Session 06-02, a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on February 16, 2006 at 6:34 pm by Chair Poore at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:       COMMISSIONERS:  GANN, POORE, HAMIK, STEWART

 

ABSENT:        COMMISSIONER TOLVA, MCCALLUM (Both Excused)

 

STAFF:            PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                        DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

GANN/STEWART MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO MOVE THE PUBLIC HEARING AHEAD, AFTER ITEM 4.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

           

            A.        Unapproved Minutes of January 19, 2006        

 

The minutes were approved as written by consensus of the Commission.                                               

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA.

 

Lindsey Winkler thanked the Commission for bringing the resolution forward in support of Troy Duffin’s visit to Homer in April.  She also thanked the Commission for having House Bill 415 on their agenda for discussion and encouraged them to support it.  She reported that the CoHOSTS and Alaska Trails Statewide Board has signed on to support the Bill and is working with groups to get letters of support to Juneau.

 

PUBLIC HEARING Re: Emerald Park

 

Bruce Hess, City resident on Highland Drive, said he believes it is a great idea to get this parcel to a point where the City can do something with it, adding that the best use for it would be open space.  He doesn’t see many other choices for development and doesn’t know that there are any trails that could be benefited from any other development of this parcel.  Mr. Hess commented that a better use for it could come up in the future, but at this point the best use would be as open space.

 

Ginger Van Wagoner, City resident adjacent to the park, commented that there is a ravine that runs through the lot which is next to her property.  She would like to see the parcel left open and undeveloped.  She made comment to the letter submitted by John Velsko, also a resident in the area, and agrees with his concerns regarding the absence of City water and sewage and increased traffic.  She expressed her discomfort with signing the quit claim with out seeing a plan from the City. 

 

Jason LeKites, City resident on Lot 10, expressed his concern as to whether the estate of Mr. Gangl has been contacted.  He believes that Mr. Gangl left it to the City in this way for a reason and is interested to know if the estate knows what is going on.  Mr. LeKites commented he has no ideas on how to develop it because of its slope.  He knows that there is wildlife that goes through there and would like to see that it is not disrupted.  It is nice to see the animals come through there year after year. 

 

Commissioner Hamik asked for clarification of a green belt and open space.  Planning Technician Engebretsen responded that there is no definition in City code for either.  Mrs. Hamik commented she envisions a green belt as a space that is maintained, but not developed and open space as something not maintained or developed.  

 

Steve Gibson, City resident in the area, commented that he does not live adjacent to the property.  As he understands it, the lot was left for park use for the residents of the subdivision. He doesn’t see where the subdivision will find the means or intent to develop this parcel as a park.  He is grateful for the City to take interest and obligation to enhance the area for the greater public interest.  He doesn’t believe there is a danger of it being a “Coney Island” type of development where people will come from miles to visit the park.  He pointed out that there are a lot of dead spruce trees on the lot and it is possible that nearby neighbors feel a threat from the trees so it would be good to take them out and remove the stumps.  He likes the idea of green space with out the dead trees and likes any idea of regeneration.  He would like to see the will of the City as a whole as opposed to the few residents of Emerald Highlands.  Everyone should be included in the decision, including the City at large, people who live in the subdivision and the people right next to it. 

 

There was discussion regarding the amount of foot traffic on Highland Drive and it was pointed out that there is a fair amount of local traffic each day, people walking their dogs for example; there is also the annual Sea to Ski event.  Mr. Gibson pointed out that the road was developed to a higher spec and has a wider breadth.  There is little enough traffic that it accommodates the pedestrians well.  Comment was made that vehicle traffic has increase some as the road is used as a shortcut by people driving  to the dump. 

 

 

Mr. Hess commented that the problem is although the lot belongs to the City, they can’t do anything with it until the plat note is removed.  He reiterated his feeling that the best course is to release it to the City.  He concurs that currently the best course is for it to be left as an open space and if there is a better use in the future, the parcel will be available.

 

Mrs. Van Wagoner pointed out that the property owners that front Highland Drive paid for the road improvement and while the side streets benefited from the improvements, they were not included in the assessment.  She added that she had felt pressured into signing for it and when the road came in, it ruined her driveway.  She has some concern about who would pay for the park improvements.  She also expressed concern for the wildlife in the area and commented that she has had to call her neighbor up above when her kids have been out side playing to let them know that there were black bears head up their way.  She is concerned about encouraging kids to play in the area with all the wildlife there. 

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that in the Land Allocation Plan, Emerald Park is dedicated as “Public Purpose/Emerald Highland Estate Park”.  She commented that it could be handled as they had done with the lot in Oscar Munson and it could be changed to conservation or greenbelt.  Another option is they could adopt a park plan, which is a policy document adopted by City Council stating how the park is to be developed or not developed.   

Chair Poore commented there had been discussion of having a bench there for people to sit on when they are out walking.  There was mixed response to the idea. 

 

Further discussion ensued as to how this came about.  It was explained that previously the Girl Scout’s had taken this on as a project and stipulations of the plat note came to light.  Now the City would like to clear it up, but everyone in the subdivision has to sign a quit claim.  There are 42 properties with 38 land owners.  The idea of having dedicating a conservation easement was suggested; Mrs. Engebretsen said she would look into it. 

 

Mr. LeKites commented that he feels it would be beneficial for the kids in the neighborhood to have a place they could ride their bikes to play.  Mr. Hess countered that there are no pedestrian amenities so it may not be a good idea because people headed to the dump drive through there fast.  He feels that the property owners should release it and let the City use their best judgment.  They will not make it something undesirable.

 

The group continued to reiterate their ideas and agreed that it would be good to have a neighborhood meeting. 

 

Chair Poore acknowledged correspondence received from John and Teddi Velsko and Kim Duggar expressing that they would like to see a plan before signing the quit claim.  Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that she spoke to Elsie Tremblay who is not in favor of any development.

 

Chair Poore closed the public hearing and asked for a motion to bring it before the Commission.

 

GANN/STEWART MOVED TO DISCUSS EMERALD PARK AND PROPOSED PLANS FOR IT.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann commented that it seems there is a consensus from the few people they have heard from that a minimal approach is preferred.  He asked what kind of information the Commission could gather.

 

Commissioner Stewart commented that they really need to define the terminology before they can give the property owners a good proposal.  He said he would like to see the issue with the plat resolved and options he sees for the lot are to do nothing with it, or clear out the dead trees, then reseed and plant new trees.  He is not opposed to a bench so people could stop to sit and rest or reflect, but keep it simplistic.  He also suggested the neighborhood adopting the park.

 

Commissioner Gann added that there are so many ideas of a park and most assume it is something that is developed with a large change of the natural state, but a park can be just a raw piece of land.  He feels getting terminology defined would be helpful, specifically noting green belt, green space, open space and park, in general, to have a clearer idea of what those terms mean. 

 

It was pointed out that there was a memorandum provided as a lay down that recommends the Commission report back to Council.  Chair Poore stated that she will be giving the report at the next City Council meeting and would advise them of the Commission’s progress.

 

The Commission discussed what should happen next.  Planning Technician Engebretsen agreed to bring some different scenarios to the next meeting for the Commission to review.  They decided to carry this forward to the March agenda where they would discuss Mrs. Engebretsen’s information and a time to have a neighborhood meeting.

 

STAFF REPORT                                                                                          

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen briefly reviewed her staff report, pointing out that CoHOSTS would like to have a member of the Commission attend their meeting scheduled for February 21, 2006 and her recommendation to work on the draft ordinance in the packet at worksession or special meeting if the Commission doesn’t feel they can make progress at the regular meetings.

 

Mrs. Engebretsen advised them that Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty reported there was some vandalism recently at Hornaday Park and Bayview Park with broken tables.  A piece of equipment that was rented to do improvements at Hornaday Park had the gauges broken out of it. 

 

Lastly, Mrs. Engebretsen explained that if the T-Ball field can be added to the Karen Hornaday Park Plan, it will facilitate it being used in the future and Ms. Hagerty can add that to her goal.  Mrs. Engebretsen will add it to the Commission’s worklist.

 

There was discussion as to who would be able to attend the CoHOSTS meeting on the 21st, with the preference being someone who could attend both this meeting as well as the April meeting with Mr. Duffin.  The issue was raised of having to meet the requirements of the Open Meetings Act if a group of Commissioner’s plan to attend.  It was agreed that Commissioner Hamik would attend both.  She stated that if she could not attend for some reason, she would contact another Commissioner to attend.  

 

VISITORS

 

There were no visitors scheduled.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

           

A.                 Implementation of the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan   

 

GANN/STEWART MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A UNDER PENDING BUSINESS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Student Representative Baechler was excused at 7:35 pm.  Before she left, Chair Poore asked the group to brainstorm individually on the issue of the vandalism at the parks and they can discuss it on a future agenda.

 

Commissioner Gann referenced Planning Technician Engebretsen’s comments in her memorandum regarding historical access routes.  He suggested, since the City doesn’t have a specific list, they could ask for public input on historical routes.  Mrs. Engebretsen commented that in the City’s 1984 Sidewalk and Trails Plan there is an extensive list, the problem is some of the trails listed are through private property and there is no discussion of the length of time people have used the trails.  She stated that the definition of “Use” listed for historical access is 100 years and she is not aware of any information to help establish that.  Mrs. Engebretsen questioned how much is worth pursuing and what avenue one would go down to research it, or should the Commission move past it. 

 

There was discussion that this may be something bigger than the Commission can address.  However, there was comment that there is not enough research or material yet to strike historical access from the plan, once they take it out it’s gone.  They agreed that a worksession would be helpful to focus on this.  Mrs. Engebretsen explained the Borough has a trails plan from 1997 and there is an inventory from that timeframe, along with the 1984 Sidewalk and Trails plan that the Commission can review.  It was suggested that there is information available through the community and they could draw people together on it too. Commissioner Poore pointed out the Pratt Museum is displaying the topic of settling the Homer Bench and there may be an opportunity there to find more information.  Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested an option of a less stringent definition of historical access.  Mrs. Engebretsen asked for input on who she might talk to at the Pratt Museum.  Suggestions were Betsy Webb, Mike O’Meara and Beth Cumming.  Kenton Bloom was also suggested.

 

They will discuss this further on the next agenda and discuss a timeframe for a worksession.

 

B.                 Resolution 06-01 Supporting Troy Duffin’s Visit           

 

STEWART/GANN MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

There was comment is support of Mr. Duffin’s visit and brief discussion on the wording of the resolution.

 

STEWART/GANN MOVED TO ADOPT AND FORWARD RESOLUTION 06-01 TO CITY COUNCIL AS WRITTEN.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

                          

C.                 Handicap Accessible Playgrounds

 

Commissioner McCallum was going to provide information to the Commission so due to her absence, the Commission agreed to discuss this on the March agenda. 

 

D.                 Policy for Naming any Parks and Recreation Spaces Maintained by the City  

 

GANN/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM D.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission discussed the Park Naming Policy of the Municipality of Anchorage that was provided in their packet.  The question was raised as to whether the City has standards and guidelines as to design, location construction and maintenance for the parks.  Planning Technician Engebretsen said she is not aware of any but Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty probably has something.  The Commission expressed interest in hearing Ms. Hagerty’s input on the policy. 

 

STEWART/HAMIK MOVED TO ADOPT THE WORDING OF THE PROPOSED PARKS AND RECREATION POLICY REGARDING NAMING OF MUNICIPAL PARK AND RECREATION FACILITY, STRIKING WORDING REFERENCING ANCHORAGE AND INSTALLING HOMER.

 

There was discussion that before they adopt the policy they should hear from Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty so perhaps they are not ready to take formal action just yet.  Commissioner Gann questioned if this is something the City Attorney should look at.  Planning Technician Engebretsen said she would discuss this with City Manager Wrede.

 

Commissioner Stewart asked to withdraw his motion.  There was no objection from the Commission, so the motion was withdrawn.

 

The Commission agreed to discuss this on their next agenda.

 

E.                  Public Art in the Triangle Park Area     

 

GANN/STEWART MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM E.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

There was some discussion regarding specifics to the ordinance that was in the packet.  It was questioned whether discussion on the agenda item was to be on the ordinance.  Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen explained that the Ordinance 02-25(A) was in the packet because a Commissioner had asked to see a copy of the ordinance that established the Public Arts Committee.

 

It was clarified that the resolution in the packet was a draft presented by the Public Arts Committee at the January meeting for the Commission to consider. 

 

In discussion of Triangle Park, Planning Technician Engebretsen advised the Commission that she spoke to Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty and confirmed that Triangle park is designated as a bicycle park.  Ms. Hagerty also explained that there could be constraints due there being infrastructure for power lines, water and sewer underground in that area.  Mrs. Engebretsen stated that it is DOT property and the City mows and maintains it.  There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to that effect. 

 

Commissioner Gann commented it would be good to know if DOT would consider the idea of art at that location before adopting a resolution to put something there.  Planning Technician Engebretsen said she would try to get a copy of the MOU to review and she pointed out that there could be more issues that need to be worked through before considering what could be placed in that location. 

 

STEWART/GANN MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE PUBLIC ARTS COMMITTEE RESEARCH THE MOU BETWEEN THE CITY AND DOT FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR CONFLICT WITH UTILITIES AND THE EXISTING PARK USE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried. 

 

Chair Poore shared the following quote from Arthur Miller, play write,

 “It’s through art that the generations converse with one another”.  

 

Ms. Poore commented that she feels it is important that we have art in our lives and the question of vandalism that keeps coming up, there is a reason that art and Parks and Rec facilities are being vandalized and we need to take a look at that conversation between the generations.

 

 

                                                 

F.                  Work List

 

GANN/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS THE WORKLIST.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried. 

 

Commissioner Gann suggested updating short term project item 1. Emerald Park to say it is in process.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported that funding was not approved for Park Day.  She advised the Commission that money had been transferred into the Parks and Rec reserve fund, and then spent for the Jack Gist Park parking lot leaving a balance of $4000 in the reserve fund. 

 

There was discussion of Park Day and having it at a more central location and perhaps later in the summer than last time. 

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that CoHOSTS will be hosting a trails weekend on June 3rd and there may be a chance to work with them and pool resources.  Ms. Winkler commented that the event is centered on National Trails Day.  She said Dave Brann is spearheading a lot of this and hoping to turn it into a Homer Trails weekend with a work day on Saturday and Sunday would be more of a tour and fun day.  She commented Sunday may be good time for a community and family event like Park Day.  There was brief discussion whether the Park Day event would detract from what CoHOSTS is planning, and point was made that they would likely complement each other and this is an avenue worth looking into. 

 

They agreed add this to the next agenda for further discussion.

 

With regard to the Karen Hornaday Park T-Ball field, Mrs. Engebretsen will provide information for the Commission for their April meeting regarding updating the park plan. 

 

Chair Poore asked that a Parks and Rec calendar be included in their packets to remind them of upcoming events like the park walk through, budget discussion and so forth.

 

The Commission expressed their appreciation of the City’s contribution to the Winter Carnival and the Fireworks show.  Chair Poore will make a statement of thanks at the Council Meeting and Commissioner Stewart will prepare something for a letter to the editor.  

                                                                                                 

G.                 Trails Committee Report

 

STEWART/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM G.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Hamik said that the Trails Committee is happy to be working with Lindsey Winkler.  

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS

 

            A.        Public Hearing Re: Emerald Park

 

This took place before Pending Business.

                                                                         

            B.         House Bill 415 Re:

Property Owner liability for trails that cross their Property         

 

GANN/STEWART MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann commented that this something the Commission should fully support.  A lot of property owners don’t feel comfortable allowing people to cross their property because of liability and this would help relax their fears.  He feels they should ask the City to support this House Bill.  The Commission agreed.

 

Commissioner Stewart added that this bill could springboard their efforts to get trails moving and more participation from property owners.  He likes the direction it is going.

 

GANN/STEWART MOVED THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION STRONGLY SUPPORTS HOUSE BILL 415 AND ENCOURAGES THE CITY COUNCIL TO PASS A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the status of the bill and more comments of support.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

 

A.        City Council Meeting Minutes January 9, Special and Regular Meeting and January 27, 2006 Regular Meeting                                                            

B.         December Public Arts Committee Synopsis                                          

            C.        Resolution 06-13 Re:  Landowners in the Town Center Development Plan support the Town Center Development Plan                                                        

            D.        2006 City Council Meeting Attendance Schedule                                             

 

There was brief discussion regarding resolution 05-95(A) and the Commission’s role in establishing the trail through Town Center.  It will be on the Commission’s March agenda.  Commissioner Stewart asked if they could have an overlay of what Fred Meyer has proposed. Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that there was a meeting of landowners in the Town Center area and there are some new drawings forthcoming.  She will bring more information to the March meeting.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Ms. Winkler commented that she is excited about the meeting coming up on the 21st.  She said there is a lot of interest and there will be Planning Commissioners there as well as a Council Member.  There was comment made about more Commissioners attending in the future if it can be done with out violating quorum requirements.  Ms. Winkler commented, regarding the Town Center Trail, Alaska Trails is having training this summer throughout the state regarding basic construction and maintenance of trails.  In a discussion Ms. Winkler had with Barb Seaman, Ms. Seaman suggested that potentially the Town Center trail is something that can be done in accordance with that training.

 

Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen commented that if it is decided in the future that more Commissioners would like to attend these meetings, it is just a matter of communication with the Clerk’s office so it can be advertised in order to comply with the Open Meetings Act.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

There was brief discussion regarding the Land Allocation Land meeting with Council at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 27th. Chair Poore and Commissioner Gann commented they would most likely attend.

 

Commissioner Stewart commented that he is excited and enthusiastic about the Commissions discussions and what is coming up in the future.  He appreciates all of their hard work.

 

Commissioner Hamik said it was a great meeting and complimented Chair Poore and Staff for their work.

 

Commissioner Gann thanked Chair Poore for her work at the meeting tonight as well as Staff for their help.

 

Chair Poore thanked everyone for their support and stated that she loved the fireworks.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2006 at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

                                                                                   

MELISSA JACOBSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: