Session 06-13 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:33 p.m. on November 16, 2006 by Chair Poore at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:       COMMISSIONERS:   BREMICKER, GANN, HOWARD, POORE, STEWART, WEAVER

 

ABSENT:  TOLVA (excused)             

 

STAFF:            PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                        PLANNING CLERK ROSENCRANS

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

Commissioner Howard requested VISITORS be heard before STAFF REPORT.

 

The agenda as amended was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                Unapproved minutes of October 19, 2006       

 

The minutes were approved by consensus of the Commission.                                      

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

There were no public comments.

 

VISITORS

 

John Velsko, city resident, lives on Highland Drive on the property adjacent to the proposed park.  He favors option #2.  Many residents he has talked with do not want increased vehicular traffic.  Questions were directed to Planning Technician Engebretsen:

 

·        If property owners do not file quitclaim deeds nothing will happen to make the park. All landowners must sign for the park to be built.

·        Protected covenants would restrict the area as green space.  There may be a conservation easement on a larger tract of land. 

 

Marypat Montana, newest homeowner on Highland Drive, expressed her concern of added traffic with a park.  She will not sign a petition for a quit claim as she does not favor anything that causes a left turn off of West Hill.

 

Gary Sinnhuber, property owner on Highland Drive, stated Nick Gangle gave the City the property as a gift.  He asked when given as a gift if all the property owners were part owner of a piece of the property.  Planning Technician Engebretsen referenced Jeffrey Park land that was given to the City by Tony Neal with clear title.  In the Mountain View area the Raven Ridge Homeowners Association own their park land.  The Highland Drive subdivision did not have a homeowners association to take care of the park.  A plat note on the land prevents the public from using the park; it is only to be used by homeowners.  Through public process the homeowners have a say in how the land will be developed, or not developed.  Mr. Sinnhuber favors getting rid of the dead trees and enhancing the creek. 

 

Ted Schmidt owns a home on Highland Drive and expressed confusion on the ownership of the park land.  As it stands now the homeowners own the parcel, but by signing the quitclaim deed it is owned by over 4,000 people.  He sees his control being taken away with the signing of a quitclaim deed.

 

The City owns the park but there is restrictive use to people within the Highland Drive subdivision. 

 

Chair Poore noted seven people in attendance in support of the opinions offered.

 

Commissioner Howard recommended the City deed the lot back to the homeowners association and get out of the business.  Property with specific restrictions is incompatible with the use of public funds. 

 

John Velsko commented years ago there was a homeowners association, but not one currently.

 

Commissioner Weaver recommended the property remain status quo.

 

There is no one to return the property to without a homeowners association. No city maintenance will occur except to correct unsafe corrections until the City has clear title to the land.  A homeowners association would need to be formed for the City to deed the lot back.  The Commission questioned if it is good public policy to use taxpayers dollars for a private park.  It was suggested the City retain the land and at a future time homeowners may agree to develop. 

 

Restrictions upon the parcel could include: a wildlife corridor and a guarantee that the City would not sell the parcel.

 

GANN/STEWART - MOVED TO SEND THIS RESOLUTION FORWARD INSERTING ON LINE 26 INFORMATION WE GAVE JULIE AND INFORMATION ON LINE THAT WE LEAVE THE LAND IN THE NATURAL STATE. 

 

Information to be inserted on Line 26 includes:  Property owners expressed reluctance to sign a deed that may increase the traffic against their wishes.  The assurance of future uses of park and green space and wildlife corridor.   

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.[1]

 

STAFF REPORT      

 

A.                 November Staff Report – Planning Technician Engebretsen      

Planning Technician Engebretsen called attention to the conflict of interest code and Code of Ethics.  The Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan will be provided to new commissioners at the next meeting.  Parks Day is not in the City budget; it will have to be lobbied for to obtain funding.  In 2005 the event was held and featured trash can painting, a tree give-away and tree planting demonstration.  The Commission was unable to organize a Community Parks Day in 2006 and instead opted for advertisement for other community organizations along with a list of City parks.  A flyer outlining the events was placed in Safeway grocery bags and resulted in a trail work force turnout of nearly 200 people.

 

The proposed FY2007 Budget is available for viewing.  Commissioners were encouraged to attend the City Council public hearings to lobby for funds for Community Park Day.  The Fairview/Reber trail cost estimates have been prepared.  It is an expensive project that requires grant funding.  City Planner McKibben will speak to the Commission in January about the Comprehensive Plan.  Discussions for a beach committee will be heard in January. 

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.        Memorandum from Planning Technician, Re: Emerald Park – With Goals to Acquire      Clear Title to the Lot and Adopt a Master Park Plan     

 

Commission business on Emerald Park was handled under VISITORS.  

                                                                                  

 B.        Memorandum from Planning Technician, Re: Bylaws Committee and New Draft Bylaws    

 

Chair Poore asked for a motion to discuss Item B, under Pending Business.

 

GANN/STEWART – SO MOVED.     

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Language was clarified as to special committee members and appointment of Vice-Chair in the event of vacation of office.

 

HOWARD/GANN - MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND MOVE TO ITEM A UNDER COMMISSION BUSINESS, THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR THE COMING YEAR.  

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.   

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS

 

A.        Memorandum from Deputy City Clerk, Re: Election of Officers – Chairperson and Vice Chairperson   

 

Chair Poore stated it would be beneficial if another person became Chair as it was a good learning experience and the Commission would benefit.

 

HOWARD/STEWART – MOVED TO NOMINATE DEBBIE POORE AS CHAIR.

 

BREMICKER/HOWARD – MOVED TO NOMINATE DENNIS GANN AS CHAIR.

 

HOWARD/WEAVER – MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR CHAIR.

 

By ballot vote the Commission had two tie votes.

 

VOTE:  GANN – 4; POORE – 2

 

POORE/WEAVER – MOVED TO NOMINATE LOU STEWART FOR VICE CHAIR.

 

Commissioner Howard declined from nomination.

 

HOWARD/WEAVER – MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.

 

VOTE:  STEWART – 6

 

Commissioners Gann and Stewart were elected as Chair and Vice Chair respectively.

 

Chair Poore excused herself from the meeting at 7:41 p.m. and Vice Chair Stewart presided.

 

PENDING BUSINESS

                                                                                                                                                            

C.        Memorandum from Planning Technician, Re: Ordinance to Include Beaches to the Duties of the Commission 

 

Vice Chair Stewart asked for a motion to discuss Item C under PENDING BUSINESS.

 

GANN/HOWARD – SO MOVED.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

WEAVER/HOWARD – MOVED TO APPROVE THE STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AS WRITTEN.

 

The Commission noted the responsibility and work involved in including beaches in their duties.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS

                       

B.         Memorandum from City Clerk, Re: 2007 Meeting Schedule 

 

Vice Chair Stewart asked for a motion to open discussion on Item B.

 

HOWARD/GANN – SO MOVED.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

It was recommended the December meeting for 2007 be moved to earlier in the month or canceled.  The Commission agreed December 13th would be a better date

 

HOWARD/WEAVER - MOVED TO ADJUST THE DECEMBER REGULAR MEETING FROM DECEMBER 20TH TO DECEMBER 13TH.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

GANN/HOWARD - MOVED TO CHANGE THE OCTOBER 18TH REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING TO THE 17TH.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A.        City Council Meeting Minutes of October 9 and 16, 2006 (approved) and October 23, 2006 (unapproved)                           

B.         City Council Meetings – Commissioner Attendance Schedule                         

C.        Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to Economic Development Advisory Commission, Re: Mariner Park Fishing Lagoon and Highest         and Best Use

D.        Commissioner Contact Information, Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics             

E.         Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to City Manager, Re: Vandalism of the Poopdeck Trailhead Signs 

F.         Great Places to Freeride on Public Land                                                

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

 

There was no audience.

 

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

 

Commissioner Weaver commented on the Poopdeck Trail at the backside of Safeway.  A group was placing fiber optics and moved the rocks at the bottom of the trail without replacing the center one.  It makes it easy for a quad to enter the trail.  Ms. Weaver requested the City look at the rock and move it back appropriately.

 

Commissioner Bremicker was asked by a member of the community about public access along Kachemak Drive.  He suggested looking at the long range view of public access.

 

Vice Chair Stewart invited the Commission to review the Land Allocation Plan.  Along Kachemak Drive bluff area there are easements or rights-of-way. 

 

Commissioner Gann appreciates the votes and hopes he can fill the Chair’s role. 

 

Commissioner Howard spoke of the area behind the hospital trail issue.  It is a combination of the City owning the land and the Borough leasing the land.  The hospital board passed a resolution to the Borough endorsing the trail and are now engaging it with the land management.  The issues will be on the City Council agenda November 20th.

 

Discussion ensued as to the trail and bridge behind Karen Hornaday Park.

 

Commissioner Stewart noted the need to find another high school student for the Commission.  He asked that WKFL Park  be brought back to the agenda.  Planning Technician Engebretsen stated it will be on the January agenda.  Commissioner Stewart asked if the Public Arts Committee was contacted regarding the Poopdeck Trail signs and was assured they were.  Finally he noted the need to rotate commissioners to the Chair level.   

       

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.  The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for December 14, 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: ________________________ 

 


[1] Commission business ensued for PENDING BUSINESS Item A although the agenda was not amended.