Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Juneau Fire Department, Downtown Station 7:00-9:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dan King at 7:06 p.m. I. Roll Call Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Others Present: Dan King, Ken Dean, Jim King, Tim Kelly, Paul Grossi, Alex Lukshin, Nancy Waterman Kay Gouyton Therese Ambrosi Smith, Director; Kim Kiefer, Recreation Superintendent; Bob Grochow, Parks Superintendent; Kristi West, Recreation Supervisor; Edra Lewis, Secretary Skate Board (Skate Park Advisory Committee) II. Public Testimony on Non-Agenda Items Tony Yorba, of Jensen, Yorba Lott Architects, and volunteer architect for the skate park project; Mr. Yorba stated that as chair of the Design Review Board, he would like to address the role of the board in the skate park project, in reference to a letter written by Dan King. Mr Yorba reviewed the role of the Design Review Board, stating that it normally does not deal with noise issues, but was instructed to do so by a Superior Court Judge. He stated that during his five years on the board, he has only seen one or two other projects come back to the Design Review Board a second time. He stated that sometime after the project had been approved a second time, time and materials were donated to light the facility. Because the hours of operation had been a big concern for the neighborhood, and lighting of the facility would change the established Adaylight@ hours of operation, the Design Review Board was concerned. Mr. Yorba did not feel that staff had properly addressed the issue. He felt there would not be sufficient support for a lighting permit, and so the Design Review Board tabled it. He stated that he has assurances from staff that after the building is fully constructed, some hard sound readings can be conducted in the building and around the property, which will address many concerns and answer many questions from the surrounding neighborhood. III. Approval of Meeting Minutes The minutes from the October meeting were not included in the packets. IV. Action Items A. Skate Park Management Plan Recommendations
Ms. Smith gave her staff report to the committee, adding that the trusses on the skate park facility are 100% up, the decking is on, and Silverbow Construction should be completing the roof in the next week. Ms. Kiefer addressed the issue of safety gear in the park and the availability of it in the retail stores. She stated that she has been working with Boarderline, Kmart and Western Auto to bulk order the approved helmets. She stated that she has been circulating flyers around town regarding the required safety gear, and will put an advertisement in the high school newspaper. Ms. Smith played a short video on skate park supervision. The video showed interviews with various skate park management offices, giving the pros and cons of supervised and unsupervised skate parks. Kristi West, staff to the Skate Board, was introduced and she stated the Skate Board would like to make a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee concerning the management of the skate park. Chair Wes Johnson introduced the remaining members; Mike Morgan, Chuck Clasby, Sonny Pittman, Dylan Lee, Sam Lewis, Tyler Gress, and Beau Griggs who was not present. Dylan Lee stated that the Skate Board recommends the skate park have the same hours as all other Parks and Recreation facilities. He stated that opening at 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. would be sufficient if the neighborhood found 7:00 a.m. to be too early. He stated the security lights should be on a photo-cell, and the interior lights should be on a timer set to go off at 10:00 p.m. on weeknights and 11:00 p.m. on weekends. Sonny Pittman stated the rules include APark Protectors,@ youth who will check for rule-breakers at the skate park. If a person is caught without the appropriate safety gear, they=ll be asked to leave until they have their gear. If the same person is caught a second time, they=ll be asked to leave for the day; a third time will result in the issue being brought to the Skate Board and the offender will be banned from the facility for three days. The fourth infraction will result in being banned for a month. The Skate Board will keep a notebook with a detailed listing of offenders and their current status in regards to their offense. Mr. Dan King asked if the disciplinary issues could be brought before the PRAC, as well. The Skate Board stated that they would bring problems to the PRAC. Chuck Clasby stated that all complaints from neighbors and the community will go to Ms. West. She will then channel those issues to the board, and they will address them. He stated that the Skate Board recommends music be allowed at the park, as the kids would keep the volume low in order to be good neighbors. He stated that the Skate Board is aware that complaints from neighborhood will result in restrictions being imposed, and they respect that. He stated that they should be given a chance to prove themselves as good neighbors before restrictions are imposed. Mr. Lukshin asked if there are certain hours in the week, during which youth are in school, that the park could be closed. Ms. West stated that there are others who would like to use the park that may not be in school. The high school students get out at 2:15 p.m. at the latest, and some students do not attend full days. She stated the youth want the park open during the day. Mr. Dan King asked how many members are on the Skate Board and how many live in the valley. Ms. West stated that there are currently nine members, three of which live in the valley. 2
Public Testimony Marilyn Helle, 2427 O=Day Drive; She stated that music would be a big issue for her, as she feels her rights to enjoy her property would be infringed on. She stated she is against having the skate park in a residential area, but is not against the skate park itself. She stated that the skateboarders need to look at the issue of skate park management from others= points of view. She wanted to make it clear that she is not making generalizations about skateboarders. Ms. Helle also stated that compromise is a way of life, and that the skateboarders will realize that as they grow older. Mr. Dan King redirected Ms. Helle to address the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and not the Skate Board. Ms. Helle stated she would like to make a request to the skateboarders to be aware that everyone has a right to peaceful living. She stated that most of the controversy regarding the skate park has fallen on Mel Perkins= shoulders, and that his and her contentions are that a skate park should be placed where noise doesn=t matter. Ms. Helle read a letter written by the manager of Fireweed Place, a senior housing unit located next to the State Office Building parking garage. The letter complained about skateboarders causing noise in the parking garage. Ms. Helle stated the proposed hours of operation are ridiculous, as the Bed and Breakfast next door advertises a quiet, romantic getaway. She asked what if Mr. Perkins wants to sell his business, and who would buy it. She stated that music, including car stereos and boom boxes, were banned then the hours of operation won=t affect her so much. Mr. Lukshin asked Ms. Helle if the Bed and Breakfast is hers. Ms. Helle answered that it=s not. She stated that her house is located directly behind where the parking lot is at the site. She stated car stereos in the parking lot would make residents prisoners in their own homes. Mr. Grossi asked Ms. Helle what hours of operation she would recommend. Ms. Helle stated she could live with 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. if music were banned. Mel Perkins, Grandma=s Feather Bed, 2348 Mendenhall Loop Road: Mr. Perkins stated that he appreciates the Skate Board=s willingness to be good neighbors, and appreciates the chance to visit with them. He stated that he has visited skate parks in Washington state and the Yukon. The hours at the Bellevue, Washington, facility are 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and then is gated and closed after hours. He also stated that most of his guests in the summer are from the East Coast and have a four hour time differential when they arrive. He stated that he would like to see the park stay open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. at the latest. He is concerned about the park not being gated and locked after hours. Mr. Perkins also stated the ramps in the park should be lower to curb injuries. Mr. Lukshin asked Mr. Perkins if he had a problem with music at the park on a permit basis. Mr. Perkins stated that he did not know how that would affect his business. He also stated that a skate jam held at Glacier Valley School several months ago caused problems with residents in the area because of the music involved. Mr. Grossi asked if Mr. Perkins if his bed and breakfast business is seasonal. Mr. Perkins replied that it is a year-round operation. Mr. Lukshin asked how full his bed and breakfast is on the weekends and how many rooms face the skate park. Mr. Perkins stated it is particularly full on the weekends and eight rooms face the park. Mr. Perkins stated that weekend after hour use is going to be a problem. He also stated that he is going to get an appraisal on his building to determine if his property value has gone down. 3
Mavis Warvik, 2355 O=Day Drive: She stated that her house is not located directly behind the skate park, but is behind Grandma=s Feather Bed. She stated she is proud of the youth and what they have accomplished with the park, and that her and her husband have been monitoring it from the beginning. She likes the idea of APark Protectors,@ as she believes peer monitoring is the best way to go. She stated that as far as noise problems, she and her husband would confront the people who are causing the problem. She stated that her husband is an ex- State Trooper, and they have found that learning more about the person believed to be causing the problem, and discussing it with them, is the best way to handle problems. She stated as far as music, she is interested in seeing what happens at the dedication ceremony, and believes that the youth should be given chances to prove themselves. Paige Bridges, 334 Carrol Way: She stated that she came to the meeting to testify on Capital Park, but would like to defend the neighbors of the skate park. She lives above Alaska Litho development, and there is much construction going on around her. She stated that in her home, she can tune out the construction noises, but the workers= radios have made it impossible for her to concentrate. Ms. Bridges stated that she asks the workers to turn their radios down, as it is hell to live with the noise. She stated that kids cannot keep their music turned down, and people have the right to come outside and enjoy the sunshine without radio noise. Chris Mertl, 633 5 th Street, Douglas: Mr. Mertl stated that he was one of the first Anew wave@ skate boarders in the 1970=s. He stated that the community needs to support the youth because they will become the Parks and Recreation Directors and the bed and breakfast owners of the future. He stated that the youth need three chances to prove themselves good neighbors. He also stated that skate boarding has a negative connotation, and that the youth are not Alosers.@ The youth are learning and using many important skills. Mr. Grossi asked Mr. Mertl how he felt about permitting music and at what time the lights should be turned off. Mr. Mertl stated that three chances, in regards to keeping music compatible with the neighborhood, and turning the lights off at 10:00 p.m. should be fine. He stated the youth want the park, and they are going to self-police in order to keep it. The kids need to be given responsibility. Mr. Kelly asked Ms. Smith about municipal liability for injuries at the park, and if there are going to be huge lawsuits from injured people. Ms. Smith stated that House Bill 30 would have limited the city=s liability but did not pass. She stated the issue would be pursued again. She also stated that she does not know who will or will not bring lawsuits to the city. She also stated that statistics show skate boarding is not any more dangerous than other sports. Ms. Kiefer mentioned that the requirement of safety gear in the park has been promoted on the radio three times, flyers have been circulating, and the city has a scholarship program for kids who cannot afford the gear themselves. Mr. Kelly mentioned that the issue of music is being confused. He stated that the committee is banning electric music but not boom boxes. Ms. Smith stated that the Parks and Recreation Department will be drafting the language for signage at the park. She stated that all music can be banned from the park in the signage. She stated that at Marine Park, Juneau Arts and Humanities Council applied for and received a permit to have music every Friday evening; if there had been a problem, they wouldn=t have received another one. The same process will occur at the skate park. 4
Mr. Jim King stated that the whole music issue at the skate park is experimental and there are a number of issues that might come up. He also stated that the Skate Board said they could adjust if problems come up and he believes them. Mr. Grossi stated he thinks there should be some restrictions. He stated the music should be limited and then the issue revisited by the PRAC at a later date. Mr. Lukshin asked if Ms. Smith has the authority to close a park at any time. She stated that she does. Mr. Lukshin asked if there is a curfew law. Ms. Smith stated that there is an ordinance, but it is not enforced because most crimes committed by youth occur during the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; therefore, there is no basis for enforcement. Ms. Waterman moved the PRAC accept the park rules as written, recommend the hours of the park as 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, allow music (external speakers) by permit only at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director, consider some sort of gating system to prohibit after hours use, and ask the Skate Board to bring a report in six months as to how the park is running. Mr. Dean seconded the motion. Ms. Smith stated the facility isn=t gatable, but the parking lot could be fenced. She also stated that signs could be put up restricting the hours of parking. Mr. Jim King stated that he doesn=t want to see regulations on the park yet. He stated that the youth know what the concerns are, and they stated they could deal with it. Mr. Dan King agreed, stating that we won=t know if there=s a problem or not if we don=t let the youth try self policing first. Mr. Lukshin stated he is concerned with the hours of the park and would like them to be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:00 p.m. on weekends. Mr. Dean asked how late other Parks and Recreation facilities are open. Ms. Smith stated the swimming pool is open until 10:00 p.m. and sometimes 12:00 a.m. depending on rentals. Ms. Kiefer stated the Zach Gordon Youth Center is open until 11:00 p.m. on weekends. The PRAC passed the motion made by Ms. Waterman unanimously. B. Playground Equipment Recommendations Ms. Smith gave her Director=s Report and introduced Chris Mertl, a landscape architect with Jensen Yorba Lott. Mr. Mertl gave a slide presentation depicting the current conditions at the five parks due for improvement; Cathedral Park, Savikko Park, Capital Park, Adair Kennedy and Sigoowu Ye. The PRAC was asked to make recommendations on the type of equipment to be installed at Adair Kennedy Park and a change in the allocation of budgeted money for Cathedral Park. Cathedral Park/Capital Park Recommendations in the director=s report included funneling a portion, if not all, of the $45,000 budgeted for 5
improvements at the park into Capital Park. The city leases the land Cathedral Park is in. The lease is up in three years. Mr. Mertl proposed to make this park a passive park because it is near a Juneau Landmark, the Russian Orthodox Church. He suggested spending a little money for improvements, but not a lot. Mr. Kelly indicated he was concerned about the city=s promise to replace the removed playground equipment at the park. Ms. Smith stated that there are several other parks in the area with playground equipment. Mr. Mertl presented his master plan for Capital Park, which included improvements that could be made with the $45,000 allocated from Cathedral Park. Mr. Dean asked if there was access for wheelchairs. Mr. Mertl stated that there is not access for wheelchairs, other than from the two handicapped parking spaces in the plan. He stated that the grade of the hill on which the park sits is too steep for as wheelchair to cross. Ms. Waterman stressed that the basketball court at the park needs improvement, and that the trees in the plan would block the view of residents on 5 th street. Mr. Grossi asked how much it would cost to turf the park, as in the plan. Mr. Mertl stated it would be about $60,000, which is reasonable. Mr. Lukshin asked if the pea gravel could be reclaimed. Mr. Mertl stated that it could, for around $35 per square yard. Ms. Waterman suggested incorporating berry bushes into the wild flower area in the plan. Public Comment Paige Bridges, 334 Carroll Way: Ms. Bridges stated that she supports the allocation of funds from Cathedral Park to Capital Park. She stated that she would like to see the selective planting of turf. She would like to see covered benches. Ms. Bridges stated that she is working on a public art project with the Juneau Charter School students, and would like the opportunity to do it at Capital Park. Frederick Hoskins: He stated that he would like to see a community garden started in a small area of Capital Park and then expanded at a later time. He doesn=t want an institutional look to the park, and he feels the master plan created by Mr. Mertl is too institutional looking. He does not want the park to have an Aenclosed@ feeling to it, but would rather have it open so the neighbors can see each other. He wants to keep trees in the park to a minimum. Bill, 213 7 th Street: He stated the playground is in need of top soil at Capital Park. He is an officer of the Juneau Community Charter School. He also stated that the school is planning for a spring community project, and perhaps the Capital Park project would be what they=re looking for. The park would be a primary open space play area for the students at the school. He does not want to see 40 foot trees planted around the park, as it would block surrounding residents= views. Mr. Kelly moved to adopt staff=s recommendation of allocating a portion of the funds for Cathedral Park to Capital Park, and to make the small changes to Cathedral Park that Mr. Mertl suggested. Mr. Grossi requested an amendment to the motion to spend a minimal amount of money on Cathedral park. Mr. Kelly amended the motion to state no more than $5,000 be spent on improvements at Cathedral Park. 6
The motion passes 4 to 2. Adair Kennedy Park The PRAC was asked for recommendation on installing a parcourse fitness center at Adair Kennedy Park, or to use the budgeted money for another type of equipment. Mr. Grossi asked how long the running course is at Adair Kennedy Park. Mr. Grochow stated that it is close to a mile long. Mr. Dan King stated that he has seen parcourses installed, and they are a waste of money. The courses were once popular in the 70=s and 80=s, but receive little use in the 90=s. It was mentioned that a very successful parcourse is located in Sitka=s Totem Park. However, this parcourse is mainly used by students at the police academy across the street from the park. Mr. Mertl stated that the Physical Education teacher at Floyd Dryden Middle School indicated that he would use the park in his curriculum if it were installed. Ms. Waterman stated that she spoke with the instructor, and he stated he would rather see the running trail go around the back side of the tennis courts. Mr. Grossi asked Ms. Smith if she has received any complaints about the removal of the old parcourse at Adair Kennedy. She stated that there have been zero complaints. Ms. Waterman moved to ask staff to look at alternative uses for the budgeted money for Adair Kennedy. The motion passes unanimously. Ms. Waterman moved the master plan for Capital Park be recommend as amended by staff. She stated Capital Park playground improvements need input from neighborhood. She suggested buying two tot sets, and take advantage of a neighborhood gardening program. The motion passed unanimously. C. Gastineau Channel Little League Request to Sell Outfield Advertising Ms. Smith gave her staff report, and asked the PRAC for a recommendation regarding changing the sign ordinance to allow advertising off-premise. She stated that the advertising would be limited to within the playing area. If the PRAC recommends it, then it goes to the Assembly. Mr. Grossi stated that there would be nothing to prohibit vendors from purchasing a sign. Ms. Smith agreed. Public Comment: Mary Lou Bavard, 9322 Stephen Richards Drive: She stated that Gastineau Channel Little League is looking for an exemption to the sign ordinance. The signs the little league would sell are 8=X4=, and would be hung on the outfield fences of Adair Kennedy field 1, and Miller fields 1 and 2. They would be put up at the beginning of the season and taken down mid-july. Ms. Waterman stated there are signs such as the proposed ones in Ketchikan, and asked if they are doing a 7
similar fund-raiser. Ms. Bavard stated that it is the same type of fund-raiser they are looking to do. Ms. Bavard stated the little league would not advertise alcohol or tobacco vendors. The signs would be sold for $500, be up for one season, and the vendor could renew their advertising for the next season. She stated that several businesses have already committed to purchasing signs. Mr. Kelly asked if this would be a privilege just for little league. Ms. Smith stated it would apply to ball fields in general. Daryl Miller: He stated that a vendor=s sign could stay up on the fence and then that vendor would pay the next sports league that uses the field for advertising rights. Mr. Miller also stated that an amendment to the sign ordinance is what they=re addressing. Ms. Smith stated that it would be part of the city=s planning and zoning code. She stated that the best way to do this is to state that there are certain areas available for advertising, and the rationale is to raise money for nonprofit organizations. Mr. Dan King stated that there would need to then be a permitting process. Parks and Recreation would have control over the permitting process for leagues wishing to sell advertising at the field. Ms. Waterman agreed with Mr. King. Mr. Miller stated that fund raising signs are not enforced. He stated the overpass by the high school displays signs and the windows in taxi cabs are not enforced. Mr. Kelly asked if there is any field in particular that is consistently being used by one group. Ms. Kiefer stated that most fields have multiple use. Ms. Waterman stated that the issue is looking for a way for the league to earn the sponsorship of businesses. She asked how it is done with T-shirts and helmets. Mr. Miller stated the league already does that kind of fund raising. Mr. Kelly stated that if an exemption is made to the ordinance to allow advertising at these three fields, then the PRAC will eventually have to go through the process for all fields. He asked Ms. Smith if there is a way the Parks and Recreation Department will be able to handle it if it=s approved. Ms. Smith stated that it could be handled. She also stated that she does not like the permitting process because it means denying people or groups. She stated that it appeared to be something that Ms. Kiefer and Mr. Grochow could handle. Ms. Bavard stated that the high school gymnasium has numerous signs displayed. Mr. Kelly moved to recommend the sign ordinance be amended to allow advertising on the inside of playing field fences. Ms. Waterman stated that she appreciates the city has a sign ordinance and that it is enforced. She thinks Juneau is a pleasant place to live because of the ordinance. She also stated that she supports the motion made by Mr. Kelly and will vote for it. 8
The motion passed unanimously. Information Items A. Dimond Park Update B. Resignation of Tom Thornton VI. Chair Report There was none. VII. Correspondence There was none. VIII. Ex-Officio Report There was none. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. 9