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.