Session 04-05, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on May 20, 2004 at 7:40 p.m. by Acting Chair Tolva at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:         COMMISSIONERS:         TOLVA, HAMIK, WEAVER, POORE, MCCALLUM                                                                        (excused after COMMISSION BUSINESS Item F)

                                                                       

ABSENT:          DAUGHARTY, LANGMAN (both excused)

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

The agenda was amended to move Playgound Equipment from COMMISSION BUSINESS to PENDING BUSINESS and add Item M. Adopt-A-Park Program as COMMISSION BUSINESS.  The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

 

Commissioner Hamik requested that the organization called One Percent for the Planet be mentioned in her comments.  Special Projects Coordinator Holen corrected information pertaining to the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) wish list.  She stated that she compiles the CIP list and circulates it to all commissions and department heads.  Additionally various non-profit organizations within the community are encouraged to submit any ideas for capital projects in excess of $25,000.  The amended Regular Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2004 were approved by consensus of the Commission.   

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

STAFF REPORT

 

Special Projects Coordinator Holen said she is happy to be a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission.  She has been furthering her education on Parks and Recreation issues and will gain a better understanding of the budget process after talking with the Finance Director.  She obtained a map from the Planning Department to become familiar with city properties and the local parks. 

 

Commissioner Poore requested that Ms. Holen supply the 2004 Parks and Recreation budget to the Commission so they had a clear understanding of their resources.

 

Deputy City Clerk Johnson reported that Nyssa Baechler’s appointment to the Commission will go before the City Council at the Tuesday (5/25/04) meeting.  Nyssa was not able to attend tonight’s meeting due to school commitments.

 

VISITORS

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.                  Playground Equipment

 

Commissioner Hamik asked the Commission to decide what type of playground equipment was needed for Jeffrey Park and then allow Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty to order it.  Upon discussion the Commission agreed that funds could be used for the purchase of swing sets at Jeffrey Park for both adults and toddlers and additionally at the Fishin’ Hole Pocket Park.  The Commission concurred that Ms. Hagerty is familiar with the dimensions of both parks and her expertise would provide the best fit of equipment.       

 

The Commission discussed the $7,000 revenue shortage for restocking the Fishin’ Hole and decided no action would be taken.   

 

HAMIK/POORE - MOVED THAT TAMARA HAGERTY, PARKS MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR, SHOULD PURCHASE TWO SWING SETS FOR JEFFREY PARK; ONE VERY TALL SET TO ACCOMMODATE ADULTS, AND THE OTHER A TODDLER SIZE SET.

 

VOTE:  YES:  MCCALLUM, POORE, TOLVA, HAMIK, WEAVER

 

Motion carried.

 

POORE/MCCALLUM - MOVED THAT TAMARA HAGERTY, PARKS MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR, EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF PLACING A SWING SET AT THE FISHIN’ HOLE POCKET PARK AND IMPLEMENT THE PURCHASE IF POSSIBLE.

 

VOTE:  YES:  POORE, WEAVER, HAMIK, TOLVA, MCCALLUM

 

Motion carried.

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS

 

B.         Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan (status review)

 

Special Projects Coordinator Holen said the Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan is to be completed by June 30, 2004 to meet the grant requirements.  It is the hope that the plan will be finalized and adopted by the City Council by the end of June.  The Commissions, Town Center Development Committee and Road Standards Committee are to review the plan and advance their input to the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission will in turn forward those and their own comments to the City Council.  The Planning Commission’s next meeting is June 2, 2004 with a public hearing on the Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan.  

                                                                                     

C.         Support of Library Grant Greenways, Re: Anne Marie Holen, Special Projects Coordinator      

 

The Commission expressed their support for funding from the Kodak American Greenways program for development of a greenway for the new library.  The proposed Hazel Avenue Greenway is to include a trail, benches, and native plants and flowers.  Special Projects Coordinator Holen explained that the City is asking for $2,500, the maximum grant, which will count towards the $833 which is expected from the Challenge Grant.  

 

WEAVER/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO SEND A DRAFT LETTER UNDER THE SIGNATURE OF THE ACTING CHAIR IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE LIBRARY GREENWAYS GRANT.

 

VOTE:  YES:  HAMIK, MCCALLUM, POORE, TOLVA, WEAVER

 

Motion carried.                                    

 

            D.         Spit Parks Assessment

                        Letter from Mayor Cushing to Marine Trades Committee in Support of Coast Guard “Sedge Class” Buoy Tender Memorial

 

The Commission requested a presentation from Kate Mitchell for the next meeting under VISITORS.

 

Commissioner Weaver said he had driven the Spit Road and looked at the parks.  He questioned if the Commission wished to facilitate tourism or provide opportunities for the local folks.  He does not understand the economics of The Lagoon (the Fishin’ Hole) as it does not appear on the city tax rolls, although he believes it is an economic development initiative to spur tourism.  Commissioner Poore said the parcel pays for itself by boosting the economy both on the Spit and throughout town. 

 

Commissioner Hamik said the Coal Point Park is a beautiful spot as it overlooks the entire bay.  She said the signage there describing the birds is no longer legible and may need maintenance. 

 

Commissioner Poore suggested that a pamphlet explaining the parks within the city would be helpful.  The Commission expressed an interest in promoting a parks and trails pamphlet and deferred it to next month’s agenda for discussion.

 

Parks and Trails Pamphlet is to be added to next month’s agenda under PENDING BUSINESS.          

 

The Commission expressed their approval of the new sign at Mariner’s Park which includes more space around it for added clarity.  Additionally, an observation deck at Lighthouse Village was constructed with signage describing the birds.  Viewers are able to utilize the deck to watch birds migrate by.   

 

The End of the Road Park was discussed and Commissioner Poore made several suggestions.  A lamp on the signpost and picnic tables could be placed on each side of the park.   

 

WEAVER/POORE - MOVED TO POSTPONE THE DISCUSSION OF THE END OF THE ROAD PARK TO THE NEXT MEETING PENDING VERIFICATION AND WILL THEN DISCUSS THE SITE DEVELOPMENT AND SIGN.

 

VOTE:  YES:  POORE, MCCALLUM, HAMIK, TOLVA, WEAVER

 

Motion carried.

Lou Stewart suggested that a theme be adopted for the parks, possibly nautical such as a buoy marker, a coal car, or a hunk of railing.      

 

Commissioner Hamik reported that she gave a Commission report at the last City Council meeting.  Carly Bossert from the Homer News called her requesting to be included in a park walk-thru when the Commission scheduled one.  Lou Stewart suggested that a park day coincide with the unveiling of the Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan.  The park day could be an open house for parks to make the public aware of their locations.  The Commission discussed designating a local park day and decided to defer it to next month’s agenda.

 

Local Park Day is to be added to next month’s agenda under PENDING BUSINESS.

 

            E.         Parks Long Term Survey

 

The Commission reviewed the Parks Long Term Survey editing questions and discussing the best means for its distribution.  Commissioner McCallum and Lou Stewart were designated to provide a final draft of the plan to be presented to the Commission at the next meeting.

 

Parks Long Term Survey is to be added to next month’s agenda under PENDING BUSINESS.

 

            F.         Land Bank Reserve Status       

 

Special Projects Coordinator Holen said she is unaware of a Land Bank, although the City donates land for many uses.    

 

WEAVER/TOLVA – MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADJUST THE AGENDA.

 

VOTE:  YES:  NON-OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

WEAVER – CALL FOR THE QUESTION.

 

VOTE:  YES:  TOLVA, POORE, HAMIK, MCCALLUM, WEAVER  

 

Motion carried.

 

            G.         Trash Can Project

 

Commissioner McCallum said she was not able to coordinate the trash can painting project this month and needed to extend the date to June.  She said the trash cans can be prepped and primer applied one weekend and the second weekend the Red Hot Mamas can help with the painting.  The new dates for the trash can project are June 19th and 26th. 

 

Commissioner McCallum requested that she be excused from the meeting and Acting Chair Tolva allowed that request.

 

H.         Traffic Cones for Roundabout at Lake Street and Sterling Highway                  

            Intersection

 

Commissioner Hamik said at the last DOWL Engineers meeting placing traffic cones at Lake Street and Sterling Highway was discussed.  Testing the traffic cones would provide the public a chance to see if a roundabout was feasible.    

 

HAMIK/POORE – MOVED TO REQUEST THAT CAREY MEYER, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, INSTALL TRAFFIC CONES IN A ROUNDABOUT STUDY AT LAKE STREET AND THE STERLING HIGHWAY INTERSECTION.

 

VOTE:  YES:  WEAVER, HAMIK, TOLVA, POORE

 

Motion carried.

     

      I.          Prioritize Expenditures for Reserve Fund

 

Commissioner Poore stated that her opinion has changed as to stocking the Fishin’ Hole after hearing Nick Dudiak’s presentation at the City Council meeting and the community support for the project.  She said the City has tried many ways to obtain the necessary funds but has been unsuccessful.

 

POORE/TOLVA – MOVED TO POSTPONE ACTION ON PRIORITIZING EXPENDITURES FOR THE RESERVE FUND TO THE NEXT MEETING.

 

VOTE:  YES:  POORE, TOLVA, HAMIK, WEAVER

 

Motion carried.

           

            J.          Trails Committee

 

K.         Develop Schedule for Commission Representation at City Council        Meetings

 

Special Projects Coordinator Holen is to compile an alphabetical list of the Commissioners to schedule representation at the City Council Meetings.

 

TOLVA/HAMIK - MOVED TO DEVELOP A PROCEDURE FOR ATTENDING AND REPORTING TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ATTENDANCE WAS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE ENTIRE MEETING.

 

VOTE:  YES:  POORE, WEAVER, HAMIK, TOLVA

 

Motion carried.

                       

K.                              Pocket Park Proposal Bunnell’s Sub. No. 17, Lot 11-B                                by Lou Stewart

 

Lou Stewart said he and his neighbor Fred Pfeil recently discovered a piece of land that is the remaining parcel of City purchased land for utility easements.  It is a 30 x 386 foot long strip that lies along Spruceview Avenue, the first left after the museum, and the remaining property of the City’s purchase of land for utilities.  Woodard Creek runs right through the middle, with frontage of Bartlett St. and the length of the parcel on Spruceview Avenue.  Mr. Stewart proposed that the property be designated as Woodard Creek Park.  He said people that live along Woodard Creek are supportive of the proposal and he had talked with City Clerk Calhoun and learned the classification for the piece of land is right for the park.                       

 

TOLVA/WEAVER - MOVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE PARCEL NO. 175-133-2800 AS WOODARD CREEK PARK.

 

VOTE:  YES:  HAMIK, POORE, TOLVA, WEAVER

 

Motion carried. 

 

L.                              Adopt-A-Park Program

 

The Commission discussed the Adopt-A-Park program and Commissioner Weaver stated that he has worked in cities that have the adopt-a-park program where organizations take on parks and provide maintenance.  He suggested a draft agreement might be made by a professional staff person to contain the appropriate information regarding equipment standards and compliance with the ADA (American Disabilities Act).

 

TOLVA/HAMIK – MOVED THAT THE ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM BE CONTINUED TO NEXT MONTH’S AGENDA.

 

VOTE:  YES:  POORE, HAMIK, TOLVA, WEAVER

 

Motion carried.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

          A.         City Council Meeting Minutes of April 12 & 26, 2004 (approved)             

                       

            B.         National Recreation and Park Association Information, From Commissioner      Weaver

            C.         Karen Hornaday Park Entrance Gate - maps                                        

 

D.         Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to City Manager Wrede, Re: Purchase of Spring Planting Supplies for the City Flowerbeds

           

E.         Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to Mayor Cushing and Homer City Council, Re: Non-Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan                                 

 

            F.         Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to Mayor Cushing and Homer City Council, Re: Repeat Request For Student Representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Page 113

            G.         Major Initiative Attacks Obesity Through Recreation, From Anne Marie             Holen, Special Projects Coordinator                                         

 

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

 

Lou Stewart said he likes the new pedestrian crosswalks and Debbie Poore’s letter to the editor soliciting community support. 

 

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

 

Commissioner Weaver said at the Commission’s worksession a plan was outlined for two to three months in the future.  He would like to assure the items are put on the June agenda.  Mr. Weaver said he found material on the National Parks and Recreation website and there are books and pamphlets that the Commission may find useful.  Additionally he said he enjoyed tonight’s meeting.

 

Commissioner Hamik said she is thrilled that the Commission took positive action tonight and believes it is a great Commission.  She complimented Acting Chair Tolva on the great job presiding at tonight’s meeting.

 

Commissioner Poore said she is very pleased to see the crosswalks and the public comments pertaining to them in the newspaper.  It is encouraging and feels like a validation of the City and Commission’s work.  Ms. Poore asked that the tentative categorization of parks be placed on next month’s agenda.

 

Commissioner Tolva thanked Commissioner Poore for taking the initiative to write the letter to the editor.  Although Ms. Tolva expressed disappointment that the public did not attend regarding the Spit parks, Mr. Stewart and Mr. Pfeil’s proposal for the Woodard Creek Park was exciting.  Ms. Tolva said the Homer Middle School quest class presentation to DOWL engineers was impressive.  They are poised and confident students who spoke about their assignments.  Each group chose a trail to walk and assess, giving a report and visual presentation.  The consistent theme was wooded settings which is a true indication that the kids love the natural setting.  Ms. Poore said she has been asked how the ski people feel about horses on their trails and would like input from the Commission.   

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

WEAVER/TOLVA – MOVED TO ADJOURN. 

 

VOTE:  YES:  TOLVA, POORE, HAMIK, WEAVER

 

Motion carried.

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.  The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

 

 

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JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

 

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APPROVED