PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION                                                      

REGULAR MEETING                                                          

MAY 15, 2008 

 

Session 08-04 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:35 pm on May 15, 2008 by Chair Lou Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT: COMMISSIONER STEWART, TOLVA, LENTFER, AND DICKERSON

 

ABSENT: COMMISSIONER BREMICKER, GARAY (EXCUSED), AND GUNTHER (EXCUSED)

 

STAFF:                         PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                                    DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

TOLVA/DICKERSON – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                  April 17, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes

 

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

 

Chair Stewart asked for clarification on a statement made under Public Comments by Ms. Cumming regarding “skeleton”.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.                         

 

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

 

Beth Cumming, City resident thanked the Commissioners for listening to her and her “ramblings”, for giving their time and efforts, and for putting this to a vote. She had some suggestions for the park and inquired when the next park committee meeting would be. Chair Stewart stated that they would set a date tonight for the next meeting of the committee. She would wait to comment at that meeting and she would like to be notified if she did not stay for the whole meeting. She emphasized how much she really appreciates all their efforts and those of Deputy Clerk Krause.

 

VISITORS

 

None.


STAFF REPORT

           

A.                  May 2008 Staff Report                                                                        

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported on the Ben Walters Dock receiving more damage with Spring break-up. She explained that it is a wooden structure approximately 25 years old. There is community interest in getting the dock replaced as soon as possible. Ms. Engebretsen explained that Parks Coordinator Hagerty has done some research on replacement materials.

The Commissioners were concerned about the cost of replacement and wanted research done by Staff regarding the recycling of the materials.

 

Ms. Engebretsen continued her report with the meeting with Chief Robl, Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty and the City Manager regarding the concerns expressed at the last meeting; Signage will be ordered and installed as soon as possible, but it will not be before Memorial Day weekend; the number to call will be the HPD dispatch, 235-3150 for violators on the beaches. There are Beach maps that have already been distributed that include rules, what to do and where they can ride. A large kiosk will be installed at Mariner Park, she has seen a picture and it is approximately the size of a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood.

Commissioner Lentfer asked for clarification on the age limit of ATV drivers.

Chair Stewart stated he did not believe there was an established rule against drivers younger than 16 or requiring helmets. There is a rule against drinking and driving and reckless drivers, but with this new program there will be some responsibility on the persons reporting to give as much information as possible regarding the offender.

Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that she would ask for a report from HPD regarding the number of complaints received, tickets given, etc.

 

She then updated the Commissioners on the expansion of the spit trailhead parking area on Kachemak drive. The AK DOT still has not approved the permit request and has told the Public Works Director that they would like to see the project pushed back onto the City land. This would make it too costly. She commented that it would probably not be done anytime in the near future.

 

B.         Karen Hornaday Park Committee Meeting

 

Chair Stewart stated he was remiss in not having a meeting in April due to his scheduling conflicts. He asked Mrs. Cumming if she had any comments at this time. Mrs. Cumming stated she would withhold her comments to the June meeting. A meeting was scheduled for June 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

Commissioner Tolva requested an update on the survey being performed. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated the surveyor should have that done this week and she will contact the surveyor to confirm. She further confirmed that when she receives that information she would contact Chair Stewart and Mrs. Cumming regarding the best dates available to present the resolutions and information to Council.

Chair Stewart suggested they perform the Karen Hornaday walk through as a Committee Meeting Worksession and everyone can attend. This can be held in the late afternoon on the Tuesday before the June Meeting.

 

B.                  Report on Council Meeting – April – Teena Garay

 

Commissioner Garay attended the April 28, 2008 Council meeting and will report on it for the June meeting, having previously announced she would be out of town the month of May.

