Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 05/07/1992 Parks Committee Minutes May 7, 1992 Councilmembers Present: Jon Johnson, Chair, and Jim Bennett. Staff Present: Ed Chow, Barney Wilson, Tony McCarthy, Tom Brubaker, Ed Crawford, Rose Nelson, Bob Cline, Ken Chatwin, Larry Webb, Robb Dreblow, Dave Everett, Lea Bishop, Robyn Bartelt, Lee Anderson, Jack Ball , Karen Ford, Patrice' Thorell and Pam Rumer. Others Present: See attached list. CITY OF KENT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TASK FORCE - CULTURAL CIENIER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TIMELINE Jim Torina said he realized it was not a good time to be asking for funds but in order to complete the project in 1997, the Task Force must continue working in 1992. He explained that there is an opportunity to receive hotel/motel tax funds, but the City must make a commitment to receive those funds. Torina then gave a little history of the Performing Arts Center Task Force. The Task Force was appointed by the Mayor in 1989. Members have set goals, studied the project, and hired a consultant in 1991 to do a feasibility study which determined the cost of the cultural center to be $20,000,000. The Council accepted the study in 1991 and funded $50,000 in 1992 for the architectural planning phase. The Task Force's goal is to have the groundbreaking in 1996. Torina said the Task Force needs the City to commit to funding its half of the performing arts center, which is $10,000,000. He assured the committee that the Task Force will keep the City updated as it has in the past. Torina stressed that the Task Force feels that the cultural center is a downtown enhancement project. Torina then shared the Task Force's development strateg with the Parks Committee. He discussed six goals: (1) get CoOnci ', commitment for groundbreaking in 1996; (2) hire an architect to create cultural center schematics; (3) establish a Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee; (4) 'hire a fundraising group; (5) raise public awareness to gain broad-based public support; and (6) secure major corporate commitments. Torina said it is very important to raise public awareness. He mentioned that the Task Force will need broad base support, as $10,000,000 is a",lot of money to raise through a bond issue. Torina emphasized it is important that the City commit first, as this is a City project. Members of the Task Force are committed to the project for the next five years. He said that the City must provide the motivation. h 2 Pat Curran shared the 1992-93 timelines ,and requested that the Parks Committee place the development strategy on the June 2, 1992 City Council agenda for consideration. She explained that if it is approved, the Task Force will begin to enact their 1992-93 timeline and expend the $50,000 cultural center funding budgeted for that project in the CIP. In response to Bill Doolittle's concern that the Task Force is requesting to expend the $50,000 that was set aside to apply for matching funds from King County, Thorell and Torina explained that the Task Force has redeveloped its strategy and members feel they can accomplish their goals with the funding that is available now. Thorell added that the King County funds are not available at this time, and there is no guarantee that funding will be available for the study. Councilman Bennett moved to place the Development Strategy on the June 2, 1992 Council agenda for full Council consideration. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed by a 2-0 vote. RESURFACING HANDBALL COURTS AT GARRISON CREEK PARK Steve Mills and Joe Cox, users of the facility, said that 50-60 players have used the facility for the past 17-18 years. Mr. Cox mentioned that the group has received national exposure for many of the handball tournaments they have held at the park for the past 15 years. He said that when funds are available, an additional wall would greatly enhance the facility. In the meantime, he shared a few concerns regarding maintaining the present facility. Mr. Cox said that the Parks Department has been good at painting the courts, but requested some consistent surface as there are cracks in the flooring. He mentioned that there is also a problem structurally with one of the walls. Mr. Mills said that this is a concern of general maintenance as well as for the safety of the users. He added that the facility is also used for tennis practice as well as racquetball . Jack Ball reported that he solicited contractors to look at the site and received a quote of $25,710 plus tax for total renovation and to expand to a four court system. Ball said that the money is not available at this time, but suggested that there are other options for temporarily repairing the facility. He reported that staff are looking for some type of reinforcement for the wall , but do not feel that it is a safety issue at this point. Bennett suggested that staff pursue the issue further to see what options are available, and to bring costs for those options back to the Parks Committee. Johnson suggested that perhaps since the facility is located on a water reservoir, a possible source of funding for some of the concerns is the water fund. Ball said that he will meet with the handball group and come back to the Parks 3 Committee with alternatives. A gentleman from the audience commented that the facility is something that the City provides for a small interest group and encouraged the City to offer more of these activities. YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER Ed Crawford explained that he is a delegate of a committee fornied at the request of Councilman Mann in the interest of developing a boys and-girls club. He said that the committee is in the talking stages. After meeting, , the committee decided that the City already has an excellent recreational program through the Parks Department, but is lacking in the area of trying to Delp youths help themselves. Crawford said that the City has an excellent senior center and recreation center, but does not have a youth activity center. Crawford and Dave Everett visited the Crossroads Community Center and Everett commented that "ecstatic" was an understatement of how he felt after the tour. Crawford said that the youth committee feels that there may be an opportunity for a bond or a levy to develop a community center like that of Bellevue. He explained that he was present at the Parks Committee meeting to see if there was any enthusiasm. If so, he said the youth committee will move on the next step. Selwyn Foster from the Bellevue Parks Department presented stone information on the Crossroads Community Center. He reported that the Center �Opened in 1981 and is located on 13,000 square feet. The Center provides sociall and recreational activities, has a counselor on hand for problems youths are having; a free drop- in room where youth can stop in after school and have fun; programs for latch key children and a dinner program which serves 90 people a night (Meals are provided and served by local churches) . Foster stressed that the programs are affordable and are a gray to welcome the entire community; the center sees a great diversity of participants. He said that children need structure in their lives and somewhere to go. He reported that 80,000 participants visit the community center a year. Crawford said that what he feels is so important about Ois;. is the volunteer spirit. He mentioned the volunteer efforts at the Kent CorroicItions Facility. Bennett said that there is definitely enthusiasm throughot the City and commented that he would like to tour the Crossroads facility. Johnson said there is obviously a need in the community iand-encouraged Chief Crawford and the youth committee to proceed to see what can be developed. Crawford said that he and the committee will arrange for a more formal tour for anyone interested, work out a road map and research funding,,,al tern atives, and come back to the Parks Committee with an update. 4 PROTECT THE CHILDREN FOUNDATION Gail Mayes and Phyllis Difert explained that their organization is holding a fundraising event the week of May 29-31 which will include a carnival , live entertainment and a dance. They wanted to use Parks Department facilities for the event, but all are filled that weekend. Instead, the group has a commitment from Boeing to use their facilities. The two requested the use of Parks Department tables and chairs for the weekend. Wilson's concern was that if the facilities are in use that weekend, then tables and chairs will also be in use. Staff suggested other groups or agencies the group may want to approach regarding use of tables, such as local churches or the National Guard. Bob Cline of the Police Department asked such questions as where the dance will be held, if the event will impact traffic, or if the group has obtained security for the weekend. He asked that the group contact him once things are tied down. Larry Webb of the Fire Department also requested that the group contact him regarding safety issues. Wilson said that he will think the situation over to see if the Parks Department can help. He asked that Ms. Mayes and Ms. Difert leave their phone number. KENT SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER KITCHEN FLOOR Lea Bishop, at the request of Councilman White, gave a brief history of the problems with the kitchen floor. The contractor replaced the first floor in 1989 because of cracks. By December 1989, bubbles and a white residue began appearing in the flooring. The City then hired Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. in 1990 to evaluate the problem, and the residue was determined to be mineral deposits from the concrete. The consultant recommended removing the entire floor down to the concrete and replacing it with a floor that breathes. In March 1991, the City had a study done to determine who was at fault. Tom Brubaker said that there is too much water under the floor and no one really knows why. He explained that to find out why will require ripping out the entire floor; to determine the source would be more costly than curing the problem. Brubaker said that the consultant will take more samples to determine if the floor is drier now, and when the City receives those findings, the consultant will recommend a floor coating. Bishop said that the dining room floor will have to be replaced as well . This will require down time of at least two-weeks, which will affect the food program as well as revenue from facility rental . Brubaker reported that the consultant is researching alternative sealants which are less expensive than the breathing floor. Steve Dowell asked whether the consultant considered de-watering the site. Bishop responded that a sump pump was considered but she was not sure why that option was not chosen. 5 Brubaker said that staff will wait for the consultant's findings and then appraise the committee at that time. Staff will also inform, CqunriImember White of the status. SCENT MEMORIAL PARK HOUSE Ball said that he was asked to seek bids for demolition of the Kent Memorial Park house. Since that time, it has been determined that there is asbestos in the house. Ball reported that neither of the two bids received include the cost for hazardous material disposal . The Parks Committee voted at its April 7 meeting to transfer, the $6,830 remaining in the Kherson budget for the demolition, but Ball pointediout that this amount will not cover the cost of the entire demolition, as it will cost approximately $2,256 plus tax to remove the asbestos. In response to Bennett's questioned, Ball answered that taking the other route and repairing the house will not interfere with the linoleum end the asbestos. 1 Crawford and Connie Epperly of the youth committee mentioned that this house may be a possible location for a youth activity center. Crawford commented that all projects must start small . They requested that the ParksiCgwi,ttee give them time to discuss this with their committee. r<, Ball recommended that the youth committee have a structural inspection done on the house before making a decision. He informed them that ;the foundation is settling and the fireplace is being held in place by a metal istr^ap custom made by Park Maintenance staff. Dowell suggested that parking must be considered if a youth activity center is located there. He said that park participants use his parking lot now because there isn't enough parking. He recommended selling the property. Bennett also mentioned that the Kherson funds may not be available. He said that Councilwoman Orr was under the impression that any funds left over in the Kherson account would go back into the general fund. The committee decided that there are several issues to consider before reaching a final decision. Committee members also agreed to give the youth committee time to discuss possible use of the Kent Memorial Park house fore, a youth activity center. ASA RIVERFRONT PROPERTY Brubaker reported that the City is still in continuing negotiations to purchase a narrow strip of land south of the Valley Daily News as part of the riverfront trail project, but has not been able to .close the deal . He requested authorization to write an ordinance to condemn the property for parks and recreation purposes, and to forward this ordinance to the full Council for approval . This would also authorize the City Attorneys office to settle the 6 purchase, as staff feels the City can go ahead and close the deal if a condemnation ordinance is passed. Bennett asked how this project is being funded. Staff in attendance were not sure of the funding source.• Bennett then made a motion to allow the City to proceed with condemnation of the property, with the provision that staff supply the Parks Committee with the funding source prior to Council consideration.* Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed by a 2-0 vote. * <25% King County Open Space Bond Issue Proceeds and 75% Department of Natural Resources Aquatics Land Enhancement Account (ALEA)> RIVERBEND ANNIVERSARY WEEK Robyn Bartelt said that rather than hold a celebrity tournament this year, staff has decided to have a week long celebration the week of June 8-12. Staff feels that this will do more for the general public and the complex users. Some of the activities planned for the week include: free golf clinics, coupons for free beverages, free prizes for random golfers, an anniversary cake, and sky divers and 1989 green fees on Friday. Bennett commented that he liked the idea of having an anniversary week rather than a celebrity tournament. Wilson said that the City will gain more in goodwill than it will lose in the $1.50 reduction in green fees. CURFEW IN PARKS Doolittle requested that the Parks Committee consider eliminating the dusk curfew in some parks, specifically Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park. He felt that the drug problem has moved from that park. Bob Cline of the Police Department disagreed with Doolittle. He said that the City needs to continue with the curfew to keep such problems out of the parks. He explained that the curfew is a tool the Police Department has to ask unsavory persons to leave the parks and added that neither the Police Department nor the Parks Department has staff to watch the parks all night. Doolittle said that he understood Cline's position, and that it was only a suggestion. 7 VERTI DRAIN Doolittle commented that the Parks Committee needs to take a stand on this issue, as those running the golf course need to be able to back out of the contract if the equipment is not working. In response to Johnson's questions, Bartelt reported that staff is still waiting for parts to come in and that staff only had use of the demonstration verti drain from the Auburn firm through the weekend. Brubaker said that the contract was written on an on-call basis ($200 per day on a 10 hour per day basis), and that it does include a seven day termination notice. He explained that the City has to replace the broken boarings as per the contract. The arms are not covered in the contract, but it was Brubaker's opinion that if the machinery was operable when it was received, then the City must return it in operable condition. Wilson explained that the machinery has not been successful for �Riverbend, and that staff asked for a demonstration verti drain from the Auburn firm to determine if the verti drain machine itself would meet 'Riverbend's needs. If not, staff is not interested; in leasing or buying. Wilson also said the gentleman from Classic Golf Course admitted that the machine had been over-taxed. Wilson said that the arm on the verti, drain was sprung before staff removed the machinery from the trailer. He felt 'thAt if Riverbend could just pay $200 a day when using the machinery and withsUnd the repairs, staff can complete the job of aerating the golf course. Lee Anderson said he contacted Classic Golf Course and they wil-I have a mechanic certify that the parts are installed correctly when they come An. Anderson said that he has also been in contact with a national representative, and the son of the man who designed the machinery who will go through other Possibilities with staff to try to determine the problem. Anderson added that his intentions at this point are to get the machine back to 100%, to maintain a good working relationship with Classic Ga11" Course, and to get the job done. Bennett said that he will meet with golf complex staff on Friday to get the situation resolved. He stated that in the best interest -of the golf course, he is willing to do whatever needs to be done. Bennett added A'th4t Classic Golf Course has no problem with the City returning the machinery, p vilded that broken parts are replaced and the machinery is returned in the conditfon'in which it was received. Bennett questioned whether the Parks Committee can undo something that the entire Council has done. It was Brubaker's opinion that authority still lies with the Parks Committee, as the Council basically took no actions' at its meeting. PARRS COMMITTEE MEETING May 7, 1992 Attendance Name a MRS NO. 2. 3 . c. P6 cL S 17 —3 3 IS 7. (/ G� GCJe�i�, �sJz - 74 9. L Gc1Y--46 33(0 10. �f�E2t�.r !2 A A 2+� 3/--L7 kL 11. 0-0&"Cl 39 ca. r - !� 5 2-,547 12 . 13 .G�t 14. 15. ZOOM Z l)Xel3L01j Cc 4J>14IA) 16. C'�� G7 /IL,� #5.?od� 6 �S7 17. 064 18. e< cRcv3o✓I 3l 19. J C.1�- t J�, fof—k (� G. 3� 7 9 20 F1 21. ✓�! 22. 1U U,LLU 23.