PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION                                                          UNAPPROVED

REGULAR MEETING                                                     

APRIL 17, 2008 

 

Session 08-03 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm on April 17, 2008 by Chair Lou Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:                    COMMISSIONER STEWART, BREMICKER, GARAY, TOLVA, LENTFER, GUNTHER

                                    DICKERSON

 

STAFF:                         PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                                    DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

TOLVA/LENTFER – MOVE TO ADD UNDER NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF THE TOWN CENTER VOTE AS ITEM D; UNDER VISITORS  ADD PRESENTATION ON DISC GOLF; UNDER NEW BUSINESS MOVE ITEM B AND ITEM C UP AND MOVE ITEM A PARK DAY TO BE NEW ITEM C AS IT WILL REQUIRE MORE TIME TO DISCUSS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                  March 20, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes         

 

 TOLVA/GARAY – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.                         

 

PUBLIC COMMENT UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA (3 Minute Time Limit)

 

Commissioner Bremicker arrived at 6:38 p.m.

 

Beth Cumming, City Resident, thanked Planning Technician Engebretsen for her work on the two new resolutions and the Commissioners for their hard work. Ms. Cumming commented that if the resolutions were approved she wanted to suggest that they not be submitted right away to the City Council until they receive the report from the engineer. She believes that a field survey and fill estimate report would be beneficial to include with the submittal of the resolutions. She commented that the Committee should address the whole park and that the Little League people should be involved.

She addressed the advantages that the new Commissioners have by the work already done by the “old Commissioners, relatively speaking”; she believes that there is a wonderful skeleton in place to complete their work.

 

 

VISITORS

 

Commissioner Gunther introduced Mr. Edan Badajos (pronounced Baa daa hōs), owner of The Moose Pretzel, http://www.pdga.com/course/courses_by_city.php?id=2611, a private disc golf course on Skyline Drive. During the discussion last month and the information in the packet Commissioner Gunther decided to contact Mr. Badajos to invite him to conduct a short 15-20 minute presentation.

 

The Commission explained about the article included in the previous month’s packet in response to Commissioner Dickerson question regarding disc golf and the presentation.

 

Mr. Badajos thanked the Commission for the opportunity to tell them about disc golf. Mr. Badajos moved to Homer from California in 2004. He first learned to play disc golf in his teens. He has been playing for over ten years. While attending college in Juneau he played on the public disc golf courses available there. He joined the Juneau Disc Golf Association. He learned how the tournaments were conducted, and courses set up. When he moved, he realized that Homer did not have a course. So he set up a course on his own property. He joined the Alaska Disc Golf Association based in Anchorage that arranges events in Anchorage and surrounding areas. He belongs to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA); the national association that oversees disc golf tournaments. He is also a certified tournament official and can officiate at PDGA tournaments.

 

Mr. Badajos and his friends gave a brief exhibition of how to use the discs and make a basket.

 

Mr. Badajos proceeded to outline the object of the game, how the course is set up and played. He distributed a handout that included more details regarding the sport. He briefly touched on the following:

1.                  Everyone can play – low impact, economical activity that can be played by persons of all ages and physical conditions.

2.                  The game can be played in natural areas as well as groomed lawns. In fact natural obstacles in the game such as trees, water features, shrubbery make the game more challenging.

3.                  Disc Golf tends to decrease undesirable activity in under utilized areas of a park or public open space.

4.                  A course can be installed in as little as a week.

5.                  Overall costs for equipment for a basic 18-hole course costs less than $6700.00 including freight. Entire course can be installed for $20,000.00 or less.

6.                  A Disc Golf Course could be a revenue producer by attracting players from other areas of the state and country and/or charging a nominal fee to use the course.

7.                  A round of disc golf usually takes 90 minutes to complete depending on the players and the course.

8.                  Disc Golf is great for those that are not interested in team related sports. It can be played on your own.

9.                  It is easily learned but takes a lifetime of challenge to master.

10.              It is inexpensive to play; a single disc is under $10.00.

11.              A single disc golf course can entertain ninety or more people at a time.

12.              You can even make the baskets used in the game out of old tires and chain thus adding your efforts to recycling and helping the environment.

13.              The equipment requires little or no maintenance.

14.              It is a sport that can be played all year long. Just put some snowshoes on in the winter. Raincoat in the rain.

15.              Vandal Proof! There is not much anyone can do to damage or destroy the baskets.

16.              There are programs in place for schools. They have a website for more information, www.edgediscgolf.org

 

 

The Commission expressed his or her keen interest in this sport and really liked the idea that it is a low cost sport that everyone can enjoy. Mr. Badajos answered a few questions from Commissioners regarding tees; course setup and maintenance; feasibility of using Karen Hornaday Park for a disc golf course; portable baskets available to rent for city events; school programs and accessibility; age limit to play, there is none, the younger the better; rules regarding dogs on course and reaction to the flying discs; the difference between Frisbees and the discs used in the game; if caddies were customary; where discs can be purchased; Mr. Badajos and friends showed great interest in consulting and setting up a public course.

 

Commissioner Tolva would like to have this on the agenda next month.

 

STAFF REPORT

           

A.                  April 2008 Staff Report                                                                        

 

A.                              Comprehensive Plan

B.                              State of Alaska DOT STP List

 

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen handed out a copy of the draft Comprehensive plan, Chapter 7.  She gave a brief summary for the new commissioners on what a Comprehensive Plan was; this will be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and any comments this Commission has if they can have them ready for the May meeting it will be an agenda item. She will then submit in memo form to the Planning Commission.

The Commissioners were told to scratch the information included in her staff report, there has been an update; DOT will hold a meeting in early May to discuss construction of the East End Road pathway on the North side of the road, but as the road extends it is preferred to be on the South side of the road for drainage and maintenance issues.

She has recently met with the new regional planner for the Homer area and was informed those if they have comments and want them tracked do not call DOT, email them or write them a letter. This is the only format that can be used for them to address concerns or problems. Planning Technician Engebretsen was not sure the dates and place for the meeting but it should be advertised in the newspaper.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen noted that HB25, “An Act relating to landowners' immunity for allowing use of land without charge for a recreational activity; relating to landowners' liability where landowner conduct involves gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct; relating to claims of adverse possession and prescriptive easements, or similar claims; relating to public recreational use easements to allow use of land for recreational activity and prohibiting fees for recording those easements; and providing for an effective date." was passed by the legislature which dealt with the property owner’s liability regarding people using trails on their property without a formal easement or permission. She received an email regarding the status of that bill.

 

For more information, http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=25&bill=HB25

 

The Commissioners were given a copy of the Non-Motorized Roads and Trail Plan.


 

B.         Karen Hornaday Committee Report

 

Commissioner Garay gave a report on the first Karen Hornaday Park Committee. She stated there were a large number of public in attendance. She would like to see more user groups represented such as softball and baseball. It was agreed by the Committee that to start the upper trail they needed approval from City Council even though it can be completed mostly using volunteer labor. Updating the Park Plan was also an issue that should be addressed right away in order to address the drainage issues and additional concerns. She reported that Ms. Cumming has retained the volunteer services of an engineer regarding the parking lot.

 

Commissioner Dickerson inquired about the status of the bridge that is not being used out on the Spit. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that the City Manager and Harbor Director are aware of the interest but their concern is that it does have some value. There were questions raised on how the Port will be paid for the bridge. It will have to be discussed by the city administration.

 

Commissioner Garay noted that the Committee spoke about the lower trail issues with the fill and parking lot.

 

Chair Stewart commented that it was a very good meeting; he felt that there was a lot of energy and they still needed to address the Park Plan and get that task completed.

 

Commissioner Gunther commented how it was very interesting to learn the history of the park.

 

C.         March 24, 2008 Council Meeting Report

 

Commissioner Bremicker apologized for the lack of preparation; he assured the Commissioners he was more prepared for the Council meeting. He then located his notes from the Council meeting and finished his report.

He stated the Commission was working on updating Karen Hornaday Park Plan; Reber Trail; looking at the CIP; and they had a full commission.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported to the Commission that the Transportation Advisory Committee did extensive work on changes to Road Criteria Manual and the Council turned them down; the Council said no to any recommended changes; she expressed her opinion that it was because the members of that Committee did not attend the Council meetings to inform them what they were working on; she proceeded to use this as an example of why the Commissioners must attend the Council meetings to give a report on what the Parks & Rec Commission is working on.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

None.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.         Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan                                            

            A. Woodard Creek Upper Trail Improvements Resolution

            B. Lower Woodard Creek Trail Improvements and Parking Lot Fill Resolution

 

Chair Stewart stated he would entertain a motion to discuss.

 

BREMICKER/TOLVA – MOVE TO DISCUSS RESOLUTION 08-XX AMENDING THE KAREN HORNADAY HILLSIDE PARK MASTER PLAN TO INCLUDE A TRAIL NEAR THE NORTHWESTERN EDGE OF WOODARD CREEK.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Stewart asked if everyone has been to the site to familiarize him or her with the area. Commissioner Lentfer commented that the discussion earlier seems to contradict what is depicted in the map distributed during this meeting. Chair Stewart stated that it is actually uphill from the parking lot. Ms. Cumming explained and using an aerial picture explained that the proposed trail would not actually be next to the creek since it has traveled eastward. The proposed trail will actually drop down into the former creek bed approximately 13 feet (steps.) She proceeded to describe the location of the dirt and encroachment of that dirt into the creek. Mr. Robert Archibald, City Resident pointed at an area that provided a natural contour for steps leading to the next phase.

Ms. Cumming proceeding to describe the area further of the proposed trails while adding that someone has now disposed of a shed and trash too. She added that removal of the fill would allow space for the trail.

Commissioner Gunther commented that the creek presents a barrier next or on the east side near the buildings – Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that the residences and businesses are not located within close proximity to the proposed trail.

 

Commissioner Bremicker stated that the first thing City Council is going to ask about is financing. Ms. Cumming stated there is a guarantee for funding on the upper trail.

 

There was further discussion on the general path of the proposed trail, composition, and that using the outdated photos was a bit inconvenient in giving an accurate description and location.

 

Mr. Archibald commented that you have to walk the area to get the sense of the proposed trail in the lower portion.

 

Commissioner Bremicker clarified that the upper part will not require any funding from the City. He asked what the costs would be on the proposed lower trail. Ms. Cumming explained that the engineer that is on the Friends of Karen Hornaday Park could get the surveying donated by a licensed surveyor. Costs for the lower trail were not available at this time.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen again cautioned the Commissioners to falling into the same trap that the TAC fell into and doing a lot of unnecessary work only to have Council say no. The only concern the commission needs to focus on is the Resolutions in front of them.

 

Mr. Archibald wanted to impart that he is on the Board of the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society and they have decided to take this project under their wing and solicit donations for them. Chair Stewart responded that City Council designated a set amount of funds to the Homer Foundation to distribute to non-profits through their grant program. The Hockey Association elicited the recent additional funds approved by City Council.

 

Commissioner Gunther requested information on the process of the resolutions and if the Commission approves them. Chair Stewart asked if they should submit the approved resolutions to Council or should they wait until all the back up is obtained before submittal. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that it is not necessary to wait, but it could be done that way.

 

Commissioner Tolva expressed that she was in favor of approval for the first resolution but would like to add another whereas clause on the second resolution for the lower trail

 

TOLVA/GARAY - MOVED TO ADD TO RESOLUTION 08-XX KNOWN AS “1-B”, WHEREAS A FIELD SURVEY AND ESTIMATED FILL REMOVAL COST ANALYSIS IS UNDERWAY AND WILL BE FORWARDED TO CITY COUNCIL AT A LATER DATE.

 

She recommended that they include the letter from Mr. Kinney as backup. The resolutions will be submitted to Council prior to completion of the updated Master plan for Karen Hornaday.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

The amendment was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

 

TOLVA/DICKERSON - MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 08-XX KNOWN TO THE PARKS AND RECREATIONS ADVISORY COMMISSION AS “1-A” AND FORWARD TO CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.

 

VOTE. YES. BREMICKER, GARAY, DICKERSON, TOLVA, GUNTHER, STEWART

            NO. LENTFER.

 

Motion carried.

 

TOLVA/GARAY – MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 08-XX KNOWN TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION AS “1-B” AS AMENDED AND FORWARD TO CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.

 

VOTE. YES. STEWART. GARAY, DICKERSON, GUNTHER, TOLVA, BREMICKER.

            NO. LENTFER.

 

Motion carried.

 

 

C.                  Draft Scope of Work for Trail Design Criteria Manual

 

TOLVA/GARAY – MOVED TO BRING TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

Commissioner Tolva reviewed the purpose for the Design Criteria Manual. It will complement the Homer Non-motorized and Trails Plan. She would like to see three tiers to be on the safe side. She liked the footpath, the big trail and the in between trail. She wants to accommodate for changes in the future and does not want to be shortsighted.

Planning Technician Engebretsen explained the Request for Proposal process briefly for the Commissioners. Commissioner Tolva commented about the wording of the Request. That it was very appropriate. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that we are not trying to reinvent the wheel that there are knowledgeable and talented people out there who know this stuff and need to let them do it. Commissioner Tolva wanted to express her desire to have experienced companies considered for the project. It was explained that Staff could not call specific companies every company had equal opportunity to submit a proposal and that the proposals must follow the City’s standards and guidelines.

 

There was a brief discussion on the uses for this manual. The Commission approved by Consensus on the Request for Proposal and would like it to be forwarded to Public Works as soon as possible.

 

Chair Stewart called for a recess at 8:08 pm. The meeting was reconvened at 8:14 p.m.

 

NEW BUSINESS                   

 

A.                  Spring Park Walk Through

 

LENTFER/TOLVA – MOVE TO DISCUSS SPRING DAY WALK THROUGH.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen wanted to recommend a worksession prior to the next meeting instead of a Saturday. She explained for the new Commissioners that the Commission typically picks a few parks to visit and review in detail what is needed at the parks in regards to existing park facilities, maintenance or to create new projects. She suggested a worksession before the June meeting also.

 

Chair Stewart asked when they would like to schedule a Beach Walk Through as he would preferably like to have it done prior to Memorial Day which is May 26, 2008. He explained that they walk select Beaches and then list recommendations of improvements to submit to City Council. The most typical request is signage.

 

Recommended Beaches and Parks to review and walk are:

 

1.      Beluga Slough

2.      Bishops Beach

3.      WR Bell

4.      Jack Gist

 

Chair Stewart reminded the Commissioners that this did require advertisement and will need two weeks notice. The commission discussed possible dates and even considered a Sunday afternoon between 2:00-4:00pm. Commissioner Garay is available in June but not in May. It was finally agreed to meet at 5:30 pm in the Islands and Ocean parking lot for the Beach Walk Through on Bishops Beach and Beluga Slough.

 

Discussion developed on the WR Bell Park and the location of the gravesite.

 

B.                  Beach Patrol/Enforcement Aides Activities

 

TOLVA/BREMICKER – MOVED TO DISCUSS THE BEACH PATROL/ENFORCEMENT AIDE ACTIVITIES.

 

There was a brief discussion regarding the perceived complaints regarding incidents with rude drivers on the Beach; the pamphlet that the HPD was distributing; which areas were restricted and open to vehicles; local and visitor offenders; which offenses could be ticketed; it was questioned how enforcement was to be conducted. It was agreed that it was a good start at solving the problems. A question was brought up regarding the effect of vehicles including the ATV’s on the vegetation and marine life.

 

C.                  Park Day

 

TOLVA/GUNTHER – MOVED TO DISCUSS PARK DAY.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Tolva gave a brief review of what was provided last year on Park Day. It was noted that it was not well attended, which was probably due to the weather. Chair Stewart asked if Jack Gist Park would be available this year. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated it would not be available and does not have restroom facilities. The Commission discussed and decided upon August as Park Day. It was agreed that an invitation was to be sent to the Director or Community Schools, Michael Illg. Chair Stewart stated he would like the Little League invited to be involved in this event. Commissioner Gunther stated he would spread the word to all his swimming students. Commissioner Bremicker suggested they rent or see if they could get the donation of a mini course setup of the discus golf. He really wanted to have that game available for the public on Park Day.

 

Mr. Archibald suggested contacting the Equestrian Association to see they would donate their facilities for Park Day as an alternate site. The Commission was reminded that they must decide on the date before approaching anyone regarding donations for Park Day. The Commissioners discussed the available dates and decided on August 9, 2008. It was agreed to ask if The Moose Pretzel would donate a portable discus golf course; it was noted that they should not purchase as many hot dogs as they did Commissioner Garay noted she took quite a few to the Food Pantry; it was agreed that early advertisement will promote attendance and participation; there was a brief discussion on setting up a discus golf course; Location will be shown as TBA; Julie will double check with the Director of Public Works Meyer regarding the status of Jack Gist Park. Summary of decision, demo discus golf, bar b que, games with Mike Illg. Further decisions will be made at the May Meeting.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

D.         Town Center

 

Commissioner Tolva wanted to bring this forward to keep on the agenda and discuss the green space within Town Center. She suggested putting it on the June agenda. Commissioner Bremicker wanted this on the May agenda.

 

It was agreed by consensus to put this on the May agenda.


 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.            Strategic Plan

B.            Council Meeting Schedule

C.            Parks & Recreation Annual Calendar 2008                                                           

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Mr. Dave Brann, City Resident, thanked the Commissioners they really seem to have a full plate. He confirmed that HB 25 did pass and there were a few amendments, he does not recall all of them but this one amendment, you must record your property with the DNR to be protected; he also noted that there was going to be in May a two-day sustainable trail seminar in May. It will include classroom and hands on instruction. He wanted to put a bug in the Commissions ear about the Dimond Creek Property up on Baycrest that is now City Property, he would like to start developing a summer trail on this property; he is very willing to be involved in this endeavor. He commented on the Beach signage by volunteering to erect any signage. He did note that the current Green Brochure that is handed out has to mention of vehicles and the Beaches. He offered to escort anyone on a site visit to the Dimond Creek parcel. National Trails Day is June 7, 2008. There will be a project in the demonstration forest. He further stated that the National Hiking Association offers a very nice package including tee shirts, brochures, etc., for $40.00 that may be worth more investigation.

 

He answered questions from the Commission regarding the trail location and bridge replacement for the Dimond Creek Trail, which crosses the Raven’s Way Bridge, down to the Highway, across the Highway and then down to the Beach. Future direction could encompass the demonstration forest and Reber Trail.

Any person or organization can organize a Trail’s Day event. If they register their event with the National Hiking Association you can get free advertisement for the event and get the PR Kit.

 

Commissioner Gunther clarified that HB 25 is only effective if the land is registered with the DNR. Mr. Brann stated the intent of the law would protect the property owner against lawsuits filed by parties that may have been injured while crossing or accessing the property even without the property owner’s permission. The status of this is passed and is just waiting for the Governor’s signature. Commissioner Tolva was not agreeable to a law that most people are not going to be aware of; Commissioner Lentfer explained that it would make property owners more responsible in securing their property.

 

Mr. Archibald commended the Commissioners on their work; he proceeded to comment on etiquette involving horses, bikes, and pedestrians. He believes there should be an age restriction on drivers of ATV’s; and loud horns.

 

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen had no comments.

 

Deputy City Clerk Krause had no comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner Lentfer was scheduled for the May Council meetings and she requested some assistance with the three points she was required to bring up for Council. What should she bring up if she attends the May 12th meeting? Park Day, Resolutions will be forthcoming; Karen Hornaday. If she attends the May 27th meeting she can tell them about the Park Walk Through. AND ASK FOR MORE MONEY!

 

Commissioner Tolva thanked staff for their hard work, she would like to see them add proper horse etiquette; more brochures needed for wider distribution; Planning Technician Engebretsen requested she email a list of where she would like the brochures sent.

 

Commissioners Bremicker, Garay and Gunther had no comment.

 

Commissioner Dickerson asked about the grant that is available to attend the seminar. Planning Technician Engebretsen requested the Commissioner to call her to get the phone number.

 

Chair Stewart thanked everyone and commented it was a productive meeting. He apologized for missing so many but he is back now. He was happy to see a full commission.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business before the Commission Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m., A Worksession is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Islands and Ocean parking lot for a Beach & Park Spring Walk Through and the next regular meeting is at 6:30 pm in the Cowles Council Chambers at City Hall located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska

 

 

                                                                       

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

 

APPROVED: