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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 08-12-15.docx Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes for August 12, 2015 Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Sam Karr, Paul Williams, Jo Miles, Tom Hinman, Matt Tweedy, Rosana Bravo and Maureen Adkison, Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and Excused: Roger Lewis Staff present: Scott Schafer, 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 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 June 10, 2015. It was Moved by Sam Karr, Seconded by Jo Miles, to approve the Minutes as written from the June 10, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Approval of the Meeting Minutes of June 24, 2015. It was Moved by Paul Williams, Seconded by Tom Hinman, to approve the Minutes as written from the June 24, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Welcome and Introduction of New Youth Park Commissioner Ken Wilkinson introduced Rosana Bravo as our newest Parks and Recreation Commissioner. He advised that we have two seats available for youth commissioners on our nine member commission. Morgan Pualani occupied one of the positions until her term expired in June and due to her age was not able to be reappointed as a youth commissioner. Ken asked Rosana to tell us a little about herself. She advised that she previously paged with Rep. Norm Johnson. She stated she will be a junior this coming year at A.C. Davis High School and is a member of cheer. She wanted to take this opportunity to be part of the community and give back. Everyone welcomed her to the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission. Lions Pool Facility Assessment – Counsilman-Hunsaker Report Ken stated that they have a report from Counsilman-Hunsaker in their packet. Counsilman-Hunsaker is one of the premier pool designers and engineers in the country. They also do facility evaluations. As pools age money needs to be reinvested to keep them working, safe and attractive. We paid to have Counsilman-Hunsaker come in and do and in depth assessment of Lions Pool. One of the things that may not be well represented in this report is that they were very complimentary of the staff that operate and maintain the facility and the job they have done over the last 40 years. There are some things that need to be addressed and repaired. The pool needs to be painted and that is reflected in the photos. That is one of the things that we do every couple of years. We will be addressing that and some of the other issues during our 2 week shut down later this month. Jason Zeller, Aquatic Specialist and some of his staff are getting ready to drain, clean and paint the tank along with some other cosmetic things that will be done. Ken discussed the need to replace the filtration system. We are on an old Diatomaceous Earth system and need to switch to one that is easier to operate. We will be looking at changing the filter and possibly the way we sanitize the water in 2016. Maureen asked about the cost for replacing the filtration system. Ken advised that we could pay someone like Counsilman-Hunsaker to come in and design a new system and then go out to bid. Ken stated it will probably be about $80,000 - $100,000. Matt asked if that is just for the filters. Ken stated that would be for the filters and possibly the sanitation system. We are looking at maybe going with the ultraviolet system. Matt asked about if that will eliminate need for chlorine. Ken advised we can’t go completely away from some sanitizing agent but it may reduce the amount we need to use. Matt asked about how much we could save. Ken said he will have to get that information and provide it later. Discussion followed. Ken gave some information about the high rate sand filtration system. He informed them that the report has been shared with Built Environment Committee. There is no immediate action that needs to be taken. He stated the high dive will be removed. It does not meet current codes. Matt asked if the schools diving teams use the high dive. Ken advised that they don’t, they only use the low diving board. Rod Bryant asked if they will sandblast before painting. Ken stated they will use an acid wash and then paint. A lot of the old paint wears off on its own. Rod asked about the condition of the bathhouses. Ken advised they are in pretty good shape. Jo Miles commented that these improvements would be Capital projects so they fit under the charter change of $750,000. Ken stated that is one of the places that the money can come from. Discussion followed regarding the photos in the report. Ken praised Doug Johnson, Jason Zeller and all the pool staff. Rod confirmed that Ken will come back to them with some costs. Tom Hinman stated the pool has a 50 year life expectancy. Ken stated if maintained, extended life is possible. Discussion followed regarding the cost vs. new pool. Maureen commented that this pool is particularly valuable to the senior citizens in this community. Discussion followed. Randall Park Improvement Project Update Ken updated the commissioners about Randall Park improvements. He shared photos of the new playground that was donated by Yakima Downtown Rotary. The cost of the new playground was approximately $110,000 and was built by Rotary volunteers with help from the company sales reps. There were over 50 volunteers plus Parks & Recreation staff. Ken also thanked Parks Maintenance and Streets Dept. for all the site prep and finish work done. He asked that we thank Downtown Rotarians. Ken announced that we did receive notification that we did get our $500,000 grant from Recreation Conservation Office through the State of Washington. All donations and some of the in-kind labor can be used as match. Our goal is to spend $1,000,000 plus at Randall Park. The observation deck is done from Southwest Rotary. Sunrise Rotary has committed to doing at least one picnic shelter, maybe two. Southwest Rotary has agreed to commit to redoing the basketball court in March 2016. We will be doing the engineering work for the parking lots and the walkways and try to go out for bid this fall for the restrooms. We received word from Triumph Aviation that they will be giving us a grant for at least $3,000 for plants and trees along with 200 hours of volunteer labor. They will be doing the work sometime in September or October. We are looking at having them plant trees at the dog park also. Discussion followed. We are working with Katrina Strathmann from Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group to help with the design of our planting project. Our Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and construction permit is ongoing with the Dept. of Ecology. Rod asked about the signage. Ken advised that the signs have been placed around the park with the Yakima Municipal Code about not harassing the birds. We also have signs up asking to pardon our mess with all the construction going on. Ken stated that Scott Schafer, Public Works Director and the Streets Division have agreed to do the asphalt in the parking lots and possibly the walkways. Sam asked about the entrance signs. Ken advised they have been designed and will be made out of recycled plastic. The two new signs will be put up once our parking lots are done. Yakima Downtown Lions Club also gave the $25,000 toward the bridge replacement and WV Kiwanis donated $1000 for benches. Ken thanked all of our donors. Gilbert Park – Off Leash Unfenced Dog Park – Proposed Ordinance Change Discussion Ken reminded the commissioners about the numerous requests we have received for dog parks. Commissioner Tom Hinman along with Parks staff and some other volunteers served on the committee to construct the Randall Dog Park. We have also received a request to place an off leash dog park at Gilbert. There have been disagreeing opinions on this issue. We have done some research and other places in the country have designated areas for off leash dogs within the park. Owners are responsible for what their dog does no matter where they are. Current ordinance states dogs have to have a leash or the owner could receive a fine. We need to change the ordinance for Randall Dog Park. We would need to change it for Gilbert if it becomes a dog park of any kind. We have received phone calls and emails, there have been Letters to the Editor and there have been news stories. The responses have been on behalf of both sides. Ken stated that we have discussed doing a 6 month trial at Gilbert and see what happens. Ken stated he wanted to bring this before Parks Commission for their input. This issue will be going to City Council next Tuesday and he would like to tell them what Park Commission discussed and thought about the proposal. Rod asked if it would be the entire park. Ken stated the whole 10 acre park is being considered right now. Jo stated that since there is not a children’s playground or picnic shelter there are not a lot of large groups or gatherings and it has become primarily a dog walking park. Ken stated that people and groups do go there to play games or just relax in the park. The Allied Arts building has been removed and grass is being planted in its place. Matt stated that park needs a playground and it is unfair to allow dog owners to take over the park. He would like to see a fenced area. He does not want him or his leashed dog to be harassed by unleashed dogs. Sam stated that this devalues the time and energy put into the newly developed dog park at Randall. He believes that dogs should be on a leash for health and safety reasons. Ken advised that Gilbert Park’s deed has a restriction that there will be no play structure within the park. Tom stated that they probably did not want it designated as a dog park either. Sam stated he would like to see a fenced area rather than the entire park being designated a dog park. Discussion followed regarding the cost of the fence for Randall Dog Park. Tom stated it was about $25,000 but a fenced dog area at Gilbert could be smaller than the 1.6 acres at Randall. Ken stated that a fenced dog area does create more work for maintenance. Discussion followed regarding the 6 month trial, when it would begin and if the ordinance would need to be changed for that. Ken advised it would need to be changed and believes it would begin 30 days after it is approved. It was discussed that a public hearing, th comment session would be on August 18 at the City Council meeting. Sam stated that he would like to have input from the neighbors. Paul Williams offered concern about the legal ramifications. Scott Schafer stated that the signs will stipulate that the owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs. Discussion followed regarding the legal issues, impact on neighbors and safety of the dogs being in the park without a fence. Maureen stated that she believe the neighbors are aware and that people have been using it as an off leash dog park for years. They are also being cited for not having their dogs on a leash. Matt stated that it is a person’s choice to take you and your dog to the fenced dog park. Tom suggested using temporary fence for the trial period. Sam stated that the people he has been speaking with think this is a bad idea. Matt asked if having the trial period in the winter will give us the correct information we are looking for. Discussion followed regarding people walking their dogs all year long and attendance seems to be better in cooler temperatures. Jo stated he thinks that we should recommend the 6 month trial period and go from there. Matt stated he does not like the idea of the entire park being an off leash dog park. He believes that takes away from those just wanting to go and enjoy the park whether they have a dog or not. Sam stated he would like to have more input from the neighbors before changing the ordinance. Ken stated that Park Commission is an advisory group and don’t have to be in agreement on this issue and he can tell City Council that we are not in agreement. Rod asked if we have received other emails from people like Ron. Discussion followed about Ron’s email and other issues. Ken summarized what he will take to City Council; this is an issue that definitely has more than one side, more public input, possibly putting up a fence and that there is not a consensus within the Parks and Recreation Commission. Sam stated that the current dog park at Randall is not directly in a residential area. Ken asked Sam if he thought a fenced dog park would improve or decrease the value of properties in proximity to the park. Sam stated that he thought it would enhance the value unless it was determined to be a noise nuisance. Manager’s Report Ken advised that there are two more concerts at Franklin on Friday nights at 6:30 pm. There are five more th Miller concerts Sundays at 5:00 pm and two more Movies in the Park, August 16 and 23rd. Chesterley has been a great change for the movies. We just outgrew Gilbert and there is more parking available around Chesterley. We have extended the season at Franklin Pool. Our last day will now be September th 19. We will be open for recreation swim M-F 3:00 – 6:00 pm and Sat. & Sun. 12:30 – 4:30 pm. Paws in th the Pool has been rescheduled for Sunday, September 20 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Discussion followed. Matt asked about the attendance for the concerts at Miller Park. Ken stated we were down a little due to a couple of big soccer matches on TV. Franklin has been well attended as usual. Sam stated that he has received lots of great feedback about the Program Guides being mailed. Ken stated that we will not mail the Fall Program Guide due to the cost but will hopefully be able to mail the Winter/Spring Guide. Discussion followed regarding numbers for swim lessons being up and that the free bus rides are a great idea. Ken advised that was Transits idea to help increase bus ridership and pool attendance. Matt asked about the status of the Chesterley Park mitigation. Ken advised that is still being discussed and that there is quite a list of things the State is requiring. Matt asked about a target time for the facility. Scott stated that it will take at least 2 years before any work would begin. Tom asked about the soccer complex. Scott stated they are working on getting 5 or 6 fields ready by Spring 2016. Scott stated they are looking at taking 7 acres from Chesterley and using the second parcel at the soccer complex as replacement. Matt asked if Ahtanum is the city boundary. Scott advised that the property is currently not in the city limits. We are working on getting the parcels annexed and then we will purchase them and then lease it back to Sozo. It will most likely be annexed in November and then we can purchase it. Sam asked about the brainstorming session for the Aquatic Center. Matt asked if anything is happening on the aquatic center before the land situation is settled. Scott advised we are working with the YMCA and possibly the school districts on agreements. The design is through Grow Development which is looking at 3 bodies of water. We are just starting to see those designs and will share them with Park Commission. For the Good of the Order Nothing discussed. Adjournment The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be September 9, 2015. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.