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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 2005 - Memo for minutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2005 I. OPENING BUSINESS Chair Rick Tollefson 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: Joan Linderoth (Vice Chair), Judith Lucia, Brian Miller, Rick Tollefson (Chair), Judi Mackey, Philip Siemion, Mike Ryan, Rich Stapf, Jr. Members Absent: Eileen Rogers Staff Present: Warren Steurer, Matt Tyler, Nik Worden Guests: Bill Kush and Commissioner Phil Johnson Quorum: There was a quorum. Agenda: Added, under New Business, Irondale Park Meeting Minutes: Nik Worden asked to clarify, that under Larry Scott Trail on Page 1, he had reported only that negotiations with Discovery Timber were ongoing. Joan Linderoth moved to approve the Minutes of the April 6, 2005 meeting as corrected. The motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Larry Scott Trail. Nik Worden reported that Staffs negotiations with Discovery Timber had concluded without reaching an affordable price for the property at the SR 20 bridge, which was to be a trail easement. The County is pursuing construction of a trail on the alternate route to the south, along Thomas Avenue. The reserved purchase funds will instead be applied to the paving project, which should launch by the end of the month. They would also be putting out a contract for construction of a trail across Cape George Road, to be finished by the end of July. It was observed that maps of these projects would be helpful in future meetings. Warren added that Staff is working with the equestrian groups toward some minor trail adjustments. As a result of a pedestrian -cyclist collision, Staff is working with citizens to include proper etiquette on trail signage. A couple of Adopt -a -Trail groups have been at work. Matt Tyler reported that 15 participants in the Dog Run had registered and paid, though many more had not. He had spoken with many dog owners, who said they wanted to carry —but not use —the leash. But he also spoke with many dog owners about dog impacts in general on the shore birds. WDFW bought almost all the land surrounding the bottom of Discovery Bay. The Snow Salmon Technical Advisory Group —an outgrowth of Chumsortium, including WDFW, Conservation District, Jefferson County, North Olympic Salmon Coalition, and the Land Trust —is now working on a stewardship plan for the Discovery Bay tideland areas, to include a public trail and an access plan written by Chuck Preble. While the group's plan is not yet finished, the Governor will be presenting this model citizen -directed conservation effort the WDFW's "best employee award." Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of May 4, 2005 — Page 1 B. H.J. Carroll Park: While the contractor who set the posts is no longer involved in the Pavilion project project, East Jefferson Rotary volunteers are energized to continue and are hoping to be done by the end of May. After Rick expressed concern about the liabilities of using aging volunteers Warren said he had suggested that the Rotary probably had some funds for professional labor. Nightly soccer practices and games are occurring as are Little League and softball practice games. The other fun -run event —a "stroller -roller" —had run afoul of the weather. Warren reported having enjoyed a dinner meeting with Eagle Scout candidate Tristan Stoch and his parents. All Parks Board members were welcomed to attend a workshop meeting of the design and finance committees on Saturday, June 18 (9-2:00) in (hopefully) the Rotary pavilion. Rick Tollefson agreed to attend. C. Gibbs Lake: Quimper Trails Association (QTA) had recently cleaned some trails. Despite some grant money and promises of sweat equity, efforts to restore one of the Boy Scout cabins has encountered permitting and other difficulties and would likely instead be demolished, possibly as a fire exercise. One of the Planning and Environmental Health Staff suggestions was to replace it with a small open shelter. Rick Tollefson strongly encouraged the Parks Board to review the Gibbs Lake Master Plan. Warren Steurer reported that a training last month produced five new challenge course facilitators. Reservations for the course are up 100% from last year. The entire fifth grade at Mountain View School would utilize the facility as would a large group of Blue Heron students. Warren explained that our course is part of the larger WSU-4-H network of challenge courses. After the 32-hour basic training, the facilitators are required to put in 40 hours of volunteer time on the course before becoming certified. A typical group using the course is 8-12, and is led by 2-3 facilitators. The course can accommodate 36 at one time. While none of the facilitators currently gets paid, Rick asked about opportunities to run this as a commercial enterprise, as part of the whole Gibbs Lake recreation complex. Warren responded that we are at least a year of growth away from operating with paid coordinators. D. Conservation Futures: Phil Johnson reported that both East Tarboo Bay and Tomanowos Projects were fully funded. E. ORV.• Warren reminded that the ORV group had received a $40K IAC grant for a feasibility study. After a community meeting on May 24 at 7:00 PM at Tri-Area Community Center, it is hoped a work group would be formed to develop a request for proposals for site analysis. It is expected ORV users would do much of the work. Warren expressed hope that this responsible, considered approach to identifying an appropriate site for this activity might defuse some of the controversy or criticisms raised in the past. Rick Tollefson suggested inviting the owner of Discovery Timber to join DNR, Forest Service, and Olympic Resources in this work group. E. Community Network: Rick Tollefson reported that the Community Network has been funded by the legislature, though final numbers are not known. He added that after 10 years, he has now retired as the chair of this group. Warren explained that the Healthy Youth Coalition has representatives from all over the county and would be meeting tomorrow at Blue Heron School. F. Metropolitan Parks District Subcommittee: Characterizing it as a step forward, Bill Kush briefly reviewed the recent 2-hour meeting of community CEOs (John Fischbach of the County, David Timmons of the City, School Districts: Quilcene, Chimacum and Port 1 Townsend), Port, YMCA members (Mary Winters, Scott Walker, Glen Huntingford, and Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of May 4, 2005 — Page 2 Monica Mick -Hager). There were no minutes taken of this informal meeting, which might have contributed to the free airing of opinions regarding interest and territories. No group statement was issued. They were basically moving forward with the report Lee Springgate had put together. Once David Timmons drafts the scope of work for the CEOs to review, there will be a reconvening to discuss hiring the Land Trust to gather all the info that has been done over 20 years. G. Community Parks Grants: Warren said that while four grant proposals have been received (East Jefferson Little League, Port Townsend Little League, GatheringPlace, and Wilderness Adventure Club) he asked to keep this open for a few more weeks to allow more time for advertising. He said there might be other projects as well as some things Parks might want to do internally that would have broader benefit. There was support for continuing to accept grants until the end of May. H. Advisory Board Membership: Warren noted Eileen Rogers' reappointment completes the advisory board and added that Rick Tollefson's term expires in October. I. Irondale Beach Park: Nik reported Fish & Wildlife in an indefinite hold waiting on a consultant hired to investigate for Native American artifacts. Chair Tollefson allowed Nik Worden to address a matter not on the Agenda. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Strategic Plan/Focus Groups: Warren Steurer said the Parks Board had delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the Strategic Plan last month. There was support for communicating the results of the strategic planning back to the focus groups. Judi said there was support at the last meeting for holding a Tri-Area public meeting and inviting all focus group participants. Rick emphasized the need for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as an advisor/advocate for youth and family, to reconvene our partners, to take these plans back to the public to begin to build support for their becoming realities. Warren agreed to try to organize a public meeting for the week of June 6 at the Tri-Area Community Center. The auditorium at the Chimacum School, the Lutheran Church, and the Chimacum High School Commons site were also suggested. In addition to a press release to discuss this in the media, a personal letter to all participants was recommended. B. Quilcene Park Plan: Warren provided the PAB with copies of a list of things (requests, concerns, observations, plans, etc.) that had come up about Quilcene Park over the last three years and reported that there had been a meeting today to discuss these issues. Lacking consensus and an action plan, he had contacted Rick Sepler to facilitate a meeting of the Parks Board and the Quilcene community to work out the following list of priorities: thin trees, fix road entering the park, work on playground safety and improve existing equipment, finish hard court surface, as well as to work on entrance signage to help generate campground revenue. The group also decided that part of their action plan would be to have the June Is' Parks Advisory Board meeting in Quilcene from 12-2:00. Rick Sepler will attend to continue the discussion of the particular priorities and to gain additional feedback. Asked about the previous Community Center plan, Warren said that while that facility is ultimately the County responsibility, it is not managed by the Parks Department. Rick suggested that since the residents do not perceive that distinction, there is a greater need for coordination. There was some question of whose responsibility it is to convene that board. It was believed that the Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of May 4, 2005 — Page 3 community center board has not met since Al Jakaway passed away. Rick suggested that the Advisory Board consider getting things moving by creating a subset or subcommittee to focus on the needs of the Quilcene community. Warren agreed to have a follow up discussion with County facilities staff. Rick Tollefson noted that despite being funded, the Quilcene teen center is about to fold due to a lack of leadership and community support. It was thought that a lack of school district involvement could also be an issue. Judi said it seems practical that the teen center could operate under the community center. Some discussion ensued about the many entities involved in this facility. Judi suggested that if the Board could be reconvened with a specific goal and intent, then community members could be rallied. Warren said he is optimistic about planned improvements. C. Irondale Neighborhood Park: Warren distributed notes and an action plan from the Staff/Neighborhood Park meeting. He had distributed invitations to the public, but not many attended. He noted difficulties with vandalism and lack of community cohesion and described planned increasing programs, cleaning and maintenance. Brian Miller noted the park's flat terrain and suggested enhancing its use for soccer by providing some goals. IV. STAFF REPORTS Recreation Division/Parks Division: Matt Tyler reviewed the Summer Guide newspaper insert, which will come out on May 25, noting that its content and design was guided by the strategic plan. The theme of the campaign is Celebrating Multi -Generational Recreation and all -ages activities are identified with a "heart" icon and activities for those with disabilities are also differentiated. Some unusual programs include dog training being offered by Canine Legacy of Port Angeles. Summer and sports camps are featured, as are boat trips aboard the Adventuress and the Mary Beth. He anticipates increased partnering with the Wooden Boat Foundation. The insert will be distributed in the subscription and newsstand copies of the Leader but not through a mass mailing, due to poor feedback from previous ventures. Rick noted that the YMCA and Little League programs are not listed, which he felt would be politically important to include. Warren said the County continues to work with the YMCA through the Community Center and noted that the YMCA is advertising separately. There was additional discussion of the County Parks/Recreation need to better promote its many activities and accomplishments, including many things that are not its responsibility. There was a suggestion that the insert include a photo and/or the names of the Parks Board members as points of contact for interested citizens. Regarding staffing, Matt noted the contributions of many Staff members and the pending loss of some valued Staff. Regarding programming, Matt was particularly proud of the three rock concerts held at the Rec. Center, which were each attended by about 250 12-15 year old kids. The website is up working and is current. Although the Blue Heron after school program has been postponed due to lack of interest, he felt the reason was a timing issue and will allow even greater preparation. He solicited input on the Brinnon swim program proposal. He would like to keep it free by raising the needed funds for the instructors through locally -organized activities in Brinnon. Judi Mackey suggested showing the total cost of the program, in -kind donations and the deficit. The Dose Ducks, Whitney Gardens, Lions Club, Geoduck Restaurant were all suggested as donors to develop. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of May 4, 2005 — Page 4 The theatre class performance in the Rec. Center was well attended. Break dancing class is also going very well. Guitar lessons would be reformatted to provide 20 minute private lessons for the younger kids due to discipline problems. We painted the gym with the assistance of volunteers from the Port Townsend Catholic Chapel. The Wilderness Adventure Club has submitted a proposal to expand the climbing wall. The requests for pads and mattresses for this have not produced anything. The general request for volunteers does not generate responses so he works with organized groups. Under -stage storage area is getting used a lot by the Farmers Market and is being cleaned out and customized. A kitchen clean-up will be tackled next. He proposed Rec. Center Summer hours (June 16 through Labor Day) as follows: Mon —Thu, 4-8 PM; Friday, 2-9 PM; Saturday, 9-8 PM and Sunday, 1-5 PM and solicited feedback. Warren noted that the Food Bank might be relocating to the Business Park in a building recently acquired by OlyCap, which would help both the Food Bank and Recreation Center. Matt received acclaim from the Board for his many innovations and accomplishments. Warren read from a nice letter to the Editor in today's Leader, which was very complimentary of Jefferson County Parks' handling of the Memorial Field Earth Day event, and specifically of contributions of employees Phil Saxton and Riley Brazil. Warren solicited Parks Board's help in organizing the staffing of this September's parking lot during the Wooden Boat Festival (September 9-11). Joan Linderoth agreed to co-chair this committee. Matt explained that that project fell to Warren and himself just as they entered one of their busiest seasons. The parking fundraiser has huge potential —last year brought in $4,000—but we spent about $800 on Staff. Rick suggested the Boy Scouts as a prime source for free help for this event. It was noted that there would be two craft festivals in Memorial Field this year, one during the combination Wooden Boat Festival —Sea Kayak Symposium and another just before Rhody Festival. Philip, in reference to a small feasible park, mentioned East Quilcene Park with a trail and park bench. It was noted that foot and bike paths as well as gentle access to the beach already exist. Warren noted this is called an "undeveloped park" and there have been frequent discussions about a local resident buying this and donating it to the Land Trust. One issue with this parcel, as far as park development is concerned, is there is not any convenient area for parking. Philip said he does not see the need for a large capital investment, but there is little public access. It was noted that this has been designated as eagle habitat. Philip clarified that he was requesting permission to develop this parcel. Rick suggested he bring to the June meeting a specific proposal regarding this parcel. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM. The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 1, 2005 in Quilcene. On the agenda should be a discussion of holding a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board retreat at the Beausite Lake facility. Jeff. Co. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of May 4, 2005 — Page 5 JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA May 4, 2005 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 Irondale Beach Gibbs Lake: Trails, Challenge Course Conservation Futures ORV Update Community Network Met. District sub -committee Skateboard parks Community Park Grant Program 2005 C. NEW BUSINESS Strategic Plan, next steps Quilcene Park Plan Summer programs/ catalog D. STAFF REPORTS: Recreation Division / Parks Division F. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE G. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT