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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/27/1996 MEETING MINUTES • • • City of Bremerton Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting UNAPPROVED MINUTES August 27, 1996 6:00 p.m. Sheridan Park Community Center ATTENDANCE: Barry Cook, Carol Johnson, Charles McWhorter, Lionel Collins, Mary Sump, J. Michael Vaughn, Russ Johnson ABSENT/EXCUSED: Wanda Butler, Jason Bachand, STAFF: Jim Spencer, Interim Director; Jodi Wroblewski, Asst. Director; Becky Lorber, Rec. Programmer II AUDIENCE: R.K. Smith • I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman J. Michael Vaughn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE 1. Becky Lorber collected Senior Center Surveys passed out at last months Commissioners' meeting and provided additional copies as requested. In addition, she provided current copies of the Sept/October Active Us senior center newsletter, encouraging commissioners to share the information with citizens, and to stop by and become familiar with current program and facility offers and needs. Her last item was a reminder to purchase your Entertainment Books from the Senior Center--this is just one of their many fund-raisers put on by the $UM$ group throughout the year. III. AGENDA No changes. IV. OLD BUSINESS 1. Naming of Park at the North End of Elizabeth: Carol Johnson, representing the park naming committee, offered the name "Lower Roto Vista" to the commission, for this recently acquired park land. Discussion ensued with Jim Spencer noting that Cen Corn is looking to vacate the property at the South end of Roto Vista which could provide the needed parking currently lacking for this new area. With the addition of the new property from Puget Power, the two parcels could be linked with a trail creating an upper • and lower • • Roto Vista Park. Carol Johnson moved and Russ Johnson seconded that the newly acquired park land simply become part of the existing Roto Vista Park, bearing the same name. Signage should be placed at both the upper and lower entrances of the park. 2. Youth Survey: Initially tabled due to Commissioner Lionel Collins absence (see update later in minutes). 3. Evergreen Park Reservations: Jim Spencer clarified that reservation sheets (8.5 x 11) are posted in a wooden pedestal box by the shelter. Commissioner Sump asked where the No Alcohol signs are located at Evergreen. They are on the Maintenance Building. She suggested that they be placed closer to the picnic shelter. V. NEW BUSINESS 1. Arvon Park: Jim Spencer gave an update on the park construction. It is almost complete--the fibar under the playground equipment was blown in today and the final gating is being completed later this week. The Commission agreed that the park should be called "Arvon Park" unless Commissioner Sump heard something different from her constituents. The dedication will be on a Monday or Tuesday at noon, after September 13. The exact day to be determined by staff in coordination with the commission. 2. Commissioner Representation: Commissioner Vaughn requested that a calendar • of events be provided to all commissioners about upcoming events, programs, dedications, etc. Once this is available, then representation could be determined by the commissioners. Commissioner Johnson further suggested that this group could begin to serve as speakers to Rotary and other service organizations about parks and recreation, hopefully gaining support (maybe even monetary) for activities and facilities. VI. STAFF REPORT 1. Downtown Plantings: A letter of encouragement to the Swing City Committee for the recent whiskey barrel plantings downtown, was circulated for Commissioner signatures. 2. Playground Express Program: This program was funded by CDBG funds this year and served over 250 children a day. Over 750 youth were enrolled throughout the season, and was highly successful. Jim is pursuing funding for 1997 and would like to see the program expanded to six sites (1996 had four sites). 3. Bachman Park: Jim recently met with the Eastside Rotary about additional improvements to Bachman Park located at the end of Trenton. If you are not aware, Rotary provided the funds and some labor to upgrade the gazebo and grounds last year. They were interested in continuing these improvements by taking on the vista up a hill, a half block away. They will provide a sidewalk alongside the property, install irrigation and plantings, place a picnic table and two benches, and ensure that all is handicapped • accessible. • • 4. Golf Course: Jim shared the notebook containing the professional photos prepared for marketing the new 18 hole Olympic course. Dedication will be Friday, September 13, and all commissioners are encouraged to come. The opening will include a shotgun tournament, a banquet dinner on Friday, plus Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are offered as a free golf opportunity on a first come/first serve basis. Scott Alexander's contract is close to being finalized (as required prior to the opening of the new course). Ed Faulk has been chosen as John Alexander's replacement as Greens Superintendent. Agreement on his contract terms is progressing. 