City of Valdez
Meeting Minutes - Draft Parks and Recreation Commission
212 Chenega Ave.
Valdez, AK 99686
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Regular Meeting
REGULAR AGENDA - 7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Valdez Parks & Recreation Regular Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm, at the Valdez City Council Chambers by Commissioner Amy Goold.
II. ROLL CALL
Present 5- Commissioner Amy Goold
Commissioner Michael Britt
Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen
Commissioner Ben Rush
Commissioner Brain Teale
Also Present 2- Park Maintenance Supervisor Marcie Robertson
PRCS Office Manager Anne (Nikki) Duhamel
III. PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
There was no public business from the floor.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion: Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen moved to change number three Replacement Community Ice Rink recommendations to number one on the New Business list, and place Re-naming Gold Fields Softball Complex Re-naming to number three spot in New Business. Seconded by Commissioner Michael Britt.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Replacement Community Ice Rink recommendation
Motion: Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen moved to discuss putting the temporary ice rink at Kelsey Dock. Seconded by Commissioner Brian Teale.
Marcie Robertson gave some insight as to what Director Farline and she had discussed. Mrs. Robertson also gave some personal observations/experiences she has encountered over the many years she spent on the water front. Marcie Robertson also has some concerns about off street parking. Mrs. Robertson is not sure if the fire hydrant that is at that location is ‘frost free’. Fire Fighter Matt Scmelcer that is also at the meeting as a privet citizen did say there is a ‘frost free’ hydrant at the Kelsey Dock that would be usable. Marcie Robertson mentioned that when the Plaza was built Maintenance wasn’t allowed/still isn’t allowed to drive on it to plow/clear the snow. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen redirected the conversation and said this is for the lager parking lot not the actual Plaza. Marcie Roberson big concerns is the parking, due to how busy that road is with State ran things, she suggest maybe some signage. Commissioner Brain Teale asked if there was any other location in-mind. Commissioner Amy Goold said the only other one was the Plaza that came up in work session meeting. Commissioner Teale then asked about the old Three Bears parking lot. Commissioner Goold then explained why that spot wouldn’t work. Citizen Matt Smelcer asked Commission if they would like him to explain somethings that have been taking place as he might have more information than what Commission has been presented with. Commissioner Amy Goold then redirected the discussion to be done amongst the Commission. Commissioner Teale asked for some clarification between the Plaza and the parking lot. Commissioners were happy to do so. Commissioner Teale apologized to the other Commissioners because he was unable to get his computer to load the file. Commissioner Teale is for the ice rink being in the Ruth Pound Parking Lot. Commissioner Rush asked about lighting. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen stated the parking lot is well lighted. Marcie Robertson brought up that one of the cool things about having the ice rink in that specific location is that the light poles have outlets. Commissioner Rush asked if this location was open or an enclosed rink. Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen stated it was out in the open. Commissioner Rush then asked if there was a building that would have rentals or a place for concessions. Commissioner Amy Goold then explained this is just a temporary ice rink that can be put up and took down easily. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen then gave insight on what the old ice rink was and offered. Mr. Smelcer then spoke from his seat stating that when the ice rink puts on special events there usually is a small concessions stand. Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen again explained this is only a temporary location, due to the new fire station being built. Commissioner Amy Goold stated that after the recommendations from this Commission there is still other departments that will need to approve the ice rink being at the Ruth Pound Parking Lot. Mr. Robertson then explained that piece of land belongs to Ports & Harbor. Commissioner Goold asked Mr. Robertson about Public Works and plowing of the snow. Mr. Robertson don’t believe Public Works does the plowing for that specific spot. Mr. Robertson then stated that is a longer conversion and verity of things that has to take place for any volunteer organization, there is certain things that have to be done. Marcie Robertson then gave a few examples and what the process would be.
Citizen Matt Smelcer spoke to the Commission about the Ice Rink about his plans moving forward. Matt Smelcer mentioned Director Farline got a hold of him to inform him he would be at this meeting, but Marcie Robertson would be. Mr. Smelcer and Director Farline (per Mr. Smelcer) discussed what could be done for a rink surface. Mr. Smelcer agreed that Mrs. Robertson concerns about the water is valid. Mr. Smelcer has concerns about the lighting currently for night time hockey, so having those outlets that Mrs. Robertson mentioned is a great thing that would be utilized. Mr. Smelcer mentioned that maybe down the line it would be possible to augment the lights that are there. Matt Smelcer said he would greatly like it if Commission would agree and approve the placement of the temporary Ice Rink at the Ruth Pond parking lot. Matt Smelcer is in support of the recommendations that where presenting to the Commission. Matt Smelcer gave a huge thanks to the City of Valdez for its many years of help with the ice rink. Mr. Smelcer then thanked Commissioner for their time. Commissioners than thanked Matt Smelcer.
Commissioner Teale expressed his excitement for the Ruth Pound Parking Lot being the location for the ice rink.
Again Mrs. Robertsons main concerns with that spot it the high winds. She also said it could be rectified depending on how the snow is pushed.
Mr. Smelcer spoke but due to poor audio and wearing of a mask the verbiage was not clear on the audio recording.
Commissioner Rush asked if the ice rink is only a temporary fixture due to it only being a seasonal activity. Mr. Smelcer then told Commissioner Rush that he would love to give him the complete history of the ice rink offline. Mr. Smelcer also expressed his dream of making a permeant home for the ice rink one day.
Vote on Motion: 5 yays; Commissioner Goold, Commissioner Teale, Commissioner Britt, Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen, and Commissioner Rush
2. Cemetery Policy and Fee Schedule
Motion: Commissioner Teale moved to discuss Cemetery Policy and Fee Schedule. Seconded by Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen.
Marcie Robertson gave Commissioners an awareness of the current fees and what the updated fees would be. She also gave great insight as to why the fees need to be changed. Mrs. Robertson stated there is only twenty-three lots left in the cemetery so the City of Valdez had to expand. One of the reasons to do the update on the Cemetery Policy now is so the fees with the expanded Cemetery are not associated with the old fees. People that have reserved spots prior to October 2010 are grandfathered in at the old rates. Commissioner Teale gave Marcie Robertson kudos for all the hard work and commitment she has put into the Cemetery throughout the years. Commissioner Teale asked if the plan is to contact people that have reserved plots every five years, and has that been working well. Mrs. Robertson stated she is able to call and double check, but there is still some difficulties with the contact due to people move and change their address and phone numbers. Commissioner Teale asked Marcie Robertson about some of the different burial options. Mrs. Robertson happy answered Commissioner Teale’s questions. Commissioner Rush asked how many people are local that have reservation for spots. Mrs. Robertson said about 98% are local. Mrs. Robertson explained that one of the reasons for the change in the fees are because people have had loved ones buried here just because of the low cost. Commissioner Teale spoke of a personal experience and how thankful he is to have resource like we do in Valdez.
Vote on Motion: 5 Yays; Commissioner Teale, Commissioner Goold, Commissioner Britt, Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen, and Commissioner Rush.
3. Re-naming Gold Fields Softball Complex re-naming
MOTION: Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen Moved to discuss re-naming Gold Fields Softball Complex to Gold Field Recreation Complex. Seconded by Commissioner Britt.
Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen gave a brief history narrative of the Gold Fields Softball Complex to Commissioner Rush. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen went on to say the only reason for the name change is because there is so many recreation activities offered at the current location now. Commissioner Rush asked about naming the Complex in someone’s name. Mrs. Robertson took the lead and went more in-depth on the Gold Fields history and the process of doing so. Commissioner Rush thanked other Commissioners for the information.
VOTE ON MOTION: 5 Yays: Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen, Commissioner Teale, Commissioner Goold, Commissioner Britt, and Commissioner Rush.
VI. REPORTS
1. GreenPlay August report
Commissioners where presented with a copy of the GreenPlay August report. Commissioner Amy Goold asked if GreenPlay was complete. Nikki Duhamel stated that yes GreenPlay is done. Commissioner Teale mentioned that it was sad GreenPlay didn’t get to do a second site visit due to Covid-19. Commissioner Goold feels the process with GreenPlay went smoothly. Commissioner Teale brought up that a few people felt left out of the process, but he feels there is enough flexibility to make changes if necessary. Commissioner Sarah Jorgensen-Owen agreed that the Master Plan was built to have some wiggle room. Commissioner Amy Goold agreed with Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen was very impressed in how fast GreenPlay accomplished the task.
2. Meals Hill Master Plan Progress report June 30th-August 31st 2020
Commissioners where presented with hard copies of the Meals Hill Maser Plan Progress Report. Commissioner Amy Goold impression is Huddle is right on track. Marcie Robertson pointed out she is enjoying the Huddle group and how professional they are and how much of a grasp on what small Alaska towns at the end of the road are looking for. The communication with Huddle has been fantastic. Mrs. Robertson mentioned she took Huddle on a tour of Meals Hill and the Mineral Creek Trails so they could see the connectivity. Commissioner Amy Goold was impressed with Huddles presentation. Commissioner Teale said the report looks great.
3. GreenPlay Valdez Closeout Letter
Commissioners where presented with a hard Copy of the closeout letter from GreenPlay. Commissioners where very happy with the how fast the process went.
VII. COMMISSION BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR
Commissioner Teale gave Marcie Robertson kudos on how level and nice the new Disc Golf course is. Marcie Robertson gave a small maintenance update to commissioners. Mrs. Robertson said all the tee off boxes where made from the cotton wood trees that were removed. The bridge work was made from leftovers from the Harbor project. The topsoil was recycled from the new Fire Department location, Mrs. Robertson worked very hard on getting the rights to the topsoil or the City of Valdez would have had to buy the topsoil back from the contractors doing the new Fire Station project. The excavator work in the pound was done by herself and Brian Roosma. All the wood chips came from the remainder of the cottonwood trees that got cut down. Mrs. Robertson said there was only a hand full of items that were not from recycled material. Mrs. Robertson said she if very proud of that facility, there were a lot of hours put in and still have a ways to go. It is still going to take a year or two to get the grass lush. The Disc Gold Course has nine baskets that are movable with 36 holes to change the course routs. There is also nine holes for the Foot Golf Course. Mrs. Robertson mentioned the bears seemed to enjoy the flags on the Foot Hole Course, as they had already smashed four of them for the grand opening. Archery Range is being used personally Mrs. Robertson seen five people using it, and Disc Golf had thirteen people playing. There was also a ton of kids and family’s over playing in the pound with kayaks. Marcie Robertson continued on and said the green way to the Pioneer Cemetery is now open and plan on keeping that clear. We are starting to see more and more visitors in the Pioneer Cemetery now that it has been opened up, and seen less bear activity now. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen asked if any persons had been moved from the Pioneer Cemetery to the Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Robertson explained that several years ago there were some people moved but nothing recently. Mrs. Robertson then went into great detail on the trails that have been cleared back in Mineral Creek, and dirt that had to be brought in was also recycled from when the pole barn was redone. Commissioner Jorgensen-Owen asked if she had done all the work in Mineral Creek. Mrs. Robertson said if you go towards the mountain then yes, if you go towards the water that is all done by the State. Marcie Robertson continued on and said the water level in the lake on Skyline has been lowered, so she can now safely on land drive to clear the trails rather than over the water. Mrs. Robertson said maintenance did not get to the Alpine Woods Playground and that was due to Covid-19. She didn’t feel it was a wise idea to put new playground equipment in and then have to tell kids they can’t play on it. The plan right now is to install the Alpine Woods and the Robe River playground in the first part of the 2021 summer. The new dog park expunction is completed and we have closed off the older part of the Dog Park to re-due the dirt. Drainage ditches have already been put in, and again the soil came from the Fire Depart location. Marcie Robertson said it was really nice this summer to be able to hire two people to just work on clearing/maintaining trails. One of the main challenges this summer was the limited number of vehicles. Mrs. Robertson gave some insight on how the vehicles swapping went this summer. Commissioner Teale expressed his concerns about the trees around the park in Alpine Woods and how they made the park cold even on sunny days. Mrs. Robertson said a mass amount of the trees have been toped and that has made a huge difference, but with a salmon stream and housing around the park it’s very difficult to fully open the area up, that is something the City would have to have a licensed tree removal service come do. With Harris Sand & Gravel now owning the right way over by the elementary school there is now way for the school to run the ski class right out the back door of the school. Mrs. Robertson is hoping to get an MOA from Harris Sand & Gravel until Harris decides to subdivide. The next thing Mrs. Robertson mentioned that will need to be done is having restrooms available to use at the recreation areas. Mrs. Robertson gave kudos to the Coast Guard for all their help and asked Commissioners if they see a Coast Guard person to thank them for their time and all they have done. Commissioner Ben Rush thanked Commission for bring him on board and hopes he can make a difference here in Valdez. Commissioners said they are happy to have Commissioner Rush join the team.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Commissioner Amy Goold adjourned the Regular Commission meeting at 8:20pm.
City of Valdez
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Printed on 9/3/2020