Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Advisory Board Meetings

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES May 13, 2020 Members present: Charlene Rios, Charles Maynard, Chuck Perry, Warren Tracey, Troy White, and Ryan Holterhoff Members absent: Greg Nevarez Staff present: Spencer Grigg, Susan Schwiesow, and Stefanie Dunn 2020 MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Charles Maynard C X C C X Charlene Rios C E C C X Warren Tracey C X C C X Chuck Perry C X C C X Ryan Holterhoff C X C C X Greg Nevarez C X C C E Troy White C X C C X C=Meeting Cancelled X=Present A=Absent E=Excused R=Resigned Call to Order The regular meeting was called to order by Charlene Rios at 7:02 p.m. via Zoom conference call. Introduction of Guests Introduction of Stefanie Dunn, new Administrative Assistant in City of Moses Lake Parks and Recreation. Approval of Minutes Mr. Maynard requested name spelling correction to Barbara Galland. Mr. Tracey moved to approve the minutes with correction dated February 12, 2020. Motion seconded by Mr. Perry. Motion unanimously approved and passed. Correspondence/Communication Mr. Grigg advised there is nothing to report. New Community Recreation Center Mr. Grigg advised that this project is still in progress and the City is meeting with architects on a regular basis. Plans are close to complete and hoping to submit soon for approval. Mr. Grigg advised that they are working to submit plans before July 1, 2020 ahead of energy code changes; if this deadline is not met, overall building cost would increase $250,000.00 - $1 million to meet HVAC requirements. The deadline referred to is for plan submission, not sending out for bid. As the State and city start to re-open, Mr. Grigg advised that this project being shovel-ready may help to boost economically by providing large a construction project in the community. Mr. Grigg advised that some changes have made since plans were presented to this group for review, however, nothing major. Mr. Grigg will bring plans to next meeting for review. Sagecrest Phase I Major Plat PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES May 13, 2020 Plat was reviewed as a group, which outlines phase 1 of the Hayden Homes project under construction in Mae Valley. Discussion about whether expansion of Westshore Drive to 3 or 4 lanes will happen because of increased housing in this area, which is unknown at this time. Also, group discussion of whether a bike lane or paving of shoulder from Blue Heron up to Hanson Road will happen with increased traffic in this area. Mr. Grigg and Ms. Schwiesow will follow up on this. The group discussed whether additional phases will be coming, as this Plat is designated as phase 1. This is unknown; however, it is possible and could be driven by sales of these lots as they are developed. Recreation Programs Ms. Schwiesow provided an update in Parks and Recreation since stay at home order implemented. Cancellation of Spring programs had to happen to comply with this order, so staff in the office went virtual to provide the community with several scavenger hunts to participate in: Gnome Hunt that featured several of the parks, Lego Hunt and Rainbow Hunt each allowing folks to find things around their house and submit pictures online for voting. Winners were chosen and rewarded with roller rink tickets. A Virtual Recreation Center where community can access activities and things to do at home. The Museum did virtual a mammoth tour as a fun way to showcase the Museum. There was great participation and positive feedback from community for keeping connected during this time. Group expressed positive feedback to Parks and Recreation staff for their creativity during this stay at home order. Director’s Report: COVID-19 Impacts Mr. Grigg shared Washington’s Phased Approach and how it applies to Parks and Recreation. City leaders identified target dates for each phase: • Phase 1 – currently in this phase • Phase 2 – June 1st o Opening of Cascade Campground – we have an onsite host down there monitoring the grounds and we have had to cancel all reservations in May, including Memorial Day weekend. o Moses Lake School Dist. – school is out early June, so we are hoping that their facilities will be available for use for Summer programs. • Phase 3 – June 22nd o Opening Surf-n-Slide Waterpark at <50% capacity, so around 1,000 people at a time, including staff. Mr. Grigg explained that several local pools have already announced they will not be opening, including Wenatchee and Ephrata. We would like to give the community as much a summer as possible, so opening would be ideal. ▪ Guidelines/precautions should be coming from Health Department o Organized sports/ball fields – with 5-50 person maximum in this phase, sports teams will be allowed to practice, but no games or tournaments in this phase. • Phase 4 – July 13th o Organized sports/ball fields – reservations can be made for games and tournaments. Mr. Grigg explained guidelines and requirements will be enforced; these have not yet been received from Health Department. Group discussion about Moses Lake Farmer’s Market, which opened May 9, 2020. Mr. Grigg advised PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES May 13, 2020 they were given permission to open by the Health Department and would be observed on what was enforced in relation to social distancing and safety guidelines with COVID-19; there will likely be ongoing enforcement of regulations with the Health Department’s guidance. Committee members expressed concern about preparing the waterpark to open as the phase guidelines from the Governor could change. Mr. Grigg explained that it takes time to fill the pool with water, balance the chemical and temperature levels, and since school district closed facilities and we have not yet certified lifeguards. The waterpark is where training will need to happen. Mr. Grigg clarified for the group that sanitation of the waterpark when open to the public will be a priority and staff will be trained without much extra cost. Departmental Staffing • Stefanie Dunn joined Parks and Recreation on March 3, 2020 as Administrative Assistant. • Dollie Boyd joined Parks and Recreation on May 11, 2020 as Museum Manager. • Rolando Gonzales retired in March from the City of Moses Lake. Potential New Mini-Park A proposed project to build a new mini park in Moses Lake by Hayden Homes developers. This would put a park on that side of Highway 17 for residents. Group discussion around developing the park so it’s easy to maintain. The park development may lead to increased property value for those in that area. Railroad Opportunity CB RR and Port of Moses Lake may be gaining some funding to build a new railroad line. The current railroad line is considered in “mothball” status, which means they cannot run train on it, but they cannot get rid of it until another line is developed to replace it. The City could acquire this, although it would be expensive. Potential to replace the rail line with a trail that leads from Pelican Point to Stratford Road. Homeless Camp Development of designated homeless camp approved by City Counsel on May 12, 2020. It would include shelter, amenities, and services. The 5-acre parcel is a few blocks away from Longview Elementary. There is concern that is close to where new mini park is slated to be built, however, the homeless problem in Moses Lake needs to be addressed. This designated area will help direct homeless folks where they can go. Commission Questions/Comments: Compliments to Parks and Recreation staff for doing what they can during this time. Adjournment: Mr. Perry moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Tracey. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Approved by Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on the 11th of June, 2020. By: ________________________________________ Stefanie Dunn Administrative Assistant Moses Lake Parks and Recreation