HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 03-11-15.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
March 11, 2015
Commissioners Present: Vice Chairman Sam Karr, Jo Miles, Roger Lewis, and Maureen Adkison, Yakima
City Council Liaison Absent and Excused: Chairman Rod Bryant, Paul Williams, Tom Hinman and Morgan
Pualani
Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager, Jenise Sanders, Administrative Secretary for
Parks & Recreation and Diondra Brown, Public Works Office Assistant
Call to Order. Welcoming everyone in the audience and viewers watching on YPAC, Vice Chairman Sam
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Karr called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street,
Yakima, Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes The approval of the Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2015 was
postponed due to lack of quorum.
Downtown Yakima Lions Club Donation Presentation
Ken Wilkinson announced that the Downtown Yakima Lions Club will be donating $25,000 toward the
Randall Park Improvement Project. Ken stated that these funds can go toward the match money that the
community was challenged with by the anonymous donor, which then will be match for the state RCO grant
that we have applied for. Ken invited members from the Lions Club to say a few words and present the
ceremonial check to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Cheryl Legowik-Lizotte, President of the Lions
Club, stated they are pleased to be able to help Parks & Recreation and the City with this project by
donating the money for the new replacement bridge at Randall Park. She introduced the other members of
the club that are present; past presidents Chris Babin, Don Breintenfeldt, and Dan Fortier. Photos were
taken. Maureen thanked the Lions Club and other service clubs that have done so much to help maintain
our City parks over the years.
Randall Park Improvement Project Update
Ken advised he has been working with Southwest Rotary President Tressa Stadel, Wes Morris and Jill Falk
on replacing the old wood observation deck. They believe the donation will be approximately $60,000
labor and materials. This again can be used as match money on this project. Work began last week and
will be done by the end of April. Ken stated that some trees had to be removed along the pond. Some of
the trees were Russian Olives and others were very old. We discovered that Russian Olives are the only
tree on the noxious weed list in the state of Washington and needed to be eradicated. There were also
some Sycamores and Willows that were nearing the end of their lives. We are planning to replant trees
and are working with Katrina from Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group on a replanting plan along
the pond. The park currently does not look very good. We are not closing the park off and hope that
people will still be able to enjoy it while construction is going. Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group
has received a grant for $3,000 and will be planting plants at creek side with the help of volunteers from
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Master Gardeners. This work will be done on Saturday, March 14. We are planning to tear down the old
house that has been used for Parks & Recreation storage. The asbestos has been abated and we are not
sure if our Streets Division will be doing the work or if we will have a contractor do it. Ken stated he has
potential good news on projects that other service clubs are looking at funding and as soon as he is given
permission to give that information he will. Maureen asked about shade at the dog park. Ken advised that
we are planning for a shelter and trees to be planted. There will be a small dog area and a drinking
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fountain put in before the Grand Opening. The official ribbon cutting is scheduled for April 18. Ken invited
the commissioners to take part in the event.
Aquatic Advisory Committee Update
Ken advised that he was directed to bring a report from the four Aquatic Advisory Committee meetings
previously held to the Built Environment Committee. He stated the information he presented was the same
as he has been sharing at these meeting over the last few months. During the discussions at the Built
Environment meeting, Councilman Bill Lover asked that a formal recommendation be given by the Parks
and Recreation Commission on how to proceed based on the information that came from the Aquatics
Advisory Committee. Ken proposed that a work session be held at Public Works to go over the materials
and a second one to formulate a recommendation for the Built Environment Committee or City Council.
One of the challenges is Chesterley Park being one of the locations proposed for the indoor pool facility.
That has some restrictions because of Federal and State grant funds received and will need to have a
determination from the state on what we can and cannot do and what some of the mitigation requirements
will be. Ken stated he will follow up again with the state to get a determination but we are at their mercy.
He thought it may be wise to delay meeting until we have a recommendation from the state, otherwise they
would be trying to make a decision with incomplete information. Ken informed the commissioners that our
grants manager has taken a partial leave of absence due to a family member being ill and we may need to
ask that someone else from RCO help with this process. Sam asked about the concern since it will still be
a park. Ken advised that the money was given for open space and perpetuity. Indoor facilities do not meet
the requirement and would need to be mitigated. Free public access, proximity to the current location and
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population served are also factors. The other locations proposed are 44 & Nob Hill and 54 & Nob Hill
which he believes are both for sale. Ken advised that government purchasing property is not like private
individuals purchasing property. It has to be appraised by a certified appraiser and can only be purchased
at fair market value. Maureen confirmed that we are discussing the YMCA facility. Sam stated the funding
source for the aquatic facility has not been identified and part of the $750,000 from the new ordinance has
been earmarked for a soccer complex. Ken stated that is his understanding, for debt service.
Fisher Park Golf Course Parking Lot Project
Ken updated that the concrete is all done. The new sidewalk and driveway are in and the concrete border
for the asphalt is done. There is also a small island for the lighted sign that was purchased by the donors.
The Streets Division will be grading and putting in the gravel as well as laying the asphalt. The fence post
will be in next week and once the asphalt is laid the permanent fence will be installed. The plan is still to
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open on March 27 at which time the patrons will park on gravel. Once the asphalt plant opens we will
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need to close the parking lot for a couple of days and have people park north on Webster or on 38 Ave.
Ken thanked the Streets Division. The previous 10 spots will now be 23. Discussion followed. Sam asked
about expanding the season at Fisher. Ken advised that we may look into that again. We have not done
that in the past due to the cost of staffing and weather unpredictability.
Manager’s Report
Ken stated that we purchased four sets of bleachers with money we had left in Parks Capital last year.
They are aluminum, 4-tier, 21 ft. long and transportable. They are currently at Kiwanis field but can be
moved to different locations. Maureen asked about the cost and Ken advised they were approximately
$15,000. Each set can seat about 40 people.
For the Good of the Order
Jo Miles asked about the news report on the soccer complex. Ken stated there has been lots of discussion
but he cannot elaborate. Maureen shared that there is considerable private folks that are interested and
stepping up. It has been in the works for months. Sam thanked the Lions Club again. David, a citizen
came forward to ask about the rose bushes at Franklin Park and who maintains them. He asked if there is
a possibility of planting a row of blueberry bushes along the walkway. He advised he would be willing to
maintain them. Ken advised that he and David have been in contact.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be May 13, 2015. The meeting adjourned at 6:05
p.m.