5. Sand Volleyball Court Dedication: This event also was held this month on August 12th. This came about due to a poor drainage area in front of the concession stand. Funds and donations were provided by Kingston Lumber, Ace Paving, and the Bremerton Athletic Roundtable, as well as park staff. A fall volleyball league to run in conjunction with Co-ed softball. 6. IAC GRANT: Jim announced that the Evergreen Park Renovation Phase I grant request came in first out of 61 projects. This will allow the department to provide a $600,000 face lift to a nice piece of property. This fall 14th Street will be relocated further south on Park Ave.. The Seawall construction project is on hold awaiting beach samplings by Ecology. • 7. Boat Fees for Covering Patrol Expenses: Jim shared a key system and bollard setup used by Kirkland, to control access onto city lakes and provide revenue for covering patrol expenses. Definitely there is a need to increase police patrolling, but funds are currently non-existent. To implement this program, over $12,000 would be needed to purchase equipment. Commissioner Vaughn recommended that this topic be tabled until next summer, or when a budget and analysis of existing programs can be reviewed. 8. Commissioner Notebooks: In an effort to organize and provide pertinent information for commissioners, you will soon receive a notebook with appropriate dividers and documents for referral. VII. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Commissioner Collins shared information from the Youth Survey. Surprisingly, art was the most asked for activity, followed by basketball, group activities, sports, and baseball. A complete copy of the survey responses will be attached to this month's minutes and mailed to each commissioner. He asked that a thank you note be sent to the volunteers at the senior center who helped compile the results. He complimented the new skateboard park and inquired about the possibility of involving more teams in fastpitch. He was informed that opportunity existed but there • was no interest. • S • Commissioner Russ Johnson spoke on the efforts of Sinclair Landing Association. Although boundaries for this project have not yet been determined, he is concerned that City Hall Park may affected as well as the existing Roosevelt Field replacement properties. He asked if there were commissioners wanting to serve with him and it was determined that Commissioner Sump and Vaughn had previously voiced interest and sent a letter to Mary McClure. Additional names voicing interest are Commissioner Carol Johnson and Jodi Wroblewski and Becky Lorber. Commissioner Vaughn asked that Ms. McClure provide a presentation to the Park Commission, perhaps at the September meeting. He further stressed that Jim should be available for that program and suggested that the next meeting be moved to September 17. Commissioner Johnson will check on her availability. In particular is interest in what happens to Wycoff Park which currently is federal land maintained and financed by Bremerton Parks and Recreation. Commissioners Cook commented on how nice the tennis courts at Warren Ave. looked. He said it was wonderful to see the improvements. Jim mentioned that the fencing would soon be replaced, completing the project. Commissioner Carol Johnson commented on how wonderful Pendergast was looking, and the number of people utilizing the facility. She inquired about the piece of property by North west entrance to Warren Ave. Bridge. It was determined that this was private property and not available for a pocket park. She mentioned that the bushes at 14th and Park Ave. need to be trimmed back. Also the flowers look beautiful this year, particularly at Manette Bridge. Commissioner McWhorter had no report but asked who had ultimate decision on use of park property. This department does, there is a park protection act and the City Council must have unanimous decision to remove property from the inventory. Commissioner McWhorter is interested in the possibility of creating a BMX course. He was challenged to determine a location within existing park land. The minimum amount of land required is an acre. Commissioner Sump was glad to see Arvon Park nearing completion. She reported that the neighborhood association was excited also. They are disappointed there is nothing available for teenagers to do or a place for them to go. Commissioner Sump further reported that the playground program has been great. It would be nice to see Haddon developed. Commissioner Vaughn asked Jim Spencer to provide an update on Haddon at the next commissioner's meeting. • VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - July 23, 1996 • • • Commissioner Sump moved and Commissioner Collins seconded approval of July 23, 1996 minutes. Unanimous approval. IX. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Vaughn closed the meeting at 8:00 p.m. He did request that a new copy of the Commissioners' mailing list be mailed to all members. Respectfully submitted: r 4.6. o Becky Ler, Rec. Prog. II im Spencer terim Director • •