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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/23/1996 MEETING MINUTES Lti�. OF BRt� 411 • C z City of Bremerton Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting MINUTES Tuesday, January 23, 1996 6 : 00 p.m. Sheridan Community Center 680 Lebo Blvd. , Bremerton, WA 98310 ATTENDANCE: Jason Bachand, Wanda Butler, Barry Cook, Carol Johnson, Mary Sump, Michael Vaughn. ABSENT/EXCUSED: Russ Johnson, Charles McWhorter. STAFF: Jim Spencer, Interim Director, Jodi Wroblewski, Asst . Director, Cynthia Engelgau, (Teen) Recreation Coordinator I, Becky Lorber, Recreation Coordinator II, Lena D'Agostino, Office Asst . II, Parks & Recreation Department . I. CALL TO ORDER: Michael Vaughn called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p.m. II. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE: Becky Lorber announced the Senior Center' s Soup Day fundraiser event to be held on Friday, January 26th. She invited everyone to come for lunch (tickets are $3 .50 each which includes soup, sandwich, dessert and entertainment) . The purpose of this fundraising is to generate funds for improvements to the Senior Center (e .g. drapes, carpet, padded chairs, etc . ) . III. AGENDA - None IV. OLD BUSINESS 1. Skateboard Park Cynthia Engelgau talked about the three options for locations of the proposed Skateboard Park at Eastpark and reviewed the reasons why the selection has been narrowed down to the one preferred location. Cynthia stated that an obstacle course is desirable for the park. She passed a picture of the skate park in Moses Lake that had cost $97, 000 to develop. However, due to using the described location, the cost for the Bremerton facility should be a lot less . She said that City Council has allocated $10, 000 411 z towards the cost and that Bremerton Youth Council has raised $2 , 600 . The proposed obstacle course design, rules and miscellaneous specifics were discussed while viewing an overhead (drawing) prepared by Cynthia. She also added that a sub-committee was formed and is now working on the park' s design. Signs will be posted on the rules and hours of operations of the park. Commissioner Wanda Butler suggested that metered lights be used at the park to which Jodi Wroblewski, Assistant Director, responded that this is a possibility but the whole lighting issue needs to be discussed with the Bremerton Youth Council as well as the Bremerton Police. In addition to the Skateboard Park, Cynthia announced the Department ' s event - "Daddy/Daughter Dance" which will be held on Saturday, February 10th at the Senior Center. 2 . Response from Sinclair Landing Association Board Jodi informed the Commissioners that they had received a response (included in the packet) from the Sinclair Landing Association regarding the Parks & Recreation Commissions request (October, 1995) to be represented on the Committee . According to the letter, SLA board make-up is of individuals rather than organizations . Ms . Mary McClure, Executive Director, went on to say that when SLA forms advisory committees, she is certain that the Parks & Recreation Commission representation will be a crucial asset . Jodi said that Commissioner Russ Johnson is on the SLA Board but not specifically as a Parks Commissioner. She indicated that Mr. Johnson would probably be sensitive to any parks related issues . 3 . Arvon Park Site Jodi reported that Jim Spencer, Interim Director, and Commissioner Mary Sump had worked together and organized a neighborhood meeting to discuss the pros and cons regarding the development of a park on the Arvon park site. They also asked the neighbors how the park should be configured. The result is a playground design that was presented to the neighbors on January 11, 1996 . Also, Becky Lorber had spoken to the Planning Department and the parking element was changed to fit in the lot and to enable the Department to gate the area. Commissioner Sump stated that the neighbors in this area desire that fruit trees be planted to keep kids out of the residents ' yards and fruit trees . The biggest concern of the adjoining property owners was access through their property; therefore, a six-foot fence has been included. Commissioner Vaughn questioned development costs . Jodi reported that there is $120, 000 available for the construction of this site and the 12th & Naval Avenue site. $30, 000 in CDBG funding and $90, 000 from Real Estate Excise Tax. She indicated that this will more than cover the cost of development . She also indicated that it has bee suggested that the balance of these funds, if any, may go to the purchase and development of the Haddon site . Commissioner Sump expressed concern with regards to the infestation of rats in this area. Jodi reported that the Department has Page 2 • 41"14 III 111 �14LG z already obtained the services of an exterminator and was working on that problem in regards to the park site. Jodi stated that this plan will go before City Council with the rezone proposal . (M/S/C/U) (Sump/Bachand) to approve the site plan and to direct the staff to proceed with the planning and development of the site. V. NEW BUSINESS 1. Request to Name Swimming Pool Jodi provided background information regarding a request to name the Bremerton Municipal Swimming Pool for former Mayor Glen Jarstad. She reviewed a position that the Parks & Recreation Commission took a year ago in which they did not feel it was desirable to re-name any parks . However, the Commissioners did feel that naming a feature of a park was appropriate. Recently a suggestion has come forth that the Municipal Pool be renamed for Glenn Jarstad. This suggestion is strongly supported by a number of people including past Parks & Recreation Directors, Arvilla Ohlde and Vickie Vanneman. Mr. Jarstad was instrumental in getting the pool up and running. The Municipal Pool staff also concur with this recommendation. The Department has long expressed concern that the swimming pool is mistakenly called the "Y" pool . Commissioner Michael Vaughn pointed out his concern that other names have not been solicited for the renaming of the pool in accordance with the policy. He recommended that the Parks & Recreation Commission form a committee as outlined in the policy and that this subject be put on the agenda for the next meeting. He also suggested we notify the public that the Commission will consider names for the swimming pool in the Bremerton Sun with notice of the next Commission meeting. Jodi said that the Parks staff urges the Commission to recommend to City Council that the Bremerton Municipal Swimming Pool name be changed to "Glen Jarstad Swimming Pool" given Mr. Jarstad' s involvement and criteria in naming policy. The Commission directive on this issue is that the Committee will be the Parks & Recreation Commission and will act on this at the next Commission meeting. 2 . Puget Power Park Jodi provided a background report regarding this piece of property which is located at the end of Elizabeth Street on the Port Washington Narrows . Puget Power is agreeable to leasing this property to the City to be developed as a neighborhood park site. The Department proposes a very minimal development of this site with a couple of picnic tables and benches and a garbage receptacle installed. She also reported that the trail needs some work. The cost and the labor required for this project will be minimal . The costs presented to the Commission are basically replacement costs as materials needed are already on hand. Jodi further emphasized that the annual maintenance of this site will not impact the Parks Maintenance operations significantly. Page 3 •G���OF a,pF�i Z Staff urges the Commission to recommend to the City Council that the City enter into a lease agreement with Puget Power site as described above . Staff further urges the Commissioners to recommend to the City Council that the Parks & Recreation Department proceed with planning and development of the site as described. At this point, Commissioner Vaughn expressed concerns that with all the other development going on, that this project be specifically brought in within reasonable limits of the projected budget (10% over budget) presented to the Commission and if staff anticipated exceeding these budget projecion by more than 10% that the Commission review same . The motion was amended. (M/S/C/U) (Butler/C.Johnson) 3 . Commission Election Jodi stated that curently there is no formal Chairperson or Vice Chairperson elected for the Commission according to the Parks & Recreation Commission By-laws . Jodi added that by the next meeting these positions need to be filled. She also provided the Commission with a description of what is required of the positions . Commissioner Vaughn asked if perhaps it would be more appropriate to wait until the two other Commissioners are present at the next meeting. Commissioner Sump suggested that it would make more sense for the Chairperson to be someone who has been on board longer and who knew the most to fill that position. At this point, Commissioner Carol Johnson nominated Commissioner Vaughn to be the Chairperson. A vote was taken in favor of Commissioner Vaughn to be the Chairperson. Commissioner Carol Johnson also suggested that the Vice Chairperson position be filled by Commissioner Russ Johnson as he has a lot of City background and information to bring to that position. At this point, motion was taken (M/S/C/U) (C. Johnson/Bachand) to elect Commissioner Russ Johnson as the Vice Chairperson. VI . STAFF REPORT - REVIEW OF 1996 PROJECTS This topic was postponed until next meeting. VII . COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Commissioner Sump asked about the Haddon site development status . She stated that she would not like to see this project fall between the cracks . She reported on a neighborhood meeting at Anderson Cove and needed clarification as to details that were presented there. Jodi reported that it is the Department ' s intention that one of the sites for the summer Playground Express will be the Haddon Site if the school district is agreeable . There does not appear to be any disagreement . She also indicated that the City is strongly in favor of pursuing the purchase of the Haddon site from the School District . She also reported that there is funding appropriated for the purchase. Commissioner Vaughn requested that a staff report updating the status of the Haddon development be presented next meeting. Jodi pointed out that there is a "timeline" on the bulletin board in the hallway near her office if anyone is Page 4 G��°F BR�� • � � i z interested. Commissioner Vaughn suggested that Commissioner Sump report on the Arvon site as she was present at a meeting and is familiar with the particulars regarding this development . Commissioner Sump expressed the concern of the surrounding neighbors with regards to the traffic flow. It was suggested that this street be a one-way street due to a safety factor for the children' s sake. Commissioner C. Johnson mentioned that the correct name of the architectural firm (that will provide design support for Neighborhood Park at Arvon) is Rice-Fergus . She also welcomed the new Commissioners to the Commission. Commissioner Barry Cook stated that he is glad to be on the Commission; however, he is not sure of what the Commission' s charter is . Commissioner Wanda Butler stated she questions why she is on this Board and stated that if it was going to be upsetting and that the City deserves some continuity. She said that if this group is just off to the side, she would like to know what they (Commissioners) are doing. She questioned if the Mayor is telling people to resign, then how does that affect the administration? She added that if there is a conflict with the administration' s agenda and the mayor' s agenda, she would like to know about it . Jodi said while there has been a turn-over in the Commission, the Commission continues to advise on issues . She also indicated that the Mayor does attend meetings and discuss items with the Commission from time to time . Commissioner Butler further stated she would like to study this further and have a special session with the people that are on the board. She also mentioned that she would also like a tour of the parks . Jodi said that the tour can be arranged and it would take a couple hours . She indicated that a tour can be arranged for whatever date and time is the most convenient for the Commission. She would be happy to accommodate that . Commissioner C. Johnson interpreted what she believed led to the conflict between the previous Commissioners and the Mayor. Commissioner Vaughn offered his interpretation regarding the conflict between the Commission and the Mayor and offered background information as he remembered it . Clarification as to the Commission' s recommendations, how are they were considered and the end result . Commissioner Jason Bachand stated that he would like to discuss more in length and in detail the Skate Board Park lighting issue. It was suggested that he bring a report from the Bremerton Youth Council regarding this issue . Commissioner Vaughn stated that he would like the role of the Parks and Recreation Commission be placed on next month' s agenda. Page 5 G�,1 OF BltE...: � III 411 G z gIitLI'D VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 26, 1995 (M/S/C/U) (C. Johnson/Sump) to approve the September 26, 1995 minutes . Commissioner Vaughn recommended to the new Commissioners that they review the past minutes so as to familiarize themselves and come up to speed with what is pertinent to their involvement with the Parks and Recreation Commission. He commented further that the minutes need to contain more details and that he has spoken with Jim Spencer in this regard. At this point, Jim Spencer joined the group and briefly discussed the Arvon site progress, Puget Power Park proposal, and naming of the Bremerton Municipal Pool to Glen Jarstad. In reference to discussion on the 1996 Budget, Jim suggested to postpone the discussion until everyone is on board, and he also said that he believed that 1996 has put more on everyone' s plate than 1995 did. Finally, Jim was introduced to the newest Commissioners, Wanda Butler and Barry Cook. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7 :37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ))1 b_f:1( V.-lc-4"LC— , Lena D'A4stino, OA II J. Spence , Interim Director Page 6