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HomeMy Public PortalAbout4-10-07 - PRAC MinutesMinutes McCall Parks and Recreation advisory committee regular meeting. April 10th, 2007. Agenda Introduction of Guests Old Business New Business Set next meeting time and agenda Kevin Briem called meeting to order at 6:08 pm. Members present were Kevin Briem, Shorty Clarke, Brigid Wiking, Ray DuPree, and Jane Cropp. Jenny Ruemmele was absent. Also present were Michelle Groenevelt of the City Community Development Department, as well as Ryan Caudillo of the Recreation Department, and Monica Trapp of the Parks Department. (Ms. Ruemmele arrived five minutes after roll was taken) Mr. Briem decided to do new business before old business, as not all participants in old business for concessionaire use had arrived at start. Jim Fronk, of Secesh engineering, was introduced to speak about the park proposal at the Cattail Ridge subdivision. Mr. Fronk ran through the various components of what the subdivision consisted of. Violet Gordon, who works with Mr. Fronk, was introduced and gave further detail about the Cattail Ridge project, including what types of residences would be built such as duplexes, single family residences, and affordable housing. Mr. Fronk added that the grand plan was a mixed use development. He then went on to state that simply, the proposal was to maintain the natural environment above the wetlands, and add public parking, park furniture, and a walkway to access the area. Mr. Fronk added information on a school bus pullout site that could possible be added to the plan. He also said that if McCall Transit ever comes out that far that this could be a possible stop for them as well. Mr. Briem stated to Mr. Fronk that the preliminary plan he had seen included phase one and phase two- is this still the plan or is it all going to be one phase now? Mr. Fronk stated that what he was showing was in two phases but that all electrical work would be in the first phase as would the park site. Mr. DuPree asked about the contours of the wetland area being the same elevation as the high rise area of the park site. Why isn’t it all wetland area if they are the same elevation? Mr. Fronk stated that he was surprised at that, as he was sure the elevations were different. He then pulled out the blue prints to check this information, stating that this was a possible mistake. He then showed where the wetland border was, and stated that he had done all the necessary investigating and was comfortable where the wetland line was. Mr. Briem then asked if any property lines went into the wetlands. Mr. Fronk stated that property lines to go into the wetlands, but there were strict regulations on where the property lines could go and not go, and that if things are built the way he wants, he would use a type of screw that would have non-pressurized points that could be screwed into the wetlands, and that they could use these types of screws, as long as the heights above the wetlands were observed, so as to not shade the wetland areas. Mr. Clarke asked about the location of the parking for public, would this be a place people would go, knowing they could access the park and wetland area, or would they think they were pulling into an industrial area as the parking is located next to storage sheds. Mr. Fronk said that people would be thinking they would be pulling into a mixed-use subdivision, and that people would see single family lots, a trail system, and then there is going to be an easement going in between lots five and six for the trail to go through to the park area. Mr. Brie then asked how viable this was as a public park when people are pulling in thinking they are pulling into a subdivision. Would they know to take the trail? Mr. Fronk stated that this was indeed a unique park and a unique proposal, but that it was like Charlie’s Gardens, where often people would not know about it unless they were locals who live in that area. He then went on to say that they were required to come to the committee and present some ideas, and they are trying to be unique, and trying to show what they have to offer. Ms. Wiking asked if the streets going through the subdivision were private, Mr. Fronk answered that they were private drives, but that the trail system allowed for public use. Michelle Groenevelt stated that they were streets maintained by the HOA, but there would be no gates and that the public could drive on them. Mr. Fronk stated that they could stipulate in the development agreement with the city that these trails would be open to the public, as they realize that they are presenting this as a public neighborhood park. Mr. Briem then added that this was kind of the problem, being that it was for the neighborhood, how accessible would it be for the general public. Mr. Fronk stated that anyone in the community could use it. Mr Clarke then stated that with only three proposed parking spots, it doesn’t really seem like a public park. Ms. Cropp asked if there could be signage that would interpret some of the things that people would see there, vegetation, wildlife, etc. After much discussion Mr. Fronk said that this would be feasible. Mr. DuPree then stated that if Mr. Fronk could define the actual topo map elevations, as well as address the parking issue and the signage issue at the next presentation, he would feel more comfortable with this project. Mr. Fronk stated that he could get this all addressed by their next meeting, but would communicate if this was not possible. Kevin O’ Leary, owner of McCall RV Resort was introduced to talk about the Northfork ridge proposal. His proposal is to allow a bike path through the property to connect with the existing bike path. Kevin Briem asked if his property came right to the road at Deinhard. Mr. O’Leary stated that it came within 150 feet. Mr. Briem then asked what happens with the 150 feet. Mr. O’Leary stated that he had already talked with the person who owns the 150 ft, about an easement for the path to go through. There was discussion about this between the members and Mr. O’Leary about the possible easement and how feasible it would be to obtain it. Mr. Clarke recommended the approval of the project contingent on him obtaining the 150 ft. easement to provide connectivity to Deinhard Ln. Mr. DuPree seconded the motion but asked if it was contingent on him making an effort to get the easement, or actually obtaining it. Mr. Clarke stated that it was contingent on him obtaining it, but that if he fails at that he could come back with other options. Ms. Groenevelt asked if the proposal included him paving the pathway, to which Mr. Clarke stated that yes, he would have to pave the pathway. Chuck Whitescarver was introduced to talk about the RFP for Cheap Thrills rentals. He stated that the proposal was the same as last year, except for the request for 156 feet as opposed to 106 feet, and the request for a multi-year agreement. He wanted the extra feet not to bring down more vehicles on the beach, but to lessen the congestion on the beach during operating hours. There was discussion of the extra feet as well as the operating hours of 7:30 am to 10:00 pm. Mr. Clarke thought that what they had said was 7:30 am to 7:30 pm with the exception of permission of the city. Peggy Whitescarver said that city council had told them to put 10:00 pm like last year, and that is what Brock told them to change it to. She stated that the proposal had said 7:30 to 7:30, but the actual proposal that they have hanging in their office says 10:00pm. Mr. Briem said that they would feel more comfortable having the agreement saying that 7:00 was the latest they could be on the water unless certain conditions applied. Mr. Whitescarver asked what those conditions would be since it is almost a nightly event that there are watercraft on the beach after 7:00 pm. Mr. Briem asked if it was no rentals after 7:00 in the agreement. Peggy Whitescarver stated it was no launches after 7:00 pm, but they were allowed to pick up until 10:00 pm. Ms. Wiking stated that last years agreement said licensee shall maintain regular hours of operation but shall begin no earlier than 7:30 am and go no later than 7:00 pm each day Sunday through Saturday, licensee shall be allowed to operate evening hours from 7:00 to 9:30 pm Wednesday through Saturday, during which times usage shall be limited to six machines. She then asked if this was their plan for this year as well. Ms. Whitescarver stated that yes, this is what the City Council had said they wanted. Ms. Wiking asked if this then would be their recommendation- that number three on the proposal would be worded this way- is this what cheap thrills is comfortable with? Mr. Whitescarver stated that yes this was okay. Mr. Whitescarver stated that they were going to run it the same way as last year, but if there needed to be a change in the verbiage to make people more comfortable they were fine with that. Mr. Clarke stated that when they decided that their operation was good for the city, the last thing they want to do is use any sort of deviation from the original agreement. Mr. Briem then stated that as for the multi-year agreement, that it would probably be best to hold off on that mainly because with the Legacy park re-development, it was not yet certain what would happen with the area of beach they are using. Ms. Wiking made a motion that they approve Cheap Thrills concessionaire agreement as long as it includes stipulation number three from last years agreement about the hours of operation, that they approve the use of 156 feet, and that they postpone the request of a long term lease until the re-development of Legacy is completed. Ms. Ruemmele seconded, and a vote was made to approve. Gravity Sports was introduced with their proposal being that they would use beach area to rent canoes and flat-water kayaks. Their hours of use would be 8:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The store is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and this would give them time to set up and take down as each boat would be moved one at a time back to Gravity Sports to store them. He also stated that they would like to talk about long term storage of the canoes and kayaks at the beach, and the amount of beach they were looking for was between 30 and 50 feet, enough space to put the six watercraft on as well as have an awning for their person to sit under. Customers would come up to Gravity and transfer the money there, then they would proceed to the beach area where they would receive safety instructions, lifejackets and paddles. The primary mode of transportation of the boats would be a boat trailer hooked to the back of a bicycle which the employees of Gravity would use to take the boats to and from the store. This can be a little dangerous riding with traffic, especially during evening hours, which is why they would like to talk about storing the boats at the beach. Ms. Wiking asked if he was talking about turning his canoes or kayaks over and leaving them there overnight. He stated that they would be chained up to something. Ms. Wiking expressed concern for this stating that there was vandalism to boats, hers included, at May marina. Monica Trapp stated that according to code, there are no water craft allowed on any public beach overnight. Mr. Clarke asked if that ordinance prevent them from keeping a tent or awning up. Ms. Trapp stated that they would have to move the tent at the end of the day as well. Mr. Briem stated that he wasn’t sure if they could have an awning displaying their logo. Ms. Trapp said that he would have to refer to the Parks and Recreation Director on the size of the tent, as well as the logo. Mr. Clarke asked what their insurance coverage is which was not included in the proposal. He stated that their insurance policy is right at a million dollars. Mr. Briem asked if they wanted fifty feet or thirty feet, for six canoes or kayaks, it may not be necessary to have 50 feet. Gravity Sports stated that thirty feet would work fine to start with. Mr. Briem stated that the overnight storage would probably not work, nor would the awning with a logo, but a large beach umbrella to shade the employees would be the best bet for now. Ms. Cropp made a motion that they allow Gravity Sports to use thirty feet of beach space for their business. It was seconded by Ms. Wiking, voted on and approved. Ray DuPree of Payette Lake Cruises presented that this was his fourth year of operating. His business uses only the city loading dock when he does not use his personal slip at Mile High Marina to load and unload passengers. His hours of operation would be 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, as customers often like to go out to Duck Bay to watch the sunset, but that his insurance states he has to be docked back by sunset. Coming in from the north, there are no delays in the return and he returns to his slip at Mile High Marina. Mr. Clarke asked what kind of alcohol he allowed. Mr. DuPree sated that he allows whatever type of alcohol they want to bring, he doesn’t drink because of the liability, and he never allows any customer to operate the boat. Mr. Clarke made a motion to approve the lease agreement as presented. Mr. Briem seconded, it was voted on and approved. Mr. Briem then moved on to more new business which was Beach Dogs, a hotdog sales cart at Art Roberts Park. Michelle Smith presented her idea of selling hotdogs with her sister by the bears at Art Roberts Park. The sales would begin in the morning and end at around 2:00 or 2:30 pm. Mr. Briem stated that behind the bears statue would probably not work because it would somewhat block the view of the lake. Mr. Clarke stated that this is also an area that they have targeted a bathroom to be constructed between the bear statue and Krahns furniture, which would take the flat area there away. He also stated that one of the main complaints from the businesses down there when they proposed the restroom was that the bear statue is very highly photographed area of that park, and it would not be a good thing to infringe on that. He also stated that competing with businesses like the ice arena and Heartland deli would have a problem with this, and since they are tax paying businesses, it would not be in the best interests of the city to compete with that. Ms. Trapp stated that maybe fairway park would be a good place during baseball or softball games. Ms. Smith said that she would go back and talk to the Parks and Recreation Director about alternative places for this business. Mr. Briem then moved on to new members. Joel Hellerman, and Shawn Treasure were not at the meeting. Carl Barrett introduced himself to the committee and went on to explain why he is interested in the open committee position. Carol has held the position of Chairman on the Valley County Fair Board last year. This year he is still on the board as a member and as support to the current Fair Board Chair to advise her. He is also involved with Valley County 4-H, as well as the UofI extension office. He stressed that there is a need for after school programs, as well as more programs for adults. Being a single adult in town, he likes to interact with people and other than going to bars there is no way to do that from his perspective. Mr. Briem asked what he thought was the biggest need for this community. He felt that the biggest need was activities for kids after school; right now all there is for kids to do after school is get into trouble. A small town does not have the opportunities that a big city has, and he would like to change that. Carl Barrett was voted on and approved by the committee to be the new member. Ryan Caudillo gave an update on the activity guide, and stated that it would be completed as soon as possible due to not having all the dates needed for programs. He gave an overview of the programs that were being offered through them, as well as programs being advertised by them. Mr. Briem adjourned the meeting at 9:11 pm. The City of McCall’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meetings are held open to the public and handicapped accessible. If you need help in attending a meeting, please contact City Hall, 634-7142. Sincerely, Brock Heasley Parks and Recreation Director City of McCall 634-3006