Session 04-09, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on October 21, 2004 at 7:34 p.m. by Chair Daugharty at the Homer City Hall Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: DAUGHARTY, TOLVA, POORE, GANN, MCCALLUM, HAMIK, WEAVER

ABSENT: STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE BAECHLER (excused)

STAFF: PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON

AGENDA APPROVAL

The agenda was amended to add Item I – Parks and Trails Map to PENDING BUSINESS and Item B Park Survey Results to COMMISSION BUSINESS. The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

A. Unapproved Minutes of September 16, 2004

The Regular Meeting Minutes of September 16, 2004 were approved by consensus of the Commission.

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

Marilyn Sigman, Director of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) addressed the Commission with a project proposal stating the need for a map of the trails, parks and beaches. There have been 70,000 visitors to the new Islands and Oceans Visitor Center and there is currently no consolidated map. There are only portions of trail systems on maps that CACS, the Visitor Center and Pratt Museum provide. Ms. Sigman said a double fold brochure map with access, safety and etiquette tips would be ideal. The partners are the Islands and Oceans Visitors Center, Pratt Museum, Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park. The guide would depict backpack maps and information, providing the reader with the functions of each organization in keeping up the lands and trails. Ms. Sigman provided the notice for the State Recreational Trails Grant and a map. She is requesting a letter of support from the Commission and a statement that the lands are public for access for the next ten (10) years if City parks are to be included on the map.

Chair Daugharty stated it was a great idea and asked who would assume liability of people walking on the trails. Ms. Sigman said people are to be on private or public lands dedicated to the purpose of public recreation. Permission would be needed for private lands to be included. The Land Trust may want to do that for their own trails. Chair Daugharty said as soon as the Commission advocates, trails are designated and there is a liability issue. He referred its likeness to going to the beach and seeing a sign “No Lifeguard on Duty”. Although swimming is recognized no lifeguard on duty admits liability. Planning Technician Engebretsen said the City carries liability insurance.

Ms. Sigman said people can chose a route between residential areas, but she does not plan to designate routes through residential areas. She said it is unfortunate there is not a huge trail system this side of the bay, but starting the project may spur interest for more dedicated trails.

Chair Daugharty questioned who would fund the trail brochure and Ms. Sigman said she had written a grant to the Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) that has a Watchful Wildlife Program. The current brochure proposal would go to the State Track Program. A match from interested businesses would be desirable. Ms. Sigman said the guide, map and website is the ultimate goal, but depending on funding the map offered free of charge is the most important.

Commissioner Tolva asked if it would be a city-wide map and Ms. Sigman answered that it would, thus being the reason for asking support from different organizations. Commissioner Tolva said a local artist could provide a rendition of the trails map and insets of downtown with part of the proceeds going to the artist. Ms. Sigman added the insets would be the Carl Wynn Nature Center and the Spit.

Commissioner Hamik said she liked the idea and stated the liability issues could be worked out. Commissioner Tolva asked if the City may be required to match funding for the project, and Ms. Sigman answered she is hoping the ACF grant will match funding. If they do not, the City’s endorsement of the project would not require a match. Ms. Sigman stated an endorsement by the City Council could be added later. She asked the Commission for help in getting it on the Council’s agenda. Commissioner Poore said the proposal could be given to the Council in the Commission report. She believes it is a wonderful idea, overdue, and getting it into action next summer would be great. She believes the Commission should support it and encourage the City Council to support it. For as long as Ms. Poore has lived in town tourists have asked her about the trails, as they are part of the enjoyment and bring visitors back. If there is a liability issue she believes it can be figured out.

Commissioner Tolva said the map proposal is the second priority on the Commission’s work projects. Commissioner Poore added it is important the project be coordinated so all the parts work together with consistent information. Planning Technician Engebretsen said she would work with Tammy Hagerty on providing information for the map.

Commissioner Weaver said he volunteers at the Islands and Oceans Center and agrees a good map is needed. He said there is liability as soon as the property is owned. He believes a general designation of property for parks is used in Homer. While working at the Center he is careful when giving information to visitors, as trespass issues may be at stake.

WEAVER/HAMIK - MOVED THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ENDORSE THE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY MARILYN SIGMAN BECAUSE IT IS THE SECOND PRIORITY ON THE COMMISSION’S LIST OF WORK PROJECTS AND IS IMPORTANT TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. FURTHERMORE THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ENDORSE THE PROPOSAL.

VOTE: YES. MCCALLUM, GANN, POORE, TOLVA, HAMIK, WEAVER.

NO: DAUGHARTY

Motion carried.

Planning Technician Engebretsen will write the letter to the CACS stating the Commission’s support of the brochure proposal.

Dave Anderson appeared before the Commission stating a few years ago he was involved in the Town Square project. Along with the Homer Trails Committee they initiated the establishment of the Poopdeck Trail. A grant from the Kodak American Greenways Program was received for a public arts/trailhead project to identify the trailhead ends of the Poopdeck Trail. The Town Square Public Art Committee was included to add their concepts for a trailhead sign. Art proposals were submitted and reviewed and Leo Vait’s design was chosen. He put lots of effort and time in creating the signs, making them vandal proof. Despite Mr. Vait’s efforts the signs were vandalized. He rebuilt the signs after the first vandalism incident; the second act of destruction destroyed his labor of love project and his enthusiasm to repair the damage dwindled. Mr. Anderson said he met with Tammy Hagerty, Parks Maintenance Coordinator, who expressed the City’s concern about the state of the trailhead signs. After several attempts Mr. Anderson was able to get Mr. Vait out to survey the damaged signs. It was determined that severe cement bondo work, bonding the rebar to the cement, cement work and rebuilding the textured surface was needed. Mr. Vait felt at that time, in early April, that the signs were too wet and the temperatures too cool to allow for proper bonding and cement work. When the weather warmed everyone got busy and the work remained unfinished. The intent is to rebuilt the main structures. The oval part is not worth duplicating another time, as it is too intriguing for vandals. The possibility of getting a local artist to paint along the sides of the legs to identify the Poopdeck Trail was discussed. Mr. Anderson would like to get the signs rebuilt and see it remain a public art project. He stated Mr. Vait is not opposed to removing the signs either, as long as they don’t wind up in the back lot of Public Works to be used as landfill. They are securely planted in the grounds, with the legs being cemented into eight-inch sauna tubes. The signs haven’t budged much but are not free of being vandalized. Rebuilding them to serve as an artistic trailhead is Mr. Anderson’s hope.

The Commission moved to PENDING BUSINESS, Item A – Poop Deck Trail Sign.

In response to Commissioner Tolva’s question if Mr. Vait was opposed to moving the signs, Mr. Anderson answered that he would prefer the signs remain in the current location but may not be opposed to moving them. Mr. Vait may not want to become actively involved in relocating them. There may be an ownership issue, as the signs may be on Bay Realty property. If they are relocated and damaged as little as possible in process, Mr. Vait may be willing to oversee that. Commissioner Tolva said she would like to see the signs fixed.

Mr. Anderson said he has heard there is a lead on the vandals and restitution may be used to rebuild the damaged signs. Ideas to make them more beautiful are needed, perhaps incorporating a box on the signs for tourists. It could be a theme for trailhead markers throughout the City trail system with maps located there.

Commissioner Hamik said it was good Mr. Anderson was here to give the history of the Poopdeck Trail sign. It would be great for the Commission to work with Mr. Vait and Mr. Anderson to repair the signs. Mr. Anderson said materials are needed to repair the damage and it may be a couple hundred dollars with volunteer labor. Commissioner Hamik said she would like to see the signs remain in the present location, working with what is there to make it less of a target, yet still attractive. Commissioner Gann said it would be great to repair the signs and keeping them in the present location would be his desire. He said if they are targeted again they could be repaired right away. Mr. Gann stated it was unfortunate the signs were in a state of disrepair for so long, adding that he would be happy to volunteer his own labor.

Mr. Anderson added that as a member of the Public Art Committee he believes they too would become involved to make the signs look nice. People have suggested hanging banners on the signs. There is potential to make them a nice piece of public art. Commissioner Poore added she would like to see the signs repaired and have the Public Art Committee involved. The signs are unique and very visible, being one of the first things the walkability expert Dan Burden mentioned in the walkabout town. She said if the signs are not restored it sends a message to the community that we do not care. Commissioner McCallum said her concern is when a local artist puts an extraordinary amount of time, love and care into a project only to have it destroyed. She stated it was not the artist’s responsibility to repair it, although they could offer advice. She said restoring the sign for both the City and the artist was her desire.

Mr. Anderson added that the work may move more quickly if a schedule is set and Mr. Vait is brought in as an advisor to the project. His goal is to begin the work in the spring and have something to be proud of by next year. Mr. Anderson is going to confer with Mr. Vait to gather his thoughts on the restoration project. He is going to get the Public Art Committee involved as well, keeping the Parks and Recreation Commission in the loop. Plaques to identify the donors, as well as a box for maps would be desirable.

Commissioner Hamik said she could confer with Mr. Anderson to make a report at the Commission’s meeting next month.

STAFF REPORT

A. Report for 2004 Fall Parks Walkthrough, From Julie Engebretsen, Planning Technician.

Commissioner Tolva said one of the items on the park walkthrough was that the paint didn’t match. She said the Commission could get volunteers to do the painting. Commissioner McCallum said Ms. Hagerty is knowledgeable and savvy about who to go through, as well as good at helping volunteer groups organize effectively. She is very positive and a great liaison. Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested a Commissioner speak with Ms. Hagerty first as it is hard for the City to put money into something when a plan calls for something entirely different.

The Commission thanked Mrs. Engebretsen for putting the park walkthrough information together.

Commissioner Tolva said there is a problem with animal droppings at the parks making it very unpleasant for the maintenance crews as the feces spray on them when working with power equipment. Homer is not the place to have pooper scooper bags. The Commission advised the bags are available on the Spit, placed there by the Homer Animal Friends, and could possibly be used at the parks. Commissioner Poore said it was an education issue, teaching etiquette standards. A cartoon flyer for Park Day with a vivid picture was discussed.

Lou Stewart asked if the Commission was aware of the adopted Karen Hornaday Park plan. He asked what the City had done to move towards the plan. Chair Daugharty answered that fill was added to create parking area, adding that it may be time to look at the old plan and renovate the priorities for development.

The Karen Hornaday Park plan is to be reviewed at the next meeting.

PENDING BUSINESS

B. Tree City USA

C. Adopt-a-Park

D. Local Park Day

Commissioner Weaver said the idea of Tree City is from the National Arbor Foundation and the US Urban Forestry Program. There is a need to recognize urban forestry programs within developed cities. Tree City is an award presented to a city with a sign designated for that city. The award may be a requirement for financial assistance from grants. One of the controversies of the program is why a Tree City program would be needed for the western states, but those that live in the wilderness sometimes take it for granted. Public image, citizen pride and financial grants are positive reasons for the program. Mr. Weaver said City-owned property, parking strips, parks and other public areas are required with a $2 per capita in the budget to allow for tree planting. Mr. Weaver said the City Council will need to endorse the program. An Arbor Day celebration for planting trees is a requirement of the program, with the celebration the third Monday in May.

Commissioner Poore Tree City USA is a good idea and she would like to see it happen. Fifteen years ago mountain ash and maple trees were planted on Pioneer Avenue adding much benefit to the City. There has been no planting since then and with the City’s current development planting needs to be ongoing. With the large companies moving in, placing trees in those areas will soften the parking lots.

Commissioner Weaver said other communities regulate public property and private property. Planning Technician Engebretsen said a task force came up with a plan and it was not considered by the Planning Commission or the City Council. There are new regulations about landscaping that are required in city business districts. Commissioner Weaver said in the subdivision code in other cities they had conditional use permits for commercial and multi-family. He recommended the Commission stay away from the private side, but there would be certain areas on public property.

Commissioner McCallum said combining the Tree City USA and Local Park Day could be included in a May presentation. A sample ordinance from Tree City USA could be reviewed at the next meeting to present to the City Council in support of our parks and trees.

Next month’s agenda will include Adopt-A-Park, Local Park Day and Tree City USA.

Chair Daugharty called for a recess at 9:10 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 9:13 p.m.

E. End of the Road Park

Planning Technician Engebretsen said the End of the Road Park was tied into the Bartlett/Hohe State project. The project went out to bid and if there is enough money the project will be completed next year. The Commission expressed their desire to have the End of the Road Park remain as a beach with the simplicity of a sign and lamppost. Mrs. Engebretsen said the process has been ongoing for ten years and now may not be the opportune time for the Commission to come forward saying they want something.

F. Winter Carnival

Commissioner Tolva reported Derotha Ferraro is the only person on the Winter Carnival Committee. She advertises the event and seeks volunteers. Ms. Ferraro is supportive of fireworks for the carnival, and stated the last fireworks show was at the end of 1999, Y2K, with nearly 3,000 people involved. There was a lot of positive feedback and it was a great financial success. Sending letters out to construction companies and other benefiting businesses in July was suggested. Ms. Ferraro believes drawing people in at New Year’s Eve would be a better chance for support, rather than a February event. The carnival could be subsidized through those that would benefit. There is a need for advertising money before the event and then funds needed for a public thank you following the event. She believes the 2005/2006 date would be realistic, as it is just too late this year to get everything organized. The fireworks show costs between $5,000 and $6,000. Commissioner Tolva is to follow up with John Faulkner to hear his interest in the project.

G. Land Reserve Bank Fund

There was no new information on this subject.

H. Trash Can Project

Commissioner McCallum said the group completed painting eleven cans, as it was a time consuming process. Each trash can required 15 to 20 minutes of electric sanding to remove the rust, primer application, a week to dry, paint application, another week to dry, and then varnished by Tammy Hagerty, Parks Maintenance Coordinator.

Mrs. Engebretsen said Ms. Hagerty thought it was great the trash cans were painted, adding that a week’s notice for the next painting would be desired. With early notice the trash containers can be prepped and sanded by Ms. Hagerty’s crew, making them ready for painting. Ms. Hagerty and her crew were great about picking up and delivering the cans and very positive about the project. The Commission discussed painting trash cans next year for Arbor Day.

COMMISSION BUSINESS

A. Trails Committee

Chair Daugharty reported a caterpillar pushed a circular trail in the clear cut area behind the Middle School last Fall. There is funding being pursued, that may involve the efforts of students for development. A photograph of the area was requested so a layout could be made. The area would adjoin the museum to bridge the Middle School with West Homer Elementary.

B. Park Survey Results

Commissioner Poore said Student Representative Baechler has been showing the survey to her fellow high school classmates. Their responses are positive and they are interested in seeing a map of all the parks. Commissioner McCallum said a hand drawing of Homer to show all the park locations with directions to find them would be helpful.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

A. City Council Meeting Minutes of September 13 and 27, 2004 (approved)

B. Memorandum from Mayor, Re: Reappointment of Carole Hamik, Cherish Bee McCallum, Deborah Poore and Mimi Tolva to the Parks and Recreation Commission

C. Email from Planning Technician Engebretsen to Carey Meyer and Tamara Hagerty, Re: Parks and Recs Commission Budget Request Items

D. Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to City Manager Wrede, Re: Adopt-A-Trail Program Research

E. Memorandum from Parks and Recreation Commission to City Manager Wrede, Re: Ocean Drive Bluff Lots

Commissioner McCallum said reading the Commission Bylaws was helpful to know what the rules were and their mission.

Planning Technician Engebretsen said the play equipment for Jeffrey Park is to be installed in the Spring; $2,100 for the equipment and $5,000 for the site preparation. The City is missing eight picnic tables from the Spit and has now started branding and marking them as City property. She encouraged the Commissioners to keep an eye out for the missing tables. Mrs. Engebretsen is unable to attend the next two meetings due to continuing education classes. The Commission thanked Mrs. Engebretsen for being there.

Commissioner Poore said Michael Hayes with Downward Dawg is interested in working with the City to have a City-sponsored outdoor summer concert. The City Manager is interested and it is a possibility on Park Day. Ms. Poore will meet with the City Manager and bring back a report next month. Mr. Hayes said the Girdwood and Talketna concerts were both good joint adventures. Commissioner Poore said he is talented and knows how to manage a show. The Commission suggested a summer solstice party.

Commissioner Weaver said he had read reports on the East End Road construction project with a ball field being developed as part of the plan. Chair Daugharty relayed that the project has been going on for more than five years. The area was the old dump site, was given to a local family and donated back. The equestrians were removed and the site was considered. Softball and soccer agencies are now involved, having created a non-profit organization to review the prospects of the site.

The Commission requested a list of the Commission’s Attendance at City Council Meetings in each month’s packet.

COMMENTS OF THE AUDIENCE

Lou Stewart said he supports the parks survey. He additionally urges the Commission to move forward with developing the park at the RV Dump Site, Ben Walters, and Beluga Lake areas. Something needs to be done at the entrance to Beluga Lake as it freezes over in the winter creating an eyesore. He is not clear where the Trails Committee is at, but would like to see the Commission pursue property owners around the East End Road area. There are little spots that would make great spaces for pocket parks, one of them being in a corner where you cross Beluga Lake to Ocean Drive. It is a triangular piece of property, with a State easement. The owner of the property favors a park, and since it is a high visibility area he would not want trees blocking the business signs. Mr. Stewart said he would like to be included in identifying spaces that the Parks and Recreation Commission could make contacts in identifying parks. It could fall in line with Arbor Day and Parks Day.

Planning Technician Engebretsen said Department of Transportation owned property has beautification programs and she will provide information on the process to the Commission for their next meeting.

Mr. Stewart said the entrance to Beluga Lake is really congested and the lower Mattox area land owned by the State could be the new access. It would take the public away from the high traffic flow.

Planning Commissioner Fred Pfeil thanked the Commission for their time and work.

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Hamik would like to see the roundabout added to next month’s agenda under Pending Business, stating she doesn’t want it dropped. Ms. Hamik said it was a great meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. The next Regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

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JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

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APPROVED