HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/22/2008 - Minutes Ci�y of Ren ton
Board of Park Commissioners
_:��-
.,
� J +
•r� �
.�•�
Mee ting Mi�r u t`es
Ap ri I 22, 2008
4:30 p.m.—City Hall — 7�" floar Conferencing Center
!. CALL TO ORDER
The April 22, 2008, m�eting was called to order by Chair, Tim Searing, at 4:30 p.m.
In Attendance
Members: Tim Searing, Cynthia Burns, AI Di�ckman, Michael O'Donin, Ron Regis, Troy
Wigestrand
Staf� Terry Higashiyama, Sandy Pilat, Leslie Betfach, Jerry Rerecich, Kelly Beymer, Terry
Flatley
Absent: Larry Reymann
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Michael O'Donin made a motion, seconded by Cynthia Burns, to appro�e the agenda as presented.
All were in favor, agenda approved.
Ill. APPRQVAL OF MINUTES
Troy Wigestrand noted (on Page 3 of the minutes) a reference was made ta a discussion by Terry
Flatley, Parks Manager, and he was not present a# that meeting. Troy thought Leslie Betlach, Parks
Director, had fed thE discussion. A motion was made and seconded to appro�e the minutes with
correction noted, a!I were in favor, motion carried, minutes appro�ed.
!V. BOARD COMMUNICATION
Michael O'Donin inquired how tF�ings were going at the Skatepar�c. Leslie and Terry Higashiyama
indicated that the ligf�ts were compl�t�d and users are at the park until i i:00 p.m. nightly. We still
ha�e a big problem wi#h graffiti.
V. CITY CDUNCiL C�MMUNICAT�ON
Leslie updated the Board on impro�ements occurring at Bumett Linear Park. Todd Black, Capital
Project Coordi�ator, is overseeing the project. Th� work includes a widened and relocated walkway, a
new seating area with reloca#ed, refurbished artwork, entry signage, and new irrigation and
landscaping. Se�eral trees are being removed and fi�e new trees will be planted in mare appropriate
large, open areas. The work is scheduled until mid-July.
VI. DISCUSSEON/ACTION tTEMS
Terry Higashiyama explained th� 5#rategic P�an was a �lan developed in accordance with our
accreditation process. This plan is our 'working plan'. The plan was updated to reflect the new
City of Re�+ka�
Park Board MFr�ut�s
April 22, 2008
Page 2 af 3
division of specia[ e�ents and volun#eers. Staff requested a motian to approve the plar�. Several
m�mbers did not receive the plan in the maiE and asked to defer the vote until next month after they
had a chance to re�iew the plan. Item deferred until May meefing.
Ke�ly Beymer, Golf Course Ma�ager, did a presentation on maintenance practices utilized at the
Maplewood Golf Course. She co�ered the Enrrironmental StEwardship Pragram as well as the
Audubon Cooperatsve Sanctuary Program. The Maplewood Golf Course �nitiated this pragram,
modeled after Portland's nationally approved plan, in 2001. This Environmental Stewardship Program
�tilizes an Integrated Pest Management approach. This process uses various methods to meet our
objectives. The fi�e primary elements of the program are prevention; monitor�ng; establishing
threshold [evels; treatment, maximizing the use of natura! methods to control pests; and evaluation by
documenting all observations, treatments and results.
The Audubon Cooperati�e Sanctt�ary Program addresses five key environmental areas includir�g
wildlife and habitat management, chemical use, water conservation, water quafity management, and
outreach and education. The Golf Course and City recognize the importance of sound environmental
stewardship and are committed to optimiz�ng its practices to protect and en�ironment.
There was also discussion regarding acquiring a new maintenance shap by moving ti�e previous living
quart�rs from Fire Station 13 to the golf caurse. The golf course staff has been housed in sub-
standard conditions for a number of years and this wi�l be a vastly impro�ed un�t for them to �ase until a
new facility can be built. Kelly extended the invitation of a tour to whoever wou[d be interested any
time. Cynti��a Bums inquired about normal' wear ar�d tear related to the age of the facility in �he
restaurant and around tY�e building. Kelly indicated w� woufd be getting new lobby fUrniture and
addressing other maintenanc� issu�s.
Jerry Rerecich, Recreation D°[rector, r�oted this year would be ti�e first time both the Senior and
Cammuni#y Centers would be closed for two weeks for maintenance. We need more and more
revenues to keep up with the major maintenance on these buildings.
VII. ADMINISTRATQRS REP�RT
Terry Higashiyama, Administrator, expla�ned that from March until approximately December the
workload wauld be redistributed to make an effort to keep up with the numerous projects we curr�ntly
are working on. Terry Flatley would be sp[it from working as a forester and overseeing Capital
Projecks. Leslie Betlach is working on several teams including the I 405 Coordination WSDOT#eam,
the Par�cs and Trails Plan, the Open Space Plan. In an effort to balance the workload Kel�y will
assume some of�he day-to-day maintenance operations. Terry explained our staffing has been so
lean for many years it's hard to catch up now. We wil� do a Capital �mprovement Project power point
presentation at an upcoming meeting to review some of these projects.
lill. OLD BUSINESS
Off Leash Tas�C Force
Terry Higashiyama gave an update on the Off-Leash Task Force noting the commitment and
enthusiasm this group of 18 has shown. They are very anxious to go forward with #his project. The
[ast meeting they had speak�rs from two ci#ies, Seattle and Bellevue, that alerted them to potent'sa!
City of Renton
Park Board Minutes
Apri! 22, 2008
Page3af3
problems and what they have learned from completing this process in their respective cities. AI
Dieckman is represen#ing the Park 6oard, two staff members from t�e Police Department and Dana
Appel, Parks Maintenance are on the Committee also. Additional meetings are schedul�d thru June
and at that time Terry hopes the Committee will bring a recammendation to the Park Board.
NEW BUSlNESS
Future Agenda Items
Election of a �ew Chairperson will be helc! in June. Formerly the Board has c�osen to rotate this
position among all the members. Terry Higashiyama indicated it was up to the board members if they
chaose to do #his again or not, staff cannot be in�olved. Perhaps the members could discuss this prior
to the June meeting.
Arbor/Earth Day will be celebrated at 9:Q0 a.m. at Heritage Park with over 150 �o�unteers planting over
�,7Q0 plants. Terry Higashiyama a�so reminded everyone of the Volunteer Dinner and to RSVP if they
planned to attend. Tim indicated he did not receive an in�itation. Terry asked 5andy to email Tim the
information.
ADJOURNMENT
Michael O'Danin made a motion seconded by Troy Wigestrand to adjourn the meeting. AlI were in favor, mation
carried. The April 22, 2008, meeting was adjaurned at 5:42 p.m.
Signature
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday
May �3, 2008 G 4:30 P.M.
Main Library Conference Room