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 (mens 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:
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:
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.
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: