Session 06-03, a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on March 16, 2006 at 6:35 pm by Chair Poore at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:       COMMISSIONER GANN, POORE, TOLVA, HAMIK,

 

ABSENT:        COMMISSIONER MCCALLUM, STEWART (Excused)

 

STAFF:            PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                        DEPUTY CITY CLERK JACOBSEN

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

           

            A.        Unapproved Minutes of February 16, 2006

 

The minutes were approved as written by consensus of the Commission.                                               

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA.

 

STAFF REPORT                  

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen advised the Commission of the upcoming Soils workshop that will be held in the Council Chambers and Troy Duffin will be at Islands and Ocean Visitor Center from 12:00 to 1:30 on April 4th.  A time has not been scheduled yet for Mr. Duffin to meet with the City.  She reminded the Commission that the clock is ticking for Park Day. 

 

Chair Poore asked if the CoHOST is getting copies of the Commission’s agenda.  Mrs. Engebretsen said she would forward them to Lindsey Winkler.

 

Commissioner Tolva commented that not being able to get trees for Park Day will be bad.  Planning Technician Engebretsen reported that she had no new updates regarding trees since her staff report.  Chair Poore commented that she spoke to Hans Klausner and was told the Division of Forestry will not be buying the seedlings this year because it involves too much coordination to get them and maintain them.  He suggested a nursery in Clam Gulch and the Global Relief Project, but Chair Poore pointed out that they have no funding to purchase trees.  Lindsey Winkler suggested that the Tree Stewards might be able to talk to the Soil and Conservation District to see if something could be worked out. 

                                                           

 

VISITORS

 

Bumppo Bremicker, City resident, spoke to the Commission regarding the Town Center Plan.  He said he has followed the Town Center Development Committee and expressed his appreciation for their work.  He handed out a map to the Commission and provided a copy for the record.  In reference to his map, Mr. Bremicker stated that he believes that Homer needs a central park in the Town Center.  He explained that presently there are plans to have several smaller parks in the area, but feels it would better serve the community to take the area of the smaller parks and make it one large park.  The map he presented had an outline of a proposed area for a central park.  He explained that there would be area above the park for residential development and below the park for commercial development, adding that having the residential development above would help the central park to be a safer and cleaner area because there will be developments looking out over the park.  Mr. Bremicker stated that the City needs to take more of a stand with CIRI, because the City has a lot to offer them.  He suggested the idea that they could pursue trading land and more negotiations to accomplish what is best for the City.  He said that he had figured some time before that it would be about 8 acres, commenting that the location for Fred Meyer may need to be shifted to make best use of the area.  He added that there is room for everyone; it just may need to be adjusted.

 

Commissioner Tolva asked if he had spoken to Barb Seaman with the Land Trust.  He replied that he had at the Town Center meetings and she had said it was a good idea, but it wasn’t going to happen and he is not sure why.  He speculated that one reason is because there are several different land owners and are having to work with their needs.  He reiterated that CIRI doesn’t have to be in control and the City should take more of an equal stance in the negotiation.  If the City says they want a central park there, he believes they can make it happen. 

 

Commissioner Tolva commented that it was her understanding that they were trying to design the area in way that people could walk to all the areas.  Mr. Bremicker felt that the area could accommodate it as it is not that big.  He commented that in any city it’s the parks that add the value.  He added that the issue of connecting to Pioneer Avenue has not been addressed yet, but this development is in the center of town, close to Pioneer Avenue, the post office, library, Safeway and the new Fred Meyer.  Everything is within walking distance and a park will add value and make it a real town center.  Mr. Bremicker added that the area there is a perfect spot, he envisions creeks in there, perhaps a pond for skating in the winter, street vendors in the summer, the opportunities would be endless.  He believes that the decision to allow development in the central area is a decision that the City will regret later on. 

 

Chair Poore asked Planning Technician Engebretsen if there is a timeline for designing the first trail.  Mrs. Engebretsen responded with an update on Town Center.  She advised the Commission that adoption of the Town Center Plan is up for the second public hearing and second reading at the Council meeting March 28th and that is presumably when the City will adopt the plan.  The resolution provided in tonight’s packet was the Council assigning work to help facilitate the development happening, but there is no specific timeline.  She continued that for the City to construct a trail there needs to be an approved plan and a budget in place. It takes a significant amount of time to make it happen.  Chair Poore asked if it would be feasible to look at Mr. Bremicker’s ideas on their next agenda.  Mrs. Engebretsen said it would be too late as the plan, as it is written will likely be adopted on the 28th.  There was question as to what was being approved.  Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that in the plan there are two designs for Town Center.  They have slightly different road configurations and other slightly different things going on.  She pointed out that the only consistent trail in the designs is labeled as the “Kilcher Trail” that would branch off Poopdeck adjacent to Grubstake.  She expressed her understanding that the other trails are tied into the locations of the roads.  The idea of having a trail started early in the development is to get the public moving through the site and taking some ownership and interest in it.  She is unsure how to best facilitate that right now, because until it is established how the roads will be designed and constructed, it wouldn’t be feasible to spend a lot of money on a trail that may have to be dug up.  Mrs. Engebretsen explained that in both plans the total area for parks is about four and a half acres, made up of pocket parks and larger parks, but nothing central or the size Mr. Bremicker spoke of.  She said it is not a matter of picking plan a or b, but a conceptual design of two different possibilities and the final Town Center development doesn’t have to be either plan specifically, but will have the features included like north, south, east and west connections, trails and so forth.  The pictures are for people to look at and get an idea of the concept and intent. 

 

Chair Poore clarified that if they wanted to encourage a large central park, effort would have to be made prior to the adoption on the 28th.  Planning Technician Engebretsen concurred, the reason being that a large central park is not part of the Town Center Plan. 

 

There was discussion among some of the Commissioners that they were under the impression that a central park was an idea being considered in the plan and expressed interest in finding a way to pursue that idea.  It was established that if they are interested in lobbying this idea, they could speak during the public hearing on the 28th. 

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that during the time she was involved with the Town Center Development Committee and the plan was created this way, she recalled the park spaces being clustered around the areas that were not as ideal for development.  She noted that one plan does have a larger park, but not a central park. 

 

Mr. Bremicker concurred that the terrain does say were certain things need to be, but that the development could go anywhere, easier than the park could go anywhere.  The park needs more of the contours and viewscapes, drainages and so forth, than the development. 

 

Commissioner Gann commented to his belief that if the City owned all of the land it would be easier to say they want to centralize a park and so forth, but they don’t and therefore have to work with multiple land owners in the area to make this happen, which makes it more difficult to come up with a central idea.  This process has been ongoing for many years. 

Not all of the Commissioners were prepared to take an action at the meeting to recommend this concept to Council, and some expressed regret at not putting forth more effort in staying current with the plan. 

 

Chair Poore reiterated that anyone who wants to make public comment regarding this concept can do so at the public hearing of the City Council on March 28th.  She thanked Mr. Bremicker for his comments at the meeting. 

 

Lindsey Winkler reminded the Commission that Troy Duffin will be in Homer on April 4th and asked them to help spread the word.  She expressed her appreciation to the Kachemak Board of Realtors for becoming a sponsor of the event.  She reiterated that the soils workshop is coming up and asked that people coming bring a finger food or snack.  She said NRCS soils scientists will be coming to discuss the different issues related to soils and how they help and hinder the thriving of the plants in this area.  She commented that she attended part of the Trails Committee meeting earlier in the week.  She stated her understanding that the issue of historical trails is a huge one and knows that the Commission is dealing with it in conjunction with the ordinance to implement the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan (HNMTTP) into code.  She said coming out of the Trails meeting with the five areas they established as a priority to work on was great, she believes they could have more meetings on the historical trails issue and put something together to use as a model for the area.  Ms. Winkler stated her belief that the draft ordinance in the packet could move forward faster than that.  She encouraged the Commission to look at ways to move the ordinance forward and get it on the books for future development and work on the historical trails along the way.  She said it is her belief that taking historical trails out of the ordinance won’t diminish its importance if the commitment to address the issue is still there.  She advised the Commission that the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District just went through a strategic planning session and their top priority now for their recreational program is to help develop the trail network in town and in the surrounding areas.  She can help provide real support to the Commission now through the district.  She feels there is a lot of momentum behind the historical trails and hates to see the ordinance slowed down because of it. 

 

Ms. Winkler reminded the Commission about the upcoming Trails Weekend and to keep it in mind with their discussion of the upcoming Park Day.  She said they are working on a list of events and she will share that with them.  She commented the last CoHOST meeting was very

successful and she came out of it with the idea that a meeting between the Trails Committee and CoHOST on how to move forward would be a good next step and hopes that can be discussed at the next Trails Committee meeting.  It may be a good option seeing as CoHOST meets about the same time of the month. 

 

Commissioner Hamik thanked Ms. Winkler for her work.  There was discussion regarding Mr. Duffin’s visit and the Soil Meeting, reiterating schedules and times.  There was also brief discussion reiterating the importance of moving the draft ordinance regarding the HNMTTP forward and being able to focus on historical trails separately and in the most effective way possible.

PENDING BUSINESS

           

A.                 Implementation of the Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan

 

TOLVA/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A UNDER PENDING BUSINESS.

 

There was no discussion on the motion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

There was discussion regarding the best way to take out the references to historical trails.  Planning Technician Engebretsen addressed the concern that the historical access issue would not die away by pointing out that this is what is in the HNMTTP, so it is not a now or never issue.  She added that there is more urgency to change other aspects of the Code.  Mrs. Engebretsen suggested the Commission could add historical trails to their worklist. 

 

Commissioner Tolva asked if it would be feasible to reference the five areas that were discussed at the last trails meeting in the ordinance.  Planning Technician Engebretsen responded that there will be enough concerns about the rest of the ordinance in the development community and others in town, that including that would likely be too much at this point. 

 

There was discussion whether to bring the revised draft ordinance to the next meeting or forward it on to the Planning Commission. 

 

GANN/HAMIK MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO STRIKE THE REFERENCES TO HISTORICAL ACCESS ROUTES AND FORWARD THE DRAFT ORDINANCE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. 

 

Commissioner Tolva questioned if this was a good time as Commissioner Stewart is doing some research.  It was clarified that they are just separating the historical trails out of the ordinance right now and that is an important distinction.  It is not the Commission’s intent to lose the historical routes portion; they are simply separating it out, to address it more directly. Commissioner Gann recommended when this comes before the Planning Commission perhaps one of the Parks and Recreation Commissioners should attend to explain that it was separated out to get the ordinance moving forward. 

 

There was further discussion as to whether they were ready to move this forward.  Planning Technician Engebretsen pointed out that the portion of the draft Commissioner Tolva expressed concern with is specific to areas zoned CBD, GC1, PUD’s.  Mrs. Engebretsen stated she is unaware of any historical access routes in those specific locations.  Ms. Tolva countered that there may still be something there.

 

Commissioner Hamik called for the question. 

 

VOTE:  YES:  POORE, GANN, HAMIK, TOLVA

 

Motion carried. 

 

B.                 Emerald Park  

 

GANN/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B UNDER PENDING BUSINESS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann questioned if the neighborhood had met to discuss this yet.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reminded the Commission that at the last meeting they had discussed putting together some development options and have a neighborhood meeting to discuss the options. 

 

Concern was expressed by Commissioners concerning the lack of definition for terms like open space, green space and et cetera.   Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested the cleanest way to deal with it is when they bring a resolution forth for the park plan, to specify in the resolution what is meant by greenbelt, open space and so on.

 

Commissioner Gann commented that based on the input they have received so far, getting everyone to sign the quit claim may be a difficult task and they will need to have a very minimal plan.  There seemed to be hesitation for anything that may draw public in from outside the neighborhood.  There was brief discussion of the following options:

  • Do nothing with the land.
  • Minimal clearing of dead trees to create a safe environment and possibly plant new trees over time.
  • Create a minimal open are with a park bench.

 

A letter could be sent out with those options and the understanding that the neighborhood would hold their own private meeting and report back to the Commission what their preferred option is. 

 

GANN/TOLVA MOVED TO ASK STAFF TO SEND A LETTER OUT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD WITH THE THREE SCENARIOS, Do nothing with the land, minimal clearing of dead trees to create a safe environment and possibly plant new trees over time, or create a minimal open are with a park bench AND SUBMIT THE LETTER TO THEM WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY WILL GET TOGETHER WITH THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD, DISCUSS THOSE OPTIONS AND RESPOND WITHIN A TWO MONTH TIME FRAME.

 

The Commission agreed to revisit this item in September.  

 

VOTE:  YES:  NON OBJECTION:  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

C.                 Policy for Naming any Parks and Recreation Spaces Maintained by the City  

 

TOLVA/GANN MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM C.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Tolva expressed her agreement with amending and using the Anchorage policy.

 

The Commission agreed to discuss this further at the next meeting as Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty has been out of town and the Commission wants to have her feedback.

 

D.                 Work List        

 

GANN/ TOLVA MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM D UNDER PENDING BUSINESS, THE WORKLIST. 

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

The following items were added to the worklist under short term projects:

·        Town Center Poopdeck to Main Street Trail.

·        Review Park Policy for WKFL Park for master park plan.

·        Research and Document Historic Trails.

·        Update Park Plan for Hornaday Park to add the T-Ball field.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen said she has had discussion with Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty regarding a master park plan and will ask her to provide input for their next meeting.  She will have information for the T-Ball field for the Commission at the April meeting. 

 

Commissioner Tolva requested historic trails be on the Commission’s worklist as a reminder to the Trails Committee. 

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen pointed out the 2007 wish list at the bottom of the work list. She explained that if there are ideas they have for the budget or on going ideas to jot them down so they will be ready to address them timely for the 2007 budget. 

 

Commissioner Hamik asked to note on the worklist that there is no sign on the Fairview Trail and Spit Trail.  There was brief discussion of whether there should be a sign noting that the Seafarer’s Memorial is a City Park and they decided that it is noted on the parks and trails map as a City Park and that would be sufficient.  It was questioned whether Ben Walter’s has a sign and Planning Technician Engebretsen said she would find out by the next meeting.

                                                                                     

E.                  Trails Committee Report

 

GANN/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM E.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Tolva commented that they had discussed the historical trail issue, which they have already gone over.  She added that Ms. Winkler and her group have been doing all kinds of wonderful things.  She reported that the next meeting is scheduled for April 18th at 5:30 pm. 

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS

 

A.                 Bylaw Amendment

 

GANN/TOLVA MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A BYLAW AMENDMENT.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

 

Commissioner Gann commented that he had requested this change because he feels it would be beneficial to have the packets available for pick up on Friday before the meeting.  With his work schedule he would like to have the weekend to review the information.  The Commission agreed that would be a good idea.

 

GANN/TOLVA MOVED TO FORWARD THE BYLAW AMENDMENT TO THE APRIL MEETING FOR APPROVAL.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

B.                 Land Allocation Plan Worksession Report

 

GANN/TOLVA MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Poore reported that there was some discussion of the overslope on the spit.  She asked the Commission to keep in everyone’s mind that the Spit Trail is there and it needs to be included in any overslope development.  

 

Chair Poore called for a short recess at 8:11 pm.  The meeting resumed at 8:14 pm.

 

Other items Chair Poore reported on were

·        Greenbelt and Drainage protecting Bidarki Creek.  It is a landlocked parcel by Highland.

·        Lillian Wali Estates, there are lots that the City has gained through tax foreclosure and Council request Parks and Recreation select one to keep as a park lot.  It hadn’t been done previously because of the wetlands mapping.  A map of the lots will be provided at the next meeting.

·        A City owned lot above Hornaday Park that is land locked and a corner of it meets the park.  There was question if the corner could be widened to create a pedestrian connection as it may be one of the historical access routes discussed at the Trails meeting.  It was mentioned that the City has been approached about selling the lot to a property owner of an adjoining lot. 

·        A narrow lot above Bishops Beach that the City should retain for beach access.  Suggestion was made that the lot be added to the Beach Policy list.

 

TOLVA/HAMIK MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION RECOMMEND TO THE CITY TO RETAIN THE PARCEL NUMBER 175-200-09 FOR PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS. 

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Poore commented that another item discussed is parking for the Spit Trail.  She said Council is hesitant to use the DOT parcel on the west side of the road because it encourages people to cross the street and poses a safety issue.  She said an idea that was brought forward is to fill the ditch area next to the current parking to develop more space.

 

Chair Poore said the Mayor spoke about appointing commission seats at the worksession.  It was questioned if anyone had applied for the open Parks and Rec seat.  Deputy City Clerk Jacobsen reported that Barbara Howard had submitted a data sheet. 

 

C.                 Park Day

 

TOLVA/HAMIK MOVED TO DISCUSS PARK DAY.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission discussed ideas for Park Day the following suggestions were made:

·        Planning something to coincide with the trails event Ms. Winkler has spoke of.

·        Having it in a location down in town that is more visible, like WKFL or Triangle Park.

·        Have bright colored banners for the kids to paint that can be hung at the parks.

·        Trails and Parks Maps.

·        Scavenger Hunt and Coloring.

·        Tents and Display Boards.

·        Park Clean Up.

·        Request $300for advertising and materials, since requested funding was not approved in the 2006 budget.

·        A Community Picnic where people will bring their lunch.

·        Music.

 

TOLVA/HAMIK MOVED THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ALONG WITH THE CITY OF HOMER SPONSOR THE SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY PARK DAY ON JUNE 3, 2006 FROM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM.

 

There was brief discussion of funding and revising the last Park Day resolution to fit the needs for this year.

 

GANN/HAMIK MOVED TO AMEND TO ADD TO WRITE UP A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT TO CITY COUNCIL.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

There was no further discussion of the main motion.

 

VOTE (Main motion as Amended):  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann suggested having ideas ready and start working on leads for donations of supplies for the next meeting. 

 

            D.        Resolution 05-95(A) Acknowledging the Town Center Development Committee Report-Plan, and Directing the Initiation of the First Action Items in the Town Center Development Plan.

 

HAMIK/TOLVA MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM D. RESOLUTION 05-96

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Poore clarified that this is for the work to establish the trail from Poopdeck to Main Street.  Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended that the Commission could direct staff to do to design the trail and budget to present to the Commission.  Commissioner Tolva suggested a meandering trail with lots of brush.  There was discussion of the possibility of incorporating a ski trail for use in the winter, some type of multi use non motorized trail.  Another suggestion was for the trail to go from the Kilcher easement, up and across the City land. It would be high enough to maintain the view and is a relatively flat area.  Commissioner Tolva reiterated the importance of wooded areas along the trail.

 

It was suggested to forward a memorandum to Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty requesting she look at a possible trail corridor from Poopdeck to Main Street.  Planning Technician Engebretsen said she will prepare a drawing to show Ms. Hagerty what the Commission discussed.  They agreed not to put a specific timeframe on the request as Ms. Hagerty is getting busier in preparing for spring and summer.

 

TOLVA/HAMIK MOVED TO FORWARD A MEMORANDUM TO PARKS MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR HAGERTY REQUESTING THAT SHE LOOK AT THE POSSIBLE TRAIL CORRIDOR FROM POOPDECK TO MAIN STREET ALONG THE KILCHER EASEMENT, MAINTAINING TREES AND VIEW.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.

 

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

 

A.        City Council Meeting Minutes February 13 and February 27 Regular Meeting

            B.         January Public Arts Committee Synopsis                                              

            C.        Resolution 06-30 Supporting HB 415  

            D.        National Trail Management Class Schedule      

            E.         2006 City Council Meeting Attendance Schedule                     

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

Mr. Bremicker commented that Resolution 05-95(A) acknowledges the Town Center Report Plan.  He questioned the meaning of acknowledgment of the plan.  Planning Technician Engebretsen clarified that this resolution does not mean the plan is adopted; it is Councils way of recognizing the plan and start moving forward on some of the concepts.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner Hamik thanked staff for their help and the Commission for a great meeting.  

 

Commissioner Tolva thanked staff and the Commission.  She thanked Mr. Bremicker for coming to their meeting.  Ms. Tolva commented that the Homer Racing Association is having a dynamite year racing on the ice and one of the things she appreciates is seeing the teenagers out there interacting with older people and groups of teenagers together that don’t usually interact.  She encouraged everyone to go on Sundays from noon to 3pm.

 

Commissioner Gann commented that he attended the City Council meeting on the 13th.  They adopted the resolution supporting HB 415 for the trails on their consent agenda and letters will be sent to the Governor, Borough Mayor and other Mayors and officials throughout the Borough.  He commented that he had done some research on definitions for things like parks, green belts and found that there are hundreds of definitions for each thing.  He said he will continue to research this and bring information back to the meeting for discussion.  He stated that something needs to be put together for the City and public’s sake. 

 

Commissioner Poore shared an article that she found in the Homer News regarding the awarding of recreational trails grants that have been awarded.  She read the brief article and provided a copy for the record.  The article states that there are grant funds available and it may be something the City should look into.  She thanked everyone for their work this evening. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2006 at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

 

                                                                                   

MELISSA JACOBSEN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: