PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION                                              UNAPPROVED            REGULAR MEETING                                                           

JANUARY 17, 2008                                                      

 

Session 08-01 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm on January 17, 2008 by Chair Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

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

 

 

STAFF:                         PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                                    DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                  September 20, 2007 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)

 

Beth Cummings, City Resident commented on the Karen Hornaday Park Plan. She was withdrawing her trail plan she submitted to the Commission last year to make some changes and will resubmit to the Commission.

She also encouraged the Commissioners to continue with the committee that was established for the park in time for the next meeting.

Ms. Cummings answered questions from the Commissioners regarding deletions from her plan and she assured them that she was only going to clarify a few things on the upper trail for easier understanding.

 

VISITORS

 

A.         Angie Newby, Public Arts Committee and City Hall Town Square Review Committee and Hope Finkelstein, Public Arts Committee Re: Public Art Committee, City Hall/Town Square and Public Art in Town Square

 

Ms. Newby and Ms. Finkelstein thanked the Commissioners for their time and praised their hard work. They inquired if the Commissioners had any questions or concerns that they could address. Ms. Newby proceeded to give a brief history of the Public Arts Committee and what duties the committee is charged with; who the members are; their goals in keeping the Committee in the minds of City administration and Council. Ms. Newby stated that just today the Committee was informed that the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society received a $100,000.00 grant from the Fish & Game and that Homer is now officially a Wildlife Conservation Community. Most of the funding is for bear proof containers, but in conjunction with that there is $1300.00 budget for signs. The City Manager felt that should come to the Committee, to get a nice design, although signs are not what the Committee is about, it is still an art form, it is functional art. Most of the meeting today was about that issue. She addressed the issue about the vandalized Poopdeck Trail sign and that in the future a coordinated signs that may be used on every trail in town. She briefly outlined what the process would be to implement this task. Ms. Newby gave a brief outline on how the Art Selection Committee is selected or made up for a project such as this.

 

Ms. Newby summarized the request for proposal that was being issued on how to incorporate art into the proposed City Hall, City Hall Plaza and Town Square itself. She stated that the budget is limited to $70,000.00. She proceeded to give some idea of what the overall plan for this area will be.

 

Ms. Finkelstein added that the request for proposal is really a request for a preliminary concept and is open to anyone who has a concept or idea they would like to submit, they do not need to be the artist themselves. She mentioned that there will be another Public Workshop scheduled for next week and is very important to get those people to the meeting. She also commented that the Alaska State Council of the Arts is supporting this project. Since the project is on a fast pace they want to have the art incorporated into this project at the very beginning. She felt that the Art Committee and the Commission have similar goals.

 

Ms. Newby complemented Commissioner Bremickers’ commitment during the Town Square Review Committee meetings. She gave a status report of what was discussed at the last meeting of the Town Square Review and public workshop using the diagrams, drawings and conceptual diagrams hanging in the council chambers regarding green space concepts and trails in relation to the drainage issues. She briefly outlined how the Art Committee would like art incorporated into the building itself. The Art Committee wanted to work with the Parks & Recreation Commission throughout this project due to the pedestrian friendly concept that is being used and that the emphasis from the Town Square Review Committee members has been on green space, park space, trails, etc. Ms. Newby also pointed out that this project is fast-tracked not because of City Hall but because the college needs the building. Ms. Newby stated that public funding is necessary to incorporate the missions of both the Committee and the Commission. She commented that the new Town Center should be a park showplace.

 

Ms. Newby informed the Commission that the first conceptual presentation for the Town Square and City Hall Plaza will be presented at the Public Workshop being held on January 24, 2008 at 5:30 pm and recommended that anyone who could attend should do so as it will prove to be very interesting. This may be an opportunity to get the Commission’s ideas flowing.

 

Ms. Newby is also a member of a non-city sponsored public group, Friends of Town Square that meets every Thursday morning in the Mayors Conference Room from 8-10:00 am. She invited the Commissioners to attend any of their meetings. She elaborated on what the goal of this group was for the Commission.

 

Commissioner Bremicker congratulated the Public Arts Committee for wanting to tie the whole Town Center together by establishing a theme via art that could be used throughout the City. He commented that the new City Hall will establish the whole design concept of Town Center and he hopes that it will have a strong influence on the other large landowner, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. He believes if it is established for the design of the signs, trails, buildings, etc., it would be beneficial. He also inquired for more details on the total amount of funds to be spent on art.

 

Ms. Newby explained that under the 1% plan it is the total amount available, however they have heard from larger donors that have expressed interest when the project gets to the Town Square since they are unable to fund a municipal project. She explained that the funding for the Library was more flexible due to the fact it was a public building whereas the new city hall is an administrative/office building. She did give a few details regarding the proposed meeting hall within City Hall.

 

Commissioner Bremicker stated public art could be incorporated into the lighting as an idea.

 

Ms. Newby stated what her goal was for the Commission to think of how to incorporate art into a project whenever they address park or trail issues especially within Town Center and the City Hall Town Square project.

 

Ms. Finkelstein stated that the Art Request for Proposal was framed to bring Public Art outside the box, such as environmental art, earth art, movements for the last fifty years, stand alone art; there are many different ways that art can be viewed.

 

Ms. Newby commented that even a garden could express art or contain art. She agreed with Commission Bremicker statement about establishing the guidelines.

 

Commissioner Tolva commented that it was really exciting about the intent to incorporate and include all areas with the connectivity of trails, etc. She expressed that the time has come to park your car and walk to different areas.

 

Chair Stewart expressed it would be nice to see continuity regarding signage throughout the City.

 

There was further discussion regarding some of Commissioner Bremickers’ recommendations and additional ideas that were submitted to the Design Team for the new City Hall and Town Square; location of the new City Hall in relation to the proposed location of Town Square, where possible roads will enter the areas and additional accesses, such as trails. What type of streets will be built within Town Center.

 

Chair Stewart called for five-minute break at 7:30 p.m. He resumed the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

 

STAFF REPORT

           

A.                                          Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: January 2008 Staff Report

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the Staff Report for January. She commented that the City is working with the Kachemak Land Trust regarding the Poopdeck Trail signs to eventually own those signs. She commented that the Commission needs to take under advisement that the City will do some repair work on those signs when they own them and that eventually those signs could be replaced depending on the road construction within Town Center and future sign design decisions.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen brought up the Homer Non-Motorized Trail Plan, she stated that there was one at the Library and asked if anyone wanted their own copy she would be happy to provide a copy. She will be providing a second copy to the Library that will be available to check out. Commissioner Tolva inquired where they were at with the process, if there was a hold up. Planning Technician Engebretsen replied that the 2008 budget included funds to contract with someone to create the design criteria manual. She has not approached Ms. Hagerty, Parks Maintenance Coordinator to get that started but it needs to be addressed very quickly.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen clarified that non-motorized meant no ATV, four wheelers, snow-machines, etc.

 

B.                                          Karen Hornaday Master Plan Committee Report

                                                           

Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that the last meeting of the Committee met in October and due to schedules and upcoming holidays agreed to start meeting again in January. She made a recommendation to appoint another member to the subcommittee so that they could start fresh. The responsibility of the Committee is to update the master plan for the Karen Hornaday Park.

 

Chair Stewart requested Planning Technician Engebretsen give a brief summary for the benefit of the new Commissioners what the Committee or sub-committee process was and briefly detail the process. Commissioner Bremicker offered high lights of the Beach Committee and what that Committee was responsible for and the process they followed for the benefit of the new Commissioners.

 

Chair Stewart asked for volunteers from the Commission to serve on the Karen Hornaday Park Committee, there were no volunteers due to possible conflicts with personal schedules.

 

The Commission agreed to have a worksession before the next meeting to work on the Karen Hornaday Park Plan, Ms. Cummings can present her revised plan at that time, or wait until the regular meeting afterwards. Planning Technician Engebretsen will compile the information and decision that have been discussed on the Karen Hornaday Park Plan.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the timing on the February meeting, the next Public Workshop being held in January and February for the New City Hall Town Square Project. The Commissioners agreed that they would have a worksession on February 21, 2008 at 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm and a very abbreviated regular meeting so the Commission can attend the next Public Workshop.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.                  Karen Hornaday Park Plan and Committee

 

This was included in the discussion above. Item B, under Staff Report.


 

COMMISSION BUSINESS               

 

A.         Election of Officers for 2008

 

Chair Stewart gave an example of how they have held the election of officers in the past. The clerk offered open nominations. The Commissioners agreed on the ballot method. Commissioner Tolva prepared the ballots and passed them out to the Commissioners.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen counted the ballots and reported the results as follows:

 

Chair                            Commissioner Stewart  -           4 Votes

Vice Chair                     Commissioner Bremicker –        4 Votes

 

Discussion ensued regarding procedure if Chair Stewart and Vice Chair Bremicker were unable to attend a meeting at the same time, who would chair the meetings during their absences.

 

B.         Strategic Plan

 

Chair Stewart opened discussion on the Strategic Plan for 2008-2009. He commented that the Commission would have to address the plan soon to update the Objectives and Action Plan portion; he commented that this is something that is visited and revisited often. He inquired if Planning Technician Engebretsen had anything to add.

Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended the Commission make a motion to accept and adopt the strategic plan or make changes as needed. In the past the Commission has had a work-list and ended up having many things on it and then adding others that are priority, resulting in some projects being pushed back and then not addressed at all. Using a strategic plan helps set aside specific goals for the Commission. It can be long term and short-term goals along with behavior items, such as where the Commission is represented at Council meetings by Commissioner attendance. Commissioner Tolva wanted to add the ability to change it periodically during the year not just once a year. Chair Stewart felt that before voting on the plan tonight they should discuss it at the next couple of meetings. Commissioner Lentfer inquired how the objectives were determined.  It was explained that the objectives were taken from another document and then last summer there were a few discussions during worksessions and meetings on what the Commission wanted to focus on. Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that since there has been turnover on the Commission there might be some project changes that the current Commission may want to change.

 

Commissioner Bremicker wanted to focus on addressing all signs not just Poopdeck. He stated that signage has been discussed so much within this group that he felt it should be changed to Signage as a whole. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that there has been funding for signage at Mariner Park and Bishop Beach for 2008. An overall sign plan has been talked about but is not on the list.

Chair Stewart commented that what was discussed regarding the unified sign design was a start. Commissioner Bremicker wanted to add this to the strategic objectives.

 

Commissioner Tolva felt that it should be added to the goals because there was nothing concrete enough to make it an objective.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested overall sign design for the City and Town Center signage. Find a way to work with Public Art Committee on this.

Commissioner Bremicker wanted to add Mariner Park Improvements, which covers a lot of things. He wants to see better and safer access; the pedestrian crossing needs to be addressed regarding safety crossing the road. He proceeded to describe some of the safety issues. He also believes that the entrance can be moved closer to the base of the Spit and install an overpass.

Chair Stewart restated the changes for the benefit of the Commission. He also suggested widening the road all the way down to the end. However it was noted that this still does not address the pedestrian issues and that the City has very little control over what can be done with the Spit Road. That is in the hands of the Department of Transportation. Planning Technician Engebretsen did note that the City has on their agenda to widen the Spit Trail Parking Lot.

 

Commissioner Dickerson commented on documenting the trails. Commissioner Tolva asked if the Commission was still on task with the pamphlet, Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that it was still on the list. Commissioner Tolva wanted to strike the paving of Bishop’s Beach parking lot.

 

It was agreed by consensus to remove from the Strategic Objectives.

 

Commissioner Dickerson asked if there was anything artsy that could be done to make the signs more attractive. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that these signs are frequently vandalized and are regulatory signs.

 

The Commission discussed the item of Karen Hornaday Park under the Objectives and agreed to amend this so that it will encompass more aspects; they agreed to change it to Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan.

 

The Commission discussed the actions items and agreed that the plan as amended was acceptable. They will have it as an informational item each month in the packet and will address or update it quarterly.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.                  Annual Council Meeting Calendar

 

The Commission discussed the Calendar of assigned Council Meetings and Chair Stewart will be unable to attend the meeting on January 28, 2008. Commissioner Tolva agreed to exchange dates with Chair Stewart.

 

B.                   2008 P&R Calendar

C.                  Commission Bylaws

D.                  Homer City Code 1.74, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission                             

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner Dickerson asked who put together the trails program. It was a company hired to write the policy and is incorporated into the transportation policy.

 

Commissioner Lentfer had no comment.

 

Commissioner Tolva received a call from a Mr. Bowmar from Anchor Point about setting up a summer golf program. She wanted to check with the Commissioners on the best response to him. Chair Stewart recommended giving him the contact information to Community Schools.

 

Commissioner Bremicker requested more support from the Commissioners on advocating more green space within town center before City Council. Commissioner Tolva volunteered to help out if he would remind her. He felt very confident that the Strategic Plan would help them accomplish something.

 

Commissioner Garay had no comment.

 

Chair Stewart welcomed the newest members, he extended his thanks to Staff and he asked who assisted in getting City Council to approve money for fireworks this year but he wanted to thank them.

 

There was a brief discussion regarding vacant positions on the Commission and the progress on a Student member.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business before the Commission Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2008 at 6:30 pm in the Conference Room Upstairs at City Hall located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska. There will be a worksession prior to the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

                                                                       

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

 

APPROVED: