HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 01-10-18.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
January 10, 2018
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Matt Tweedy,
Josette Gonzales, Rosana Bravo, Stacy Hackenmueller, Brynn Kloster and Kay Funk, Yakima City Council
Liaison Absent and Excused: Roger Lewis Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager and
Jenise Sanders, Parks and Recreation Administrative Secretary
Call to Order
Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Chairman Rod Bryant called the
nd
meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima,
Washington.
Election of Parks and Recreation Commission Officers
Ken stated that it is time to nominate and elect the Chair and Vice Chair for this committee, as we do every
year. Rod Bryant opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair. Stacy Hackenmueller nominated Paul
Williams to remain Vice Chair. Paul accepted the nomination. Brynn Kloster seconded the nomination.
The motion carried unanimously. Rod opened the floor for nominations for Chair. Matt Tweedy nominated
Rod Bryant to remain Chair. Paul Williams seconded the nomination. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from December 13, 2017
It was Moved by Paul Williams, Seconded by Josette Gonzales, to approve the Minutes as written
from the December 13, 2017 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried
unanimously.
Welcome New Park Commissioner – City Council Liaison, Kay Funk
Ken welcomed City Council Liaison, Kay Funk as the newest addition to the Parks and Recreation
Commission. Kay is replacing Dulce Gutierrez as City Council Liaison for Park Commission. Kay
represents District 4 on the City Council. Ken stated that new Park Commissioners usually get taken for a
park tour and that he would like to do the same for her in the near future. Rod welcomed Kay and thanked
her for joining the Park Commission.
Naming of a Park Facility – Ed Putnam Discussion
Ken reminded the Park Commissioners about the letter that had been received requesting that a park
and/or park facility be named after a previous Park Superintendent, E.V. Putnam. He was the first full time
Parks and Recreation Superintendent for about 18 years from the mid 40’s to the mid 60’s. During his time
as Superintendent, he was part of the creation of some additional parks within the City of Yakima. The
letter of request was brought to Park Commission by Mr. Putnam’s daughter, Marilee Brothers, whom was
present and spoke on behalf of the request at last month’s meeting. Ken reiterated that the naming of a
park or facility is not something that is taken lightly. He reminded them of the list of criteria that has
previously been set by City Council. Matt questioned where this would fall under the list of criteria. He
stated that it could possibly be considered Civic Service, but as a Park employee, it is their duty to increase
and improve the park system. He asked where the line would be drawn for naming parks after City
employees that were paid to do their job. He commented that Mr. Putnam’s contribution to the City’s Parks
Department is noteworthy, but struggles with the fact that it was his job. Kay stated that she has read
about this in the minutes and also the newspaper articles. She agreed that many people would like to have
parks named after them, but also said “as an employee, your thanks is in your paycheck.” She continued
that even if there has been a precedent set with naming parks after individuals that have contributed
something that is not an entitlement. Kay stated that if there was a strong feeling or a strong divided
feeling on this subject, she believes the only way to know how the community feels about it would be to put
it on the ballot for a vote of the people. Matt pointed out that the resolution for the criteria was signed in
2005 and Kissel Park was named well before 2005. Jenise Sanders stated that the Chesterley Park
property was originally Kissel Park and was changed and developed into Chesterley upon the death of long
time Park Commissioner John Chesterley. Kissel Park was developed later in 2003 – 2004. Jo Miles
stated that the reason Emil Kissel has a park named after him was probably because he passed in a tragic
boating accident along with his wife and daughter. He was employed as the Park Superintendent at the
time of his death in 1974. Jo also stated that the other eleven parks that have been named for Yakima
citizens were because they contributed a substantial amount of land or money to develop the park. He
continued that there are three named for volunteers, including Park Commissioners. Jo stated that Kissel
is the only Yakima park named for an employee. He thanked the Yakima Herald and Mr. Putnam’s family
for bringing this to the commission’s attention and reminding everyone of all the great things that Ed did for
the community. He further commented that the Parks Directors after him were able to continue his good
work by building new parks and improving the existing ones. He stated that he feels that Ed really set the
standard for those that came after him. Jo stated that when he read Ed Putnam’s obituary, he found that
one of his proudest accomplishments was Fisher Park Golf Course. He recommended improving the
already existing plaque that is at Fisher Park Golf Course commemorating Mr. Putnam. He suggested
establishing a budget to elevate and reset the plaque showing his name, position and years served, from
ground level to a more visible location. Stacy Hackenmueller agreed with Jo’s recommendation. Matt
agreed and stated maybe the plaque could be put on a stone on the way to the clubhouse. Ken suggested
dedicating Fisher Park Golf Course to Mr. E.V. Putnam in the same way that Lions Pool is dedicated to Mer
and Betty Edmondson and making the memorial more prominent. Matt suggested incorporating the family
in the design and planning of the memorial. Jo and Kay both agreed. Matt commented that the next step
would be for Ken to work on the design, cost and funding source. Ken stated that the cast aluminum
plaque going in at Lions Pool is approximately $500 and is being paid for by the Edmondson family. Rod
suggested that it be eye level. He stated that he feels there is a consensus of this commission to move
forward with coming up with a design and costs for the project. Ken stated that it would need to go before
City Council if a recommendation is made by Park Commission. Rod clarified that the Parks and
Recreation Commission is only a recommending body, not able to make the decision. Ken stated that he
will bring some possible examples to next month’s meeting.
Community Swimming Pool Ad Hoc Committee Report
Ken advised that the packets include the Community Swimming Pool Ad Hoc Committee Report. He
reminded the Commissioners that City Council requested that the committee be formed after he presented
to them at the Study Session in May 2017. Ken stated there were three Park Commissioners; Josette,
Matt and Stacy, three City Council members; Avina Gutierrez, Dulce Gutierrez and Holly Cousens, along
with community members; Joe Mann, Erika Deleon and Alma Rabadan on the committee. Ken advised
that one of the things they did was create a Purpose Statement. He stated that he also presented multiple
PowerPoint presentations to help aid in the conversation. He reported that they discussed location,
amenities, and programs and classes that could be offered. He stated that it was a bit difficult to come up
with a basic design without having a budget. Ken advised that they used the information that they have
from Franklin Pool for these possible pool locations as it will be about the same amount of water. Ken
advised that they narrowed it down to three possible locations; the Mill Site property, the Speedway
property and MLK Jr. Park. He stated that after much discussion, the committee settled on recommending
the Speedway property or MLK Jr. Park to City Council. Ken commented that there was a development
group proposing to buy the Speedway property and the City’s involvement with that group needs to be
discussed. He stated there may be an opportunity to go to that group and asked for a portion of the
property to be donated for a pool. He also commented there was discussion regarding the possible
expansion of MLK Jr. Park in the future. He stated that building a pool at MLK Jr. would limit the amount of
green space there. Ken stated the committee did speak briefly about the funding options for the facility, but
that is not part of the recommendation to City Council. Ken thanked the committee members for giving
their time to be a part of the committee. Ken stated that this report has been submitted to the Public Works
Director, Scott Schafer for his review and then it will move on to the City Manager and Assistant City
Manager for their review. Matt asked Ken if he had already done his presentation to City Council. Ken
stated he has not and he is not even sure if there will be a presentation or if it will be just a shared
informational item. Discussion followed. Kay stated there is some anxiety regarding the current fiscal
commitments for the Downtown Plaza and the YMCA. She commented that the YMCA is looking to have
their pool operational by 2019, so once that happens then there may be some resources for this project.
Matt stated that he felt everyone on the committee knew there was no funding source for this, but just a
starting point for something in the future. Discussion followed. Ken advised that if this does move forward,
a consultant will need to be brought in to design the pool.
Harman Center Trips and Tours - 2018
Ken introduced Leslie Richards, Recreation Program Supervisor to speak about the upcoming events,
programs, and Trips and Tours at the Harman Center. Leslie handed out newsletters and Trips and Tours
books. She stated they have some amazing programs at the Center as well as the trips and tours. They
will be doing the Tree Lighting trip to Leavenworth, the Flower and Garden show in Seattle, Costa Rica,
Thailand and Lincoln City. Leslie reported that they are trying out some new programming at the Center.
They have started a writing club and Mai Jong group, added an extra tai chi class, continuing the arts and
crafts class, cards, and dance class. Ken commented that Lori Schatz is the Trip and Tours Coordinator at
the Harman Center and does a great job. Stacy asked what the minimum age is to go on these trips.
Leslie stated that the focus is on seniors but there are family friendly events throughout the year.
Discussion followed regarding the great services that the Harman Center provides. Leslie stated that the
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Spaghetti Feed is on the 27 of March.
Manager’s Report
Ken advised that their packets include the final 2017 – 2022 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.
He stated it has been sent to the State Recreation Conservation Office and it has been accepted. He
advised the Bike and Pedestrian Plan will be sent as an addendum to this. It is from the Planning Division
and a different plan but it does go hand in hand with our plan. Ken commented how very important the
statistical data in this plan is. Ken stated that we are starting to work on the plans moving forward on the
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44 Ave. parking lot. The parking lot is currently closed as trees are being removed to begin demolition of
the parking lot in early spring and as soon as the asphalt plants open the Streets Division will be paving.
Ken reported that the pond is filled back up to the planned level. The walkways will be redone later this
spring or early summer. He advised that we were able to get an extension from RCO. The original
completion date was June 2018 but we were able to extend it to September. He stated that we will have a
celebration for all those that have been a part of this project from the beginning. Paul asked if the existing
walkways will be removed entirely and replaced or just repaired. Ken advised that he will be meeting
onsite with the Streets Division to discuss that. Rod asked if the signs to not harass the ducks were ever
put in. Ken advised they had.
For the Good of the Order
Matt asked what the Parks Division’s obligation is at SOZO. Ken stated that we do not have any obligation
for SOZO. Matt asked if the RCO conversion is done. Ken stated that he believes that the conversion is
close to being done, but not sure as Scott Schafer, Director of Public Works has done most of the work on
that. Matt asked if construction for the YMCA can begin if the conversion is not complete. Ken advised he
does not believe so, but does think that the conversion is very close to completion. Matt asked if we will be
able to get any more than the $100,000 for Parks Capital. Ken stated no. Ken stated it will probably just
be a few smaller projects this year. Keith Farnum spoke regarding the E.V. Putnam discussion. He stated
that he liked the idea of putting this to a vote of the people. He stated that the original plaque at Fisher
Park Golf Course was dug up during the renovation to the parking lot. He stated that it was then replaced
in the ground near the tee box of hole #1. Keith commented that he liked the idea of elevating the plaque.
He stated he did not understand Matt’s theory of not naming something after an employee.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be February 14, 2018. The meeting adjourned at
6:26 p.m.