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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 10-10-18.docx Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes for October 10, 2018 Commissioners Present: Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Rosana Bravo, Stacy Hackenmueller, Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey and Kay Funk, Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and Excused: Chairman Rod Bryant, Matt Tweedy, Roger Lewis, Brynn Kloster 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, Vice Chairman Paul Williams called nd the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima, Washington. Approval of the Meeting Minutes from September 12, 2018 It was Moved by Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey, Seconded by Stacy Hackenmueller, to approve the Minutes as written from the September 12, 2018 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Franklin Swimming Pool – 2018 Summer Statistics Ken shared some statistics for this season at Franklin swimming pool. He reported lap swim and water walking at 3,190, instruction and exercise at 1,680, recreation swim at 38,320, 23 pool rentals for 1,422, bringing the total attendance for Franklin to 44,612. Franklin Pool is open for a season of 10 weeks. This summer’s numbers are similar to years past. He advised the capacity of Franklin has been decreased from 500 to 400 this year for comfort and safety of the patrons. He reminded them that they had previously extended the fences to include the grass area. Ken reported that the revenue for Franklin pool was $91,028.40; admissions $67,491.65, rentals $3,776.98 and concessions $19,759.77. Paws in the Pool brought 126 dogs and 212 people. Kay Funk requested the figures for operation and maintenance costs for Franklin. Ken stated that he will get that information, revenue does not cover all of the operations cost. Discussion followed. Ken advised that we partnered with Yakima Transit for the bus rides to the pool program again and he will get those statistics for the next meeting. He stated there were no major mechanical failures this summer. Joshua asked how the new YMCA pool will affect Franklin. Ken advised that there is a big difference between indoor and outdoor pools and their programming. Kay stated that we also do not know what the YMCA’s fees will be. Randall Park Improvement Project Update Ken advised this is the last time this will be on the agenda, except when we play the ribbon cutting ceremony sometime in the spring. All of the major components of the project are finished. There are just a few small items that need to be completed. He stated we will begin renting the picnic shelters in 2019 now that all of the parking lot construction is done. Ken thanked Park Maintenance staff, Joe Rosenlund and his Streets crew and Scott Schafer, Director of Public Works for all of his support. Jenise will be submitting the final request for reimbursement to RCO for the grant. He advised that the entrance signs are in and just need to be installed and we have to order some benches. Putnam Memorial for Fisher Park Golf Course Ken reminded them of the request that came from the Putnam family to recognize their father, Ed Putnam, Park Superintendent. Ken advised that the basalt pillar was set by golf course and park maintenance staff last Wednesday. He state that the wording was approved by the family and it has been placed between the parking lot and the starter house. Ken advised that the family has agreed to pay for this. He stated we have not received the total bill but estimated it will be approximately $1000. The rock is from Herke Rock and Walt from Bear Creek Designs did the engraving. Landscaping around the rock will be done in the spring. Manager’s Report Ken advised that their packet includes the 5-year financial plan that was given to City Council a couple of weeks ago. Ken advised that City Council had their first budget meeting yesterday. He stated that the City is once again faced with budget concerns, shortfall deficits. One of the discussions was the potential closure of Lions Pool. It is an expensive facility to operate and Department Heads and Division Managers were asked to come up with ways to balance the budget. Ken reported that the City Council’s motion was to approach the Yakima School District on the possibility of them taking over the operation of Lions Pool and tennis courts. The tennis courts and parking lot are owned by the City of Yakima and used by the School District. There are a couple of new positions in the budget, one 9 month Park Maintenance Worker and one part-time Recreation Leader for the Beyond the Bell / Summer Playground program. Currently the charter only allows temporary employees to work 866 hours per calendar year. The new Recreation Leader position would be replacing two temporary staff. Discussion followed. Ken commented that the new Park Maintenance employee could help with the Tahoma Cemetery. He stated that this will also help th with other things around that City that Parks maintains like the 10 St. Roundabout. Jo Miles stated that he would like this Commission to come together and voice their support for the two new positions. He stated that he would like them to object to Lions Pool proposal as it is a time honored asset of the City. He stated that the new YMCA is fashioned after the concept of the Boise YMCA. He stated that he called the Boise YMCA and asked what the admission fee is for the general public and it is more than double what Lions pool’s fees are. Stacy agreed that having a full time staff for the youth programs is important. Discussion followed. Paul Williams stated that the Park Maintenance position is extremely important also. Discussion followed. Kay shared that the City was given $150,000, the Governor’s Proviso money to help with gang and crime prevention. The purpose of this funding is to grow healthy youth activities. She asked the Commission if they would like to recommend finding someone to write a grant to help build the Beyond the Bell program. Kay commented on possibly amending the Streets and Parks Capital charter and the temporary staff 866 charter. Discussion followed. Jo volunteered to be on a committee to advocate for the charter amendments. Stacy stated she would need more information about these City Charters. Kay requested that these be future agenda items. Ken stated that he understood the City would hire a consultant to write grants for the youth programs. Kay requested that the Park Commission get behind finding a grant writer to enhance our Beyond the Bell program. Ken advised he will be in contact with Assistant City Manager, Ana Cortez-Steiner. Kay commented that they really don’t want to close Lions Pool but the budget is very distressed. Jo stated that it was not Lion’s Pool that caused the budget deficit. Discussion followed. Paul Williams stated that Lions Pool serves all ages, all economic status and would be a disservice to the community if it were taken away. He stated that Lion’s offers many programs and classes that are not available anywhere else. Jo stated that Parks and Recreation staff are the experts and it does not make sense to have anybody else running the pool. Ken advised that there is another budget study session tomorrow night and he will be presenting the proposed 2019 fee increases for discussion. The final budget does not get approved until the first City Council meeting in December. Jo reaffirmed that this Commissions consensus is that they are in favor of two new positions and are reluctant to the closing of Lions Pool. Ken advised that their packets include the Harman Center Newsletter. He stated that Leslie Richards, Recreation Program Supervisor has increased programming at the Center by about 30% in just over one year. Ken stated that there is a group of volunteers looking to raise funds for the dog park. There will be a donate button on the City’s website for people to donate. For the Good of the Order Kay commended the Parks and Recreation staff for all they do. Adjournment The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be November 14, 2018. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.