Session 06-06, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on May 18, 2006 at 6:33 p.m. by Vice Chair Tolva at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:       COMMISSIONERS GANN, HAMIK, POORE, STEWART, TOLVA

 

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE:        BAECHLER

 

ABSENT:        COMMISSIONERS MCCALLUM, POORE (both excused)

 

STAFF:            PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                        DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

Commissioners Tolva and Hamik asked to add pedestrian access on the newly paved roads.  Deputy City Clerk Johnson stated the matter would need to be properly advertised.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                 Unapproved minutes of March 16, April 20, and May 5, 2006

 

The meeting minutes of March 16, April 20 and May 5, 2006 were approved by consensus of the Commission.

                                                                                                           

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

Lindsay Winkler, city resident, presented the Commission with literature outlining events of the Homer Trails Weekend to be held on June 3rd and 4th.  There will be a press release and a spread sheet posted on various websites providing a list of the activities.   

 

STAFF REPORT      

A.                 April Staff Report – Planning Technician Engebretsen

Planning Technician Engebretsen reported the Town Center Development Task Force is being formed and Debbie Poore will be the representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission.   

 

Commissioner Hamik questioned if there has been any input from Parks Maintenance Coordinator Tammy Hagerty regarding the trail from Poopdeck to Main Street.  Mrs. Engebretsen answered that CIRI is presenting a plat through the area and it makes sense to wait until the roads are defined.  Commissioner Hamik asked about the bicycle racks and Mrs. Engebretsen answered that a memo was sent to Ms. Hagerty requesting that future purchases of bike racks be of an artistic nature.  It is uncertain if there are plans to replace any of the racks this year.  It was noted the new library and each city building should have a bike rack.  Vice Chair Tolva said she would like to see people with a safe place for their bike wherever they go.  When asked how to pursue the purchase of the bike racks, Planning Technician Engebretsen said it is time to start thinking about purchases for the 2007 budget.  Specific locations for the bike racks would be helpful.

 

Commissioner Howard asked about the special meeting and laydown information for the park policy.  Planning Technician Engebretsen said the policy for naming municipal facilities was included in the packet, rather than as a laydown.   

             

VISITORS

                       

PENDING BUSINESS

 

            A.        Policy for Naming Parks & Recreation Spaces Maintained

                        by the City       

 

GANN/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A UNDER PENDING BUSINESS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission noted their approval of the policy for naming municipal facilities.

 

STEWART/GANN - MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE CITY OF HOMER POLICY REGARDING THE NAMING OF MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AS WRITTEN.

 

VOTE:  YES.  STEWART, GANN, HAMIK, TOLVA, HOWARD

 

Motion carried.

                                                                                     

            B.         Bylaw Amendment      

 

GANN/HOWARD – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B UNDER PENDING BUSINESS – BYLAW AMENDMENT.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann said moving the agenda deadline to the third Thursday at 5:00 p.m. before the meeting would allow for the packet to be ready on Friday’s.  Deputy City Clerk Johnson suggested the deadline be moved to Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to allow for the packets to be available on Friday’s. 

 

GANN/HOWARD – MOVED TO AMEND THE BYLAWS UNDER ITEM C #2 TO CHANGE THE DEADLINE TO THE WEDNESDAY OF THE WEEK PRECEDING THE MEETING DATE AT 5:00 P.M.

 

VOTE:  YES.  HAMIK, GANN, HOWARD, TOLVA, STEWART

 

Motion carried.

                                                                         

            C.        Community Park Day

1.                  Resolution 06-39         

 

HAMIK/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY PARK DAY.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission discussed Community Park Day and the severe time crunch for putting anything together this year.  Commissioner Gann said it may be wise to forego the planning of events and look at an ad in the newspaper recognizing city trails and city parks.  The ad could suggest that people go out and enjoy them and participate in the weekend events. 

 

Other suggestions were furnishing trash bags for park cleanup, a community garage sale and a bonfire at Bishop’s Beach.  After much discussion it was decided the ad would be the best means for Community Park Day due to the time constraints.  Student Representative Baechler said she has been working on the high school paper and the activities could be put in that paper too.  She said the Commission offered good ideas and a bonfire on the beach would draw a lot of high school kids. 

 

The Commission also decided flyers outlining the city trails and parks could be pinned up around town.  Commissioner Stewart is to ask Safeway if they would include flyers at the check out counter.  Planning Technician Engebretsen is to work on the advertisement.  The Commission will meet for a worksession on May 23 to finalize the advertisement and flyer.

