Session
06-12 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was
called to order at
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: BREMICKER, GANN, HOWARD, POORE, STEWART, WEAVER
ABSENT: TOLVA (excused)
STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN
DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON
AGENDA
APPROVAL
The agenda was
approved by consensus of the Commission.
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
A.
Unapproved minutes of
The minutes were approved as corrected by consensus of
the Commission.
PUBLIC
COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA
John Velsko, city resident
and member of the Port and Harbor Advisory Commission, addressed the Commission
on
STAFF REPORT
A.
October Staff Report – Planning Technician
Engebretsen
Planning Technician Engebretsen reported the Bylaws Committee met last week
and will schedule another meeting. She has been working with the City Attorney
on the language in the proposed ordinance.
The Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trail Plan (HNMTTP) has trail definitions that are not consistent with the
ordinance. She needs time to consult
with the City Manager and the Public Works Director to realize the scope of the
ordinance. More information will follow
at the next meeting. Pictures of high tide places on the beach were shown. A resolution of support for a grant to
construct the W.R. Bell Trail connecting
VISITORS
There were no visitors.
PENDING
BUSINESS
A.
Chair Poore called for a
motion to discuss
BREMICKER/STEWART
– SO MOVED, TO DISCUSS ITEM A.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner
Howard provided a laydown letter from Bob Howard,
Chair of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The EDC is requesting detailed information on
the best uses for
The
Commission discussed
*
High tides
*
An underpass will
be difficult to build
*
The area provides
relief to parking on
*
Parking
improvements are needed for ingress/egress
*
Road warrants
redesign
*
Entrance should
be moved closer to town
*
Four-wheelers
need restrictions
*
Benefits vs.
expense of keeping the park open – heavy surf in the area
The following recommendations
for
*
Move entrance of
*
Develop with RV sites
and tent camping–provide water/sewer/power/informational & fee center. Area
could be filled with dredge spoils. RV spaces could be mixed with tents so the
ocean view is not blocked. Day parking could be on one side.
*
Provide year
round public restrooms
The Commission does not
want to see
*
An expanded
footprint
*
As status quo
*
No improvements
in 4-wheeler policing
*
As a Fishing
Lagoon
B.
Bylaw
Revisions
Chair Poore called for a
motion to discuss Bylaw revisions.
GANN/STEWART – SO MOVED, TO
DISCUSS BYLAW REVISIONS.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
The Commission discussed
bylaw revisions including:
*
The 3-minute time
limit
*
The need to be
consistent with other commissions
*
Ability to
suspend the rules to allow flexibility
*
Community Schools
role in Parks and Recreation
*
Changing the
Commission’s name to Parks, Beaches and Recreation Advisory Commission
*
Clarify the
Commission’s role as to trails and beaches
*
Streamlining
meetings
*
Rearranging the
agenda
C. Fire Hall and Public Restrooms
Chair Poore called for a
motion to discuss Item C. Fire Hall and Public Restrooms.
STEWART/WEAVER
– SO MOVED, TO DISCUSS ITEM C. FIRE HALL AND PUBLIC RESTROOMS.
There
was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Commissioner
Weaver asked if “draft” could be used on memos for clarity. The Commission requested the City Manager
explore options for a restroom location on
STEWART/WEAVER
- MOVED TO FORWARD TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR HIS CONSIDERATION.
The Commission requested a
date be set for the return of a report.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
D. Poopdeck Trailhead
Signs
Vandalism
of the Poopdeck Trailhead signs has been an ongoing
dilemma. Chair Poore suggested a small
street sign, using Poopdeck’s real name, Clarence H.
Platt. It was suggested the sign be
inlayed in the ground to prevent vandalism.
STEWART/BREMICKER
- MOVED THAT STAFF WRITE A MEMO TO THE CITY MANAGER REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM THE
CITY TO REMOVE THE SIGNS IN COOPERATION WITH KHLT.
There
was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
STEWART/WEAVER
– MOVED TO PURSUE THE IDEA OF CREATING A NEW AND DIFFERENT TRAILHEAD SIGN FOR
THE OLD POOPDECK TRAIL.
Planning Technician
Engebretsen said the Public Arts Committee (PAC) may wish to pursue the new trailhead
and sign. She will contact the PAC to
advise them of the need for a new sign.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
E. Town Center Trail
STEWART/WEAVER – MOVED TO
OPEN DISCUSSION ON ITEM E.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
HOWARD/STEWART – MOVED TO
REMOVE THE TOWN CENTER TRAIL FROM THE SHORT TERM LIST TO LONG TERM PROJECTS.
Discussion
ensued on moving items to the long term list.
It will take the rush off, as development with the
VOTE: YES. NON OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
COMMISSION
BUSINESS
None.
INFORMATIONAL
MATERIALS
A. City Council Meeting Minutes of
B. City Council Meetings –
Commissioner Attendance Schedule
C. Resolution 06-132,
Revising City Council’s Operating Manual Re: Commission Agendas
D. Resolution 06-144,
Establishing City Hall Cowles Council Chambers as the Central Location for Council and Advisory Bodies
Meetings
E. Commissioner Appointments
– Mimi Tolva and Gail Ann Weaver
F. Appreciation to Outgoing
Commissioner Carole Hamik
G. Letter to Allegra Bukojemsky
COMMENTS OF
AUDIENCE
There was no audience.
COMMENTS OF
COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Gann
welcomed Commissioner Weaver, stating it was great to have a full commission.
Commissioner
Stewart asked if Allegra Bukojemsky
could serve on a sub-committee.
Chair Poore thanked the Commission for their suggestion on the letter of
appreciation to Carole Hamik. Ms. Hamik
spent many years on the Commission with a sincere interest in the work. Commissioner
Dennis Gann was excused for his absence at the September meeting. Chair Poore asked the Commissioners if a
thank you memo to Port and Harbor for the beautification and bike racks at
Ramps 1 and 2. The Commission agreed by
consensus to send a letter. Chair Poore
attended the last City Council meeting and had a written report from the Parks
and Recreation Commission. She felt
ill-prepared at giving the report so handed the written report in. The report speaks to the EDC joint meeting
and to the Beach Policy lack of signage and barriers. Commissioner Gann will attend the October 23rd
meeting and present the Commission’s report.
Chair Poore said a member of the public thought it was appropriate that
a Master Plan for Parks be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Planning Technician Engebretsen explained the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan is separate and each
park should have a plan with the overall goals in a Master Plan. In December the Land Allocation Plan will be discussed.
Record high tides and a storm washed up logs to block the parking lots on
the east side of the Spit. Parks
Maintenance Coordinator Tammy Hagerty oversees the areas and will be apprised
of the situation. The Commission agreed
an appreciation letter to Tammy Hagerty thanking her for her efforts towards
the activity and beautification during the summer would be appropriate. A new student representative is needed as
Nyssa’s schedule is busy. Commissioner
Stewart will contact a high school counselor.
A sub-committee for Beach Policy updates is needed. After checking the beaches and finding no
signage, barriers or improvements, Commissioner Stewart made his voice heard at
City Hall. This subject will be added to
the November agenda.
There was discussion about attendance at the Advisory Planning Commission
meetings to support the HNMTTP. Planning
Technician Engebretsen advised the Commission the HNMTTP will come before the
Commission first and then go to the Planning Commission. A Commissioner will be needed to present the
plan, assuring the plan stays active and alive.
The Alaska State Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation are conducting
a series of statewide open houses and asking for public comment. There is an increased use of State parks threatening
damage to natural and cultural resources.
Clear long term goals and objectives will guide managers in allocating
staff and resources to
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the
meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
Approved: ________________________