Session 06-01, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on January 19, 2006 at 6:35 pm by Vice Chair Poore at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
PRESENT COMMISSIONERS POORE, TOLVA, STEWART, MCCALLUM
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS GANN, HAMIK (Excused)
STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN
DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN
Commissioner Tolva asked to discuss Hornaday Park parking as item E. under Commission Business.
The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.
A. Approval of Minutes of November 17, 2006
The minutes were approved as written by consensus of the Commission.
John Velsko, city resident on Highland Drive, requested the Commission not take action tonight on Emerald Park. He commented that he has talked with several neighbors and while they are not opposed to a park, they would like to see what the City is proposing before relinquishing their ownership of the lot. He expressed his preference that the area be kept as a green space. It is a wildlife corridor where black bear and moose frequently pass through. He reiterated the need for the City to come up with a concrete plan and send it to the neighboring property owners by certified mail. Mr. Velsko expressed his concern with additional traffic and parking if it is developed as a park adding that there are no water or sewer lines, which could be a problem in the event of a fire.
Commissioner McCallum explained that in November the Commission discussed having the City designate the area as a green space, untouched with no future plans for development. There was no plan to develop the space in any way.
Mr. Velsko commented that based on information from the few property owners he has spoken too, if there is to be no future development, they would likely act on it. Mr. Velsko added that the property is a ravine and it feeds into other water systems. He believes the area is wetlands.
Darrell Birkhimer, a resident on Highland Drive echoed Mr. Velsko’s comments. He too would like to see a plan from the City before signing off on anything.
Planning Technician Engebretsen reminded the Commission that Parks and Recreation was tasked by City Council in Resolution 05-95(A) to develop the first trail through Town Center, connecting Poopdeck Trail to Main Street. The Commission agreed by consensus to add it to their February agenda.
Mrs. Engebretsen advised the Commission that there is a group here in Homer called CoHOST (Coalition for Homer Open Space and Trails) who is working on trail issues both inside and outside the City. She explained that Lindsey Winkler is on the agenda to talk to the Commission tonight and there may be opportunities to work with CoHOST to coordinate better trail advocacy.
Commissioner Tolva asked if there have been provisions made for Woodard Creek, which runs next to the Hornaday Park parking lot that is being repaired. Planning Technician Engebretsen responded that she is unaware of any money being budgeted, but will find out if it is going to be considered.
Commissioner Stewart commented that they are making progress with the parking lot.
A. Public Arts Committee Re: Triangle Park
Mike Yourkowski, Public Arts Committee member, provided a sample resolution for the Commission that the Committee prepared. Mr. Yourkowski explained to the Commission that the Committee feels Triangle Park would be a great location for outdoor art and would like to work with the Commission on this and get their feedback on other parks that could benefit from outdoor art. He added that the Committee is hoping to create good dialog with the Parks and Recreation Commission and hopes that the Committee’s synopsis can be included in their meeting packets each month.
Discussion ensued and the Commission agreed that this is a good idea and Triangle Park is a great place to start. The outdoor art in Anchorage adds to the community and it would be here too. It would benefit our community as well as the space it is in. It should include art a person can touch and even sit on. Mr. Yourkowski commented that he is not sure of the process but expects it would probably include an RFP. He reminded the Commission that the Council would have final approval of any art project. The Commission agreed to add this to their February agenda and discuss a resolution or recommendation.
Commissioner Stewart requested a copy of the ordinance that establishes the Public Arts Committee in the February packet.
Connie Alderfer, Chair of the Public Arts Committee, questioned to what extent Triangle Park is designated as a bicycle park.
Vice Chair Poore explained her understanding that before the area was developed with the sidewalk and bike path, it was raw earth and piles, which the kids turned into moguls with bicycles, and it was very popular. When it was developed, she recalled public opinion to be not to dissuade them from doing that and the humps were incorporated into it.
Mrs. Alderfer commented that it would be beneficial to find out the intent for that area so they could decide if it would be an appropriate spot and what would be appropriate there. She also explained at this time there is no funding, but it is such a focal part of town that grants and funding should be available.
There was brief discussion that there is still interest in having that area developed as a roundabout. Mr. Yourkowski commented that if there are roundabouts developed in Homer, the Committee would encourage a piece of public art in each one.
Commissioner Tolva commented for the record that she feels strongly, and knows of others who do as well, that they do not want that area destroy that area for the kids and their bikes. It is a safe place for them to ride and encouraged everyone to keep in mind that the moguls should stay there and work around them. Mr. Yourkowski concurred.
B. Lindsey Winkler Re: Troy Duffin’s visit to Homer
Lindsey Winkler introduced herself as a founding member of CoHOST and Vice President of Alaska Trails. She gave the handed out a draft statement of CoHOST’s mission and an application to Alaska Trails. She advised the Commission that there is a statewide trails conference coming up in Fairbanks in April and Troy Duffin will be there as a presenter. Ms. Winkler explained that Mr. Duffin will be speaking in Anchorage prior to the Fairbanks conference about strategies that have been used in Park City, Utah to encourage developers, on their own dimes, to put trails and open space in their subdivisions and developments. They have developed hundreds of miles of trails in Park City and she feels the area is similar to Homer in size as well as it is dominated by private land. Mr. Duffin is a former real estate attorney, trail developer and works directly with developers, who have reported that Mr. Duffin was integral to their success. Ms. Winkler said Mr. Duffin will be in Homer for six hours on Tuesday, April 4th. CoHOST’s preliminary plan is for Mr. Duffin to meet with a core group from the City in the morning to discuss key ordinances and statutes that they have used in Park City, then a luncheon with Realtors and developers, and lastly meet with CoHOST and other interested parties to come up with a strategy for Homer. Ms. Winkler explained that they have to come up with money to bring him to Homer, which is about $300, including his fee of $100 and airfare. Ms. Winkler invited the Commission’s input on the meetings and asked if there is a way for the City to help fund this.
Ms. Winkler commented that CoHOST would like to schedule a meeting in the future with the Commission to discuss implementing the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan.
The Commission expressed their enthusiasm about Mr. Duffin’s visit and thanked Ms. Winkler for her presentation.
A. Crosswalks
Planning Technician Engebretsen advised the Commission that she spoke with DOT regarding a crosswalk on East End Road near Jack Gist Park. DOT commented that because the speed limit there is 45 and visibility is good it is not a safe location for a cross walk.
The Commission discussed the idea of pedestrian signs or flashing lights for the area. Ms. Engebretsen said she would try to get more information on those ideas.
B. Implementation of the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan
The Commission agreed to read over the proposed ordinance and email questions or comments to Planning Technician Engebretsen. They will discuss it further at the February meeting.
Commissioner Tolva commented that she believes they can come up with a list of specific historic trails and requested they do not delete that language from the draft ordinance.
There was discussion on how to proceed. Commissioner McCallum needed to leave soon, but there would be no quorum after she left. They agreed to touch on each item.
C. Handicap Accessible Playgrounds
Commissioner McCallum commented that she has information on Handicap Accessible Playground. She will bring it to the Clerk’s office to have it scanned and distributed to the Commissioners by email or in the next packet.
D. Work List
Commissioner Tolva briefly commented that the Calhoun family had asked if they could make a sign for the Calhoun Trail as their son built the trail for his Eagle Scout badge. Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended the family discuss it directly with Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty.
E. Trails Committee Report
Commissioner Tolva reported that the Committee is waiting to get the historic language and the ordinance fine-tuned. The Committee is planning to meet in February.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Emerald Park: Memorandum PR06-01 from Deputy City Clerk Johnson
Commissioner Stewart would like to see letters get sent out to the property owners affected by Emerald Park. He suggested adding a note that the Commission wants it to remain a green space, but also want property owners to weigh in and adopt the park. They can take it upon themselves to maintain it, clean it up as it is there mostly for their neighborhood.
There was brief discussion regarding liability and design standards. Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that currently the City doesn’t have a policy that defines green space or liability. She said the issue on the table from the City’s perspective is, in order for the City to do anything with this, the landowners need to release their part ownership of the property. Mr. Velsko had commented he and others would like to see a plan before they would sign off. Mrs. Engebretsen asked the Commission for direction on what to do at this point.
The Commission discussed the point that their recommendation that the area be kept undeveloped as green space is not binding in the future, but it is a statement of policy for today. Mrs. Engebretsen explained that the City Attorney has drafted language explaining what the property owners would be signing away and why and she could explain what the Commission would like to see done with the park. They discussed scheduling a public hearing.
TOLVA/MCCALLUM MOVED TO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE DIRECTION THE COMMISSION WOULD LIKE TO GO CONCERNING EMERALD PARK.
There was brief discussion that it would be good to hear from the property owners because they know the area the best.
VOTE: YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
The Commission concurred that this would be scheduled for their February 16 meeting.
Commissioner Tolva commented that she will be absent at the February 16 meeting.
B. Troy Duffin’s visit to Homer
The Commission agreed that it is a great idea to support Mr. Duffin’s visit and suggested making a recommendation that the City cover Mr. Duffin’s $100. Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen suggested a resolution, similar to what the Commission had done previously regarding fireworks. Ms. Jacobsen will draft a sample resolution for the next meeting.
C. Election of Officers - Chairman and Vice Chairman
STEWART/TOLVA MOVED TO ELECT DEBBIE POORE AS CHAIR.
There was discussion in support of the motion.
VOTE: YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Motion carried.
Commissioners Stewart and Tolva expressed interest in the Vice Chair position. There was brief discussion that Commissioner Tolva has been on the Commission longer and Mr. Stewart agreed to fill in, in the event Ms. Tolva was absent.
MCCALLUM/STEWART MOVED TO ELECT MIMI TOLVA AS VICE CHAIR.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: YES: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
D. Policy for Naming any Parks and Recreation Spaces Maintained by the City
Commissioners McCallum reported briefly on research she did on state and county parks in South Carolina. She and Commissioner Tolva agreed to do more research on park naming policies.
E. Hornaday Park - Repairs to parking lot.
Commissioner Tolva stated her questions were satisfied during the staff report.
A. City Council Meeting Minutes December 12, 2006 Special and Regular Meeting, January 3, 2006, Special Meeting
B. Resolution 05-128 Establishing the 2006 Regular Meeting Schedule
C. 2006 City Council Meeting Attendance Schedule
Lindsey Winkler commented on behalf of the Homer Tree Stewards. She said there were about 20 attendees at a tree steward training in the fall and are becoming certified tree stewards in Homer. She said Hans Klausner is a good contact for any community forestry issue.
Student Representative Baechler had no comment.
Commission Stewart wished everyone happy new year and he is looking forward to tackling some tough questions and situations this year.
Commissioner Tolva commented she is scheduled to attend the City Council meeting on February 13 and will be gone. She and Commissioner Stewart agreed to change dates, he will attend on February 13th and she will attend on January 23rd. She reminded them she would be absent February 16. She thanked the City for their support of Community Schools. She thanked the Commission and staff.
Commissioner McCallum thanked Chair Poore for compressing the meeting.
There was discussion that the Clerk’s office had advertised for the open position on the Commission.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 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: