Session 05-05, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on May 19, 2005 at 6:35 p.m. by Vice Chair Poore at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: GANN, MCCALLUM, POORE, STEWART

ABSENT: DAUGHARTY, HAMIK, TOLVA (ALL EXCUSED) STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: BAECHLER (EXCUSED)

STAFF: DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON

PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

AGENDA APPROVAL

The agenda was amended to postpone both visitors as Hope Finkelstein and Pat Cue were unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Both visitors were rescheduled for the June meeting.

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Unapproved Minutes of April 21, 2005

The minutes were corrected and approved.

STEWART/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO APPROVE THE CORRECTED MINUTES.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

Sue Mauger, Chair of the Library Advisory Board (LAB) appeared. She wanted to assure the Commission understood where the LAB was in the process of the library project. Ms. Mauger said the second phase of the project will be the western portion of the lot that has trails designed. The LAB would like to see the library lot incorporated into the whole trail system. It would be a pedestrian friendly area where people could park centrally and complete their daily chores on foot. The LAB is excited about the new phase and wants to make sure the Commission is informed. She asked the Commission to contact her or attend the LAB meeting. Additionally Ms. Mauger thanked the Commission for their work.

Commissioner Stewart said he was not clear about the discussions of combining the four western lots. Chair Mauger said when the library site was selected they were platted as eight lots. An easement down the middle of the lots will not be vacated, causing them to remain as two. Presently the two lots are before the Borough for approval. All eight lots are dedicated to the library project and the project design has always included all of the lots.

Commissioner Stewart commented that the City Council had discussed the sale of the western lots. Ms. Mauger responded that there has been nothing brought by the Council and she doesn’t believe the majority of the Council wants to use the lots for anything other than the library. Commissioner McCallum questioned if it was the LAB’s position that the City should abide by the decision made two years ago to maintain the lots as parks and trails to abut the library project. Ms. Mauger confirmed the LAB’s wish was that all eight lots remain committed to the project, as they were part of the proposals sent to the foundations that donated money. The contribution the City was making to the project by putting forward all eight lots was part of the match money for the project.

Commission McCallum questioned what would happen to the funding if the four lots were pulled from the library project and sold. Ms. Mauger answered although it was merely speculation, all the money would be in jeopardy. The money was committed with a vision in mind and it would be changing the proposal. The sale of the old library and donation of the land are huge contributions and an important piece for the foundations to understand the City’s commitment.

Commissioner Stewart asked when the lots were approved by the City Council. Ms. Mauger said it was her recollection the eight lots were approved by Council in August 2003. She related that the LAB’s recommendation of that site was based on all eight lots. Ms. Mauger explained there is a USDA grant in the amount of $115,000 available to develop the western portion of the lot. It is a reimbursable grant which means if there is something done they will pay up to $115,000.

Commissioner Stewart questioned the driveway on Poopdeck and Ms. Mauger answered there is a ten space parking lot. It is to be used for central parking to access the trails and area stores. Mr. Stewart said there have been discussions about the Poopdeck Trail becoming a connector type street. He said Leo Vait’s sculpture may be short lived due to the library plans. Ms. Mauger does not expect the sign will be taken down.

Ms. Mauger concluded that the LAB’s next focus will be the operating budget for the new building and the park area. She asked that the LAB and Commission cooperate and keep each other informed on the updates of the western lots. She suggested a liaison with two members from the LAB and two members from the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss ideas. The Commission did not take action at tonight’s meeting on the idea.

STAFF REPORT

VISITORS

A. Hope Finkelstein – Community Garden

B. Beach Policy Committee Member

Both of these visitors are postponed to June.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Community Park Day Assessment

Commissioner Gann commented that for the first Park Day it turned out very nice. Other activities within the park generated traffic. Commissioner Stewart agreed that it was a success as the Commission pulled it together and there was a presentation made. Commissioner Gann added the trash can painting was a cool thing for kids’ involvement and now they can see them around town.

Some of the ideas for future Community Park Days include:

* Purchase of a tent

* Community Park Day at the Street Fair, Concert on the Lawn or at the WKFL Park

* A campaign launched to promote trails and parks

* T-shirts with multi-colored handprints

* A theme for Community Park Day, such as the unsung heroes that have been instrumental in developing parks

Commissioner Stewart was thanked for his role in obtaining the two weather ports. A formal thank you letter to the owners of the tents will be written. It was suggested in the fall when the new budget is proposed a weather port for Parks and Recreation and other City events could be included.

MCCALLUM/GANN – MOVED TO INVITE RICH KLEINLEDER TO MAKE A PRESENTATION ABOUT JACK GIST PARK AT THE NEXT MEETING OR AT HIS CONVENIENCE.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

B. Schedule Park Walk-thru

The parks up for discussion this year include: Bayview, Ben Walters, Bishop’s Beach, Coal Point, End of the Road Park and Fishing Lagoon parks. The Commission agreed upon a park walk-thru on Saturday June 18 at 10 a.m.

C. Homer Beaches and Parks – A United Commission

By consensus of the Commission this item was moved to the June agenda.

D. Trails Committee Report

There was no Trails Committee meeting this month.

E. Roundabouts

The Commission requested Planning Technician Engebretsen provide an update on the Transportation Plan at next month’s meeting and that the Transportation Plan be provided in next month’s packet.

F. Worklist

It was noted that Mayor Hornaday donated $1,000 towards work on the drainage at Karen Hornaday Park. The Mayor indicated the culverts had been ordered and the work was slated to be done this summer. Commissioner Stewart said this is the second time Mayor Hornaday has contributed money for the drainage project and there has yet to be any work done on it. The $30,000 project drawing is two years old and after speaking with Tammy Hagerty, Parks Maintenance Coordinator, last week Mr. Stewart learned they are $5,000 short. Commissioner Gann said he would speak with Public Works Director Meyer about the project. The Commission discussed a means of moving the drainage project along and determined an action plan was needed.

Commissioner Stewart suggested the news media be contacted and asked to interview Bill Bell, Jim Hornaday and Walt Wrede or Carey Meyer. Commissioner McCallum agrees with jump-starting the process and asking for a report on the status of the project, including the funds status, and an action plan.

MCCALLUM/STEWART – MOVED THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SEND A MEMORANDUM TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITY MANAGER.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is requesting a detailed report of what has been done to make the necessary improvements at Karen Hornaday Park which will begin making this a safe, accessible and low liability risk City park. The specific improvements are the drainage ditch and the parking lot repair. We would like to know details of what has been purchased and ordered to make these improvements. We would like to see the action plan for implementation of these improvements. We need this by the 15^th of June for the Parks and Recreation meeting on June 16, 2005.

The Commission agreed they need to find out what is causing the delay and what can be done to facilitate the immediate implementation of the plan to fix the park.

VOTE: YES. POORE, STEWART, GANN, MCCALLUM

Motion carried.

Chair Daugharty is scheduled to attend the May 24^th City Council meeting. It was decided each Commissioner would call a Councilmember and tell them of the important drainage ditch issues at Karen Hornaday Park. The improvements were promised a number of years ago and it is time for the project to get underway.

The Parks and Trails Map has been successfully finished and is out in print. Commissioner McCallum suggested the scavenger trail could be printed in color and made available at the Chamber of Commerce.

The playground equipment arrived at Jeffery Park and the areas have been bulldozed and gravel has been spread. The Commission will view the area.

Grants for handicap accessible playgrounds were discussed. Commissioner McCallum said she would like to approach a person with a disability that could give insight to the needs.

The Commission asked for an update on Parks & Trails Signage from Planning Technician Engebretsen. A nautical theme for the parks on the Spit was discussed.

MCCALLUM/GANN – MOVED FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE CURRENT PARK AND TRAIL SIGNAGE AND IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS OR NEW SIGNAGE ON THE AUGUST AGENDA.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Vice Chair Poore stated she has not done, nor does it look like she is able to inventory the bike racks throughout town. Commissioner Stewart noted he had viewed bike racks mid April and found them in various places. It was suggested the Chamber of Commerce may be willing to promote the idea. With the summer road work finished and the bike path accessible it may be a good time to get the word out.

Some of the places where bike racks would be beneficial are:

* Fishing Lagoon

* Airport

* Businesses along Pioneer Ave.

* Museum

* Library

* Schools

* KBBI

* City Hall

Dave Anderson and Leo Vait are working on the Poopdeck Trail sign.

In discussions of fireworks at New Year’s, Winter Carnival, or Winter Games, Planning Technician Engebretsen informed the Commission it was not budgeted in the Public Works budget and would require approval from the City Council for funds. Ms. Engebretsen suggested a memorandum to the City Manager requesting a follow-up of fireworks be sent by the Commission. The Commission is to compose a memorandum to the City Manager at next month’s meeting.

GANN/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO MAKE FIREWORKS AN AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MONTH.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

COMMISSION BUSINESS

A. Land Allocation Plan – Public Hearing

Hazel Avenue Lots - Commissioner McCallum stated LAB Chair Mauger provided good information. From her comments the City Council dedicated the eights lots for the library and library funding and grants were predicated on all parcels.

GANN/STEWART – MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL TO KEEP ALL THE LOTS ON HAZEL AVENUE TIED IN WITH THE LIBRARY PROJECT FOR OPEN SPACE AND COORDINATING WITH THE LIBRARY’S PLAN.

VOTE: YES. GANN, POORE, MCCALLUM, STEWART

Motion carried.

Oscar Munson Lot 79 – The Commission noted public comments were made at last month’s meeting in favor of keeping this lot as neighborhood green space, citing an advantage to the City and the neighborhood.

STEWART/GANN – MOVED TO RETAIN OSCAR MUNSON LOT 79 ON THE CITY’S ROLLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF GREEN SPACE.

VOTE: YES. POORE, MCCALLUM, GANN, STEWART

Motion carried.

Commissioner Stewart said he would like to promote the adopt-a-park idea and share it with neighbors in the Oscar Munson area. He would like the neighbors to take ownership and get the press involved to encourage others. Commissioner Gann said it would be a great pilot project. Vice Chair Poore said the neighbors had concerns about the parcel being turned into a park that would require parking and public beach access. She said if it were to be a pilot project for adopt-a-park it fits a different picture than a community park. Commissioner McCallum said the definition of a park includes a dedicated sacred green spot. The community can feel at ease that it won’t be developed. The group adopting the park can define the perimeters and have a say in how the space is developed.

Government Lot 13 – Vice Chair Poore told the Commission her understanding is that the City Council has acted on this by expanding the area for Spit parking and lease. Additionally the DOT (Department of Transportation) parcel will be leased for parking and the permitting process for Government Lot 13 is to be explored. The permits could take years as it is high value wetlands, in the flight pattern, and a critical habitat area.

Planning Technician Engebretsen noted there are two places on the Spit further down for trail parking. They are City parking spaces but are rarely used.

Harry Feyer Lot 1 – Commissioner Stewart pointed out there is beach access on the south side of the lot. Planning Technician Engebretsen noted there are numerous public easements to walk down to the beach.

STEWART/MCCALLUM – MOVED THAT THE CITY RETAIN HARRY FEYER LOT 1 AS USE FOR A FUTURE PARK ALONG KACHEMAK DRIVE.

Commissioner Stewart pointed out Lot 1 is a strategic piece of property on Kachemak Drive and will create a wonderful rest stop for walkers and bikers.

VOTE: YES. STEWART, GANN, POORE, MCCALLUM

Motion carried.

B. Amend By-laws (Public comments prior to approval of minutes)

GANN/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO AMEND THE BYLAWS TO PLACE PUBLIC COMMENTS PRIOR TO THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES.

Commissioner Gann explained the Commission’s meeting format will be amended in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. Vice Chair Poore added anyone wishing to make comments on the minutes can do so.

VOTE: YES. MCCALLUM, GANN, POORE, STEWART

Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. City Council Meeting Minutes of April 11 and 25, 2005 (approved) and

May 9, 2005 (unapproved)

B. Mayor’s Proclamation – Community Park Day

C. Resolution 05-45(S)(A) – Right of Way Use Agreement with ADOT&PF

for Expansion of Parking Lot at the Base of the Spit

D. Resolution 05-57 – Disbanding the Beach Policy Committee and Forwarding

Those Duties and Responsibilities to the Parks and Recreation Commission

E. Commissioner Meeting List – City Council Meetings

F. Market Your Programs by Celebrating Untraditional Holidays

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

Vice Chair Poore told the Commission she is having major surgery in June and will be recovering for a good part of the summer. She will be attending the meetings, but will not be able to do much extra. She said the Commission is doing a good job and urged them to keep it up.

Commissioner McCallum commented that the Community Park Day was great.

Commissioner Stewart said he would like to see adopt-a-park or adopt-a-trail ideas, a plan for Ben Walters Park and the Beluga Lake area parking. Adopt-a-bench is also an idea he would like to discuss. Mr. Stewart agreed that Community Park Day was a success and was happy the presentation was made. Although there were not a lot of people it mobilized and now the Commission can take it to the next level. He would like to see the Commission have a larger budget for big plans. Commissioner Stewart concluded he is glad it is spring and glad everyone in attendance made it tonight.

Vice Chair Poore said she attended a City Council meeting and asked the Council to let the Commission know what portion of the City budget Parks and Recreation was given and how the sales tax increase would be allocated. Vice Chair Poore asked Planning Technician Engebretsen how the Commission might get a response. Mrs. Engebretsen explained the Council could direct the City Manager to investigate or they could chose not to. She said she would find out what she could about the two questions. Vice Chair Poore relayed that all the Commissioners would like to thank Planning Technician Engebretsen for her hard work for Community Park Day. The Commission agreed that Julie’s positive attitude and her being easily accessible made it great to work with her.

Planning Technician Engebretsen told the Commission they did a great job pulling Community Park Day together and getting things done.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2005 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: _________________________