PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION                                                          UNAPPROVED   

REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 18, 2009

 

Session 09-02 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:33 p.m. on June 18, 2009 by Chair Bumppo Bremicker at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:          COMMISSIONER BREMICKER, GARAY, DICKERSON, STEWART, GUNTHER

 

STAFF:              PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

DICKERSON/STEWART – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

MINUTES APPROVAL

 

A.            Meeting Minutes for May 21, 2009.

 

Commissioner Stewart noted on page 6, first line regarding letter of appreciation, it is not clear on who is the recipient. A letter of appreciation was to be sent to Jack Wiles for his help on the Karen Hornaday Master Plan.

 

STEWART/GARAY – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

None.

 

VISITORS

 

None.

 

STAFF REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORT

 

A.         Staff Report for June 2009

 

Planning Technician summarized her staff report for the commission. There was a brief discussion on the worksession scheduled at Jack Gist Park. All commissioners apologized for not attending. Further discussion ensued about a better time to have a worksession to accommodate everyone.

 

She additionally offered an explanation on the draft ordinance regarding meeting frequency changes; the commissioners needed to have two meetings on the changes proposed according to the City Code and Bylaws. This will then go before the City Council at the July 27, 2009 meeting for approval. No changes will be made effective until the August meeting so the Commission will have the regular meeting on July 16, 2009. A worksession was scheduled for 5:45 p.m. for July 16, 2009. The Commission will meet at City Hall and car pool to Jack Gist Park.

 

Commissioner Gunther arrived at 6:40 p.m.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended suggestions for the Park and Trails Spring Walk. Commissioner Stewart did a walk through on the following trails and parks and submitted a written review:

1.             Woodside Park – Across from Homer Council on the Arts – Pocket Park near the Windjammer

      Neighbor is sharing the upkeep on this park, fresh flowers.

2.             Superintendents Park – separates Sterling from Treatment plant, plot of ground where        flowers were planted in the past and several perennials are struggling to keep their identity,     trees screen the area from the highway.

3.             RV Dump Park – entrance is maintained, flowers planted, area is clean, no adornment, grass           overgrown near bench, good dog walk area.

4.             Triangle Park – area created by traffic light, has been mowed recently, normally left in natural         state with some complaints. There is no stated purpose for this park. Commissioners offered     comments regarding what could be done with the space such as art display as it is very            visible.

5.             Ben Walters Park – New dock installed. Looks great. Very functional. There is a fire ring. The          restroom was very clean and no vandalism (men’s side). The park does not appear to be used           much. Picnic Tables could be relocated to higher traffic areas in other parks.

6.             Baycrest – Emblem Club has adopted two planters, Garden Club has one planter. Thank you            letter should be sent to those that are taking care of these planters. First impression received   by visitors. Very well designed. Lots of work put in by individuals and groups.

7.             Poopdeck Trail – There are new signs at the heads of the trail. Small plastic. Clean, well      maintained trail. Benches and trash receptacles available. There is a new flower garden at the    entrance at the library.

8.             Bishops Beach – Pavilion is in horrible condition, looks trashy and should be priority            replacement item. Roof still appears sound. Lots of traffic at this park. Multiple uses. Cooking   grills. Fire Pit.

9.             Fairview Trail – Great connector trail, located at the police department and high school,       parallels Pioneer Avenue. Ends at Reber. Well used by area children. Moose hazard. One of        his favorite trails to walk.  

10.          Greatland Street – Connector trail, not maintained, well used, from Save U More to Pioneer             Avenue.      

11.          Downtown Area Perennial and Annual Flowers Beds – Kudos to the persons taking care of   these. They look great. Doing a wonderful job.

 

He reported all the above are doing very well and the City personnel are doing a great job taking care of them.

 

Commissioner Dickerson recommended putting an article in the paper regarding the little out of the way parks, letting people know the location of each of these areas.

 

There was additional discussion on the ability to keep the city aware of the conditions of these areas.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen identified the location of the Spit Parking Pockets for the Commission. Commissioner Stewart named and located the parks on the Spit. The area located to the left of Lands End and the Ferry is known as End of the Road Park. Commissioner Stewart recommended creating a list and splitting it up between the Commissioners.

 

Commissioner Gunther asked for a list of all parks and trails that the City has for future reference.

There was a discussion briefly on a small area located near the Fuel Dock on the Spit, the Spit Trail completion status, expansion of the parking at the base of the Spit, contacting the media to do a Park of the Week item. Chair Bremicker will contact the Homer News to see if there would be interest in this type of weekly item.

