HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 09-13-17.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
September 13, 2017
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Roger Lewis, Matt
Tweedy, Josette Gonzales, Rosana Bravo, Stacy Hackenmueller, Brynn Kloster and Dulce Gutierréz,
Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and Excused: Staff present: 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 from July 12, 2017. It was Moved by Jo Miles, Seconded by Paul
Williams, to approve the Minutes as written from the July 12, 2017 Parks and Recreation
Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
$50K for Kids - Update
Ken reminded the commissioners that City Council had allocated $50,000 for additional summer programs
for kids. Ken advised that those programs have concluded and the Parks programs were very successful.
He stated he has not received much information on the programs at the Washington Fruit Community
Center and the Henry Beauchamp Community Center. Ken advised there will be a formal report going to
City Council possibly in October. Ken praised the Recreation Staff of Tami Andringa, Kim Lopez and Juan
Arias for being able to increase the Summer Playground Programs at both Kissel and Miller Parks in a
matter of days. The Kissel Park program increased from 100 to 130 participants by hiring two additional
staff. The Miller Park program participation increased from 45 to 75. Ken reported the total number of
contact hours or the number of hours that kids were in our programs, was 45,990 for Kissel and 6,725 for
Miller. Ken stated that Kissel’s hours were up 9,030 from 2016. This was the first year for the Miller Park
program. Ken stated he spoke with Joe Willis, Director of YPAL at the Washington Fruit Community
Center, and he is working on his report. Rod Bryant asked if there were days the program had to be
cancelled due to heat or smoke. Ken stated he believes there were only a couple of days cancelled at
Kissel due to the heat. The Miller Park program did not have any because they were able to go inside the
Washington Fruit Community Center.
Parks & Recreation 2017 Revenue Accounts
Ken stated at the last meeting someone asked where the money comes from for the revenue accounts.
Ken advised their packets include a spreadsheet of Parks and Recreation revenue accounts. Ken reported
that the spreadsheet includes the 2015 actual, 2016 actual and 2017 budgeted revenue amounts. He
informed them that the Transfer In is the in-lieu tax which comes from utility bills. There is also property tax
and funds received through fees from our programs and facility rentals. He stated that the breakdown is
about ½ of Parks total revenue is property taxes, ¼ is in-lieu taxes and the remaining ¼ is fees from
programs facility rentals. Jo Miles asked why the property tax revenue has gone down over the last two
years since new construction is increasing. Ken stated he would need to speak with finance about that.
Matt Tweedy stated that a lot of assessments are dynamic and move up and down with the market. Some
the assessment could have been done 3-5 years ago during the down time and would expect them to
rebound soon. Ken returned to the spreadsheet and drew their attention to the line item for Senior Center
Trips. He advised that this is an in and out account, which means that the revenue side has a matching
expense line item. If a trip is planned and for some reason does not go, there will be no revenue, but in
turn, there will be no expense for that trip either. Matt asked what the insurance reimbursement is. Ken
advised that since the City is self-insured, all divisions (on the expense side) contribute to the insurance
fund. The insurance reimbursement (on the revenue side) is what we received back out of that for things
like vandalism, dangerous trees, and risk management claims. Sometimes large claims will cause a
division to get more out of the account than they contributed. Matt asked if Parks is anticipating a large
claim this year since there was $155,000 budgeted. Ken stated that it is just an estimate or guess when
doing the budget. Jo asked if the revenue from Kiwanis concessions is all food and does the city run the
concessions. Ken advised that it is from food and that Parks and Recreation hires temporary employees to
work in the ballfield concessions. He also said that there are expenditures for the product and the
employee wages that go along with this revenue. Stacy Hackenmueller questioned what happened in
2016 to cause such a reduction in the revenue from 2015. Discussion followed regarding different possible
reasons. Matt asked if staff sees any of the items as potentially being increased. Ken stated that Parks is
looking at a possible fee increase right now and that will be discussed later in the meeting. Discussion
followed. Matt asked if Parks staff discussed the suggestion of raising the fees for out of town visitors.
Ken stated they had discussed that and are researching that by looking at what other facilities and cities
rates are. Discussion followed. Rod asked what the difference is between a rental at Lions and resale.
Ken stated that resale is something we purchase and resale to our customer and a rental is when they rent
the facility for a party or group. Dulce Gutierrez commented that Council is working on revisiting and
possibly renegotiating the contract with Perry Tech. regarding the maintenance of the field. She stated
they would like to see money being spent on a City owned park instead. Stacy asked if that was what
happened between 2015 and 2016, a new contract was negotiated. Dulce stated no, that the current
contract has been in place for many years. Ken stated that the contract has been in place with Perry Tech.
since the mid 1990s. He explained that Perry Tech has the field to the east of the school and at the time it
was undeveloped. He continued that Yakima Youth Soccer Association (YYSA) raised a tremendous
amount of money and gave it to the City to develop that property into soccer fields. The City now has an
agreement with YYSA for them to use the fields for their youth soccer leagues and a lease with Perry Tech.
for the City to maintain the fields. Dulce asked about the horseshoe area at Elks Park. She commented
that people do come in from out of town to play in tournaments. Ken stated that the Horseshoe Club has
disbanded and the State Tournament will no longer be held at Elks Park. There are 30 horseshoe pits and
there is a possibility that some of those pits will be removed. Dulce asked if he has an estimate of what the
cost will be to remove the pits. Ken stated he did not have that figure and that the revenue from those
being used was minimal. He commented that the economic impact from an event like this could be
greater. Ken advised that the Horseshoe Club donated their time and labor to put the pits in at Elks. Matt
asked what other parks have horseshoe pits. Ken advised there are some at West Valley and Milroy. Rod
asked if the pits being removed from Elks are going to be relocated to another park. Ken stated they are
not.
2017-2022 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Ken advised that each commissioner received a binder with a draft copy of the 2017-2022 Parks and
Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Ken thanked all the staff that helped to get this completed. Ken
explained that this document is what helps guide us for future improvements. It is also a great historical
document. He stated that they have already seen all of this information in small sections, as each one was
brought to previous Park Commission meetings for review and discussion. Ken advised that all the work
was done in-house by Parks staff and possibly saved the City about $30,000 by not using a consultant.
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Ken advised he will be taking this to City Council hopefully the 17 of October for the public hearing and
review by City Council. He stated to be eligible State RCO grants in the future this has to be approved by
City Council and then submitted to the State. Ken commented that it is very rewarding to look back and
see how much has been accomplished with the limited funds available and great partners. Discussion
followed. Paul stated that the Yakima Parks and Schools map does not have Elks listed, but does show
Ahtanum Youth Park, which is a Union Gap park. Ken advised that will be corrected. Ken stated that he
will be looking for approval of this plan at the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in October to
move forward with that at the Public Hearing at the City Council meeting. He advised it will be sent to the
State for their initial review and comments. Once all changes have been made the final will be submitted to
City Council for their approval.
Randall Park Improvement Update
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Ken stated that work is being done on both the 48 Ave. Parking Lot and the bridge to the nature area. He
advised the concrete bridge abutment is in. The curbing and rough grading is done on the parking lot. Ken
reported that they are planning to do the gravel and asphalt for the parking lot next week. In about one
month the parking lot should done and open for use. The bridge will take some extra time as material will
be needed in front and behind the bridge to make it ADA compliant. The walkways will be redone next
year. Ken thanked the Engineering and Streets Divisions for all the work they have done on these projects.
Ken complimented the talented people that work for the City. By being able to complete these kinds of jobs
they save the City money.
Community Swimming Pool Ad Hoc Committee Update
Ken advised the committee has met three times. Ken stated the committee consists of three Council
Members; Dulce Gutierrez, Avina Gutierrez and Holly Cousens, three Park Commissioners; Josette, Stacy
and Matt, three staff and three community members. He reported the committee has established a
purpose statement of what they are hoping to accomplish. He stated that one of the big challenges the
committee has is deciding on a location. That will be discussed at the next meeting. He said that good
conversations have been taking place and some issues have been brought up that they are working
through. Stacy asked if they should let the Park Commission know what the 2 or 3 possible locations are
that have been discussed and get their feedback. Ken stated that he would not like to do that just yet, as
the Ad Hoc Committee has more work to. Dulce shared the purpose statement from the Community
Swimming Pool Ad Hoc Committee: The purpose of the Community Swimming Pool Ad Hoc
Committee is to create a recommended proposal for City Council to consider regarding a pool in an
east Yakima location, funding options, programming, amenities, cost estimates, with maximum
opportunities for increased activities for (youth, families & seniors) our community
Matt added that the committee defined “east” as any property east of Front St.
Capital Projects 2018 Discussion
Ken advised that their packets include the Planned Capital Improvements list from the Comprehensive
Plan for 2017-2022. Ken stated that Parks staff has been meeting with Finance and are being told as of
right now, Parks has $350,000 budgeted for Capital Projects in 2018. He advised that the estimate to
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finish the Randall Park Improvements; 44 Ave. Parking Lot and the walkways, will be around $250,000
and are committed to doing that through the RCO grant. That leaves $100,000 for other capital
improvement projects. Ken advised that funds from the capital projects that were budgeted for this year
but not able to be completed can be carried over to next year. Examples of those projects are the Cherry
Park property and the Kiwanis/Gateway storage building. The Gardner playground will be purchased and
install within the next couple of months. Ken stated that $100,000 is not very much when you consider that
a restroom at MLK Jr. or Miller Parks will cost about $200,000 each, the cost of a playground is
approximately $100,000, picnic shelters are about $35,000. He said that staff have been discussing the
needs and feel that due to the feedback from the survey, a new playground at Lions Park is needed. Matt
stated that he thought the Randall Park improvements were coming from grant funds. Ken advised that
completing the Randall Park Improvements will cost more than that and some of it we will get back
because it is a 50/50 grant up to $500,000. Matt asked what the budget is for the Randall Park
Improvement Project. Ken advised it will be at least $1,100,000 with all the donations, in-kind labor and
grant funds. Matt asked if Parks is anticipating any other costs associated with Randall Park. Ken stated
that he is budgeting $150,000 for the parking lot and $100,000 for the walkways. Matt reiterated that
moving forward Parks can expect about $100,000 per year for capital projects. Ken stated that is what he
is thinking. He continued that the $350,000 that we are getting in 2018 will be going to repay debt for the
YCMA in the future. Matt commented that it seems that $100,000 for parks capital projects is very small
when the cost of a restroom or play equipment is quite high. Ken commented that we are blessed to have
the donors, partners and grant opportunities that we have. Matt asked how we get back in the position we
were in to receive a grant like the one we received for Randall Park. Ken stated that it is a 50/50 matching
grant, therefore we would have to have $500,000 to get $500,000. Ken stated that we received
anonymous donations of $150,000 to get the Randall Park project started. Once the vision began, other
groups wanted to donate to the project that could also be used as matching funds. Parks Capital funds
were used for a portion of it also. Once the matching funds were identified, we were able to apply for the
RCO grant. Matt asked what the timeline is for applying for another grant. Ken stated that the
Comprehensive Plan must be submitted before the grant cycle begins, which is Spring 2018. Discussion
followed. Ken advised that it is $500,000 matching grants for development and $1,000,000 for land
acquisition. Stacy asked if Parks is planning on applying for a grant in the next cycle. Ken stated no,
unless matching funds present themselves. Discussion followed. Matt suggested possibly saving the
capital funds for multiple years and go for another grant to double the money. Dulce commented that a
majority of the money seems to be monopolized by the YMCA pool project. She advised that City Council
will be having a discussion about that during the budget sessions. She encouraged the Park
Commissioners to be engaged during the budget process. Ken stated that Parks is presenting to the
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Council on October 12. Stacy asked if those are open meetings. Dulce said they are and they will be
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held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday of the 2 and 3 weeks in October.
Naches Parkway Conversion to a Park Designation Discussion
Ken reported that he received a request from the last City Council meeting to put together a report on what
it would take to convert Naches Parkway to a park designation. This is going to City Council next week for
discussion. Their packets include the Yakima Municipal Code ordinances regulating activities in parks and
a map of the parkway. Ken continued on what it would take to change the grass strip with trees between
streets into a park designation. Currently parks are open from 6 am to 10 pm, otherwise people are not
supposed to be there. There was a discussion of putting fence around each island and what that would
cost, putting up signage, more trash cans and benches and picnic tables. Jo asked if Park Maintenance
mows and takes care of the irrigation right now. Ken said they do. Jo confirmed that the reason for the
designation would just be that it would come under the rules of a park. Ken stated that is correct. Brynn
Kloster asked who enforces the rules. Ken advised Codes and YPD. Brynn questioned that putting more
rules or designations on parks still may not be enforced. Discussion followed. Matt asked who is
instigating the change. Ken advised it came from City Council. Dulce stated that Council Member Avina
Gutierrez requested this information. Paul suggested change to the code to include Parkways. Ken
confirmed that Paul is suggesting change to the ordinances that regulate parks to say no only parks, but
parks, parkways, and other properties maintained by parks staff. Paul stated that it seems more
reasonable to change the code and not have to purchase more benches, picnic tables and garbage cans.
Matt asked if Parks is mandated to purchase those things to make it a park. Ken stated no, and this is just
a discussion right now. Dulce asked what the intended purpose of a parkway is. Ken advised it is
esthetically pleasing, calming and quieting and can be cooling. Stacy asked what the motivation was to do
this. Dulce stated she assumed it was the litter. Discussion followed. It was suggested that the Downtown
Business Association could possibly help with the cleanup and maintenance of the parkway. Discussion
followed. Dulce questioned the current ordinance and how do you determine what the intended use of
something that’s purpose is esthetically pleasing. Paul stated that would be different for everyone and it
just seems easier to change the wording instead of increasing maintenance for staff. Dulce stated that she
believes a few garbage cans could improve the esthetics. Discussion followed. Rod stated that he is
concerned about more responsibility for Park staff with no new funding. Discussion followed. Rod agreed
with Paul about changing the ordinances. Discussion followed. Ken stated that there is a safety concern
for children. Discussion followed.
2018 Park and Recreation Fee Increase Discussion
Ken stated that the fee increase proposal is not complete and he would like to delay the discussion to a
later time. He stated it may even be via email. Rod asked if it has been 3 or 4 years. Ken advised the last
increase was in 2013. One of the main reasons for the fee increase proposal is the increase in minimum
wage.
Manager’s Report
Ken thanked the Downtown Kiwanis Club for the $4,000 donation towards the Miller Park Summer
Playground Program. Ken stated that he forgot to mention that the Randall Park Pond Improvements will
be starting in the middle of October. Ken stated that he will be inviting Leslie Richards, our new Recreation
Program Supervisor at the Harman Center, to the October meeting.
For the Good of the Order
Nothing to report.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be October 11, 2017. The meeting adjourned at
7:03 p.m.