City Council

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 City Council Information: 360.753.8244 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 5:30 PM Council Chambers Study Session 1. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Mayor Cheryl Selby, Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Jones, Councilmember Jim Cooper, Councilmember Clark Gilman, Councilmember Julie Hankins and Councilmember Jeannine Roe Excused: 1 - Councilmember Jessica Bateman 2. BUSINESS ITEM 2.A 17-0324 Artesian Commons Update Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Paul Simmons noted the following presentation is a progress update and a forum for feedback from the City Council regarding the Artesian Commons. Mr. Simmons thanked the Artesian Leadership Committee for their work in volunteering, creating programming and supporting the park. He gave an overview of the history of the Artesian Commons and improvements beginning in May 2014. Mr. Simmons shared program data noting there were 22 special events at the Commons in 2016. He highlighted the Bridge music program, which teaches at risk youth to address difficulties in their lives through music. The Bridge also hosts music events at the Commons throughout the summer. Mr. Simmons discussed maintenance data noting maintenance hours dropped significantly from 2015 (1,224) to 2016 (864). Lt. Costello noted calls for service dropped dramatically between 2014 (421) and 2016 (195). He believes the Ranger and Well Host presence contributed to this decrease. Mr. Simmons discussed outreach and action related to the Commons to include Park User Forums, a Well User Survey and PBIA Business Survey. He reviewed feedback from the surveys and highlighted several questions. Mr. Simmons reviewed the makeup of the Artesian Leadership Committee and the representatives that participate. City of Olympia Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes April 4, 2017 Community Youth Services (CYS) Program Director Keylee Marineau discussed the importance of the Commons to the at risk youth served by CYS and the value in collaboration with stakeholders. Lt. Costello highlighted how the combination of program staff at the Commons and the work of the Committee makes the Commons much safer. He noted the partnerships have been valuable not only to the work related to the park but with making connections to community members and stakeholders. Andra Weddington, of the now disbanded H20lympia, discussed her experience working with Parks and Recreation on the design of the well. She pointed out the positive difference the Park Ranger and Well Host have made on the space. She noted the small size and poor sightlines limit the use of the park. Ms. Weddington wondered if the Commons is the best use of that space and if it is the best space for the people who use it. Mr. Simmons gave a brief status summary of the park. He noted there is a need to revisit the long-term vision of the park and logical next steps. He shared some identified next steps: · Work with Artesian Leadership Committee to revise long-term vision · Continue to learn as we go; evolve as resources allow · Develop alternative path Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and discussed the issue. The discussion was completed. 3. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. City of Olympia Page 2