PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION UNAPPROVED

REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 16, 2008

Session 08-09 a Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on October 16, 2008 by Vice Chair Bremicker at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONER BREMICKER, GARAY, DICKERSON, TOLVA

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS GUNTHER, STEWART (EXCUSED)

PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN (EXCUSED)

STAFF: DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

AGENDA APPROVAL

The agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

MINUTES APPROVAL

A. Meeting Minutes for August 21, 2008.

TOLVA/GARAY - MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: NON-OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

There were no public comments.

VISITORS

Roberta Highland, President, and Jack Wiles, Boardmember with Kachemak Bay Conservation Society (KCS) spoke on the Karen Hornaday Hillside Park Master Plan.

Mr. Wiles explained to the Commissioners that initially the KCS got involved with the Woodard Creek project of the Friends of Woodard Creek and decided that aspect should be included in the Karen Hornaday Hillside Park Master Plan. The KCS offered to help “flesh out” the master plan working with Planning Technician Engebretsen and the Karen Hornaday Park Committee if the Commission so desired.

Mr. Wiles drafted a plan and distributed copies to the Commissioners and he listed a number of items that he felt needed to be included, however he wanted to meet with some of the key stakeholders and other city departments to get input from those sources. Mr. Wiles stated his intention was to bring a fairly complete draft to the November meeting to review with the Commissioners and receive their input or changes then bring back a final draft to the December meeting for approval to submit to Council. Mr. Wiles gave a brief explanation regarding drainage; campground facilities; new or renovated structures; meeting with the user groups; getting geo-physical restraints; obtaining the possible assistance of a landscape architect; and funding sources.

Mr. Wiles summarized his prior experience with the States of Alaska and Oregon Park System for a total of 31 years. He explained that he is not a park planner or designer but has been involved from operational and administrative aspects of those State Park Systems.

Mr. Wiles answered questions from the Commissioners regarding the draft plan submitted. He noted that it included some of the public process that has already been done; setting of the park and the role the park plays in the community and Woodard Creek. He did include volunteer management for the park and campground such as hosts.

He has already scheduled a meeting with the geo-physical consultant; he will be scheduling a meeting with Public Works and Little League within the next few weeks. Mr. Wiles commented that developing a plan is great but then it must be implemented. He noted that it would be the responsibility of the Commissioners to prioritize the Karen Hornaday Park needs and all the other parks. There was further discussion on lateral and vertical prioritization.

TOLVA/DICKERSON - MOVED THAT THE PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMEND PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN WORK WITH MR. JACK WILES OF THE KACHEMAK CONSERVATION SOCIETY AND THE FRIENDS OF WOODARD CREEK TO ENHANCE AND FINISH THE KAREN HORNADAY MASTER PLAN.

Commissioner Garay requested that Mr. Wiles email to Planning Technician Engebretsen and she can then email to the Committee.

Deputy City Clerk did note that it would be better to meet with the Committee since it was unlikely to have a quorum in the coming months with the Commission due to absences and membership. There was further discussion regarding setting a specific meeting time.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS.

Motion carried.

Ms. Highland requested Commissioner Bremickers email address to add him to her list. It was noted by the Clerk that all email was considered a meeting and should include the Clerk’s office and staff. She explained it would be considered a violation of the open meeting act.

Commissioner Tolva offered the opinion that the Master Plan was poorly received by City Council because they perceived it to be a final complete master plan and what the Commission wanted for the Park. She wanted to clarify that the intention of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was to submit an outline that would be improved upon over time by more qualified persons.

Ms. Highland wanted to bring to Commissioners attention that they needed a document that could be used to obtain grants. However, a more important point that she wanted to be addressed was the fill that is to this day being dumped at the park in the northern area by the gate.

There was further discussion regarding the benefits of having a complete master plan and that the Commissioners had no idea there was dumping; keeping it as simple as possible; and coordinating all factions involved.

Vice Chair Bremicker called for a break at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 7:07 p.m.

Mr. Robert Archibald, resident and member of the Friends of Woodard Creek enlightened the Commissioners regarding some details of Woodard Creek and a recent visit to Public Works and then to the Karen Hornaday Park. He recounted that during the Concert on the Lawn he performed a canvas regarding the number of cars that were accommodated in the current parking lots and the benefits of executing parking plan for that park.

Further discussion evolved regarding standards for parking.

Commissioner Tolva requested notes from the last walk through at the park and the creek area from Mr. Archibald. Commissioner Bremicker suggested that it would be best to include these for the next meeting.

TOLVA/BREMICKER – THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY STOP ALL CURRENT AND FUTURE DUMPING OF FILL MATERIALS IN KAREN HORNADAY HILLSIDE PARK AND IN PARTICULAR THE WOODARD CREEK AREA.

There was no further discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

STAFF REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORT

A. Staff Report for September and October 2008

Vice Chair Bremicker reviewed the staff reports. He commented on the additional help from the Friends of Woodard Creek and KCS for the master plan being a good thing. He reviewed the scheduling for the master plan development to be as follows:

1. Review revised draft master plan during Committee meeting.

2. Review draft master plan after revisions made by joint worksession(s) with Committee and Jack Wiles.

3. Final recommendations by Commissioners.

4. Submit to City Council for approval.

There was a brief discussion on the status of the resolution 08-97(A) regarding Disc Golf at Jack Gist Park. The City Council requested recommendations on funding for this to be implemented. The clerk recommended that the Commissioners put this on future agendas to be discussed when Commissioner Gunther is in attendance. Commissioner Tolva requested information and direction on applying for grants. Vice Chair Bremicker requested this to be on the November agenda for discussion.

There was further discussion by the Commissioners on jersey barriers, replacement dock project and the budget, applying for grants and more creative ways to fund the goals set by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. There was further discussion of alternative location to store fill materials by the City and at little or no cost. Vice Chair Bremicker did not feel that it was the Commissions responsibility to address this other than the dumping of fill materials within parks.

Vice Chair Bremicker inquired about the funds in the trail monies. He wanted to know the expenditure amounts and monies in the fund that have been earmarked. This led into a brief discussion on the worksession with the Transportation Advisory Committee on the Non-Motorized Trails Criteria Manual. Commissioner Tolva recommended that everyone attend this worksession. Commissioner Garay stated she would be able to but would arrive a little late.

Vice Chair Bremicker commented on the goal added under the Parks, Recreation and Culture Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. He indicated he would like to see what has been included. Vice Chair Bremicker inquired if the Commission would be able to review this before submittal to Council. Deputy City Clerk Krause explained that it may be possible and outlined the schedule for submittal to City Council.

The Commissioners discussed the November meeting date and the possibility of no quorum, plus the Karen Hornaday Park Committee meeting schedule. Commissioner Garay stated she would email the clerk as soon as she heard from Mr. Wiles and she would let them know that the Clerks Office required 10 days prior to the meeting date in order to have it properly advertised.

There was no further discussion.

PUBLIC HEARING

There were no public hearings.

PENDING BUSINESS

A. Memorandum from Planning Technician Engebretsen Re: Karen Hornaday Park Plan

a. Letter from Friends of Woodard Creek dated October 8, 2008

b. Master Plan submitted to Council September 8, 2008 with grammar and format changes.

c. Memorandum and Master Plan submitted to Council on September 8, 2008.

There was no discussion.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Doggie Pot Offer

TOLVA/GARAY – MOVED TO DISCUSS.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Commissioner Tolva commented that she at first was wondering what a doggie pot was then after reading the letter summarized that it was a nice offer to provide a apparatus that dispenses plastic bags for people to be responsible pet owners. She thought it would be a great too to accept this offer.

Commissioner Dickerson commented that Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty stated this service was already provided by the City so it was not needed.

Deputy City Clerk Krause responded that conferring with Planning Technician Engebretsen who said that these dispensers required a specific bag and therefore would add an expense that the City cannot afford. She recommended that the Commissioners have staff draft a thank you letter suggesting other locations or organizations.

Discussion ensued regarding accepting the offer as long as the apparatuses used recycled bags and concluded following staff recommendation but include a statement that the Commission supports the use of recycled materials in the thank you letter to the Homer Animal Friends.

There was no further discussion.

B. Meeting Schedule for 2009

The Commissioners discussed the schedule for 2009 and the difficulties in thinking that far ahead. Most agreed that they should just approve the regular schedule and if needed they can cancel or change the meetings as required. Vice Chair Bremicker was concerned about the Commissioners renewal dates. Commissioner Dickerson stated that Commissioner Gunther did state that he would give the role of Chair a go. The Clerk confirmed that in lieu of a Chair or Vice Chair the most senior member of the Commission would then act as Chair and that elections will be on the November agenda.

DICKERSON/TOLVA – MOVED TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL MEETING DATES FOR 2009.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. Council Meeting Schedule

Commissioner Garay and Dickerson will attend the October 27, 2008 Council meeting to comment on the Master plan. The Clerk confirmed the approximate time that they should attend the meeting. Vice Chair Bremicker relayed that twice he has reported before City Council and twice he was there to report and the Mayor just went quickly by the item. The Clerk confirmed that it would be better to have something in print for the Council packet. She would try to have something typed up to be included.

Commissioner Bremicker questioned whether he should resign from the Commission since he will be gone for the majority of the winter. The Clerk advised that it was not necessary to resign and pointed out that last year they did not have any meetings for several months.

Further discussion regarding getting the master plan wrapped up and whether to cancel the December meeting; the availability of Commissioner Gunther for November and December. Commissioner Gray offered to contact Commissioner Gunther to make sure he will be in attendance at the November meeting.

There was no further discussion.

B. Commission Annual Calendar

Vice Chair Bremicker reviewed the annual calendar established for the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

TOLVA/GARAY – MOVED TO CANCEL THE DECEMBER 18, 2008 MEETING.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

None.

COMMENTS OF THE STAFF

Deputy City Clerk Krause had no comments.

COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION

Commissioner Garay stated she was glad to see Mr. Wiles step up and offer his services. That it is a really good thing. She was glad that everyone was able to work together.

Commissioner Bremicker commented he was happy to see tat interest was for the overall master plan not just a portion of the plan. He stated all the elements that are needed such as parking, drainage, etc. He would like to see this completed soon.

Commissioner Dickerson she thought it was great to capitalize on the enthusiasm of the volunteers. She would like to see some prioritization but would like to see something actually get done. She commented on the path off of Herndon, that it was very accessible.

Commissioner Tolva encouraged Commissioners Garay and Dickerson to Chair for a term in the future. It is worth the experience. It was a great meeting. She enjoyed seeing that everyone could work together.

The commissioners exchanged contact information.

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2008 at the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers, Homer, Alaska.

Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

Approved: