PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION                                                  UNAPPROVED  

REGULAR MEETING                                                         

SEPTEMBER 20, 2007                                                                                

 

Session 07-08 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:35 pm on September 20, 2007 by Chair Stewart at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT: COMMISSIONER BREMICKER, GARAY, STEWART, MCGREENERY

 

ABSENT:                      COMMISSIONER TOLVA, TENHOFF (Both excused)

 

STAFF:                         PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                                    DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

BREMICKER/MCGREENERY – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS WRITTEN.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                  August 16, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes

 

GARAY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.                         

 

PUBLIC COMMENT UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

Beth Cummings, a Homer resident supports the creation of a committee for the Karen Hornaday Park. She is also in support of the Fairview Trail connection with Reber. Ms. Cummings commented that trails happen in bits and pieces, not on impulse.


 

STAFF REPORT

           

A.                  Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: September Staff Report 

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen made a correction on the date of the October meeting. The date will be the Wednesday, October 17, 2007. The change is due to the Alaska Day Holiday and City Hall will be closed.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen reviewed the high points of the September Staff Report. Noting the following:

  1. Comprehensive Plan Public Meeting on October 18, 2007 to be held at the high school.
  2. The HART Program was passed by City Council.
  3. The Reber Trail was postponed until more information is submitted to City Council. It should be approved at the September 24, 2007 Council meeting.
  4. An Ordinance to reduce the HART Sales Tax by ¼percentage failed.
  5. The City Manager is submitting a resolution to reinstate the City Hall Town Plaza Review Committee. The Committee will be working closely with the Architects and Contractor. The first meeting is the Public Workshop being held by Jay Brant Contractors on Wednesday, September 26, 2007. The following morning there is a meeting with the Architects at 9:00 am at City Hall.

                                                                                                                                    

VISITORS     

           

A.         Global Warming Task Force – Alan Parks – Climate Action Plan (Draft)

             

Alan Parks, Chair of the Global Warming Task Force (GWTF) thanked the Commissioners for putting him on the agenda. He gave a brief synopsis on the task forces’ meeting schedule. He related that the overall purpose of the GWTF is to study and make recommendations to City Council on how the City can reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions; and reduce the effects of global warming on its economy, environment, infrastructure and the City’s future development. The GWTF was a catalyst in the City joining the International Counsel for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). Some of the following points were discussed in the Climate Action Plan:

1.                  The scientific consensus about global climate change, including what is known for state and local levels.

2.                  Examples of various global, regional, state, and local initiatives to combat climate change.

3.                  Public policy reasons for taking urgent action to combat climate change.

4.                  Ethical reasons for taking urgent action to combat climate change.

5.                  The need for the City’s government and residents to engage in constructive advocacy with other Alaskan communities and with the state government to combat climate change.

Additional discussions involved these specific areas of impact in Alaska:

1.                  Thawing and melting ice and permafrost.

2.                  Changes to forests.

3.                  Changes to marine ecosystems.

4.                  Changes to people’s health and welfare.

 

It was noted that the cost of these changes were projected to be up to $6 billion dollars by the year 2030 unless action is taken. Although, most information is somewhat bleak there are possible benefits to climate change in Alaska most notably are the following:

1.                  Enhanced economic activity as additional sea routes become available for longer periods due to the melting sea ice.

2.                  Enhanced abundance of salmon near the northern limits of their range.

3.                  More agricultural production due to warmer weather and longer growing seasons.

4.                  Increase tourism due to a comfortable summer temperatures compared to those in the lower states.

 

When the Action Plan is finished it will then be the City Council’s responsibility to implement this plan.

There was further discussion regarding the re-opening the Healy Coal Plant, future alternative energy production; examples of small changes that can save the City possibly tens of thousands of dollars in energy costs; educational programs in schools; vehicle emission testing for Homer; and the Low Carbon Act.

A final comment by Mr. Parks was to consider this as a legacy project, and to ask yourself, “What do we want to leave behind to be our grandchildren’s legacy?”

 

PENDING BUSINESS

 

A.                  Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan –

 

MCGREENERY/GARAY – MOVED TO BRING THE KAREN HORNADAY PARK MASTER PLAN TO THE FLOOR FOR DISCUSSION.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Commission McGreenery stated she walked the area, with Ms. Cummings, which is suggested for a trail to be installed. She commented that the area is beautiful, peaceful, has a special quality and you can hear the water gurgling. It would be very nice to see this trail built. Commissioner McGreenery would like to propose a name Hillside Trail for the trail. 

Commissioner Bremicker stated he agreed with the idea and brought up the past recommendations made to Council without the dollar amounts. He referenced the worksession with Director of Finance Regina Harville who stated that the Commission’s recommendations needed dollar amounts. He is hesitant to recommend another project without those costs.

Chair Stewart pointed out that the Commission is to address items on memorandum. He would entertain a motion on forming a committee for Karen Hornaday Master Plan. The tasks of this committee would be the following:

  1. The Trail – Where to start, end; what should be along the trail, how should it be built, and maintenance.
  2. Creating a Picnic Area - Removal and disposal of the fill from the natural “west” bank of the creek; creation of a picnic area, inclusive of tables, barbeque areas, and play areas.
  3. Creating adequate parking for the new areas and for the Park in general.
  4. Discuss what is needed

Commissioner McGreenery felt that the Trail should be a separate issued addressed from the whole Karen Hornaday Master Plan. Chair Stewart agreed that is was a beautiful area. He solicited suggestions on what or how to start to address the Master Plan.

Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested the Commission review and discuss each of the four points in Ms. Cummings proposal. She suggested asking questions such as “is a 4th ballfield really needed? Should our energies and funds be directed elsewhere? What could benefit the users of this park?

Chair Stewart agreed that a trail would be beneficial, removal of the dirt, and creating a picnic area are very favorable ideas for the location.

Commissioner McGreenery asked what the next step is in regard to the Trail. Planning Technician Engebretsen stated that she could draft a resolution that adopts the new plan that would include the trail, bridge, and picnic area.

Commissioner Bremicker wanted to follow Chair Stewart’s suggestion regarding establishing a committee that will focus on the issues surrounding the park. Tasks can be assigned to the committee and the committee can be assigned to designate money amounts needed to complete each task.

Chair Stewart clarified what was decided by the Commissioners:

1.                  Create a Committee for Karen Hornaday Master Plan Revision.

2.                  Set a date to meet.

3.                  Advertise and solicit for community involvement.

a.      Open House/Public Meeting Forums specifically targeted to one topic.

Planning Technician Engebretsen pointed out that the larger the group the more cumbersome the meetings can be and scheduling conflicts can come up. She suggested the Committee be composed of three Commissioners.

Chair Stewart recommended that the meetings be held on a monthly schedule. It was agreed by consensus that the Committee will meet prior to the Commission.

 

BREMICKER /MCGREENERY- MOVED TO CREATE A KAREN HORNADAY PARK MASTER PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE.

 

There was no further discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Further discussion ensued on members, meeting times, advertisement, and public involvement.  Commissioner McGreenery extended an invitation to Beth Cummings to be a member of this committee. Commissioner Garay volunteered, Chair Stewart and Commissioner McGreenery volunteered to help each other out since they both saw some conflicts in their schedules but would both like to serve on this committee.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested as an alternative to keep the Committee to three Commissioners where the requirements for a quorum are only two. The Committee then would not have to follow the Roberts Rules and can agree by consensus. This would allow more freedom with outside interest groups participation. Additional issues that need to be addressed by the review Committee is the following:

1.            Ballfields

2.                  Concessions

3.                  Drainage/Parking Lots

4.                  Campground

5.                  Trails

 

Further discussion ensued on encroachments, actual area of Karen Hornaday Park, egress points, location of the ten-acre parcel in relation to Karen Hornaday Park, and meeting dates. The Commission agreed that the Karen Hornaday Park Master Plan Review Committee would meet at City Hall the second Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. of the month.

                                                 

B.                  Woodard Creek Master Plan

 

Chair Stewart handed over the gavel to Commissioner Bremicker and removed himself from the table. Due to a lack of quorum, the Commissioners were unable to open discussion. It was agreed to postpone discussion and approval until a later date.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen offered to write a resolution for the November meeting.

 

Chair Stewart returned to the table.                                       

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS                

 

A.            Commissioner Garay signed and took her Oath of Office. Due to previous crowded agendas, this item was overlooked and was put on the agenda.           

