Minutes - 2018 - Parks Pathways & Recreation Commission - 04/19/2018 - RegularTHE CITY OF EAGLE
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01 PARKS, PATHWAYS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
L e Eagle City Hall, 660 E. Civic Lane
April 19, 2018 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:30 P.M.
Community Enhancement Coordinator, Christina Coats, introduces the new Administrative Clerk,
Christina Garcia.
2. ROLL CALL: Present- FRIEND, HUFFAKER, MARSHALL, STHtRAT AND STOCKTON
Absent - BAUN
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Minutes of February 15, 2018
Marshall moved to approve the minutes of February 15, 2018, as written. Seconded by
Stirrat. ALL AYES... MOTION CARRIES.
4. STAFF REPORTS:
A. Mayor's Report (SR)
Chairman Huffaker introduces item. Mayor Ridgeway discusses updates including: the duties of the
Parks & Recreation Department, a dog park, new parkland, and the rooster at Merrill Park.
Public Works has been assigned all the park functions, mostly the maintenance & cleaning. The Parks
Department is left with Recreation, Community Enhancement, and Trails & Pathways. Trails
Coordinator, Steve Noyes will be responsible for the pathways and trails for the City of Eagle. Brandon
Johnson will start on Monday, April 23 and will head up the Recreation Department and supervising
Community Enhancement. At this time Parks, Pathways & Recreation will be reporting to the Mayor's
office. The Parks & Recreation Specialist applications are currently under review.
Mayor Ridgeway updates on the dog park committee that provided a recommendation April 2017. The
committee recommended Eagle Island State Park. Since that recommendation and a discussion on that
location, it was noted that Eagle Island State Park would not be an option. The City hired a broker to
seek out land for new parks and there are three possible parcels available. Mayor Ridgeway shows
illustrations of plans for suggested park land.
Commissioner Stirrat asks why the area of the dog park is less than the recommended 5 acres. Mayor
Ridgeway says that there is plenty of room for the dog park and that area does not include the bathroom
at the park.
Chairman Huffaker asks if there will be a Parks & Recreation Director. Mayor Ridgeway states at this
point there will not be a Director and that the Planning and Zoning Department will help with the
development of new parks. The rooster will be installed at Merrill Park and there will be a ribbon
cutting at the same time as the Flag of Honor opening ceremonies.
Mary McFarland (10201 West Lakeland) asks about the lot next to Guerber that West Valley Little
League was suggesting the City of Eagle buy. That did not go through, but Mayor Ridgeway
acknowledges the need for fields in Eagle.
Mayor Ridgeway updates on the open commissioner position. There were a couple of applicants, but no
recommendations, so the position will be re -opened.
The City will make reasonable accommodations for anyone attending this meeting who require special assistance for hearing, physical
or other impairments. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (208) 939-6813 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date and time.
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PARKS, PATHWAYS & RECREATION COMMISSION
April 19, 2018 5:30 P.M.
B. Trail Coordinator Report: (SN)
Chairman Huffaker introduces item. Trails Coordinator Steve Noyes discusses the current river levels.
There are some changes in the river this year, and sediment has changed the flow this year. Flood
District 10 is coordinating a study to determine where the sediment is coming from and the City of
Eagle has pledged financial support to the agencies responsible.
Commissioner Bann enters at 5:58pm.
Regarding the Trails Master Plan, Trails Coordinator Steve Noyes is currently working with Alta
Planning on the preferred river and highway crossings, maintenance plan/schedule.
Pamela Baker Trail is paved and in use. It's still incomplete but it's taking pressure off the Laguna Trail.
Don Stockton states that number 8 on the trails plan map should be ranked higher as a connector from
Chinden to Merrill Park.
Dan Friend would like to add another bridge to priority, at the east end of Brookwood that crosses over
to Vizcaya.
Chairman Huffaker asks for an update regarding the contract and repairs at Laguna Point. The
temporary licensing agreement with Laguna expired on March 30", but they have agreed to extend the
deadline. The city is waiting on authorization and the river to go down before they can proceed with
repairs.
Mayor Ridgeway provided an update to the Dry Creek trail, stating the City of Eagle received
approximately $180,000 to offset the individual cost.
General discussion.
C. Community Enhancement Coordinator Report: (CC)
Chairman Huffaker introduces item. Community Enhancement Coordinator Christina Coats discusses
updates including: current recreation programs and upcoming events. There are currently 16 recreation
programs running. The Department is currently working on the summer activity guide. Upcoming
events include the opening day of the Saturday Market on May 5, Gazebo Concert Series May 31, and
Eagle Fun Days July 6 &7.
D. Public Works Director Report (EZ)
Chairman Huffaker introduces item. Public Works Director Eric Zeigenfuss discusses irrigation that has
been turned on and is connected by the internet that can be accessed remotely. Bark replacement has
been installed. The Guerber Park splash pad is currently under construction. The RC track at Ada/Eagle
Sports Complex has broken ground, hoping to be completed by September.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
6. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Discussion and recommendation regarding possible a -bike ordinance in City of Eagle. (SN)
Chairman Huffaker introduces item. Boise has developed an ordinance for e -bikes. This ordinance states
that a -bikes will not be defined as motor vehicles which differs from federal definition where they are
considered motor vehicles. E -bikes will be allowed on sidewalks and bike lanes. Enforcement will be
based on recklessness, not necessarily on speed. E -bikes are currently allowed on trails that allow
motorized vehicles like motorcycles and ATVs.
The City will make reasonable accommodations for anyone attending this meeting who require special assistance for hearing, physical
or other impairments. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (208) 939-6813 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date and time.
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PARKS, PATHWAYS & RECREATION COMMISSION
April 19, 2018 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Huffaker asks for clarification regarding what is wanted from the Commission tonight.
Trails Coordinator Noyes states they can make suggestions, recommendations, or create a committee.
Commissioners Friend, Stockton and Huffaker all mention that consistency throughout the cities
(especially on the Greenbelt) is very important. Chairman Huffaker recommends a committee get together
to review the ordinance and make any necessary changes.
Commissioner Marshall requested an update on what Ada County has done with the bike park.
Scott Koberg, Director of Ada County Parks and Waterways, (10508 N. Palisades Way, Boise) states the
only change through the public hearing was to allow for class 1 and 2 e -bike usages on the greenbelt
properties that Ada County manages which covers approximately 12 miles. The City of Boise did pass
their ordinance in December and are currently undergoing a 6 -month evaluation. They did indicate support
for the Ridge to Rivers ordinance, meaning a -bikes are not allowed on the trails; however, the bike park
and other areas not connected to Ridge to Rivers were left out.
Erik Smith (1356 E. Cerramar Ct.) is a fire captain that is concerned with safety. He states that a -bikes to
him are considered motorized. He thinks it's a bad idea to have bikes of these speeds in areas such as
parks and trails where families with children gather. Erik Smith states that the best place for a -bikes is on
the street.
Mary McFarland (10201 West Lakeland) shows the Commission a video on YouTube called The Medical
Student Trying to End Loneliness of Elderly. Mary McFarland has a group that organized a special a -bike
that takes seniors around. The City has already provided approval, but would like the committee to take
this special program into consideration.
Mic Chase (1769 N Eagle Creek Way) built an a -bike and lives near the bike park. He has found the e -
bike is a good way for people to travel, and not necessarily fast. He states he is regularly passed by regular
bikes and that a -bikes are not a threat.
Sam Blaine (1505 N Watson Way) states he is a 30 -year mountain biker. He is in full support of the
commission adopting the similar statute and ordinance as the City of Boise, keeping the ordinance
consistent. Mr. Blain feels there is a lack of education pertaining to an understanding of when a bicyclist
is a pedestrian and when they are a vehicle. Commissioner Marshall asks resident Blain how he
recommends educating the public on e -bikes. Resident Blain states getting multiple entities involved and
reaching out to groups such as BYRDS Cycling, YMCA, or community recreation programs will help.
Bill Avey (2162 N. Stonecrest Way) has been riding an a -bike for the past 3 years and commutes regularly
to Hewlett Packard through the greenbelt. Commissioner Marshall asks if Mr. Avey currently rides on
trails and if he has any thoughts on allowing on or off mountain bike trails.
Commissioner Friend asks Vice Chair Baun, if there are signs posted at Avimor stating that a -bikes are
allowed or not on the trails. Vice Chair Baun states that it's currently in the recreation plan that a -bikes
are considered motorized vehicles and that they must stay on the motorized trails.
General discussion
David Draheim (529 E. Ranch Dr.) is here representing BLM. Federal agencies do view a -bikes currently
as motorized vehicles.
Chairman Huffaker states that the Boise ordinance could be used as a jumping off point but there needs
to be a discussion with the possibility of multiple agencies and other community members.
Commissioner Baun states there are three major points to cover: Greenbelt/Sidewalk, Greenbelt/Trails
(Trails Master Plan), and erosion potential.
The City will make reasonable accommodations for anyone attending this meeting who require special assistance for hearing, physical
or other impairments. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (208) 939-6813 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date and time.
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PARKS, PATHWAYS & RECREATION COMMISSION
April 19, 2018 5:30 P.M.
Commissioner Marshall asks if we are currently having a problem and that is the reason for the ordinance
or are we preparing for a future problem. Trials Coordinator Noyes states that we are trying to get ahead
of the problem. Commissioner Stirrat states that she does not agree that there should be an ordinance for
speed limits or signs posted, and to use City of Boise as a starting point for at least the greenbelts &
sidewalks.
Commissioner Marshall makes a motion that the commission establish a committee to work with
staff for the purpose of reviewing the current City of Boise a -bike ordinance and adapting that to
meet any special needs that Eagle may have with particular emphasis on the greenbelt and sidewalk
usage and in bike lanes on our streets and in addition to review that statute with respect to the
Ada/Eagle Bike Park and suggest any modifications that the committee thinks are warranted.
Vice Chair Bann recommends an amendment to the motion to establish a separate committee
related to looking at guidance for future use of foothills trails ... Commissioner Marshall agrees.
Vice Chair Baun seconds
ALL AYES... Motion Carries.
The Commission agrees to have the committee come back with their recommendation within two months.
Chairman Marshall requests to be on the a -bike committee, Commissioner Baun would like to volunteer
on the committee regarding trails.
B. Discussion and recommendation regarding the allowance of a -bikes in designated bike park trails.
(SN)
Chairman Huffaker introduces item. This item was discussed with the previous agenda item.
7. REPORTS:
A. PPRC Liaison Assignment Report:
B. PPRC Priorities and Long -Term Goals:
Commissioner Stockton mentions that some areas are not safeguarded and there are issues with
encroachment. Chairman Huffaker recommends bringing this issue up to the City Council.
City Councilman Pittman suggests that Trails Coordinator Noyes makes a report at the next City
Council meeting instead of getting an item on the agenda specifically on the issue. Commissioners will
provide input to Trails Coordinator Noyes prior to the meeting.
Chairman Huffaker recommends that this issue be an agenda item at the next meeting so the
Commission can get on the same page and then report to City Council.
8. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business motion was made by Marshall and seconded by Baun to
adjourn. ALL AYES. MOTION CARRIED. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
AN AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS MEETING IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT
WWW.CITYOFEAGLE.ORG
The City will make reasonable accommodations for anyone attending this meeting who require special assistance for hearing, physical
or other impairments. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (208) 939-6813 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date and time.
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PARKS, PATHWAYS & RECREATION COMMISSION
April 19, 2018 5:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
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CHRISTINA COATS
CLERK OF THE MEETING
APPROVED:
MICHAEL HU FAKER
CHAIRMAN
The City will make reasonable accommodations for anyone attending this meeting who require special assistance for hearing, physical
or other impairments. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (208) 939-6813 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting date and time.
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