Session 05-03, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on March 17, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Daugharty at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: DAUGHARTY, GANN, HAMIK, MCCALLUM POORE, STEWART

ABSENT: TOLVA (excused)

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: BAECHLER (excused)

STAFF: DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON

CITY MANAGER WREDE PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

AGENDA APPROVAL

The agenda was amended to add Poopdeck Sign Trail Update under COMMISSION BUSINESS as Item C and Lot 79 Ocean Drive Loop as Item D.

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Unapproved Minutes of February 17, 2005

The Regular Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2005 were approved by consensus of the Commission.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

STAFF REPORT

Planning Technician Engebretsen was present.

VISITORS

A. City Manager Wrede, Re: Sales Tax Issue

City Manager Wrede addressed the Commission stating that he and City Councilmembers have been talking about the special election on March 22, 2005. There are broad implications for the future of trails and parks associated with the outcome. He asked the Commission if they had any remaining questions about the ballot proposition. City Manager Wrede explained the ballot only contains the sales tax proposition and does not include the lower property tax mil rate. He said the reduced mil rate is included in the ordinance that Council passed enabling the City to hold an election. City Manager Wrede has been trying to get the word out about the property tax mil rate reduction in the event of a favorable vote for the sales tax increase. He added that the 1% mil rate reduction is not intended for just this year, as it is anticipated the sales tax will generate enough revenue to allow the mil rate decrease.

When asked by the Commission if the proposition will pass, City Manager Wrede responded he is now hearing more positive remarks about it. He explained a coalition that includes Friends of Homer and other non-profit organizations has been formed to get the word out. Parks and Recreation Commissioners are encouraged to lend their support for the proposition. City Manager Wrede said it was embarrassing to sit before the Commission and tell them there was no money for park upgrades. He said everything is being done by volunteers even though the Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan (NMTTP) passed last year. He said there is a lot of mileage from volunteers, but they too become overtaxed.

City Manager Wrede clarified the property tax mil rate reduction is only for property owners within the City. The City has no control over the Borough. He said although Homer’s population is around 5,300, the service area encompasses 12,000 people. The intent of the sales tax increase is to balance the users of such services as Community Schools and the Animal Shelter, with visitors and residents outside the City limits paying the additional sales tax.

Commissioner Hamik said she already cast her affirmative vote and always comes to the City in support of the non-profit organizations. Commissioner Poore said the comments she has heard on the street include that taxing lower income people hits them proportionately harder. She questioned if it was possible to have a sales tax that exempts food and medical. City Manager Wrede said he had heard of the regressive impact too, and explained there are tradeoffs, that being one of the downsides of sales tax.

Chair Daugharty thanked City Manager Wrede for working hard on the proposition issue. Mr. Wrede responded that the Council and Mayor are also stepping up, as they all care about the quality of life in Homer.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. M/O Reconsider Crittenden Dr. ROW

Commissioner Poore explained the Crittenden Drive ROW is under reconsideration as no public notice was given on last month’s agenda. Planning Technician Engebretsen told the Commission the developer had pulled the plat and it was now a moot point. Commissioner McCallum said the Commission as a group had clearly voiced their concern of wanting the City to maintain their easements and ROWs.

City Manager Wrede said one attractive aspect of the proposal was the stairway. He wishes the City had the funds to build a stairway to the beach as it has to be accessed by private land and is eroding. He too agrees the City shouldn’t give up ROWs. Commissioner Gann said the parcel is a crucial piece of land for access and is great for a small parking area and trail.

POORE/HAMIK – MOVED TO RECONSIDER MOTION.

Commissioner Poore said she would feel more comfortable addressing specific situations more than blanket situations, being specific on each easement that comes up.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

HAMIK/GANN – THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMEND MAINTAINING THE SIXTY-FOOT PUBLIC ROW AT CRITTENDEN DRIVE ACCESSING THE BEACH WITH THE INTENT TO PROVIDE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A PARKING AREA AND TRAIL ACCESS TO THE BEACH.

VOTE: YES. MCCALLUM, GANN, DAUGHARTY, POORE, HAMIK, STEWART

Motion carried.

B. Community Park Day

Commissioner McCallum reported she spoke to the president of the Little League about a benefit fundraising event for the park. Mrs. McCallum’s idea was a Battle of the Bands, ages 18 and under, with any funds raised going to the park. There are enough young people involved in music and many of them are not able to get into the high school program or Jubilee. She said it would get young people involved in raising money for their own park. Commissioner McCallum said it could be done on Community Park Day with little expense.

Planning Technician Engebretsen said after speaking with Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty she learned that the park area may be too wet at that time of year to host such an event. Additionally the City may not have the facilities needed, including generators to create power. Mrs. Engebretsen suggested a music event for the teens later in the season. Commissioner McCallum said she would be interested in coordinating an event like that. She said Community Park Day needs an activity for the kids that use the park.

When asked about a work party on Community Park Day for the T-ball field, Chair Daugharty answered his concern is the combination of a festive and work party. He said although people may show up to work they may drift off to listen to bands or eat hotdogs.

Planning Technician Engebretsen said the different activities suggested so far are:

T-ball fields

Painting trash cans

Working with the Boy Scouts for a tree give-a-way

Cleaning out the Karen Hornaday Park area to prepare for planting

Commissioner Hamik suggested a bonfire at the park. The Commission discussed the idea and decided it was too hazardous for the time of year.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for Woodard Creek Park was mentioned and Commissioner Stewart said he had talked with Heather Beggs at the Pratt Museum. They had talked about a large culvert to contain the creek with a walkway on the side. He learned from Kenton Bloom that the Pratt plans to install trail systems this summer. Commissioner Stewart suggested a walk from Karen Hornaday Park to Woodard Creek and the museum. He said there is a lot of firewood in the Spruceview and Woodard Creek area, and thought the area would be a good spot for a large bonfire.

Commissioner McCallum reiterated the need of activities for kids. She said a trail run could be done as a scavenger hunt, setting up a motivation at the end of the trail. Mrs. McCallum said Community Park Day will need a coordinator. The Commission decided to keep the event small with a few activities. They are to get the word out, invite people and find out what other events are happening that day. The Commission decided to schedule a Worksession for further discussions for Community Park Day.

MCCALLUM/POORE – MOVED TO CALL A SPECIAL WORKSESSION ON MARCH 30, 2005 FROM NOON THROUGH 1:00 P.M. TO DISCUSS IDEAS ABOUT SCHEDULING AND COORDINATING COMMUNITY PARK DAY.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES. POORE, STEWART, GANN, DAUGHARTY, HAMIK, MCCALLUM

Motion carried.

Commissioner Hamik reported that Hans Klausner of the Soil and Water Conservation District applied for a $300 grant for tree seedlings. There are several species of trees available for purchase. Hans Klausner is planning to have a table for Community Park Day with handouts and planting and maintenance tips for trees. Additionally there is an “orchard walk” and a tree planting maintenance workshop that evening.

C. Park Survey

Commissioner McCallum asked if she could meet with Planning Technician Engebretsen to work up the park survey and present the initial drawing. She said there is someone willing to draw a fun and welcoming map that clearly defines the parks. Planning Technician Engebretsen said she is very willing to meet with Commissioners McCallum and Stewart to discuss the park survey.

D. Trails Committee Report

Commissioner Hamik reported the Committee had a great meeting Tuesday night with seven to eight people in attendance. Items discussed were new developers providing trails for pedestrians and bikers and the need for rules for new subdivisions.

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported she has talked to City Planner McKibben about incorporating portions of the NMTTP for the subdivision code.

City Manager Wrede said trails plans in the subdivision code creates leverage to leave easements for trails.

Planning Technician Engebretsen said she learned the new transportation study will be out later this spring. City Manager Wrede said the Department of Transportation sent the city a work plan with public hearings, public comments and appearances in Homer. He urged the Commissioners to get involved in the public meetings. They are to look at all the intersections to determine if stop lights, flashing lights or roundabouts are a possibility.

Commissioner Hamik said the Trails Committee discussed the senior citizen trail and more research is being completed on Svedlund. The next Trails Committee meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. in the Cowles Council Chambers.

E. Roundabouts

Roundabouts were discussed in the Trails Committee report.

COMMISSION BUSINESS

A. Right-of-Way Brush Cutting

Commissioner Hamik suggested the brush cutting issue be postponed to next month’s agenda to allow Ginger Tornes to speak. Commissioner McCallum said she would like to have information from the City as she suspects there is a sound reason for the time and money spent on brush cutting. Planning Technician Engebretsen said brush cutting is an administrative issue and she asked the Commission to consider what they want to spend their time on. The Commission decided this subject was not in the realm of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

MCCALLUM/POORE - ALTHOUGH THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BRUSH CUTTING IS NOT SOMETHING WITHIN THE REALM OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

B. T-Ball Park Plan

Chair Daugharty reported he has spent many rainy lunch hours at the park with Parks Maintenance Coordinator Tammy Hagerty trying to orient home base so the parents can be close to the batters. When a work party is formed the weeds will be cut down and the base pass will be rototilled. He said Ms. Hagerty is to talk with the park maintenance contractors to see if the mowing may be included in their current bid. He said it will be a place for little kids to play with their parents accompanying them on the field.

C. Poopdeck Trail Sign Update

Commissioner Hamik reported Dave Anderson will be meeting with Leo Vait to draw up a work list for supplies to start reconstructing the signs. She said she will talk to Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty of their intent to construct the signs.

D. Lot 79 Ocean Drive Loop

Planning Technician Engebretsen provided maps for the Commissioners showing city-owned lots. She explained Lot 79 is 30% low value wetland and 70% upland and part of a water and sewer LID. Mrs. Engebretsen said Lot 79 is suitable for a house. She explained it will cost the City money for the LID. There are three lots the city owns, including the developable lot and two seawall lots gained through tax foreclosure. The City also acquired the water and sewer and seawall assessments.

City Manager Wrede told the Commission the two seawall lots will remain for public use. There is twenty to thirty feet left on the bluff and planting vegetation, replacing trees and providing park benches could make it a community place. As to Lot 79, there was discussion about it being reserved for a pocket park, although it was not designated that way. The Council is looking for direction on the lot as they are trying to get some parcels back on the tax rolls.

Commissioner Gann said the Commission addressed the two seawall lots determining there was not adequate area for a park or parking. He would like to see Lot 79 as a pocket park. It is mostly wooded and would take some work to remove the dead trees, but it would make a beautiful site.

HAMIK/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO RETAIN LOT 79 FOR A FUTURE POCKET PARK.

Commissioner Gann asked to put the item on next month’s agenda to allow the Commissioners to familiarize themselves with the site and allow public comment if wanted.

VOTE: YES. HAMIK

VOTE: NO. MCCALLUM, GANN, DAUGHARTY, POORE STEWART

Motion failed.

City Manager Wrede said the seawall lots could accommodate a bench or two in the limited area. They are a great access point for the beach, but there is no room for parking. The feedback from the neighborhood is that they didn’t want to attract visitors due to the parking concerns. Commissioner Gann said it is a rough area where the ocean hits hard and he would be surprised to see a stairway built to the beach that would remain. He said it is a steep slope with a 25 ft. drop and could be a dangerous spot. People would need to be deterred from the edge, as it is prone to break away.

It was the consensus of the Commission to place Lot 79 Ocean Drive Loop on next month’s agenda under PENDING BUSINESS.

City Manager Wrede reported the City Council had talked about the State parcel on the Spit and determined too many people would be crossing Kachemak Drive and Spit Road. They had suggested looking into filling tidelands across Kachemak Drive to permit parking. He said it is clearly wetlands and for safety sake, people would be right at the trailhead rather than crossing the streets. The Council did acknowledge the need for more parking in the area.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. City Council Minutes Special & Regular Meeting February 28, 2005 (Unapproved)

B. Letter and Certificate of Appointment for Lou Stewart

C. Letter from USDA Forest Service Re: Collaborative Learning Workshops

D. Memorandum 05-43(S) and Memorandums Re: Community Park Day

F. Memorandum Re: Homer Spit Road Right-of-Way

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Kenton Bloom, city resident, said he has been working with Chair Daugharty to make a trail system around the middle school. It is functional for cross country running and skiing. He has been involved with Tim Daugharty and Sandra Hudson in the development. There is an earth worker interested in helping develop a portion as the community trail system, with the interior as the school system. Mr. Bloom has a resolution from the Board of Directors of Pratt Museum supporting the collaborative efforts of non-profits and schools for the NMTTP. The school trail is to be connected from the school to the museum and Pioneer Avenue. At the end of Fairview Avenue there is an undeveloped ROW adjacent to the new subdivision. With the hospital’s expansion project they are designing a trail along the north side of the building to make it a continuous route to Karen Hornaday Park. One of the biggest obstacles the City has is legal trail access and the language and process of accepting easements. The easements can be brought into the transportation matrix as formal extensions and it may take formality from the City to designate the trails for community use. There could be classifications on the types of trails and they could be certified. Without a mechanism in place there would be trails with no management policy or development policy. Mr. Bloom said the Commissioners are key players to get that piece in place.

Commissioner Hamik expressed her approval and appreciation for the work being done. Commissioner Stewart concurred and stated the Trails Committee is working on language for the Council.

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Poore said she heard Kenton Bloom say it wouldn’t necessarily take money. She questioned if the language the Trails Committee is working on for the trails will be enough to assure the development and management policy is in place.

Chair Daugharty said he feels more comfortable about the trails issue than he has in twenty years because it’s the first time a planning person and the City Manager have both attended the Parks and Recreation Commission’s meetings. As long as people are talking they are aware of it and the process is moving along. The Commissioners said Julie Engebretsen has been a tremendous help with putting together all the reference material for trails.

Commissioner Gann welcomed Commissioner Stewart, saying it was great to have him on board and that he was dedicated even before he became a Commissioner.

Commissioner Poore agreed that Commissioner Stewart has a perfect perspective from working on roads. She said he sees easements and can point things out the Commission wouldn’t be aware of otherwise. She said she appreciates the time, energy and interest Commissioner Stewart has put in.

Commissioner Hamik echoed her appreciation at welcoming Commissioner Stewart, adding that he is a great electrician too.

Chair Daugharty thanked Planning Technician Engebretsen for the work she does, saying the Commission appreciates it.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

____________________________________

JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Approved: ________________________