HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-12 Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes Approved ANACORTES PARKS & RECREATION
Advisor Commission
Meeting Minutes
Sarah Nichols, Chairperson
Aaron Rasmussen
Jo Ann York-Gilmore
March 12, 2019
Members Present: Sarah Nichols, Jo Ann York-Gilmore & Aaron Rasmussen.
Staff Present: Jonn Lunsford, Bob Vaux, Nicole Johnston and Mary Snyder
Others Present: Sherri Muntean, Rachel Muntean, Bill Gregory & Beth DeWitt.
Minutes: January minutes were approved as submitted. February meeting was cancelled due
to weather.
Public Comments:
• Sherri and Rachel Muntean stated that they have interest in pursuing improvements to the
current skatepark. They have been communicating with Grindline on plans with the goal
being that all skill levels could use the park. The park foundation has stated that they will
work with them on donations and they would like to secure funding for the planning phase.
It was suggested that they should attend the Planning Commission meeting of March 27
when the comprehensive plan is being discussed, continue community backing and seek
possible grant funding. It was also suggested that the pump track movement and
skatepark efforts could possibly work together.
• Beth DeWitt and Bill Gregory stated they both represent the Mt. Baker Sierra Club, which
has an interest in trail systems and share on input.
Correspondence/Communications:
• Jonn reported that work is ongoing on permits with the US Army Corp of Engineers and
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on the 32nd Street swamp wetlands
delineation and the beaver deceiver. Jonn stated that he is also working with public works
and Kevin Foss of Fidalgo Trailriders on a proposed pump track and learning skills course
at the site of the old city dumpsite off A Avenue. The site is a capped "brown field" and
may provide an opportunity to turn it into a recreational site.
• Jonn stated that work continues toward the Pocket Pickett Park, to be located between
Penguin and Jimmy Johns. Staff is working with the Legal Deparment on necessary right
of way vacation.
Special Event Requests: None to report at this time.
Department Reports:
• Nicole reported on the Grand View Cemetery expansion project. There was a public
meeting to take input on the conditional use permit, master permit, a critical areas pathway
and restroom. Currently there are 142 open spaces available for burials at the cemetery.
Nichola has been working on the Gateway triangle park near the Washington State Ferries
to prepare for a ribbon cutting ceremony for new artwork, welcoming all to the city.
Spring/summer seasonal hires are being sought. The contractor is working to returf and
update the Marguerite and Don Daniels field for softball.
• Bob reported on the storm damage done to the Washington Park boat launch on February
4, wherein two floats were damaged and the launch has remained closed. Two of the
floats were removed and the remaining four floats had to be retrofitted to remain buoyant.
The launch will open with 4 floats until permitting and planning will allow new floats to be
placed at a later date. The new dock will consist of new pilings and floats but the same
footprint.
• The Guemes Channel Trail website page is getting close to completion and projects will
be listed. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Corp of Engineers met
onsite to ensure that both agencies are satisfied with repairs being done, secondary to the
storm damage.
• Meeting this week to discuss a possible Community Center and working with the school
districts and models of other communities to see how they have been built.
• Hiring of a new recreation coordinator is in the process with a start date of April.
Parks and Forest Land Comprehensive Plans: Both plans have been submitted and are open
for public input. Public is welcome to attend the Planning meeting of March 27 where they will be
discussed.
Park Board Membership: Alex Hernandez, who has been a volunteer coach over the years and
Christine Hansen, who has been involved in sailing will both be appointed by the Mayor at the
next Council Meeting.
Other Business: Jonn met last month with the Samish Council and they would like to become
more involved in community events. It has been suggested that the renaming of N Avenue Park
reflect the name of a Samish Village that existed on both sides of the Guemes Channel and
translates to "Ironwood Park". All were in agreement of this proposal.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:52 pm.
The NEXT REGULAR MEETING will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 6:00 PM, at City
Hall, 904 6th Street.
Respectfully submitted by,
Mary Snyder Approved: 4/09/2019