HomeMy WebLinkAbout042523 PRTTAB Meeting MinutesCityofQ�
Townsend
PARKS, RECREATION TREES, & TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Minutes
April 25, 2023 1 4:30 p.m. I Virtual or In Person Meeting
The meeting was held virtually per the agenda.
1. Welcome, Introduction & Call to Order - Chair Debbie Jahnke
Good afternoon and welcome to this meeting of the Port Townsend Parks, Recreation,
Trees & Trails Advisory Board. The role of this Board is to assist City staff and to advise
the City Council on legislative matters concerning parks, recreation, trees and trails.
This meeting is open to the public at the City Council Chambers, virtually via this web
format, and is also being video recorded for those who could not attend the meeting
today and for future reference. Given that this meeting is in virtual format, we ask that the
board members raise their hands to be called on by the Chair. The public can do the
same to comment during the public comment periods. We take public comment at the
beginning and end of the meeting.
II. Roll Call:
Board: Debbie Jahnke, Matt Miner, Jim Todd, Pam Adams, Becci Kimball, Russell Hill present.
Jennifer Rotermund is excused absent. Becci left the meeting after VII.D.
Staff: Carrie Hite, Michael Todd, and Steve King
III. Approval of Agenda
Approved by consensus with re -arranged agenda. Skate Park naming agenda item E in New
Business was moved to item B in New Business.
IV. Approval of March 28, 2023 Minutes.
Approved by consensus.
V. Public Comment (3 minutes per person/agenda items only) No public comments received via
prtab_@dtyofpt.us
Scott Walker shared his concern about a lack of option for a 6 hole course in the Envision process.
Carrie Hite responded, noting that recommendations were that 9 holes minimum were required
for successful financial operations. Carrie will ask consultants about a 6 hole course option.
VI. Old Business (10 min)
A. Update on Arbor Day plans -date, tree walk, Adopt A Native Tree (D Jahnke) - 5 min
Proponents will not be ready for an April test run of the tree walk. They are currently aiming at a June
'dress rehearsal'. Board selected October 8th for Adopt a Native Tree for Arbor Day.
B. Formalize name for Triangle III to Speakers' Corner - (recommend to Council - D Jahnke) - 5 min
This was originally considered and approved by the board in November 2019, then Covid hit and it
was not forwarded. Recommend forwarding the name change to the City Council for approval. Jim
Todd moved with Matt Miner seconding. Unanimous approval.
VII. New Business (65 min)
A. Volunteer recognition — 5 min
Steve shared the proclamation from Council and recognized all volunteers including the
acceptance of the proclamation on behalf of volunteers and the work of the Trash Task Force.
Proclamation was accepted by Stephanie Moran.
B. Skate Park Naming Request— (Presentation by Deborah Berreth) - 15 min
Deborah shared her past experience 22 years ago on the Parks board and the history behind
developing a safe skatepark. Deborah shared how Seamus Sims as a teen attended the IAC
(now RCO) meeting to present on the grant proposal, which was successful. The City matched
the IAC grant funds. Seamus was the inspiration for the skatepark. See agenda packet for
details. Debbie noted that the City code Title 2.85 PTMC requires that the deceased be passed
for more than a year and thus we could recommend that the name change be official one
year following his passing in February 2023. Jim Todd moved, Matt Miner seconded, motion
passed unanimously.
C. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2023 - 5 min
Nomination of Debbie Jahnke as chair by Becci Kimball and second by Pam Adams. Approved
unanimously. Nomination of Pam Adams as vice chair by Debbie Jahnke and seconded by Jim
Todd. Approved unanimously.
D. 2023 Work Plan (Steve King, Public Works Director) — 30 min
Becci asked about the possibilities for purchase and protection of parcels in Cappy's Trails.
Pam spoke about the loss of trails in Cappy's and other North Beach areas. Steve mentioned
that we have urban farms as well, which can be in conflict with densification and
infrastructure concerns, urban farms are not supported by GMA. We need to preserve trail
corridors. Steve recommended forming subcommittees to address these issues.
• Subcommittee for buildable lands and open space: Becci, Pam, and Jim (alternate Russell)
• Subcommittee for Street and Park Trees and ROW vegetation, Engineering and Design
Standards including how to restore trails after infrastructure installation: Debbie, Jennifer,
Russell (alternate Matt)
Haller Fountain —Tree Maintenance (Michael Todd, Facilities & Parks Manager) — 10 min.
Michael Todd shared a power point presentation illustrating the conditions at Haller Stairs.
The historic park is constructed in an ROW The board spoke to the need to correct past
confusion and create clear, defined boundaries for the park to establish areas of
maintenance by the City and to the responsibility of adjoining property owners. Staff and
board advocated to define the part of the park that is City -maintained and the part that is
the responsibility of the land owners. Pam encouraged that this ROW issue be incorporated
in the current discussions about maintenance of ROWS generally.
The board was supportive of prioritizing pedestrian safety and removing hazard trees. If a
snag can be retained to match the character of the park then it is preferable to save.
The flag pole is no longer used because of concerns about wind drag on a flag providing too
much pressure on the pole, the current pole was replaced in 2011 so it is not historic. The
board was supportive of removing the unused flag pole and installing a circular bench in its
place, as suggested by Matt Miner. Steve acknowledged that the Historic Preservation
Committee must approve.
VIII. Staff update — (20 min)
A. Golf Course (Carrie Hite)
Carrie explained the four option and shared that the final selected option needs to align with
RCO funding if there is a character change such as creating a linear park. A new report will be
sent out. It was added to the packet today on line. Note taken of the triangular city -owned
parcel on the southeast edge of the golf course as a possibility for the dog park.
B. Healthier Together (Carrie Hite)
Carrie noted that there is a meeting in Chimacum this week to collect input from county
residents. The pool is likely to be located at Mountain View.
C. New Parks Staff — Welcome Lisa Titterness; we also have several new seasonals. (Michael
Todd)
D. Tree Canopy Grant (Michael Todd) - TreeCity/DNR Infrastructure Reduction Act funding
opportunity, important effort to protect/improve canopy as city densifies with infill.
E. Maintenance Update (Michael Todd - postponed)
F. Project Update (Michael Todd - postponed)
IX. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: May 23, 2023
X. Public Comment
Trevor Williams reflected on the T -Lab conference. Trevor supported the non -motorized plan update.
He shared his concern about adding streets that remove trails and wants protections for the ROWS
that have trails to remain trails. He would like to see protection of unopened right of ways, especially
with increasing housing demands, infill and density.
XI. Adjourn at 6:10
Parking Lot/Future Meetings
PUD tree presentation?
Walking and Biking Map
Park equity
Park Foundation discussion
Entheogens
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2023 workplan list from February agenda - consolidated to items not addressed previously
Objective of the work planning is to identify items where PRTTAB subcommittees can address work plan
items.
1. Volunteer program (PRTTAB, Council, and Staff) — In progress
2. Park Management plan for Kah Tai (PRTTAB and Staff)
3. Street trees and parks tree list (PRTTAB and staff; include engineering design standards)
4. Sustainable funding for parks, i.e., foundation, MPD, levy lid lift, etc. (PRTTAB, Council and Staff — Fiscal
Sustainability taskforce) -
5. Development of a Capital Plan for Parks (taking the CFP to the next step) (PRTTAB and Staff)
6. Open Space and Buildable Lands Inventory - crossover with Planning Commission and housing (PRTTAB,
PC, CC, and staff)
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