PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION UNAPPROVED

REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 19, 2008

Session 08-05 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:35 pm on June 19, 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, TOLVA, LENTFER, AND DICKERSON

STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

AGENDA APPROVAL

The Agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. April 17, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes

GARAY/LENTFER – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT UPON MATTER ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

Ms. Francie Roberts, speaking as a citizen of Homer, stated she attended the worksession on the Karen Hornaday Park and was very glad to see on the agenda tonight addressing and completing the master plan for the park. She feels it is a very worthwhile thing and looks forward to hearing the recommendations. They are very needed for the community. She is glad that the creek issues will be addressed also. Ms. Roberts was happy to see that the group passed two resolutions at their last meeting. She did have a few grammatical change recommendations that she will give to the clerk to consider before presenting to Council.

Commissioner Tolva arrived at 6:40 p.m.

Beth Cumming, city resident, stated she had some general thoughts about Karen Hornaday Park. She had made copies to distribute but did not have enough for all the Commissioners. She asked if there were any notes from the Committee meeting on Tuesday and was provided a copy of the notes taken by Chair Stewart.

Her notes that were distributed contained the following points:

- This park is the largest and oldest multi-use park in Homer.

- The playground was a great addition.

- Future planning should consider the park’s aesthetics; trees between the ballfields, parking lot maintenance, planting bushes in general use area to the left of the road.

- Follow widely accepted procedures in land moving and other construction activities.

- Hire a professional park planner to get overview and plan rather than continue willy-nilly.

- Designate the top ballfield to the left of the road as an area for general use. This has the kiosk with the grills and picnic tables. Change this on the revised plan to be consistent with its use.

- The land set aside for baseball needs should be reassessed considering Jack Gist Park which at this point is planned for adult ball players.

- Consider using one of the fields at Jack Gist Park for younger players.

- Consider using mobile mounds and equipment so that one ballfield will encompass all age groups.

- Determine the usage for the upper area to the right of the road. Putting fill here will bring it approximately 30 feet from the creek.

- Plant trees on the left of the entrance. Remove the alders.

- Consider using the Red Shed as a historical marker. It was used in the 1940’s or 1950’s to house some activities.

- Will installation of the trail prolong the installation of the parking lot? The baseball families have waited and endured much for a decent place to park.

VISITORS

None.

STAFF REPORT

A. June 2008 Staff Report

Chair Stewart commented that at the end of the meeting he spoke with Planning Technician Engebretsen regarding the Ocean Drive – Spit Road Bike Trail crossing status. He explained that at the time he was considering submitting a memo asking Council to reopen and try to find a resolution to the whole mess. Planning Technician Engebretsen asked if she could pull together some information on that issue. The report under follow-up is her response to his request.

There was a brief discussion regarding delineation of state land and city land at the base of the Spit; Expansion of the Spit Trail parking lot was in the right of way. The Commission also discussed the proposed development on the corner of Kachemak Drive and Homer Spit Road; installation of a possible traffic signal with pedestrian safety measures. It was acknowledged by the Commissioners that this was a dangerous area. There was a brief discourse on a pedestrian underpass or tunnel; possibility of no expansion of the Spit base parking lot; heavy usage of Mariner Park for parking; if there is a qualified person with the City to review the pedestrian tunnel project to see if it is feasible to construct; possibly changing the entrance to Mariner Park; there is no adopted park plan for Mariner Park. Put Mariner Park Plan on agenda when engineering is available.

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported that the two resolutions were pulled from Council agenda until July 28, 2008 meeting. The updated CIP list will be on the August agenda. The July meeting will be dedicated to Park Day and Michael Illg will be there to speak to the Commission about activities he is planning.

Commissioner Tolva asked if the area vandalism has been increasing; she is not sure what can be done to prevent vandalism. She does not want to evolve into a “big brother” community but she is at wits end on how to combat it. Commissioner Gunther suggested installing cameras even if non-working, these would deter some of the vandals if they think some was watching.

There was no further discussion.

