Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Advisory Board Meetings

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES January 10, 2024 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Members Present Charlene Rios, Jamie Umana, Chuck Perry, Troy White, Isaac Valdez, Brad Harshman, and Rebecca Johnson Members Absent Staff Present Doug Coutts, Dollie Boyd, Bill Aukett, Gunnar Blankenship, and Stefanie Dunn Staff Absent Carrie Hoiness 2024 MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Charlene Rios X Chuck Perry X Isaac Valdez X Rebecca Johnson X Troy White X Jamie Umana X Brad Harshman X C = Meeting Cancelled X = Present A = Absent E = Excused R = Resigned Call to Order The regular meeting was called to order by Ms. Rios at 6:01 p.m. Introduction of Guests/Visitors/Board Members Mr. Coutts introduced the newest City Council member, Victor Lombardi, to the Advisory Board. Approval of Minutes Mr. White moved to approve the minutes dated December 13, 2023. Motion seconded by Mr. Harshman. Motion unanimously approved and passed. Correspondence/Communication/Committee Reports 1. Creative District – Ms. Boyd shared that there is an upcoming annual meeting for Creative Districts Convening scheduled in Chewelah, WA. She also shared that the Statewide Board meeting will be hosted in Moses Lake in August 2024. Ms. Boyd shared that 2024 festival planning and Summer Concert Series are both on track for this year. 2. Arts Committee – Ms. Boyd shared that the committee is awaiting budget information before any further motion can be taken on artwork plans for this committee. 3. Code Development & Design Standards Committee – Mr. Coutts shared that the code design update was submitted to the Planning Commission for review and that Mr. Aukett will continue to develop the design standards for this committee to review. Museum Update Ms. Boyd shared a few updates on the Museum & Art Center. She showcased annual visitation numbers from 2019 – 2023, with 2023 visitations coming in 6,000 more than 2022. Ms. Boyd provided a few highlights on activities and programs that occurred in the museum at the end of last year and shared upcoming programs and activities to look forward to in 2024. She went onto share that the museum sales 1 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES January 10, 2024 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES came in at more than $12,000, which could be attributed to the coupons available for all visitors. Ms. Boyd shared that she will be applying for a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Design Grant to improve Civic Center Park, which is a long-term plan for making that park better for the community. Recreation Update Mr. Blankenship shared a few recreational activity and program updates, and that staff are preparing for 2024 Spring programs and facilities. He also shared that Aquatic Supervisor is working with HR to start the hiring process for the Surf ‘n Slide water park for returning staff to get the front-end paperwork requirements for hire completed well in advance of the season. Mr. Blankenship shared a presentation highlighting the use of Larson Recreation Center in 2023. He mentioned meetings, events, and parties, PR&CS programming in the facility, and public use of the facility via memberships and day passes. There was a brief board discussion around why the Larson Recreation Center projections came in so low. Mr. Blankenship advised that compared to other communities of similar size with a recreation center, Larson Recreation Center is lacking in programs that boost memberships. The recreation division is working on getting SilverFit and ActiveFit programs in place, which should significantly increase memberships as they provide free membership for folks through qualified insurance companies. Maintenance Report Mr. Aukett shared that Parks Maintenance crews are busy with off-season facility maintenance, including pruning at parks and replacing wind screens at McCosh Park tennis courts. Mr. Aukett mentioned some work at the Surf ‘n Slide water park is taking place, some general maintenance and gearing up to start work in relation to the Maintenance Grant awarded. Mr. Aukett also shared that crews are continually working at ice rink as the season continues. Director’s Report 1. Ice Arena Chiller Update – Mr. Coutts shared that since the last board meeting it was discovered that the ice rink chiller control unit was no longer working and unrepairable. He advised the solution was a portable chiller, which arrived and was up and running quickly. Mr. Coutts advised that this is a temporary solution to save this season, and that a long-term solution is being investigated. 2. Walkable Parks Policy – Mr. Coutts shared that the policy was reviewed by City Council yet was not approved as an official policy due to follow-up questions that need clarification. He shared that this policy will remain in the queue for review at City Council and approval will continue to be pursued. 3. Concessions RFQ – Mr. Coutts shared that a request for qualifications (RFQ) has been submitted to the community for concessions at our facilities, including Larson Recreation Center kitchen, the Avenue at the Civic Center, and concessions at ballfield complexes and Surf ‘n Slide Water Park. He went onto share that vending at all PR&CS parks and facilities will continue to be developed this year. 2 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES January 10, 2024 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Board Comments/Questions Ms. Umana asked how the Longview Park Master Plan presentation went at Longview Elementary School. Mr. Coutts shared a few pictures from that day and advised that great feedback was received from the 4th and 5th graders at that school. He shared that the kids were all very excited and that it was overall a great experience with the students. Mr. Coutts advised that follow-up with RWD Landscape Design has been done to discuss features and park options chosen for each master plan, and that final park designs, site surveys, and final design review for each park with public will happen in the future. Mr. Harshman asked about the Rave Sports sport court idea, which Mr. Coutts advised that the initial quote for asphalt came in too high, so staff are seeking other vendor quotes for asphalt before this can move forward for development at Dano Park. Mr. Coutts also confirmed that Rave Sports’ goal is to get the sport courts completed before the net World Cup, which is in 2026 and PR&CS staff would like construction to be outside the normal soccer season for local teams and organizations. Ms. Rios requested that the Board Commission sheet be updated to show accurate commission term dates in each board member binder. Adjournment Mr. Harshman moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Perry. Motion unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. Minutes approved by Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Advisory Board on 13th of March 2024. By: Stefanie Dunn, Business Manager Moses Lake Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services 3