Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Advisory Board Meetings

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES May 11, 2022 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Members present Charlene Rios, Chuck Perry, Ryan Holterhoff, Troy White, and Jamie Nixon-Garcia Members absent Greg Nevarez and Warren Tracey Staff present Susan Schwiesow, Bill Aukett, Carrie Hoiness, Dollie Boyd, and Stefanie Dunn 2022 MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Charlene Rios X X X X X Warren Tracey X X X X A Chuck Perry X E X X X Ryan Holterhoff X X X E X Greg Nevarez X X E E E Troy White X X X X X Jamie Nixon-Garcia X 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 6 pm. Introduction of Guests/Visitors Louis Logan – Trails Planning Team Approval of Minutes Mr. Holterhoff moved to approve the minutes dated April 13, 2022. Motion seconded by Mr. Perry. Motion unanimously approved and passed. Correspondence/Communication Mr. Perry and Mr. Logan shared a brief update with the Board related to short-term and long-term goals. Mr. Perry shared that a main objective of this team is the connectivity of trails throughout the community. Mr. Logan spoke about a sign being placed on the Joe Gavinski Trail (connects Cove West to Blue Heron Park) to outline the native plants in the area. Ms. Hoiness shared that she attended a Walkability Training recently, which offered great tools for improving the trails in our community. Board members were encouraged to join Trails Planning Committee if they have a passion for trails. Museum Update Ms. Boyd shared an update on museum happenings. The most recent gallery opening was both well- received and well-attended. Ms. Boyd shared that several pieces have been sold. Ms. Boyd shared that there are 4 museum field trips scheduled for local schools. Ms. Boyd advised that staff are preparing for summer programs at the museum. Ms. Boyd shared that from the Creative District came the need to have a Hispanic Culture Festival in Moses Lake, which will be a continued discussion in relation to the Creative District. Ms. Boyd shared that the museum has been looked at as a site for Story Core Advanced Team; they plan 1 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES May 11, 2022 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES to visit the museum. She explained this is a nationally renowned program and the organization stores and archives all stories in the Library of Congress. If our museum is selected as the site, this would be a great honor and chance to publicize the facility. Ms. Boyd shared that Customer Service staff position interviews will happen this month, which will put the museum back to full staff status. Ms. Boyd shared that Moses Lake is officially a Creative District in the State of Washington. Ms. Boyd also advised that Jennifer Shelton is now a full-time staff member for the museum and will be overseeing Creative District coordination efforts moving forward. Recreation Update Ms. Hoiness provided an update on recreation happenings. She shared that there have been recent ActiveNet trainings, which is the software used in Parks Department. The training was both a refresher and focus on Larson Recreation Center build as we prepare for the opening this fall. Ms. Hoiness shared that food truck court is still moving forward – targeting a July 2022 opening. She advised that the contract will be sent out to bid this month to be built. Ms. Hoiness shared that use of ballfields continues, and staff are preparing for Surf ‘n Slide Water Park to open this year. There are some new quick daily trainings implemented for staff at the water park and there are 2 new monitors in the lobby this year, which will showcase water park information as well as advertising for other recreation and museum programs. Ms. Hoiness advised that the water park will be open full capacity this year. Ms. Hoiness advised that an anonymous $5,000 donation was given to Columbia Basin Foundation to apply to the scholarship program. There have been a few scholarships awarded so far. Ms. Hoiness provided a quick update on a couple upcoming special events, including Health Fair at Lauzier Athletic Complex and Spring Fest 2022 downtown Moses Lake. Parks Update Mr. Aukett provided an update on maintenance in the parks. He advised that Japanese Gardens opened Mother’s Day weekend and there have been a few repairs identified that will be fixed as the season progresses. Mr. Aukett also advised that the vandalism continues to be a challenge in parks. He shared that research is being done to install cameras and they are looking at using Lower Peninsula Park as a test location first, pending cost and budget analysis. Mr. Aukett shared that seasonal maintenance staff has been challenging to find this year. He plans to attend the job fair at Big Bend Community College this week to expose the seasonal help there. Mr. Aukett advised that Cascade Campground is in full swing and campground host, Bonnie Long, has returned this season. 2 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES May 11, 2022 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Mr. Aukett advised that the ice rink cleaning following the winter season was delayed but will be taking place to prepare for the pickleball program. Director’s Report 1. Review all questions on new handbook – Ms. Schwiesow offered to answer any questions regarding the new handbook. No questions were asked by Board. 2. Community Gallery Naming and Memorial Marker at McCosh – Ms. Schwiesow advised both were presented and passed at City Council. Markers for McCosh timeline will be about 1 year, as they look to dedicate at Spring Fest 2023. 3. Skate Park Dedication – Ms. Schwiesow advised this dedication went well and thank you to the board members who were able to attend. Ms. Schwiesow advised that dedication for Dick Deane Family Shelter will happen this summer. 4. Bird Scooters – Ms. Schwiesow shared Bird Scooters have been recruiting Moses Lake to be an area where scooters are available in city. Ms. Schwiesow advised that the organization would hire a Fleet Manager who would be responsible for the scooters (maintenance, charging, retrieving/returning, etc.). She also advised there would be no cost or liability to the City of Moses Lake. Ms. Schwiesow requested that the Board vote to support or decline the advancement of this being presented to City Council. Mr. White moved to recommend to City Council. Motion seconded by Ms. Nixon-Garcia. The motion was approved and passed by a majority vote. 5. Larson Recreation Center – Ms. Schwiesow asked Board whether there is interest to tour the recreation center progress. Board decided that tour just prior to the next Board meeting can be arranged, which Ms. Schwiesow will work on with the contractor. Ms. Schwiesow confirmed that target occupancy remains mid-October. Adjournment Mr. Holterhoff moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Nixon-Garcia. The meeting adjourned at 6:57pm. Minutes approved by Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Advisory Board on 8th of June 2022. By: _____________________________________________ Stefanie Dunn, Administrative Assistant Moses Lake Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services 3