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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/27/1999 MEETING MINUTESCity of Bremerton Parks & Recreation Department Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting MINUTES Tuesday, April 27, 1999 5:30 P.M. Sheridan Park Community Center 680 Lebo Blvd., Bremerton, WA 98310 ATTENDANCE: Susan Bell, Barry Cook, Lonnie Dawson, Nick Garguile Sr., Douglas Groneman, Carol Johnson, Russ Johnson, ABSENT/EXCUSED: Wanda Butler, Charles McWhorter. AUDIENCE: Jennifer Strehler, Jim Spencer (Interim Director). STAFF: Jodi Wroblewski, Asst. Director, Lena D'Agostino, Office Asst. II. I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Barry Cook called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. II. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Jennifer Strehler commented that she recently moved into the area from Seattle and lives on Marine Drive with her two small children. To her knowledge, other than Warren Avenue Playfield there are no toddler parks close to her residence. She added that she does not think that the Warren Avenue location is safe for little kids since it is in very busy street, with a lot of air pollution and traffic noise. It also seems as though mostly older kids hang around that park which makes mothers like her feel uncomfortable with their toddlers. She suggested moving the pirate ship play structure from this place to another park (such as Evergreen Park) conducive to having toddlers play together, and adding basketball court in its place for older kids. Jim Spencer responded that it is very difficult to move that particular play structure from its current location and went on to explain the history behind why there is a ship playtoy at that park. Warren Avenue Playfield also serves as one of our summer playground program locations. As far as moving the play structure to Evergreen Park, the Department is in the middle. of renovating Evergreen, which will include the addition of new play equipment. Ms. Strehler stated she was looking for parks with swings. Jim said while swings are very popular, there is a liability issue associated with this kind of equipment. Jim stated he would put together a list of all our city parks with play equipment for As. Strehler. Jim also notified the Commissioners of his resignation effective 15 May 1999. He commented on how much he sincerely appreciated everyone's support and help. He distributed a list of all the positive things that happened during his four-year tenure, and added that the Commissioners made a difference in every one of these accomplishments. He added that we lived up to our motto: "Committed to Enriching Life in Bremerton". Further, Jim said he is truly grateful and thanked everyone for their time and effort. II. AGENDA — No change. IV. OLD BUSINESS 1. New Community Recreation Center — Bond Committee Jodi Wroblewski said it was decided that a core group would be formed in order to begin the community recreation center bond levy project, organize the program and develop a timeline. She provided the Commissioners with a list of people who have been suggested to be good candidates to form the Bond Committee. She urged the Commissioners to go through the list and make necessary additions as needed. She added that the Mayor suggested that there needed to be youth representatives on the committee. Jodi will coordinate with Cynthia Engelgau, Teen Program Coordinator, on the youth participation through the Bremerton Youth Council and other youth volunteers. In parallel with organizing the Committee, it is also necessary to continue to develop the concept and cost regarding the facility Jodi reported that she spoke with Mick McKinley of the Fire Department, regarding the bond levy because of his experience in organizing various political campaigns. Relative to the Mayor's desire to participate in the organization of the committee, Chairman Barry Cook recommended we give the Mayor a few dates so that she is able to fit the meeting into her schedule. Commissioners Russ Johnson & Nick Garguile Sr. suggested hiring a bond advisory to go through the strategies, legal aspects, etc. Commissioner R. Johnson said he has some materials at home that he can share on this matter. Jim advised the Commissioners that he was invited to the YMCA board meeting on April 22, 1999, where he discussed the aquatic center element of the new community center and concerns regarding the existing aquatics facility. He went on to explain that a month ago, Jim was advised by Glen Godfrey, YMCA Director, that the YMCA was not interested in purchasing the existing aquatic facility. However, at the board meeting they indicated that they are reconsidering their position and are interested, and they need to evaluate the funding possibilities. Jim thought they were very positive and he feels this is a good step in the right direction. He suggested that the Bond Committee should include someone from the YMCA Board to be a liaison between the YMCA Board and the Bond Committee with the goal to keep them informed. Commissioner Garguile inquired what locations have been discussed regarding the new community center? Jim described some of the discussion regarding the sites proposed. He said the more he thinks about it the more it makes sense to locate the center at the old treatment plant adjacent to Lions Park. This site is a fabulous location and could have spectacular views from the community rooms. The site also has the advantage of good parking potential. Chairman Cook added that if we did the whole package, we might have to reconfigure the ballfields and include lights at Pendergast as part of the package. At this point, it's imperative that the Committee is formed to help make those decisions. Jodi mentioned that they've met with Glen Jarstad and he agreed to chair the Committee. Chairman Cook will co-chair. Jodi passed around photos of aquatic facilities taken by Becky Lorber somewhere in Victoria, B.C. 2. Kitsap Lake Weeds/Vllater Level Jim received information from King County regarding the master plan to deal with aquatic weeds. He received their master plan and said that we will be using their plan as a guide for the Master Plan for Kitsap Lake. The goal is to complete the aquatic management weed plan by June. Jim also spoke with Maribeth Gibbons (Water Environmental Services, Inc.), an expert on weeds eradication. She has given a quote as to what it would cost for her consultation to specifically address the concern regarding weeds at the south end of the lake. Jim stated that we need to negotiate a price with Ms. Gibbons, and decide how to proceed with the project. Per Jim, the Commissioners reached a consensus to tackle the south end of Kitsap Lake. Regarding the Kitsap Lake water level issue, Jodi reported that a meeting with Dept. of Ecology representative, Pat Svoboda, City staff, and property owners was held. After discussion, he suggested that we approach Department of Fish & Wildlife to see if they would be interested in a pilot project. The issue is that the property owners would like to control the lake level so that there is a specified water level in the summer for recreational use, and a lower lake level in the winter to avoid flooding the surrounding area. Mr. Svoboda also suggested that we propose a pilot project to the Department of Fish & Wildlife where the City would manipulate the water level and study the effects for one or two years. Department of Fish & Wildlife refused to grant our proposal and would like to go with the original plan of eventually abandoning the device. The Suquamish Tribe is also involved because of Chico Creek, and at this point they're siding with Fish & Wildlife. Commissioner Garguile inquired why, to which Jim explained they think that by manipulating the water level it will impede the natural flow of fish. Jodi stated the property owners will have to go through the adjudication process. Chairman Cook asked what's the City's position on all of this. Jodi informed him that the City is willing to manage the lake level and wants to be able to manipulate the lake level to protect our park (Kitsap Lake Park). 3. Blues Festival/Update Jodi reported that Charleen Burnette, Recreation Coordinator II, attended a City Council Study Session to propose that a beer garden be operated at the blues festival that the Department will be sponsoring on July 18, 1999, at Pendergast Regional Park. The beer garden would be under the operation of a non-profit organization and the Department would split the proceeds with the group. Charleen didn't come away from the presentation with a lot of enthusiasm. She then met with the City Attorney who is developing a resolution that would change the ordinance for this particular festival only. The Bremerton Athletic Roundtable (BAR) has been contacted, they are willing to be the non. profit organization to run the beer garden. Charleen will develop the information we have received from the Kitsap County Parks and Recreation Department, Tacoma Metro, and along with the resolution and the contract with the B.A.R., will return to City Council to present our case. V. NEW BUSINESS -Youth Athletics Facilities Grants Per Jodi, the Youth Athletics Facilities Grant is the Paul Allen grant. In response to the stadium legislation, Mr. Allen donated $10 million to the State of Washington. The IAC (Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation) is administering this grant. This grant is split among seven regional groupings based on the youth population of each grouping. Kitsap County is included in North Olympic group (along with Jefferson and Mason Counties). The North Olympic group been allocated about $1 million divided into three categories: maintenance, new acquisitions, and development. The Bremerton Parks & Recreation Department is submitting two grants in the Maintenance category (Manette Playfield Renovation and Warren Avenue Playfield Renovation), which are due on Monday, May 3, 1999. We already have a block grant for $65,000 in hand for Manette Playfield and we're asking for matching grant. For Warren Avenue Playfield, we're asking for a maximum grant of $75,000, which we will match with money from the Roosevelt Replacement Fund. If we're successful, we should be under contract by the end of July. The third grant is for Pendergast Athletic Lighting Project. This grant is due at the end of July. Jodi requested that the Parks & Recreation Commission make a motion to support the submission of the first two grants with IAC. M/S/C/U (N.Garguile/B.Cook) Motion passed and everyone signed the grant application support letters. VI. Staff Report 1. Chamber of Commerce Support Project Dr. Stanley and several other people representing the Chamber of Commerce will be touring NAD Park, Stephenson Canyon and Forest Ridge Park on May 2" d, Sunday, beginning at noon. This is in response to Dr. Stanley's proposal on helping the Department to take care of the park trails. The proposal is for the Chamber of Commerce to take on trail work with our direction. 2. Haddon Park Dedication —May 1, 1999, 10:00 a.m. Jodi reported that she spoke with Miriam Haddon (related to LUIU D. Haddon) and to Barbara Bullet, a great-granddaughter who also lives in town, to make sure the family is invited to this event. She hoped that all of the Commissioners would be able to attend the event. 3. Evergreen Park Phase I &Phase II Updates The restroom has been demolished. The contractor has put up snow - fence around the construction site in order to keep people out. The Department is resubmitting the grant application for the remedial action program to the Department of Ecology. The City is submitting a request for a 75% grant because we have evidence that this area is predominately low- income. We heard from IAC that the State budget passed and we do have the $300,000 grant coming from IAC. 4. Miscellaneous Park Place Building: We have discussed the possibility that this building could become a teen center and share the space with the law and justice. However, after due consideration, City administration decided that the facility would best be used as a law and justice facility. The City has submitted its request to the GSA as such. 13t" &Naval Property: The City looked at a piece of property for sale (middle house as you come up 13t" on Ivy Green Cemetery side). The long-range plan is to eventually purchase those properties. These properties would add on to the cemetery and also to add some parking. We chose not to purchase the property at this time due to budget constraints. Chairman Cook asked that maybe we can exchange this property with 3R3 deal, to which Jodi stated it's more than what SR3 costs due to the fact that a house was included in the 13t" Street property. Suicide at Kiwanis: This terrible incident took place late in the afternoon two days ago in the women's restroom. We contacted the Hazmat group out of Harrison Hospital and they came in and cleaned up the area. Rifle Range: In a discussion with the KRRC, it was determined that the lead level needed to be assessed. Pacific Rim Environmental, Inc. was hired and did lead sampling yesterday. They took about 30 samples, and we should have a report by end of next week. If it is a hazardous situation, they will provide the Department with recommendations on what clean-up needs to be done in the near term, and recommendations about air -handling equipment and monitoring. Currently the range is closed because of the need for substantial remodeling according to the Fire and Building Codes. Senior Trip to France: A group of fourteen seniors went on a trip to France. They hooked up with other groups from the state. It was a challenging trip for Becky due to airline strike and problems with their accommodations. WRPA (Washington Recreation and Parks Association) Meeting: Jodi is leaving tonight for a conference at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo. Charleen Burnette, Cynthia Engelgau and Pat Westhoff, are also attending. She hopes to make contacts and discuss the Director's opening and our upcoming bond issue. VI. Approval of Minutes —March 23, 1999 M/S/C/U (R. Johnson/D. Groneman) to approve the minutes of March 23, 1999. VII. Commissioners' Comments &Questions Commissioner Dawson indicated that it was news to him about Jim leaving. He didn't expect it to happen so quickly. Commissioner Garguile commented that on three different occasions, the restrooms below the tennis courts (Lions Field #2) were not in good shape. Is that a useable facility or not? Jodi said they were recently vandalized but she will look into it. Commissioner Doug Groneman asked if Jodi received the e-mail about the mural, to which Jodi said she did not. Commissioner Groneman commented that someone has tagged it. Jodi indicated that the Ameri-Corps group did the mural. She would look into it to see if it was vandalized and get it repaired if possible. Commissioner Garguile said he is still thinking about a mural project on the wall on Washington Street as you come around on the west side of the Manette Bridge. He would like to see something similar to the one at Olympic College. It was discussed that he had presented his idea to the Mayor. Commissioners Susan Bell and Russ Johnson had nothing to report. Chairman Cook wanted to thank the staff for the Volunteer Recognition dinner at the Senior Center. He would also like to add his sorrow on Jim's departure. He knows Jim has wanted to do this for a year, and this group will surely miss him. He's the reason Chairman Cook comes here. He added that he'll miss Jim's smiling face and positive attitude. IX. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Lena,D'Agostihd. OAII Jodi Wroblewski, Asst. Director