PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 29,
2008
Session 08-07 a Special Meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 5:50 pm on July 29, 2008 by Chair
Lou Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer
Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS STEWART, BREMICKER, GARAY, GUNTHER, AND DICKERSON
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER
TOLVA
STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN
DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE
AGENDA APPROVAL
STEWART/GARAY – MOVED TO AMEND THE
AGENDA TO REVERSE THE ORDER OF ITEMS UNDER PENDING BUSINESS.
There was no discussion.
The amended agenda was approved by
consensus of the Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There were none.
PUBLIC COMMENT UPON MATTER ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
There were
none.
Chair Stewart informed the public
present that they would have an open opportunity to discuss and comment on the
Karen Hornaday Master Plan so he offered the public the choice to comment now
or to wait.
VISITORS
Michael
Illg, Community Schools spoke on what contributions the Community Schools will
be offering to Park Day. He will be unable to attend the event this year. Chris
Etzwiler will be filling in for him this year. Mr. Illg made the following
points:
1. Additional adult volunteers will be
needed to supervise the children during use of the inflatable funhouse.
2. Equipment for games will be
supplied.
3. Scheduled events will be sack races,
kickball and whiffle ball.
4. If it is raining on the
day of the event do not rent the funhouse as they will charge a cleaning fee
unless you pay it anyway and not deal with cleaning.
5. If the event does get
cancelled due to weather he suggested combining the event with any of the
following Community schools supported events: Harvest Festival on Halloween,
State Kids Fair in the spring, Bike Rodeo and Teen Festival. These are
alternative events that the Commission could support.
6. Mr. Etzwiler will be in
charge of the pick-up and delivery of the funhouse. This includes setup and
dismantling the inflatable.
7. If the weather is bad the
High School gym may be available, he will confirm availability.
8. A gas generator will be
rented for the inflatable if required.
Mr. Illg responded to Commissioner Bremickers’
inquiry where the activities could be held if park day was moved indoors
stating that the gym at the high School may be available. In response to
Commissioner Dickerson comment regarding combining the Park Day event with the
events mentioned early that it was not his intent at this time, but these
events are established and were offered as alternatives if Park Day was going
to be cancelled.
STAFF REPORT
A.
July 2008 Staff Report
Planning Technician Engebretsen
requested confirmation regarding performance of one more walk through on
Poopdeck Trail. Commissioners agreed by consensus to have a worksession on
August 21, 2008 before the regularly scheduled meeting. They will meet at City
Hall parking lot and then proceed to the trail.
None.
PENDING BUSINESS
STEWART/BREMICKER - MOVED TO
SUSPEND THE RULES TO ALLOW PUBLIC AND COMMISSONERS TO HAVE AN OPEN DISCUSSION
ON THE MASTER PLAN.
There was no discussion.
The Motion was approved by
consensus of the Commission.
B. Karen
Hornaday Master Plan
The Commissioners took a few
moments to review the draft master plan.
Planning Technician Engebretsen
wanted to add one more item to the draft plan after speaking with Park
Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty. The item #13 would be expansion of the
campground.
Chair Stewart made a comment that
the Park on a recent visit was much quieter than he expected. He noted that it
may have been due to it being in the middle of the week.
Bonnie Jason, city resident and
member of Little League asked to have review of traffic pattern and
accommodations to provide better safety for the ball players included in the
plan. She suggested a second entrance to the park specifically for the
ballfields.
Planning Technician Engebretsen
explained that a second access would be ill advised due to the immense drainage
issues and expense. She suggested alternative traffic calming processes that
would be more cost effective. She will put the bridge into the plan as #14, she
apologized for the oversight. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that
the two resolutions were not included since they would be all wrapped together at
Council level. Those were addressed previously and she did not believe the
Commission needed to revisit them. Final draft documents did not need to be
reviewed by the Commissioners. Staff will incorporate changes recommended by
the Commission.
Commissioner Bremicker suggested
including a recommendation to keep the property in the northwest corner for
future expansion. Commissioner Bremicker commented that the property is no
steeper than what is currently being used. Planning Technician Engebretsen
suggested adding it under the Future development section of the plan as a
bullet point with suggested language to be recommending retention of ten acre
parcel of land in northwest corner for future park expansion. The Commissioners
agreed by consensus to add this under Future Development and Special
Considerations.
Chair Stewart asked that traffic
control should be included in the master plan. He noted that parking should not
be allowed along the road. He wanted control measures to be used to prohibit
even overflow parking from the parking lots. Using the existing aerial view of
the park he indicated the areas he was speaking about.
Jane Jenny Coyle,
President of Little League commented that she parks on the road next to the
lower field so her children do not need to cross the road knowing that her
children will run back and forth to the car on numerous occasions. She was in
favor of speed bumps or any measure that would slow vehicles down.
There was a brief discussion by the
commissioners regarding the feasibility of installing speed bumps on a gravel
road. Chair Stewart recommended adding seasonal traffic calming, and
enforcement under parking lot items.
Commissioner Dickerson commented
that under Item #5 and #6 paving was high on the priority list. Planning Technician
Engebretsen noted that discussion during the last meeting it was agreed that
the cost would be high but if in the long term it was going to be used for a
parking lot for 20 years it would be worth it. Planning Technician Engebretsen
pointed out that the base of the parking area would be done differently if it
was going to be paved even 10 years in the future.
Discussion ensued pointing out that
in order to have more parking spaces within an area it would be best to have
delineated parking spots. There is an emergency access road; there are a few
designated handicapped parking spots by the restrooms. If the parking lots are
designed well people will use them.
Access to water for addressing dust control concerns can be included in
a memorandum of agreement. A park planner would be helpful with the overall
layout of the park with such items as restroom locations; the addition of a
soccer field so it is more a multi-use park than just baseball; Little League
would not give up a field to accommodate soccer; the possibilities of field
sharing like the fields at the high school. Currently it was a consensus that
there was not enough room for a soccer field due to drainage issues and the
size field required. If a new field is added it would increase the parking
problems.
There was some discussion on the
local soccer players to advocate for room at the local parks. They would need
to lobby council.
Putting the topic of a potential
soccer field under future development and special considerations of the plan
was agreed to by the Commission.
Ms. Cumming, city resident,
questioned that the park is supposed to be available for general use too and as
such a person if all the available area was allocated to ballfields where was
the use for the individual or general use visitor. The picnic kiosk is vital
too.
Chair Stewart answered Ms. Jason
regarding hiring a park planner being reflected in the master plan. Planning
Technician Engebretsen stated that item #7 implies hiring a park planner to
complete the design.
Chair Stewart noted that there are
many people who may hear the word planner they may balk at approving the
plan. Planning Technician Engebretsen
understood his concern but pointed out that there were two different issues -
one dealing with land use and the other deals with site planning, nuts and
bolts. She pointed out there was one done for Jack Gist to tell the City how to
deal with issues there.
Ms. Jason felt that the drainage
issues at the park are the biggest issue that requires addressing. She related
an experience at the concert on the lawn during the past weekend.
The Commission discussed
continuation of the Karen Hornaday Park Committee and setting additional
meeting date; decision was needed immediately in order to have a better chance
to get funding during the upcoming budget discussions. Until the Commission has
approved the Master Plan and recommended submitting to Council for approval
nothing will go forward.
The Commission agreed by consensus
to approve the document and forward to council at the next meeting.
Ms. Cumming commented at length on
the parking issues, suggestions made at the last Committee meeting, and the
length of time that Little League has waited for adequate parking. A brief
discussion ensued regarding what would be considered adequate and that it was
not an issue that should be addressed by this Commission.
There were no further comments.
Bonnie Jason suggested the game of
meatball for Park Day; she gave a brief description on the rules and objectives
of Meatball. It is kickball rules and is played with a rubber ball and a bat.
Ms. Jason volunteered to start and explain the rules for a game on Park Day.
Chair Stewart called for a recess
at 7:20 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
A. Park
Day
There was discussion among the
Commissioners whether to have Park Day or use the funds to implement a Disc
Golf Course which some members of the Commission felt was a better use of the
available funds. That way a course could be built for the benefit of the whole
community. It was agreed by the majority of the Commissioners present that Park
Day would be and should be held.
Commissioner Gunther commented that
Edan Badajos will be able to provide a nine hole course for Disc Golf. He will
try to confirm that he will be demonstrating and facilitating the game. He did
not feel it would be hard to have a couple of people present to teach and
explain the game on Park Day. The Commission agreed that it will replace any
missing discs and feel that the game will draw an older group of participants
to Park Day.
The discussion turned to the amount
of food to provide; it was decided that hot dogs and buns for 200, condiments
and carrots as a nutritious alternative snack since chips did not go over well
last year, the large water coolers will be borrowed from Community Schools, and
cups will be needed. The time frame agreed upon was noon to 3:00 p.m. on
Saturday, August 9, 2008. Commissioner Bremicker will meet Planning Technician
Engebretsen at Save U More on Saturday morning. She stated that there are new
grills at the park that was really nice and did not think Commissioner
Bremicker had to bring his grill this year. Commissioner Dickerson added
charcoal to the list of supplies needed.
Mr. Illg will check with Ulmer’s to
see if it is a one or two man job dealing with the inflatable fun house. If it
needs a generator they will go ahead and rent a generator which allow placement
of the inflatable wherever they want. Community schools will provide the
equipment for the kickball, sack race and whiffle ball.
The Commissioners discussed prizes
for the sack races and Mr. Illg stated he has some blue ribbons that have the
state of Alaska/Participant on them which would be perfect for small children.
The course for the disc golf will
be determined by Edan Badajos. The Commissioners recommended setting it up
where parents can keep an eye on the children playing the game. The
Commissioners agreed to replace any damaged or missing discs that Mr. Badajos
provided.
Commissioners discussed their
arrival time and agreed on 11:00 a.m.
The Commissioners discussed
advertisement of the event. They agreed to make up 1500 flyers; Planning
Technician Engebretsen will contact the newspapers to get a small article about
the event. Commissioners Stewart and Dickerson will distribute the flyers;
flyers will be put out at the City information kiosks and City departments;
Commissioner Bremicker will talk with Glen Caldwell on his radio show on Friday
morning. Mr. Illg mentioned the Wednesday morning coffee table show on KBBI the
Wednesday before Park Day would be good advertisement; Planning Technician
Engebretsen will check on scheduling. Mr. Illg will announce a Public Service
Announcement through Community Schools.
There was no further discussion.
Chair Stewart asked if Mr. Illg had
time to elaborate on his statement earlier regarding building better
communications between the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission and
Community Schools.
Mr. Illg stated that Community
Schools has been around a long time and he feels that it would be great to have
an advocate like the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission for the
Community Schools. He sees the Community Schools programs as a recreational
pillar. His primary goal was to enhance the Community Schools relationship with
the Community. He would like to increase communications with the Parks &
Recreation Advisory Commission and would like to work together on a Community
wide survey that will see what the residents really want. He feels that with
the involvement and the response from the Community they could go before
Council and prove that Parks & Recreation is more important than they
think. He believes that his knowledge and experience can enhance what the Parks
& Recreation Advisory Commission is trying to do. He is looking for
additional ways to improve the relationship with the Parks & Recreation
Advisory Commission, the Community and the Borough.
There was more discussion on the
creation and distribution of a survey and the best and most economical way to
get this to the community which would in effect be a needs assessment. Mr. Illg
assured the Commissioners they would be fully involved and have input on the
questions that would be on the Survey. Mr. Illg has some ideas on what to
include. Discussion ensued on the time period to distribute the survey would be
best in the winter or spring when permanent residents are in town. This would
then determine the level of importance Parks & Recreation is to City
Council.
There was no more discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re:
Ben
Walters Dock Replacement
Planning Technician Engebretsen summarized the report and elaborated on
the condition of the dock regarding the severe deterioration. She stated an
ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting on July 28, 2008 and there
will be a public hearing and second reading on August 11, 2008.
BREMICKER/DICKERSON – MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE PARKS & RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMISSION SUPPORT THE ORDINANCE 08-36(A) Appropriating an Amount not to Exceed $60,000
from the General Fund Depreciation to Replace the Dock at Ben Walters Park.
The Commissioners discussed the reasons to support the rebuilding of the
dock. There was some discussion regarding the necessity to the size and if it
was really necessary to expend that amount of money. Planning Technician
Engebretsen stated the Ordinance was not to exceed $60,000, it is considered an
emergency repair, and she was not aware of the other uses for the funds and
that she believed the funds were from the general fund. Chair Stewart was in
favor of supporting since the dock also provided access for winter uses such as
ice skating; Commissioner Dickerson commented that the skating would persuade
her to support the repair; Chair Stewart elaborated on some history of the
winter events held out there; Commissioner Dickerson recommended doing a
nighttime ice skating party to celebrate the new dock over the winter. The
remaining Commissioners supported that recommendation heartily.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL
MATERIALS
A. Council Meeting Schedule
B. Campground Revenue for 2007
COMMENTS OF THE
AUDIENCE
There were no comments.
COMMENTS OF THE STAFF
There
were no comments from staff.
COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSION
Commissioner
Gunther apologized for missing the Council on Monday and not being able to
attend the regularly scheduled meeting.
Commissioners
Garay and Dickerson had no comment.
Chair
Stewart commented that he would like to resign as Chair. He would like to turn
the gavel over to the Vice Chair and have someone step into the vice chair
role. He would like to have a new chair elected at the next regular meeting.
Commissioner
Bremicker stated his only objections to assuming the role of chair would be his
plans this fall and winter were to go outside. Of course this was pending all
things fell into place.
Planning
Technician Engebretsen reminded the Commissioners that regular elections are in
October so it would be a short period and would be a good experience.
There being no further business before the Commission Chair Stewart
adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m., a worksession is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at
City Hall on August 21, 2008 and the next regular meeting is at 6:30 pm on
August 21, 2008 in the Cowles Council Chambers at City Hall located at 491 E.
Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska
Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I
APPROVED: