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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-03 Parks & Recreation SummaryKENAI PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION *** MINUTES *** JULY 3, 1997- 7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers Chairman Richard Hultberg ® CALL TO ORDER AND ROI,L CALl, Chairman Hultberg called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Richard Hultberg, Dale Sandahl, Kelly Gifford, Jack Castimore, Cristel Fields ® Members Absent: Ron Yamamoto, Tim Wisniewski Also Present: Bob Frates, Dan Castimore, Barb Roper, Duane Bannock (arrived at 7:30 p.m.) APPROVAL OF AGENDA ® Chairman Hultberg requested that guest Dan Castimore be moved to Item 4 on the agenda, Person's Scheduled To Be Heard. The agenda was approved by unanimous consent with the one change. APPROVAL OF MINUTES e Jack Castimore stated that the Lions Club was misspelled in previous meeting minutes. He pointed out the correct spelling was L-i-o-n-s not L-y-o-n-s. With the one correction the meeting minutes were approved by unanimous consent. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD Chairman Hultberg introduced guest Daniel Castimore. Mr. Castimore attended the meeting to present his drawing for Municipal Park improvements. Mr. Castimore stated that the plan he will present tonight is the second of three stages. The first stage being the park as it is now. (Mr. Castimore used his drawing during this discussion to point out areas to be changed and/or improved.) Mr. Castimore's plan involved a parking area, changing the driving road to a walking trail, and a grassy, private picnic/play area. Mr. Castimore felt the biggest problem in the park at this time is road traffic as the road currently goes right past where the kids play. Mr. Castimore thought the problem could be eliminated by moving everything towards the from and introducing a gravel parking lot. Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 1 This parking lot could be paved in the future to offer handicap access. The existing roads in the park could be made into walking trails by narrowing and straightening them. Fencing along the edges could also be introduced. Mr. Castimore stated that the Lions is planning to make a handicap accessible area. At this time there is no connection to the two roads (Municipal Park and the Lions) so he recommends a 50 foot gravel road to link the two areas together. This would cut off the rest of the park to driving and still provide handicap accessability. Discussion was held on the size of the parking area and where it would be in relation to the big toy area. Mr. Castimore pointed out that his plan also allows for parents to watch their children from across the street without obstruction. Mr. Castimore's plan also includes landscaping an area to allow for a more private picnic area which will have grassy areas for play. Chairman Hultberg asked if the plan alloWed for the trees to remain. Mr. Castimore said no, they would be removed to keep it open. The picnic area has trails through it, tables and two picnic shelters. Commissioner Sandahl asked if anyone had seen the correspondence from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe regarding their concern of the cultural remains in the park area. Mr. Bob Frates indicated that the majority of those are off the trails. Mr. Frates stated that the Kenaitze's plan to have the youth and elders come in to do a site survey of the entire park in order to identify the sites on paper so that everyone has a record of them. Mr. Frates further stated that the plan is a wonderful idea but whatever we do we need to do in conjunction with the Kenaitze's and the neighborhood. Chairman Hultberg asked if fencing was to go around those areas if the City would be responsible. Mr. Frates stated that if we are working with the Kenaitze's on this project that they would be responsible for interpreted signage and fencing which will be approved by this body or Council. Commissioner Hultberg pointed out that this could fit in very well with Daniel Castimore's plan for walking trails as the signage would provide information. It was stated that this work would be done in phases, Phase 1 and 2. Discussion was also made on putting in a volleyball area. Mr. Frates stated that the volleyball area may go in this summer. Commissioner Hultberg thought leaving some good trees in the area would still make it nice. Duane Bannock arrived the meeting and was shown Daniel Castimore's plan. Daniel pointed out his recommended improvements. Chairman Hultberg stated that Acting City Manager, Mr. Ross wants a legal opinion on this. Mr. Frates stated that in discussions with Mr. Ross and Mayor Williams that we would have the support of Council. Commissioner Castimore stated that obviously the solution is to remove the brush in the area of the park to open it up and making extremely visible. Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 2 Mr. Frates stated that at this point in time we should look at plans like Daniel's and kick it around amongst ourselves so that early this wimer we can move forward with it and even consider inviting the Kenaitze elders and residents to looks at our plans. Commissioner Hultberg asked if the next step is for Daniel Castimore to go before Council to present his plan. Mr. Frates stated that it may be a little premature that our timing would be this winter. He further stated we would continue to look at Daniel's plan and any other plans presented. Additionally, the Kenaitze's should have developed their site plan by then and have identified where the archeological sites are specifically located. Once Parks has got something formalized then we would present it to Council. Duane Bannock stated that Council doesn't make the decision on any plan, this body makes the decision and forwards it to Council. If the Council says no, then another decision and/or plan needs to be made. Commissioner Gifford asked how long the Kenaitze's have to get their plan in. Mr. Frates stated that it is supposed to be done within the next couple of weeks, in fact they are supposed to be prepared to come to the Lions Club meeting next week. Commissioner Sandahl stated that before we go to the Council with a recommendation some major decisions have to be made relevant to this park area, one of which is the Kenaitze's and their feelings on the historical areas and the Lions Club. He asked whether the Lions Club had gone through Council. Duane Bannock indicated that they have and further stated that he gets the feeling that Kenaitze is expecting the City to be financial partners with them and he doesn't see that taking place at all. Commissioner Hultberg asked if the project could be held up if the City does not become their partner. Mr. Frates indicated that it could be held up but it was unlikely. Commissioner Sandahl stated that before final recommendation is made that the community needs to be aware of the changes to the park. He pointed out that the park was changed dramatically when the overnight parking was eliminated and now another dramatic change would be made by making it a walking park rather than a driving park. Mr. Frates stated that working with the different groups would be critical but another critical factor is to keep it at minimum expense as Council would not want us to come back after budget to ask for major bucks to redo this whole park. Daniel Castimore stated that the main expense for this project would be the parking area and the road to get into the handicap accessible area. Mr. Frates stated that it looked like we could keep the expenses down as the work is just labor intensive and that it could be done in phases. Discussion was held on how the public would be notified of the changes to this park. Mr. Bannock stated the Council agenda is published every week, however, the public doesn't usually comment on an issue until after the meeting and decisions are made. Daniel Castimore asked if there were any plans to have a second party do a survey of the area after the Kenaitze survey. Mr. Frates stated there was an archeologist in Anchorage Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 3 ® that did some work and the consensus is to revisit this early this winter and invite the various groups. Commissioner Sandahl asked if it would be possible to have Daniel's drawing enlarged in order to use it as a working document. He further stated that there is a survey going out to offer direction to Parks & Rec and he feels there should be a section dealing with municipal parks. The groups general feeling was that this park could be a showcase for the City and the changes recommended by Daniel would add to that. Mr. Frates stated the plan is to go in this summer and get rid of the beetle kill trees and anything else that may look to be a hazard. Daniel Castimore and Commissioner Hultberg would visit the City on Monday to get an aerial photo of the area and to make a large working document for the group. OLD BUSINESS ® a. Municipal Park - discussed under item 4. Commissioner Hultberg asked if four-wheelers were allowed in the park. Mr. Frates stated they are not allowed in any City park. NEW BUSINESS ® m. Old Towne Park Improvements: Mr. Frates stated that last summer the Rotary Club donated $5,000 for playground equipment for Old Towne Park. The City matched it with another $5,000 and the new equipment was purchased and put into place. Eleanor Thompson, the newly elected President of the Rotary Club indicated that the Club is again in a position to donate another $2,500 for playground equipment. The City has spent approximately $2,300 for a new slide for this park. Mr. Frates recommends that the new slide purchased by the City be put out at Beaver Creek park and the Rotary Club be asked to use the $2,500 for a new slide for Old Towne. There was also talk about replacing the concrete slab for the basketball court but there is no way they could do that with $2,500, the only way that could be done is if the City matched the funds. Mr. Frates looked at the slab and it is cracked a little with some grass coming through but essentially it is in good shape. The Commission told Mr. Frates to do what he felt best. Mr. Frates stated the slide purchased by the City would go out to Beaver Creek and the Rotary Club would be asked to purchase a new slide of Old Towne. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 7a. Summer Solstice Fun Run: This run was held on June 21 and had 59 runners, 2 came down from Anchorage. The run was successful and the staff did an excellent Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 4 7bo 7C. 7d. 7e. 7f. job. This event will probably be bigger next year as we will offer food and do it in conjunction with the Oilers. Lisa McCauley headed this event up and did an excellent job putting it together. Fourth of July Activities' We aren't going to have anything in terms of food to offer but Lori Corison will be making balloon animals and we will be in the parade. The parade starts at 11 '00 a.m. Picnic Table Donations:. The Fish and Wildlife Service donated 8 picnic tables to the Parks Department and they should be delivered next week. These will be placed in various campgrounds and parks. Commissioner Hultberg asked about vandalism on the tables. Mr. Frates stated they are wooden but very sturdy. Mr. Frates stated that the thank you letter for the po°l table donation was submitted to the newspaper. Children's Garden Contest: The Beautification Committee wants to encourage children to prepare flower or vegetable gardens so Mr. Frates developed a "Children's Garden Contest" for kids 5 to 12 years old. Flyers will be sent out around town and announcements will be made on the radio and in the newspaper. Forms are available at the Rec Center. The Beautification Committee will go out to judge the areas and get back to Mr. Frates with their recommendation. Prizes will be award at the August Beautification meeting. Playground Installments: This will be going to Council at the next meeting, again they are budgeted items and there should be no problem getting through. These should be ready to put in sometime in early August and will include the new slide. Handicap-Accessible Trails Update: Again, the Kenaitze's will be doing their site survey and they will come up with an agreement or letter of cooperation with the Lions Club which will simply state that they will work together on this project. There will be signage involved and the Lions Club will request that the Kenaitze's pay for them. Commissioner Hultberg asked what would happen if the agreement didn't happen. Mr. Frates stated there would not be a problem with the two groups working together, the big stipulation that probably is going to be included in this agreement is the signage and he understands the Kenaitze's are interested in doing the signs. The signs would be something similar to what you see at Russian River. Commissioner Hultberg asked about the Lions Club look out area and brick wall. Mr. Frates stated that he and Keith Kornelis, the Public Works Director, went to look at the brick wall. Public Works is in the process of getting bids back with quotes for a 15 x 20 Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 5 ge foot concrete pad for the concrete pathway going to the metal ramp. This includes railing around the perimeter. One bid came back in at $4,000. Mr. Frates stated that 8 or 9 benches have been placed around town and they look very nice. There are 5 or 6 more coming and the Mayor recommended that a couple be placed along the bike path. Parks is also considering placing some in front of Dairy Queen, McDonalds, etc. Commissioner Castimore asked about benches from the Moose for Municipal Park. Commissioner Hultberg stated that the benches have been ordered so there will be more coming. Mr. Frates stated that this will be a big weekend with the parade and a sot~ball tournament, probably 15 leagues. Commissioner Sandahl asked about the status of the decree. Mr. Frates stated the signs were up and if anyone is caught not obeying the signs he recommended that the police be called. Staff has been instructed to call the police as well rather than attempt to correct a problem themselves. Officers are coming by. CORRESPONDENCE None e 10. 11. PERSON'S PRESENT NOT SCHEDUI~ED TO BE HEARD None INFORMATION - A brief discussion was held on the information provided in the board packet. Mr. Frates stated that the Kenai Peninsula Outdoor Club has been in existence for a couple of years. Parks has made contact with them so that they can provide their agenda and it will be posted at the Rec Center. Mr. Frates further stated that Scott Slavic will be serving on the Kenai Peninsula Trails Commission. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Sandahl noted the banners flying about town look very nice but maybe more contrasting colors would be nice. The banners will be placed on Willow Street when the boom truck is repaired. Commissioner Sandahl commented on an article in the paper regarding the number of miles on the river that the Mayor and Rick want to have excluded from whoever is trying to include them. Duane Bannock explained that it is the Kenai River Special Management Area (KRSMA) and they are the group that controls the Kenai River from Warren Ames Bridge north. The newly revised plan recommends that they control the lower 4 miles, from the mouth all the way. Commissioner Sandahl asked if there would be any affect to summer activities at the mouth of the river this summer. Mr. Bannock stated that not yet, but there certainly could be. Commissioner Hultberg asked who would answer that question, the courts? Mr. Bannock stated that the City of Kenai's position is very clear and that is we don't want to be in it, they have not made a final decision on whether or not Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 6 the City will be in it. The final hearing is yet to be heard at the Borough level and then it's final form will be drafted and sent to the Commissioner level for signature. Hopefully they will respect the City ofKenai's position and maintain it as status quo. If not, Mr. Bannock is not sure of the direction the City would choose to go but they would not be happy. Commissioner Sandahl stated that the one comment that triggered his appetite for what was going on is that we'll take control of the river up to and including our city limits which means we may establish our own horsepower rating. Mr. Bannock stated that it has always been his position that there should not be another governmental organization within our own city limits, whether it be another layer of the Borough's government or another layer of State government, he firmly feels that within our city limits we do a good enough job of taking care of our own things. Mr. Bannock further stated that it was a compromise that took us to what we have today and the Warren Ames Bridge made a nice geographic boundary. Commissioner Sandahl stated there was reference made to horsepower on the river and the City of Kenai does not have jurisdiction over enforcing what takes place on the river and so the City should not establish it's own horsepower rating. Mr. Bannock stated that was correct and the 3 5 horsepower rating limit is a KRSMA requirement, the City cannot enforce a waterway rule but it would also mean that if that were the case then the rule would then start and stop at Mile 12 as opposed to starting and stopping at Mile 4.5 Commissioner Sandahl stated that somebody will have jurisdiction over the waterways. Mr. Bannock stated that the Coast Guard has jurisdiction. CommisSioner Gifford shared a photo of the memorial tokens le~ at Lief Hansen Park. She read the rules and they say the only thing that can be put there are landscaped planted flowers, trees or bushes and a landscaper has to do it. Commissioner Gifford stated that if we allow one person to place a memorial token then others will follow. Commissioner Hultberg stated that he felt the area could be policed by Parks & Rec occasionally and those items picked up. Mr. Frates stated that it would probably be appropriate if those items were placed on birthdays, Memorial Day, etc., as long as it's removed the next day by Parks & Rec. Commissioner Gifford asked if letters have been written to businesses regarding clean-up. Mr. Frates stated a letter is being prepared but has not gone out yet. Commissioner Gifford asked Mr. Frates if he had enough crew members to accomplish his work, i.e, fertilizing, liming, taking care of dead bushes, etc. Mr. Frates stated that what he is able to do right now is just maintain a level of service that is acceptable, to go above and beyond that when we discuss projects like new playground equipment, renovating ballfields, etc., No, he does not have the staff When they start renovating ballfields, etc., then he will look at hiring more people. Commissioner Hultberg stated that there is an undercurrent of feeling by some of the members that if Parks continues to be cut back, there comes a point where you need to ask. Mr. Frates stated that transportation is Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 7 another problem to consider as he doesn't have enough vehicles to handle any more staff. He feels they are more effective now with current staff as we have enough transportation to deal with these folks. He further stated that when he needs more people he will ask and will also ask for another vehicle. Commissioner Gifford asked about the dead bushes and dead trees in various parks. It was pointed out that the dead trees were being taken care of. Commissioner Cfifford asked if she could do the pruning on the trees that need it. Mr. Frates stated that he would welcome her volunteer work. Commissioner Hultberg stated that he read some minutes that mentioned a Mr. Bassett removing a cabin about 17 or 18 years ago and wanted to know if that cabin was in the Municipal Park. Commissioner Gifford stated that it was at the bottom of the road and not in the park. There used to be a ice rink and a dam there. The dam was taken out as it was a hazard. Commissioner Hultberg will show the minutes to Mr. Frates. Commissioner Hultberg stated that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 7, 1997. Commissioner Gifford MOVED to adjourn the meeting. Cristei Fields SECONDED the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8' 10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Roper Parks & Rec Commission July 3, 1997 Page 8