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
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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
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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.