B. Karen Hornaday Park Committee

Chair Stewart expressed his dismay in the absence of Commissioner since they had such a good turnout at the meeting, the Mayor, City Manager and Councilpersons also came to the meeting. He handed out the notes on the meeting. The parking lot was the main focus of the group. Some points made at the meeting were:

- The parking lot is a mess with ruts and heaves like an ATV course.

- Parking was along the sides of the road constricting the flow of traffic and creating safety hazard for pedestrians.

- There is no parking order or organization.

- There were visible signs where someone had dug ditches to assist drainage.

- There is a low spot at the concession stand and backstop of the first minor league field.

- The hillside between fields requires seeding.

- The area west along the ditch line towards the far field has swampy conditions.

- The hillside between fields and playground need to be seeded.

- Completion of drainage ditch and installation of a ditch around the far field would help the drainage problems and dry out the fields quicker.

- Remove more alders from the playground area.

- A campground host is needed to assist with the clientele of the campground. There were reservations from the group on what that would take.

- The overall condition of the fields is good this time. The worst time is always in May due to breakup.

- There has been no negative feedback on the Concert of the Lawn event.

- Should the Park be more diversified? Currently they do not have the circus/carnival, horses, or disc golf, just baseball and t-ball.

- The batting cage is in poor, if not safety hazard condition and needs immediate attention.

- The concession roof has been repaired.

- Field preparation and grooming is done by volunteers.

- There are vandalism problems with the bathrooms. They are used by visitors and campers.

- The playground equipment needs refurbishing. Some items are worn, and present safety hazards.

- Recommendations are to have High School Students or other groups make these a project.

- The group reviews Ms. Cumming proposals and walked to the top of the trailhead.

- Ms. Cumming gave a narrative of her recommended projects.

- Terraced parking was talked about. The lower terrace could offer a pavilion or additional green space.

Chair Stewart stated that the Commission needs to sit down and brain storm to update the Master Plan for the park and address the concerns pointed out. He has committed this group to create a revised Master Plan to have submitted to Council for the July 28, 2008 meeting. He stated it was the Commissions wishes to complete the master plan before submitting resolutions on the trail and creek to council so it could be addressed at one time.

PUBLIC HEARING

None.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Spring Park Beach Walk Through

The Commissioners discussed the location of the parks visited during the worksession earlier and current status of the parks as follows:

- WR Bell and Reber Trail – Steep topography and will eventually connect to Fairview, have received $50,000 funding from the State and some funding from the HART program. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained the HART program and that this trail is the first to be built from the funds. It will be designed this year and constructed in 2009.

- Emerald Park – is on Highland Drive, on left before big drainage area; small less than an acre; has encumbrances. Property owners adjacent have asked for it to be kept in its natural state. No improvements will be made.

- Woodard Creek park – brand new piece of land in town on Spruceview; There are no improvements; a 60’W x 100’L +/- piece of land; the Commission will need to create a best use document in the future.

Commissioner Dickerson visited Jack Gist Park. It is not posted and difficult to locate. Commissioner Gunther stated he walks his dog daily there and recently picked up a bag of trash and he asked some guys mowing if there a possibility of placing trash cans. The response was the park is not open yet. He reported there all kinds of dumped trash in the park such as cat litter, gas cans, paper cups, etc. This park was perfect for establishing a Disc Golf Course.

Commissioner Lentfer visited Seafarer’s Memorial and the Spit Bike Trail. She was curious who maintained the planters. She was impressed with the area as it was well maintained.

Commissioner Dickerson inquired about the land behind the school for establishing a disc golf course since it would be closer to a larger residential area and be easier to introduce to school kids. She visited the park in Anchorage and people were lined up to play. Commissioner Gunther informed the Commission that Mr. Badajos would be able to provide a price estimate as soon as he had a design layout and that it would take no time in preparing a proposal when they needed it.

Chair Stewart visited Jeffrey park located behind Ulmer’s. It is really nice and would like to have Planning Technician Engebretsen pass along his comments to parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty. The development of this park has been done over a 3-4 year period.

He then visited Baycrest Park and noticed there are several concrete enclosed areas designed as planters and two are being cultivated. Commission Garay stated the Garden Club is taking care of those planters. The wild looking ones are under the Land Trust organization. These planters do not represent “Native” Alaska, they just look a mess and unkempt. He would like to advertise to have someone adopt these beds. It was suggested to have a better screening process on adoptive “Parents”. It really makes the appearance look bad.

Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that there is a process for adoption of the beds and Park Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty is in charge of that, they get volunteers to take care of the city’s flower beds and use plants from the City greenhouse at the High School.

There was a brief discussion on Community Gardens around the City.

Commissioner Garay will look into who adopted the other planters at Baycrest.

Commissioner Dickerson asked if the trail at Stream Hill Park was private or public. Planning Technician Engebretsen confirmed it was private.

There was no further discussion.

B. Karen Hornaday Master Plan

TOLVA/GARAY – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Commissioner Tolva stated that regarding the bridge for sale on the Spit for the amount they are asking the City could not locate one as good or build one for the price. There is also a bridge for sale in Seward. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that there are three ramps or bridges on the Spit. The ramp that was damaged by the big boat is the right size. She stated that the bridge that Commissioner Tolva was referring to was the wrong size. The bridge is under the Port & Harbor ownership and they would have to be approached on purchase or some sort of agreement. The bridge for sale in Seward is too large.

Chair Stewart stated that was one component of the Master Plan. He would like to address the following items:

1. List all the parks assets and user groups.

2. Contact main user group, Little League, to get their input for the Master Plan.

3. Review of the park’s history.

4. Review the objectives and justification of any new proposals.

5. Review current facilities.

6. Address the playground maintenance.

7. If the park fits local needs for current and 10-15 years in the future.

Some of the expenditures are very costly. There are some construction costs that will need to be reviewed with Public Works Director Meyer and developed further.

Commissioner Bremicker requested information on the revenue earned from the campground and if it would need expansion in the future. Planning Technician Engebretsen confirmed that it is occupied all summer to some degree.

Revenue is tracked in comparison to the Spit generated revenue.

Chair Stewart stated that the heaviest use of the park is in the Spring with the baseball season. This overlaps the camping and general use of the park from the tourist and residents. This creates heavier traffic and more safety issues. Chair Stewart approached the overhead photo of the park and pointed out a proposed second road access . Commissioner Tolva recommended a second bike-foot path access for the children to use. The Commissioners discussed the cost involved in building a new road, the likelihood of the children going farther to use the bike entrance and what type of path or trail would be better suited. Chair Stewart then proceeded to visually described a suggestion for changing the parking lot, which would allow more cars to park but then would need to address runoff and have higher costs involved.

Discussion ensued regarding removal of more alders for safety, increasing parking for the park, where additional parking could be placed; relocating existing buildings to increase parking; locking the gate to help prevent dumping and vandalism in the upper area; the upper area to the west could be developed and used as alternative entrance; drainage issues in multiple areas.

During the discussion it was recommended to address the park in areas or sections to facilitate ease in covering all aspects; access from the upper was not possible since it was too steep and not a public road; location of where the footbridge from the hospital was to be installed; the supporters of the bridge include hospital personnel; the hospital leases the land from the City; children from the community to the east would also access the bridge.

Chair Stewart would like to schedule another meeting to work on this master plan. Commissioner Tolva requested input on the suggestion from Ms Cumming to hire a professional park planner. That they are not a professional planner or engineers and have spent time mulling through things, but this needs someone who has the experience. Planning Technician Engebretsen agreed. Chair Stewart agreed but had reservations since they were to agree as a group what the best uses for this park would be then submit. Commissioner Bremicker commented that the list should be prioritized, get estimated costs and then submit to council and recommend they get a professional planner. Chair Stewart would like to create a brief history of the park, lists assets, a list of current and future user groups, list infrastructure that us need or repaired now, then list long term projects.

Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that would be the best approach it would all the group to pinpoint immediate repairs or upgrades and submit for the 2009 budget. If there is consensus she can take that and prepare a draft master plan for review and finalization at the next meeting.

Chair Stewart preferred to have two more meetings before submitting to Council at the July 28, 2009 meeting. The plan has to be included in the Council packet which is prepared on July 23, 2008. Discussion ensued regarding setting up a worksession on July 2, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. There was consensus that everyone was available. A packet will be available by Monday July 1, 2008. AS many user groups as possible should be invited.

There was no further discussion.

Chair Stewart called for a recess at 8:00 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 8:08 p.m.

C. WKFL Master Plan

TOLVA/BREMICKER – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM C UNDER PENDING BUSINESS.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Commissioner Tolva reported that she has finished gathering all the information. It is all in rough draft form and will be giving to Planning Technician Engebretsen for final draft preparation. She requested a copy of her notes. She would like to review the draft at the next meeting.

There was not further discussion.

D. Information from the Surveyor

This information is still not available from the surveyor. Planning Technician Engebretsen did not know when or if it would ever be available.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Crittenden Beach Access

TOLVA/BREMICKER – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Commissioner Tolva opened discussion by giving a brief history on the Beach Access. Since the deal did not go through the developer has made good his threat by wiping out all the trees from the property. She would like to do something with this access since it is one of the few beach accesses that the City did have; she said she knew that they had quite a few projects on their list but would like to keep this on the list for future work. She did not want this access to fall by the wayside.

Discussion ensued regarding keeping this as a public access. Status on the Steep Slope Development at the Planning Commission level; regulations regarding replanting after development; addressing zoning infractions without the proper documents in hand; who authorized the permits.

There was no further discussion.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. Alaska Trails Newsletter

B. News Release from City of Homer Re: Capital Improvement Plan

C. Resolution 08-XX Amending the Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan

Commissioner Tolva requested information on the new trails poster for “Responsible Trail Use” created by Anchorage; she would also like to find out more information on recommending the City send their support for the state funding the Alaska Trails Initiative program. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated she will check on whether this type of support is allowed but recommended each commissioner should act and submit their support on their own too.

Chair Stewart commented on the letter writing asking the Commissioners to go to the Department of Transportation website where they can post their comments regarding Ocean Drive and pedestrian issues. He was informed that it was the best avenue to get their concerns heard.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Ms. Beth Cumming, city resident, commented that she is very interested in the Karen Hornaday Park. She feels that the current parking would be removed and new parking installed to the right of the road. She measured the area for parking at Jack Gist; she noted the number of ball fields at each park and commented that the are set aside for parking at Karen Hornaday was twice the amount set aside a tJack Gist Park. She requested clarification on the pile of dirt that Chair Stewart was talking about, since the only dirt there is almost a finished parking lot. She would like to know if there will be at the next meeting consideration given to the vast amount of land designated as parking and if it is needed. She does not want the Commission to rush completion of the Master Plan and not spending adequate time as required. She emphasized hiring a professional planner. She does not agree with putting in any more roads.

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that there is not enough parking at the Jack Gist Park. She believes that after the work is started on the East End Road by the Department of Transportation they will address the parking.

Deputy City Clerk Krause had no comments.

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

Commissioner Lentfer resigned her position as a Commissioner due to her work schedule.

Commissioner Tolva stated Chair Stewart has the help of the Commission just not last Tuesday. She agreed with Commissioner Garay on hiring a professional planner. She commented that she remembers the time and work in regards to the Non-motorized Trails program. Karen Hornaday Park is at that point now. It is time to hire a professional. She thanked Chair Stewart for his dedicated work.

Commissioner Dickerson thanked Chair Stewart for taking all this on and all his work.

Commissioner Gunther stated there will be hundreds of thousand if dollars spent on parking lots alone in the Park. He would like to know what the revenue has been collected so far this year. If can help decide if the campground needs to be enlarged. He apologized for missing the meeting last month.

Commissioner Garay commented she agreed with hiring a professional planner.

Chair Stewart agreed also but that document needs review, streamlining and definition by the commission before giving it to a professional person. He stated that he is tired of talking and wants to get it done. There is a large group of volunteers that are ready now and the Commission should get this finished. He can use all the help. He cannot do it alone.

Commissioner Bremicker commented that the Park is the oldest, largest and main park for the City. The City needs to fix up this park and deal with the safety issues, etc.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Commission Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m., A worksession is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall on July 2, 2008 and the next regular meeting is at 6:30 pm on July 17, 2008 in the Cowles Council Chambers at City Hall located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

APPROVED: