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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-05 Parks & Recreation SummaryKENAI PARKS/k RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MARCH 5, 1~8 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CHAIRMAN RICHARD HULTBERG ITEM 1' CALL TO ORDER/h ROLL CALL ITEM 2' AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 5, 1998 ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ao Steve Foster - Youth Football League/Use of FAA Fields ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS ao Discussion - Hansen Park Proposal/Review and Design Work ITEM 6' NEW BUSINESS ao Discussion - Camping on the Softball Greenstrip ITEM 7: DIRECTOR' S REPORT ao Restoration and Improvements/Bernie Huss Fitness Trail Kenai Middle School/21st Century Grant Spring Break Youth Activities Don Wright/Batting Cage Proposal Kenai River Festival ITEM 8: OUESTIONS & COMMENTS ITEM 9: CORRESPONDENCE ITEM 10: PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 11' INFORMATION ao Council Action Agenda - February 18, 1998 Beautification Committee Minutes of February 10, 1998 Teen Center/Calendar of Events ITEM 12' ADJOURNMENT KENAI PARKS ~k RECREATION COMMISSION *** MINUTES *** March 5, 1998- 7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers Chairman Richard Hultberg ® ® ® ® CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chairman Dale Sandahl called the meeting to order at approximately 7'00 p.m. Members Present: Dale Sandahl, Jack Castimore, Tim Wisniewski, Alicia Brewer Members Absent' Richard Hultberg, Ronald Yamamoto, Kelly Gifford Also Present: Director Bob Frates, Public Works Director Keith Kornelis, Councilman Hal Smalley, Bonnie Juliussen (Kenaitze Indian Tribe), Contract Secretary Barb Roper APPROVAL OF AGENDA AGENDA WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 5, 1998 MINUTES FOR THE MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 5, 1998 WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD Steve Foster - Youth Football League / Review and Design Work Foster attended the meeting seeking permission from the Parks and Rec Commission to allow the Popp Warner Youth Football League to utilize the FAA fields for their football games. Additionally, the League would like Parks and Rec to make improvements to the fields. When it was asked when the season would start, Foster replied between July 15 and August 1. Foster added, the program would continue through the end of September. Foster explained the League currently plays their games at the high school, So-Hi, and Skyview. The League anticipates a lot of growth this year going from five teams to approximately ten or 12. Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 1 It was confirmed the area being discussed was indeed City property and had youth football games played there in the mid 1970's. Todd Severson (also in attendance in support of the Youth Football League) explained the improvements would include leveling the field for safety purposes as there are a lot of sink holes and a burn pit at one end. The area needs to be weeded and perhaps some new grass planted. As football does cause wear and tear some maintenance would be required. Severson also stated that future plans for the area may include adding bleachers, concessions, and sponsor booster club boards. Sandahl noted the Parks and Rec season is over approximately the end of August and asked if the maintenance requirements would be the responsibility of the Youth Football League at that time. It was noted that Popp Warner would assure the field is game ready by cutting the grass and handling the maintenance after the Parks and Rec season closed. Severson indicated that having the field would benefit the school district as the youth league would have their own field to play on. It was noted the FAA field would be used for games only and practices Would be held in other areas. A general discussion took place on maintenance and Frates indicated it would not be a problem for Parks and Rec and the work would include watering and grooming. Castimore asked about the RV caravans that come through and utilize the area. Frates reported there were no caravans last year and when they do come it is only for a few days and normally it is early in the season. Foster asked if the campers could be placed up to a certain point. Frates answered that it would be considered. Parking was discussed and it was determined that Parks and Rec would make the necessary provisions. The legal liability was discussed and it was noted the parents and children are required to sign waivers. CASTIMORE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT THE YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE BE ALLOWED TO USE THE FAA FIELDS THEY RE(~UESTED AND IF APPROVED THE CITY ATTORNEY ASSURES ALL LIABILITY CONSIDERATIONS ARE TAKEN CARE OF. MOTION SECONDED BY BREWER. Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 2 It was noted that Popp Warner does provide appropriate insurance coverage. Smalley asked if Foster was appointed and approved to represent Popp Warner. Foster replied that he is a Director but not officially on the Board. Smalley stated that it would be Foster or the Board that would come to City Administration to handle the liability situation. Brewer suggested that consideration be given to having high school students assist Popp Warner in keeping the football field maintained. Brewer continued, students at the high school are required to have so many hours of community service and can fulfill the requirement by helping out. Frates thought that was an excellent idea and indicated he and Foster will work together on a maintenance program if the project is approved by Council. VOTE Yamamoto Absent Gilford Absent Castimore Yes Wisniewski Yes Brewer Yes Hultberg Absent Sandahl Yes Motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Discussion - Hansen Park - Review and Design Work Frates reported a new design was done for the Erik Hansen Park by William J. Nelson and Associates. The new design was paid for by the Public Works Department. Frates handed out a letter that was just received from Suzanne Little expressing concern with the design of the park. Frates stated he was not happy with some things on the new design which include the straight linear pathway that goes into the park, there should be some curves incorporated in the design. Castimore suggested that shrubbery be placed around the park to break up the flat areas. Frates reported that Bill Kluge from the Historic District Board wanted the City to put a lot of time, thought, and effort into the design of the park as this is something that should last for years to come. It was asked if Kluge considered volunteering some of his expertise and it was Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 3 assumed that he did not. Frates stated a lot of thought and time has gone into the design and it is one that works for the Department and the Hansen family. Frates noted that Dr. Hansen had some concerns with the revised design which include the linear straight walkway leading into the park, adding an entrance and exit to the statue area, extending the trail 10 feet towards the top of the bluff, extend the width of the pad from 9 feet to 13 feet, and adding benches along the edge of the grass. It was noted the top of the bluff was very stable. Sandahl asked how the project is viewed from a financial standpoint. Kornelis replied, the first thing that needs to happen is that the Commission come to an agreement on the design then the City would do a cost estimate based on the wishes of the Commission. Davis-lBacon wages would be used in the estimate but areas that can be handled by the City will be identified. Discussion took place on building the park in phases and it was noted the project had to be completed within two years. Frates thought the first phase would be to complete what was included in the design and the second phase could include benches and erecting a panoramic photograph of the Inlet and mountain ranges. Juliussen agreed with the signage and suggested the Dena'ina name of the mountains be included under the English name. Frates stated that Kluge suggested a compass be included near the signs and that bronze signs be considered. It was noted that bronze signs would be very expensive. Castimore stated that he would like to see the project move forward and didn't think a different plan had to come before the Commission every month. Wisniewski stated it was the Commission's responsibility to keep the project very economical and bronze signs are not economical. Brewer asked if Dr. Hansen would have the final decision on the design of the park. Sandahl requested clarification on Dr. Hansen's role with the park. Smalley answered, Dr. Hansen was going to be working with the Commission and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe to come up with a proposal that would be recommended to Council and/or implemented. Discussion took place on doing the work in phases and Smalley reiterated that the project has two years to be completed and if Dr. Hansen agrees the work is substantially done then other items could be added at a later date. Frates noted that Mrs. Hansen is adamant that the statue be placed in the exact location as indicated on the design. Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 4 Further discussion took place on the design and various suggestions included consideration to a natural flow of traffic through the park and installing a fence to keep people off the grass during construction. Wisniewski stated he attended the Historic District Board meeting and the Board wants the Kenai gold rush mentioned in the signage. It was confirmed by both Smalley and Wisniewski that there indeed was a gold rush in Kenai. Wisniewski continued, the Board wants more attention paid to the park to assure a quality site that keeps with the unity of Old Town and to include lighting. It was pointed out that lighting was never discussed as part of the plan for the Erik Hansen Park as it would be used at a time when there is about 22 hours of daylight. I<ornelis stated the only lighting in Old Town is street lighting for vehicles not for paths. Discussion took place on signage and various options were presented. Juliussen handed out a proposal prepared by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's Cultural Heritage Department. Juliussen pointed out the reasons for having one sign is the less cost involved, less disturbance to the site, vandalism repairs would be less costly, and the site isn't large enough to accommodate more than one sign without detracting from the natural beauty of the area. More than one sign would give a cluttered appearance. Additionally, with one sign the quality of artwork and text could be concentrated upon. Juliussen suggested the sign be placed at the entrance of the park. It was also suggested that consideration be given to placing brochures at the exit. Juliussen indicated the I<enaitze Indian Tribe is willing to assist with any work required. It was also suggested that a large rock be placed at the entrance with the sign embedded in it. Frates pointed out the process would be to bring the design to Council for approval then the next step would be the budget process. NEW BUSINESS Discussion - Camping on the Softball Green Strip Frates requested discussion on camping on the softball green strip because of comments made regarding lawn damage from vehicles, fires and hot briquets. After a group discussion it was determined the only major problem was from people parking on the lawns and that is taken care of by law enforcement or Parks and Rec staff. It was recommended that more communication be made between the teams and the literature provided include the parking requirements and other regulations set by Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 5 ® Parks and Rec. Castimore recommended the area near the restrooms be used by campers. Smalley reported that Council didn't have any complaints about the campers other than drinking and parking on the grass. It was also determined that if the area was closed to camping it would negatively affect other businesses in the area as the teams would stop coming to the Peninsula if the free camping option was no longer available. Smalley suggested the pavilion area be used for cooking. Director's Report Restoration and Improvements / Bernie Huss Fitness Trail Frates reported Jessica Sterling's proposal to make improvements on the Bernie Huss Fitness Trail was accepted by the Girl Scouts. Frates, Slavik and Sterling will meet in late March or early April for an initial planning session. As-builts and aerial photos will be provided and a walk through w/Il be done to tag trees etc. Castimore suggested that a letter be sent to Hultberg to solicit funds from the Moose Lodge for the project. be Kenai Middle School / 2 l't Century Grant Frates reported, Connie Wirz from Kenai Middle School approached the Parks and Rec Department to participate in a 21 st Century Grant. The grant is an educational/recreational grant and would provide a minimum of $35,000 to assist in setting up after-school programs targeted for youths at risk. The recreational services would be performed at the Rec Center. Unfortunately the grant is due on March 9 and it was determined there was too little time to effectively accomplish the grant application. However, the group will begin wo.rk on a new grant in the fall. Spring Break Youth Activities Spring break begins on March 23, 1998 and the teen center will open early. In conjunction to that various gym activities will be incorporated. Castimore thanked Frates for the efforts made during spring break as there are a lot of kids left alone and would benefit from the programs. Frates reported a ski trip is scheduled for March 28, 1998. Laidlaw will provide transportation to Alyeska for 30 kids. Chaperone volunteers are needed. Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 6 0 ® 10. 11. de Don Wright / Batting Cage Proposal The batting cage proposal was approved by Council. Wright will set up in early April. · Kenai River Festival The Kenai River Festival's use of the FAA grounds was also approved by Council. QUESTIONS lk COMMENTS Councilman Smalley reported that the City has sold the small parcel of land to Garcia in Cunningham Park. This is the portion of land Garcia encroached on and after receiving approval from the Cunningham heirs, the sale was made at appraised value. Smalley reported the fence will be moved in the summer to assure there wouldn't be another encroachment. Commissioner Brewer indicated that flyers on the spring break activities could be placed around the high school and announcements could be made. Castimore suggested the same announcements be made at Nikiski High School. Commissioner Wisniewski asked about the status of the skating rink. Smalley answered the process is moving along slowly and the City is now awaiting approval from BOR to release the land near the golf course for sale. Frates reported that he had conversations with Kodiak on their skating rink process. Smalley reported the high school kids in Juneau wrote and received a grant for $150,000 for a skate board/roller blade park. The kids worked in conjunction with the City and Borough. CORRF_~PONDENCE- None PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD - None INFORMATION Council Action Agenda --- February 18, 1998 Beautification committee Minutes of February 10, Teen Center / Calendar of Events Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 7 12. ADJOURNMENT BREWER MOVED TO ADJOURN. MOTION SECONDED BY CASTIMORE. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:37 P.M. Respectfully submitted, t~arbara R6p~'r,'C~tra~ ~ecre~ary Parks & Rec Commission March 5, 1998 Page 8