City of Homer

Planning & Zoning           Telephone        (907) 235-3106

491 East Pioneer Avenue                      Fax                  (907) 235-3118

                                    Homer, Alaska 99603-7645                 E-mail             Planning@ci.homer.ak.us

                                                                                                Web Site          www.ci.homer.ak.us

 

MEMORANDUM 07-126

 

TO:                  MAYOR HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

                       

FROM:            PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION

 

DATE:            JULY 31, 2007

 

SUBJ:             2008 PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET PRIORITY LIST

 

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Planning Commission made the following recommendations for budget priorities for 2008, at their July meeting.

 

Capitol Projects

1. Karen Hornaday parking lot funding - finish/cap the eastern parking lot adjacent to Woodard Creek. Budget enough staffing so the project can be completed.

2. Jack Gist Park- continued funding toward the goal of completed baseball fields, and seasonal rental of portapotties if needed when fields are ready to play on.

3.  Construct the Senior Access Trail with funding from the State.

 

HART

  1. Construct phase one West Homer Elementary School Trail, between the school grounds and Forest Glen Drive.
  2. Create a capitol project for the Fairview Reber Trail and budget $75,00 as matching funds towards completion. If sufficient grant money is not awarded in the next year to construct this project, additional HART funds could be allocated in 2008.
  3. Create a capitol project for the Beluga Slough Trail, allocating $25,000 towards that project. Completion of the project will require other state and possibly federal funding. More money could be contributed in the future if other funding does not become available.

 

Within Parks and Recreation Budget

1. Increased staff funding. One more seasonal employee or .5 regular employees, to extend operating season of parks and recs and help cover summer duties.

 

2. Funding to contract out the creation of a Trail Design Criteria Manual. This is needed as the next step in the HART program and also for the city to accept developer constructed trails within subdivisions. $30,000 to $50,000 contract. This amount should be further researched to ensure it is sufficient for the scope of work.

 

3. Mariner Park Kiosk.  Construct a larger kiosk at Mariner Park to include space for beach brochures and maps showing where vehicles are allowed. Similar in design to displays found at state parks or along the Seward Highway. Budget for and contract out the construction so that it happens as soon as possible.

 

4. Continued Funding for Park Day, $1500.

 

5. Funding for beach policy advertising and public relations campaign, $1000. Could be a part of the Manager’s budget.

 

 

General Public Works Budget:

1. Funding to begin replacing the missing beach signs at Bishop’s beach, Airport Access Road and Mariner Park. ($2000 for signage, posts and labor costs, amount to be verified by Public Works)

2. Begin funding beach policy maintenance as an annual expanse. Money to cover regular sign replacement and repair and rock log placement as needed.