service, who would like to eliminate illegal riding on those lands. F. Quilcene: They have finished the asphalt patching of the court at Quilcene Park and have put in a new basketball court area and rearranged the tennis court area. In the spring, a new court surface would be added. G. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that this afternoon he would attend a Partnership of Hope conference, particularly a session on obesity and how child abuse and other adverse experiences drive America's weight problem. He reviewed some of the other interesting workshop topics. H. P&R Advisory Board Membership: Members were given an updated member roster. Advertising would continue for the open District 3 position. II. NEW BUSINESS (Continued) C. frondale Beach Park: The community meeting to name the park would be postponed until after the first of the year. Staff is monitoring park activity. It is uncertain when Fish and Wildlife might receive clearance to begin their restoration project due to the tribal cultural and archaeological significance at this site. D. Strategic Plan Focus Group: Matt Tyler led the Board in a review of the external assessment and data gathering from community focus groups (Brinnon, Quilcene, Tri-Area, Port Ludlow, and Port Townsend), broken into Introduction, Programs, Facilities, Funding and Conclusions. He noted that he, Eileen Rogers, Rick Tollefson, Frank Gifford and Warren Steurer are now beginning an internal process of forming strategies that would result in a Draft Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. He asked members to review and make comments to Staff. Warren noted that even though this feedback would serve as the basis for future planning, there are also a number of quick fixes on which to begin acting. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 1, 2004 — Page 3 Discussion then ensued about the work by the City and County on a metropolitan parks district as an alternative source of funding. It was thought that citizens seem to understand the cost of services, but they want some control over the dollars. Noting that the YMCA Board has expressed interest in pursuing a metro district in the City, Staff said that Board also acknowledges the need to join forces with the County. There was no objection from the Parks and Recreation Board in the internal committee of Eileen Rogers, Rick Tollefson, Matt Tyler and Frank Gifford pursuing a joint discussion with the YMCA Board in January. Rick Tollefson noted there are two models of control with such a district — a Federated Board (combining City and Council officials) and a Metro District with an elected citizen board. It was thought that it might receive more citizen support if it were a citizen effort. He further reviewed the level of taxation, tax caps and service issues in various County communities. The issues are control, level of taxation, and who brings the initiative to the voters. Communities are willing to tax themselves if they see benefit. C. Parks and Recreation Catalog: Matt Tyler distributed a preview of the guide to recreational services that would be an insert in The Leader but would also be distributed to all mailboxes in East Jefferson County for those who are not subscribers to The Leader. Matt reviewed the programs and activities listed, including special events and said the guide would include a map identifying all the parks. Website improvements are also in process. If the County wants to be viewed as a leader/facilitator of Parks and Recreation Services, Rick Tollefson suggested that the future versions contain references to other providers and Community Parks Grant opportunities. D. Election of Officers for 2005: The Board expressed their thanks for Eileen Roger's leadership and hard work as Chair. Eileen Rogers nominated Rick Tollefson for the position of Chair. There being no further nominations, Eileen Rogers moved Rick Tollefson be elected as Chair. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. Rick Tollefson nominated Joan Linderoth for the position of Vice Chair. There being no further nominations, Rick Tollefson moved Joan Linderoth be elected as Vice Chair. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. IV. STAFF REPORTS — None V. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE — None VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:58 PM. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 5, 2005. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of December 1, 2004 — Page 4 JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA December 1, 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: Trails, Challenge Course Park and Field Events ORV Update: Neil Morgan (presentation) Quilcene Park Project Community Network P&R Advisory Board Membership C. NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers Irondale Beach: Naming and "Friends Of' Strategic Planning/ Focus Groups/ next steps: (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