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Minutes of October 16, 2003

Commissioner Denice Brown called the regular meeting of the San Juan Island Park & Recreation District to order at 5 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2003 in the Island Rec Office. Commissioners Crist, Cumming and Marriner present. Commissioners Hahn and Cumming were absent. Staff present, Director Kerr and Admin. Assistant Curtiss.

1. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. Approval of the minutes was deferred until the next regular meeting.

2. Introduction of visitors/public comment on non-agenda items.

3. Correspondence: None.

4. Payroll and Vouchers: Without objection, Commissioners approved vouchers as presented.

5. Committee Reports:

a. Lafarge Project Acquisition Management - Director Kerr briefed the Commission regarding efforts to use the value of the park land as match for IAC grants. Director Kerr advised an appraisal is required noting the last appraisal was done for Friday Harbor Sand & Gravel in 2001, valuing the land at approximately $3.25 million. The Director explained that IAC has advised staff to request the County apply for a waiver of retroactivity on behalf of Island Rec which will allow the value of the gravel pit to be used as matching funds for future grant dollars. Commissioner Kerr spoke regarding the existing water meter on the site and recommended discussion with the Town of Friday Harbor whether the meter can remain in place until decisions are made regarding development of the project. The Commission discussed the need to work with the Town Council to encourage participation in the process and create a sense partnership and success. Commissioner Brown and Director Kerr agreed to approach Town Council members regarding the park issues.

b. Steering Committee - Commissioner Marriner spoke regarding the status of the steering committee and recommended little action until after the election.

6. On Going Business:

a. Request from Badminton Players for a Season Rate - Director Kerr, in response to objections raised by the badminton players, advised the facility use time cannot be changed this year due to other users of the facility, but perhaps next year an earlier time slot can be set. Director Kerr presented a proposed season rate discount of 42%-44%. Commissioners agreed to offer a season pass for $21 for use until January 12, 2004. The season pass would also be available to volleyball players. A season pass rate for men's basketball may be developed in the future. Commissioners discussed the anticipated increase for use of the Fair Building and potential effect on fees charged for hockey.

b. Levy/Financial Committee Plan - Commissioner Crist briefed the Commission on the progress of the committee advising postcards have been sent out and an ad will be posted on the San Juan Islander At this time no ad will be published in the Journal due to lack of funds. Commissioner Marriner will make a presentation to the Lions Club next week. Commissioners discussed the status of the park in the event the levy fails with Commissioners Crist, Brown and Marriner concurring the Commission should move forward with acquisition regardless of the outcome and develop the park as funds become available. Commissioners discussed what minimum expenditures will occur to acquire the park and what insurance requirements may be.

c. Family Park Playground Replacement Plan - Commissioner Brown briefed the Commission regarding selection of materials and equipment. Commissioners agreed to wait until after the levy election to determine the extent of the project. Director Kerr spoke regarding the need to replace certain components regardless of the success of the levy as safety issues have been identified.

7. New Business:

a. Request for increase in swimming lesson subsidy from San Juan Island Fitness - Commissioners agreed to consider the request after the levy election.

b. Discussion on policy and procedures dealing with teen alcohol and or drug use - Commissioner Kerr requested the Commission establish a policy for dealing with teen alcohol and or drug use. Commissioner Crist moved to adopt a similar policy as used by the school district. Commissioner Marriner second. Motion carried unanimously.

c. Community meeting on status of Lafarge Property acquisition & development. Commissioner Marriner advised that project opponent Mary Ann Anderson is apparently organizing a town meeting to revisit issues relating to the acquisition of the Lafarge property by the County. Commissioner Mariner stated that although Ms. Anderson is billing the meeting to revisit acquisition issues the intent appears to be to de-rail the levy election. County Commissioner Darcie Nielsen has agreed to call for a public meeting at which all public agencies involved in the Lafarge property purchase will be present to respond to the public regarding the status of the project and the next steps in the process. Commissioner Marriner moved to support the public meeting scheduled for November 12th and decline the invitation to attend the October 28th in any official capacity. Commissioner Crist second. Motion carried unanimously

8. Executive Session re: Personnel applicant review. Without objection, the Commission recessed into executive session at 6:55 PM. The Commission reconvened into regular session at 7:10 PM. Commissioner Marriner moved to allow Mario Ochoa to coach 6th, 7th & 8th grade Island Rec basketball with specific understanding that any inappropriate behavior or any complaint or report of concern regarding his behavior will relieve Mr. Ochoa of his coaching position. Commissioner Crist second. Motion carried unanimously.

9. Adjournment: Without objection, Commissioner Brown adjourned the meeting at 7:15 PM.

Submitted by: Patricia Curtiss Administrative Assistant

PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES