Parks Advisory Board weighs in on projects

A little-known group that functions under the City of Sisters umbrella is the City Parks Advisory Board, established in March 2012 and meeting for the first time in August 2012.

The seven-member board serves in an advisory capacity to the city council on matters pertaining to the acquisition, development, maintenance and preservation of public parks, trails, and open-space areas. No more than three members of the board may live outside Sisters city limits, and they must reside within the Sisters School District boundaries.

Current members of the board are: Phyllis Lewis, chair; Larry Nelson; Jackie Wright; Peggy Houge; David Magaret; Liam Hughes, representing the Sisters Park & Recreation District; Autumn Saunders, Sisters High School student; and non-voting member Wendy Holzman, city council representative. The board generally meets once a month during the first week of the month, nine or 10 times a year.

Functions and responsibilities of the board include: Providing input and recommendations that will allow the City to develop and maintain safe, high-quality parks, trails, open-space areas and recreational opportunities; and providing input and recommendations to implement the City's Parks Master Plan (available on the City website).

Other duties include: informing city council on the progress or problems associated with City parks, trails and open spaces; aiding in coordinating outdoor recreation with the programs of other governmental agencies and volunteer organizations, and coordinating volunteer park projects; interpreting the importance and need of recreation to the community and receiving input concerning outdoor recreation activities; and seeking alternative funding sources for the development and/or acquisition of parks, trails and open spaces and their amenities.

Two other functions of the board are: Making recommendations as to the rate or amount of any necessary service charges required for the use of any park facilities under the jurisdiction of the City; and reviewing the draft park budget prepared by the public works director prior to submittal to the Sisters budget committee.

At their April 3 workshop, the board made a field trip to the East Portal to discuss possible upgrades (see related story, page 1). They reconvened at City Hall to discuss and receive citizen input on the concept drawing and possible improvements as well as other agenda items.

Local resident Diane Goble said that communication between the board and city council is of paramount importance to avoid situations like the recent cutting of over two-dozen trees in Three Sisters Overnight Park. Former council member Sharlene Weed urged the board to weigh any proposals they are reviewing against the Parks Master Plan.

In other business, there was a discussion about the impression that Sisters System Development Charges (SDC) for new residential construction permits are high. In actuality, Sisters charges of $613 per permit are significantly lower than neighboring Redmond ($2,700) and Bend ($4,000). The general consensus was that the SDCs should be reviewed and perhaps adjusted upwards.

Notification should be received in August regarding the grant being applied for to construct the new restrooms, showers and bike lockers in Village Green Park. A dog-waste disposal station will be installed in Buck Run Park. A junction box will be installed during the work on Cascade to enable decorative lighting at the Wild Stallion Park.

Public access to Whychus Creek was also discussed because of construction of a new home where people used to access the creek in the Timber Creek neighborhood. There are several 20-foot wide easements for water, sewer and pedestrians on both sides of the creek in that area.

The board will explore possible development of several others on City-owned land further upstream near St. Helens Street. After comment from the public, the suggestion was made for signage at each access point reminding visitors to be respectful of the environment, wildlife and adjoining private property.

Andrew Gorayeb, city manager, reported that the City is conferring with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council staff regarding mitigation of some bank erosion in Creekside Park. Other areas of the creek have erosion issues as well, and the suggestion was made to utilize volunteer groups to help with plantings along the banks.

A Celebrate Sisters workday is scheduled for May 10. Contact City Hall 541-549-6022 for information and to volunteer.