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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-02 Parks & Recreation SummaryKENAI PARKS/i~ RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA JULY 2, 19 9 8 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CHAIRMAN RICHARD HULTBERG ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER/~ ROLL CALL ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 4, 1998 ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 1. None ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS o Kenai Municipal Park Cunningham Park ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS , Rest Room Placement/Beaver Creek ITEM 7: DIRECTOR'S REPORT o 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Solstice Fun Run Bernie Huss Fitness Trail Rotary Club Playground Slide Installation Fourth of July Parade Tractor Bids Hydro-Seeding quotes/Erik Hansen Scout Park Multi-Use Recreational Facility ITEM 8: QUESTIONS & COMMENTS ITEM 9: CORRESPONDENCE ITEM 10: PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 11: INFORMATION , 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Council Action Agenda - June 3 and 17, 1998. Beautification Committee Minutes of June 9, 1998 -- NO QUORUM. Kenai Peninsula Borough Trail Plan Kenai Peninsula Borough Preliminary Trial Needs List Curly Ashfield Memorial Golf Tournament Summer Recreation/Weekly Program Schedule ITEM 12: ADJOURNMENT KENAI PARKS/k RECREATION COMMISSION *** MINUTES *** July 2, 1998- 7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers Chairman Richard Hultberg ® ® ® ® ® CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Hultberg called the meeting to order at approximately 7'00 p.m. Members Present: Richard Hultberg, Dale Sandahl, Ronald Yamamoto, Jack Castimore, Tim Wisniewski, Alicia Brewer (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Kelly Gifford (arrived at 7:15 p.m.) Also Present: Director Bob Frates, Contract Secretary Barb Roper, Councilman Duane Bannock (arrived at 7'45 p.m.) APPROVAL OF AGENDA AGENDA WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 4, 1998 MINUTES FOR THE MEETING HELD JUNE 4, 1998 WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD - None OLD BUSINESS . Kenai Municipal Park SANDAHL MOVED TO OPEN DISCUSSION ON KENAI MUNICIPAL PARK WHICH INCLUDES PUBLIC TESTIMONY. MOTION SECONDED BY YAMAMOTO. Rebecca Lambourn, Kenai, Alaska reported that she lives near the Kenai Municipal Park and asked to have the item put on the agenda because the park is a topic of conversation in the neighborhood. There is a lot of interest in what is going to happen to the park. Lambourn continued, her family has been involved and has enjoyed the park for a number of years but they do have concerns about security. Lambourn thinks it is one of the most beautiful spots within the City and feels it is one of the few remaining wooded bluff acres available. The park is very different and special as it is a self-contained eco-system which are becoming more rare in the area. The park has as much to offer as other parks such as Denali and Captain Cook as it too has a great variety of plants and animals, Dena'ina house sites, and food caches. Lambourn questioned if many of the people in the community realized what is Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 1 available and how special it is. Lamboum stated when she heard there may be changes made to the park, she became concerned and wanted to point out to the Commission just how special it is and how important it is to the kids who live and play there. Lambourn reported there are some individuals around town who are willing to participate and volunteer their time to help with a nature trail should the City wish to consider one. Such a trail would benefit the local people for educational purposes. Some of the schools already take field trips through the park. Lambourn and her husband are willing to provide information on the archeology on the Dena'ina house pits that have been excavated in the park. The Visitors Center has been contacted to determine if they would be interested in assisting with the nature trail. Lamboum also reported that she spoke with Alan Boraas who was very excited about the idea and has offered his help. There are already some beautiful existing trails in the park and Lambourn's children have already named one The Wild Flower Walk and another the Cache Pit Walk. Because ravens nest in the park, they also named a tree the Raven Tree-. Lambourn provided the following suggestions for improvements: Block off traffic to the park as there is no reason for anyone to be driving in there. Establish clear parking areas either on each end or along the side to prevent people from driving into the park. Establish a Community Neighborhood Watch Program with clear signs posted that include phone numbers so people could report anything suspicious. Lamboum again reiterated that there are several individuals who are offering their time and effort to make the park a good, safe place for the community. Ricky Gease, Kenai, Alaska stated that he is the Manager of Exhibits and Education for the Visitors Center and reported that he had walked through the park with Lambourn. Gease stated the City has a museum that is filled with artifacts, etc., and he sees people come in from all over the world to view a part of the area's cultural heritage, a real strong point for the City of Kenai. Gease reported the walk-through opened his eyes to the resources in the park. He spent the last few months developing the Old Town Walking Tour map and the Kenai Municipal Park would be easy to incorporate some sort of nature trail which could be promoted by the Visitors Center. Gease stated that he would be more than interested in assisting with the development of a nature trail. Gease read an excerpt from a magazine from the Museum Association, referencing archeological items and artifacts and how they are developed. Gease also read an article regarding removal of or possession of historic, Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 2 pre-historic or archeological resources and the fines associated with them. Gease stated the archeological resources found in the Kenai Municipal Park are exactly the same as what are found on federal lands and hoped that the importance be weighed on the community. Gease suggested the park be developed to keep tourists in the area rather than have them go to Captain Cook Park. Kaeky Wells, Kenai, Alaska stated she too has enjoyed the park for many years and believes it is one of the best kept secrets in Kenai. Wells reported what she had learned in her outdoor education classes is applicable to the Kenai Municipal Park. Wells thought the preservation of the little piece of wilderness was wonderful and her two most favorite things of Kenai are the people and the parks. The park system has a wide diversity with the organized parks, grassy strips, memorial parks, health and fitness parks and having a little piece of wilderness in the middle of the city is incredible. Wells stated that eco-tourism is a big word these days and to have the park with a little protection and improvements would prove to be such an educational tool to the community and the tourists. Wells thought a one-hour walk-through park would provide a wonderful curriculum for people as they would learn more about Alaska, the natural things and the beauty shared in this community. Wells stated there are several people who come to Kenai with their sketchbooks and cameras and do that type of hunting rather than wipe out our wildlife. Wells continued, she has taught for years as a volunteer in the park but has never bragged about what a valuable resource it was. Wells not only taught watercolor and sketching in the park but she has taught Scouts about edible and poisonous plants in the park. Wells said that if some other plants were put in the area a person could spend hours and hours studying in there. Wells continued, she and her family have really enjoyed the park and it has been a salvation. Wells stated it would be nice when the vehicles are kept out of the park because they are tearing it up. Wells also stated another consideration is for people who are physically challenged as the parks have not been developed for them. The Kenai Municipal Park could very easily be made accessible for individuals who are physically challenged and work has already started on that. Wells reported she saw little old ladies open their door, reach out and pick a flower or a berry they didn't have access to before this park. Wells thought it was very important to keep a part of the park in the wilderness state because of the things it can teach about the beautiful land. Wells appealed to the Commission to keep parts of the park preserved for mainly educational purposes. Valerie Malanaphy, Kenai, Alaska stated she lives on Stellar Drive and is concerned about the security in the park and some of the things going on in there. Malanaphy reported that they've seen trouble in the park the past couple of years with vandalism and unsupervised kids. The trouble Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 3 is now spilling over into the neighborhoods and is affecting the younger children. The younger children don't feel safe going into the park anymore as they are being picked on and harassed. Malanaphy reported a meeting was held at the park with a group from the neighborhood and they discussed opening the park up a little by taking down beetle kills trees and clearing dead trees. Malanaphy supported the idea as one spark could take down the entire park due to the amount of beetle kill in there. Malanaphy thinks blocking off the roads is a main issue as there is no need for traffic and kids in there drinking and littering. Malanaphy stated this is the first time she has ever felt she had to look twice because of the unsupervised kids. Malanaphy continued, the four-wheel drive traffic in the park is absolutely destroying the hillside so securing the area from the beach side should be a high priority. Malanaphy is afraid the entire park will be lost if nothing is done now and if the City needs any help, the neighbors in the area would be happy to provide assistance. Julie Niederhauser, Kenai, Alaska stated she thou§ht the park is in the process of bein§ loved to death as thc improvements that have been made have increased the usc. It was pointed out that most of those usin§ it do not live in the nei§hborhood. Niederhauser stated that was wonderful for the City of Kenai and every effort should be made to increase visitors to the area but it should be done in a manner where the people in the area don't feel like they are bein§ short-chart§ed. Niederhauser reported there has been a considerable amount of vandalism in the area, which never used to happen. Nicderhauser has been harassed at the park as well. She noted, there is an element of unsupervised teena§ers who use the park for drinkin§, dru§s, and other thin§s that she has witnessed. Niederhauser agreed that removing the beetle kill trees is needed but it can be done in a way that the inherent beauty of the park is not destroyed. Niederhauser continued, when she is not working she and her son walk down to the bluff through the park on their favorite trail. A price cannot be put on that type of time spent with a child and the memories that are being created. Niederhauser stressed that she didn't want to lose that and thought a balance can be made with the population who visits the park. Niederhauser stated she agreed with Kacky Wells, Kenai, the people, the parks, and the scenery are the best things going. Niederhauser continued, she didn't want to leave the area and that's why the meeting was called and the neighbors got involved. Niederhauser also appealed to the Commission to create a compromise to give the community the best of both worlds. Frates stated at the meeting with the neighborhood the Community Neighborhood Watch Program was discussed and asked if any of the packets Officer Carver mentioned were picked up. Niederhauser replied, 50 packets were picked up and approximately 15 to 20 were distributed. Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 4 Niederhauser continued, the neighborhood very much wants to be involved. Hultberg asked if window decals were made available. Malanaphy answered, decals were not available and the packets did not have as much information as they hoped for so they will go back to the police department to get more materials and information on how other neighborhoods handle watch programs. Lambourn suggested a sign be placed at the entrance of the park indicating it is a community-watch area and provide a phone number available to report any suspicious activity is an excellent idea. Yamamoto asked if the Parks and Rec summer crew could provide some type security during the day as they walk through for clean up, etc.. Frates replied, the crew is on a schedule but most of the activity is done during the evenings. Bunny Swan-Gease, Kenai, Alaska suggested one way to make the park more valuable and to increase the number of visitors is to follow through with the improvements and by making the park culturally rich. Swan- Gease also stated she is Dena'ina Athabascan and does many presentations on tribal arts, house pits, and the programs so she realizes how extremely valuable the area is. Swan-Gease thought that talcing this time now to make the cultural information available to visitors and other users would make the park a place of more respect. Swan-Gease continued, her family remembers the area from 40 years ago and can see the changes and wants to know why nothing has been done to correct the problems. Swan-Gease pointed out there are many willing participants with good ideas and the City should act on them. Swan-Gease would be very interested in providing information on the area. Hultberg asked if some of the barabaras were identified. Lambourn replied, she had gone through the park and identified many of the archeological sites with colorful tape to assure they weren't destroyed when the clearing took place. Lamboum asked that if anyone walks through the area and finds sites unmarked, please notify her and she will provide the tape to mark them off. Swan-Gease reported these areas are very easily mistaken so she urged care when working in the area. Hultberg asked if anything would be developed which explains the sites. Swan-Gease answered, she would be happy to coordinate that. Hultberg requested that Swan-Gease work with Frates on the project. A very lengthy discussion took place with the Commissioners and the audience regarding the Kenai Municipal Park and the many problems with unsupervised teenagers and vehicles using it. Several members of the audience reported being harassed and thought that blocking the area off to traffic on both ends would eliminate most of the problems. It was noted that along with the clearing, blocking off traffic, and the development of a neighborhood watch program, the Kenai Police Department should also be involved to stop the harassment and drinking that goes on in the park. Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 5 Bannock stated Council is aware of the problems in the park and the concerns of the neighborhood. Bannock thought Council would allow the Parks and Recreation Department to draw up an improvement plan and, if necessary, Council would make funds available if required. Discussion took place on handicap access to the park and how that could be accomplished should the park be closed to vehicular traffic. It was noted efforts for handicap access is being addressed and provisions could easily be made to assure access to the trails. SANDAHL MOVED TO CLOSE THE KENAI MUNICIPAL PARK TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. MOTION SECONDED BY YAMAMOTO. Vote SANDAL Yes YAMAMOTO Yes GIFFORD Yes CASTIMORE Yes WISNIEWSKI Yes BREWER Yes HULTBERG Yes Motion passed unanimously. Yamamoto left at 8:20 p.m. , CunninEham Park Frates reported that Cunningham Park and Norville's ideas were discussed at the last council meeting. Because of the City Engineer's summer work schedule, plans will not be developed in the fall or early winter. Frates pointed out the original plan for expansion of Cunningham Park was included in the packet and includes the two adjacent lots. Frates thought the existing park boundary could easily allow for expansion to include enlarging the parking lot, boardwalks, ramp, etc. Frates continued, he thought the initial work could be engineered and designed in such a manner to allow for future growth. Castimore explained Norville's proposal to the Commissioners who were absent at the last meeting. Castimore thought in addition to the Cunningham Park expansion, consideration should also be given to the dunes. Castimore wondered if it would be possible to include the dunes in the Norville proposal to protect them from the thousands of people who walk over them each year. Castimore felt there was more to be protected at the dunes than at Cunningham Park and installing stairways up and over the dunes would protect them. Providing signage and fencing would also be helpful. Frates reported that much of what Castimore suggested will be handled within the next few days. The material to block off the dunes is available and a kiosk and bulletin board display will go in which will provide valuable information. Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 6 Frates reported that he and the City Engineer will be working with Norville on the budget and designs for the Cunningham Park project. 6. N~W BUSINESS , Restroom Placement / Beaver Creek Frates reported the old restrooms at Beaver Creek and Municipal Park were removed and replacements will be ready for installation very soon. Frates asked the Commission if they had any suggestions on where the toilets should be placed. After a brief discussion it was decided the new restrooms would be placed close to the playground equipment. Discussion took place on the cost of the restrooms and Frates reported they were approximately $10,000 each. Discussion also took place on rentals versus purchasing new restrooms and Frates stated it was more feasible to purchase new restrooms because of the high usage. Sandahl left at 8'30 p.m. 7. DIRECTOR' S REPORT 1. Solstice Fun Run The Solstice Fun Run was held on June 21 and everyone had a good time. Frates reported there is consideration to expand the program to include a full day of events. 2. Bernie Huss Fitness Trail Hultberg encouraged everyone to walk through the Bernie Huss Fitness Trail as the work accomplished in the park has improved the area tremendously. Discussion took place on relocating the sign to one side in order to open the area up even more. It is anticipated the sign will be moved before the end of the season. o Rotary Club Playground Slide Installation The Rotary Club assisted in installing the new slide. Frates stated the assistance from the Rotary Club was very much appreciated. A new slide will also be installed at the Beaver Creek Park in the near future. . Fourth of July Parade Parks and Recreation will participate in the 4th of July Parade. It was reported that breakfast will be served at 8'00 a.m. and the parade starts at 11'00 a.m. , Tractor Bids Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 7 Council approved the tractor bid from Stephans Tool Rental in the amount of $19,995.00. The new tractor should be in use within a week. , Hydro-Seeding Quotes - Erik Hansen Scout Park It was determined that hydro-seeding Erik Hansen ~cout Park would be better to do because of the amount of wind that comes off the bluff. , Multi-Use Recreational Facility The design committee for the Multi-Use Recreational Facility will meet on July 8, 1998 at 3'00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. e QUESTIONS ~ COMMENTS Councilman Bannock apologized for being tardy. Bannock reported the Kenai Peninsula Oiler Board will be making a request to the City Council to rename Oiler Park to Coral Seymour Memorial Park. Bannock hoped the issue would come before Council at its next scheduled meeting. Bannock respectfully requested the Parks and Recreation Commission consider a motion to recommend approval of the name change. Gifford stated she would only be a part of the motion if, along with the name change, improvements were made to the one side of the fence. Bannock reported a new lease agreement will be signed for the Park. GIFFORD MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO RENAME THE PARK TO CORAL SEYMOUR MEMORIAL PARK ONLY IF IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE TO THE RIGHT FIELD FENCE ADJACENT TO TINKER STREET. BREWER SECONDED THE MOTION. Gifford stated the fence needs to be painted, top soil brought in and grass planted. Frates stated two different issues are being discussed and didn't think the two should be tied together. Bannock thought the fence improvements would be better addressed in the new lease arrangement. GIFFORD AMENDED THE MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT COUNCIL APPROVE RENAMING OILER PARK TO CORAL SEYMOUR MEMORIAL PARK. MOTION SECONDED BY BREWER. Vote GIFFORD Yes WISNIEWSKI Yes HULTBERG Yes CASTIMORE Yes BREWER Yes Motion passed unanimously. Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 8 10. 11. Hultberg hoped the Oiler Board realized there were also other members of the organization who have passed on but made some outstanding contributions to the Oilers. Bannock reported, there was substantial debate regarding other individuals and they were recognized for their contributions. The reason Seymour was chosen was because the Board could not decide on someone else who had single-handedly invested as much blood, sweat and tears into the field for the Oilers as Coral Seymour. Bannock continued, the organization did not want detract any of the accomplishments from others from the Oiler organization but there wasn't one person on the Board who could say that anyone could hold a candle to the accomplishments of Seymour for that aspect of Oiler baseball. Commissioner (Hfford asked about the status of the iron fence for the entrance of the cemetery and thought such a fence would enhance the new sign. No report was provided. Commissioner Brewer reported that the August 6 meeting would be her last as she will be leaving for school. Brewer asked if a letter of resignation was required. It was confirmed the letter is required. Commissioner Wisniewski commented that the City looks very nice, the Memorial Park in particular, and he appreciates that the sidewalks are finally swept. Gifford reported that someone had complained on Sound Off that the sidewalks in Soldotna had not been cleaned. Commissioner Hultberg asked about the Lions handicap project. answered, the work will commence on July 8. Frates Hultberg reported there may be a drastic change to garbage clean up next year. Discussion took place on the incentives for trash pick up. Commissioner Castimore reported that he had a cousin visit Kenai on July 2 and she was very impressed with the town. His cousin is a breast cancer survivor who climbed Mt. McKinley and was followed by ABC News. She came off the mountain on June 28. ABC's 20/20 program will air the event in September. CORRESPONDENCE- None PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD - None INFORMATION , 2. 3. 4. Council Action Agenda C June 3 and 17, 1998 Beautification Committee Minutes of June 9, 1998 -- NO QUORUM Kenai Peninsula Borough Trail Plan Kenai Peninsula Borough Preliminary Trail Needs List Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 9 Frates requested that commissioners contact him should they have any questions on the KPB Trail Plan and needs list. , Curly Ashfield Memorial Golf Tournament Summer Recreation / Weekly Program Schedule 12. ADJOURNMENT BREWER MOVED TO ADJOURN. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Barbar~[' ~o-p-er ~-Co~t~/~'~t Secretary Kenai Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting July 2, 1998 Page 10