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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 th 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 th 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.