Session 07-04 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm on May 17, 2007
by Chair Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E.
Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS
STEWART, TOLVA, MCGREENERY, POORE, TENHOFF, BREMICKER, GARAY
STAFF:
PLANNING
TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN
DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE
AGENDA APPROVAL
The agenda was approved as presented by consensus of the
Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
April
19, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes
MCGREENERY/TOLVA – 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
None.
STAFF REPORT
A.
Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: May
Staff Report
a.
WKFL
Park Master Plan – Planning Technician Engebretsen reported that not much
progress has been made on the plan. She has asked for a volunteer from the
commission to help assist with research, developing a mission statement,
researching the history of the land, and gathering information about Asaiah
Bates. Commissioner Tolva volunteered to assist with the project.
b.
Strategic
Plan – Commissioner McGreenery proposed that the Strategic Plan and Park Day be
scheduled for a Worksession before the next meeting. There was no further
discussion.
Approved by consensus of the
Commission.
c.
Seasonal
Sales Tax Ballot Proposal – Chair Stewart inquired if everyone was following
the sales tax proposals submitted by Councilmember Heimbuch; he was of the
opinion that this proposal will affect the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission greatly and it was hoped to be in a positive manner. Chair Stewart urged
attendance at the Council meetings and interaction with the various groups
involved, including other commissions and committees.
Commissioner Bremicker reported
that Councilmember Heimbuch stopped in at the Beach Committee Meeting on
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 to give them an update.
Commissioner Tolva stated that she
has heard from many people on this subject and the recurring theme is there are
many wonderful volunteers and groups with different interests that seem to
always reinvent the wheel every time they need something. It was suggested that
part of the funds generated from the sales tax should be used to create a
clearinghouse of sorts, containing lists of groups, non-profits, volunteers and
grant writers. That one person should be designated to be the main contact
person. It could start with a Commissioner from the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission. Commissioner Tolva understands that Councilmember Heimbuch
wants the funds generated to go directly back to benefit the citizens of Homer,
but felt that this position should be considered first properly before
discarding the idea entirely. It may be one way to serve the Public.
Commissioner Tolva commented that
in the long term with the inconsistent availability of a Commissioner that it
may be beneficial to hire someone for the position. She is not advocating that
the City of Homer should spend more money, but could foresee that it will be a
necessity. She said that this would bring more focus to the Commission and
various groups.
Chair Stewart was in agreement and
added that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is going to have to
take the lead position on this issue and has been getting the word out there to
all the groups to contact him with names, contacts and phone numbers. Chair Stewart
volunteered to take on the responsibility of being the central contact person.
Commissioner Bremicker commented
that if someone is eventually hired, or a volunteer from another group, that
this position could be called a recreational coordinator and directed to report
to the commission.
d. Poopdeck Trail Signs – The Public Arts Committee met earlier today, May 17, 2007. They addressed the issue of the vandalized signs and decided to add them to the Art Walk Through scheduled for June 5, 2007 at 6:00 pm to get a better idea of the situation and come up with possible solutions to the problem.
STEWART/TOLVA – MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ALLOW MR. HANS KLAUSNER WITH THE HOMER TREE STEWARDS BOARD TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS
CONSENT.
Motion carried.
VISITORS
A.
Boardmember
Hans Klausner with the Homer Tree Stewards Board
Boardmember Klausner introduced himself and gave a brief
narrative of the Homer Tree Stewards Board. The Homer Tree Stewards Board is an
advisory sub-committee of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
Mr. Klausner wanted to update the Commissioners on why the
Board has not been heard from recently. As it stands the liaisons between the
Commission and the Board have moved on to pursue other avenues. The seat that
was being held for an original boardmember who was moving back down from
Anchorage is now available. That person’s plans having changed. Another
boardmember will be going to graduate school in August; and, he will be gone
all summer. The remaining Boardmembers will be working with the City Clerk in
advertising the available seats and getting applications. Mr. Klausner would
like a representative or the commission as a whole assist in making the final selections
of the applicants.
Mr. Klausner reported that there were a few events coming
up. Alaska’s Arbor Day is this Monday, May 21, 2007. Alaska holds this event a
little later in the year than other states. There will be a weekend long event
held May 26-27, 2007 at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center parking
lot. They will be holding a tree sales starting at 10:00am. The Homer Tree
Stewards Board will be working with the Global ReLeaf Foundation and the Alaska
Division of Forestry at the event. On Sunday, activities will begin at 10:00am
with major clean-up efforts at the Homer Demonstrations Forest Arboretum. Tree
care, maintenance and planting demonstrations will be held. Activities for the
children and guided nature walks plus raising a new kiosk at the arboretum will
be conducted. Everyone is welcome.
Comments from the Commission:
Chair Stewart requested all information be sent to Planning
Technician Engebretsen through email. Commissioner Tolva invited Mr. Klausner
to set up a Kiosk at the Park Day event on August 18, 2007. Mr. Klausner
appreciated the invitation, however he will not be in town, but he will contact
the other boardmembers and make sure that they have the information.
PENDING BUSINESS
A. Park Day
– Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen
TOLVA/MCGREENERY – MOVED TO BRING TO THE FLOOR FOR
DISCUSSION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Tolva opened the discussion by reminding the
commission that since a date has been set for Park Day, focus was needed on the
time limits to get things completed.
Commissioner Bremicker stated that the decisions made
during the Worksession should be stated for the permanent record. Planning
Technician Engebretsen volunteered to read those decisions.
1.
Park
Day Time – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
2.
Commissioners
McGreenery and Bremicker will seek donations for hotdogs and foodstuffs.
3.
Targeted
audience – Children, Teens, Adults and Families
4.
Commissioners
Tenhoff and Tolva will approach KBBI regarding donations of music suitable for
family and appropriate for the event and equipment.
5.
Chair
Stewart and Planning Technician Engebretsen will contact people with Little
League and adults involved in softball to see if they are willing to organize
games(s).
6.
Planning
Technician Engebretsen will be contacting Tim Daugherty, Joanne Parker and
Michael Illg for additional activities. Some suggested activities were:
a.
Sack
races
b.
Three
Legged Races
c.
Volleyball
d.
Activities
that are not sports related, open and available to all ages.
7.
Planning
Technician Engebretsen will check on First Aid requirements
8.
Information
Kiosks – Beaches, Berms, Litter – No Trace, etc.
9.
Chair
Stewart will look into arranging weather ports, and/or shelters.
10.
All
Commissioners are asked to contact other groups that have or deal with Parks
and Recreation activities to create more networking and public awareness.
11.
Hurray
Cartoons son will be contacted.
12.
High
School Honor Society will be asked to volunteer to assist with serving and clean
up at the event.
13.
The
Commission will seek assistance from The Community Schools.
14.
Commissioner
McGreenery will check with DEC on possible restrictions on serving food.
15.
Advertising
– Firm decisions on what they will be doing, where, when, etc., in order to get
this to print by the next meeting.
Chair Stewart gave a brief narrative regarding Park Day for
the newest member, Commissioner Garay, so she can be up to speed and that this
was the second year that the event was being held. Commissioner Tolva asked if
the Commission wanted her to contact Mr. Hagen regarding the dedication sign
for the baseball field. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained that
Administrative Assistant Rachel Livingston and Parks Maintenance Coordinator
Tammy Hagerty are working on a dedication and sign for the ballfield being
dedicated to Sherri Hagen. Chair Stewart stated he was planning to contact Mr.
Hagen to inform him of the planned Park Day. Planning Technician Engebretsen
requested Chair Stewart to contact Park Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty prior
to speaking with Mr. Hagen to keep her in the loop.
BREMICKER/MCGREENERY – MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECISIONS MADE
AT THE WORKSESSION REGARDING PARK DAY.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
B. HART –
Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen
TOLVA/BREMICKER – MOVED TO BRING HART MEMORANDUM TO THE
FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Tolva and Bremicker addressed the lack of
maintenance requirements regarding clear-cutting and snow removal in the HART
document. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that the HART document was for
construction and not really intended to address maintenance issues.
Commissioner McGreenery questioned if this was not the
appropriate place to address those issues. Planning Technician Engebretsen
responded that probably not; She responded to Commissioners Bremicker and Tolva
concerns with the following:
1.
The
City only provides summer trail maintenance at this time.
2.
The
City maintains Pioneer Avenue. The area Commissioner Bremicker was addressing
was actually a State maintained road so the City has no control over the
problem.
3.
It
has been discussed that when more trails are built, especially to the
elementary schools, winter maintenance will be needed. At this time, the City
does not have the staff, but there has been discussion between City staff that
it will have to be addressed in the future.
Commissioner Tolva asked if the issue of trail standards
and non-motorized trail standards had been resolved. Planning Technician
Engebretsen stated it has not and that a Trails Criteria Manual is needed to
develop the required standards. She has been in contact with Public Works and
suggested that they include this in their budget next year. Commissioner Tolva
wanted to know if this was the only solution. Planning Technician Engebretsen
replied that she is not qualified to complete this manual and unless someone
else with the qualifications and the time would like to volunteer, it is
something that will be contracted out.
Planning Technician Engebretsen will include a memorandum
with the final HART document and it will include the concerns expressed by the
commissioners.
Chair Stewart asked for further clarification on line item
135, regarding time limit on collecting a three quarter of one percent
dedicated sales tax and noted a typographical error on line 234. Commissioner
Tolva asked for clarification on line 38, regarding intent and purpose of the
program.
MCGREENERY/TOLVA – MOVED TO APPROVE THE DRAFT HART DOCUMENT
WITH COMMENTS.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Chair Stewart announced that
nominations were now in order for the office of Vice Chairperson.
Commissioner McGreenery nominated
Commissioner Tolva.
Chair Stewart asked if there were
any other nominations for Vice Chair, without objection nominations are now
closed.
Chair Stewart asked for a voice
vote.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Commissioner Tolva elected as
Vice Chair.
Commissioner Tolva vowed to
polish up on her Robert’s Rules.
MCGREENERY/TOLVA – MOVED TO OPEN
DISCUSSION ON THE PARK WALK MEMORANDUM.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner McGreenery proposed
separating the list of intended stops. She suggested visiting Seafarer’s
Memorial, Pier One Theater Park, and the Homer Spit Trail on another day.
Commissioner Tolva stated she has already visited Mariner Park and it can be
crossed off the list. She will mark her comments and findings on the sheet that
Planning Technician Engebretsen has provided.
Commissioner Bremicker wanted to
confirm who would be attending the park walk. Chair Stewart and Commissioner
Poore would be unable to attend. Commissioner Garay stated she would attend
after Chair Stewart provided more information on the walk.
Commissioner Tenhoff stated she
had the opportunity to speak with Park Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty who
indicated she would like to escort the Commissioners on a tour to give them
some general knowledge of the parks and their amenities. Chair Stewart reminded
the Commissioners that this would be considered a meeting and to comply with
State Law it would need to be advertised. Planning Technician Engebretsen
offered to contact Park Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty and arrange a day and
time the Commission to attend a tour. It will probably be the first part of
June. Commissioner Poore gave insight into the advertising requirement for the
benefit of the new commissioners.
Chair Stewart requested a
volunteer, and it can be a rotating position, to meet with Parks Maintenance
Coordinator Hagerty and get a monthly report to discuss the department needs,
concerns, triumphs, etc. This will increase communication between the
Commission and the Parks Department.
Commissioner McGreenery
volunteered to visit the Pier One Theater Park and perform a write up for
Planning Technician Engebretsen. Chair Stewart requested one of the
Commissioners to perform the visit to the Homer Spit Trail before the next
meeting.
TOLVA/MCGREENERY – MOVED TO BRING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner McGreenery commented
that the Plan will take several sessions to go through. She had specific
concerns about many areas. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that Chair
Stewart asked that this document be included in the packet to allow the new
Commissioners time to understand what this plan is and what it means. Every
year the City compiles a project priority list. The focus should be on projects
that are Parks and Recreation related.
Chair Stewart requested each
Commissioner review these projects and pick their top five out of the large
list or their own. The projects will be discussed and by consensus, forward the
Commissions recommendations to City Council.
