PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION UNAPPROVED

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 20, 2008

Session 08-02 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm on March 20, 2008 by Vice Chair Bremicker at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONER BREMICKER, GARAY, TOLVA, LENTFER, GUNTHER

ABSENT: COMMISSIONER DICKERSON, STEWART (EXCUSED)

STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

AGENDA APPROVAL

TOLVA/LENTFER – MOVE TO ADD NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL PLAN UNDER PENDING BUSINESS, ITEM C.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. January 18, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes

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

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA (3 Minute Time Limit)

None.

VISITORS

None.

STAFF REPORT

A. March 2008 Staff Report

a. Reber Trail Funding

i. Award Letter from the Department of Natural Resources

ii. Media Release dated February 20, 2008

b. Trail Criteria Manual –

a. Forest Glen/West Homer Elementary Trail

b. Employees

c. Parks Coordinator Hagerty

d. Hawkweed

e. Karen Hornaday Park

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported the following:

A $50,000 grant was received from the State to construct the Reber trail; it will be sent out for design this year and construction will be in 2009.

A Request for Proposal is in the works for the Trail Criteria Manual. This document ties into implementing the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. Planning Technician Engebretsen commented she would have more information at the April meeting.

Descriptions of the advertised positions for Camp Fee Collectors and Summer Enforcement Aides were distributed to the Commissioners.

Parks Coordinator Tammy Hagerty is busy in the green house starting seeds. The Department of Agriculture is looking for a volunteer field of Orange Hawkweed to perform testing of an experimental eradicating measures.

The Senior Trail location was discussed by Public Works Director Meyer who had a meeting with Mr. Fred Lau and came up with alternatives; one is trail between the Salvation Army and the Church up to the Senior Center or a sidewalk along side Svedlund. Additional information will be forthcoming in the next few months.

The Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan is contained in the packet and if the Commission wanted a more in depth and more conversational discussion with Ms. Cummings they will need to suspend the rules.

Vice Chair Bremicker inquired about the location the enforcement aides would be working. He mentioned Bishop’s Beach was problematic but understood if focus was made on the Spit and with parking issues down there.

Commissioner Tolva asked whether the enforcement aide position was a new fulltime position; it is only a temporary summer position and will be able to write tickets, etc. She also recommended the Seldovia Cemetery as flat place taken over by Orange Hawkweed. She inquired is a formal request is required to proceed with the Trail Design Criteria Manual. She asked if the Commission will have input and review on what will be included in the manual plus who is hired. Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended coming to her office to discuss this further.

Commissioner Bremicker wanted the opportunity for the Commission to review the Request for Proposal before it is released. He inquired when the funding for the Reber Trail would be received. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that these are small projects in the world of engineering and construction and want to get these projects out there before all the companies are booked for the season. There are enough funds for the design process in hand now and by construction in 2009 the remaining funds will have been received.

He asked about the status of the Forest Glen Trail. Planning Technician Engebretsen reported that they are hoping to get the shorter segment completed this year; it is between West Homer Elementary and Forest Glen Drive. The larger portion between Forest Glen and the middle school will be at a later date. In response to a comment that easements were already in place Planning Technician Engebretsen There are easements in place and they will have to work with the property owners to get the larger easement required. She responded to a comment that the easements were all taken care of; there was an easement put in place about 1998 and may have come from some work done by the Boy Scouts at that time; there is no trail there now. There has been water sewer and home construction since then and it is just mud.

Vice Chair Bremicker asked for clarification on the Karen Hornaday Park issue on the agenda and if there was an agenda item to discuss the Karen Hornaday Park Committee and membership. Planning Technician Engebretsen and Commissioner Garay explained that there are not enough volunteers to form the Committee and that the Commission as a whole is to address the Karen Hornaday proposal submitted by Ms. Cummings and work on the Committee enrollment later.

Vice Chair Bremicker commented that Ms. Cummings wants to discuss a specific plan and what needed to be addressed was a discussion on the overall master plan to fine-tune it. He inquired who was on the Committee. It was clarified that three persons were required. Commissioner Gunther volunteered to serve on the Committee along with Commissioner Stewart and Garay. It was agreed that the Committee would work with the clerk’s office to set up the date, time and place.

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported that the new restroom in Karen Hornaday Park has been replaced; bleachers are in the process of being ordered for Jack Gist Park. Use of this park may be as soon as this summer.

Commissioner Lentfer reported that she attended the joint worksession on the Land Allocation Plan and the Council did ask quite a few questions regarding the parks and she did not enjoy answering, “I don’t know.” However, Mayor Hornaday recommended that the Commission take the WKFL Park “under their wing and see what’s going on out there.”

Commissioner Tolva apologized, as she was the person who was supposed to look into that and people were out of town then it slipped her mind, but she will look into the matter immediately. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that Commissioner Tolva and herself were working that and they agreed to target the May meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING

None.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan – Beth Cummings

Vice Chair Bremicker asked if Ms. Cummings wanted to present her proposal under this topic however he did want to establish a time limit and suspend the rules so they could have a more informal discussion.

BREMICKER/TOLVA – MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND ESTABLISH A TIME LIMIT TO 7:15 P.M.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Ms. Cummings, City resident, feels there are many areas that should be discussed. She extended her thanks to those serving on the Commission. Since she was limited on her time she would address only the Trail.

a. Woodard Creek Upper Trail Improvements

i. Letter from Natural Resources Conservation Services

Dated January 17, 2008 Re: Trail Suitability and Recommendations for

Woodard Creek Upper Trail

When she did the original proposal on the trail last June her main goal was to create a trail and picnic area. She withdrew her proposal to resubmit a more defined proposal to address two different areas.

Ms. Cummings proceeded to give a detailed account and explanation of her proposed trail. This included the installation of box steps to ascend and descend from the upper area; removal of some alders and raised roots within the actual trail path; and building a simple bridge to cross a drainage ditch.

Vice Chair Bremicker commented that after viewing the information given to him and the map included in the packet it did not quite help to define her proposal. He asked for clarification on the references she made regarding the sections referred to area A to area B, etc.

She had distributed a few color copies of her proposal on the trail to the Commissioners, she apologized for not having enough and that they had to share.

She stated the first proposal on the upper area refers to Area A to Area B. There are no problems with this area that she is aware of; she referenced the letter received from Mr. Kinney, District Conservationist and Soil Scientist Mike Mungoven with Natural Resources Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture who walked the area on December 18, 2007 with her and their recommendations.

It was noted that Commissioner Garay visited the area and the upper trail is very short.

Ms. Cummings answered questions from the Commissioners regarding locations of installed box steps in relation to various places such as the parking lot or the hospital. Steps do not extend from the birch trees down to a former creek bed, approximately 13 steps or less. The upper trail is a very simple task of clean up. Further discussion regarding the area included in her proposal for the lower area.

Commissioner Lentfer expressed concern about disturbing any area or ground near to the actual creek bed, which would encourage further erosion. It was explained that the actual creek has changed its path and is west of the area described in the proposals.

Mr. Robert Archibald commented that any work would enhance the surroundings and stabilize the banks from further erosion.

Ms. Cummings reviewed the letter received from Mark Kinney, District Conservationist.

Mr. Bremicker wanted to move this discussion along and stated that the upper proposal seems to be a small enough project that could be accomplished and he wanted to include in the discussion some of her ideas on financing this proposed work. His view was that when trails are created even a short trail such as proposed it creates the momentum to continue.

Planning Technician Engebretsen emphasized that the Commission should focus on recommendation to include this trail in the master plan for the park. The financing portion will be addressed by City Council.

Commissioner Tolva reminded that the rules have been suspended and further opined that the Commission should address the upper part separately from the lower proposal as it was going to be a quagmire.

Ms. Cummings expressed the desire to explain to the Commission what she has accomplished in the last several months, some of which included:

Lengthy conversations with City Administration

Letters of support from previous Commissioners of the Park & Recreation

Letter of support from Kachemak Bay Conservation Society stating they would like to include it as a project. There is no financial commitment.

Vice Chair Bremicker stated the allotted time has expired and asked if there was a motion to extend the time.

The Commission agreed by Consensus to extend the time to continue this discussion.

Ms. Cummings continued the discussion by further describing what has been accomplished regarding the Woodard Creek Trail.

- Reviewed the area with three road contractors, an engineer and surveyor.

- Obtain approximate costs.

- Creation of Friends of Woodard Creek along with a few other interested residents. Ms. Cummings gave a brief description on how one could join this group.

Vice Chair Bremicker stated that as interesting as the discussion is and as detailed as it was they did not have the time to hear all the evidence Ms. Cummings had to present. Since Ms. Cummings proposal addressed the upper and lower sections independently he wanted to postpone discussion on the proposal for the lower section and hear a motion on including the upper trail proposal. Vice Chair Bremicker asked Planning Technician Engebretsen for a recommendation on the wording for the motion.

Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended the following:

MOVE TO RECOMMEND KAREN HORNADAY MASTER PLAN BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE UPPER WOODARD CREEK TRAIL PROPOSAL.

Further discussion resulted included Planning Technician Engebretsen will draft a resolution to include this recommendation and will present a draft of the resolution at the next meeting. This resolution will be submitted after all issues concerning the Master Plan have been addressed. Ms. Cummings opined that the lower Woodard Creek should be addressed first prior to final work on the parking area in 2009. Commissioner Tolva expressed her sincere thanks for Ms. Cummings stepping forward and taking these problems and doing the footwork necessary to accomplish the required work to preserve this area. She expressed that the City should share in the costs but that there was sure to be additional funding such as grants available and Planning Technician Engebretsen would be able to direct them on that level. The discussion then turned to the proposed parking plan included in the original Master Plan. Clarification on the location and installation of additional ball fields, removal of a kiosk, existing sheds was included in the discussion. Mr. Archibald commented that he recently drove that area and felt that due to the steepness of the area and a few other concerns that if not taken care of would propose a liability to the City. It could be the beginning of a fine trail to the City from the park.

Vice Chair Bremicker recommended ending the discussion at this time. He stated that Ms. Cummings would be contacted regarding the time scheduled for the Karen Hornaday Park Committee meeting. He then called for a break at 7:35 p.m.

Vice Chair Bremicker reconvened the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

b. Woodard Creek Lower Trail and Picnic Area

This proposal to be addressed by Karen Hornaday Park Committee and the Committee will submit their recommendations to the Commission.

C. Homer Non Motorized Trail Plan – Mimi reiterated that what was in the wings now was the Manual.

Commissioner Tolva questioned that some of the companies hired in the past were able to capture Homer, where some just want to pave everything. She wanted to know if there would be guidelines.

Planning Technician Engebretsen and Parks Coordinator Hagerty would be drafting the scope of work.

Vice Chair Bremicker inquired about addressing any wetland issues. Commissioner Tolva did not feel that culverts should be used to traverse water obstructions. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that construction would depend on the level of use for the trail; If the intention is to be ADA accessible then it would require a more permanent and stable pathway and bridge. Vice Chair Bremicker offered an example of how the use natural elements such as logs were implemented on trails. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that the Criteria Manual would be used as a standard construction manual. Vice Chair Bremicker added that it could be identify the type of trail and what is required to install or build that type of trail. There was no further discussion.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. Flying Frisbees: Golf with A Twist from CampBusiness Magazine January/February 2008 issue.

Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that someone sent the information to Parks Coordinator Hagerty and she thought it would be of interest to the Commission. Commissioner Gunther stated he actually had played the sport. Commissioner Gunther explained that there are actually established clubs and even one in Homer, there is a course on private land that they use.

Commissioner Gunther commented that he played the game growing up and has even assisted in building a course. He proceeded to give some ballpark prices on the equipment needed. He explained that the equipment was fairly vandal proof and one great thing about the course was it was installed in natural areas there was no real maintenance except clearing underbrush and tree branches from the discus baskets. The average cost for initial installation would be approximately $20-30,000.00. Participants bring their own discus to play. This sport can be performed by people with all physical capabilities, opens up unused areas of parks. It is a sport that can occupy the kids for a few hours, will offer the kids another alternative to getting in trouble. If Commissioner Gunther will let Staff know at minimum a week prior to the meeting that he wants to schedule the presentation would be good.

B. Equipment Costs for Disc Golf from www.marshallstreetdiscgolf.com

C. Parks & Recreation Annual Calendar 2008

The Commission discussed the events as shown on the Calendar currently scheduled for the monthly meeting agendas. It was noted that on the agenda for April they will be discussing the resolution for the Woodard Creek Upper Trail Proposal; the draft Scope of work for the Criteria Manual for Trail Design; Park Day; Spring Park and Beach Walk-Through. Further discussion ensued regarding the CIP projects and recommending the each Commissioner take the time to think of some very important projects and that there needed to be some changes to their recommendations. It was noted that most of the projects are extremely costly. Smaller projects may qualify and attract grants or matching funds better.