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Home My WebLink About01/28/1997 MEETING MINUTES • • City of Bremerton Parks & Recreation Department Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting UNAPPROVED MINUTES January 28, 1997 6:00 p.m. Sheridan Park Community Center ATTENDANCE: Wanda Butler, Lionel Collins, Barry Cook, Carol Johnson, Russ Johnson, Charles McWhorter GUEST: Kay Wilson, City of Bremerton, Planning Department ABSENT: Jason Bachand, Mary Sump, Michael Vaughn STAFF: Jim Spencer, Interim Director, Jodi Wroblewski, Asst. Director, Lena D'Agostino, Office Asst. II, Becky Lorber, Senior Program Coordinator. L CALL TO ORDER In the absence of Chairman Michael Vaughn, Jim Spencer called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Jim announced that Chairman Vaughn and Commissioner Mary Sump had elected to resign from the Parks Commission. Regarding Commissioner Jason Bachand, Jim mentioned that Commissioner Bachand had missed about 6 meetings and it is not known where his committment is at this point. Due to Commissioner Vaughn's resignation, Jim suggested that the Commissioners be prepared with nominations for next meeting so that a new chairperson can be elected. II. ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE Becky Lorber invited all the Commissioners to attend the annual cherry pie social at the Senior Center on Friday, February 21st. III. AGENDA Commissioner Russ Johnson mentioned that he had noticed an error on this year's meeting dates for the months of June and November. The correct dates should be Tuesday, June 24 and November 25 respectively. IV. OLD BUSINESS - Sinclair Landing Association (SLA) Concerns 1 • i • In early December last year, Jim forwarded a letter for review to the Commissioners relative to the SLA project and its possible impact on the Parks & Recreation Department. Included in the Commissioners' packet for this meeting was the final letter sent to SLA which was consistent with what had been discussed by the Commission. V. NEW BUSINESS 1. Charleston Neighborhood Plan Kay Wilson gave a brief summary of the Harrison District Plan and the Charleston Neighborhood Plan. According to Kay, an integral part of the neighborhood planning process is conducting neighborhood meetings (they had 3 meetings to date). She urged the Commissioners to get involved particularly as it relates to parks issues. Somewhere in the business area is opportunity for pocket parks. A few recommendations emerging from her previous neighborhood meetings were recommendations for the City to build a parking garage for contractors & civilian workers (between Montgomery & Callow) and a potential building to house a recreation center. Kay said she will provide a draft plan as soon as it becomes available and will ask for comments. Likewise, she will forward copies of full color brochure of both Harrison District Plan and Charleston Neighborhood Plan as soon as printing is complete. Kay also informed the Commissioners of the City Planning Department's grant schedule. She added that the Park Commissioners may wish to get involved in holding a joint neighborhood/parks plan in the future and also act as an advisory for the Planning Department. 2. 1997 Budget Jim summarized the Department's 1997 budget and revenues. This year's budget in total is a little over 6.2 million(last year's was 7.1 million). Fund 112 - Excess revenues from golf course go towards Capital Projects in parks which include the following projects: Playground improvements (new toys will be installed at the 9th Street mini-park and behind the Sheridan Park Community Center to support the preschool program); Infield machine at Lions Field ($10,000 allocated amount for this equipment); Mower (which will be used/stored mainly at Pendergast). Other projects include: Lions tennis court rehabilitation, automatic irrigation installation, chemical disinfection upgrade for Jarstad Aquatics Center, providing/adding picnic tables and park benches, ballfield improvements (e.g. installation of new fencing at Lions), and other unidentified projects & improvements. Fund 308 - Pendergast Park Construction. The Department has been appropriated $30,000 worth of expenditures which will be used towards beginning development of the area designated for 3 more softball fields Fund 407 - Gold Mountain Golf Complex. Includes equipment replacement at just over $100,000. Revenue projections were based on 65,000 and 37,500 round on the Cascade and Olympic Courses respectively. This will be the first full year of operating both courses and the budget projections are best guesses and will require close scrutiny throughout the year. The long-term possibilities these courses provide to the Parks system are tremendous. 2 • • Fund 601 - Cemetery Perpetual Care. Last year's goal to improve the cemetery was accomplished using funding from the General Fund. A small transfer of $6,000 goes from Fund 601 to the General Fund. Fund 622 - Roosevelt Capital Assets. $600,000 out of $735,000 for Evergreen Parks Phase I Development ($300,000 will come from Interagency Committee (IAC) grant); $100,000 allocated for the seawall restoration at Evergreen Park; $35,000 for new restroom for Evergreen Park. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Capital. $80,000 total; approximately $30,000 allocated for Haddon Park development. The remainder will go towards restroom rehab for Warren Avenue & Manette Playfield, relighting Carpeter Field, and ADA upgrades at Jarstad Aquatic Center. Other Capital Funding. $80,000 Equipment Rental Reserve; $246,000 Real Estate Excise Tax , the majority of which ($225,000) is for Haddon development. Haddon Update. School district did another appraisal on the property. A verbal offer has been made with Walt Draper from Bremerton School District for $135,000, which is now being reviewed closely. 15-Passenger Van The Department will soon own two 15-passenger vans coming from General Fund and Real Estate Excise fund. 3. 1997 Goals & Objectives Jim summarized the Department's goals & objectives for this year relative to safety, administrative and programs. Safety is Jim's primary concern and his goal is to have no lost time accidents for any staff members nor having any of the staff put themselves at risk. Additionally, the Department will continue to provide safe recreation opportunities for all park patrons (e.g. marking trip hazard with fluorescent paint at Lions walking path, etc.). Another objective is for the Department to implement a comprehensive Safety Program. Jim further mentioned that the Department has been fortunate in finding funding sources for summer playground program; however, we need to figure out a way not to put this program in jeopardy without counting on CDBG funding. As far as other concerns, Jim said he is concerned about capital projects in general (particularly Evergreen & Haddon). He also has concerns relative to the level of participation in athletics for adults (especially softball over 1996 levels). Likewise, Jim said we need to find out a way to get the young people more involved as well. Other concerns include generating $5,000 net profit from concessions, maximize use of Pendergast Regional Park (expand sand volleyball leagues & soccer usage), finish Skate Park in East Park, and implement the 5th Street Tree Replacement Program. Additionally, Jim said the Department wishes to develop meaningful projects with the Parks Commission. The Commissioners need to let their objectives be known as a group. Re: Bataan Park - Centennial Celebration plaque installation. A member of the Filipino Community met with Jim regarding the status of the installation of memorial plaque commemorating the Philippine revolution/independence from the Americans. Jim was concerned that the intent at the proposed memorial could be in conflict with Bataan Park on its corresponding history. We do not have a policy on memorials relating to specific criteria, and one was needed. 3 • • VI. STAFF REPORT (This has been discussed by Jim under Budget and Goals& Objectives.). VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 22, 1996 M/C/S/U (B. Cook/R. Johnson) to approve the October 22nd minutes with the exception of the Bataan Park memorial issue. A motion was taken to reconsider and table this issue pending development of a comprehensive policy on parks memorials. M/C/S/U (C. Johnson/B. Cook). Jim added that he will talk with the Filipino community representative (Rhona Agerstrand) again to discuss the content of the memorial and acquire a more definitive information in writing relative to this memorial. IX. COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS & QUESTIONS Jim invited everyone to attend the Department's 2nd Annual Daddy/Daughter dance which will be held on Saturday, February 8th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Tickets for this event are going fast. Commissioner Barry Cook said he would like to do more and participate with the Department's goals and visions. Not just a sounding board and listening to all the great things the Parks Department does but to take projects in as a group and be actually involved. It does not appear to him that he is doing much at this time. He is anxious to be more involved and to participate in these projects. He is looking forward to a good year. Commissioner Wanda Butler informed the Commission on a recent car vandalism at the Jarstad Aquatics Center. Jim said he was not aware of this incident. An improved lighting system was installed at the Aquatics Center. It is difficult to control this type of situation and all we could do is to contact the police when something like this occurs. Commissioner Butler also inquired about the Sinclair Landing Project. In response to Commissioner Butler's inquiry about SLA, Commissioner Russ Johnson replied the SLA went to the Planning Commission. Plans for the transportation component are progressing with the rest lagging awaiting committments from retailers. In light of the Bataan Memorial plaque issue, Commissioner R. Johnson suggested contacting a municipal research on memorials. Also it would be nice to add a backboard for tennis players. Asst. Director Jodi Wroblewski advised that Lions has one. Commissioner Lionel Collins commented it was a very interesting first meeting this year. He inquired about a possibility of building a teen center and a mini-golf course. He suggested that Roxy Theater which is located downtown as a possible site for a teen center. As far as a location for a mini golf course, according to Jim this possibility has been discussed at Pendergast. Jim advised Commissioner Collins that Parks & Recreation Department holds a teen dance about once a month at Sheridan Park. The revenues from these dances helped build the skateboard park. We also offer a program called "Drop By" every Saturday night which is an open free opportunity for young people to hang-out, play basketball, break-dance, etc. Jim said we need to make sure the young people are aware that the opportunities exist and to figure out a way how to market our programs. Becky suggested letting us know what the young people really want to ensure we're offering the right kinds of things. Barry Cook stated this has to be a joint venture with the teens and to find out what they are willing to do (e.g. fundraising, etc.). Commissioner Charles McWhorter said he is willing to help and will be available to meet with the students. 4 •. At this point, the Commissioners entered into a general discussion on this matter and agreed to meet with the students at Bremerton Jr. High School and other schools if that's what it takes to let them know the type of activities available for them. Commissioner Collins said he could arrange the meetings at the Junior High. Commissioner Carol Johnson complimented the new trees in front of Sheridan and at Lent Lane. Jim commented that this was part of the DNR grant. She added that if the Commissioners are aware of anyone interested in becoming a member of the Parks Board that applications are available at the Mayor's Office or Sheridan Park. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 4gr • Lena D' :.stino, OA II im Spenc< Interim Director 5