Commissioner Bremicker brought up
the Kachemak Drive Rehabilitation/Pathway project and noted that the scheduled
date was 2011. He stated that there is water and sewer lines being constructed
at this time by the City and he wanted to know if a trail or bike path could be
installed as a City project using HART funds. Planning Technician Engebretsen
said that the City would have to get permission from the property owners
separately from the water and sewer.
Commissioner Tenhoff questioned
who decided how a project is classified. Planning technician Engebretsen
responded that Special Projects Coordinator Ann Marie Holen would be at the
next meeting and she will put the question to her so it can be answered at the
next meeting. The HART funds cannot be used on designated State Road projects.
These funds are to be used on City projects.
Commissioners agreed that if
Public Works Director Carey Meyer is available they would like to invite him to
answer questions regarding Kachemak Drive Pathway, Karen Hornaday Park and
Ocean Drive. Planning Technician Engebretsen reminded the Commissioners that
Director Meyer would most likely be unable to answer questions about State
Roads. Chair Stewart requested each Commissioner have three questions for
Director Meyer regarding these projects.
Commissioner McGreenery stated
that she was very opposed to turning Poopdeck into a through street. She stated
that many residents use this trail and could not determine what the benefit
would be to turn it into a through street. Commissioner Tolva commented that
they needed to find out the City of Homer intentions regarding specific land
acquisitions. Chair Stewart commented that before totally condemning the land
acquisitions as shown in the Capital Improvement Plan for each of the
Commissioners to do some independent research on the areas of concern. He
recommends attending meetings of other commissions and committees to determine
what the motivation is to include these in the CIP. This is an ongoing study so
there is no rush.
D.
Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: Karen
Hornaday Park and Woodard Creek Access
TOLVA/BREMICKER – MOVED TO BRING
TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Tolva felt that the
Woodard Creek was being defiled by the silt and gravel runoff. The problems
should be address as soon as possible. As pointed out at last month’s meeting,
this could be a scenic trail and provide many benefits to the community.
Commissioner Poore gave some background on the area for the newest members of
the commission. Chair Stewart commented that the area definitely had issues.
MCGREENERY/TOLVA – MOVED TO
POSTPONE ALL DISCUSSION ON KAREN HORNADAY PARK AND WOODARD CREEK UNTIL NEXT
MONTH’S MEETING.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS
A. Memorandum 07-70 from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: Parks and Recreation Funding Ballot Proposal
B.
Ordinance 07-18 (S) Seasonal Sales Tax
C.
Ordinance 07-18 Sales Tax Dedication for the Funding of
Recreation Activity in the Homer Area and Operating Reserves of the City of
Homer
D.
Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: Support
of Bike Week
E.
Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re:
Appointments from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to the City Hall
Town Plaza Committee
F.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Calendar
and City Council Calendar
COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE
City resident, Beth Cummings addressed the issue of Woodard Creek. She described the conditions with the gravel pile, why it was located there and what is happening because of the ensuing erosion. Chair Stewart invited her to join the Commission on the annual park walk.
COMMENTS OF THE STAFF
None.
COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION
Commissioner McGreenery wanted to add
to the agenda discussion regarding Adopt a Trail or Adopt a Beach Programs.
Commissioner Tolva thanked Chair
Stewart for a smooth meeting and welcomed Commissioner Garay.
Commissioner Poore expressed her
sorrow at having to leave the Commission. She said she enjoyed working on the
Commission, with the other Commissioners and assured them she would be watching
from the sidelines.
Commissioner Tenhoff had no
comments.
Commissioner Bremicker related
that on a recent trip to Anchorage they visited a local trail and park with the
grandkids and it made him realize even more the work that they do, to
appreciate good trails and parks.
Commissioner Garay just commented
she was taking it all in at this time.
COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER (If
one is assigned)
None.
Chair Stewart thanked
Commissioner Poore for her time and efforts. He will miss her influence and
input during future meetings. He welcomed Commissioner Garay.
He is looking forward to working
on many projects in the future.
Chair Stewart thanked all the
Commissioners for their work and comments.
There being no further business
to come before the Commission, Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:25
pm. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2007 at 6:30 pm in
the City Hall Cowles Council Chamber located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer
Alaska.
Renee
Krause, Deputy City Clerk I
Approved: