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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 07-13-16.docx Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes for July 13, 2016 Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Roger Lewis, Rosana Bravo, Josette Gonzales and Dulce Gutierréz, Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and Excused: Matt Tweedy and Tom Hinman 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 nd 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 13, 2016 and June 8, 2016. It was Moved by Roger Lewis, Seconded by Jo Miles, to approve the Minutes as written from the April 13, 2016 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. It was Moved by Josette Gonzales, Seconded by Jo Miles, to approve the Minutes as written from the June 8, 2016 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. 2017-2022 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan – Survey Update Ken stated that a draft of the survey had been sent via email to individuals including the Park Commissioners for review. We received some comments and made some corrections. The surveys have been printed and are ready to be mailed out to 4,600 homes tomorrow. This survey is a little shorter and a bit more focused on amenities within the parks and programs we provide, compared to the previous Comprehensive Plan’s survey. This survey also gave them space to write comments and included an area for them to provide their name and phone number if they would like to speak about Parks further. Ken stated that we may be meeting with them one on one or maybe in small focus groups. It is very challenging to ask the right questions on a survey and we want people to know they are being heard. We will be holding public meetings to share the data. There is a letter explaining the survey, in English and Spanish, the survey, in English and Spanish, a stamped return envelope, a free round of golf for one at Fisher Park Golf Course and a free swim pass for a family of up to five people to swim at Franklin Pool this summer. Ken thanked June Smith and Jill Ballard in our Printing Department and others who helped get the surveys ready to be mailed. Ken advised that we are also working on having the survey available online so anybody can take the survey even if they do not receive one in the mail. We will also have printed copies available in multiple locations or if requested. Ken stated that we should be able to start sharing data in October. Discussion followed. Proposed Cherry Park Improvement Update Ken advised that the Neighborhood Community Building Committee requested Parks staff gather some information regarding the costs for some improvements to Cherry Park. We did take a report to that committee last month and informed them that at one point a basketball court had been planned for Cherry Park but due to budget cuts in 1999 that did not get completed. He stated we were asked to put together a report showing the cost of putting in a basketball court and that information sheet is in their packets. He strd stated that report will be presented to the NCBC on July 21. That committee meets the 3 Thursday of every month and is open to the public. Discussion followed. Ken advised that the cost for a basketball court is approximately $50,000. The removal of the wooden fence, turf repair and placing picnic tables in the park has already been done by Park Maintenance staff. We are currently working with Joe Caruso from City Codes Department on acquiring the property to the east of the park. It is a house and garage that have been condemned due to fire and abandonment. We are hoping to remove the buildings and expanding the grass to add to the park. We would also like to put in a new playground at Cherry Park. Randall Park Improvement Project Update Ken advised the two new picnic shelters are complete. Park Maintenance laid about 4,000 sq. ft of sod and did some hydro-seeding around the shelters and along the pond edge. We are working with HLA on the drawings for the walkways, parking lots and bridge. Ken stated the new parking lots will add quite a few new spots with the removal of the islands and the trees. The bridge will be concrete and connect to th the nature area in the NE section of the park. Rod asked if the parking lot on the 44 Ave. side will need a retaining wall. Ken stated that we will not have to put in a retaining wall like we thought we may have to. The walkway on the hill by the creekside will need to be reconfigured to make it ADA accessible. The Streets Department has agreed to do the work on the walkways and parking lots, we will just need to th provide the materials. We are hoping to complete the parking lot on the 48 Ave. side this fall before the asphalt plants close for the winter. Ken stated that a grant, donated funds and Parks Capital funds are paying for these improvements. Ken advised that the Rotary Club will be holding their annual picnic at Randall Park tomorrow night. He stated he will be there to thank them for all they have contributed to this project and all the many other projects they have done for the community. Discussion followed. Manager’s Report Ken advised that we interviewed the three final candidates for the Parks Operations Supervisor position. Randy Murphy retired in June. We should be able to extend an offer to one of them by the end of next week. Ken stated he has been Acting Parks Maintenance Supervisor for the last couple of months and has a great insight on the skills and abilities of our Park Maintenance staff and the wonderful job they do. Ken said that he has gained a great appreciation for the work they do and the work that Randy Murphy did for so many years. The Movies in the Park start at Chesterley this Sunday. The Sunset Concert Series starts this Friday at Franklin. Viva la Musica starts this Sunday at Miller. Ken stated flyers are included in their packets. Ken thanked Tami Andringa and her staff as well as the people she works with to make these movies and concerts happen. Ken advised that our Summer Playground Program is full and running at capacity. We also have all kinds of clinics and trips to different waterparks and other destinations. Rod stated that he just wanted to remind everyone that the Movies in the Park have moved and are only shown at Chesterley. Discussion followed. For the Good of the Order Rod stated that we will not be having an August meeting. Adjournment The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be September 14, 2016. The meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.