PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION UNAPPROVED MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

JULY 15, 2004

Session 04-06, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on July 15, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. by Acting Chair Tolva at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: TOLVA, HAMIK, POORE, WEAVER

ABSENT: DAUGHARTY, MCCALLUM (both excused)

AGENDA APPROVAL

The agenda was amended to add items C. Wooden Poopdeck Sign, D. Flowers and Thank you for RJ Langman and E. Winter Carnival Fireworks & Promotion to Commission Business. The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

A. Unapproved Minutes of June 17, 2004

Commissioner Weaver moved to approve the minutes.

Commissioner Poore asked to amend the minutes. She asked to delete line about Tom Bodett being contacted to advertise. She did not intend to ask him to advertise but was thinking of it more as playing off his End of the Road stories. The minutes of the May 20 meeting amended to read, Commissioner Poore made several suggestions including a lamp on sign post and picnic tables be placed at either side of the park.

WEAVER/POORE - MOVE TO APPROVE THE AMENDED MINUTES OF MAY 20, 2004

VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTER ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

None

STAFF REPORT

Deputy City Clerk Johnson introduced Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen and told the Commission that she will be taking over the Parks and Recreation meetings as clerk.

Julie Engebretsen will be the new staff support person in place of Ann Marie Holen.

VISITORS

Lou Stewart was present and spoke to the Commission on a variety of subjects throughout the meeting.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan (status review)

Commissioner Poore read an email submitted by Ann Marie Holen reminding the Commission that the City Council has scheduled a public hearing for Ordinance 04-35 adopting the final Non-Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan. Acting Chair Tolva recommended that they all attend to show support for the plan. Commissioners Tolva, Weaver, Hamik and Poore and Student Representative Baechler will attend the July 26 City Council meeting and Commissioners Tolva and Poore will attend the August 9 City Council meeting.

B. Parks & Trails Pamphlet

Commissioner Poore said that she believes Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty has been lobbying for an actual trails map that people can use. Commissioner Hamik said that Mitch Hrachiar at Public Works has been working on a map for a while now. Acting Chair Tolva said she will contact Mr. Hrachair and Ms. Hagerty to see where they are with a new map. Commissioner Poore stated that she went to the Homer Chamber of Commerce and asked what they had to offer tourists who ask for information on parks. What they gave her was a City of Homer Park Visitor Park Information pamphlet and it only had information on space to rent. Commissioner Poore then asked about a historic walking map of Homer. An abbreviated version of it is in the Homer Tourist guide but she would like to see a nice tri-fold pamphlet put together that shows current trails.

WEAVER/TOLVA - MOVED THAT THE STAFF PERSON ASSIGNED TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK WITH THE APPROPRIATE PEOPLE TO DEVELOP A PAMPHLET OR BROCHURE THAT ILLUSTRATES PARKS AND TRAILS.

VOTE: YES: POORE, WEAVER, HAMIK. TOLVA

Motion carried

C. Adopt-a-Park

Commissioner Weaver recommended that the Commission draft a version of what the Adopt-a-Park program means to the Commission and rules relating to the organizations adopting a park and guiding the city staff and their relationship to that organization. One of the pitfalls is if the organization neglects the park. The city will need to maintain control

over the quality and quantity of things that go into the park. Due to shortage of Commissioners at this meeting it was agreed that this item be tabled and moved to the October agenda.

D. Local Park Day

The Commission discussed the idea of corresponding a Local Park Day with another day

that will encourage people to attend, Arbor Day, for example. Commissioner Weaver suggested that if Homer is not a member of the Tree City USA program that the Committee should look into doing that in conjunction with Park Day. Mr. Weaver said that it is a US Dept of Agriculture program for Urban Forestry and fostering planting trees with in cities. Acting Chair Tolva asked Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen to get information together about Tree City USA for the next meeting packet. Mr. Stewart raised his hand and Acting Chair Tolva called on him for his input.

Lou Stewart addressed the Commission and suggested that it is getting late in this season to develop a lot of the ideas that have been discussed. He suggested that taking the winter to continue to discuss and work on the agenda Pending Business items A-E and getting information ready to launch the Adopt-a-Park Program and the Parks & Trails Pamphlet in the spring when the Local Park Day takes place.

Acting Chair Tolva asked that Local Park Day be added to the August agenda for discussion.

E. End of the Road Park

Acting Chair Tolva said that she would like to see the End of the Road Park idea continue to develop through the winter. She thinks that the benches and a light with a sign for the End of the Road Park would be a big plus for the community. Commissioner Poore agreed that not a whole lot would need to be done. The sign, picnic tables off to the sides and a trash can would be enough to keep from detracting from the feeling of just being at the beach.

Lou Stewart asked if the pile of downed logs would be removed.

Commissioner Poore said she did not think that the logs should be removed but needs some organization. She thinks that some time should be taken to plan and design it.

Acting Chair Tolva asked that everyone try to get down to the end of the Spit to take a look at the park and have the End of the Road Park on the August agenda for further discussion.

F. Parks Long Term Survey

Commissioner Poore stated that Commissioner McCallum and Lou Stewart were going to get together after the May meeting and streamline the survey. Commissioner Poore addressed Mr. Stewart in the audience and asked if they were able to work on that. Mr. Stewart said that their schedules had not allowed for it.

Commissioner Poore asked Mr. Stewart if he and Commissioner McCallum would be able to meet before the September meeting. Mr. Stewart said he would make it a point to contact Commissioner McCallum and work on the survey.

The Commission agreed to postpone the Parks Long Term Survey to the September meeting.

G. Procedure for Attending and Reporting to City Council Meetings

Acting Chair Tolva said that Commissioner Langman needs to be replaced on the Parks and Recreation Member List for City Council Meetings since she has resigned from the Commission. Acting Chair Tolva read Commissioner Langman’s letter of resignation into the record. It was agreed by consensus that Commissioner McCallum will move up to the December 13 meeting and then the Commission will start over on the list. Acting Chair Tolva asked Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen to reprint the Parks and Recreation Member List for City Council Meetings reflecting the changes.

H. Prioritize Expenditures for Reserve Fund, Memorandum from Special Projects Coordinator Holen, Re: Parks & Recreation Budget Process

Commissioner Hamik questioned what the actual balance of the Parks and Recreations Fund is. There was discussion about who to contact to get the information clarified and determine what the actual balance is for the Commission to use.

It was decided that Julie Engebretsen, having taken Ann Marie Holen’s place, be contacted and asked to provide the Commission with a summary of what the Commission has in their budget, what amount is in reserve and what the time frame is for them to use the money.

Commissioner Hamik wanted to know where the play ground equipment is that was ordered over a month ago for Jeffrey Park.

I. Trash Can Project

Commissioner Poore reported that there aren’t any trashcans being painted because the Committee hasn’t arranged a work party yet. She hasn’t spoken to Commissioner McCallum because she is out of town.

Acting Chair Tolva suggested that Student Representative Baechler might be able to organize some students to help with this project.

Commissioner Poore said that Parks and Recreation Coordinator Hagerty has 20 cans ready to be primed and painted. Commissioner Poore also said that Ms. Hagerty is unhappy with the Commission because 2 months have gone by and there hasn’t been any communication with her as to what is going on.

Acting Chair Tolva recommended that they go ahead with the project in Commissioner McCallum’s absence.

Commissioner Hamik said she would contact Ms. Hagerty and find out where the trashcans are, if the primer and paint is available and whether or not space is available or if they need to schedule a time to do the priming and painting.

COMMISSION BUSINESS

A. Trails Committee

Commissioner Hamik said she heard that the City had abandoned the Main St., Svedlund & Kachemak Way projects and wants to request that the City go forward with the project for the 10 ft lanes and Striping.

Commissioner Poore said it was her understanding that the City has become so involved with the East End Road Project that there isn’t time for this project.

Commissioner Hamik stated that she had asked Ann Marie Holen to find out from the City Manager what is going on with it. The Trails Committee wants to see this project go forward.

Acting Chair Tolva asked Mr. Stewart if he had heard anything regarding this issue. He suggested that this would be a good point to make to the City Council at the meeting coming up.

B. Capitol Improvement Program, Memorandum from Special Projects Coordinator Holen, Re: Capital Improvement Program/Legislative Request

The Commission discussed the memorandum from Special Projects Coordinator Holen and what was required of them in the Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) process. It was decided that the Commission would prioritize the top five projects on the CIP and submit them to Ms. Holen.

Acting Chair Tolva called for recess at 8:35 P.M. The meeting resumed at 8:39 P. M.

It was agreed that each Commissioner would present their top five projects and vote from those choices.

Commissioner Weaver- Central Park for Town Square, Playground equipment in the Ben Walters Park for teens, City Greenhouse, and a Multi Purpose Sports Center

Commissioner Hamik- Traffic Calming Project at Lake St. and Sterling Hwy, Harbor Pedestrian Ways, Homer Coastal Trail, Playground Equipment and the City Greenhouse

Nyssa- Heath Street - Pioneer to Fairview Improvement

Acting Chair Tolva- WR Bell Trail- Fairview Ave. to Reber Rd. , East Trunk Beluga Trail System and her others are already listed.

Commissioner Poore- Her top five are already on the list.

The Commission voted on the listed projects and voted the top five projects be submitted, number one having top priority:

1.Habor Pedestrian Ways, 2. Playground Equipment 3. Central Park Infrastructure for Town Square 4. City Greenhouse 5. Traffic Calming Project at Lake St. and Sterling Hwy

WEAVER/HAMIK - MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING LIST BE SUBMITTED AS THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS FOLLOWS:

1. HARBOR PEDESTRIAN WAYS, 2. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, 3. CENTRAL PARK INFRASTRUCTURE, 4. CITY GREENHOUSE, 5. TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT AT LAKE ST. AND STERLING HIGHWAY.

VOTE: YES: HAMIK, POORE, TOLVA, WEAVER

Motion carried.

C. Wooden Poopdeck Trail Sign

Acting Chair Tolva said that it has come to her attention that the Poopdeck Trail sign that was vandalized twice in a row has brought considerable public comment from visitors and residents that it is an eyesore. An idea that has been brought up that the whale bone shaped structure be repaired and that the sign be redone in Mr. Vait’s design, but done in wood. She suggested that the City could submit bids or ask Mr. Vait if he wants to redo it. Commissioner Hamik said that he probably would not do it a third time. Commissioner Poore said he should at least be asked about it.

Commissioner Poore agreed that it needs to be taken care of . She stated that Dan Burden brought it up, wondering what the structure was and he said that it wasn’t doing the City any service having obvious vandalism sitting there. Commissioner Poore feels that it should be removed or fixed.

WEAVER/POORE - MOVED THAT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECCOMEND TO THE CITY MANAGER THAT POOPDECK TRAIL SIGNS BE FIXED BY STAFF WORK OR CONTRACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

VOTE: YES: POORE, HAMIK, TOLVA, WEAVER

Motion carried.

D. Flowers & Thank You Card to RJ Langman

Commissioner Hamik said that the Commission should take money from their Parks and Recreation Reserve fund send RJ flowers and a thank you card by next month. Commissioner Poore agreed.

Commissioner Weaver said he thought they had taken a stand that fund be used for capital items. Commissioner Hamik said they have discression as to what to use the fund for. Commissioner Weaver suggested recommending to the Mayor that a thank you letter and certificate be made up, but that it shouldn’t come out of the Reserve Fund.

WEAVER/HAMIK - MOVED THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ISSUE A THANK YOU CERTIFICATE OR LETTER AND FLOWERS TO RJ LANGMAN FOR ALL HER WORK ON THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.

VOTE: YES: TOLVA, POORE. HAMIK, WEAVER

Motion carried

E. Winter Carnival Fireworks and Promotion

Acting Chair Tolva said that in the City’s efforts to promote Winter Carnival and Winter Tourism, an idea that has come up is to have a fireworks show during Winter Carnival. It could be done in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and various other Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to help share some of the cost involved.

Commissioner Poore agreed that it is a good idea. In the past it has always been well attended and appreciated by the community.

Commissioner Hamik agreed to talk to Derotha at the Chamber of Commerce and Acting Chair Tolva would contact some other cities that have done this in past, and it could be discussed at the August meeting.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. City Council Meeting Minutes of May 10, May 25, June 14,

June 24, 2004 approved and June 28, July 7, 2004 (unapproved)

B. Homer Municipal Parks Walk-Thru Schedule

as Written by Commissioner Poore

C. Mayor’s Certificate of Appointment - Nyssa Baechler as Student

Representative on the Parks and Recreation Commission

D. Resolution 04-53- Memorandum 04-89 from Parks and Recreation

Commission to City Manager Walt Wrede, Re: Designation of

Bunnell’s Sub. No. 17, Lot 11-B as Woodard Creek Park

E. Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Committee to

City Manager Wrede, Re: Traffic Roundabout Study-

Lake Street and Sterling Highway Intersection

F. Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to

City Manager Wrede, Re: New Playground Equipment

G. Resolution 04-56 - Letter from Jim Hornaday to Mayor Jack Cushing

and Homer City Council, Re: $300 Donation to Karen Hornaday Park

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

Lou Stewart said he did not have any additional comments. Acting Chair Tolva thanked him for his previous comments.

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Poore said she would like to add to the August agenda that she wants to give a report on a call she received from Mike Hayes of Downward Dawg about the City co-sponsoring a concert with him. She also has an udpate on the Land Bank Reserve Fund for the August agenda. Commissioner Poore read email from Dave Brandt Re: Riding Horses on the Town’s Ski Trails during the summer.

Commissioner Weaver said that on page 209 of the packet, a good job was done on the trail inventory. The Homer Spit collectively is a Regional park. It needs the “Pedestrian Path” kind of connection and better labeling in the parks, like the End of the Road park, to make it easier to find where places are on the Spit for campers and visitors. The Commission needs to work on unifying the Homer Spit as a regional park. It is a park right in the midst of an industrial zone.

Student Representative Baechler had no comments.

Commissioner Hamik welcomed Nyssa, and said that the Commission needs to follow up on the trails map. She said that she was pleased to see in the City Council minutes last month that they passed an amendment that pedestrian amenities shall be included in all new projects unless exempted by the City Council. She is really curious to see what is going on with the playground equipment and wants to see it get installed before summer is over. She also reminded the Commission that they had requested hearing from the City Manager about the Roundabout Study and haven’t heard back from him. She is hoping he gets a response back and hopes he could be contacted and asked to respond by the next meeting. She would really like to see the City and DOT not drop the striping of those streets that they have planned and the 10 foot lanes if not this summer, at least by fall.

Acting Chair Tolva thanked everyone for the great meeting, and welcomed Nyssa. She wanted to mention that the proposed library building is the ugliest building, and if others felt the same to let someone know before it is too late. She also asked the Commission to be thinking about possible nominees to fill RJ Langman’s place so they can have a list by the next meeting to give to Mayor Cushing.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. The next Regular meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

MELISSA JACOBSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

APPROVED