HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 10-14-15.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
October 14, 2015
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Sam Karr, Paul Williams, Roger Lewis, Jo
Miles, Matt Tweedy and Rosana Bravo Absent and Excused: Tom Hinman and Maureen Adkison, Yakima
City Council Liaison
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
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meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2 Street, Yakima,
Washington.
Approval of the Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2015. It was Moved by Jo Miles, Seconded by
Roger Lewis, to approve the Minutes as written from the September 9, 2015 Parks and Recreation
Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Chesterley Park RCO Conversion Process Update
Ken Wilkinson stated Scott Schafer, Director of Public Works is present to give the update on the
Chesterley Park RCO conversion process. Scott advised this is a slow and tedious process. The goal of
the City is to do the conversion so we can put the proposed Aquatic / Fitness center on 7.5 acres of
Chesterley Park. Due to the fact that the park was developed using funds from both Recreation and
Conservation Office and National Park Service we will need to need to replace it with land of equal or
greater value to continue the activities currently provided at Chesterley. Scott went over the proposed site
plan, advising the 7.5 acres will be at the NW side of the park. The plan includes sharing the existing 185
spots of parking on the west side of the park as well as 120 additional parking spaces on the north side to
accommodate the facility. The facility will include the aquatic center and the fitness center. The footprint of
the 7.5 acres will also allow for future expansion of an outdoor pool in the future if we choose to do so. We
will be doing one conversion only so we need to make sure that everything we want to do will fit in the 7.5
acre footprint. Part of the conversion process is to find land of equal or greater value someplace else.
Scott stated that they are trying to get the second parcel of the SOZO Sports Complex just west of the
Airport to serve as the replacement property. That total complex will consist of 120 acres but the focus of
replacement will only be on 40 acres of the 60 acre second parcel. Once the property annexation is official
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on October 18, the City of Yakima will then purchase the property and lease it to SOZO. The City will own
all the outdoor facilities or fields. Scott stated that nothing can be developed during the conversion process
due to the strict regulations of the National Park Service so that is why we are focusing on the second
parcel. He stated they could have gotten the value for the first parcel but since they already started the
development of planting grass and putting in irrigation we could not use that parcel as replacement. The
first step in the complex process is to do a Yellow Book Appraisal which is a federal standard. We will be
doing one at both Chesterley and the second parcel. They should receive the results from that about the
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2 week of November. In addition to that a NEPA and an archeological study will need to be done on both
sites which will be more in-depth than what was conducted on the first parcel. It will encompass
subsurface testing of the soil to make sure that it meets National Park Service standards. Scott stated they
were originally trying to go in and meet with the RCO Board in November regarding the proposed
conversion but due to all that is trying to be accomplished and not meeting that time scale, they are actually
moving it to April. Scott went over the proposal of what the Aquatic Center will look like. It will have the 8
lane lap pool, the family fun area and a therapy pool. Matt Tweedy asked who has been involved in the
design of the facility. Scott stated that the City has been working with the YMCA and they in turn have
been working with Grow Development who have put several facilities like this one together nationwide.
Matt clarified that there has been a third party consultant helping the YMCA and wanted to know who from
the City has been involved. Scott stated that management is working directly with the YMCA. Matt asked
Scott if this is one of his projects. Scott stated that he is involved but is not designing any of it. Scott
advised that part of the agreement is that the YMCA is responsible for the design and the construction, but
the City does have some say in the matter. Matt reiterated that the City and the YMCA have together hired
the third party consultant to come in to do the plans. Scott stated that the City definitely wants more than
one body of water or else we would be in the same situation we are in at Lions Pool as being one
dimensional. He commented that during swim meets the public is being displaced. Scott stated that he is
currently working with the school districts. He met with the superintendants from West Valley, Selah, ESD
#105 and Yakima to form a partnership with them using Lions Pool. Matt asked if we have letters of
commitment from the school districts. Scott stated that they are working on it to make it fair and equitable
for them to use. He stated what they are paying is not even close to the amount of usage they have. He
said he is working on a percentage of usage and use that toward the operational and capital costs. He
stated so far it looks favorable to them and will ultimately lower our costs which will allow for the new
aquatic center and give the schools a place to go. He advised that the new facility is two to three years
away. Jo Miles said that the requirements stated that the replacement soccer fields must be administered
by the same project sponsor. He asked if that would be the case. Scott advised that he believes it will,
because we will own the outdoor fields. Jo asked if we would administer the programs and activities. Scott
stated that we would not, but we would own the property. He advised we will have to wait and see if that
will satisfy the requirement. Scott commented that there are a lot of requirements on the conversion and
we not only have to satisfy RCO but also the NPS, which may have differing opinions on requirements. He
also stated that there are no guarantees that this will be successful but we are really trying to make it
happen. Jo asked Scott if he has a strategy for satisfying the need in our Comprehensive Plan. Scott
stated that if it shows that we need more soccer and aquatics then that satisfies that requirement. Jo
stated that our plan does not specifically say that. Scott said that the city overall recognizes that we are
underserved for both of those. He advised that City Council made it priority number one for an Aquatic
Center and number two for soccer. Jo stated he was referring to the actual plan that has been adopted by
the council and projects in that plan specified existing recreation facilities. He voiced concerned that would
not match up with the requirements and how they might approach that. Scott stated that they are just
checking them off one by one and the first step is to just see if we can get the values in the properties.
Paul Williams asked if the City is responsible for the operational expense or maintenance of the 60 acres at
the soccer complex. Scott advised that the only thing that the City will be obligated to do is repair and
replace the parking lots. Paul stated he assumed that includes the ingress and egress off Ahtanum into the
parking area, like sidewalks. Scott stated that the City is doing the traffic study and will be doing the
improvements to the roadways in conjunction with the County. Sam stated that his understanding is that
the soccer fields at SOZO will only be available to the public if they are not being used by SOZO. Scott
stated that it will be just like it is now at Chesterley, if there is a tournament being played it will not be
available to the public. He stated there will be a couple of fields dedicated for public access. Sam stated
only when they are not being used by SOZO facilities. Sam commented on the Comprehensive Plan
priority number one; repairs, renovations and enhancements to existing developed parks and facilities.
Priority number two; acquisition and development of new parks and recreational facilities, which is what we
are trying to do with the aquatic center and the SOZO soccer complex. Priority number three; development
of urban pathways. Scott stated that he thinks we just met priority number one and pointed to the map of
the proposed capital improvements we are going to be making at existing parks. Because of the dedicated
$750,000, we have identified $1,000,000 we are spending this year and next year on these projects. One
of the projects will be the renovation of Lions Pool, which will show our commitment to the school district.
The $750,000 is for new capital and to repair and replace existing capital. Rod Bryant stated that the parks
affected will be Elks, Randall, Gardner, Lions, SE Community, Gateway and Milroy. Sam commented that
he understands that we will get some of the $750,000 for the next two years but if the SOZO and Aquatic
Center project are done, the $750,000 will be used up for the next 20 years. Scott stated that is correct
and that was a decision that City Council made and for the next 2 ½ years we will use the majority of that
$750,000 to make these improvements to the existing parks. Sam said that he is just concerned about the
local service clubs, who have been so generous to the parks in the past, may not always be able to help
out like they have and if there is a budget cut; Parks is always the first to go. Rod stated his concern about
keeping that money to maintain the existing parks. Scott stated that the $750,000 is just a minimum
amount that has to be dedicated to Parks Capital. Discussion followed that it would be nice to get more
than that but if there is a cut, it usually comes from Parks first. Paul asked how much has been put aside
for capital over the last 3 or 4 years. Ken stated that we have had around $100,000 in Park Capital for the
last few years after the cuts of 2009/2010. He said we also have REET, Real Estate Excise Tax, money
that is earmarked for Parks and Recreation type things. We will be using some of that for the Randall Park
project. We also had $90,000 going toward the bond used to pay for the 2 spray parks that were put in
after the pools were closed in 2005. This is now done and we will have that additional $90,000 for Parks
Capital for a total of $190,000 above and beyond the $750,000. Sam asked about the Regional Park
District option. Ken stated that we used to be a park district and legislation has changed a bit since then
and there is a cap on what you can tax a property. That is an option that can be put before the voters but a
lot of research would need to be done. Sam commented about the duplication of services with us doing an
aquatic center as well as Selah doing a pool. Matt asked what Scott’s opinion about the RCO conversion
is, if it is even possible. Scott stated he thinks it is, but as you can see there are a lot of requirements and
we will need to make sure to do our due diligence. Matt reiterated that this will take 2-3 years with the
requirements and the funding of the project. Scott stated the agreements state each party has until the end
of 2017 to fulfill the requirement and secure funding. Matt asked if the facility would be displacing 2 soccer
fields. Ken confirmed that 2 of the 6 would go away and we would still have 4 full size fields. Matt asked
about the Yellow Book appraisal and if it has to match dollar for dollar. Scott stated per square foot value
of the property. Matt commented that the Chesterley property is much higher commercial value than the
SOZO property. Scott stated that the SOZO property is currently zoned as agriculture, but once we find
that the value is there, we will have it rezoned as commercial. Sam asked what will happen if RCO does
not approve the conversion. Scott stated that the SOZO complex moves ahead and we will need to look
for another property for the Aquatic Center. Sam asked about there being a distance requirement from
RCO for the replacement property. Ken said that they did not advise them of one. Paul commented about
the commitment and responsibilities of the YMCA and SOZO to complete these projects. He stated that
even though the Park Commission did not have a lot of input in the process, the City Council has made the
decision about what they feel are the need of the community. He stated his concern that the Parks and
Recreation Department is not out the funds to take care of these facilities. He also voiced his concern
about the public access to these facilities. Sam stated that in the Aquatic Facility agreements we will be
paying 50% of the losses. Scott stated that we will be paying 50% of operation and capital.
2015-2016 Parks Capital Projects
Ken presented the power point. We have some of the $750,000 to spend this year and next, we have been
tasked to come up with a list of things we can use that money for. The hard part is the order of priorities.
The Power Point is included in the packet. Matt asked about the location of the restroom at Milroy. Ken
stated we would like to move it to the bottom of the hill for better servicing. Sam commented on the cost.
Ken stated that is the building and set up, vandal resistant upgrades and bringing utilities to it. Matt asked
about the location of the storage building at Kiwanis. Ken stated it will be in the back “lay down yard” off of
Beech St. Discussion followed. Matt asked about utilities if any will be added to the storage building. Ken
stated they would like to bring water but not sewer. Sam asked what material will be used to construct this
building. Ken advised metal and we are still researching the size. Matt stated he is a little confused
regarding the money that will be spent for Lions Pool upgrades. Ken stated that his understanding is that
we have $350,000 for this year and $350,000 for next year, out of the $750,000, to spend on these
projects. This is in addition to the $100,000 per year of Parks Capital and $90,000 additional each year
because we do not have that bond repayment. Ken said that we also have the REET money but that is
earmarked for Randall for the next couple of years. Matt asked about the graffiti clean-up on the CXT
buildings. Ken advised we just have to paint over it. Discussion followed. Ken advised that dollar amounts
in this power point are estimated costs only, not actual. Sam asked about the restrooms at Randall. Ken
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advised the one on the 44 Ave. side will be a bit bigger than the one on the 48 Ave. side. Sam asked
when the building will be removed at Randall. Ken stated that is done and the cost was about $7,000.
Discussion followed. Ken commented that all of the projects in this power point are in the Comprehensive
Plan. Sam said he was glad to see the parking lots at Elks and Gardner on the list. Discussion followed.
Ken complimented the Streets Division on the work that they do and what a nice job they have done for the
Parks Department on Fisher Park Golf Course parking lot and all the projects they have helped on. He
stated that Scott has allowed the Streets Division to do the work and Parks just having to pay for the
materials. Paul asked Ken if he will be speaking with our partners on these projects to help with the cost.
Ken stated that we just had a meeting with some volunteers that would like to help with the playground at
SECC. He will continue speaking with groups and volunteers about these projects. Rod commented that
the playground at SECC is the only playground in SE Yakima for kids to play on. Sam stated there is the
big one at Kiwanis and Rod stated he is talking about further south. Ken advised that the playground that
has been ordered for SECC is about twice the size of the current playground there.
Randall Park Improvement Project Update
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Ken advised that Triumph Actuation Systems brought out a volunteer group on September 30 that planted
more than 300 plants and 30 trees. They planted 10 trees in the dog park and 20 throughout Randall.
They also pulled out woody debris at both Randall and West Valley Community Parks along Wide Hollow
Creek. Ken stated we have live trapped 8 beavers at West Valley Park which were a large part of the
problem in the creek. One of the beavers was 54 lbs. Moving the debris from the area was as important
as getting the beavers out. Ken thanked the committee that we worked with from Triumph, Don
Bambaugh, Debbie Byrd, Peter Running and Natasha Trudeau. Katrina Strathmann from Mid-Columbia
Fisheries Enhancement Group was the lead on planting the small trees and shrubs along the creek. Ken
advised that the Randall Park house and restroom have been demolished. Tri-Valley Construction /
Russell Crane did a nice job of removing those buildings. We are beginning work for the drawings on the
parking lots and some electrical engineering. We had hoped to do a parking lot this fall but will not be able
to do that until spring. Sam asked how the trees in the parking lots will be addressed. Ken stated that the
trees will need to be removed. We have that issue of the roots along the pathway also. Discussion
followed.
Visitor Comments
Rod opened the floor to visitors that would like to speak. Esther Huey, resident of Yakima stated she is
politicking for consideration of a swimming pool on the east side of Yakima. She stated that when Miller
and Washington pools were closed in 2005, the City promised that they would replace a pool at a different
site. They promised to look at putting the pool at the Boise Cascade property. That was predicated to the
agreement with Selah and Union Gap. When the two cities decided against the agreement, it was dropped.
She stated nothing more was said about that promise and now this new aquatic facility is being proposed
at Chesterley. She stated they are not opposed to the YMCA at Chesterley, rather concerned for the
children who live east of Front St. who have inadequate facilities and even more concerned that she did not
hear about any improvements planned for MLK Park. She stated that it does not have a restroom either
but did not hear any plans for that. She commented that she is concerned because the YMCA is going to
keep their facility open on the east side but it is not a public pool. She stated that the pools are not always
available when the children are available to swim. She commented that the SECC summer day camp
children are given the opportunity to go Franklin Pool one day a week and given a free bus pass for that.
She stated that gave those 100-125 children only 10 opportunities to swim all summer. She stated that is
not equitable and that has to do with economic deprivation and transportation. She stated she is
concerned that the $750,000 voted on by the public was presented as improvements to existing parks not
new capital projects and now it will be tied up for 20 years. She stated we can’t afford another bond issue.
She advised that the aquatic center will run at a $300,000-$500,000 deficit each year and the city will pay
half of that. The city will also have a management contract to pay the YMCA for running the facility and the
City will also pay the property tax because we own the land. Jo asked Esther where she got the deficit
figures; he stated he was told that there would not be a deficit. Esther stated that at the presentation that
was made, it was said that Lions Pool runs at a deficit of approximately $300,000 per year and that the new
larger facility will run $200,000 to $250,000 more. She stated that the issue is that we need a public pool in
the neighborhood so they do not have to be bussed. Esther stated she has real concerns about MLK Park
also. They would like to hold more ethnic activities there but it does not have a restroom. At the Built
Environment Committee, Mr. O’Rourke stated there have been 19 meetings to discuss the partnership of
the aquatic center. In her review there is a record of 9 meetings, 4 aquatic committee meetings and no one
from the east side was at any of those meetings. The YMCA conducted a survey but they were not able to
get a copy of that as they are not public records. She stated she has lots of questions and would like the
Park Commission to consider the promise that was made by them or the City when the pools were closed.
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She informed them there is some property for the pool within the Boise Cascade site that borders N. 4 St.
She reiterated that the process has not been very transparent. She stated she does not understand why
we are rushing to a vote. Sam confirmed that the agreement states that in addition to the bond repayment,
the city will be obligated to reimburse the YMCA for 50 % of all annual aquatic center operating deficit, and
50% of all annual aquatic center capital expenditures. Sam stated that it sounds as though if there is
money left after the bond payment, it will be spend on operating and capital costs. Matt asked if Scott and
Ken have concerns regarding the potential pitfalls. Ken stated that anytime things are done a little
different, it poses some questions. We are always looking for great partners to promote and present
additional recreation services and program facilities to the community. Matt stated he feels that the
projects have been fast tracked and that the Park Commission was basically bypassed during the process.
Paul agreed and stated that he has some concerns about both projects and the funds that will be needed
to make the capital improvements to the existing parks. Matt suggested holding off on the bathroom at
Milroy and putting one in at MLK Park. Ken stated that is something we can discuss. Ken commented that
he is a bit offended by them stating they were not included. He stated they were all invited be on the
Aquatic Advisory Committee. Jo Miles was on the committee. He stated that we compiled a report that
came out of those Advisory Committee meetings and presented that to the Park Commission and the Built
Environment Committee. He said that we did bring them the information and asked for some of their input.
Sam stated that they did know about the facility but they seemed to be put on hold when it came to the
RCO requirements. Ken stated that RCO did take a long time in getting the list of requirement to us and
Scott stepped in to help that process along. Ken advised that they did meet representatives from RCO and
NPS in July to go over those requirements. Sam stated that they were just informed that there was going
to be a facility, not that the decisions had already been made and were not shown the agreements until just
recently. He also stated that this was the first they were made aware of the RCO requirements that they
had been asking for since March. Ken stated that when we received the requirements they were sent out
in an email in June. Matt confirmed that they did receive those in June. Scott stated that they are very
general and not very specific. He also stated that the underlying issue is that the Park Commission was
not asked by Council and that puts staff in a tough position. They are only following directives by the City
Council and City Manager. He also stated that these are not typical Parks and Recreation projects
because we will not be maintaining them. He stated that we are reaching out to the experts with both the
aquatics and soccer because alone we could not put these together and maintain them. We are trying to
leverage our resources by making these happen because it has been identified that we are underserved in
aquatics and soccer. Scott commented that we did not have the $750,000 until recently so we are trying to
bring new resources to the community. Sam stated that Bill Lover sent it back to Park Commission and
asked for a recommendation based on the Aquatic Study Session, but we never had the study session
because we did not have the requirements from RCO, and when he asked again it seemed like nobody
knew what he was talking about. He also stated that we had been discussing an aquatic center and now it
will be an aquatic center along with a fitness center. Scott stated that the Council has the same information
they had. Jo stated that Park Commission did not have enough information to make a recommendation
even with the requirements that RCO provided and still don’t have enough right now to make a
recommendation. Matt commented that Scott is saying that City Council is not asking Park Commission for
a recommendation. Paul stated that Esther made some good points about making improvements on the
east side parks with the resources we have. Sam listed some of the projects that have been done on the
east side already. Rod commented on the distance the people on the east side have to go to get to parks
with playgrounds. Ken responded to Esther’s comments about MLK Park. We have ordered a new sign
for MLK. He advised that a port-a-potty was set on fire which then caught the old pool building on fire and
now that really needs to be torn down. There have been some funds allocated for that and should be torn
down just after the first of the year. Dana Dwinnell, citizen of Yakima spoke in support of Esther Huey.
She commented about the Council not asking Park Commission for their input. She asked about the
$750,000 and who gets to allocate that money. Jo stated that City Council has the authority over that
money. Rod stated that this Commission is strictly advisory. Dana commented on a few of the proposed
capital projects for 2015-2016. She feels that the Lions Pool climbing wall and the Dog Park parking lot
being paved are not needed. Discussion followed. Sam stated that he is please that Bob Romero has
said that the downtown YMCA will remain open to facilitate the east side children.
Senior’s Inc. Report
Clair Powell, volunteer from Senior’s Inc. provided a fall newsletter and the Trips and Tours booklet. She
advised that Senior’s Inc. is an all volunteer group that have many fundraisers throughout the year. Their
mission is to enhance and add to programs available at the Harman Center. She advised of activities and
classes along with health and wellness programs. She went over some of the donations and partnerships
with the Parks and Recreation Division. She advised that the City of Yakima Parks and Recreation
Division recently received $25,000 from the Harman Foundation for the computer lab and Seniors Inc.
contributed the additional $5,000 to help purchase the computers. They had 288 volunteers that provided
4,285.85 hours over the last quarter. Jo thanked the volunteers for all they do. Discussion followed. Ken
thanked Clair for bringing this report to the Park Commission and stated that we really do appreciate all
they do.
Manager’s Report
Discussion regarding the next meeting being on Veteran’s Day. Ken advised that we can still have the
meeting; we just need to have it at Public Works. Everyone agreed.
For the Good of the Order
Nothing Discussed.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be November 11, 2015. The meeting adjourned
at 7:23 p.m.