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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 12-13-17.docx Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes for December 13, 2017 Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Matt Tweedy, Josette Gonzales, Rosana Bravo and Stacy Hackenmueller Absent and Excused: Roger Lewis, Brynn Kloster and Dulce Gutiérrez, Yakima City Council Liaison Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager Call to Order Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Chairman Rod Bryant called the nd meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima, Washington. Approval of the Meeting Minutes from November 8, 2017. It was Moved by Matt Tweedy, Seconded by Josette Gonzales, to approve the Minutes as written from the November 8, 2017 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Naming of a Park Facility – Ed Putnam Discussion Ken advised that they received a request from the E.V. Putnam family to consider naming a park facility in honor of their father. He stated that he shared the letter that was received with them at the November meeting. Ken advised he has included in their packets, the letter of response from him and also a follow- up letter from the family. Ken commented that the naming of a park or park facility is not taken lightly. Many of them are in perpetuity, therefore there is careful consideration. The City Council has established by resolution back in 2005, a list of criteria. Ken read through the criteria, a) It can be named after a neighborhood, geographic or common usage identification; b) A natural or geological feature; Historical figure, place, event or other instance of historical or cultural significance; An individual, living or deceased, or a group who has made significant land and/or monetary contribution to the parks system or has had the contribution made in memoriam, and when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation; An individual has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Yakima primarily in the area of parks and recreation and has been deceased for a period of at least one year. Ken reminded the Commissioners that this board does not make the final determination; it is a recommendation that would be taken to City Council to make that distinction. Ken reminded that we did just rededicate Lions Pool. The pool is dedicated to Mer Edmondson, who was a long time Park Commissioner and a lifeguard at Lions Pool many years ago. Ken continued that Mer’s wife, Betty served as Mayor of Yakima and had many other civic involvements of a volunteer nature, and also served in the Legislature in Olympia. Ken advised that we also dedicated three ballfields at Kiwanis Park after three Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis members that had passed. He stated that those service clubs donated over one million dollars to the development of those ballfields. Ken advised there is also the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, formerly the Southeast Community Center. He stated that distinction was given as Henry served this community in the capacity of a City Council member, the Mayor and a public servant, working with OIC and other committees. Jo Miles commented about the dedication of Lions Pool without changing the name of the pool itself. He stated that you can honor the person with a plaque or something of that nature. Ken stated that is correct. Matt Tweedy commented that as he understands it, an individual that has contributed outstanding civic service would be someone that volunteered or donated time or/and or money, not an employee of the Parks Department. He continued by questioning parks being named for John F. Chesterley and Emil Kissel and if that is why the City Council made the resolution in 2005. Ken advised that John Chesterley was a long time Park Commissioner and Emil Kissel was a City employee that tragically passed while working as the Parks Superintendent. Matt commented that he was reading the resolution in a way that did not include recognizing employees in this manner. Ken stated that there is no distinction that it be an employee or not be an employee in the resolution. Ken commented that the Law and Justice Center is named for one of our past City Managers, Dick Zais, who was here for over 30 years. Matt asked if that was before or after 2005. Ken advised it was after 2005, it was when he retired in 2010 or 2011. Ken reiterated that this is the Parks and Recreation criteria, not for all city facilities. Ken invited Marilee Brothers, daughter of E.V. Putnam up to speak. Marilee began with showing the recent article from the Yakima Herald. She stated that she was able to find one person that still remembers her father and that is Keith Farnum. She advised that he would like to say a few words before she continues with their request. Keith began by stating that a park was named for Dr. McGuinness. Ken confirmed and stated that he was a Park Commissioner. Mr. Farnum commented that it is unfortunate that very few people in the room know Ed. He advised that he worked many summers for Ed as one of his three Aquatic Directors. When E.V. Putnam was Park Superintendent the park system was a Metropolitan Park District. This meant that he was able to levy and bond for projects and had his own board, not having to go before City Council for final approval. Mr. Farnum spoke about the activities and programs that Parks and Recreation was able to provide at the time Mr. Putnam was in charge. He stated that renaming Franklin Park to Franklin Putnam Park is long overdue. He stated that he does not believe that the School District would have any imposition to changing the name of the park; the school would remain Franklin Middle School. He commented that it would not cost anything but a sign. Marilee returned to speak and stated that in her letter, she asked that something significant be named for her father. She continued that as far as she was concerned, renaming Cherry Park would not be it; she does not even know where Cherry Park is. She stated that their request is in compliance with the document Resolution No. R-2005-51, the policy of naming of the City of Yakima facilities, specifically letter e) which states the following; an individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Yakima primarily in the area of Parks and Recreation and who has been deceased for a period of at least one year. She commented that her father passed away in 1996. She stated that if they were looking at the handout she had given them, they would see some of her father’s accomplishments. She commented that there would not be the parks in Yakima today if it weren’t for his efforts. She stated there has been a precedent set for naming a park for a former director; Kissel Park. She advised that her father hired Emil Kissel directly out of high school, recognized his work ethic and mentored him for years. She stated that her father believed strongly in the development of swimming pools and all parks in the City. During his tenure, five swimming pools were available. She continued that they would like to see Franklin Pool be renamed the Edward V. Putnam Pool. She stated it would not require spending a large amount of money, but should include a naming ceremony and a nice plaque with his name and image on it. She commented that their family would be very grateful. Rod Bryant questioned that he first heard park from Mr. Farnum and now is hearing swimming pool. Mrs. Brothers stated that they did not meeting before this and that Mr. Farnum had a great idea. She commented that once she gets a “bee in her bonnet”, she will not let it go. Rod clarified that they are asking to have Franklin Pool renamed to Franklin Putnam Pool. She replied no, Edward V. Putnam Pool. Rod inquired at Franklin Park. She stated yes, unless they can see changing that to Putnam Franklin Park. Rod voiced his concerns about pools closing in the past and not being sure what could in the future with Franklin Pool. Mrs. Brothers suggested that they could just rename the park. Stacy stated that it appears to her according to the resolution of 2005; they don’t really like to rename parks that have already been named. She suggested maybe naming one of the pathways or parks that has not been named. Mrs. Brothers stated that her family did not have anything to do with any of those parks. Jo commented that he worked in the Parks and Recreation field for many years and worked with many professionals that he thinks would feel the same. Changing the name of an existing facility takes away the identity of something that that person may have been part of and was proud of. Jo commented that Parks and Recreation professionals, by nature, usually prefer to promote the identity of the community above themselves. He stated that is the reason why most of them do this work is to be proud of their community and not take credit for themselves. Jo stated that he does not like the idea of renaming an existing facility but does like the idea of a dedication plaque with his name, date of service and what his position was. Mrs. Brothers stated that her father was a very modest man and that he needs to be recognized for what he has done for this City and he has not been. Jo stated that a dedication wall plaque would be his suggestion at whatever park facility she feels he was closest to. Mrs. Brothers stated that if you put up a plaque and do not change the name of the pool, people will just walk by it like they do at Fisher and that is not acceptable. Matt requested that this be discussed at the next meeting and see if there may be some other options. Mrs. Brothers requested that she be told what they discuss, as she will be out of town for the next meeting. Discussion followed regarding keeping this on the agenda for further discussion. Matt commented that it seemed that Mrs. Brothers just wanted a plaque at the pool speaking of what her father’s accomplishments were. Stacy stated that it sounds like she wants the pool renamed rather than just a plaque. She stated she is open to the idea of renaming the pool because Franklin Park still maintains the identity; it would just be renaming a piece of the park. Discussion followed. Ken commented that they need to remember they may be setting a precedent. There are many employees that have given many hours of service to the organizations that they have worked for. Ken reminded the Commissioners that renaming something now also takes that possibility away in the future. Ken commented that there are many civic minded people like Jo Miles. Discussion followed about the dedication of Mr. Putnam and Mike Nixon, a previous Park Commissioner that served over 30 years and was also involved in many other organizations. Ken advised that Kissel Park is the only park facility named for an employee. Matt asked if Ken had any other ideas for a facility, building or place that could be ndth renamed for Mr. Putnam. Ken stated Cherry, S. 2 St. and the 44 Ave. Parkway. Jo stated that he would like to give recognition to Mike Nixon, long time Park Commissioner who recently passed in the form of a plaque on one of our existing parks. Discussion followed. Community Swimming Pool Ad Hoc Committee Update Ken advised they have completed the Ad Hoc Committee meetings for the community swimming pool. He stated they meet five times, created a purpose statement and discussed possible locations. He said they settled on two locations going forward, Yakima Speedway property and MLK Jr. Park. He advised that they discussed funding options, possible amenities and programing options. He stated they created a concept based on the discussions they had. He advised he will be compiling a report to bring back to Park Commission in January and then to City Council in January or early February for their consideration. Paul asked if the budgetary items will be included in the report. Ken stated that the report will be more about location, amenities and programming. Randall Park Improvement Update th Ken stated the parking lot on the 48 Ave. side has been completed. There is a small amount of dirt work that will need to be completed in the spring. Ken thanked the Streets Division and Park Maintenance for all the work they did. He advised that the pond work is also done and the pond is filling back up. The ducks were not bothered and just moved to another area of the pond. The plants have been replanted and we are just waiting for the pond to fill up. He stated it should be back to normal by the end of this month or th beginning of next month. He stated they will start the 44 Ave. parking lot sometime this spring and finishing with the walkways this summer. They will need to do some finish landscaping and put in the signs to complete this 4 year project. Ken advised that this will be a $1.4 million project, of which about $300,000 of parks capital has been used over 3 years. The remainder has been the grants, donations and volunteer and staff labor. Manager’s Report Ken stated that they discussed the Naches Parkway conversion at City Council yesterday. He stated he will be putting together a specific budget based on Park Commission’s recommendations. City Council agreed with the recommendations of 6 trash cans, 4 benches and signs throughout. Ken advised there is a donor that is willing to pay for half of the cost of the amenities. He stated that the budget will be done and presented to City Council for review. He stated they are also requiring that the donor funds be secured before we move forward. Ken advised that the ordinance will also be changed to include the parkways and pathways as “parks”. Discussion followed. Matt asked what hours the parkway will be closed. Ken advised that all of our parks are closed from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Matt asked what they decided on for garbage cans. Ken stated they decided on 2 of the decorative ones and 4 of the less expensive ones. Rod thanked Ken and his staff on behalf of the Park Commissioners. Rod also thanked all of his fellow Park Commissioners for volunteering their time. For the Good of the Order Rod thanked Ken and his staff on behalf of the Park Commissioners. Rod also thanked all of his fellow Park Commissioners for volunteering their time. Ken wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. Adjournment The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be January 10, 2018. The meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.