HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 05-10-17.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
May 10, 2017
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Jo Miles, Tom Hinman, Rosana Bravo, Josette Gonzales
and Stacy Hackenmueller Absent and Excused: Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Roger Lewis, Matt Tweedy,
and Dulce Gutierréz, Yakima City Council Liaison
Staff present: Scott Shafer, Director of Public Works, Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager and
Jenise Sanders, Administrative Secretary for Parks & Recreation
Call to Order
Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Chairman Rod Bryant called the
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meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima,
Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes of April 12, 2017. It was Moved by Josette Gonzales, Seconded by
Stacy Hackenmueller, to approve the Minutes as written from the April 12, 2017 Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Historic Tours of Tahoma Cemetery Discussion – Ellen Allmendinger
Ken advised that Parks and Recreation staff had been contacted by Ellen Allmendinger to find out if there
would be any interest in historic tours of Tahoma Cemetery. He stated a meeting was set up to see what
Ellen had envisioned. Ken said that Ellen has a tremendous amount of knowledge and already conducts
five different downtown tours. He commented that he just wanted to make sure that the tours would not be
disrespectful or any way involved with the paranormal. The meeting confirmed that they would be about
the history of the cemetery and the people buried there. Ken stated that Parks and Recreation would
oversee the tours. Ken introduced Ellen Allmendinger to speak about the proposed tours. Ellen advised
that she does provide the tours in downtown Yakima. She stated she is a history buff. Over 1,200 people
have been on the downtown tours since they began and she has had requests for a cemetery tour. She
said that cemeteries tell stories about the area. Ellen gave a couple of examples of the history behind
some of the people that are buried in Tahoma Cemetery. She advised the tours would be free and that
those interested in taking the tour would need to make a reservation. She stated that it is difficult to
conduct the tours if the groups are too large. Discussion followed regarding the possible times and days of
the week that the tours would take place. Ken stated that he would like to get the approval for two dates
per month during June, July and August for now to see how they are received. Tom Hinman stated that
he thinks it is a great idea. Josette agreed and moved to approve the tours at Tahoma Cemetery, Jo
seconded, motion passed unanimously.
Eastside Pool Information for Study Session Presention
Ken advised there has been a discussion about the possibility of an eastside pool for quite some time. He
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stated he has been gathering information for the upcoming City Council Study Session on May 30 at
10:00 am at City Hall. He said it has been requested that a spokesperson from Park Commission be
present at the Study Session and speak on this matter. Jason Zeller will be there to answer general
questions. Ken advised that Scott Shafer, Director of Public Works, who was present, will also be
attending the Study Session. Ken stated he will be presenting the Power Point and then looking for some
feedback from them. Rod commented that the basketball courts were built over the old swimming pool at
Miller Park. Stacy Hackenmueller asked about generating revenue through swim competitions or
tournaments. Ken stated that local swim teams don’t always have a lot of money and like to use the facility
at little or no cost. He advised that you can charge a gate fee but then you have to have an area for
spectators to view. Looking at all the options is something that needs to be discussed at a citizen’s
advisory committee. Stacy commented that it sounds like bringing in tournaments or competition
swimming would take much more infrastructure and staffing. Ken stated that he is a huge proponent of
everyone knowing how to swim. There needs to be an area for swim lessons and it needs to be deep
enough to teach kids and adults how to swim. Stacy asked if it is easy to recruit for adult swim lessons.
Ken advised it is not. He stated there are adults that want to learn how to swim and teaching them how to
swim is extremely rewarding. Ken listed some other considerations; Franklin Pool’s number of years of
operation and cost of renovation, citizens requesting a spray park on the westside, and Lions Pool
renovations planned within the next few years. Ken requested questions or feedback. Josette Gonzales
stated that she loves the idea of a new pool but wants to know if this is something already in the budget or
will the funds needs to be raised. Ken stated it is not in the budget. Josette wanted to know the timeline
for this project. Ken stated that a funding source will need to be identified and then from the community
involvement process to opening the doors of a new facility would conservatively be 3 years minimum. Ken
stated the bare minimum of design, build, open would be 18 months. 2019 is realistically the earliest
budget cycle for this project. Josette stated that she thought the Doug Russell aquatic center or something
similar to that would be a good fit for Yakima. She asked if we are looking at trying to fit just our community
needs or bring out of town visitors also. She stated that the park locations would be great for just a
community pool but if we are looking at bringing in out of town visitors and possibly getting a return on our
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investment we should look at one of the other properties like 16 Ave. or the Speedway. She has some
concerns about the safety and health issues with the Mill Site, Central Pre-mix and wastewater properties.
Stacy stated that the Sun Valley aquatic center was the most attractive to her due to the fact that she felt
there were a lot of amenities without the huge cost. Discussion followed. Stacy stated that location is her
main concern and would probably say MLK Jr. Park or the Speedway because of the area it would be
serving. She stated that she does not want to lose park space for the pool. Stacy commented that there
are a lot of parks on the eastside of town but they are all pretty small so it would be nice to add a big
property like the Speedway for the pool. Stacy asked if we purchased the Speedway property, would it be
all of it or just a portion of it. Ken advised that he understands that it is for sale as one property because
until it sells, it is still generating revenue as the Speedway. Josette asked if Parks staff has asked Moses
Lake about the way they operate. Ken advised that they have actually taken a trip to visit Moses Lake in
the past. Discussion followed. Rod asked how far the Speedway is from Kiwanis. Ken stated it is not far
at all, just south of the skating rink which is just across the street from Kiwanis. Discussion followed about
it being within walking distance. Rod stated that this has been discussed for years and that the funding
source needs to be worked out. Ken stated that the citizen’s advisory committee needs to be formed. Rod
inquired about a previous advisory committee. Jo stated that he thinks a new committee should be
considered for the outdoor aquatic center. He stated that this project will be quite expensive and most
likely a general obligation bond issue would be needed to fund it, which means people would need to vote
to increase their property taxes. Jo suggested that the project proposal include the main facility on the
eastside, Franklin gets the upgrades and new slide that it needs and also the spray park on the westside,
like West Valley Community Park. This way the whole community would be getting something and would
be more likely to vote for the tax increase. He stated that people are still angry that the pools were
removed. Discussion followed. Stacy stated that there may be a trust issue regarding the bond and make
sure that the public is very clear about what the funds will be used for. Jo nominated Stacy to speak at the
City Council Study Session on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Stacy accepted and said
she will be available to do that. Jo stated he will also be there and Rod stated he will also try and make it.
2017-2022 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update
Ken stated Parks staff is still working on the Comprehensive Plan. Ken advised much of the information
has been compiled and a draft will hopefully be available for their review soon.
Randall Park Improvement Update
Ken reported the bid for the pond improvements came back high. He met with Engineering and they
reconfigured a bit and that is going back out for bid along with the west parking lot and the bridge. Rod
asked what caused the high bid. Ken stated that the disposal of the material being removed to make the
pond deeper.
Manager’s Report
Ken showed the picture of the new playground at Cherry Park. He thanked Together Church and the 50
volunteers who helped throughout the day to help build it. He also thanked John and Chris from Play
Creations and the Park Maintenance staff that also helped. Ken advised that the playground at Chesterley
Park was completed last Saturday with the help of SW Rotary. Ken thanked President Tom Sparling, Wes
Morris and all of the SW Rotary volunteers for all their hard work. Ken stated Park staff is working on
getting the new restroom in at Gardner Park. Ken sadly reported the passing of long time Park
Commissioner Mike Nixon. He served as Park Commissioner for over 30 years and was a great advocate
for the Parks and Pools. Ken thanked him and his family. Ken also thanked Tom Hinman for his years of
service on the Parks and Recreation Commission. His term is up and he has decided not to apply for
reappointment.
For the Good of the Order
Rod asked how the Tahoma Cemetery tours will be advertised. Ken stated that we will try and get the
word out in as many avenues as possible; social media, summer program guide, Facebook and the
newspaper will be doing an article regarding the tours. Ken advised that registration will be done through
our website. Rod thanked Ellen. Rod advised there will be no scheduled meeting in June as the Park
Commissioners will be taking their annual Park Tour.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission Park Tour will be June 14, 2017. The meeting adjourned at
6:54 p.m.