HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Commission minutes - 12-09-15.docx
Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes for
December 9, 2015
Commissioners Present: Chairman Rod Bryant, Vice Chairman Sam Karr, Paul Williams, Roger Lewis, Jo
Miles, Matt Tweedy, Rosana Bravo and Maureen Adkison, Yakima City Council Liaison Absent and
Excused: 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
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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 October 14, 2015. It was Moved by Roger Lewis, Seconded by
Rosana Bravo, to approve the Minutes as written from the October 14, 2015 Parks and Recreation
Commission Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Southeast Yakima Community Park Playground Update
Ken Wilkinson stated that we were able to complete the construction of the new playground at Southeast
Community Park. The playground was purchased from Landscape Structure and the installers were able
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to start on November 17 and finish it before the weekend. We had volunteers from East Valley Four
Square Church come and help spread the soft fall safety mulch. Ken acknowledged Park Maintenance
staff and the Streets Division for removing the old play structure and prepping the site for the new one.
The cost for the project was approximately $110,000 and was funded by the $750,000 Parks Capital
money. Maureen Adkison asked if we have thought about sending out notices to the neighbors to see if
they would like to volunteer to help with projects like this. Ken stated that we did discuss that but it was not
really possible with this project due to the short turnaround. Matt asked about the life expectancy on a
playground. Ken advised about 25 years. Matt asked how long the warranty is on one of these play
structures. Ken said he would have to check on that. He stated that we have a couple of other Landscape
Structures playgrounds within the city and they are really good about checking them when they are in town.
They will go out and inspect them and let us know if there is something that needs to be fixed or tightened
and things like that. Ken stated that the playground that we just replaced at Southeast Community Park
was 20-25 years old. The new one is three times the size of the one we replaced. There has been a
change in playground design. They are no longer the imagination stations, they are geared more toward
building core strength and being more physical to help combat childhood obesity.
Fisher Park Golf Course – 2015 Report
Ken presented the numbers for Fisher Park Golf Course for 2015. He advised that we were down 500
rounds of golf which translates to about $7,000 decreased revenue. He stated there were a couple of
contributing factors for the decrease in numbers. Rivers Ridge Golf Course offered a tremendous annual
golf package. Some of the Fisher Park golfers may have taken advantage of that package since it is a golf
course that is close in size to Fisher. The other factor could have been the heat. We had at least a month
of extremely hot weather and that will drive attendance down. We did purchase two golf carts for those
that still want to play golf but may not be able to walk the course. We did not add them until mid July so we
are hoping that will show improvement next year. Matt asked if the school district do any activities at the
golf course. Ken advised that they do occasionally hold a gym class there. Some of schools have used it
for their golf teams and the First Tee holds there program there. Matt asked if they reimburse the city for
the use of the course. Ken stated we have a reciprocal agreement with the school district but we do
charge a fee. Matt asked about the cost for a golf pass. Ken stated that passes vary in price and we can
bring that information next time. Discussion followed regarding the golf package that was offered by Rivers
Ridge. Sam Karr asked what the cost is for a normal round of golf at Fisher. Ken stated $9.25 and we do
have a number of specials that reduce the price to $7.00. Men’s day is Thursday and Ladies day is
Tuesday. Seniors day is Monday and we still have KXDD Loyal Listener Wednesday where the price is
only $5.00.
Ken commented that KXDD has been a wonderful partner and that Dewey does a great job of promoting
that golf course on his morning show. He acknowledged the golf course staff and the excellent job they do.
Maureen stated that the rezoning of the Westwood Golf Course was just approved this week and suspects
that work will begin soon. The closing of Westwood Golf Course would have a big impact for Fisher.
Discussion followed. Sam asked when the last time we had a price increase at Fisher. Ken stated he
believes it was around 2008, but that we feel we are targeted pretty well. If you raise the price too high,
less people will play and if you keep it too low, you don’t get enough revenue. Matt suggested that we may
want to look at a price increase after we see what happens next year. Discussion followed. Sam asked if
we are considering making any other improvements at Fisher. Ken advised we would like to do something
with the starter house and would like to have a little snack area with seating, but it is a costly endeavor.
Discussion followed.
Randall Park Improvement Project Update
Ken stated that we met with HLA, a local engineering firm, to discuss cost for them to design the parking
lots and walkways. We had hoped that the Engineering Department would be able to help us but they are
short staffed and have a lot on their plate and are just not able to do that right now. We are looking at
doing one parking lot in the Spring and the other in the Fall. Scott Schafer, Public Works Director has
committed the Streets Department to do the work parking lots and walkways and we will pay all materials.
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We are thinking we will do the 48 Ave. side first and the 44 Ave. side in the Fall. We met today with
Southwest Rotary. President, Bill Gilmore has committed to replacing the basketball court. They will be
starting that project in late February or early March and hope to pour concrete in April so it will be ready to
play on in the Spring. Ken advised that he ordered the CXT restroom today and the price is $129,000, but
match from the RCO grant brings that down to about $65,000. We are still hoping to put the second
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restroom on the 48 Ave. side, but not sure if we will have enough money to do that. Sunrise Rotary has
agreed to do two picnic shelters by the pond. We will be working with them on the agreements to have
those constructed sometime in the Spring as well. We are hoping to rework some of the dirt around the
pond soon so the observation deck looks like it is part of the design. Maureen asked about the barrier that
was there to help keep people out of the water. Ken advised that there is silt fence there and may just
need to be put back up. Stormwater has applied for a grant through the Department of Ecology to make
improvements to the pond. We still have not heard whether we received the grant but if they do not get it,
we still some money from Stormwater to help make the edge of the pond look nice. Matt asked if part of
the money will go toward fixing the spillway area. Ken advised that it will go for cleaning up the outfall
area. Stormwater is working with AHBL to do the work on the pond and some of the design work has
already been done. Matt asked if they don’t get it, can they reapply or is it a grant that goes away. Ken
stated he believes we can reapply again. Discussion followed. We would like to control the access points
with plantings. Maureen commented that the dog park is being used a lot. Ken stated that we did have
some vandalism over the weekend. They broke the hinges on the gates and we met with the contractor to
get prices to get them replaced.
Manager’s Report
Ken advised that Heidi Tollackson, Department Assistant, put together information regarding our park
picnic shelter rentals. The spreadsheets are included in their packets. We did not allow rentals at Randall
Park this year due to the renovations and the picnic shelter has been removed. Discussion followed. Rod
Bryant asked about the beaver problem at West Valley Park. Ken advised that we believe we have that
under control. Ken stated that we are looking at making some changes with the park reservations in 2016.
We have had some problems with larger groups in the past and as a committee we are trying to come up
with the best solutions for everyone. One thing that we are looking at is having someone from Park and
Recreation on site during the large group event to answer questions, help with problems and deal with
issues as they arise. Matt asked what is classified as a large group. Ken stated over 300. Matt asked
what type of large groups we have had issues with. Ken stated it can be the traffic, parking, trash, music
and noise from a family reunion, organization yearly picnic or any large group. Matt asked if we see
charging a supplemental fee for these groups. Ken said that is what we are considering. Jo Miles asked if
there is a fee now. Ken stated not for a site supervisor and we are probably looking at about $25 per hour
and it really benefits the groups. Discussion followed. Jo asked if there are any fees right now. Ken
advised there are graduated fees and this would be in addition to those. We currently have this at the
Harman Center, so if you rent the facility you pay for a building supervisor that is there to answer questions
or take care of issues. Sam asked if the cost will be based on the size of the group. Ken stated it would.
Discussion followed. Ken advised that the climbing wall for Lions Pool has been ordered and the restroom
for Milroy has also been ordered. Discussion followed regarding the location of the restroom. Maureen
asked if the restroom facilities are open 24 hours a day. Ken stated that we have tried leaving them open
and opening in the morning and closing in the evening, there are issues with both. We have people that
vandalize and want to live in them if we leave them open or we have to have someone drive around and
close them all in the evening and open them back up in the morning, neither is good. Discussion followed.
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Ken advised that the program guide will be mailed again and should be out just after January 1. Ken
stated that Seniors Inc., our volunteers at the Harman Center, have agreed to donate $8,000 for a new
copier and $6,000 for new stacking chairs at the Harman Center. The total cost of the chairs is $12,000, so
the other half will be paid out of Parks Capital. Seniors Inc. also paid for new carpet in the computer room.
Ken thanked our partners, Seniors Inc. and all that they do. Ken also thanked each of the park
commissioners for their service, wished them Happy Holidays and reminded them the election of officers
will be held in January. Rod thanked Ken and the Parks and Recreation staff for all that they do.
Discussion followed.
For the Good of the Order
Sam inquired about the meeting that was held last month at Public Works. Ken stated that it was not an
official meeting since we did not have a quorum. Ken stated that we are starting to embark on our 2017-
2022 Comprehensive Plan. Discussion followed. Sam asked if there is any new information from RCO on
the conversion. Ken stated that it will be Spring at the earliest before we have a determination. Maureen
stated that SOZO is definitely moving forward on the soccer fields. Discussion followed. Matt commented
about MLK Jr. Park and asked when the buildings there and at Miller will be removed. Ken stated that we
have been given permission to use the Risk Management fund to have those demolished in 2016.
Discussion followed. Matt asked about restrooms in the parks that don’t have them. Ken stated that there
is a park size to restroom need ratio that has to be factored in as well as them being expensive to purchase
and maintain. Discussion followed. Rod asked about the education center at Miller Park. Maureen stated
that it is going forward at the location across from Miller Park. Discussion followed.
Adjournment
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be January 13, 2016. The meeting adjourned at
6:26 p.m.