HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 05-09-18.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
May 9, 2018
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Matt Tweedy,
Stacy Hackenmueller, Brynn Kloster and Kay Funk, Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and Excused:
Roger Lewis, Rosana Bravo, and Josette Gonzales 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 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima,
Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from March 14, 2018
It was Moved by Paul Williams, Seconded by Jo Miles, to approve the Minutes as written from the
March 14, 2018 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Yakima National Little League – 2017 Annual Report – Paul Williams
Ken reported that the City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Division and Yakima National Little League
have been partners for many years. As part of the agreement with the City, YNLL is to give an annual
report. Park Commissioner, Paul Williams is also the current President of YNLL and presented the 2017
Annual Report. He highlighted a grant received from Bob Hall Auto to renovate the batting cages. Paul
stated that there is always a significant graffiti and homeless issue at Elks Park. He stated that the YNLL
volunteers have been making an effort to go to the park throughout the day and that has helped reduce the
amount of vandalism and homeless hanging out in the park. Paul thanked Yakima Parks and Recreation
for the great partnership. He also thanked the City of Yakima Police Department for taking care of issues
as they arise. And last but not least, he thanked all of the YNLL board members and volunteers.
Randall Park Improvements Project Update
Ken advised there are lots of things going on at Randall Park. He started off by thanking Joe Rosenlund,
Dan Bigby and Jay Kendall in the City Streets Division for all they have done with the renovation at Randall
Park. He reported that all of the old asphalt walkway asphalt has been removed and they are putting down
gravel today. It is possible that there may be new asphalt pathways starting tomorrow. Ken stated that
they did have some challenges moving the walkway away from the trees. In doing so, they hope to reduce
th
the amount of damage done by the roots to the new walkway. All of the old asphalt from the 44 Ave.
parking lot has been removed. During the removal of the parking lot the old sewer pipe was crushed.
There will now be a new irrigation and sewer line under the new parking lot. They are hoping to start the
curbing for the parking lot and the electrical for the parking lot lights the first part of June with completion of
the parking lot soon after that. A tentative Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is being planned for
some time around Labor Day. This has been a five year project, beginning in 2013 and will be completed
by the extended deadline given by RCO in September of 2018. Matt Tweedy commented that he
appreciates, as a taxpayer, that City Divisions work together to get projects like this completed in financially
efficient manner.
MLK Jr. Park Community Pool Update
Ken gave an update on the community swimming pool discussion. After the report was given to City
Council from the Ad Hoc Committee there were some directions to move forward with getting the cost for
having a feasibility study done with the perimeters given. MLK Jr. Park was decided as the site for a
swimming pool if they decide to go forward with it. Ken contacted the consultant and they put together the
feasibility study. Ken stated he asked for three schematic designs on that site. He also asked for what it
would cost to construct and operate. The proposal from Counsilman-Hunsaker came back with fee not to
exceed $35,000. Ken advised this has not gone back to City Council, but will be ready when they request
the information. Discussion followed. Kay stated that City Council approved a plan last week that will allow
the YMCA project to move forward. She stated that the YMCA pool will not be just for their members but
will also be opened to the public. She stated it will have a large impact on the City’s budget and Parks
budget but once that gets sorted out there will be room for other projects to come along. Jo asked if the
contract update was to take more money upfront and out of the cost to operate and what those costs were.
Kay stated that to the best of her recollection, the original upfront cost was $4.5 million and 50% operation
costs for 10 years and will now be $8 million upfront and no operation costs over 10 years. Matt asked if
the restructure of the agreement will give Parks more money from the voter approved $750,000. Ken
advised he would need to check with finance on that. Ken explained that the voter approved money was
no additional tax, it was just a designation of the General Fund money be allocated to Parks and
Recreation for capital projects. Discussion followed.
Manager’s Report
Ken reported that he and Jenise took a trip to Herke Rock to look for rocks that may work for the Putnam
Memorial. He also spoke with Walt from Bear Creek Design and believes that the memorial for E.V.
Putnam placed at Fisher will be about $950. He stated he gave that information to the Putnam family just
today and does not have a response back yet on how they want to move forward. The Edmondson
dedication plaque has been placed at Lions Pool. Three new park signs have gone up around the City;
Miller, McGuinness and Cherry Parks. Josette Gonzales’ term is up and she is no longer able to be a
Youth Commissioner. Jenise submitted two grants to Legends Casino for a playground at Lions Park and
the property adjacent to Cherry Park. Discussion followed regarding the property near Cherry Park.
For the Good of the Order
Rod asked about the Blue Zone Project. Stacy gave a brief update about the meetings that were held.
Kay stated that at the strategic planning session about a month ago, the City Council identified afterschool
programs as a strategic priority. She stated that it is her priority to get some networking and foundation
building together. She stated that the City will be getting $150,000 from the State in the summer of 2019
that is earmarked for Gang Crime Prevention. They are working on the map based website to show where
the youth programs are within the City. They are also working with other organizations throughout the City
to show the number of youth served. Discussion followed. Matt asked about the progress on the Kissel
tennis courts. Ken advised that Park Maintenance will get to it as soon as they are able to. Matt also
commented that the courts at Franklin are in very bad condition. Jo commented that redoing the courts
would be considered a capital improvement. Discussion followed. Brynn Kloster advised there is going to
be a dedication ceremony at the softball field at Ike for Carol Finney, Friday at 5:00 pm. Rod stated there
will not be a meeting in June, they will be taking the Park Tour.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be July 11, 2018. The meeting adjourned at 6:37
p.m.