Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

The Olympia Center Meeting Minutes 222 Columbia St. NW Olympia, WA 98501 Parks and Recreation Advisory Contact: Jonathon Turlove 360.753.8068 Committee Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:00 PM The Olympia Center, Room 200 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. New members Brock Milliern and Candace Jacobs were introduced. Present: 9 - Chair Jim Nieland, Vice Chair Timothy W Burns, Committee Member Barbara Benson, Committee Member Robert Dengel, Committee Member Gerry Hodge, Committee Member Candace Jacobs, Committee Member Brock Milliern, Committee Member Alicia Seegers Martinelli, and Committee Member Brian Tomlinson 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 15-0450 Approval of April 2, 2015 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT PARC Foundation representatives James Reddick and Heather Antanaitis reported on fundraising events to be held in Olympia. The Capitol to Bay Relay will take place on August 1 and they are looking for volunteers and participants. More information can be found at capitoltobayrelay.com. The Puddle Jump run is scheduled for November 7. The Foundation will have a booth at the Capital City Marathon to promote these events. Jim Lazar stated he was involved with the 2004 Parks and Pathways funding measure. He said the City stated funding would be used to purchase additional park land, but at this point only a small portion of land has been purchased and $2 Million has been used for operations and maintenance. He indicated the Council is now discussing a Metropolitan Park District and he requested to be allowed to make a presentation on the 2002 Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan and the funding measure before PRAC makes a recommendation to City Council. He encouraged PRAC to recommend that the City Council keep the funding measure commitments in order to maintain the confidence of the voters. City of Olympia Page 1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Minutes May 7, 2015 Committee Jim Rainwood lives near the Olympia Woodland Trail (OWT) trailhead. He would like the City to create a path from OWT through the north edge of Watershed Park. He invited PRAC to attend a guided walk on May 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the OWT trailhead. 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 15-0441 Action Plan Briefing and Discussion Senior Planner Stacey Ray reviewed the Action Plan, the tool to help align priorities and workplans for Council to implement the Comprehensive Plan. She asked for feedback on the community indicators and action items. Ms. Ray reviewed the information as shown on the website and encouraged PRAC to complete the Olyspeaks survey. PRAC discussion included: provide a baseline if data is already available, should the budget be included as it may be providing undue influence, priority and funding are two separate issues, and add park maintenance funding levels. The discussion was completed. 6. OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS A. 2016 Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan Associate Planner Jonathan Turlove gave an update on the 2016 Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan process and reported on the results from the recent Random Sample Survey. Mr. Turlove will give a presentation to City Council in June. PRAC asked for an update on the LERN analysis that was recently completed in recreation. B. Park Funding Analysis Parks Director Paul Simmons stated several Finance Committee meetings and Study Sessions have included discussion on the City's financials. Each department was discussed, and funding gaps and revenue options were identified. Parks funding gaps were in the Condition Assessment and Major Maintenance Program (CAMMP), Voted Utility Tax, Percival Landing repairs, and Percival Landing replacement. The Finance Committee recently recommended to City Council to proceed with a ballot measure to establish a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD). Mr. Simmons will present draft allocations for how MPD funds could be used at the June 2 City Council meeting. PRAC requested to add a MPD presentation to the June agenda. 7. REPORTS A. North Capitol Campus Heritage Park Development Assoc Committee member Seegers Martinelli reported conversations are starting about development of the northern end as a tribute to Eastern Washington. B. PARC Foundation of Thurston County Committee member Benson reported the PARC foundation is restructuring with a focus on fundraising efforts. City of Olympia Page 2 Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Minutes May 7, 2015 Committee C. Artesian Leadership Committee Committee member Benson reported committees are beginning to prepare for summer programming at the Artesian Commons. Additional cameras and lighting are being installed, and many creative solutions are being implemented to make the park safe for everyone. 8. QUESTIONS OF STAFF FROM PRAC MEMBERS Committee member Hodge asked about the status of the Harrison Avenue parcel. Mr. Simmons stated the West Olympia Community Visioning Group's option to purchase will soon expire. More information will be available soon. 9. SUGGESTIONS FOR ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA None. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS Urban Forestry Update - Staff is looking at what can be done with existing resources and have established an Urban Forestry Team. Will also look at producing an Urban Forestry Plan. Land Donation Status - City has received a formal offer of a land donation of the Zabel's property. Senior Impact Fees - Due to the recent change to the impact fee ordinance, the department will now receive impact fees on new senior housing developments being built. Trail Running - Running signs have been removed. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Upcoming The next meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2015. City of Olympia Page 3