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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2007 - Minutesi-JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Jefferson County Library, Humphrey Room, Port Hadlock April 4, 2007 OPENING BUSINESS Rick Tollefson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:07 PM in the conference room of the Jefferson County Library, Port Hadlock. Members Present: Steve Crosland, Phil Johnson, Joan Linderoth, Judith Lucia, Brian Miller Phil Siemion, Rick Tollefson Members Absent: Judi Mackey Staff Present: Matt Tyler Guests: Alan and Mary Kollar, Quilcene Agenda: Chair Tollefson said he would like to add an item under New Business: July 4 Meeting date. Matt Tyler suggested adding an update on Policy/Process, and Discussion on adding a seat for a youth member. The agenda was approved, as amended. Minutes: Correction: Page 1: "board", not committee; page 2: totally insufficient; Page 3: H.J. Carroll Park ..... was probably successful.... The minutes for March 7, 2007 were approved, as amended. ROAD VACATIONS There were no Road Vacations for review. REGULAR/OLD BUSINESS Matt Tyler explained that the Kollars, who were scheduled to attend, had called to say they would be late because they had gone to the Quilcene meeting location in error. Chair Tollefson asked Matt Tyler to review the background and reason for their attendance at this meeting. Matt referred to the map that had been provided. He said the Kollars, Alan and Mary, were coming to discuss the park property, a building lot, adjacent to their property on South Quilcene Bay. They are interested in preserving this site from future development or harvest of the trees. Their proposal is to purchase the property outright or to purchase a conservation easement. He said the issue that had arisen previously was concerning the future of recreational uses of this site. A conservation easement could preclude recreational uses, and a sale would definitely affect that option in the future. He said that the property is zoned as parks and open space, and would never be logged. He said the Kollars are concerned about the possibility of logging/clearing and about recreational development. They have been inquiring and advocating for preservation of the property for some years, and the County response has been that there are no plans to develop or use this parcel, but there may be in the future. Phil Johnson noted that in order to buy it, there would need to be a bidding process. Chair Tollefson said he did not see why the County would consider selling property with water access. He recalled an earlier transaction, never completed, whereby the Kollars were seeking an exchange of property with A] Jakeway at the head of the bay. Phil Siemion, who lives nearby, said that there are only a few trees (firs and maples) near the water on the property. Therefore, he did not see logging as a threat. Mr. Siemion mentioned a Page 1 of 6 sandy beach, an old dressing room building, a raft, a causeway and a mud flat, all naturally changing over time; he noted that it is a spectacularly beautiful piece of property. Chair Tollefson noted that there is about 175 feet of waterfront as part of the park property. Judith Lucia said that the neighbor to the south had built and maintains a nice staircase to the beach, partially on park property. There was a brief discussion about County liability for the staircase. Apparently, a septic system also encroaches about 3 feet onto park property. Judith Lucia noted that the park's property is just below her own private property; if actively used, there would be noise, trash and other issues. However, she said that it is the only water access on that side of the bay. Mr. Tollefson recalled when it was still used as a park and, later, volunteer attempts to make it useable again. Ms. Lucia said that the property now has an address of 1500 East Quilcene Road. [Brian Miller arrived at approximately 12:20 PM.] COMMUNITY PARK GRANT PROGRAM Background: Matt Tyler said that last year he had recommended suspending the program due to financial concerns and the need for funds for other uses. In 2006, grants were given to Quimper Trails Association, and the Back Country Horsemen. In both cases, the funds were well used for equipment, and the groups have done significant work in the parks and on other public lands. The equipment was inventoried and purchases and activities were coordinated so as to maximize return. There is a provision that Parks and Recreation would get the equipment back if these groups should dissolve. In 2007, there have been no inquiries and no grants as yet. He advised caution in spending capital, noting that the H. J. Carroll grant is forthcoming, and a match contribution will be required. He acknowledged that the PRAB has advocated for certain important values in the past, and that there is still time for some action this year. Chair Tollefson said that the small grants have been used quite successfully as incentives in the past. He reviewed the parameters: must be used for improvements on County Park facilities, and there is a grant maximum of $2,000. Some previous examples are Frisby Golf, a kiosk bus stop, and Master Gardener plantings. Matt Tyler mentioned that the Quilcene volunteer group, with the leadership of Jim Shaver, have done much work and are doing a great job. A PRAB visit to the trails to show appreciation will be discussed further. Joan Linderoth moved and Judith Lucia seconded a motion to continue the program in 2007; this will provide $10,000 with a maximum of $2,000 for any one applicant. The motion to continue the Community Park Grant Program for 2007 was approved, all in favor. [Mary and Alan Kollar arrived at approximately 12:30 PM.] QUILCENE BAY PARK PROPERTY DISCUSSION Chair Tollefson called for a brief round of introductions. Alan Kollar distributed an outline of points he wished to address. He said that he and his wife had bought their bay property in 1989, followed by two other parcels in the early nineties. They became more sensitive to the environmental aspects in the mid -nineties, as they realized that bird and other wildlife habitat was being displaced/disrupted. He mentioned another property nearby that had been for sale briefly, and then logged. He discussed a joint proposal with Al Jakeway and Juan Stewart for an exchange of properties that had never been brought to a successful public airing and conclusion. He said that the arrangement would have provided the community with about 2.5 times the waterfront footage as the current park property, with easy access and parking. Page 2 of 6 Environmental Implications — He mentioned conversations since that time with County officials, and a visit by Fish and Wildlife that confirmed the site as an eagle's roost. He explained that their motives were protection of the environment, and described his observations about various birds and wildlife in the area: ruffled grouse, eagles, herons, band -tailed pigeons. DFW biologists have identified the calcium deposit just off the shore of the Kollar's property. Restrictions Proposed — In the title of sale, should this land ever be sold, there would never be construction, tree removal, native shrub removal, no road built, no buildings and no shoreline alterations. Advantages — If the Kollars participate, they see protection of that land as an advantage for the County. He said that, as county property, there is no absolute guarantee that it will not be sold or rezoned. If the land was every sold, the proceeds should go to the Quilcene Community to enhance existing parks, landscaping, toilets, water etc. He said that they had no interest other than preserving the land, and if appropriate conditions/restrictions were put in writing by the County, there would be no need for further proposals. Mary Kollar added that she and her husband cared very much about the community, having lived here weekends and seasonally since 1989. She said she assumed the Parks Department could probably use additional funds; they see this as a win/win situation. She said that the option of leaving the property as Parks property is fine, as long as it stays that way, untouched. She then recounted their experience in seeing the adjacent property clear cut and sold. After two years, they bought that "scarred" parcel, and spent money to replant 20-30 foot trees and worked to restore the aesthetics of the parcel. She says it does look like a park and is adjacent to the Jefferson Park land. Noting that the County property does not have good access (by water or land) except through their property, the Kollars made clear that they have no problems with others using that access responsibly. Chair Tollefson explained that the zoning protects the land and prevents sale or development. He expressed his appreciation to the Kollars for their stewardship and efforts to protect the land. He mentioned the BroadSpit area on the Dabob side as an analogous, although more valuable, piece of property that can only be accessed by kayak. Access, parking and boundaries were also discussed; the Kollars said they do allow people to use their property as access to the beach for launching kayaks, and for bird, wildlife viewing. The Kollars offered their assistance if their help is needed in the future. They offered to give the PRAB a walking tour on some upcoming weekend. They advised any visitors to use the Kollars' gate and to access the Park property through the area of the vegetable garden. Matt Tyler thanked the Kollars for coming to the meeting, and assured them again that the land cannot and will no be logged. SOUTH OF THE CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP Steve Crosland gave an update on this neighborhood group which has formed as an informal stewardship team for the park and fisheries property neighborhood. A recent meeting organized by Suzie Lernerd, whose house overlooks the creek, was attended by 25 or 30 people. Issues are trash, litter and dog feces: how to prevent and how to clean up. The methods will be fairly informal; there is agreement to "keep an eye on things". Steve Crosland also mentioned that there will bean Eel Grass planting event on April 21. Matt Tyler said the information about the group and meeting minutes is on the website. IRONDALE FAMILY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP Matt Tyler reported that 30 people attended a recent gathering that he had helped to advertise. The group would like to improve the park entry way by installing a two rail fence and a sign with the rules. He recommended that there be a process to involve the community in renaming the park. The driveway is just Page 3 of 6 off Second St.; it should be made clear that it is a day use only park. The sheriff also spoke at the meeting and encouraged people to call in any disruptive behavior. There was a brief discussion about alternate entrances to the park, which Matt will research. EQUESTRIAN FACILITY PLANNING PROCESS Matt Tyler said that he had given this group significant attention and energy recently to assist with a home spun Master Plan. This would be a plan to develop the site that is immediately to the north of the Ramage site and south of the Solid Waste site. This was a gravel pit and was recently logged. The reasoning is expensive and difficult to develop, and the neighbors are not in favor of overnight activities. To accommodate their needs, they wish to investigate this new property; there will be three public meetings to air the preliminary plans and ideas, and speak with Public Works. There would be access from the Equestrian Center to the DNR property. There would be two riding rings, one covered, parking area large enough for overnight trailers, and a cross country race course. There was mention that OHV recreation is using this property intermittently. Plans are to get access from Cape George Road. One issue is how to access Larry Scott Trail from the Equestrian Center. The group is now incorporating as a non-profit entity. Matt Tyler said that he did not see any major roadblocks. However, the group needs to raise the money and build it. MEETING PLANNING Chair Tollefson said that the next meeting would normally be July 4. Judith Lucia moved that the July 4 meeting be cancelled; Joan Linderoth seconded. The motion to cancel the July. 4 meeting was approved, all in favor. The site: rotation would remain the same. The May meeting will beheld in Quilcene. The June meeting will be field in Port Townsend. The August meeting will be held in H. J. Carroll Park. NEW BUSINESS PRAB Youth Member Seat Matt Tyler suggested that a youth between the ages of 15 and 18 be recruited to sit on this board and represent the interests of that age group. Set up of parameters would be the responsibility of the PRAB. There was a discussion about voting status, transience, extent of representation for various districts. Matt Tyler said that he knew of an interested person. Mr. Tollefson suggested that perhaps the person could apply for one of the empty seats. Judith Lucia said that she had contacted Marilyn Mueller from the City's Parks Board about possibly joining the PRAB as well, but had not received an answer. Michael Kingsley is another potential candidate, but could not attend today. Matt was not in favor of tying the Youth seat to the empty Port Townsend seats. After a brief discussion, members agreed that adding a non -voting Youth seat should be pursued. Matt will bring the candidate, Alex Lovitt, to the next meeting as a first step. MANAGER'S REPORT Irondale Playground — As part of this report, Matt Tyler showed pictures of the Irondale Playground event to dedicate the playground equipment. He pointed out key community persons who have helped organize and thanked Phil Johnson and PRAB members those who had attended. Basketball Program Survey — He spoke about a survey related to the 2006 Junior Hoop Basketball Program. A questionnaire was created and distributed to 310 participants, and 20% were returned. Although the sample was not statistically valid, it did provide a good sense of the response. The quantitative and qualitative analysis showed a very high degree of satisfaction. For example, 97% said they would choose the program again. 92% said they were satisfied with the program overall. 96% of the parents believed that Page 4 of 6 the program would help over the long term. 98% said their children got lots of exercise. One quote was "We love the program". Campgrounds — All the campgrounds are open. Matt said that a wonderful couple has been hired and trained as Camp Ground hosts for Upper Oak Bay. Fees have been increased, which is going well so far. No hosts have been found for Lake LeLand, perhaps because of the lack of water and amenities. Matt said that a new plan must be formulated to deal with that site. Meanwhile, the Sheriff has agreed to patrol there regularly; it is know to be a popular party site. Indoor Soccer League — Matt announced a new program initiated by Chris Macklin that will start next week for ages Pre-K to Grade 2. He has recruited 80 players; teams are from Port Townsend and Chimacum area. Practice is once a week and there is a game each week for 6 weeks. Matt complimented Chris on how well he is doing in this position. POLICY/PROCESS Chair Tollefson invited Matt Tyler to update the PRAB on this issue. Matt said that the idea has arisen to seek community feedback on Park and Recreation services, i.e. is there a need for more Park and Recreation services, and then to document the responses. If so, the means to fund these additional services must be found: private contributions, fees and possibly taxes on properties or licenses. Matt and Rick Tollefson had been working on a variation that would involve hiring an independent professional to conduct this process. The approach at this point is to do a joint Port Townsend and County Parks/Recreation and Open Space updated PRO Plan. There is no money to pay for such a study; the project value would be about'$130,000. The idea is to have the professional work for an established non-profit as an employee, where he/she would be free to do other activities (not typical of a consultant), and would bring the interest of a private citizen. Rick Tollefson and Matt Tyler had met productively with the Quimper Foundation. This is a group of local people interested in community development and supporting other causes as well; it is the backer of the Skookum organization. There is some interest at this time in providing a neutral umbrella company for whom this new person would work. The proposal is to do $10,000 gifts from qualified private individuals and $15,000 from each municipality covered for a total of $130,000 in an 18 month process beginning in June, 2007. The next step is that Quimper Foundation is attempting to set up a meeting with the City of Port Townsend and the County; all four school districts would be the principal fiduciary agents for the study. If Quimper will give the first gift, it is believed that the other donors can be found. Matt said the purpose of the study would be to build the joint Comprehensive PRO Plan — which would serve as the blueprint for what must follow to accomplish the goals. Rick Tollefson summarized the background including the previous tentative steps by the YMCA and the City with regard to forming a Metropolitan Park District, and in exploring property acquisition from the schools. Mr. Tollefson said that the Quimper Foundation and others realize that a broader foundation must be in place that includes structure, governance, scope, financial plans and community buy -in. Phil Johnson added that he had met with the School Superintendent, the Mayor, and the Hospital as well; the school district is uncertain whether or not they may need the properties in the future. PRAB has similar concerns about stabilized funding for Parks and Recreation, which provides services that are not essential, although they do enhance quality of life. Rick Tollefson said that he thinks the timing is right to work through these issues and design a long term feasible structure and funding plan. Phil Johnson mentioned the decreasing federal funds, and the possibility of losing $1.3 million in road funding. Matt Tyler said that the potential candidate for the process, Art Burke, is still interested and is providing help free of charge as the preliminary plans are being worked out. The next step expected is for Quimper Foundation to arrange the meeting of all the stakeholders and interested entities. There was a brief discussion about Memorial Field and the need to address its future in the overall plan. A brief discussion Page 5 of 6 ensued about citizen desires and forces applicable to a community pool, who would be served by a new swimming pool, and how would it be funded and maintained. SET MEETING DATE/ADJOURNMENT The next PRAB meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at the Quilcene Community Center, Quilcene. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Rick Tollefson 1:55 PM. Page 6 of 6 March 9, 2007 NOTICE OF PETITION TO VACATE A COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY Attached is the description of a proposal to vacate a portion of County right of way that may come within your department's jurisdiction. To be considered, your recommendation must be received by our office no later than Friday, March 30, 2007. If you have any questions about the proposed vacation please contact this office. COUNTY ROAD VACATION PETITION RICHARD and CAROLYN WASTENEYS, PETITIONERS REQUEST The request is to vacate that portion of Roosevelt Street as shown on the plat of Irondale Acre Tracts, recorded December 12, 1910 in Volume 2 of Plats at Page 145 and amendment recorded April 8, 1991 in Volume 6 of Plats at Page 154, lying between Blocks 34 and 35 from the Easterly line of platted Garfield Street to the Westerly line of platted Lincoln Street. Situated in Section 12, Township 29 North, Range l West, W.M. The principal petitioner states the following reason for requesting the road vacation: "l. Terrain is unsuitable for county road. 2. All affected owners have alternate access. 3. Adjacent owner Port Hadlock KSC supports reduction of access to its lot because of past vandalism. 4. Location of and view from principle petitioner's house will be greatly enhanced." •,v,a I.an. � ri.en•. M� ~w-,.. 1L in•CMIi� '� y/�avls � � �* k'1fn111•• [it ..w ...M.rA+mM rNe•ar.• YK'CLIW p.': wu! 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Y>',a 1• IX 1 ViAY.W1! � +pW+s yµpny, l M,Rnrnr � ,Cfrowl• fe+AVW7 W�trlG'. W1sJ0Y•1 riVi,IIL]f wJMk^•r � SN.�rO ,� W%[II,N ()NAryf 6i'dfrillCi 5' pAk >m Nrnx:r T!M✓?tl yyr4Vr'! I y;arq.n � .H rOr'wA , q�Oa W! VA11HNO +r"'7y"' rN•»sy r .. • rri•• 'xlrrai•N oc N'•vq�V r!•V•Jd. 'w tvn -,:r v. !kVr'r)r•9 Y 59i lww uYiolxer wrww:s i lytrrrn.T Mi7lOf7r ua1,N�r' 97rH•rYY w.�•• March 16, 2007 NOTICE OF PETITION TO VACATE A COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY Attached is a description of a proposal to vacate a portion of County right of way that comes within your department's jurisdiction. To be considered, your recommendation must be received by our office no later than Friday, April 6, 2007. If you have any questions about the proposed vacation please contact this office. COUNTY ROAD VACATION PETITION JAMES W. PEARSON, PETITIONER REQUEST The request is to vacate the North one-half of the platted alley, lying adjacent to Lots 14 through 18, Block 32 in the plat of Irondale as recorded in Volume 3 of Plats at Page 5, records of Jefferson County, Washington. Being approximately 7.5 feet wide by 125 feet in length and located in the Southwest quarter of Section 35, Township 30 North, Range 1 West, W. M. The principal petitioner states the following reason for requesting the road vacation: "We are requesting the vacation in order to have an adequate area for a reserve septic drain field. We have applied to the Environmental Health Department to designate a reserve drain field site on our property. Because our property is small (100' by 125'), there is not an adequate area. The addition of the area proposed for vacation will provide an adequate area. The public will benefit from the vacation because it will ensure that we can install a new drain field if our existing one were to fail. This would avoid significant public health impacts.- It would also ensure that our property remains habitable, on the tax roles, and contributes property taxes that fund public services." 7 1: V.NKAID 9t d Vacation Request Area: E I4ORTON ST I North half of alley adjacent to Lots 14 - 18, tf_ YS AROEk ST of r en I• E •51t 1'•l: rr �: T f W MOORE ST F {. I E MOORE 5 r Y7 PRICE ST Y F PRICE SF W EUCENE gi � a K 4 E 01MUM ST -._ .. ANpERSONS4 $ [RONOALE RO i r I : $Rlrt:I, Rn I pg ni0 � WA+ARKET 61 IMRICFr ST SR �7 7p ❑ LTdA ST II . W PATiSM-ST f waK)h'TGp+dE KY ST a 6dC.1NrTGOL1FRY ST PAYISON ST I' nW, c7 I UNKNOWN C.oRA gr PWRORE0,; LN I u,p�u:a.i�.r-.r+>•..c., r�; cans �.r.:M crs MAY ST ry P546 I F.FITCHn4RGAV March 13, 2007 NOTICE OF PETITION TO VACATE A COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY Attached is a description of a proposal to vacate a portion of County right of way that may come within your department's jurisdiction. To be considered, your recommendation or comments must be received by our office no later than April 3, 2007. If you have any questions about the proposed vacation please contact this office. COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY VACATION PETITION SCOTT and MIA WEIDNER, PETITIONERS REQUEST The request is to vacate that portion of the platted alley, being approximately 7.5 feet wide by 200 feet long, lying adjacent to Lots 20 through 27, in Block 123 of the plat of lrondale Division No. 5, as recorded in Volume 2 of Plats at page 135, records of Jefferson County, Washington. Situated in the Northeast quarter of Section 34, Township 30 North, Range 1 West, WM. The principal petitioner states the following reason for requesting the road vacation: "We would like to vacate the alley so we can position our house farther back from Prospect Avenue. Prospect is a very busy road that actually runs through our property. Approximately 7.5 feet by 100 feet of the alley has already been vacated by someone else. Vacating the alley would give us more options for house plans and added peace of mind that our children would be farther away from a busy road." 9' V1 W M.AM)[N i� r0XrrEL0 M I . South one-half of alley • � .i . _,f.. ,, I adjacent to Lots 20 I. II through 27 in Block 123 i 4r BOARDWALK tiY •� - y1 J4r{E'iri _ w1Slu�u V"Av „•a,F - '• 9 R --- -•C l�lnlcrcu vlfwAV-' SSS l{ �.,, P� r R • III i :• mlmrpKAvpR in... .� g N ? .� -q 'ECA9CI�p5 AV e 7 IrvuvllxaAar I ` w 51%A%V, ST 1` 1Y AApLIik 5} '' %IADF Sr ?r• 'F iptNNrnM H'NI'n{111O 9T FKWK inaT,. � �.- �J • Y W P�VRTOH At E 14PRIOR ,. "AVA LH W AW7Fk 5T. r T!- I}jF AphEK ST f w NnONL sr I F fiCllMi@ sT "•—¢-- 44 nfliGE R} {j E Pa10E ST - [ W VARACTST• LµWVEI $t �SONr� Jefferson County _. Phis and Reu-m-lw, ion �f 9 /1 C,\° SerOng the Community ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 12 noon to 2 p.m. Jefferson County Library Conference. Room A. OPENING BUSINESS i. Call to order ii. Introductions A. Welcome: Alan and Mary Kollar iii. Agenda A. Additions or changes B. Adoption iv. Minutes A. Additions or changes B. Adoption B. ROAD VACATION -None C. REGULAR / OLD BUSINESS i. Alan and Mary Kollar to discuss the park property on E. Quilcene Bay ii. Community Park Grant Program iii. South of the Creek Neighborhood Group iv. Irondale Family Park Neighborhood Group v. Equestrian Facility Planning Process D. NEW BUSINESS i. Manager's Report ii. Recreation Report iii. Facility Report E. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE F. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT J M yj a RP��KI'�•Y Sµt� ^g� Q I I . RRRR a 20 OD C cu p$y R O 0-0 M U -0 CL CC k 1 C aj yy y g 1S 5!1 II I k £ R C J U C e F �3ro � u aa) fo 27 L D •ggq, i P �' f G Vf N p U NCD e i V N r4 aZi � �.-.. •r l•w ■ A n � r,4 N m O `J w a N e '�• E � O d +t+ Oce d E 'd V a J O Q 10 •- Z o Z i �. 8g c y i2 ~'�. LL IVs• r