Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/1996 MEETING MINUTES i t i City of Bremerton Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting UNAPPROVED MINUTES May 28, 1996 6:00 p.m. Jarstad Aquatic Center 50 Magnuson Way Bremerton, WA 98310 ATTENDANCE: Wanda Butler, Barry Cook, Lionel Collins, Carol Johnson, Russ Johnson, J.R. Bachand ABSENT/EXCUSED: Mary Sump, Charles McWhorter, Michael Vaughn STAFF: Jim Spencer, Interim Director, Jodi Wroblewski, Asst. Director, Jeff Elevado, Pool Supervisor, Mary Kay Hollenbeck, Recreation Program Coordinator I, Kay Wilson, Senior Planner, and Becky Lorber, Recreation Program Coordinator II. AUDIENCE: Ralph Smith Presentation--Jarstad Aquatic Center Operations Jeff Elevado provided a tour of the facility and explained the pool operations, goals, and planned future expansions and programs. His presentation was informative and very well received. A pool slide, saunas, and hot tub are proposed capital projects for increasing use and maximizing current resources for the public enjoyment and recreation. I. CALL TO ORDER: The business meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. H. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None III. AGENDA: Harrison District Plan(under new business)was moved ahead of old business. IV. NEW BUSINESS: -Harrison District Plan Kay Wilson, Senior Planner with the City of Bremerton, presented for comments, the Harrison District Plan, particularly as it relates to the Park Section. This plan addresses the Capital Facilities Projects over at least the next six years. Primary impacts to the Parks and Recreation Department include the recommendation for removal of the maintenance shed away from waterfront lands. This would allow Parks to increase the size of Sheridan Park. Jim Spencer expressed the need to keep the maintenance facility near and/or adjacent to the main Parks and Recreation offices, to ensure continuity and communication between Page 1 • the two divisions (programs and maintenance). A suggestion was to move the shed closer to the Warren Ave. Bridge. Kay spoke on the ideal situation being a facility study of existing buildings within the parks department and throughout the City, to better determine placement of structures for city operations and staff. However, there is no plan at this time for a study. She did encourage Parks to research Utility lands for a potential tradeoff, should a new site for a community/maintenance facility be identified. Kay further emphasized that the Harrison District Plan is one part of the City Master Plan, currently being updated, and addresses facility needs and not programs. It is a requirement of the Growth Management Act. The intent is to protect options for waterfront development at Sheridan Park and enhance community access. Commissioner Russ Johnson asked about the use and general goals of the Harrison District Plan. He encouraged the Parks and Recreation Department to consider joint efforts with Harrison Hospital, for land use, especially since we have similar concern: (i.e. peoples' wellness and health). Preferably, the Planning Office would like to have something in writing from the Park Commission, which supports and/or addresses concerns with this draft, by June 10. The next public hearing is the third Tuesday of June. It was decided that a memo from the Parks Department would be prepared stating general acceptance of the existing document for the June 18 Planning Commission meeting. The Commission further stated that they individually needed the next month to read the document and would discuss it at the next commission meeting. V. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Skateboard Park: Jim shared an overhead of EastPark, which identified existing facilities and the three options for placement of the skateboard park. The existing hoop courts are too large for regular play, yet offer a level asphalt slab for the skateboard equipment. Engineering looked at the option three site (far southwest parking lot) for the park, and recommended against this location because of the slope. Jim explained that the hoop court could easily be relocated to option three site, opening up option two site (existing hoop court) for the skateboard park. Commissioner Carol Johnson moved and Barry Cook seconded, that option two site be used for the new skateboard park and option three be developed into a new hoop court of appropriate size. Unanimous approval. 2. Capital Projections: The commissioners received at the April meeting a copy of capital projections and needs for the next six years. Michael Vaughn had wanted to discuss this document and was interested in future forecasts. Jim mentioned that funding for capital projects for 1997 looks extremely tight. The City's first interest is in protecting personnel, projects, then funding support to capital projects. Page 2 • T I VI. STAFF REPORT: 1. Playground Improvements: Jim shared information about the $35,000 budget adjustment made available by the Risk Manager for upgrading city-wide playground equipment and fall zones for park equipment found to be a potential liability. He felt this was very proactive and a welcomed bonus for parks. 2. Playground Programs: The Parks Department received CDBG grant money to conduct a Summer Playground program at four sites: Manette, Warren, Armin Jahr, and Haddon. This program will bring two staff members per site, five days a week, from 10:00-3:00, to provide recreational programs for youth ages 5-11. This is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to youth and provide positive summer activities in their neighborhoods. 3. Arvon Park: Development has been held up by the CDBG office which needed to ensure that contractors were properly informed about governmental requirements, and due to inclement weather. Due to the potential for erosion, grading will not begin until more favorable conditions exist. It is hoped that the end of the month or start of June will allow progress. The Big Toy is out to bid. Park completion will be closer to the end of July. 4. Gold Mountain Golf Course: The entire backside of the new course, plus holes 1-7 have been seeded. There are some interesting options in work regarding bio-solid application for enhancing the quality of grass. Weather again, has impacted revenue at the Golf Course, but should improve as summer nears. On the down side, John Alexander, Greens Superintendent, has given his resignation, effective October 1. He has accepted a new job in Oregon, but will stay through the growing period of the new course. 5. Park at end of Elizabeth: The park is now cleaned up, benches and picnic table installed, and the brush cleared. Now it needs a name! The commissioners will have this on their agenda for June. 6. Tree Ordinance: The revised ordinance goes before council tomorrow, for the second reading. It has been a lengthy process, but hopefully the end is in site. The major improvements include: development of a separate city policy that defines responsibilities in matrix form, elimination of redundant verbiage regarding abatement, added requirement for Parks to maintain a tree library, expanded pruning definitions, and overall editorial improvements. 7. Hanging Baskets/Flowers: Jim mentioned that the baskets are up and the beautification spots planted and are looking good. The maintenance crew is responsible and works hard to improve the city's appearance. Jim passed out business cards and the Summer Quarterly Brochure to all commissioners. Page 3 • • VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 26, 1996 and April 23, 1996 Commissioners J.R Bachand moved and Barry Cook seconded approval of both minutes. Unanimous approval. VIII. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS: Commissioner Lionel Collins, Sr., has been circulating a survey to youths at area schools (not the Middle School) and some churches. He needs assistance in tabulating them and estimates that there will be 2,000. Becky Lorber will assist with help from volunteers at the senior center. He asked about placement of baseball teams in leagues. It was explained that if a team dominated a division, they would automatically be placed in a more competitive league the next year. The goal of the Department when developing schedules, is to make the leagues competitive. Lionel mentioned that Kitsap Lake Elementary School was in need of additional play equipment. So are the Bremerton Parks, and our budget does not provide for other agencies. His final question was on how politicians received use of parks--they need to fill out an application. Commissioner Barry Cook requested that time be set aside on the next agenda for determining the direction and goals of the commission. He is interested in accomplishing tasks needed for the Parks Department. He realizes that this issue has been discussed, but without closure. Commissioner Wanda Butler had no report. Commissioner J.R. Bachand was glad to see the skateboard park progressing. Commissioner Carol Johnson invited Barry to attend the next Pendergast meeting if he was wanting to work on a specific project. She had been to Evergreen Park over the weekend and commented on how nice it looks. Jim announced that the next regular business meeting will be held at Gold Mountain Golf Course. IX. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Beck orber, Rec. Prog. II t m Spence" nterim Director Page 4 • • PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION May 28, 1996 Name Address 1 . )? 383 I er^-e ( 967 2. 3.