MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 23, 2011 City Hall Room 224, 6PM

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1 MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 23, 2011 City Hall Room 224, 6PM I. ROLL CALL: 6:00pm Members Present: Melissa Goldstein, Dixie Hood, Ray Howard, Chris Mertl, Jeff Sloss, Odin Brudie, Kate Walters, Jeff Wilson Members Absent: Jim King Assembly Liaison: Bob Doll Absent Staff Liaison: Marc Matsil, Director; Brent Fischer, Facilities Maintenance Superintendent; Jessica Beck, Administrative Assistant II; Heather Marlow, Lands & Resources Manager; Skye Stekoll, Architectural Assistant II II. INTRODUCTIONS Chair Wilson introduced the newest PRAC member, Odin Brudie. Mr. Brudie started the 4H cross-country ski club 15 years ago and is a former Trail Mix board member. Currently he works for State Commerce doing rural tourism development. Ms. Hood and Mr. Mertl were also reappointed. Mr. Fischer was introduced as incoming Director of Parks & Recreation, starting April 1 st. III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS George Utermohle is a frequent user of Sandy Beach and the Treadwell Historical area. He expressed his concern for the degradation of the level of vegetation in the area resulting from thinning and clearing. There has been less protection from the Taku winds for hikers and dog walkers along the trail. A group of trees in front of the powerhouse have red Xs on them, which he assumes means that they are going to be cut down. He would hate to see those trees cut down as they provide protection from the wind. Mr. Matsil said he would investigate the marked trees. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Mertl motioned to approve. Approved. V. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A. January 4, 2011 Mr. Mertl motioned to approve. Approved. VI. REPORT FROM ASSEMBLY LIAISON absent VII. CHAIR REPORT Mr. Wilson thanked everyone for their work. The April meeting will also be a packed meeting and the 2011 Retreat will be discussed then. George Schaaf is the new Parks & Landscape Superintendent. Director Matsil is leaving and his last day will be March 31 st and he will be greatly missed. He congratulated him on his many accomplishments. Mr. Fischer will be taking over as the new Parks & Recreation Director. VIII. DIRECTOR S REPORT Information Items: A. Potential Playground Sites at Brigadoon Estates and Bonnie Brae Subdivision: In support of the PRAC and Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan goals to increase neighborhood pocket parks, the Lands Office led by the very capable Lands Manager Heather Marlow will present opportunities for playground development in the Brigadoon Subdivision, off of Skaters Cabin Road. When the subdivision was originally developed several parcels of land were set aside for future open space and playground use. More recently a significant land donation was offered to CBJ, which may come to pass at a later date. Ms. Marlow will identify parcels that are available for potential development of a pocket park and introduce the possibility of an additional parcel in this vicinity.

2 In North Douglas the Bonnie Brae subdivision which has a popular pocket park also has a significant land area identified for open space use. Given the success of the existing park, planning for more recreational opportunities adjacent to this neighborhood offers potential opportunities. Additional improved access points from Bonnie Brae to the Treadwell Ditch Trail is another priority. B. Marine Park, Under-the-Bridge Park (UBP) and Seawalk Connector Updates: PRAC and Parks & Recreation staff has commented extensively on priorities for Marine Park, UBP and seawalk connections. At a recent staff meeting with Skye Stekoll we proposed recommendations to commence development and park upgrades to UBP and establish a lawn, potential fenced dog park under the bridge, a potential frisbee golf hole and others following the removal of the old public works structure. These would be short-term goals to make the site usable to the community. Skye Stekoll will provide a seawalk update, Marine Park design status and UBP development update. C. Proposal to Create William Henry Seward Statue: John Venables will propose tonight a life-sized red cedar carved statue of William Henry Seward by local Native Alaskan carver Leroy Hughes. The statue would be funded by a potential JAHC grant. Potential sites could be the presently unnamed DTC Park. D. Juneau Roller Girls (JRG) Update: JRG s Jeanne Claude (Crochet) Van Hot Damn will provide an update, demonstration and video of JRG s progress as a league and entry as Juneau s first professional sports team. Jeanne Hot Damn has been working with Marc Mad Dog Matsil to hold JRG events in the spring and summer at the Treadwell Ice Arena (post ice season). E & F. Upcoming PRAC Retreat, 2010 Goals and PRAC Annual Report: It s been quite a year for PRAC taking public comment, commencing and/or completing a number of projects including 2010 PRAC Goals for upgrades to the Treadwell Ditch Trail (footbridges over Lawson Creek and others were completed); Seawalk connectivity Planning phase commenced; ATV site was identified and wetlands investigation, permits and planning will commence this spring and summer at Mile 36; Multi-agency planning for diverse projects including P&R/DOT bike paths, Auke Wayside State DOT STIP funding has been authorized for these projects; Treadwell Ditch Trail/USFS collaborations commenced funded by CBJ and grants upgrades and planning will continue this spring---and the Dimond Park Aquatic Center opens soon! It was another great grant year and many projects were completed. Dear PRAC Faithful, The Parks & Recreation Department has had great growth over the past five years, due in large part to your vital input. I am privileged to have worked with an extraordinary PRAC body and superb Parks & Recreation team. As you know, I have been apart from my family since December. My wife accepted a five month consulting job in New York City that will likely be extended. Our parents are aging, and our desire to spend more time with them is evident by the frequency of trips that we make back east to visit. It is with great emotion that our family will depart Juneau. I am extremely proud of my achievements at CBJ and am grateful for your support and input. This includes the soon-to-be-opened Dimond Park Aquatic Center a long-term PRAC priority. Critical grant funds were secured through the Rasmuson Foundation and Alaska Energy Authority to fund the lazy river and sustainable ground source heat pump components. A new Arboretum opened and programming and visitation have increased adding a new gem to the Parks & Recreation portfolio. The Zach Gordon Youth Center received a facelift and augmented programming. Critical funds and support were provided by the Rasmuson Foundation and Zach Gordon Teen Club to execute the improvements (including a covered basketball court and performance stage). Our trail system has grown and some long-standing restoration improvements were addressed. These improvements were achieved largely through grants and collaborative funding with UAS, TrailMix, State Parks, Land & Water Conservation Fund, Rasmuson Foundation, US Forest Service, and others. New and improved trails include the Auke Lake Trail, Perseverance Trail, Gastineau Meadows Trail, Fish Creek

3 Bridge/Trail, Under Thunder Trail, Treadwell Ditch Trail improvements, Amalga Meadows Trail and others. A new interpretive signs and trail brochure program will be completed and installed this spring. Project Playground opened with great fanfare resulting from a remarkable collaboration with the community funded largely by grants and community input and support. This is one of my great life memories. We worked together to implement several new plans including oversight and Assembly adoption of the Juneau Non-Motorized Transportation Plan; a revision of Chapter 8 of the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan (including greater protection of anadromous streams); Master Plan for Savikko Park/Treadwell Mine Historical Trail; and Master Plan for Auke Wayside. I am grateful for our magnificent PRAC and Parks & Recreation team and the support of the Juneau community. We have made many life-long friends. It has been a privilege to serve. Thank you for your great vision and support. Mr. Matsil introduced Mr. Fischer as the incoming Director. They have worked together over the last five years and Mr. Matsil stated that he would do a terrific job. IX. ACTION ITEMS none X. INFORMATION ITEMS A. Potential Playground Sites in Brigadoon Estates and Bonnie Brae Ms. Marlow introduced a few sites that the CBJ has ownership of that could be potential playground sites. The location she recommended is at the intersection of Arctic Circle and Slim Williams Way, which comprises approximately 15,000 square feet. There is also a potential land donation in the Brigadoon Estates that may also be a good location for a park. Mr. Mertl asked if there was any direction from the surrounding owners as to what they would they would like to see as a park, green space or playground. Ms. Marlow hasn t asked the neighborhood specifics of a park. Mr. Mertl asked if they were already identified as parks in the comp plan. Ms. Marlow said they are identified as open space in the Land Management Plan. Ms. Marlow said presently that the areas are raw land. Mr. Wilson said this is one of the many areas that do not have a playground and it would be good to get on the list for CIPs, grants, etc. Ms. Marlow stated that she wanted to make PRAC aware of these areas and at the beginning of the year there should be more information. There is also a small pocket of space Bonnie Brae on the corner of Sherry St and Wee Burn Dr. She talked to someone across from the park who was surprised at how many people use the park. Ms. Marlow anticipates that sometime in the future there will be more development and a park site may be possible. Mr. Mertl asked about access to the property. Ms. Marlow said there is a small right of way that connects to the park. B. Marine Park, Under Bridge Park and Seawalk Connector Updates Mr. Stekoll stated Marine Park is an important part of the seawalk. When the Steamship Dock was done, the park was put on hold to see how 16B was going to unfold. The seawalk would connect the existing dock to the Seadrome Building. 16B will take out the float. One of the issues is the distance the Wings float planes need to get into the area. They area working on how to increase pedestrian activity into historic downtown and have been working with Tetra Tech on design concepts. The seawalk will have to connect to Egan Drive in order to circumvent the NOAA and Coast Guard facilities due to security restrictions. Ms. Hood asked if there was opposition from any of the business owners. Mr. Stekoll stated there has been no objection, and the only issue is the space needed for the Wings planes. Mr. Wilson said we are trying to stay a step ahead of the 16B development and address seamless planning of Marine Park as this is downtown s only waterfront park.

4 The Under-the-Bridge Park is the other end of the seawalk. Docks & Harbors is looking to place a building in the area. The park has two unknowns: the potential building and the potential whale statue. With these two unknowns, they have created some general sketches of what the area could look like. Some type of tourist attraction in the park would be a better argument for potential head tax funding. Currently Engineering is working on Phase I, which includes demolishing the former Public Works building, cleaning up the area and creating a large open space. Mr. Wilson said he would like to get a park started. The Assembly has the final say on what will go there. Mr. Wilson asked how the Assembly was planning to fund the work. Mr. Stekoll said he was not sure. Ms. Hood requested the minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting that she attended. She said that they avoided putting a building there. She thinks it s inaccurate to say that they wanted a building there. Mr. Wilson said he thinks they were looking at having a building there, not specifically offices for Docks and Harbors. Mr. Mertl said they should get the small park put in there because it can be done in just a few years and it will be many more years before there is a building in that location. Mr. Stekoll said that by putting a building place-saver at the site, utilities for lighting and a restroom could be placed there. Mr. Wilson said that he had heard Rotary was interested in contributing to the park concept. Ms. Hood said having the whale sculpture there would be a huge draw to bring people to the site. Mr. Wilson said he would like the plan to be acted on as an action item at the April PRAC meeting. C. William Henry Seward Statue Location possibilities John Venables spoke about his proposal to place a William Henry Seward statue somewhere downtown, possibly in a park. His hobby is Alaska Living History. Mr. Venables said that he had identified three or four potential funding sources. They have 3 or 4 sources for the funding of them. It had been proposed that Leroy John Hughes, a local Native Alaskan artist would carve the statue in red cedar. Mr. Venables would like it to be complete by Sewards Day, 2012 and have a celebration that day. He has published a book and the money from the sales will go towards the statue. Mr. Wilson said he should consider a strong base for the statue and if it will need lighting. Discussion ensued about potential sites for the statue including the presently unnamed Downtown Transit Center park. Consideration could be given to naming the park William H. Seward Park. Mr. Matsil said for a park to be named, there has to be 2/3 majority PRAC support, and would then go before the Assembly for determination. Mr. Fischer had concerns about using red cedar and that it may not last very long or be damaged. Mr. Venables was concerned about somebody potentially cutting off the head. Mr. Mertl said it is a great idea but also had the concern of using red cedar. He thinks they should use a brass or bronze statue that will last forever. Mr. Mertl said it could be difficult to put a statue into a park that hasn t been designed for a statue. Mr. Venables said he would research a bronze or marble statue and get back to the PRAC. D. Juneau Roller Girls Update Jeanne Crochet gave an update on the Juneau Roller Girls League. They are a non-profit multidemographical female team. It includes 38 members which includes skaters, referees and non-skating officials. They have given back to the community in several ways: Wae Out, Gastineau Humane Society, adopted families for Christmas and Relay for Life. They promote healthy lifestyles and it gives the members confidence. They volunteer their time and conduct basic skating classes for the School District. They can bring revenue to the city and can be a tourist attraction. They need a permanent place to skate. Their top three places that they wish to skate includes Treadwell Ice Arena in the summer, Centennial Hall and Mount Jumbo Gym. JRG has skated at Glacier Elementary, Marie Drake gym, the JACC and on outdoor bicycle paths. They are grateful for having these locations to practice but the present locations are either not big enough or safe enough. They have multi-level insurance from personal insurance, USA Roller Sports insurance, venue insurance used by the league and then liability insurance for specific events. They use indoor and outdoor wheels depending upon their locations. They are not asking for any financial help; they are asking for support. Ms. Crochet spoke with Greg Smith at Treadwell and his concern is that he doesn t have enough employees during the summer to clean the arena. She said they are willing to help and clean the arena in order to use and rent the facility. Their long term goals include becoming part of the Women s Flat Track Derby

5 XI. Association first through apprenticeship and then certification. They would like to have a fully functioning league with a permanent bout and practice location. They would also like to host international and inter/intra-state teams. A group of UAS students created a documentary named I Skate Juneau. Their number one request would be to rent Centennial Hall to hold bouts and some practices. They have the funds to pay for the use of the hall, they just need the permission. They would like to have two bouts this summer. Mr. Wilson suggested putting a proposal together. Mr. Matsil suggested talking to Steven Pfister, Centennial Hall Convention Center Manager and give him a demonstration. There was concern about potentially damaging the floor. Ms. Crochet said that the JACC floor is similar to Centennial Hall s and there has not been damage from their practice sessions at the JACC. JRG needs to skate at least three times before they have a bout. Mr. Mertl said that Treadwell is a great summer location. He would also like to see inline skating come back to Treadwell. Mr. Mertl said that other ice rinks are able to put insulation down and boards on top of the ice. He s not sure if this is feasible given the demand for ice time and potential cost, but it may be worth looking into in the future. Ms. Crochet said that PRAC wrote a letter of support of JRG in the past but it was addressed to a former President, and requested that the letter be re-written. JRG presently skates at Marie Drake on Fridays 6:00pm-8:00pm and Sundays 2:30pm-4:30pm. E. Upcoming PRAC Retreat/ Review of 2010 Goals Mr. Wilson reviewed last year s PRAC priorities and requested that PRAC start thinking about priorities for this year. Last year s priorities included the Treadwell Ditch Trail, Seawalk Connectivity & Development, Capital Park Upgrade and the ATV/OHV Trail Identification. Mr. Wilson said that many of these goals had been achieved or were in progress. Mr. Matsil said that playground equipment has been ordered for Capital Park. A fenced area will be created as a toddler area. Consensus was reached with the Friends of Capital Park and the Legislative Pre-School and Legislative staff on the equipment funded by Representative Munoz. There was significant work on the Treadwell Ditch Trail with construction of a foot bridge over Lawson Creek, several other footbridges, and trail improvements on the Eaglecrest section of the trail and elsewhere. PRAC also took public comment and participated with CBJ (Parks & Recreation and Engineering staff) on Seawalk development. Another priority, OHV Park, is in the planning phase. A potential OHV/ATV site was identified at Mile 36. The plan is to contract/conduct a wetland assessment in the spring/summer and complete the permitting phase. Mr. Wilson suggested having DOT come talk to PRAC regarding Thane Road and the pullouts. Mr. Wilson said that Treadwell Ditch and the Marine Park Shelter are still high priorities for PRAC. At our next meeting we will discuss a date and location for the PRAC Retreat in May. Mr. Wilson said he would like everyone to think of three goals and we will decide at the retreat which ones to push through. F. PRAC Annual Report Mr. Wilson said he gave a presentation to the Assembly Human Resources Committee. The Annual Report describes PRAC s accomplishments for COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Youth Activities Board: Jeff Sloss Met in early March. YAB has reviewed the proposals. They have the same amount as last year to allocate: $300,000. B. State Parks Board: Jim King absent C. Lands Committee: Jeff Wilson nothing to report. D. Juneau Urban Forestry Partnership: Chris Mertl nothing to report. E. Aquatic Facilities Advisory Board: Melissa Goldstein The board has met three times since PRAC last met. They have talked about marketing and the pool schedule. At the February meeting the lifeguards brought forward their concerns. Shawn Tucker, DPAC Manger has returned to California. Kathryn Millhorn has accepted the Aquatics Manager position, replacing Karin Jacobi. Dan Chase who was originally hired as the Augustus Brown Manager has moved over to DPAC. Dave Lewis has also been brought back part time. The Advisory Board approved two action items. The first one that passed was to recommend support of a record board for Thunder Mountain and the Glacier Swim Club at DPAC. Also at the February meeting, representatives from Pavitts and the JRC testified against the purchasing

6 of treadmills and ellipticals, as they thought it would hurt their businesses. At the March meeting the board supported to purchase exercise equipment that did not include treadmills and ellipticals. The motion passed with a 3-2 vote. Ms. Goldstein said that the opening date of DPAC is now scheduled for early June. The next board meeting is April 12 th at 5:00pm and the next Grand Opening Subcommittee is March 29 th. F. Jensen-Olson Arboretum Advisory Board: Kate Walters The Board met last month. Plant sale is on May 21 st. Bricks have been ordered. Letters of support for STIP funding have been sent for parking and an educational center. Crocuses are emerging spring beckons. Some volunteer days have been set. Merrill Jensen has started doing a newsletter and sending it out. G. Docks & Harbors Board: Dixie Hood Statter Harbor issues were discussed at the last D&H Board meeting. The Board approved $7,900 contract with Northwind Architects to develop a plan for an office building at the Bridge Park area. H. Playful Cities USA: Kate Walters nothing to report. I. Trail Mix, Inc.: Ray Howard nothing to report. XII. CORRESPONDENCE none XIII. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS none XIV. BOARD COMMENTS Jeff Wilson: He hopes Director Matsil will remember PRAC when he s in New York eating coal fire pizza, pastrami and bagels. He thanked Mr. Brudie for applying and being a part of PRAC. Dixie Hood: She brought a card for Ms. Jacobi that would be sent to her. Kate Walters: Excited about the pool opening and see some green grass soon. Jeff Sloss: Welcomed the new member, Mr. Brudie and incoming Director Mr. Fischer and had a sad goodbye to Marc. He thanked Marc for his notable service. Odin Brudie: Pleased to be at his first PRAC meeting. Chris Mertl: said that there were good comments on the Willoughby District Plan at the last meeting and hopes they have a positive impact on the plan. Mr. Mertl said he was frustrated about the snow around the Transit Center and felt there could have been more efficient removal. He would like to see more summer use at Treadwell Ice Arena and what we can do to support Manager Greg Smith. He stated that PRAC should reevaluate the sled dog use at Sheep Creek as it s been present for three years. He also mentioned that although more parks are being developed which is good for the community, he felt that there has not been an increase in maintenance/staff to adequately maintain the parks. He would also like to see if it is possible to establish a PRAC calendar with all relevant meetings and specials events. The PRAC presented Marc with a parting gift and wished him well at his new job. XV. NEXT MEETING April 5 th, 2011, 6:00pm, Assembly Chambers XVI. ADJOURNMENT: 9:07pm, Mr. Sloss motioned. Approved.