 

HOWARD/GANN – MOVED TO DEVELOP A DISPLAY AD AND A HANDOUT BROCHURE FOR PARKS DAY AND AUTHORIZE THE EXPENSE OF THE ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE $300 FUND BALANCE ALLOTED.   

 

There was no additional discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

            D.        Trails Committee Report

 

HAMIK/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Hamik provided the Commission with a letter the Trails Committee wrote to City Councilmembers and the newspaper regarding the six overdue road paving projects and lack of the inclusion of sidewalks.  Vice Chair Tolva explained it sounds like we may lose the chance to get the sidewalks that were approved in the HNMTTP in 2004.  There was discussion there was not enough money.  Ms. Tolva said it was time to express concern, as we need to stick with the plan that was adopted that everyone agreed on.  The roads include Svedlund, Main, Heath, Rochelle, Ben Walters and Kachemak Way. 

 

Resolution 06-60, to approve the road repaving projects is to be heard at the May 22nd City Council meeting.  The Commission was advised they could comment on the matter at that time.       

 

Vice Chair Tolva called for a recess at 7:44 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 7:49 p.m.

 

The Commission discussed the need for sidewalks along the roads.  Commissioner Stewart said although a widened road bed along the side of the road is not the first choice (due to lack of money) it is better than nothing.  If possible Mr. Stewart would like to see a rider on the resolution stating the widened road bed is only a temporary solution, as the Commission totally supports sidewalks.  Vice Chair Tolva said in the HNMTTP Policy 5 identified four streets as near-time sidewalk additions.  Those were Bartlett, Svedlund, Main and Heath, which are not as much of a problem as Ben Walters.  We are putting our goal to the side and she is afraid the HNMTTP will end up like the other plans put on a shelf since 1985.

 

Commissioner Stewart said having a narrow driving lane will decrease speed and will give definition to a walkway, which would be a big plus.  He would like to see the plan move forward for the walkways along with resurfacing.  Vice Chair Tolva mentioned the Ocean Drive walkway which turned into a right turn lane.  Main, Svedlund and Heath streets will be busy roads and creating a pedestrian walkway/right turn lane is not a step forward at all.  Mr. Stewart said getting the word out that the speed and right hand turning will be reinforced with additional signage may be necessary.  Commissioner Howard said narrowing the traffic lanes and putting in the sidewalks is a false sense of safety for pedestrians.  She noted the reconstruction costs are estimated at $5M. 

 

When asked if HARP funds could be used and how the sidewalks could be provided, Planning Technician Engebretsen said a funding mechanism needs to be created.  HARP money only deals with roads that were platted in 1986 or before with constraints on using the funds.  The HARP program expires January 1, 2008.  She said the discussion to continue HARP will be upcoming.  Commissioner Howard said assessment districts could be created to improve roads. 

 

Deputy City Clerk Johnson reminded the Commission they were off track from the Trails Committee Report.

 

E.                  Work List

 

GANN/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Stewart said the Planning Commission and Transportation Advisory Commission commented last week on subdivisions.  The City will have a new Comprehensive Plan put together and a Parks and Recreation chapter will be written.  He said it is something to think about, what has been accomplished and the needs.  He would like everyone to revisit the notes Special Projects Coordinator Anne Marie Holen made in February.

 

HAMIK/STEWART - MOVED TO ADD BICYCLE RACKS TO THE 2007 WISH LIST.

 

Commissioner Gann said it is important to define the places that need a bike rack.  The various areas could be looked at on commissioner’s own time or at the park walk through. 

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission agreed by consensus to add Bike Racks as regular business to the June agenda and Memorial Naming of Baseball Field at Karen Hornaday Park – Sherry Hagen to the July agenda. 

 

When asked about the park policy for WKFL Park, Planning Technician Engebretsen said Parks Coordinator Hagerty related she had spoken to Brother Asaiah before his death and it was his wish to have Christmas lights on the tree.  The Christmas lights were not on the tree during the seasons when the tree was stressed and it was exceptionally dry.  Now that the tree is healthy the lights are back on during the holiday season.  Commissioner Stewart asked if Brother Asaiah’s wishes for WKFL Park could be retrieved from archives.  It will be provided as an informational item in an upcoming meeting.

 

Updates on the Poopdeck to Main Street Town Center trail will be provided after the plat is decided.  

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS

 

            A.        Karen Hornaday Park Plan      

 

 

GANN/HAMIK – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Stewart reported there is a clear view of the playground from all the fields after the drainage work was completed.  Currently there is a big mud wallow, but just because of the time of year the work was done.  All areas around the ball parks and where public traffic is have been completed.  Planning Technician Engebretsen stated the Karen Hornaday Park Plan was on tonight’s agenda to add the t-ball field to the park’s master plan.

 

HAMIK/GANN - MOVED TO ADD THE T-BALL FIELD TO THE KAREN HORNADAY PARK MASTER PLAN.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen confirmed the approval of the motion can now make the T-ball field a reality and there may be some funding to start the work this year.

 

VOTE:  YES.  TOLVA, HAMIK, GANN, HOWARD, STEWART

 

Motion carried.

                                                             

            B.         Schedule Spring Park and Beach Walkthrough

 

HAMIK/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann suggested the park walkthrough be scheduled for June 10th and the beach walkthrough be scheduled at the June 15th regular meeting.  The Commission decided to visit the following parks: Bayview, Jeffrey, Karen Hornaday and WKFL.

 

GANN/STEWART – MOVED TO SCHEUDLE THE PARK WALKTHROUGH CONSISTING OF BAYVIEW, JEFFREY, KAREN HORNADAY AND WKFL PARKS ON JUNE 10, 2006 BY MEETING AT 9:00 A.M. AT CAPTAIN’S COFFEE.

 

Commissioner Hamik said more people will attend if it is at 9:30 a.m.

 

STEWART/GANN – MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO ADD WOODARD CREEK PARK.

 

The Commission agreed Woodard Creek Park should be visited too.

 

VOTE:  YES.  STEWART, HAMIK, TOLVA, GANN, HOWARD

 

Motion carried.

 

VOTE:  (main motion as amended) YES.  GANN, HOWARD, STEWART

 

VOTE:  (main motion as amended)  NO.  TOLVA, HAMIK   

 

Motion failed.

 

STEWART/GANN – MOVED TO SCHEDULE THE PARK WALKTHROUGH CONSISTING OF BAYVIEW, JEFFREY, KAREN HORNADAY, WOODARD CREEK PARKS ON JUNE 10, 2006 BY MEETING AT 9:30 A.M. AT CAPTAIN’S COFFEE. 

 

VOTE:  YES.  STEWART, GANN, HAMIK, TOLVA, HOWARD

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Hamik was excused at 8:42 p.m.

 

The Commission will view Coal Point Park and Dudiak Fishing Lagoon with the beach walkthrough.

 

            C.        Town Center Development Task Force

 

STEWART/GANN – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Gann said Chair Debbie Poore has been selected as the Parks and Recreation Commission’s representative for the Town Center Development Task Force.

 

Commissioner Stewart asked if Town Center is leaning towards Plan A or B.  Planning Technician answered CIRI’s report is close to Plan B.  Commissioner Stewart presented a map where the trails should be located in the Town Center.    

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

            A.        City Council Meeting Minutes of March 13 and 28, April 10

                        and 24, 2006 (approved) and May 8, 2006 (unapproved)                    

            B.         City Council Meetings – Commissioner Attendance Schedule               

            C.        Snyderville, Utah Basin Recreation and Trails Master Plan                    

                        1.         Snydervile Basin Special Recreation District Parks, Trails

                                    and Recreation Capital Facilities Plan                           

                        2.         Snyderville Basin Public Services                                             

                        3.         Utah Code, Re: Recreational Purposes of Land and Water       

                        4.         Recreation and Trails Master Plan & Capital Facilities Plan       

                        5.         Map of Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District    

            D.        Letter from CoHOSTs to Mayor Hornaday re: Troy Duffin’s Visit        

            E.         Appointment of Barbara Howard to the Parks and Recreation

                        Commission                                                                                         

F.         Memorandum from Deputy City Clerk, Re: Meeting Notice

            Requirements and Quorums                                                                 

 

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

 

There was no audience.

 

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

 

Vice Chair Tolva apologized for the length of the meeting.

 

Commissioner Stewart welcomed Commissioner Howard and said he has hopes for a fruitful summer.

 

Commissioner Gann welcomed Commissioner Howard, stating she was a great addition and they were lucky to have her.  He said the Commission is now facing another vacancy and urged everyone to get the word out.

 

Vice Chair Tolva said she was happy to have Commissioner Howard aboard.  There is now ice racing in Homer due to the dedication of Mike Daily.  He works tirelessly and has devoted hours of time showing kids how to build an ice racer.  Additionally, he makes trophies.  Vice Chair Tolva thanked Deputy City Clerk Johnson and Planning Technician Engebretsen.

 

Commissioner Howard said she was honored to be here, looks forward to working with the Commission and will do her best to come prepared.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.  A worksession is scheduled for May 23, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room and the next regular meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska. 

 

 

_________________________________

JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: ________________________