 

C.                  Report on Spit Parking Worksession – Lou Stewart

 

Chair Stewart summarized the Spit Parking Worksession for the Commission. He related that it was a surprise to most that the City is in violation with encroachments in the State Right of Way; the need and requirements for more parking out on the Spit and the safety issues concerning vehicular traffic and pedestrians were discussed. Planning is trying to get their arms around the whole issue of parking requirements. Discussions covered ideas from shuttle buses to setting up a Toll Booth at the base of the Spit, establish a large paid parking lot, rules for RVs and Buses, and metered parking. Business owners and employees should be encouraged to park in other areas, not directly in front of their shops, etc. It was mentioned that long term issues with RVs parking overnight is the same problem for the past 10 years, better enforcement is needed. There was a big push by the planning department to institute a comprehensive plan for the Spit, there were some opinions expressed that felt the money would be better spent on something else. Mr. Stewart stated he commented at the end of the meeting regarding extending the trail for walking and biking; that the trails were a part of the pedestrian safety issues and should be considered into the final decisions. He further noted for the Commission that City Manager Walt Wrede mentioned there was more money for the End of the Road parking lot. Chair Stewart related that discussion was brought up again on establishing safer road crossing.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

None.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.                  Park Day

 

TOLVA/DICKERSON – MOVED TO DISCUSS PARK DAY.

 

Commissioner Tolva felt the idea of the inflatable funhouse would be a great idea and a big draw for families with kids. It was a nominal cost, but she did question the City’s liability in regards to an accident or damage; she also wanted to stress the approval at the last meeting for having the disc golf at the event.

 Commissioner Lentfer commented that she did not feel it represented the idea of Park Day appropriately. They should have more outdoor related games and events.

Chair Stewart explained that they have previously set up various information kiosks, and Michael Illg, the Community Schools Director, provided additional games such as sack races, and kickball; he further acknowledged they have tried to get the softball/baseball leagues involved but it fell through last year due to scheduling conflicts.

Commissioner Lentfer felt the outdoor activities were more in line with her vision of a “Park Day”. Commissioner Dickerson stated she was not over confident when it came to attendance; the community has so much going on at that time and they should make an effort to promote the event.

Chair Stewart acknowledge that in past years the scheduling of the event has always had competition, but he also commented that it is the third year and with the enthusiasm from Michael Illg and this Commission it should be great.

Commissioner Tolva felt that they really need to support the event this year and try to get the word out and if they go down in flames this year then she does not want to attempt it next year.

 

The Commissioners present agreed to offer hotdogs, water, same as last year; have some information regarding proper beach etiquette; provide copies of trails map and beach map; promotion of the event was really needed and Council has funded it for the second year so they should not give up so easily; The selected day was August 9, 2008 at Karen Hornaday Park; the time for the event was discussed but not confirmed; previous years events that were held on Park Day; contacting the softball baseball folks (Chair Stewart); and invitation to local musicians to provide appropriate music selections.

 

Commissioner Lentfer confirmed she was to inform Council at the next meeting that they would be having the park day as fun food and activities.

 

TOLVA/STEWART – MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO RESERVE THE INFLATABLE FUNHOUSE AND ESTABLISH MAP KIOSKS AT RESTROOM AND PICNIC SHELTER.

 

It was noted that further detailed discussion and final plans would be discussed at the July meeting.

 

The motion was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

B.                  Spring Park Beach Walk Through

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the parks that have not been visited yet. She offered recommendations on visiting each of these parks as a whole or individual commissioners volunteer to visit the parks.

 

Julie will type up notes and submit to Commissioners for review at the June meeting. Upon completion of the walk through she will compile all the notes and recommendations in proper form to submit to council.

 

Commissioner Tolva wanted to reiterate that they conserve, reuse and repair as much as possible.

 

Discussion developed into Commissioners volunteering to visit the following:

            Chair Stewart will visit the W.R. Bell Park

            Commissioner Lentfer will visit the Spit Trail and Seafarers Memorial

            Commissioner Dickerson will visit Jack Gist Park.

            It was agreed to visit Reber Trail and Emerald Park in a worksession before the June Meeting.

They will meet at City Hall and carpool to the park using the city vehicle.

Karen Hornaday will be visited on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

 

C.         Karen Hornaday Master Plan

 

Dickerson/tolva – MOVED to discuss THE KAREN HORNADAY MASTER PLAN.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Dickerson would like to confirm the value in scheduling a park walk through for everyone. This will provide an opportunity for everyone to see what is being discussed on the plan.

Chair Stewart was in agreement and felt it was appropriate to have the Committee meeting at the park to assist in making the revisions to the master plan.

It was noted that they should have the survey information available before this visit and it will apply strictly to the parking area.

Planning Technician Engebretsen will put together a packet for the meeting that will be available to pick up with the regular packet.

Chair Stewart recommended the Commissioners bring April’s packet with the colored map instead of reprinting the information.

 

The Commission asked for a reminder to be included in their packet.

 

Chair Stewart reconvened the meeting at 7:36pm after a five-minute break.                                                              

NEW BUSINESS                 

 

A.                  Town Center Green Space

 

TOlva/lentfer – move to discuss THE TOWN CENTER GREEN SPACE.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Tolva requested information on the City’s current plan with the Town Square City Hall project, whether it was going to be put aside or continue to work on it.

Planning Technician Engebretsen informed the Commissioners of the recommendations from the City Manager and the decision made by Council to postpone any decisions until after Council elections in October.

Commissioner Tolva reminded the Commissioners that the original purpose of the Town Center development with regard to developing the green space within the Town Center area; she did not want to have the work that has been done in recent months with the Town Square project to fall by the wayside or be ignored when development may come up again. She felt strongly that this area would get developed and now was not the time to forget about the green space and park aspect of the Plan. She confirmed the idea of establishing and getting the ideas in place now.

Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that there is a set plan in place for that area that was adopted by Council. There is consensus about what and where things will be but as far as absolutes there are none especially since it was voted down by the residents there may not be anything in the future.

Deputy City Clerk Krause explained the goals and accomplishments of the City Hall Town Square Review Committee regarding green space, trails parks and the building in a bit more detail to quell Commissioner Tolva’s concerns.

Commissioner Tolva commented she was relieved and stated no further discussion was needed.

 

B.                  Capital Improvement Plan

 

Tolva/lentfer – MOVED TO DISCUSS THE CIP.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.


 

Commissioner Tolva wanted to know the status of the beach access from Crittenden to Main. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that in the original document the property was undeveloped but has now had some land clearing so she stated that the property requires a more accurate description.

Chair Stewart directed the Commissioners to the purpose of this topic being in the packet, that it is more for review and getting the Commissioners to start thinking about projects to be added so it can be included in the submission to Council. Planning Technician Engebretsen further expounded on the process by stating that the Commissioners were expected to review the included projects, remove funded projects and exchange or include new projects. She also advised the Commission to review projects that are under $50,000.00. These projects are more likely to be funded. She mentioned the Shelter at Bishops Beach and the Ben Walters Dock Repair as likely projects. Commissioner Tolva stated golden opportunity to add and will likely be funded.

Chair Stewart wanted the Commissioners to keep in mind any new projects added will potentially move existing projects off the list. Commissioner Tolva and Planning Technician Engebretsen were in favor of adding the smaller projects. Chair Stewart stated that as a Commission only five of the most important would be included in the list approved by Council to submit to the state. He commented that he was in favor of adding smaller projects.

Discussion ensued on current projects and separating them into smaller projects. Removing projects from the current list and replacing them with smaller projects. There is still a question whether the Governor will veto these projects. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained how projects that are generalized will not get funded, also park benches and bicycle racks will not be funded either those costs are small enough that the City should be able to budget one or two each year.

It was recommended that lobbying Council by the Commissioners to get more money must be undertaken to achieve their goals. It was explained that the more support a project received the likelihood it will get funding by the State. This explained why the projects that are not in City Limits are in the CIP list because the City supports them.

Commissioner Tolva asked if the Crittenden road is beyond repair; it was one of the few small neighborhood beach accesses. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that the actual access was on private property and the area has changed very much, she explained it was a road right of way and previously there was a developer who once wanted to grant access and build stairs, but this idea wasn’t supported by the existing Council or Commission; it is owned by the City; it was not a piece of land, the distinction is just access to the beach; and make it nice. As far as making it nice ask for money. Commissioner Tolva asked for it to be on the next agenda. Planning Technician Engebretsen recommended she go and review and then visit her with the recommendations.

 

The Commissioners agreed by consensus to add the following projects to the CIP list:

The Ben Walters Dock Repair

New Bishops Beach Picnic Shelter

Beluga Slough Plastic Walk

 

C.                  Comprehensive Plan    

 

There was no discussion.


 

D.                 WKFL Park Master Plan                                         

                                                 

Tolva/Dickerson – MOVED TO DISCUSS THE WKFL PARK MASTER PLAN.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Tolva stated she was asked to compile information to come up with a plan for the park. She has researched six years of historical information and has the major points Brother Asaiah wanted for the park. She has spoken to a number of residents who want to contribute information and this has evolved into a much more larger project. 

She will submit to Planning Technician Engebretsen the major points the Commission wants for the Park and what they do not want. She will also include a summary of the current uses of the park.

She will provide have a more detailed report on Brother Asaiah for next month.

The Commissioners requested some examples of what she has found out.

Commissioner Tolva reported receiving recommendations that tiles or bricks with some of Brother Asaiah’s sayings be placed in the garden beds or pathways. There are some other issues that have started to be implemented that will definitely have to be addressed. It will be included in her summary.

 

Commissioner Lentfer commented she will only bring up if asked directly about it by Council.

 

There were no further comments.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.            Council Meeting Schedule                                 

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

There were no comments.

 

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen commented that it great meeting and the Commissioners got through a lot stuff that is very helpful. She offered to do some research on the pedestrian issues and then put it the agenda for next month to discuss. Ms. Engebretsen commented that the owner of the Lighthouse Village property is working with the City. She mentioned that the developer is even planning for a bike path through the property.

 

Deputy City Clerk Krause had no comments.


 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner Lentfer remarked on the improvements listed under the Mariner Park Improvements on the CIP. She added comments regarding the Lighthouse Village property and the proposed project.

 

Commissioner Tolva thanked Deputy City Clerk Krause and Planning Technician Engebretsen for everything they do for the Commission and agreed that it was a very good meeting. She complimented Chair Stewart doing a great job. She also agreed with Chair Stewart on sending a memorandum to Council.

 

Commissioner Dickerson received a call from a citizen concerned about the road behind the Karen Hornaday Park and wanted to have it passed on to the right department. The concern was the Pushki growing around the Park and that it should be weed-whacked down once a week. She also would not be available to attend the June 23rd Council Meeting and she needs to trade with Commissioner Gunther or someone else.

 

Chair Stewart commented that he had only one item that he would like feedback from the Commission – he would like to forward a memorandum to City Council to make some absolute decisions on a direction to correct pedestrian walkways along Ocean Drive to the Spit Trails system. This is an issue that has been dragging on for an extremely long time. He would like to see the pedestrian walkway kept on one side of the Sterling Highway. He would like to see some decisions made by Council and action on those decisions. He gave more details in response to Commissioner Lentfer’s reference to the Mariner Park improvements in the CIP. He further commented that you cannot stop development, but it would be best to direct how this development is done.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business before the Commission Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m., A Worksession is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall parking lot to continue the Beach & Park Spring Walk Through and the next regular meeting is at 6:30 pm immediately following in the Cowles Council Chambers at City Hall located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska

 

 

                                                                       

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

 

APPROVED: