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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec. 2006 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Jefferson County Courthouse December 6, 2006 OPENING BUSINESS Judith Lucia, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM in the Jefferson County Courthouse, Ground Floor Meeting Room, Port Townsend. Members Present: Steve Crosland; Judith Lucia; Judi Mackey; Brian Miller, Phil Siemion, Rick Tollefson Members Absent: Joan Linderoth (Excused) Staff Present: Matt Tyler, Molly Hilt Guests: None Agenda: There were no changes to the agenda. A motion was made by Rick Tollefson to approve the agenda as amended; the motion was seconded by Judi Mackey and approved unanimously. Minutes: A motion was made by Judi Mackey to approve the minutes for November 1, 2006, as written. It was seconded by Phil Siemion and approved unanimously. ROAD VACATIONS There were no Road Vacations for review. There was no regular/old business. REGULAR/OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Nominating Committee Report The Nominating Committee was comprised of Judi Mackey and Joan Linderoth. Ms. Mackey reported that the Committee had requested Rick Tollefson to accept the nomination for Chair, and Steve Crosland for Vice Chair. Chair Lucia announced the candidate for Chair, and requested all those in favor to say Aye. Rick Tollefson was unanimously approved as Chair for 2007. Chair Lucia announced the candidate for Vice Chair, and Steve Crosland was unanimously approved as Vice Chair for 2007. Chair Lucia thanked the Nominating Committee for their excellent work, and Rick Tollefson and Steve Crosland for their willingness to serve as Chair and Vice Chair. Manager's Report Matt Tyler said that there was no written report, but that he would like to discuss the following matters. Irondale Park Closure —Matt Tyler described the background and the status regarding the closure. He said that the Park had been taken over by Parks and Recreation in 2001, on a recommendation for no further action by the Environmental Health Department. At that time, they detected nothing requiring clean up. Then, in November 2006, there was a complaint from a citizen who found oil on the beach, which was investigated by the DOE, who found fuel oil on the beach and below the tank. He said that the bunker oil had turned into a substance that looks like tar. Page 1 of 5 The Washington State DOE has placed the site on the Puget Sound Initiative list, which has special funding and gives priority to projects relevant to restoring Puget Sound. The DOE has some 600 sites on their list right now, and this action pushes this site to the top of the list. It may or may not include further funding. The next step is identifying PLPs (Potentially Liable Parties), which includes people/entities who have ever owned or leased the site. Rick Tollefson asked if the County must protect the site by chaining it or fencing it off because of this hazardous waste. There was a brief discussion about the fact that there is a posting and a chain across the road, but that more secure measures would need to be taken to prevent access/trespassing. Ms. Mackey spoke of the potential liability to the County even if a child ignored any signage or fencing that was in place. It was recommended that Matt Tyler talk with the County's Risk Manager for guidance on what would be considered adequate measures for protecting the public until the site is cleaned up. Mr. Tyler said that he had been told by the DOE that in January a notice letter would be sent out to the list of PLPs. Following that there is a document or order that identifies who is liable, by percentage: Then a remedial investigation and feasibility study is conducted; this is a model of the entire site, based on detailed sampling, hydrology studies, etc. Mr. Tyler said that the County would need to pay their percentage of the costs. He said that the remedial investigation/feasibility study will have a list of options on how to fix it. For example, they could take everything (hazardous or toxic material) away and put it somewhere else, or they could try to treat it on site. The State has the prerogative of choosing which alternative is conducted. Then a process begins to write grants and find money to pay for the remediation, whatever that might be. Mr. Tyler said that it is not yet clear who would be responsible for the work of finding the grants, writing the grants, finding the contractors and supervising them. It may be the DOE, the PLPs, or a combination. There was a brief discussion about work just completed on the fisheries part of the beach, where a huge amount of material had been hauled away. There was uncertainty about all of the types of materials that were removed. There was also mention of the old mill site which was in operation from 1880 through 1919, and questions as to an old dock and/or pilings buried there. There was further discussion about the surrounding locale, including Steve Crosland's property, and known storm damage and remediation work in process for other projects. OHV Time Table Change — Matt Tyler noted that the final presentation would be made by the consultant at the next meeting, on January 5. He recommended that the PRAB hear the report, consider the recommendation for about one month, and take action as appropriate at the February meeting. In response to a question about the Tahuya site visit, Judi Mackey said that she had not been able to attend because of weather and road conditions. Chair Lucia said that there were three property owners from Quilcene and a person from Port Townsend who had attended. Follow up citizen a -mails and letters had been received by PRAB members. Judi Mackey asked for clarification on why the Focus Group had requested more time. Matt Tyler said that they were awaiting the draft of the report from Tom Beckwith. Ms. Mackey asked what additional information is expected from that report. Mr. Tyler named: the estimated value of the timber (i.e., if anything was taken out of production), and on each site the estimated value of the timber that could potentially be taken out of production. Chair Lucia added that the results of the second survey were also outstanding. Mr. Tyler added that the advocates wish to have the opportunity to review and give feedback on the report before it comes forward to the PRAB and the BoCC. Judith Lucia noted that the date for the BoCC presentation had already been set as February 18. Page 2of5 Chair Lucia asked for clarification on the form and format of the recommendation expected; should it be succinct, or would it require substantial explanatory material? There was additional discussion about the range of information that had been developed and presented thus far. The committee agreed that it was necessary to wait for the final report, to consider it, and to do more research, if need be, before coming to conclusions or making recommendations. Equestrian Center — Matt Tyler reported that the equestrians had formed an association of those interested in making a facility. They had written a letter to the BoCC stating that they did not wish to use the site at Ramage for equestrian purposes, and that they wanted to study a 120 acre site that is just south of the County Solid Waste Facility. Chair Lucia had a copy of the letter Matt Tyler had referred to. He said that they indicated their preference to be totally separate from other uses, i.e. to have a site dedicated to equestrian activities. There was a brief discussion about the nature of a public access site, and how that may not be consistent with an exclusive use approach. The committee briefly discussed the Fairgrounds site, and the reasons that had been mentioned as to its unsuitability: drainage; arena surface; calendar of events, and limited to one arena. Additional discussion included the status of Little League in Port Townsend due to the lack of appropriate playing fields. Matt Tyler said that the likely process would be for the equestrian association to develop a proposal, and that he had offered to assist with that. At present, the group is making a list of concerns, and trying to address issues such as access. He suggested that for the time being, the Cape George property should be placed on hold, rather than adopting the Master Plan as previously intended. He said he still believes the Ramage property is an excellent site because of its adjacency to the trail, and the access to it. Its future would be unknown if the equestrians supported a different site. PRAB members briefly discussed what was known about the 120 acre county site, its proximity to the landfill and transfer activities. In response to a question about timing, Mr. Tyler said that the group is interested in moving quickly and have already set a meeting date to work on the proposal. He said he did not know if they would be seeking agenda time at the next meeting. Fee Proposal — Matt Tyler said that the recommendation had been made to remove the distinction between for -profit and not -for -profit, since that implies taking a market basis for the fees, rather than a cost basis. He noted that Parks and Recreation does not service very many for -profit organizations, so that little impact was expected. The proposal goes back to the BoCC on Monday, December 10. Recreation Report Basketball — Matt Tyler said that interim assistant manager, Chris Macklin, has done a fantastic job in getting the basketball league organized and running. There are 270 players. He has organized use of the facilities and effective partnering with the schools. Saturday, December 8, is the second game of the season. There are two teams from Quilcene, one for young children and another for youths. Hiring Process -- Mr. Tyler said the hiring process for the open position is now closed. Chris Macklin is an excellent candidate, and there are several other well -qualified applicants. Judith Lucia said she was unable to be involved in the interviewing/hiring committee with Matt Tyler. Rick Tollefson, however, volunteered to participate in the hiring process, which will involve a series of telephone screenings and face to face interviews. Page 3 of 5 Basketball Camp — Mr. Tyler reported that Chris Macklin was holding a basketball camp in Brinnon throughout this week. He said that Chris was very skilled at hands on coaching work and programming. Facility Report Molly Hilt mentioned that despite the recent storms, there was little serious damage and that facilities were generally in good shape. Irondale Park — The "other" playground project will be starting shortly. The current playground in place will be snow -fenced off and disassembled. Then the new equipment will be installed. Plans are to be finished by February. Committee members updated Rick Tollefson on the Ribbon Cutting ceremony that he had missed while on vacation. Skateboard Facility -- Phil Siemion said that he had spoken with Phil Saxton and several people about design and moving the skateboard park project along. Rick Tollefson said he was interested in helping with it. Molly Hilt said the base was in fairly good shape but needed some surface repair. The equipment is already in Quilcene. Lower Oak Bay Park — Molly Hilt said that the spit is reestablishing itself, although it is pushed back about 25 feet. She said that she suspects it will continue to change year to year. She said that the original intention to restore the camp sites is now in need of further consideration. It is questionable as to how the road and higher elevations can be restored and maintained cost effectively. Indian Island — Molly Hilt said that since the parking lot was fixed last year, with some gain, it has been stable. She said that she feels it is best to wait until the high tides in February to see if the repairs will hold up under all conditions. H. J. Carroll Park Caretakers -- Matt Tyler and Molly Hilt said that the new caretakers, Bill and Gloria Evetts, had moved in during the snowy period, and were getting settled. They noted that the Evetts are retired, have lots of relevant experience and are motivated to be part of the community. Gibbs Lake — Matt Tyler noted that there were many trees down, and Molly Hilt said that the snowfall totaled at least 14 inches. Matt noted that Molly and the QTA (Quimper Trails Association), particularly Jim Shaver, had been doing a wonderful job of maintaining the trails. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE First Beach DNR Property — Phil Siemion asked if there was any news on surveying the property. It was noted that part of the contract required Parks and Recreation to have the property surveyed, but that had not yet been done due to lack of funds. There had been discussion about contacting the schools for help with fund raising. Fee Schedule — Matt Tyler distributed copies of the Fee document. In response to Judi Mackey's question, he said that all concerns had been addressed. The hearing is closed but people can still comment. He had especially asked if the Rhody Festival organization had any comments or questions, but had not heard back from them. Letter from David Timmons — Chair Lucia read from a letter from David Timmons opposing the Skidder Hill and Penny Creek sites for OHV activity. Page 4 of 5 YMCA Budget — The City has approved the YMCA budget for one year, not three years, as in the past. There was mention that two more staff would be hired for Parks staff. Sharon Dembro Letter — Members confirmed that they had received copies of the letter from Sharon Dembro and the equestrian association, which had been discussed earlier in the meeting. OHV Letters — Matt Tyler confirmed that the comment period had closed on November 20; letters received after that date are being held, but he confirmed that most of the letters are very similar to those that were received earlier. Kiwanis letter regarding a marketing outreach committee — Chair Lucia noted that she had recently promoted the camp facility as a possible retreat location for the Library. However, the site was not selected because of its unattractive appearance, especially the shabby and tacky furniture.. This led to a discussion of roles and responsibilities regarding the property and facility. The committee discussed the fact that the County property is being leased to the Kiwanis for 30 years. There is a caretaker, who may live in the house as "in kind" remuneration. A Kiwanis Camp is held there once a year, and it is also rented out for hunters and other groups or families at $100 per day. Rick Tollefson raised the point that the PRAB has had retreats in the past, and that he would suggest scheduling one soon. The committee held a discussion about the ropes course next door, the public nature of the property when not in use by the Kiwanis, the caretakers' arrangement, the possibilities for revenue, the current lack of advertising and the conditions of the lease. Ms. Hilt noted that the Kiwanis had upgraded the water and septic systems, as well as the parking. It was also noted that the letter indicates intention to make various upgrades, including installation of a commercial kitchen, bunk houses/bathrooms/showers, DSL and wireless, etc. Ms. Mackey and other members noted that it was the responsibility of the PRAB to promote this asset as a recreational facility. There were several other ideas involving the ropes course. Matt Tyler explained that the Challenge Course was now being managed by Pamela Roberts and the 4-H organization. The County provides maintenance of the site, phone and porta-potty services, and assistance with heavy labor as necessary. Rick Tollefson voiced some possibilities in conjunction with Gibbs Lake, as well. He mentioned names of several individuals who could be contacted: Ken and Helen Brink; Steve Taylor; Sharon Sherfick; and Nick Harper. Matt Tyler offered to call a Kiwanis representative to make contact and find out who might be the best person within the group for collaborative discussions. There was agreement that PRAB would consider a Saturday in February for a retreat. Rick Tollefson suggested a hike around the property followed by a potluck meeting — about a 4 hour period starting with a hike at 9:00 AM at Gibbs Lake, followed by the potluck at about 11:30 AM. The need for new members was also discussed. SET MEETING DATE/ADJOURNMENT The next PRAB meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2006 at the Jefferson County Library in the big meeting room. Rick Tollefson said that he would not be able to attend the January meeting. Outgoing Chair Lucia will schedule the library room ahead for 2007. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Judith Lucia at 1:40 PM. Page 5 of 5 ,e,e�,ON l4 LQ Jeffersonounty Eil Dil r Serving the Community ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, December 61", 2006 12 noon to 2 p.m. Jefferson County Courthouse A. OPENING BUSINESS i. Call to order ii. Introductions iii. Agenda A. Additions or changes B. Adoption iv. Minutes A. Additions or changes B. Adoption B. ROAD VACATION i. None C. REGULAR / OLD BUSINESS D. NEW BUSINESS i. Chair Committee Report ii. Election of Chair iii. Manager's Report iv. Recreation Report v. Facility Report Chambers E. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE i. Letter from Sharon Dembro about the Equestrian Facility at Trailhead Park ii. Letters about the OHV study F. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT