Session 05-11, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on November 17, 2005 at 6:34 p.m. by Acting Chair Tolva at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS HAMIK, MCCALLUM, STEWART, TOLVA

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: BAECHLER

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS DAUGHARTY, GANN, POORE (excused)

STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON

AGENDA APPROVAL

Commissioner Hamik requested that Implementation of the Homer Non- Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan be added under PENDING BUSINESS as Item E and Poopdeck Trail Sign Update by Dave Anderson be added as Item D under COMMISSION BUSINESS.

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Unapproved Minutes of October 20, 2005

HAMIK/STEWART – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

There was no public comment.

STAFF REPORT

Planning Technician Engebretsen apologized for the lack of a written report, stating that she was out of town. She encouraged the Commission to attend the City Council budget hearings scheduled for November 28, December 5 and 12, 2005 and speak on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

VISITORS

There were no visitors.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Crosswalks

Planning Technician Engebretsen said the information on the crosswalk on East End Road at the Jack Gist Park area was not yet ready for discussion as information from DOT is needed.

The Commission continued Crosswalks to next month’s agenda.

B. Jack Gist Park

Funding for Jack Gist Park was recommended at the October 2005 meeting. Rich Kleinleder discussed the dollar amount needed for park improvements with Public Works Director Meyer before making a presentation to the City Council. The amount requested was $35,000. The Commission asked if that amount would be used from the Reserve Funds and was advised by Planning Technician Engebretsen the Karen Hornaday Park ditch repair project is using the reserve funds. She reminded the Commission their role was to support projects and finance would decide which account monies were used from. Additionally the Commission can lobby for more funds for the Reserve Account. Although the exact figures for the Karen Hornaday Park ditch repairs were not available, it was Mrs. Engebretsen’s recollection $26,000 was used.

C. Work List

Acting Chair Tolva said she is supportive of a fireworks show for the Winter Carnival. It was decided the City Council was in the process of requesting funding for the Winter Carnival events and this item could be removed from the Work List.

Commissioner Hamik reported that playground equipment has been installed at Jeffery Park and she would ask Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty for her recommendation on the next playground. Commissioner McCallum would like to see one of the playgrounds made handicap accessible to assure all children have access. Boundless Playgrounds is a non-profit group that helps communities create a playground plan and assists in applying for grants. Commissioner McCallum is to provide information to the Commission in regard to the program.

The Commission continued Handicap Accessible Playgrounds to next month’s agenda.

Signs were discussed and it was noted the informational sign at Coal Point Park is damaged. Planning Technician Engebretsen requested that Parks and Trail Signage be discussed next month.

The Commission discussed bike racks and the means of encouraging business owners to place them outside their businesses. An award or recognition was suggested for businesses that installed bike racks.

Local Park Day discussions are to begin in January.

The Commission added points a. and b. to the budget item:

Budget for Parks and Recreation Department

a. long term department needs

b. specific projects

Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested an explanation and update of the Commission’s progress each month on the Work List to streamline and clarify the list.

D. Trails Committee Report

Commissioner Hamik reported the Trails Committee met Tuesday, November 15^th. Wildflower seeds donated by Mimi Tolva and Wagon Wheel were planted in front of Paul Banks School, the American Legion and the end of the trail. Another planting is scheduled for the spring. Planning Technician Engebretsen is writing an ordinance to implement the Homer Non-Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan. The next meeting is December 13, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.

E. Implementation of the Homer Non-Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan (HNMTTP)

Acting Chair Tolva explained the HNMTTP was adopted by the City of Homer June 2004. Money was expended for an engineering firm to design the plan and along with that came a roadmap of what is needed to get the plan into the Homer City Code (HCC). There will be amendments to the HCC to add provisions that will set standards and provide a tool for new neighborhoods and development.

Planning Technician Engebretsen asked that Implementation of the HNMTTP be added to next month’s agenda. The ordinance will be reviewed at the next meeting and forwarded to the City Manager. There are certain parts that may need to go to the Planning Commission. Mrs. Engebretsen said putting it in ordinance format will aid in the process.

The Commissioners commended Planning Technician Engebretsen for the great job she is doing as the Commission’s staff person.

COMMISSION BUSINESS

A. Memorial Naming of Baseball Field at Karen Hornaday Park – Sherry Hagen

HAMIK/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A UNDER COMMISSION BUSINESS.

VOTE: YES. MCCALLUM, TOLVA, HAMIK, STEWART

Motion carried.

Commissioner Hamik suggested passing the request to the Little League or Softball League as they may consider honoring someone also. Commissioner McCallum said she would like to see policy as other sports enthusiasts remaining families may feel slighted. A foundation is needed before you keep building. Commissioner Stewart agreed that a policy was needed prior to naming parks and other public facilities. Commissioner McCallum offered to research what other communities are doing for memorializing parks. Acting Chair Tolva suggested there be a brief explanation of the loved one on the memorial plaque so people would know the history behind the name. Student Representative Baechler agreed there needs to be a policy in place before parks are named.

Commissioner McCallum said it was an important discussion about the idea in general and memorial gardens could be added. If a piece of land was donated to the City that could not be maintained it may become troublesome for the family.

The Commission decided to add Policy for Naming Any Parks and Recreation Space Maintained by the City under COMMISSION BUSINESS for next month’s meeting.

Commissioner Hamik requested a short break. Acting Chair Tolva called for a recess at 7:22 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

HAMIK/MCCALLUM – MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SUPPORTS NAMING OF A BASEBALL FIELD AFTER SHERRY HAGEN AND REQUESTS INPUT FROM THE LITTLE LEAGUE AND SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION AS TO WHICH FIELD COULD BE MOST APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, THE PROPOSER WOULD PROVIDE THE SIGN WITH DESIGN APPROVAL FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND OUR PARKS MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR.

Commissioner Hamik stated the proposer may be able to get funding for the sign rather than it having to come out of the City’s budget.

Commission Stewart believes the Commission should wait to figure out a policy before proceeding with future dedications. Commissioner Hamik said it make take a few months to gather the information needed to discuss again.

VOTE: NO. STEWART, TOLVA, MCCALLUM

VOTE: YES. HAMIK

Motion failed.

B. Emerald Park

MCCALLUM/TOLVA – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B. – EMERALD PARK.

VOTE: YES. HAMIK, MCCALLUM, TOLVA, STEWART

Motion carried.

Planning Technician Engebretsen explained Emerald Park is currently deeded to the City, with a restriction on the plat note that it was dedicated solely to the enjoyment of the people within the subdivision. The City Attorney defines that as a park that should not be upgraded as it is a private park even though the City owns it. At the January meeting there will be a neighborhood meeting for residents to sign away their interest in the park. With unanimous consent the City may use the park. Commissioner McCallum asked if the neighborhood can specify that the park be defined as green space with no development of the park into a park with parking lot and equipment. Planning Technician Engebretsen said the property is defined as wetlands making it unsuitable for a ball field, yet the neighborhood has input of what they would or would not like to see. The property has been hanging as unfinished business for five to seven years.

Commissioner McCallum questioned if the public is allowed input can the Commission draft a proposal to designate the parcel as green space with no future development, providing the community signs off on ownership. Planning Technician Engebretsen answered that the Commission can suggest that the parcel remain green space, without a developed park under the city’s Land Allocation Plan. Designating the parcel as green space cannot be used as a guarantee to the property owners to have them sign a waiver, as you cannot plan action for a future Council. Mrs. Engebretsen explained Emerald Park was the area the Girl Scouts had wanted to improve as a troop project, but were unable to due to the restriction on the plat. Commissioner Stewart noted there were several neighbors in favor of clearing the parcel to make green space, as a letter in last month’s packet indicated. Planning Technician Engebretsen said there may be residents both in favor and those in opposition of turning the parcel into green space.

C. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2006 Meeting Schedule

TOLVA/HAMIK – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM C.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

TOLVA/STEWART – MOVED TO CHANGE THE DECEMBER 21, 2006 MEETING TO DECEMBER 14, 2006 AND APPROVE THE 2006 MEETING SCHEDULE.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

D. Poopdeck Trail Sign Update by Dave Anderson

TOLVA/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM E.

VOTE: YES. NON OBJECITON. UNANIOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Commissioner Hamik reported the sculpture on Hazel Avenue was repaired by Dave Anderson and Leo Vait this summer, taking nine hours to repair. The sculpture on Pioneer Avenue is still damaged and was recently vandalized. Mr. Anderson said they are confident it can be restored without too much effort. When the Pioneer Avenue sculpture is repaired it is the hope a local artist or sign painter will paint “Poopdeck Trail” on the legs to identify the trailhead. Banners or streamers hanging from the arch to give it color and motion are desired. Hopefully it will not be a target for vandals again. Next summer it is hoped the base of the structures will be given a makeover with a small rock or flower garden to enclose the base. Mr. Anderson will be seeking donations for artistic ability and money to provide for the streamers and lettering. He asked that the Commission provide an ideas or suggestions for the sculptures.

Student Representative Baechler pointed out the Poopdeck Trail will always be a target because of its name. She said it may be an art project for the students at the high school and she would be happy to take it to the student council.

Commissioner Hamik said Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty was keeping a close eye on the signs. She asked if Dave Anderson and Leo Vait could contact Ms. Hagerty. Planning Technician Engebretsen said it is still Mr. Anderson and Mr. Vait’s sign and remains their decision to do what they desire with the sign. It was suggested the Public Arts Committee may have some ideas for the signs too.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. City Council Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2005 Regular and Special Meeting (unapproved)

B. City Council Meetings – Commissioner Attendance Schedule

C. Memorandum 05-175 from Parks and Recreation Commission to Mayor and City Council – Budget Priorities

D. Homer City Code Chapter 1.74 – Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

The Commissioners commented on the information in last month’s packet about the closing of the skate park in Soldotna. They noted Homer’s skate park has a great location with plenty of lighting and everyone drives by. Parent involvement is encouraged to keep track of their children’s activities.

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

There was no audience.

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

Student Representative Baechler said she is happy to be involved with Parks and Recreation Commission and having something to take to the student council as it will be interesting for them.

Commissioner Hamik told Acting Chair Tolva she ran a great meeting and praised Planning Technician Engebretsen for her support and thanked Deputy City Clerk Johnson.

Acting Chair Tolva thanked Planning Technician Engebretsen for her assistance. She expressed her condolences to the family of Harry Gregoire who recently passed away. She said he was a community leader, good neighbor and friend and she was going to miss him.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for December 15, 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: ________________________