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                

 

A.                Nominations and Election of Vice Chairperson

 

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.

 

B.                Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: Park Walk Through

 

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.

 

C.                Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

 

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.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

 

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.

          

ADJOURN

 

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: