Everett Tree Committee

CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS AND TREE COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, September 3, 2019 6:00 P.M. Spruce Hall Roll Call Adoption of Meeting Agenda Acceptance of Minutes: July 2, 2019 Park Board/Tree Committee Member Reports 20 minutes Parks Director Comments 5 minutes Council Liaison Report 10 minutes Citizen Comments 5 minutes Tree Committee Staff Reports 15 minutes DISCUSSION Tree Ordinance Revisions Review 30 minutes Tree Committee - Education Opportunities & Prioritization 20 minutes INFORMATIONAL Department Update 10 minutes Adjourn Next Meeting October 1, 2019 Spruce Hall in Forest Park MISSION STATEMENT: “The Parks and Recreation mission is to bring all Everett citizens and visitors together on our common grounds and facilities. We provide a wide variety of quality recreational and park experiences that welcome everyone. We measure our success by customer satisfaction, efficiency and community development of our public spaces and recreation services that meet the values and needs of our citizens and visitors. We provide parks, play fields, recreation amenities, trails and pools that are attractive, clean, safe, and accessible.”  CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS Tuesday, July 2, 2019 6:00 PM Spruce Hall The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM Board members present: Michael Yates (Chair), Pamela Gerla, Tom Norcott, Megan Burger, Sergiy Ryzhonkov, Laura McMurray, Katrina Lindahl Members not present: Linda War Bonnet, Council Liaison Brenda Stonecipher Staff present: Lori Cummings, Parks Director; Bob Leonard, Parks Asst Director; Kimberly Shelton, Parks Asst Director; Paul Crane, Public Works Environmental Permit Coord; Danielle Marks, Parks Admin Asst. Review and Acceptance of Minutes: Board chair asked for acceptance of the meeting minutes from May 28, 2019. Motion to approve the minutes of May 28, 2019 by Pam Gerla. Motion/Second/Approved (m/s/a) unanimously to accept the minutes as presented from the meeting held May 28, 2019. Acceptance of Meeting Agenda: Board Chair asked for acceptance of the agenda as presented. Motion/Second/Approved (m/s/a) unanimously to accept the agenda for July 2, 2019 as presented. Member Reports Michael Yates – Thanked Lori and Bob for attending the Bayside Neighborhood meeting to provide ideas about the Clark Park gazebo. He also expressed appreciation to the Parks department for hauling debris from the Bayside Pea Patch. Pam Gerla – No report. Tom Norcott – Visited many parks, walking paths and trails throughout Everett and Marysville. He commented on how nice the ADA path looks at Howarth Park, and the great amenities offered at Jennings Park in Marysville. Megan Burger – Commented that both Grand Ave and Legion Memorial parks looked nice. Sergiy Ryzhonkov – No report. Linda McMurray – No report. Katrina Lindahl – Thanked Parks for irrigation efforts at Riverside Park. She also reported there appears to be no irrigation at Garfield Park. She is concerned a lack of irrigation will compromise plant materials and the overall health of vegetation, and the landscape will begin to show signs of stress. Director Report Lori Cummings reported on the following items:  Listed programs and activities happening all around Everett this summer.  The 2020 Budget process has begun. The budget process will be worked on in phases with every intent to make the budget narratives more transparent and user friendly for public consumption. Council Liaison Report Brenda Stonecipher reported on the following items:  No report Citizen Comments Rucker Hill on Sharon Crest and 35th Street 1) Clarence Corcora, residing at 3407 Snohomish Ave, expressed his opinion that the city should create a park that is currently utility land on Rucker Hill located on Sharon Crest at the 3500 block. It was expressed that the neighborhood residents have used this area as a park for over 100 years for picnics, dog play area and other community events. 2) Barry Willoughby, residing at 3414 Snohomish Ave, expressed his opinion that this is a great piece of land that the community takes pride in and takes good care of. This has been a safe place and used as a park for picnics and a recreation area. 3) Lon Welly, resides at 3410 Snohomish Ave, noted it is used most by residents when play equipment was moved there many years ago (prior to the eventual use of the park land by the City of Everett Utilities department). Lori thanked the community members for attending tonight’s meeting. She will have conversations with Administration on the grassroots effort to maintain this as an open space park and bring back to the Park Board. Parks staff have visited the park and talked with the Public Works Director. It was noted the utility grounds infrastructure is underground in this area so it may not be suitable for recreational equipment. Further discussion ensued with citizen desire to retain this as open space for public access and community recreation. A citizen expressed the opinion that the Open Park concept deters illicit activity, with minimal hidden areas. Council was supportive in putting some park amenities in that area, which was voiced at a recent Council meeting. Colby Strip Trees Marian Robinson, residing at 1431 Colby, mentioned she attended today’s meeting after noticing the six- month agenda listed Colby trees would begin initial conversation at the September meeting. She has been told investigations are currently underway to see what needs to happen with the Colby trees. It appears seed pods are more prevalent this year than in the past, and she indicated she did not know if it is because the trees were pruned or what may be causing this. Marian explained she has contacted the City multiple times to get a street sweeper to pick up the tree debris and seed pods, so as it is not spread into yards and streets. She also expressed that the mower used to cut the center strip along the street does not have a clipping catcher and asked if the mower can use a grass clipping catcher so the clippings do not get blown into the street. She believes that seed pods from the center strip blows into her yard. Park staff advised a fact finding effort is underway and will bring these facts back to the Tree Committee. It is uncertain if this condition is caused by drought stress or other causes. Park staff is currently working with Public Works staff. Tree Committee Staff Report Public Works Tree Report, provided by Paul Crane The May Tree Review Data report was reviewed. He also noted tree requests are still being accepted, but will not be planted until late fall season. After further inquiry with Public Works staff, the trees along Baker between 25th and 19th are being pruned for line of sight clearance, and the 25 trees noted as removed in the April report were 1-1.5” in the detention ponds or on steep slope areas. Parks Department Tree Report, provided by Bob Leonard  Vegetation management is ongoing, starting in the south end and moving north.  Water bags at the base of trees are currently being used for the establishment period of 2-3 years.  New trees have been planted in front of the Everett Municipal Building. The tree wells consist of a pervious surface to allow for root growth and water to seep through. Considerations were made in the depth of pervious mat, as well as ensuring the trunk of the tree will not be buried. Other area municipalities currently use these same pervious mats.  Weeping Willows received damage at Hauge park. Damaged portions will be removed and further investigation as to the reason for the damage is ongoing.  Forest Park Yew tree has been deteriorating for some time and has been on the watch list. This tree has perished and will need to be removed later this year.  The need for tree base water bags at Garfield Park will be reviewed. Discussion Items Silver Lake Park – Dogs on Leash, presented by Kimberly Shelton Staff recently reviewed and updated park hour signage at Thornton A. Sullivan Park and learned that health code language on signage was not accurate. When park hour signage was updated, the signs were also revised to allow dogs on leash at Thornton A. Sullivan Park. There had been a long-standing assumption that dogs were not allowed, due to health code reasons based on the fact that the park includes a beach area. This assumption was proven to be incorrect. The updated signage at T.A. Sullivan Park was installed in the fall of 2018, to match similar City of Everett park signage. Since these revisions, a Silver Lake resident expressed his concern about allowing dogs on leash in the park. The concerns outlined included the wide range of age participants who utilize the park; the fenced park area that, in his opinion, has been comforting to many; the lack of off-leash enforcement; as well as his belief of potential injury to children based on his view of unsupervised children, or the potential of a dog off-leash. Staff attended a Silver Lake neighborhood meeting in May to solicit additional input and feedback. Of the 15 residents in attendance, about four agreed with the resident who expressed his opinion about not allowing dogs in the park, and one citizen supported dogs on-leash in the park, but not in the beach area. No other citizens in attendance commented. Discussion ensued regarding the enforcement of violations by the City Ranger staff. It was clarified that Rangers may issue a citation on park property. Parks staff looked at several other park/lake properties owned and managed by local, state, and national park departments with almost all allowing dogs on leash, with many prohibiting dogs on the sandy beaches. Locally, only one park is dog-free. Park staff proposed a compromise to allow dogs on leash in the park, similar to rules in every other park in Everett, and to add signage that would not allow dogs in the beach area, on docks, or in the water. Shelters and Gazebos-Proposed Rule Changes, presented by Kimberly Shelton Park staff is recommending added signage to shelters and gazebos in an effort to give Rangers assistance to enforce rules. Suggested signage to include a time restriction of 3 hours unless reserved, proper use of space as intended, and use during park hours only. Restroom signage will also be added. This signage may include wording to the effects of no bathing/showers, exit quickly, no smoking or sleeping inside. Gazebo rentals will be allowed in the future. Rental permits will provide the renter an emergency Ranger phone number, and signage will be posted on the facility in the event the gazebo is reserved. Clark Park Gazebo Update, presented by Bob Leonard Bayside Neighborhood meeting and gazebo update. The gazebo has been fenced off for several years. Input was solicited from the Bayside Neighborhood for best course of action. Four gazebo options were proposed at the neighborhood meeting: 1) Do nothing. 2) Remove fencing and allow activities as they may, possibly with additional signage. 3) Move or remove the gazebo. A move would be to a different location within the park, or to another park, or potentially remove from the park. This gazebo used to be more centrally located when the park had two crisscrossed pathways before the sport court existed. 4) Alter the gazebo such as remove the roof, or add a shudder system. The Historical Commission will hold a meeting on August 23. At that meeting, the feasibility to alter or remove the gazebo will be discussed. This is Everett’s first park and the gazebo is an original piece of the park. The neighborhood would like to activate the park and create partnership, and programming in the park. Ideas were discussed on how to activate the park. Various artistic alteration ideas were discussed. The consensus about moving the gazebo, so long as the trees were not impacted, to a more centrally located area of the park, to make it a focal point may be advantageous. This may also minimize hidden areas behind the gazebo. This will be presented at the Historical committee meeting to solicit input, with a follow up conversation at a future Bayside Neighborhood meeting. Information Items Tree Management Ordinance Revision, presented by Bob Leonard A brief discussion on potential Tree Ordinance changes was discussed with the Board members. Further review and discussion will take place at the next Board meeting. Department Update, presented by Bob Leonard A list of project updates was provided to the Board. Other Business Next month’s meeting is on August 6, National Night Out. A van tour will be offered for Board members to tour some National Night Out activities within our Everett neighborhoods. A meeting will also be held on August 13 to discuss the Forest Park Playground project and conceptual designs. Meeting Adjourned @ 8:04 pm Next meeting: August 6, National Night Out Park Tour Respectfully submitted, Danielle Marks Administrative Assistant  TREE COMMITTEE REPORT September 2019 Henry M Jackson Park: The last two Chamaecyparis located outside of the outfield fencing were removed. These have suffered from a root disease over the past 15 years and have been removed as the disease moved to each tree. The stumps will be removed, soils amended, and new trees will be planted. Currently, we are considering Sequioadendron as replacements. Fire Station 7: Five dead Western Red Cedars were removed. The remaining trees were limbed up and a heavy layer of mulch was added to the entire area. Parks and Community Services 802 E Mukilteo Blvd Everett, WA 9820 3 425.257.8300 425.257.8325 fax recreation@everettwa.gov everettwa.gov The Preserve at Forest Park: Two homeowners had tree complaints. The first was a grouping of declining Wild Cherries leaning towards their property. The second was a Big Leaf Maple that had co-dominant stems and shed several limbs into their yard. Both trees were removed to mitigate risk. Page 2 of 2  CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET TITLE: Tree Management Adoption Staff Bob Leonard Ordinance Revisions – Part Recommendation Phone 425-257-8335 2 Discussion Date September 3, 2019 Information Other DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: Staff intend to facilitate discussion on potential Tree Ordinance changes. Further discussion will be scheduled at the next Board of Park Commission meeting. RECOMMENDATION None. S:\#Common\Administration\PARK_BD\AGENDAS 2019 & COVER SHEETS\CS_TreeManagementOrdinance 9-3-19.docx  CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS AND TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET TITLE: Tree Committee Adoption Staff Lori Cummings Educational Opportunities Recommendation Phone 425-257-8352 and Prioritization Discussion Date Sept. 3, 2019 Information Other DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: Ideas and brainstorming on tree specific educational opportunities has occurred at previous board meetings. This meeting is an opportunity for the board to discuss education opportunities and education priorities for 2020. Staff will lead discussion and remind the Board of some previously discussed ideas. RECOMMENDATION Participate in discussion and help prioritize education opportunities. S:\#Common\Administration\PARK_BD\AGENDAS 2019 & COVER SHEETS\CS_TreeCommitteeEdOpandPrioritization9-3-19.docx  CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS AND TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET TITLE: Department Update Adoption Staff Lori Cummings Recommendation Phone 425-257-8353 Discussion Date Sept. 3, 2019 Information Other DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: Staff will provide an overview and highlights and respond to questions. RECOMMENDATION None. S:\#Common\Administration\PARK_BD\AGENDAS 2019 & COVER SHEETS\CS_Department Update 9-3-19.docx  PARKS ADMINISTRATION, PROJECT, PROGRAMS AND MAINTENANCE UPDATES – LOOKING AHEAD September 3, 2019 Council and Administration: • Council action items since last Park Board and Tree Committee meeting o Port of Everett/Snohomish County Jetty Landing Restroom Project Agreement o PUD Easement Extension Agreement o YAF Agreements  Forest Park Sport Court  Legion Sport Court  Howarth Sport Court o Boating Facilities Agreement (Rotary Park) o Funding Ordinances  Forest Park Playground  Lowell Sport Court Renovations • Budget 2020 Work Complete • Parks Staff Support on Recent Encampment Cleanup Projects: • Phil Johnson Ballfield (PJB) Project (CIP3 Funding/Grants/Donation) o Consistent with past discussions the PJB project is moving forward. o Bids were received. o City Council funded and awarded the bid to Premier Field Development on 5/8/19. o Construction started in July 2019. o Construction anticipated to be completed in spring 2020. • Lowell Sport Courts and Dog Park (CIP3 Funding) o Public engagement meetings held on April 15 and May 20. o The community requested that we look at relocating the dog park. o The current scope is to renovate/repair the tennis court, add pickleball striping, and renovate the basketball court. o Moving the dog park off site and adding a circuitous walking path will be accomplished in the next phase. o A quote for the work though KCDA was solicited. o A funding ordinance is anticipated to be approved on September 11. o Construction is anticipated to begin this fall. • Lowell Riverfront Trail Off Leash Area Park Improvements (SnoCo funding) o An initial scope has been developed. o Working on the permits necessary for the project. o Working on an Interlocal agreement with Snohomish County for the funding of the project. S:\#Common\Administration\PARK_BD\PROJECTS-PROGRAMS UPDATES\2019\UpdateforSeptParkBoardmeeting 2019.docx  • Forest Park Playground Replacement (CIP 3 Funding) o Public engagement for design process was held on May 13th. o Staff are working on design parameters to give to playground representatives when we solicit proposals. o Design proposals were solicited in July. o The Board of Park Commissioners met and provided input about the designs. o A funding Ordinance is anticipated to be approved on September 11th. o Construction is anticipated to begin this fall. • Madison-Morgan Improvements (CIP 3 Funding) o House repairs to prepare for rental opportunity/eyes on the park. o Staff attended neighborhood meeting in March. o Revising drawings based on neighborhood input o Met with neighborhood in April. o Funding for purchase (Conservation Futures) requires property be used as natural open space and native vegetation. Neighborhood supports this. o Staff are working on finalizing the site plan. • Garfield Pathways and Basketball Court (CIP3 Funding) o Plans and specifications complete. o Awaiting purchasing approval to go out to bid. o Overlay asphalt paths; create two connecting paths to two shelters. o Seal coat and stripe basketball courts. • Golf Course Detention Pond Project (Utilities Funding) o Project is complete. The course reopened on August 16th. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 4th. • Glacier View Neighborhood Park (CIP3 Funding) o Staff is working on construction documents. o Anticipate soliciting bids by the end of the year o Construction to begin in 2020 • Eclipse Mill Park o Staff is working with Public Works and Shelter on refining the original design. o Shelter will be constructing the Park as part of the development agreement. Community Engagement and Recreation Opportunities Specific to Parks & Community Services: • August 31 Green Everett work party at Johnston Kelly Park • September 7 Green Everett community workshop: Safer parks with urban forestry Forest Park • September 14 Green Everett work party at Thornton A Sullivan • September 21 Green Everett work party at Hannabrook Park • September 21 Green Everett work party at Rotary Park • October 5 Green Everett work party at Forest Park • October 12 Green Everett work party at South Everett Forest Preserve • October 19 Green Everett work party at Howarth Park • October 26 Green Everett Day at Thornton A Sullivan • November 2 Green Everett work party at Forest Park • November 9 Green Everett work party at Johnston Kelly Park • November 16 Green Everett work party at Hannabrook Park S:\#Common\Administration\PARK_BD\PROJECTS-PROGRAMS UPDATES\2019\UpdateforSeptParkBoardmeeting 2019.docx Park and Tree Board Rolling Draft Agenda (Subject to Change) In no priority order ‐ Updated last 8/27/19 September, 2019 Tree Ordinance Revisions Review/Discussion Tree Committee ‐ Educational Opportunities and Prioritization Department Updates October, 2019 Annual Retreat Planning ‐ including identifying a date and possible location Colby Trees Initial Discussion regarding steps to start a review process Tree Ordinance Revisions Review/Discussion Facility Use Guidelines Event Planning ‐ Arbor Day and Earth Day November, 2019 Annual Retreat Agenda Finalized Tree Ordinance Revisions Review/Discussion Tree Board Project Prioritization Six Year CIP Plan Update Alternative Funding For Parks ‐ Discussion December, 2019 Tree Ordinance Revisions Review/Discussion Integrated Pest Management Guidelines/Practices Golf Proposed 2020 Rates January, 2020 Retreat ‐ include 2020 golf rate recommendation February, 2020 Cost Benefit Policy Overview and Discussion 2019 Recreation Program Overview Golf Course Annual Update