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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2008 - MinutesM IM JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Jefferson County Courthouse, BOCC Chambers Port Townsend, Washington April 2, 2008 Noon — 2:00 PM OPENING BUSINESS Call to Order: Chair Steve Crosland, called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM. The PRAB welcomed Trevor Huntingford, new Board member. Members Present: Steve Crosland, Trevor Huntingford, Joan Linderoth, Judith Lucia, Brian Miller, Davis Steelquist, Jane Storm Members Absent: Liz Coker, Phil Siemion Staff Present: Matt Tyler Guests: Jennifer Jackson (PDN); Phil Johnson, County Commissioner Agenda: The agenda was reviewed and approved, as written, all in favor. Minutes: Corrections to March Minutes — Page 7, Open Positions: "Matt Tyler reported that several previously funded part time positions had been consolidated into one position of about 80-100 hours per month." Davis Steelquist moved for approval of the March minutes, as amended. The motion was seconded and approved, all in favor. ROAD VACATIONS There were no road vacations to discuss. REGULAR/OLD BUSINESS Signage Proposal for Indian Island Park Matt Tyler presented a map showing the Indian Island Park area. He said the proposal now is to keep the name of Indian Island Park and to provide signs for the entire Indian Island County Park. The basic proposal is to erect a sign on the right side of the road heading out to Marrowstone Island underneath the Navy facility with "Indian Island County Park". Below each sign you would have the name of a sub facility; at the Lions Club Lloyd Good area it would say Lloyd L. Good Picnic Shelter. The name of the canal is Portage Canal; the beach would be Portage Beach, both with identifying signs. The lane leading in is considered a driveway. The road leading down to the beach is Indian Island Road. Page 1 of 6 DRAFT Davis Steelquist suggested that Lion's Club could be left off the monument marker. He said the designation should be "Lloyd L. Good Memorial Picnic Shelter". After a brief discussion, PRAB members agreed that including "Lion's Club" detracts from recognition of Lloyd L. Good. Matt pointed out that the beach near the parking lot would be named Lagoon Beach because it is adjacent to the lagoon. He noted the suggestion that a restroom sign would be needed. The farthest beach would be Isthmus beach; the park is two miles long. In response to a question about the turnouts, Matt said there would be two signs for Isthmus Beach. Upon entering the park, there is a sign with rules such as Day Use Only. Dogs must be leashed, No Firearms, etc. Davis Steelquist mentioned trouble with people shooting from the road over the park. He asked if more signage along the road would be advisable. Matt Tyler said he believed small signs along the road would be effective for people to see as they left their vehicles. Judith Lucia said that much of Indian Island is considered to be a hunting area. Posting a "No Discharge of Firearms" notice would be advisable. Davis Steelquist moved that the PRAB recommend adoption of the signage plan, with the revision of deleting Lion's Club and adding Memorial for the first sign. Brian Miller seconded. The motion was approved, all in favor. Study Circles Matt Tyler noted that there was little to report on Study Circles. He said the next step for the sub -committee is to recruit the working group which will consist of volunteers from each of the committees. Each committee or community organization would organize a study circle. He said they are seeking natural leaders but not necessarily high profile people. Judith Lucia asked if the sub -committee had gathered volunteers from South County. She suggested Cleone ?. Davis Steelquist suggested that Judi Mackey would be a good person or she may have ideas about people in Brinnon. Matt Tyler said he had already contacted her, but she is unable participate. Phil Johnson asked if they were thinking about training facilitators. Matt said that if people were not previously trained facilitators, they would be trained in the Study Circle process. Trail Naming for Rick Tollefson Matt reported that the process has gone through a number of steps and that the proposal is on the BOCC agenda for Monday, April 7. However, the family may be requesting that the date be postponed for a few weeks to allow all the family members to be there for the adoption of the official resolution. He said there are no issues or problems; support appears to be unanimous. Page 2 of 6 DRAFT Friend of the Parks Report Upper Oak Bay Service Project — Jane Storm said there is a clean up scheduled at the Upper Oak Bay area on Saturday April 5 from 10 to 2 PM. Publicity has included fliers and e-mail. Matt Tyler, Joan Linderoth, Davis Steelquist, Judith Lucia, and possibly Brian Miller plan to attend. Jane also mentioned Susan Stegemeyer, Girl Scouts and Grey Wolf as other possible helpers. Lunch will be served. It was noted that the parks are now open, so there may be campers on site who are welcome to join in. , Regarding the estimate for repairing the fire pits, Jane has not been able to get a clear response from the local mason, Cosolito. She is now in contact with another mason named Thacker and believes he will provide a bid. Skateboard Park — Jane had sent a letter to Fred Hill requesting a donation of concrete for the planned skateboard park. She expects a response from Fred Hill within about a week. She said she would be speaking with the concrete finishers group that evening, April 2. Other businesses may be willing to supply the metal mesh needed for the concrete installation. Rhody Run Rhody Run — Jane reported that there has been no real action yet. She noted the rumors circulating about actions or policies that may be taken by the new organization, and requested that everyone refrain from discussing plans and Rhody matters for the time being. There has been discussion within the Rhody Board but there has been no vote as yet. Public discussion and/or announcements about any plans should be minimized until after the 2008 event. Matt Tyler said that after the event, he would call a meeting inviting new members and ensuring there is a quorum of the old board to deal with bylaws etc. One Rhody Run Board member and one former member have been skeptical and critical of the planned reorganization. Much of the problem appears due to rumors, incomplete information and unofficial communication. Matt Tyler noted that due diligence has been done, and most of the Rhody Run Board is in support. Susan Stegemeyer has agreed to serve on the new Friends of the Parks Board. There are three slots remaining to be filled. NEW BUSINESS Upper Oak Bay Park Service project (This item was covered under the Friends of Parks. and Recreation Report) Lower Oak Bay Park Proposal Matt Tyler showed a map showing the layout of the sand spit and surrounding area. He presented a brief history of the area. During the 1940s the canal was dredged and materials were dumped in this lagoon, which was then closed off from the bay. The park with campground was built on the then solid ground. There were two vault toilets, which were removed in 2004 due to flooding. During the storms of 2005, a breach in the spit occurred, creating a live lagoon, which has high ecological value. Currently, high waves wash material out of the park and into the lagoon, and pull it back when the storms retreat. The spit is actually lowering, and campsites are susceptible to inundation all year round. The road is closed. Before May 1, all the boulders and Page 3 of 6 DRAFT chip seal will be removed, and grading will be done. A gravel road will be left in place. The cost of redoing/repairing the chip seal road has been $30,000 for the last three years. Trevor Huntingford said it was his understanding that permits would no longer be issued for this repairing this road and camping area. Matt Tyler explained that the Army Corps of Engineers issues these types of armoring permits. If there was a power plant or major public facility, they would re- permit it. However, Matt said he does not believe there is any justification for even applying in this case. He confirmed that camping would be permitted for this season, and then the camp sites would be closed on October 315Y. The plan for 2009 will depend on the condition of the facility. The group camp area which is on higher ground, not on the spit, will still be useable. There was a brief discussion about the wisdom of maintaining the gravel road for this year. Jane Storm suggested signage indicating "no tent camping" past a certain point on the spit. Davis Steelquist was not comfortable with allowing campers or RVs either. Others did not think it imprudent to allow vehicles and campers during the summer months, when storms are least threatening. Matt circulated several pictures of the site. Phil Johnson mentioned that the Marine Resources Committee is willing to take on some of the education about what is happening to this area and the reasons for the planned closure of camp sites. Judith Lucia suggested that there be explanatory signage included with the kiosk that was developed by the Boy Scouts. Matt also mentioned a boat ramp at the end of the spit that is still used, although it is in very bad condition. There is another boat ramp at the Port facility in Port Hadlock. Brian Miller asked about the time line on the group camp portion; Matt said that had not yet been determined. Judith Lucia moved that the PRAB support a phased withdrawal of the Lower Oak Bay Park, allowing limited camping for one more season. The motion was seconded by Joan Linderoth and approved all in favor. Irondale Beach Park (addition to agenda) Brian Miller said that this topic is related, since the county is loosing its only water camping park. He said he planned to search through the Master Plan to see if limited camping could be established for Irondale Beach Park. He noted that it would likely need to be near the entrance on the right, an area formerly used for parking. Davis Steelquist suggested a brief field trip to look at the site after the May meeting at the library. There was a brief discussion about the need for some type of steps or trail improvement on the trail to the beach, including possible liabilities, the need for shoreline permits, and volunteer help. The PRAB will visit the area after the next meeting. MANAGERS REPORT Rec Center Tobacco Free Zone — Matt Tyler showed aerial view photos of the Rec Center. He described its history and the additions and improvements that had been made over the years. He showed how the building and surrounding space is being used and by whom. Matt said he had become increasingly concerned about second hand smoke outside the building. This is a health issue and this area is much like a school or hospital facility. He proposes to make it a tobacco free area, beyond the current 25 foot Washington State Law that is currently in effect. This Page 4 of 6 DRAFT would protect the entire playground and picnic areas, not just parts of them. He said he has observed clouds of smoke drifting down to the playground area. Matt shared a draft of a policy proposal. There was general agreement with the proposal. Davis Steelquist said this idea should be broached with the City of Port Townsend. Phil Johnson suggested that he go through the Board of Health. It was noted that smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of a building entrance or window. Brian Miller wondered if this should also be considered for Brinnon and Quilcene. After a brief discussion, Matt Tyler said he would follow up and bring back more information. Spreadsheet — Matt distributed copies of a spreadsheet showing estimates of all Parks and Rec programs and their costs. He stepped through the sources of revenue, including non -tax sources such as program fees, donations, grants and campgrounds. He noted that it does not include the donations of labor from trails associations. He gave particular mention to the Quimper Trails Association and the caretakers at Gibbs Lake, H. J. Carroll Park. He walked through the major categories of expense: personnel, tools/equipment, vehicles, professional services, utilities, etc. Carrie (Caroline) Lennox is a recent hire, serving as Recreational Aid Supervisor, reporting to Chris Macklin. She will work part time on all the non - sporting programs and recreation center management. Matt highlighted points from the spreadsheet showing costs, broken out by individual programs. He noted that Memorial Field costs amounting to almost $78,000 are only partly offset by fees collected ($15,500). All of the events that take place at Memorial Field are subsidized by the Parks and Rec budget. H.J. Carroll Park is the biggest and most expensive facility at $120,000 per year. Irondale Community Park is relatively expensive for its size due to the irrigation needed for grass and vegetation. Matt has listed every County Park and every Recreation Program. He explained important features of the less well known parks and facilities. He also covered the major leagues, camps and classes. Phil Johnson asked for the total number of children served by the Grant Street "After School Program". Matt Tyler said he would provide the totals by e-mail. He said he did not have an exact number for children and youth served by all programs and the Rec Center, but that there were many, many games and activities coordinated by Chris Macklin. It was noted that Quilcene Sports Park is actually called Deema Smakman Memorial Park. Judith Lucia spoke of the high percentage of seniors in the County. She said one of three people in Jefferson County is over the age of 60. She noted the importance of supporting children and youth, but of striving to also meet the recreational needs of the older population. Trevor Huntingford described the Silver Sneakers program sponsored by Group Health. It involved low impact exercises and variations appropriate for those with less stamina and flexibility. He noted that the program had served to introduce many people to the Kitsap facility in which he worked and helped to bring in funds. Board members discussed ways in which such a program could be established in Jefferson County, including the possibility of state funds. Matt Tyler noted that the County engages seniors in the passive programs such as the Larry Scott and H.J. Carroll Page 5 of 6 DRAFT trails, but may need more targeted programs for seniors throughout the county. Mr. Huntingford said the inflow of money resulted from people broadening their use of the facility after having taken a class. Matt mentioned plans for an end of summer walk or run on the Larry Scott Trail and possibly partnering with Jefferson HealthCare, ADDITONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE Davis Steelquist asked if anyone had comments about the Open Space Plan pages that had been mailed out. It listed all the expansion needs from 2002 to 2022 from the city, county, state and federal perspectives. He said he would like to use that as a basis for capital improvements and expenditures. He said he had offered to assist Matt with updating an Open Space Plan whose scope would be limited to Jefferson County responsibilities. Matt Tyler explained the context. He said the Growth Management Act (GMA) of Washington requires an Open Space and Comprehensive Plan that must be updated this year. The approach will be to use the Study Circles for public outreach and rewrite the Comp Plan to reflect that current input with the goal of having a living document. The non -motorized transportation plan is also due for update. Davis Steelquist also asked if anyone had reviewed the composting toilet information. He said he had gathered some rough figures on the use of BroadSpit: about 300 - 350 boaters/kayakers per year. He said he would like to talk with shellfish growers in the area and ask for their help in maintaining the toilets. Judith Lucia mentioned that the pit toilet had been removed from the Dungeness Spit. There are regulations/requirements for on board toilets for boats of a certain size, but this does not apply to the types of boats visiting BroadSpit. Signage and education materials would be helpful but not a total solution. The next meeting will be held May 7 at the Library in Port Hadlock, large meeting room. This will include an update on the Brinnon Beach Park plans. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that a parks tour will be held in June as a workshop after a short meeting. Matt will investigate the use of a community van and driver so that everyone can travel together. Park clean up events will be scheduled about once a month. Open Meetings Act, Public Records Disclosure, The Appearance of Fairness Doctrine, and Conflicts of Interest/Ethics. — Matt reminded the Board about the rules for open communications and reviewed the rules about notice of meetings, sub -committees, a -mails and other communications among members. Matt said that all papers and electronic documents of the Board Members were part of the public record. He noted that the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine of Washington held the board to a standard higher than financial conflicts of interest. Matt said he would provide some explanatory essays about these four topics for the board to review as a part of a board training program at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chair Steve Crosland adjourned the meeting at 1:53 PM. Page 6 of 6 ,�4Awmpt ew"e.* ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 - 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. Jefferson County Courthouse BOCC Chambers A. OPENING BUSINESS i. Call to order ii. Special Introduction for Trevor Huntingford and Ryan Monks iii. Introductions iv. Agenda A. Additions or changes B. Adoption v. Minutes A. Additions B. Adoption B. REGULAR / OLD BUSINESS i. Signage proposal for Indian Island Park ii. Study Circles iii. Trail naming for Rick Tollefson iv. Friends report C. NEW BUSINESS i. Service project planned for Upper Oak Bay Park ii. Lower Oak Bay park proposal official action needed D. MANAGERS REPORT i. Recreation ii. Parks Et Fields E. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE F. SET NEXT MEETING DATE/ ADJOURNMENT