HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 12-12-18.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
December 12, 2018
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Matt Tweedy,
Rosana Bravo, Stacy Hackenmueller, Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey and Kay Funk, Yakima City Council Liaison
Absent and Excused: Roger Lewis and 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, Chairman Rod Bryant called the
nd
meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima,
Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes from November 14, 2018
It was Moved by Rosana Bravo, Seconded by Matt Tweedy, to approve the Minutes as written from
the November 14, 2018 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Community Pool Feasibility Study Update
Ken stated that they are continuing to move forward on the Martin Luther King Jr. Park community
swimming pool study. The Feasibility Study proposal from Counsilman-Hunsaker was approved at the City
Council meeting on December 4, 2018. The Council authorized REET funds to pay for the cost of the
study. The agreement is for three schematic designs at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. They will also provide
estimated costs for construction and operation. The cost for the Feasibility Study is not to exceed $35,000.
The agreement will go to City Council on January 15, 2019 for them to authorize the agreement with
Counsilman-Hunsaker to perform the Feasibility Study. Ken advised that Counsilman-Hunsaker will have
120 days to complete the study and produce the concept drawing that can be shared with City Council,
Park Commission, potential donors, grant boards and the community. Ken commented that community
involvement will be very important moving forward. Matt Tweedy questioned the fact that City Council was
just discussing budgetary issues and possibly closing Lions Pool and now they are looking at spending
$35,000 for this study. Kay Funk advised that the Plaza being voted down freed up some REET money
that can be spent on this project. She stated that they are looking at bundling this project with the
Washington Fruit and Henry Beauchamp Community Center capital improvements projects. Discussion
followed. Stacy asked if improvements to the current pool facilities could be made to make them more
efficient. Ken advised that there could be some cost savings with pool modernizations. Newer designs
take into consideration the number of staff needed for safety which in turn reduces salary costs. Kay
discussed a possible levy lid lift to help with operation costs for the new facility. Discussion followed.
2019 Approved Parks and Recreation Fees Review
Ken advised that the approved Parks and Recreation fee schedule is in their packets for their review. He
stated that the fee increases are very modest. He reported that at City Council’s direction fees for kids
programs stayed the same or were slightly reduced. He commented that adding the non-resident fee in
some cases will help generate revenue. These are for those that do not live in the city limits and do not
pay property taxes within the City; therefore they will pay a higher fee. Discussion followed. The new fees
will be posted on the website. Joshua Korevaar-Dorsey inquired about the cost increase for swim teams.
Ken stated that it was increased significantly. The directive of City Council was that swim meets and
practices are of similar costs as private pool rentals. Ken stated that he will be sending a notice to the
school districts making them aware of the cost increase. Matt asked how much revenue is generated from
the $2.00 youth swim fee and how much effect it would have if there was not at all. Ken advised that it
helps offset the costs and there would be a definite impact. Matt stated that we could possibly make up for
it somewhere else. Discussion followed.
Franklin & Lions Pools – Design Services for Modernization Discussion
Ken advised that City Council requested a capital needs assessment for Lions and Franklin pool. He
stated that information was given and Council decided to go in a more modernization direction for each
facility rather than maintaining the current facilities. Ken stated that back in 2013 they met with KDF (now
KDA) Architecture about modernization of Lions Pool. They created a proposal back then which is now
outdated but is a good starting point. City Council has budgeted $40,000 from REET funds for each of
facility studies. Ken advised that once the schematic designs are finished, that’s when they can be shown
to grant boards and potential donors. Ken commented that he will be meeting with Scott Schafer, Director
of Public Works and Park and Recreation staff to discuss the scope of work for the proposals. Joshua
asked about the time frame for modernization of a pool. Ken stated that an aggressive bare minimum from
start to finish would be 18 months. Kay commented that Lions Pool is problematic due to the age and the
shared operating costs with the YMCA. Discussion followed. Ken stated that we need to look at making
more recreational opportunities not less. Jo Miles commented that there are at least 20 municipal pools in
the State of Washington that are older than Lions Pool. He stated that Lions Pool was completely
remodeled into an indoor facility in 1986. Discussion followed regarding the need for more pools. Jo
inquired about the schools not being able to use the YMCA pool. Ken advised that he will double check
that information, but that is his understanding also. Matt commented that he does not understand why we
would close a 12 month pool on the eastside of Yakima and build a new 3 month pool on the eastside.
Paul Williams stated that we are still unsure of what the cost is going to be to swim at the YMCA and if a
membership is going to be required. He stated that Lions Pool is a benefit for youth, adults and senior
citizens, not to mention all those that take swim lessons there. He commented that the YMCA may price
out many community members and the City needs to have other options. Joshua stated that he has been
to many indoor pool facilities in the state while on the High School swim team and he believes that Lions
Pool is one of the nicest even without the modernization. Discussion followed.
Manager’s Report
Ken reported that the Lions Pool memo from Sara Watkins, City Attorney is in their packet. The operating
expenses and revenue report for 2018 is also in their packets. Ken advised that the Eagle Scout project for
the fence on the east side of Randall Park was completed by Hayden Tweedy. Ken wished everyone
Happy Holidays.
For the Good of the Order
Nothing to report.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be January 9, 2019. The meeting adjourned at
6:28 p.m.