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Minutes of the Board of Commissioners November 6, 2003

Chairperson Hahn called this regular meeting of the San Juan Island Park & Recreation District to order at 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 6th, 2003 in the Island Rec Office. Commissioners Brown, Crist and Marriner were present. Commissioner Cumming was absent. Staff present: Director Kerr and Admin. Assistant Swift Taylor

1. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. Minutes of Regular Meetings held October 2nd and 16th, and Special Meeting held October 30th, were approved as presented.

2. Introduction of visitors/public comment on non-agenda items. John Hart of Hart Pacific Engineering attended to report on the well at the LaFarge Gravel Pit.

3. Correspondence. Director Kerr read a note of thanks from the Lions relating to a presentation given by Island Rec.

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

5. Committee Reports

Well Water John Hart had spent some time investigating usage of the existing well on the gravel pit property, and reported his findings to the Board. Matters discussed included Department of Ecology rules and regulations and recorded past usage of the well.

Mr. Hart suggested that decommissioning the well may affect Island Rec's ability to obtain Water Rights at a later stage. He also pointed out that a total of 5,000 gallons of non-potable water per day could be used from an exempt well on the property.

Mr. Hart advised that a clearer picture of the long term capability of the well could be obtained by employing a Hydrologist to carry out a long pump test whilst monitoring other wells in the area. Mr. Hart reported that there may be an opportunity to prove that historic water usage at the site was a municipal use. He will draft a letter to the DoE requesting consideration of this view.

A decision regarding possible decommissioning of the well will be further discussed at the next Board meeting. Island Rec's decision must be communicated to the County by December 15th. Mr Hart left the meeting at this point.

Environment Assessment Report: Director Kerr provided the Summary and Recommendations portion of a Report received from G-Logics. The Board will consider authorizing G-Logics to proceed further.

6. Ongoing Business - Levy The Board is to consider a suitable date for requesting a levy to support Island Rec's continued operation. The current levy expires at the end of 2004 and without further funding Island Rec will cease to exist. 2004 budget The revised budget will include a recent donation of $20,000.

As a result of the failure of the recent levy request, there are insufficient funds to proceed with the current level of activities.

Essential budget cuts for next year include High School Sailing, Rec-X, After School Rec programs, and the Teen Halloween Party. A reduction in newsletter mailings, not replacing the Recreation Specialist position and a reduction in existing staff hours have also become necessary. Other programs such as the Summer Concert Series may have to be cut. Island Rec will be unable to take over the management of the Community Gardens as previously hoped.

Roberta Crist motioned that the 2004 budget include an increased amount for subsidized swimming lessons as requested by the Fitness Club. All voted in favor.

Adjournment: Without objection, Chairperson Hahn adjourned the meeting at 6:55 pm.

Submitted by: Dodie Swift Taylor, Administrative Assistant

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