HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/12/2024 - Agenda Packet
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MINUTES
PARKS COMMISSION
4:30 PM - Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Conferencing Center, 7th Floor, City Hall - 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 or via Zoom
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Al Dieckman called the regular Parks Commission meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present In-person: Al Dieckman, Larry Reymann, Marlene Winter
Members Present via Zoom: Tim Searing
Member(s) Absent: Cynthia Burns, Troy Wigestrand (excused absence for 2 months)
City Staff Present In-person: Cailín Hunsaker, Parks & Trails Director; Jason Lederer, Parks
Planning Manager, Carrie Nass, Recreation Director; Roberta Graver, Administrative Assistant
3. AUDIENCE / PUBLIC COMMENT
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a) Approval of the Agenda
b) Approval of February 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Larry Reymann motioned to approve Consent Agenda, motion seconded, all in favor, motion
carried.
5. STAFF COMMENT
a) None
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Winter requested a brief update on Eastrail. Cailín commented that King County is still in
negotiations with BNSF Railroad for trail use of rail bed adjacent to Gene Coulon Memorial
Park. No new developments. Searing stated he saw the Kiwanis Park sign letters have been
replaced and asked when the Portland Loo would be reopened. Cailín said she would find
out from Facilities Division and report back. Reymann said he completed the Site Audit
Survey tool on a recent visit to the Cedar River Trail Park. Staff commented that the survey
tool is on pause and under review to make effective in a department strategy to gather
public input and feed data to upcoming Park Plan update.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a) New NE Renton Park –Jason Lederer shared a presentation describing status of project
timeline, environmental review, basemapping, property ownership/acquisition, and
Parks Commission Meeting
March 12, 2024
Page 2 of 3
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identifying opportunities and challenges for design phase. Public engagement will start later
in February. The proposed park property is approximately 18 acres with 3-4 acres of possible
feasibility for park amenities with additional open space trails. Park project website has
updated information and public feedback feature. Winter requested that an ‘off-leash dog
park’ be included in design considerations. Jason stated that this feature has been identified
in the current public feedback. Reymann suggested a board field trip this year to survey the
property. Jason Lederer agreed to host one later this year.
b) Renton River Days Wrap-Up – Carrie Nass provided presentation with data from 2023
festival, staff evaluation of event, mayor input to changes and draft plan of 2024 event.
Senior Picnic will be at Renton Community Center (RCC); the Kids Zone will not have an
entrance fee; event is reduced to two days at Liberty Park and Cedar River Park/RCC
location, with a sole activity on Friday at Gene Coulon Memorial Park with evening music
and drone light show in place of a City sponsored fireworks display on July 4th. Future
fireworks displays are to be determined. Searing asked about the Renton River Days Board.
Carrie replied that the city attorney determined that city staff could not manage the current
structure of the 501(c)4 and the former board stated they were not able to sustain the event
on their own. Mayor has requested a Parks and Recreation Events Advisory Committee for
all city events. More information to come.
c) Vacant Board Position – Replacement Timeline – Roberta Graver provided handout with
basic information from bylaws on replacement process and potential timeline of filling
current board position vacancy. The vacancy will be posted for application submissions.
There are currently 6 applications on file for consideration. Searing suggested the board
consider a candidate interviewed but not selected during last board vacancy in 2022.
Roberta will check with clerk’s office per city guidelines and policies and report back at April
meeting.
d) Public Space Audit – Survey Tool – Roberta Graver shared that the tool that was provided by
the 880 Cities workshop in October 2023 is being reviewed by staff to determine if this or
another tool could be an effective and strategic data collection tool for public feedback used
in the 2024 update to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas Master Plan. The determined
tool, function, and purpose will be brought to the board when it’s ready.
8. BOARD COMMENT
a) Winter shared concerned she read on social media per pu blic safety along the Cedar
River Trail and requested Police be invited to present to the board about current
safety issues and police response and park rules enforcement.
b) Searing asked that the police presentation not be limited to just the trail but all parks
and shared kudos and appreciation for the golf course staff for excellent playing
conditions.
c) Reymann shared his appreciation to the department staff in maintaining high -quality
and inviting outdoor spaces that the public enjoys.
Parks Commission Meeting
March 12,2024
Page 3 of 3
9.CHAIR COMMENT
a)Dieckman stated he has been working with Maryjane to improve the agenda and
process to keep order,that board members have opportunity to share and be heard,
and create a consistency in flow of the meeting and feels it’s working out well.
10.ADJOURNMENT Searing motioned to adjourn,motion seconded,all in favor,motion passed.
Adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
Next Meeting —Tuesday,April 9,2024,4:30 p.m.
Mi’utes approved by:
Recorder:
Al Dieckman,Chair Do e Roberta Graver
March 12,2024
WheelchairAccessible.American Sign Language (ASL)interpreter available upon request.
For this or other assistance,please call 48 hours in advance:711 (TDD)or 425-430-6600 (voice).