             

B.         2008 Budget Report 

 

mcgreenery/garay – moved to discuss THE 2008 BUDGET.

 

Commissioner McGreenery reviewed the discussion at the Worksession with Finance Director Harville regarding the budget for 2008. Recommendations made during the worksession by Commissioner McGreenery will be postponed until March 2008. Finance Director Harville will reformat the budget for Parks & Recreation to include all income and expenses. In March, the Commission will review the budget as established and make additional recommendations, such as establishing an enterprise fund, Parks and Recreation non-profit fund.

Commissioner Bremicker commented that the HART fund would add layers, and if Proposition 1 passes on October 2, making it more complicated in his opinion. He is not sure how all these sources will be tracked.

Commissioner McGreenery stated that the HART funds are for trails only. The Heimbuch proposition will not generally is not for the Parks & Recreation sole use.

Planning Technician Engebretsen interjected that each year Staff puts together a list of three to five projects they will choose trail projects that are ready to be built. What is needed is funding for improving the existing City parks.

Commissioner Bremicker clarified that the Commission can make recommendations to Council on how these funds should be spent.

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER – MOVED TO CREATE A SPECIFIC FUND FOR PARK & RECREATION.

 

Further discussion and clarification on what this fund would do, and how monies would be obtained. Commissioners agreed that more information is needed on the specifics of setting up a fund separate from the City’s general fund. Chair Stewart asked if the maker of the motion would like to postpone the discussion.

 

 

MCGREENERY/BREMICKER - Moved to postpone A DECISION ON CREATING A SPECIFIC PARKS & RECREATION FUND until further information received from staff.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Further discussion on points made during the worksession by Finance Director Harville regarding including costs with recommendations made to City Council.

 

Chair Stewart asked if Planning Technician Engebretsen is overloaded with her responsibilities to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission and her normal workload. Planning Technician Engebretsen replied that at this time it is not a problem. In the future, it would be good if a permanent person from the Parks & Recreation Department would be the Commissions staff person.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.      Resolution 07-88 Accepting Pedestrian and Drainage Easements within

Canyon Rim Park Subdivision                                                                   

B.      Resolution 07-89(A) Approving a Purchase Agreement and Authorizing the Exchange of Four City Owned Parcels containing 10 Acres Located near the Homer Boat Yard and Kachemak Drive for a Portion of a Parcel of Land of Equivalent Value Adjacent to the Water Treatment Plant.                                       

C.      Memorandum Re: Park & Recreation CIP 2008

Recommendations to City Council                                                            

D.     Resolution 07-82 Amending the Homer Accelerated Roads Program (HARP) Policy Manual to the Homer Accelerated Roads and Trails (HART) Policy Manual, Incorporating Non-motorized Transportation and Trail Infrastructure            

E.      Trail Grant Application – Fairview to Reber Trail                       

 

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

 

Commissioner McGreenery will be unable to attend the December 3, 2007 City Council meeting due to her classes. They are held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. She additionally brought up the following: Can a motorized wheelchair legally be used on the Poopdeck Trail; Installing benches on the Poopdeck and the Library Trail for the Senior Citizens; and the letter to the Editor in the August 29, 2007 Homer Tribune from a visitor regarding the raw sewage and overall general conditions of Mariner Park. She suggested regular maintenance of the parks be added to next month’s agenda.

 

Commissioner Bremicker stated that this may be a good starting point where the Commission can put a recommendation to City Council that there is a need for park benches and it will cost “x amount of dollars.” He felt that nothing will happen unless they get specific and put dollar amounts attached to any recommendations.

 

Commissioner Garay asked if there was going to be a worksession before the next meeting. It was agreed by the Commissioners that a worksession was not needed.

 

Chair Stewart wanted to discuss at the next meeting a recommendation to City Council that they actively pursue camp hosts for City Parks next summer. They would be very beneficial in maintenance, and security.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen will bring more information regarding possible funding sources from the Library or Friends of the Library for benches. She will also discuss the issue of camp hosts with the City Manager to get his response on the recommendation. The maintenance of the City parks will also be included on the November agenda.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business before the Commission Chair Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2007 at 6:30 pm in the Cowles Council Chambers at City Hall located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer Alaska