Memorandum 13-075 Recommendation to Dedicate Ball Field at Jack Gist Park in Memory of Paula Setterquist

Memorandum ID: 
13-075
Memorandum Status: 
Backup

Details

Memorandum 13-075
TO:  MAYOR WYTHE AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: RENEE KRAUSE, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
FROM:  PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
DATE:  MAY 20, 2013
SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE REQUEST TO DEDICATE A
  BALLFIELD AT JACK GIST PARK
At the regular meeting May 16, 2013 the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission held a Public Hearing on a request to Dedicate a  Ballfield at Jack Gist Park to Paula Setterquist.
The request to dedicate a ballfield was introduced during the April 18, 2013 regular meeting. There were many who presented heartfelt testimony regarding the contributions and volunteer hours provided to the community of Homer and its children especially by Paula Setterquist.
It has been made apparent by the testimony presented at the April meeting that dedicating a ballfield at the Jack Gist Park to recognize Mrs. Setterquist’s achievements and assistance in establishing softball as a recognized sport in the Kenai Peninsula School District and at Homer High School; her tenacious spirit in providing guidance and fun to the girls who played; her dedication to the community by volunteering in the community and lastly for her apparent love of the game itself.
The Commissioners moved and approved unanimously to recommend approval of the request to dedicate a ballfield at jack Gist Park.
Attached are the Minutes of the May 16, 2013 regular meeting and April 18, 2013 regular meeting.

RECOMMENDATION
APPROVE THE REQUEST TO DEDICATE A BALLFIELD AT JACK GIST PARK TO PAULA SETTERQUIST

Excerpt from the May 16, 2013 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes regarding Public Hearing and Pending Business Discussion:
PUBLIC HEARING

A. Public Hearing on request to Dedicate a Ballfield at Jack Gist Park and Request to Recognize the Donation of Land for Karen Hornaday Park

Chair Bremicker opened the Public Hearing for Dedicating a Ballfield.

Mr. Kevin Walker commented on the need for a crosswalk from the trail to the park to safely cross East End Road. Commissioner Brann commented on the requirements DOT has for installing crosswalks and Ms. Engebretsen noted that  previous inquiry to installing a cross walk in that area was denied due to sight limitations, the 45 mph speed limit and noted it was unlikely to be approved now. Further discussion and comments ensued regarding access and egress to the park and Cottonwood Horse Park and a request to put this on the next agenda to take action on this matter in reducing the speed limit.

There were two who testified in support of the dedication.

Chair Bremicker requesting clarification regarding signage and payment from staff. Ms. Engebretsen explained any previous dedications.
Commissioner Brann requested clarification on the process stating he thought the commission approved this at their last meeting. Ms. Krause explained the process that this was introduced at the April meeting but required a Public Hearing and approval at a second meeting. In essence the commissioners approve twice or the requests.
A brief discussion noted that there was no one present to offer testimony for the Public Hearing portion on a Request to Recognize the Donation of Land.

There was no further discussion.

PENDING BUSINESS
C. Request for a Plaque to recognize the Donation of Land by Mae Harrington at Karen Hornaday Park and a Request to Dedicate a Ballfield at Jack Gist Park

Chair Bremicker read the title into the record and requested a motion.

LOWNEY/BRANN – MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION SUPPORTS THE REQUESTS TO DEDICATE A BALLFIELD AT JACK GIST PARK TO PAULA SETTERQUIST AND RECOGNITION OF THE DONATION OF LAND BY MAE HARRINGTON.

There was a brief discussion on the placement and funding of the plaques and a request to be part of the further discussion on placement by Commissioner Lowney and Archibald.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Excerpt from the April 18, 2023 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes regarding the Request to Dedicate and Ballfield at Jack Gist Park and the Donation of Land by Mae Harrington

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Ken Landfield, commented in support of dedicating and naming a ballfield for Paula Setterquist. He read a letter from Sherry and Bill Beckler (sp) in support of the naming and dedication. They cited many years of effort volunteering and supporting the sport over several years. He requested clarification that all fields are named at Karen Hornaday Park.

Chair Bremicker requested clarification that Jack Gist Park is where they play softball. It was reported that softball is played at both parks.

Nyla Lightcap, resident, grew up playing ball and close friends with Paula’s daughter Channing. She remembered Paula Setterquist in everything that involved softball. She noted that this would be a great gesture in her memory.

Darlene Walkden, in 2001, she stated that Paula was a main force behind starting the sport in High School. This was a long and hard struggle and Paula was instrumental in getting this sport recognized and accepted activity at the High School level. The program is representative of Paula’s hard work and perseverance. She encouraged the commission to take this to heart. Paula was an inspiration to the girls on the team.

Sydney Paulino, current Junior at Homer High School, she just got off practice and apologized for her appearance. She recounted a visit to a game made by Paula when she was very ill. She stated that the dedication would really mean a lot to the girls.

Carole Hamik, former commissioner, during the time they did not have a venue for doing something like this, a memorial Paula Setterquist Ballfield. This would mean so much to the family, they are lost without her. She noted that a memorial service later this spring will be held and it would be great to have the dedication at the same time. She recounted that Paula has helped so many kids in this community and it would be really great to have this done.

Victoria Steik, Paula was her best friend and neighbor and all of them wanted to find the most appropriate way to honor her memory. She noted that Paula did not want a big brouhaha but something like this would be accepted since she was so supportive of softball and so involved.

Roberta Copeland-McKinney, friend of Paula for many years, Paula was a just a great human being for the girls and all the kids around her; she loved the sport. She really supported this dedication and believed it was a great encouragement and should be recognized. Paula also helped with the Library too.

Chair Bremicker thanked everyone for coming in and providing testimony.

There were no further public comments.

VISITORS
B. Sue Wohlgemuth, Dedication of a Ballfield to Paula Setterquist

Sue Wohlgemuth, cited many additional achievements and volunteers efforts, and if the cost of a plaque would be prohibitive they are sure that funds could be raised to pay for it.

NEW BUSINESS
A. Request to Dedicate a Ballfield at Jack Gist Park

Chair Bremicker read the title into the record and commented that he was very supportive of the request to dedicate a ballfield to Paula Setterquist.

BRANN/LOWNEY - MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST TO DEDICATE A BALLFIELD AT JACK GIST PARK AND SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION.

There was a brief discussion on the dedication being a great thing to do.

The motion was approved by consensus of the commission.