 

Chair Bremicker called a recess at 7:06 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 7:10 p.m.


Planning Technician Engebretsen distributed a list of parks and trails within city limits. The parks and trails listed were on scheduled walk through. She noted that the Ocean Drive Loop green space is to be removed from the listing, it is not a dedicated park and not maintained and will be sold in the near future.

Commissioner Stewart focused the commission on reviewing the parks on the Spit. Those parks and trails are as follows:

  1. Coal Point Park
  2. End of the Road Park
  3. Mariner Park
  4. Pier 1 Theater Park
  5. Seafarer’s Memorial Park
  6. Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon
  7. Millers Landing Access
  8. Airport Beach Access
  9. Spit Parking Access
  10. Jeffrey Park
  11. Emerald Park
  12. Spit Trail

 

The Commissioners reviewed and volunteered to visit three parks or trails from the list and report at the next meeting. The commissioners volunteered as followed:

  1. Miller’s Landing Access and Airport Beach Access  – Commissioner Dickerson, Gunther and Bremicker
  2. Pier 1 Theater Park, Mariner Park and Seafarers Memorial Park – Commissioner Garay
  3. Coal Point Park, End of the Road Park and Fishing Lagoon – Commissioner Stewart

Commissioner Dickerson will visit several of the parks on the list including Karen Hornaday Park.

 

Discussion ensued on budgeting for needed repairs and equipment for the city parks and trails; who determines where the funding will be used; major projects affecting the budget on the whole; when input is needed from the Commissioners on budgeting; repair of the Bishops Beach Pavilion; which Commissioner is scheduled to attend the next Council meeting on the June 22, 2009, and that the Commission should bring concerns to the City Council.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

There were no public hearings.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.         Bylaws – Amending meeting Frequency

            a.         Draft Ordinance

            b.         Draft Resolution            

 

Chair Bremicker gave a brief summary regarding the proposed frequency of meetings.

 

STEWART/GARAY – MOVED TO BRING THIS TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.


 

Commissioner Stewart stated he was not in favor of changing the bylaws to quarterly. He felt there were numerous items that required attention throughout the year. He further acknowledged that there were several issues, which have remained dormant. He would like to pull together as a commission. He understands the difficulty in personal schedules affecting attendance at monthly meetings and the lack of commissioners.

Commissioner Gunther did not feel that quarterly meetings would address the business of the parks either. Missing a meeting once or twice in the winter would be okay. If the Commission only met quarterly, they would not offer timely responses to concerns of the residents. He suggested that attendance by the person in charge of the parks or responsible for the maintenance should attend the meetings to deliver a status report to the Commission on the facilities, parks and trails.

Chair Bremicker commented that he was ambivalent. He further stated having monthly meetings being two commissioners short was very difficult. He was gone over this previous winter and is not sure if he will be gone this coming winter either. He acknowledged that there are matters that should be addressed by the Commission. He strongly supported establishing committees to address these items stating use of committees was successful in the past. Once the task is completed, these committees could report to the full commission at the quarterly meeting.

Commissioner Garay noted that she did miss one meeting but was available throughout the winter. She commented that winter is becoming the problem. She is not sure what the answer is, two more members would help. The Commissioners agreed that it puts an additional workload on the City staff.

Commissioner Stewart stated he would be working quite a bit out of town throughout the summer and coming winter. He suggested considering a bi-monthly meeting schedule. There was further comments regarding work requirements and personal schedules do make it difficult to attend meetings during the winter.

Commissioner Gunther proposed postponing this topic to the August meeting. Further discussion ensued regarding postponing the decision until later; it was agreed that postponement did not address the current problem of obtaining a quorum and staff having to expend time in making sure there was a quorum for a meeting.

All Commissioners voiced they would be available for the July 16, 2009 meeting as scheduled. Commissioner Gunther was not sure if he would be here for August; Commissioner Dickerson stated she would not be available for the August meeting; Chair Bremicker and Commissioner Garay will be here for August; Commissioner Stewart is unsure on his availability for August. At this time, it appears there may not be a quorum for the August meeting unless new members are appointed.

Further discussion regarding all the City commission meetings, memberships, the lack of city priority for parks and recreation, and redoubling the efforts to attend monthly meetings ensued.

 

DICKERSON/STEWART – MOVED TO AMEND THE MEETING FREQUENCY TO MONTHLY MEETINGS MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER AND TO BI-MONTHLY MEETINGS OCTOBER THROUGH APRIL AND COMMISSIONERS MUST GIVE A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS NOTICE OR AS SOON POSSIBLE TO STAFF IF THEY WILL BE ABSENT.

 

Discussion on the months to meet ensued. The Commissioners agreed they would be January, March, May, June, July, August, September, and November. Commissioners Dickerson and Stewart additionally agreed to an amendment to add to the by-laws that commissioners will be required to give staff or the chair a minimum of two-week notice on any absence from a meeting.

 

VOTE. YES. GARAY, STEWART, GUNTHER, DICKERSON, BREMICKER.

 

Motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.         Park Day (included in staff report)          

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended making a decision to have Park Day and then forming a committee to plan the event.

 

Chair Bremicker requested a motion to discuss.


 

STEWART/GARAY – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Stewart stated that the Park Day was held in August, better response than the year before. This was still not a stellar turnout. He noted last year that a preference was for the event to be held at Jack Gist Park this year to be a type of inauguration for the park.

Further comments and concerns were as follows:

1.         No pavilion.

2.         Not within walking distance of most residential neighborhoods.

3.         The intention of Park Day was to inform residents about city parks.

4.         Accommodates softball or t-ball game.

5.         Enlist the Disc Golf Association and Adult Ball league.

6.         Need more advertisement to encourage use.

7.         The field is not playable, too many rocks.

8.         Date selected August 15, 2009

9.         No restrooms available.

10.        Tent rental.

11.        Bar B Que needed

 

Chair Bremicker appointed Commissioners Gunther, Stewart and Garay to the Park Day Committee. Commissioner Gunther will act as Chair. The first meeting for the committee will be June 30, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Captain Coffee on Pioneer Avenue.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen will forward last years list to the committee.

 

There was brief discussion on the budget amount.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

B.         Jack Gist Park Master Plan

 

STEWART/GUNTHER – MOVED TO BRING TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Stewart recommended the Commission appoint a committee to begin work on the master plan for this park. Commissioner Gunther volunteered to Chair the committee. Chair Bremicker appointed Commissioner Stewart and Gunther to the committee. Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended appointing one more commissioner as an alternate.

Commissioner Gunther advised the commission that Disc Golf is becoming very popular. The City of Seward is installing a course behind the High School. A new course was installed in Anchorage and Kodiak. This sport is becoming very popular in Alaska. He also recommended having a representative for user groups of Jack Gist Park at the meeting.


 

The Commission set 10:00 a.m. on July 16, 2009 for the committee meeting. Commissioner Dickerson will try to attend this meeting.

 

Notice will be sent to the user groups and Carey Meyer to attend the committee meeting.

 

Commissioner Gunther left at 8:12 p.m.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.         Council Meeting Schedule

B.         Commission Annual Calendar

 

Chair Bremicker is not sure he will be able to attend the City Council meeting on June 22, 2009. He encouraged the Commissioners to attend this meeting, as they will be having a Public Hearing on the Karen Hornaday Master Plan.

 

Commissioner Garay will be gone.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed preliminary agenda items for July.

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen responded that Mimi Tolva provided a lot of articles and history, approximately 50 pages, on the WKFL Park and when the Commission decides to put it back on the agenda to let her know.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner Stewart commented he would contact her also. He announced that it was good to be back and thanked Julie and the Clerks office for being so patient with them. He would like a way to recognize the volunteers who work on the flowers and gardens throughout the City. He realizes that volunteers are going to be the way things are going to be done around here for an awhile. He will be sending a letter to the Editor of the paper. He asked Planning Technician Engebretsen the status of the WKFL Master Plan.

 

Commissioner Dickerson commented that she would follow up on a recommendation for commissioner and even offer her a ride to visit at the next meeting. She received a comment from Jack Wiles recommending that the parking area near the restroom and shed should be gravel. She would like to add to the agenda for July starting points for Karen Hornaday Park.

 

Commissioner Garay would like to come together as a commission and know they can do it. She apologized again for missing the worksession at Jack Gist Park.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

 

Chair Bremicker stated he knows it seems that things are not being done and it takes a long time to get something done, but we do get things done. There is sometimes controversial stuff requiring decisions. It is government and those things take time. We cannot waive our magic wands, so it is frustrating and slow. Nevertheless, we need to keep plugging away. We need to see if we can get some more attention on the park stuff from the local papers.

 


 

ADJOURN

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m. A worksession is scheduled at 5:45 p.m. with the regular meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 16, 2009. Meeting for the worksession will be at City Hall to carpool to Jack Gist Park. The regular meeting will be at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

                                                                       

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

 

Approved: