Session 07-06 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:37 pm on July 19, 2007 by Chair Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:                  COMMISSIONERS STEWART, GARAY, MCGREENERY, TENHOFF, BREMICKER

ABSENT:                      COMMISSIONER TOLVA (EXCUSED)

            

STAFF:                      PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

Commissioner Bremicker would like to amend the agenda to reflect a change under Pending Business, by moving Beach Policy to Item C. and Non Motorized Vehicles on Beaches to Item D.

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AGENDA.

 

There was no discussion.

 

Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                  June 21, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes

 

MCGREENERY/TENHOFF– 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

 

Anne Marie Holen, private citizen and city resident, encouraged the Parks and Recreation Commissioners to support the Mayor regarding Non-Motorized Vehicles on the Beaches. She stated it is not the issue of whether motorized vehicle users can be persuaded to abide by existing rules and restrictions; the issue is that motorized vehicles are fundamentally incompatible with quieter non-motorized recreation especially with the increasing number of ATV users. Walking is her number one recreational pursuit and exercise. Hearing the ATV’s disrupt her peace and quiet and feeling of safety while walking the beaches. ATV’s, beach buggies, and trucks are so much bigger, and powerful than pedestrians that they dominate the beach.  The beach is one area where parents should feel that their children are safe and not have to worry that they will be run over, imagine a three year old crouched down looking at a pretty rock is no match for a 15 year old looking over his shoulder while riding his ATV watching his friend behind him. As more and more vehicles are on the beach there is more chance for a tragedy. Accommodation and courtesy are nice concepts and words; nevertheless, decisions need to be made on what is appropriate on Homer beaches. Homer is growing. It becomes more important that the City designate where people can get away from the noise.

 

STAFF REPORT

           

A.                  Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: July Staff Report

           

Public Works Director Meyer commented that at the June meeting the Commissioners requested information on what does the Parks & Recreation Department do and what can the Commission do to help.

Public Works Director Carey gave a listing of what the Parks Department handles, he listed twenty- one parks and recreational facilities, five miles of trails and the two cemeteries is maintained. Seven seasonal employees working seven days a week starting in April and ending in September plus one full time employee, Parks Maintenance Coordinator Tammy Hagerty try to keep up with the workload. Three employees are focused on campground fee collections, four employees focus on maintaining the parks, restrooms, approximately five miles of trails, and City landscaping. The Parks Department spends the majority of their time and expense repairing the vandalism done to the various park restroom facilities. There are no more than two employees working each day. The department also provides daily service to the public restrooms on the Spit and the more heavily used City parks.

 

Commissioner Bremicker commented that the restroom maintenance apparently takes up most of the staff time. Public Works Director Meyer responded that it was time spent mostly cleaning and repairing vandalism.

 

Commissioner McGreenery asked if Camp or Park Hosts were ever considered. It would address the vandalism issue and plus relieve the employees the task of collecting camp fees. This is something that is done in every state owned park. Public Works Director did not believe that concept had ever been formally considered. He acknowledged that it is an acceptable practice done just about everywhere.

 

Commissioner McGreenery asked how much of the expense of maintaining the cemeteries come from the $25,000.00 allotted budget. Public Works Director was unable to state the approximate expense but did mention that there are fees charged for interments that counter some of the expenses related to maintaining the cemeteries.

 

Chair Stewart asked if the Director of Public Works Meyer felt that there was enough staff to properly maintain and be proactive as far as the current parks and trails inventory.

 

Director of Public Works Meyer stated that the first real need for the Parks and Recreation Department is money. Additional funding would allow for repair and replacement of equipment, fences, etc. Additional monies would allow outside companies to be hired to perform such things as digging a hole, or a task that requires the use of large equipment, as an example even simple tasks that require the use of equipment must be scheduled with personnel from other areas of Public Works and sometimes those departments are stretched to the limit too. Personnel would be the second priority; two additional people to take care of maintenance and projects would be good. Now whether the City budget could sustain that would be questionable. He would like to see a seasonal 4-person construction team that would provide the additional support to complete the various projects that Parks & Rec Department need.

As for designating how much money would depend on what you want to accomplish, a couple hundred thousand dollars per year over a ten-year period add up to performing two million dollars worth projects. The other City departments do not pay for projects or new equipment out of their budget. Large or capital projects are funded separately or from reserve accounts.

 

Commissioner Bremicker asked for more clarification on the summer construction crew and if they would work for the entire City or just the Parks Department. Public Works Director Meyer commented that his intention was not to create additional projects that require mandated scale wages, etc and he is not against anything like that but he does feel there are certainly projects that the City should be able to self perform.

                                                           

VISITORS     

 

Anne Marie Holen – Special Projects Coordinator

 

The Capital Improvement Plan for the City is a six-year plan that lays out community priorities for capital projects.  A capital project is valued at twenty-five thousand dollars or more and is typically land acquisition, construction projects, equipment purchases, playground, or swimming pools. Newspaper articles describe the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as a wish list; this is a very accurate description. The current CIP contains fifty nine projects totaling over 158 million dollars, no one expects these to be built in six years or that all of them to be funded at some time. Many funding sources require that projects be in the CIP. Some sources give additional points if the project is the community’s number one priority. It helps keep attention on that project as it can take many years to attain the funding for a project. It took twenty years for the new Library to come to fruition.  A short list or priority list is comprised of up to fifteen top projects that the Mayor and City Council use to lobby the legislature for money.

 

Commissioner Tenhoff left the meeting at 6:52 pm.

 

Commissioner Bremicker asked if the project can only be city projects or can be state roads too. Ms. Holen explained how even a state road can be on the CIP. Any comments or suggestions in Memorandum form from the Commissioners are welcome and she will make sure that it is submitted to the Council. The City Council will have a worksession in September and start discussions on the fifteen projects to be selected.

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CAREY TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION UNDER STAFF REPORTS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

PENDING BUSINESS                                                                

 

A.                  Capital Improvement Plan

 

BREMICKER/MCGREENERY – MOVED TO BRING THE CIP TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.       

 

Motion carried.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that the goal tonight was to list each Commissioners top five projects and then they would vote on each project. The top five projects would then be submitted to City Council.

Commissioner Bremicker and McGreenery clarified if choices must be from the existing CIP listed projects or if new projects could be added.

Projects selected by the Commissioners were as follows:

                        Karen Hornaday Park

                        Kachemak Trail

                        Main Street

                        Mariner Park

                        Jack Gist Park Upgrades

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen will produce a Memorandum to City Council showing their submissions for the 2008-2013 Capital Improvement Plan.

                                                                                                                         

B.                  Park Day

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO BRING TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Discussion ensued regarding recommending the Mayor make a proclamation about Park Day for August 18, 2007. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that Mike Illg with Community Schools informed her that they had permission to use the stage however the Commission had to arrange transportation. Commissioner Tenhoff was in charge of the music and she had to leave the meeting early so they would have to contact her later regarding the status of the music.

The Commissioners discussed the items needed for the picnic and defining who was in charge of providing grills, coolers, storage of food items, etc. Chair Stewart checked on power options and availability at the park, he did not see availability in the section at the back of the park. He will check on the area near the front of the park. There was further clarification on the area selected for the event. The Commissioners decided to keep it simple as possible and provide hotdogs, condiments, chips, and bottled water for 200 persons. It was decided that more could be done next year. Commissioner McGreenery clarified the date of August 16, 2007 to relay to the Manager of Save U More when they will pick up the food. Chair Stewart offered his residence as a staging area for the others to drop off coolers and additional items. Planning Technician Engebretsen will coordinate with Chair Stewart. Commissioner McGreenery will not be in town on for the next meeting or for Park Day. Planning Technician Engebretsen will pick up the food items and store at her home, she will also pick ice up the day of the event.

A worksession will be held prior to the next meeting to finalize all plans for Park Day.

 

C.                  Beach Policy  

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO SUBMIT THE AMENDED AND APPROVED BEACH POLICY TO CITY COUNCIL.

 

Commissioner Bremicker wanted to thank Planning Technician Engebretsen for the work and time she put into this document. He acknowledged the hard work and efforts of the Beach Committee members. He knows that the current issue before City Council is binging out many residents on this topic. He has heard both sides. All the rules that apply to Homer roads apply to the Beaches and should be enforced. He feels that in regards to that topic that the regulations written into the Beach Policy should be applied before implementing something else. Planning Technician Engebretsen interjected into the discussion by stating the Beach Policy must be updated regardless of the non-motorized vehicle issue before Council now. If the Commission votes no on submitting to Council, it dies right now or the Commission can postpone until the outcome of the issue of the non-motorized vehicles. If the Beach Policy is submitted to Council now and the Non-motorized vehicles on beaches is approved by Council then the Beach Policy will have to be amended to reflect that decision.

 

VOTE. YES. MCGREENERY, BREMICKER, STEWART, GARAY

 

Motion carried.

                                                                                                                                                                         

D.                 Motorized Vehicles on Beaches Allowed Only by Permit                                                                                                              

Chair Stewart gave a brief history on the discussion, the testimony received from the public and decided at the last meeting of the Beach Committee to forward to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission their recommendations to implement the following before enacting a more prohibitive action. The recommendations were additional signage, public relations and education, and barricades. It was agreed by the Commissioners that this will be a contentious issue and taking a more moderate approach may be more appropriate.

 

Commissioner Bremicker commented that there are many details to the proposed ordinance and recommends to withhold Commission recommendation to City Council at this time. There was ensuing discussion to vote the recommendation down or to postpone any actions until a full Commission is in attendance and more discussion regarding the proposed ordinance.

 

MCGREENERY/GARAY – MOVE TO POSTPONE FURTHER DISCUSSION UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS                

 

A.         Budget Staff Report

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO BRING TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the difference between Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Projects. Planning Technician clarified the differences for the Commissioners. There are not defined budgets for individual projects and it will not be determined by the Commission. The actual budgets are determined by staff. This represents a more reasonable “wish list” The approval of this budget is to see completion of the projects listed below within the next year.


 

CAPITAL PROJECTS

1.                  Karen Hornaday Parking Lot Funding – finish/cap the eastern parking lot adjacent to Woodard Creek with enough staff to complete the project.

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

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

HART PROJECTS

1.                  Construct West Homer Elementary School Trail Phase I – Forest Glen Drive to school grounds.

2.                  Create a capital project of the Fairview Reber Trail and budget seventy-five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) as matching funds toward completion. If sufficient grant money is not awarded to complete this project then additional HART funds could be allocated in 2008 for completion.

3.                  Create a capital project for the Beluga Slough Trail, allocating Twenty-five Thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for this project. Additional funding sources needed to complete this project. Additional funds could be could be allocated in the 2009 budget.

WITHIN PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET

1.                  Recommend increasing staff funding for additional permanent employee or seasonal employee in order to complete necessary tasks.

2.                  Funding to contract out the creation of a Trail Design Criteria Manual. Funding amount is approximately Thirty to Fifty Thousand Dollars, ($30,000.00 – $50,000.00).

3.                  Mariner Park Kiosk – Construction of a larger information kiosk at Mariner Park to include space for Beach Policy brochures and maps showing where vehicles are allowed. This kiosk is recommended to be similar in design to displays found at state parks or along the Seward Highway. Construction should be subcontracted out for expediency of construction.

4.                  Park Day Funding for 2008

5.                  Beach Policy Funding for advertising and public relations efforts. Amount recommended is One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00).

GENERAL PUBLIC WORKS BUDGET

1.                  Replacement of missing signs at the following locations:

a.Bishop’s Beach

b.Airport Access Road

c.Mariner Park

Public Works Department to verify the amount needed to replace, repair and install signage at these locations.

2.                  Funding of the Beach Policy maintenance as an annual expense. Funds to be allocated for the yearly expense of replacement signage at various locations.

 

MCGREENERY/GARAY – MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2008 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION BUDGET PRIORITY LIST.

 

There was no additional discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.


B.         Pioneer Creek Park Alleyways

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen explained why the property was divided by these alleys in the first place. That is was a direction that the early City Planners had for Homer; Homer did not evolve with alleyway property as Seward has done. She explained that normally the property involved in vacating where the City is involved is usually split fifty-fifty. In this, case the owners want one hundred (100%) percent. There was further discussion on the best solution or compromise.

 

MCGREENERY/GARAY – MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY OF HOMER THE EAST-WEST ALLEYWAY AND THAT THE NORTH-SOUTH ALLEYWAY BE VACATED BY THE FETTERHOFFS.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

C.         Beach Committee Report

 

Commissioner Bremicker commented that there was no further information or comments to add. All information and issues were discussed earlier. The Beach Committee tasks are complete. There will be no further meetings.

 

D.         City Hall Town Plaza Review Committee Report

 

Commissioner McGreenery gave an update on the progress the Committee has made and where the Committee was at on the action items requested from them by City Council. She pointed out on a large map in Council Chambers what areas are to be recommended to City Council. She reported a sampling of amenities to be included in the Town Plaza. Of course, there is a disclaimer that not all amenities may be included.

 

Commissioner Bremicker gave a detailed report on the site selection process used and the reasons for the selections chosen for the New City Hall and Town Plaza location.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.                  Labor of Love article from the June 2007 Parks & Rec Magazine

B.                  2007 Council Meeting Calendar

C.                  Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Calendar

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Larsen Klangel, a Homer resident, commented and voiced his concerns regarding Motorized Vehicles on the Beach. He believes it would be a nightmare to enforce, adding only more work and confusion to the Police Department. He does not drive himself and rarely walks the beach, when he does it is like open season. He would like to see a total ban of vehicles from the Beach. He understands that Mayor Hornaday wants to appease all groups. He strongly recommends that the Parks & Rec Commission support the no vehicles on beaches ordinance.

 

Beth Cummings, a Homer resident, wanted to deliver to the Commissioners a summary of her proposal that Commissioner Tenhoff had requested a copy of it. She wanted to thank the Commissioners for the emphasis on the Karen Hornaday Park within the 2008 Budget and on the Capital Improvement Plan. Since the commission has recommended removal of the fill materials she is not sure her proposal would make any sense. Ms. Cummings believes that funding for a trail should come from private sources. She also has recommended reviewing the Master Plan for Karen Hornaday Park. She has proposed funding alternatives also in her proposal. Ms. Cummings acknowledged the many tasks before the Commissioners.

 

Commissioner Bremicker stated that it is not too late to have more discussions since the Commission has put the park as a top priority. He recommends that the Commissioners review Ms. Cummings proposals and put it on for more discussion.

 

Commissioner Garay asked how Ms. Cummings came up with the cost of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) to remove fill materials. Ms Cummings stated you had to start a discussion somewhere.

 

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen stated when asking for money for projects you need to ask for it now. You can always modify the plan when needed. She can relate to Carey Meyer and Tammy Hagerty that the Commission still has a few concerns.

 

            COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner McGreenery was not aware of a Master Plan for the Karen Hornaday Park and wanted to know if their decision can be revisited.

 

Commissioner Bremicker apologized for is his approach on ending the commentary by Ms. Cummings but he felt the diatribe had lasted a long time and it was getting late in the evening.

 

Commissioner Garay had no comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

 

Chair Stewart would like to add review of the Karen Hornaday Master Plan to the agenda for August or September. He would also like to add creation of a Woodard Creek Park Master Plan to the agenda August. He would also like to perform a site visit as soon as possible. Chair Stewart recommended keeping Karen Hornaday on the list as is and wait to review the Master Plan.

Chair Stewart thanked everyone for his or her assistance and work, it was another long and difficult meeting, and there was a lot to go through.

           

ADJOURN

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 9:15 pm.  The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2007 at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Cowles Council Chamber located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska. 

 

                                                                       

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

 

Approved: