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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2007 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Jefferson County Court House, Port Townsend March 7, 2007 OPENING BUSINESS Rick Tollefson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM in the ground floor meeting room of the Court House. Members Present: Steve Crosland, Joan Linderoth, Judith Lucia, Phil Siemion, Rick Tollefson Members Absent: Judi Mackey, Brian Miller Staff Present: Matt Tyler Guests: None Agenda: Steve Crosland said he would like to add an item under New Business regarding neighborhood feedback. The agenda was approved, as amended. Minutes: Corrections for Feb 7: Judith Lucia provided the surname for Eric Holm on page 7. DNT should be DNR on page 6; Spelling correction for Chris Macklin, page 7; The minutes for February 7 were approved, as amended. A copy of Matt Tyler's presentation will be attached to the original final, approved minutes. Corrections for Feb 21: Frank Trafton — spelling correction The minutes for February 21 were approved, as amended. ROAD VACATIONS There were no Road Vacations for review. REGULAR/OLD BUSINESS OHV Study Process Review Steve Crosland reported that he had received several phone calls from Eric Holm regarding the decision and process. Mr. Holm urged the committee to reconsider their "non -recommendation" to the BoCC. Mr. Holm had sent Mr. Crosland certain updated financial data which he believes shows that the project is financially feasible, as well as a document that answers certain questions raised in the hearings. Mr. Crosland said he would forward that data to the committee. Mr. Siemion said that any such communication should be with the BoCC, and Mr. Tollefson agreed. There was discussion as to whether or not the entire matter had been .closed with the recent decision of the BoCC, and there was acknowledgement that there are no funds or charge from the BoCC for the PRAB to continue pursuing this issue. Mr. Tyler said that the County Commissioners had reaffirmed their decision on Monday, March 5. Mr. Tollefson said that he had received several phone calls from people who are casual users, after the fact. He recalled that there has been a segment of the public who has been engaging in OHV activity and promoting the establishment of a site for many years. Ms. Linderoth commended Matt Tyler for his work and commitment during this project; there was agreement about his performance by other members of the committee. There was a brief review of the process that had been followed by the PRAB, the focus group and the consultant. Mr. Tollefson reminded that the Comprehensive Plan contains a goal of building a one mile training facility/trail for ORVs near the airport. Mr. Tyler said that this committee did a significant amount of work to support this study, and that it was unfortunate for the proponents that it has not been shown to be Page 1 of 4 financially feasible. Mr. Tollefson noted that he had been involved in other planning processes that laid out very worthwhile and desirable plans, but turned out to be unaffordable. NEW BUSINESS LONG RANGE PLANNING Chair Tollefson reported on certain preliminary ideas for Parks and Recreation that had arisen during the interviewing and hiring process for the Assistant Manager position. He noted that, in addition to Chris Macklin, Art Burke had been a highly qualified, actually over -qualified, candidate for the position. He had experience running the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation, which is its own taxing district. With the background of shrinking county funds and thinking about exploring possible ways to utilize Mr. Burke's talents, Mr. Tollefson and Mr. Tyler met with him to discuss a strategy that would be appropriate to ensure future growth and success for Parks and Recreation. They had also met with David Timmons and Scott Wilson to explore collaboration with the City and other local recreation programs. Mr. Tollefson explained the concept as planning and developing a recreation entity/program that is self supporting, and not dependent on general tax dollars. This would include hiring someone like Mr. Burke, who would literally pay his own salary through fund raising and program development. It would involve building partnerships with other entities, resource sharing, and changing the nature of Parks and Recreation. Forming a metropolitan recreation district is one means that could be considered. Mr. Tollefson noted that an orderly series of steps, a preliminary roadmap, had already been mapped out. if a metropolitan recreation district is formed, this plan will already have built a foundation and a network with which to go forward. Members of the committee recalled that various discussions of this nature had been held with various entities and individuals over the last two years, and now seemed to be gaining momentum. Mr. Tollefson said that the Port Townsend City Manager, David Timmons, is in favor of further research. Foundation — Mr. Tollefson briefly described a new entity called the Quimper Foundation; Skookum is the non-profit who is supporting this new entity. Mr. Tollefson said that he would like to pursue a similar or joint Parks and Recreation Foundation. Matt Tyler described the financial outlook for Parks and Recreation, assuming the structure remains unchanged. He said that it is clear that as population increases, it will become less and less feasible for Parks and Recreation to maintain levels of service. During the next 15 years, costs will rise, the populations who need to be served will increase, complexity will increase. According to the PRO (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) Plan from 2001, by the year 2020 there will be twice as many people to serve, and the Parks and Recreation will be far behind in just maintaining the current level of service -not to mention expanding service. There is no dedicated tax money, and the 1% annual increases are totally to keep pace with costs and demands. Mr. Tyler said that Mr. Burke could participate, should the stakeholders agree he is the appropriate professional. Ms. Lucia asked what other options can be considered in addition to a metropolitan recreation district. Mr. Tyler said that Mr. Timmons had suggested development of joint city/county comprehensive plan, and that this may be what Mr. Burke will be involved in at the outset. Mr. Tollefson recalled that the PRAB and Public Works had written the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan twenty years ago, that it has been updated ever since, the last update being 2002, it is currently in need of updating. It was stressed that the advantages of collaboration are great, and that public outreach and education about that are very important. It is important to convey the fact that operations and services can/will continue as before. The measures under discussion are forward looking steps that can be taken in an orderly fashion to Page 2 of 4 prepare for the long term, not bureaucracy building. There was discussion about the importance of careful preparation and research and avoidance of premature announcements that can easily be misunderstood. The PRAB recognized the importance of planning for the entire county and all communities. Mr. Tollefson said that his priority would be ensuring safe places for children and youth outside of school hours. There was brief discussion about an aquatic center, and other major facilities, and the need for creative, inclusive processes and fund raising. There was also a brief discussion about the changing demographics and its likely effects on Parks and Recreation. Mr. Tollefson advised contacting the Health Department and other departments to obtain relevant growth/economic indicators/projections. Mr. Tollefson mentioned other metropolitan recreation districts such as the one in Tacoma, and the relatively small size of East Jefferson County in comparison. There was a brief discussion about the Forks and Sequim experiences with building pools and the struggles with finding funds needed to maintain them. Chair Tollefson summarized by noting that initiating and following through on a good process for long term planning is critical. Pursuing this opportunity for collaboration and stable funding is extremely important for the citizens of the county. He also reminded that the PRAB still has two open District 1 (Port Townsend) positions that need to be filled. MANAGER'S REPORT Paper Reduction — Matt Tyler asked committee members to express their preferences for receiving e-mail or paper copies of minutes and other material in the mail. If paper copies are requested, members are asked to bring them to the meetings, in order to save paper. Photo Presentation — Matt Tyler presented a series of photos showing maintenance work, grounds work, and new equipment that has been completed in recent months. He showed highlights from Memorial Field, Irondale Park, the skateboard park, bouncy units at the Community Center, and photos of the Grant Street after school program. Matt also showed the white board technique he uses at meetings; all ideas are written down as the meeting proceeds, and a digital photo is taken at the end. This saves time and paper, provides documentation during and after the meeting, and serves as a starting point for the next meeting, as needed. He also explained that he is experimenting with setting up the bouncy castles at events and charging for the use of them, to offset costs, especially at Memorial Field. He mentioned the work of Dave Steelquist and the Quilcene Community Coalition; Ms. Lucia reported that the group now has almost 200 members. Mr. Steelquist's idea is to build a trail with a bird watching site on the delta of the Quilcene River. The PRAB briefly discussed the possibilities and issues of such an undertaking, e.g. seasonal flooding and duck hunters. Phil Siemion mentioned that Dave Steelquist is also working on a community celebration for the recent Quilcene bridge opening. Mr. Tollefson noted that groups such as the Quilcene Community Coalition would be wonderful partners, and that PRAB should be continually striving to develop good working relationships with such groups. He added that it would also be well to strengthen ties to groups such as the Washington Parks and Recreation Board. There was further discussion about the need to establish and build as many strong partnerships as possible. Matt mentioned that the IAC grant for H G Carroll was probably, at this point. The total state-wide funding is about $70,000,000; the Jefferson share is about $200,000. The notification and funds could be received by August, 2007. The funds would be used in 2008 for the new field, a modest skate board facility (floating street style slab), ADA update, trail repaving and resurfacing, and a new irrigation system. Mr. Tollefson suggested having a list of small project needs for any unused funds that may be available. There was a brief Page 3 of 4 discussion about the BMX area, the preparation of fields, and the moisture/drainage issues there. Matt also talked about the portable mound which allows the field to be used for both baseball and softball. Chair Tollefson requested that the grant program be on the agenda for the next meeting. Beach Stewardship Program — Steve Crosland reported on the South of the Creek Neighborhood, a newly formed organization in District 2. There is concern about dog waste and lack of trash receptacles at Irondale Park and on the beach. Mr. Crosland said he had clarified for them that the PRAB does not have jurisdiction there in the park to the North of the road. The other concern is youth in the park at night. Mr. Crosland also mentioned there are duck hunters nearby, and the group has started a petition to stop shooting on DFW property. A second petition is being circulated to submit to the County, in regard to the Park area. This group is also wondering when the park is expected to open. Matt Tyler reported that the state DOE and the county Health Department has done more testing. Thus far, they have found low levels of lead in the shell fish, and are concerned about consumption by small children. When they indicate it is safe, the Park will be reopened. The state DOE is providing $500,000 in funding for the initial investigation and feasibility study. Mr. Crosland said that he has observed that the trash level in the Park area is low. The citizen group is also advising that the roads to the park should be kept closed. Matt was advised to contact the representative, Suzie Learned. Mr. Crosland suggested that a beach clean up be organized, with county trucks being used to haul away the trash. Advertising for Open PRAB positions — There were several suggestions about possible candidates for the open positions. Matt Tyler will advertise the open positions again. SET MEETING DATE/ADJOURNMENT The next PRAB meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Jefferson County Library, Port Hadlock. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Rick Tollefson 1:50 PM. Page 4 of 4 F �$°" �o Jefferson County LQ K Parks and Recreation �9SH, NG'�° Serving the Community ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 12 noon to 2 p.m. Jefferson County Courthouse Conference Room 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 - None C. REGULAR / OLD BUSINESS D. NEW BUSINESS i. Manager's Report ii. Recreation Report iii. Facility Report E. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE F. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT