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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan. 2007 - MinutesJEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Jefferson County Library, Port Hadlock Humphrey Room January 3, 2007 OPENING BUSINESS Rick Tollefson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:08 PM in the Jefferson County Library, Humphrey Room, Port Hadlock. Members Present: Steve Crosland; Joan Linderoth, Judith Lucia; Brian Miller, Rick Tollefson Members Absent: Judi Mackey, Phil Siemion Staff Present: Matt Tyler Guests: Phil Johnson, James MacRae Agenda: There were two changes to the agenda. Matt Tyler suggested adding an update on the Quilcene PUD, and a brief report on the SEPA statement about North Beach Park. The agenda was approved, as amended. Minutes: Judith Lucia suggested two changes to the minutes: page 4, ... on the ribbon cutting ceremony at Quilcene Park.; page 4, First Beach Park (South Indian Island Park). The minutes for December 6, 2006 were approved, as amended. ROAD VACATIONS There were no Road Vacations for review. REGULAR/OLD BUSINESS North Beach Park/SEPA — Matt Tyler reported that he had received a SEPA Determination of Non -Significance document from Washington State Parks related to their Long Range Plan. He said that the North Beach County Park was listed as an area that WSP is interested in including in their park boundaries. He summarized his understanding of their intention, based on the explanation in the document: It does not mean that WSP will attempt to purchase the land outright. He read excerpts from the document: "The long term boundary for Fort Worden includes certain private and public lands near the park in the City of Port Townsend and unincorporated Jefferson County. The long term boundary of the park represents that area which the agency deems desirable for management in a manner that furthers the conservation, recreation, and education mission of the park. Inclusion within the long term boundary does not necessarily indicate a desire of the agency to own the property. Options include less than full acquisition of certain property rights, management agreements, or other cooperative practices." ...... "The purpose of a long term boundary is to take a big picture look at what lands independent of ownership might advance the vision and goals of the park. This process not only considers whether an adjoining property would make a suitable addition, but considers whether agency owned property should be retained, or might appropriately be considered surplus." ....... "Any of the following possibilities could apply. The agency (Washington Parks) could seek to formalize an agreement with the adjacent property owner, to advance a shared property management goal. It could solicit a conservation easement to protect certain natural or cultural features. It could readily accept a donation of all or part of the property. It could consider exchanging the North Beach Park for other property held by WSP. Or they could purchase it outright. Page 1 of 4 Matt Tyler said that he did not know if there was any unstated subtext or what the actual plans are. He said that he had attempted to contact Kate Burke to discuss this but had not yet spoken with her. Chair Tollefson said that this was not entirely new information and that the idea had been discussed for many years. Judith Lucia asked if there was anything clearly negative implied, and whether there was reason or need to respond at this time. Matt Tyler said that he would continue to seek more information. Mr. Tyler circulated a map showing the two county owned properties in the area. There was discussion about ownership, likely value and current use of several of the sub -areas nearby. Board members discussed the meaning of the SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) process and document. There was agreement that the property represents the only public access to the beach/water beyond Fort Worden to Discovery Bay. Chair Tollefson said that there is no public access to Discovery Bay, except at the boat ramp in Gardiner. He suggested that one long term goal might be an agreement, or a land exchange, that would provide some public access to Discovery Bay. Numerous questions arose including: Are the long term goals of WSP and the County identical or completely compatible? What are the possible negotiable issues for the County? Would a transfer of ownership and maintenance expense providing for preservation of the values and uses of the land be of benefit to the County? County Commissioner Phil Johnson joined the meeting at 12:15 PM. Chair Tollefson briefed Mr. Johnson on the preceding discussion. PRAB members agreed that there was no action to be taken at this time. NEW BUSINESS Quilcene PUD Matt Tyler said the official easement was granted that gives the PUD (Quilcene water district) access to the pipes under the park that currently supply water to the two restaurants on the other side of the road. Water is now also supplied to the park and the Community Center. Mr. Tyler said that he had just received a copy of the official document. In the spring (2007), the Facilities Department will decommission the existing well. He said that the spigot currently maintained there should be retained in order to provide public access to a clean water supply. He said the cost to the County is only about $50 per month. Chair Tollefson questioned whether the facility could be monitored to ensure against water use for profit. He noted that some members of the public may object to allowing open access to free water. Ms. Lucia added that there is some risk of water wastage and increased maintenance if the spigot is not tightly closed, an objection that had been raised by staff in regard to the Chimacum location. Mr. Tyler said that he believed the service was worth the relatively low cost and should be continued unless there is some liability to the County. He agreed to keep an eye on usage and report back on any changes or problems. Postponement of OHV Presentation At this point in the meeting, Chair Tollefson reminded that several actions originally planned for this meeting had been postponed until the February meeting, specifically the OHV topic and the Kiwanis Park retreat. Visitor Jim MacRae asked when the OHV agenda change had been announced. Mr. Tyler said that had been done in early December, and apologized if Mr. MacRae had not received that update. Mr. MacRae had not received that information; he said he had been out of the country at that time. Page 2 of 4 Mr. MacRae requested and was granted time to speak. He asked if the ultimate recommendation from the PRAB to the BoCC would still be occurring per the timeline on the website. He noted, as well, that the website did not reflect the change in the agenda for this meeting; he said it still indicated the OHV presentation would take place on January 3. Mr. Tyler apologized and said he would update the website immediately. He confirmed that February 19, 2007 was still scheduled as the date for the presentation to the BoCC. Mr. MacRae pointed out that the schedule which originally allowed more than two months for the PRAB to consider the consultant's report and recommendations before making its recommendation to the BoCC now allowed only two weeks. There was a discussion about the process and the expectation that the PRAB would make a recommendation to the BoCC. Mr. Tyler informed Mr. MacRae that the PRAB had two options: either make a recommendation to the BoCC which has no binding authority, or simply pass it to the Commissioners with no recommendation. At Mr. MacRae's request, Chair Tollefson and Mr. Tyler reviewed the remaining milestones in the process, particularly clarification on the OHV agenda for the February 7, 2007, PRAB meeting in Quilcene. Mr. MacRae said that if anyone had questions or comments regarding his previously submitted written input, he welcomed them to call him or otherwise contact him. Ms. Lucia noted that the February 19 date was President's Day, and asked if the BoCC was actually meeting that day. Mr. Tyler said the date had been confirmed, and Commissioner Johnson said he was not aware of any schedule change. Mr. MacRae requested that Mr. Tyler update the timeline and send a notice to those on the distribution, and Mr. Tyler agreed. Mr. MacRae left the meeting at 12:30 PM A brief discussion about the status of the OHV project and the upcoming presentations ensued. Commissioner Johnson stated that the BoCC had been expecting some form of a recommendation from the PRAB. Mr. Tyler said that, in his opinion, the most helpful thing for the PRAB to do is to submit a well organized and thoughtful recommendation, pointing out strengths, weaknesses and any unresolved or not fully resolved issues. Manager's Report Matt Tyler briefed PRAB members on the following issues: Park Vandalism — Matt Tyler reported that the Irondale Neighborhood Park had been vandalized over the holidays. The women's restroom was the site of heavy graffiti, and two trees (a Madrona and a fir) were chopped down with an axe. The sheriff has been contacted. He said the restroom cannot be repaired and repainted during the cold weather. H J Carroll Park escaped damage. Advertising for Camp Hosts — Matt Tyler reported that ads had been placed in the Escapees and the Work Camper News. He hopes to place RV -resident hosts in each campground from April 1 through October 31. Recreation Report Recruiting and Hiring— Matt Tyler and Rick Tollefson gave a brief update on the open Assistant Manager's position. There have been 29 applicants for the position, now narrowed down to three excellent competitive candidates. Mr. Tyler mentioned that one of the finalists, Chris Macklin, continues to do an excellent job in the interim, and demonstrates very strong interpersonal skills with children and youth of all ages, as well as organizing volunteers. 2006 Recreation Programs Report — Matt Tyler distributed copies of a presentation developed by Chris Macklin. It covers, at a high level, the accomplishments of the overall program during the past year. He said that Chris wished to present it personally, but was busy taking delivery of basketball equipment. Mr. Tyler stepped through 20+ graphics, each representing one aspect of Page 3 of 4 the overall program, explaining the purpose, benefits, level of participation and instructors. Examples include: Grant Street After School Program, Brinnon Soccer Camp, Hikes for Families and Children, Youth Basketball, Digital Camera Class and many others. He also identified and credited all the staff and key volunteers involved. PRAB members voiced their compliments on the quality and breadth of the programs. Judith Lucia asked about the possibility of some cooperative arrangement with the Tri-area Community Center. The limited availability of space was noted. Seasonal Timeline -- Matt Tyler distributed the overall timeline for major activities for 2007. He pointed out the new Spring Soccer Program, indoor at the Recreation Center or the Chimacum Schools. He said that he would like to expand summer programs. Currently, sports camps are contracted out (Skyhawks); the share that Parks and Recreation will receive this year is 15%, which is higher than last year. He said that this could be a greater revenue source, if he and staff can find the time to recruit and train instructors, and manage the entire program in-house. Irondale Beach Park— Steve Crosland asked for status information on this park. Matt Tyler reported that the park is still closed. The Department of Health is doing an assessment of the shellfish there. Based on that, they may recommend that the park be opened, except for shellfish fishing. There was a question about whether or not the area can be remediated. Mr. Tyler said that he did not know, but that the DOE is quite concerned about the site and has not given a full explanation as to why. More information on timclinc, clean up plans and funding is expected from the DOE. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE Richard Stapf has officially resigned. There was a brief discussion regarding the need to find interested, qualified people to fill the vacant positions on the PRAB. Members are asked to think about potential candidates and speak with those they know personally. Phil Johnson returned to the subject of North Beach Park. He said that one of his concerns is that it is the only locally controlled access to the beach that the County has on that side of town. Chair Tollefson said that access is a big issue for all of Discovery Bay. He said that he believed some opportunities for gaining or retaining public access had been lost in the past, e.g. Woodland Road, which is an extension of Anderson Lake Road. This was a road to the water which was given away by the County within the last 15 years. He mentioned other sites, e.g. a spit just below Chevy Chase that would be ideal for access, but is now gated. Chair Tollefson said that he thought it would be a good goal for the PRAB to establish access points to Discovery Bay. SET MEETING DATE/ADJOURNMENT The next PRAB meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2006 at the Quilcene Community Center. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Rick Tollefson 1:25 PM. Page 4 of 4 �4ti�gON coL2 Jefferson County ��� )� Parks and Rew�ati0�f -1Sy , N Servrny the Community ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, January 3rd, 2007 12 noon to 2 p.m. Jefferson County Library 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 i. 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 Over P ti LIN 1, 0.1. qi v 14