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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/13/2020 - MinutesMINUTES Wheelchair Accessible. 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). City of Renton Board of Park Commissioners – SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday October 13, 4:00 pm Video Conference – during Governor Inslee’s “Safe Start” Order 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Tim Searing called the meeting to order at 4:00pm. Members Present: Al Dieckman, Larry Reymann, Tim Searing, Shun Takano, Cynthia Burns, and Troy Wigestrand, Members Absent: Marlene Winter. Larry Reymann moved to excuse Marlene Winter, motion seconded, all in favor, motion carried. Marlene arrived at meeting at approximately 4:15pm. Staff Present: Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator; Mayor Armondo Pavone, Cailín Hunsaker, Parks and Trails Director; Carrie Nass, Recreation and Neighborhoods Manager, Carrie Olson, Farmers Market/Program Coordinator and Roberta Graver, Administrative Assistant 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Cynthia Burns motioned to approve the agenda as presented, motion seconded, all in favor, motion carried. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Al Dieckman motioned to approve the September 15th meeting minutes as presented, all in favor, motion carried. 4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Pavone greeted and thanked the board for their continued participation during the Covid restrictions and their ongoing support, as parks and trails are very important to the City of Renton. Board members introduced themselves. 5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS a. Recreation and Neighborhoods’ Fall Programming – Carrie Nass More virtual and limited in-person programming continuing; using a monthly flyer instead of quarterly activity guide; making preparations with a goal to reopen the Renton Community Center with appointment-based programming/following covid safety guidelines by January 4, 2021, depending on Safe Start status(other recreation facilities will follow in staged procession); received extension of King County Youth Amateur Sports grant till December 2021 and received more funds than asked for. These funds will be used to continue virtual and on-demand programming for youth through the STREAM program and to participate fully in Youth Program Quality Initiative. Kelly expressed huge gratitude for division staff who have had to completely change how they provide services and programming during covid restrictions. b. Senior Activity Center Thanksgiving Dinner Update – Kelly Beymer Event details and funding source still being finalized; will be a drive-through format with pre- registration and 2 meals provided on the day before Thanksgiving, instead of traditional Thursday event. Collaborating with Sound Generations, Rotary, city staff and volunteers. c. Clam Lights Update – Kelly Beymer Will be modified from prior years due to safe-distancing restrictions, loss of sponsorship and budget constraints. Funds may be transferred from ‘cancelled event’ budgets. Alternative venue locations, activities and reduced light display at Coulon Park are under consideration. d. Farmers Market Season Summary – Carrie Olson Parks Commission Meeting October 13, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Huge thanks to department staff, other city department staff, and volunteers for their amazing efforts putting on the modified market this year. Changes included new location, massive restrictions, regular health department monitoring, fewer regular volunteers, fewer vendors, no entertainment/prepared food vendors/guest programs and service modifications. Attendees often waited in long lines per market capacity limits, but were patient. Market highlight was the ability to continue the Electronic Benefits Transfer {EBT-previously known as food stamps) and Snap Bucks program. Carrie reached out to Kaiser Permanente to provide financial assistance to continue the dollar-matching benefits when she used up her allotted amount mid-season. Carrie is still evaluating the data, but with this year's modifications, attendance declined by 77%, market revenues were down by 58%, but EBT purchases were up 77% (with 2 less market days than in 2019). Take away is that fewer attended the market, but they came to buy. The crowds were patient with all the changes and limitations, and vendors (and Community Garden participants) donated more food to local food banks and agencies than in years past. e.Coulon Boat Launch Revenue -Carrie Nass Number of launch passes sold are on par with 2019; new process to purchase annual passes online is coming and there were some challenges at the launch this summer without supplemental staff assisting visitors launching and exiting the launch area. (Additional revenue information provided below.) f.Use of CARES Act Overview -Kelly Seymer City of Renton received $3.14 million to utilize and distribute for covid-related needs. $SOOK was used by Facilities Department for covid-related expenses like, but not limited to supplies, cleaning, sanitizing stations, retro-fitting the lobby for re-opening, Plexiglas separators, touchless sinks and soap dispensers. $1.4 million was used for small business grants. $400K for Human Services to allocate to five entities for rental assistance, $40K for food assistance, and $30K for Sustainable Renton {food provider). The Center of Hope shelter services are currently at Highlands Neighborhood Center and has secured permanent location in the Lakeridge Lutheran Church. The city will continue to partner with REACH even beyond their transition to the new location in the coming weeks. g.ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Maplewood Golf Course Manager Doug Mills has retired and Human Resources will be posting the open position after Kelly reviews the job description. Doug did an excellent job starting and expanding programs, improving customer engagement, helping the team adjust to challenges of covid restrictions and multiple closures, and supported many capital improvements. h.ADJOURNMENT -Larry Reymann moved to adjourn at 5:09pm, motion seconded, all in favor, ·ed. Mi Recorder: Roberta Graver Tim Searing, Board Chair Date NEXT MTG -November 10, 2020 The following Boat Launch Revenue summary was provided and included per original request in September 15, 2020 meeting: Wheelchair Accessible. 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). Parks Commission Meeting October 13, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Wheelchair Accessible. 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). City of Renton Boat Launch Pass Sales & Revenue 2019 # of Passes sold: Day passes: 6,257 Annual Passes: 361 Day Passes: $84,870 (VenTek report) Annual Passes: $29,203 (Perfect Mind report) Total Revenue for 2019: $114,073 2020 (as of 10/14/20): # of Passes sold: Day passes: 8,708 Annual Passes: 354 Day Passes:$118,440 (VenTek report) Annual Passes: $26,450 (Perfect Mind report) Total Revenue for 2020 (thru 10/14/20): $144,890 (22% increase over 2019) ALL AGES IN PERSON Oct 17 Saturday AM Explore Nature: Plant Identification at Coulon Park ALL AGES A free one-hour stroll and introduc- tion to native and exotic plant species. Limit is 5 individuals each session. Register with course codes: 9-10am #9432, 10:30-11:30am #9433. IN PERSON Oct 23 Friday 5:30–7:30pm Halloween Drive-Through ALL AGES A drive-through Halloween experience at RCC. Collect treats from Candy Land Lane, Glowing Gully, Jack-o-Lantern Rd and more! Remain in car, face masks preferred. $15R/$18NR. Visit rentonwa.gov/register to secure your time slot. Oct 27 Tues, 6:30pm Virtual Trivia: “Tricks & Trivia” ALL AGES A night of live trivia from the comfort of your own home. Play by yourself or a group for a chance to win prizes and to be crowned Trivia Champion! For info: rentonwa.gov/trivianight SENIORS Weekdays Monday–Friday 11:30am Senior Lunch/Meal Program SENIORS (60+) Sack lunch drive-thru pick up. Limited. For delivery, or to preorder a weekend meal, leave voicemail with name and phone number: 425-430-6634. Sept–Nov Tuesdays 2pm Virtual Coffee Talk SENIORS Sept 29, Oct 13, 27, Nov 10, 24. Check in with your friends via Zoom on your computer or phone. Reserve your spot with course #9383. For help, call 425-430-6633. Oct–Dec Wednesdays 2pm Virtual BINGO! SENIORS Oct 7, 21, Nov 4, 18, Dec 2, 16. Receive a link to access Zoom the day before along with Bingo cards to print at home. Prizes mailed. Preregister online with course #9384 or call 425-430-6633. Oct–Dec Fridays 2–3:30pm “All Things Fall” Virtual Art Series SENIORS Oct 16, 30, Nov 13, Dec 4. Online painting instruction via Zoom. Sign up for series or specific project. Participants provided with a list of supplies they need prior to class. For course info and fees, log in to rentonwa.gov/register or call 425-430-6633. City of Renton Recreation & NeighborhoodsLet’s Go Renton! YOUTH & TEENS October Self-Guided Creator Virtual Subscription “Halloween Hauntings” AGES 3 AND UP Art/craft kits are mailed to you with materials and directions for two projects. Projects are self-guided. $10R/$12NR, Course #9417. Register by: 10/5 Oct 7 –Dec 16 Wednesdays 4pm STREAM Team Zoom Meet Ups K-8TH GRADE STREAM Team empowers youth to be socially, emotionally, and academically successful throughout their academic careers. FREE, email for link: StreamTeam@rentonwa.gov Oct 5 –Dec 14 Saturday AM or Mon, Tue PM Steppin’ Together Virtual Dance, Keep Moving Series AGES 3–18 Proper techniques and various disciplines focusing on movement, personal growth and fun. No experience necessary. For course descriptions and registration codes log in to rentonwa.gov/register. Oct 10–12 Self-guided with Zoom on Oct 12, 4–5pm Super Sitters Online AGES 10½–15 Basics of child care, what to charge, first aid and emergencies. $43R/$52NR, Course #9401. Register by 10/5. Oct 19–21 Self-guided with Zoom on Oct 21, 4–5pm Safe Kids 101 Home Alone Online AGES 9–13 Learn safety practices in the home and in the community! $33R/$40NR, Course #9403. Register by 10/14. YOUTH SPORTS IN PERSON Oct 5–29 Days & times vary Skyhawks Multi-Sport Camps and Soccer Clinics AGES 3–12 Designed to give each child a positive introduction into sports. Kennydale or Cedar River Parks. Register at skyhawks.com IN PERSON Oct 6–29 Tues/Thur 5–6pm Cross Country AGES 5–13 Stay active this fall as we run through the leaves at the Highlands Neighborhood Center. This will be a short in house season complete with a race! Space is limited! Volunteers needed! $10R/$12NR, Course #9440. Register by 10/5. IN PERSON Nov 3 –Dec 8 Tues, 10–11am STEEL Soccer: UK Petite AGES 6–10 FUNdamentals of soccer in a high- energy, interactive learning environment. $90, Ron Regis Park. Register on steelsoccer.com. rentonwa.gov/register* (*Unless otherwise noted) OCTOBER2020 Adaptive Rec: rentonwa.gov/adaptive General Info: rentonwa.gov/recreation Questions?: 425-430-6600, recreation@rentonwa.gov FARMERS MARKET 2020 REVIEW BY CARRIE OLSON, FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM COORDINATOR PARKS COMMISSION BOARD MEETING - OCTOBER 13, 2020 With the market just ending 2 weeks ago, we are still compiling some of the data that we collect at the market, but we wanted to give you an overview of how the season went. If you were able to join us – you noticed a complete change with how things had been done for the past 18 years. Starting in April, shortly after the shutdown, Governor Inslee deemed farmers markets as essential business. From there, we knew we just might be able to open – but it required detailed coordination with Public Health – Seattle & King County, along with other market managers in Washington state, and even nationally, trying to figure out how we were going to make it work. Immediately, we knew we could not hold the market in the Piazza Park – one of the biggest requirements were a controlled entrance and exit, and Market perimeter so as to be able to limit the number of shoppers inside the market. So we looked just across the street to the old Big 5 Lot, which is enclosed on 3 sides, making it much easier to manage. Also, our vendors would be able to drive vehicles in to unload their items, and in many cases, remain parked in their selling spaces. This was also important to limit the number of ‘touches’ - in the Piazza space we would have to help the vendors unload and load their product; we also knew we would have far fewer volunteers to help operate the market. So, in addition to a controlled entrance, exit and perimeter– our vendors needed to be placed 10’ apart, which decreased the number of vendors we could have at the Market each week due to space constraints. In 2020, we had an average of 19 spaces rented by vendors each week (max capacity would have been 23), compared to 2019 with 57 spaces each week. Additionally, vendors had to wear masks and gloves, buy and bring their own hand wash stations to use at the Market, and devise ways to keep shoppers from handling the produce. For the first part of the season, we were not allowed to have craft vendors – and we were not allowed to have hot, prepared food all season. As I mentioned, the market had a designated entrance and exit – each with its own hand sanitizer station. Volunteers to staff helped make sure that shoppers were following the rules. We were limited to 2 shoppers per vendor inside the market at one time – so with just 19 vendors that was only 38 shoppers! Needless to say, our attendance this season was down dramatically, but shoppers still had to wait in line to enter after other shoppers left the Market. This year a total of 11,395 shoppers attended the market – an average of 670 each week. In 2019, we saw over 52,000 shoppers for an average of over 3,000 each market day a 77% decline in daily attendance! Due to the decline in shopper attendance, vendor sales as reported did suffer, but were only down 24% as an average per market day. In a typical market season, our event relies heavily on help from volunteers – in 2019 we had 58 volunteers for over 2,500 hours of service, in 2020, we had just 29 volunteers with just under 900 hours of service. Many volunteers self-selected out of service this season due to health concerns, and that, coupled with our inability to hire the usual three part-time seasonal staff had the market in a very tight staffing situation. Thankfully, staff from other City departments stepped up to help out, and we had employees from CED, Public Works as well as CS to help run the market this season. Market revenue in the form of vendor applications and stall fees, sponsorships and grants were also significantly reduced this season. Due to the smaller number of vendors allowed at the market, private companies cutting back on sponsorships, and omitting merchandise sales at the market, our revenues are down 58% for 2020, coming in at about $24,000 vs. $57,000 in 2019. So on paper, things didn’t look great this season, but…we do have some good news! One great outcome is that the City was able to continue the SNAP/Match program through the entire Market season. This is the program that allows SNAP (many may remember this program as ‘food stamps’) benefits to be exchanged and used directly with our farmers. As an incentive for these shoppers, we partnered with the Washington State Department of Health for funding to offer a dollar- for-dollar match of those benefits, effectively doubling the SNAP shoppers buying power. With other markets closed this year, (such as Kent) those SNAP shoppers came to Renton. And with the ‘P-EBT’ or Pandemic EBT - more State benefits became available to people out of work. As a result, at mid-season we had gone through our allotted funding from DOH. So I immediately reached out to our friends at Kaiser Permanente, who agreed that this was not the time to end programs that help to feed people – and they stepped up to my request to fund the program through the rest of the season! To give you an idea the difference that the P-EBT made - in 2019, we had a total of $10,690 in 17 weeks in SNAP benefits– in 2020, we had $19,023 in just 16 weeks – a 77% increase! In addition to our SNAP success – we actually HAD the market this season, which is pretty amazing. Our shoppers overall were terrific, they waited in line, wore there masks, distanced – and thanked us profusely each week for bringing a small sense of normalcy to this otherwise crazy year. Thank you to everyone for your support this year!