Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

PARK BOARD MINUTES Public Works Facility Conference Room 1400 NE 16th Avenue - Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Monday, August 9, 2021 11:30 AM  Tom Tveit, Chair  Judy Wagner  Vacant  Daisy Sapida, Vice Chair  Rosemary Morrison  Alexa Ochoa  Joel Servatius, City Council Ex-Officio Member (Alternate Member) 1. Call to Order Tom Tveit called the meeting to order. Members in attendance were Tom Tveit, Daisy Sapida, Rosemary Morrison, and Judy Wagner. Alexa Ochoa was excused. Joel Servatius, City Council Ex-Officio Member, was also in attendance. City staff members in attendance were Don Crawford, Lisa Felix, Cac Kamak, Sabrina Combs and Jay Lovelady. Laura Renninger, Kira Erickson, Jay Cochran and Hal Hovey were also in attendance. 2. Approval of Minutes MOTION: Moved by Judy Wagner, seconded by Tom Tveit the Park Board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 14, 2021 meeting. 3. Public Comments Hal Hovey mentioned there were several picnic tables at Windjammer Park that seemed to be in a cluster and asked for them to be spread out. Don Crawford explained that the City used them during a citywide event and the tables were scheduled to be moved. Tom Tveit asked if the picnic tables at the ballfields were scheduled to be moved as well. Don noted that there was an upcoming ball season and those tables will remain in place. Laura Renninger stated the Garry Oak Society volunteers are keeping the oaks growing and maintained in Oak Harbor. Though this is a severe drought season, the volunteers are succeeding in keeping the growth watered. Discussion continued about the importance of Garry Oaks to our community. 4. New Business a. Smith Park Grant Application Update Don stated that he was in the process of applying for a $7,300 grant for additional seeding of native plants in Smith Park. His plan is to convert 60% of the park to native plant beds, leaving 40% of the park as turf to be used by the community during the spring. Certain challenges have arisen, such as complaints from citizens about mowing and being unable to utilize the park. He expects the results of the grant application in late August. PARK BOARD MINUTES Monday, August 9, 2021 Page 2 b. Windjammer Park Grant Application Update As an extension of the Smith Park grant application, Don explained that another $14,000 was available to remove invasive plants and be replaced with native plants along the shoreline of Windjammer Park. This would include the frontage from the condominiums to the houses. Don is also working with Island County to secure funding for protecting the shoreline. Councilmember Servatius thanked Don for taking efforts to stabilize the beach front. c. Lagoon Dock Replacement Grant Application Update The lagoon dock is in need of repair, and most likely replacement. Don explained there is a $50,000 grant available that would allow for a floating dock, installed where the existing pier is and will be ADA compliant. d. Project Schedule Update Don presented his schedule of upcoming projects to the board. Projects include fertilization, topdressing and annual application of weed control. Additionally, City staff is conducting the annual egg count and dredging of the lagoon. Don also provided details on the installation of the Prowler Memorial Obelisk. Once installed, Sabrina stated she would like to prepare a formal presentation. e. Windjammer Park Irrigation Update David Goldman, Finance Manager, is coordinating with City Council to research the use of American Recovery funds for use by Parks and Recreation. Don was asked to provide a list of priority projects. He would like to focus on irrigation systems for Windjammer Park and all of the ballfields. f. Splash Pad Update There are concerns that the splash pad continuously runs on days that are cold and overcast. Don explained that the system purchased was not constructed for the Pacific Northwest. He is in the process of working with the manufacturer to modify the system which will allow it to turn off and on. Sabrina stated that City staff are preparing educational materials to present to the public. Don also noted that the splash park officially serves as an emergency cooling station during times of extreme heat. g. Additional Pet Waste Bags and Trash Disposal Options Tom requested additional trash bins to be located at Windjammer Park. Due to the cost of cans, Don explained he would have to address bins during the 2023-2024 budget cycle. Pet waste bags were provided by a grant from the Rotary Club. Again, Don will have to address additional bag stations during a future budget cycle. PARK BOARD MINUTES Monday, August 9, 2021 Page 3 5. Unfinished Business a. Harbor Heights Update Cac Kamak notified the board of a meeting with Island County regarding the permitting process. He will provide an update at an upcoming Park Board meeting. Additionally, City staff have directed the consultant to begin design on the fields. Tom asked if there was a way to clear a pathway to the area to prevent unauthorized people on the property. Cac explained that once the grading and clearing plans were completed by the consultant, clearing a pathway could be addressed at that time. He announced the rezoning phase is complete and the land is officially designated as a park. 6. Announcements a. Don thanked Tom and Daisy for their committed service to the Park Board, as their terms are expiring. He suggested they contact Mayor Severns in writing, should they wish to continue to serve. 7. Adjournment MOTION: Moved by Daisy Sapida, seconded by Judy Wagner, the Park Board unanimously approved adjournment of the meeting.