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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 07/13/1993 Parks Committee Minutes July 13, 1993 Councilmembers Present: Jim Bennett, Chair; Christi Houser; and Jon Johnson. Staff Present: Tony McCarthy, Patrice Thorell, Dave Owen, Dave Heldt, Lori Hogan, Cheryl Fraser, Helen Wickstrom,Ed Crawford,Jack Ball,Karen Ford,May Miller,Alana McIalwain, and Pam Rumer. Others Present: Jean Parietti,Valley Daily News;Sue Goddard, Golf Advisory Board Chair;Diane Lewis, Project Lighthouse; Doug Schwab, Riverbend Men's Club; Bill Doolittle, 412 N. Washington; Keith Sanden, Riverbend Golf Complex Director; Judy Gilroy, 3716 S 253rd Place, Kent; and Brett, Vicky, David and Clinton Olson, Steel Lake Little League. KENT COMMONS COMPLIMENTARY LETTER FROM CITIZEN Councilmember Bennett received a note of appreciation from Mr. Bausa, a citizen who uses the Kent Commons, complimenting the staff at the facility. Mr. Bausa wrote that the facility is clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the City of Kent is lucky to have such a great facility in the community. REQUEST OF STEEL LAKE LITTLE LEAGUE The property located at 43rd Avenue and South 216th is currently leased to Steel Lake Little League by the City of Seattle. Seattle acquired the property as part of the settlement in the closure of the Kent Highlands Landfill and paid approximately $7 million for 350 acres, including the landfill. The Little League operates on the northernmost piece of the property which is approximately 19 acres. The City of Seattle is interested in selling approximately 207 acres of the property. The Steel Lake Little League has made numerous improvements to the property over their 35 year lease agreement with the City of Seattle, which has a 60 day termination clause. The Steel Lake Little League serves approximately 850 kids of which approximately 100 have Kent West Hill addresses. They have requested that the City of Kent do what it can to preserve the fields. Tony McCarthy listed three options: 1) Look at acquiring the property from the City of Seattle. Seattle prefers a buyer for the entire 207 acres. 2) Look at encouraging the City of Seattle to sell the property with the condition that the ballfields be maintained. 3) Look at establishing rezoning conditions on a potential buyer which would require continuation of a ballfield complex on the property. Brett Olson, Co-Director of Fields for the Steel Lake Little League, spoke to the Parks Committee and explained the Little League's campaign to save their fields. Mr. Olson said that he has contacted numerous public officials, state and county legislators, and municipalities, and reported that everyone in the community has been receptive to saving the fields. McCarthy explained that Seattle prefers a buyer for the entire 207 acres. The City of Seattle feels that this particular parcel is the entrance to the property and is also the farthest away from the Kent Highlands Landfill. � 1 2 Councilmember Bennett asked if the City has any property to exchange for Seattle to sell. McCarthy suggested the Commons Playfield as a possibility. Thorell added that any fields the City'sells would have to be replaced. Councilmember Johnson moved to direct staff to look at the possibility of acquiring the property from the City of Seattle, whether it is 14 acres or some combination of 200 acres down to 14 acres. He commented that because the property is zoned AG, its value is not a lot. Once a potential buyer realizes that there is no water or sewer services readily available, the City of Seattle may be willing to negotiate a price. Johnson said that the City's programs and the Little League's programs are successful, and the City may be able to acquire additional property for the City of Kent. Councilmember Houser seconded the motion. Doug Schwab spoke in support of Councilmember Johnson's motion. He felt that the property would be a prime location for recreational facilities and suggested that the City explore the possibility of an additional golf course. Lori Hogan echoed everyone's sentiments that the City is in need of additional fields. She added that the Commons Playfield is a valuable commodity, as it is used for soccer and track as well as for softball and baseball. Councilmember Bennett encouraged Mr. Olson to maintain his enthusiasm and to be patient while staff investigate the possibility of helping to save the Steel Lake Little League fields. The City will keep him advised of progress. Councilmember Johnson directed Administration to talk with the City of Seattle to see if they are firm in selling the entire property or if they are willing to sell a portion of the property. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Johnson clarified for McCarthy that his motion is for staff to bring back information to the next Parks Committee meeting. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER UPDATE Pat Curran, Chair of the Performing Arts Center Task Force, reported that a Request for Proposal was sent out with a deadline of June 18. 25 responses were received. The proposal was for a schematic design and business plan for Phase II of the performing arts center. Ms. Curran said the Task Force is now going over proposals and will narrow them down to 3 or 4. Those candidates will be interviewed in October, with a selection by late Fall. REPORT BY RIVERBEND GOLF COMPLEX DIRECTOR, KEITH SANDEN Keith Sanden reported that he received a letter of request from the Washington State Women's Public Links Association requesting use of the Riverbend Golf Course in 1995. The group has used the facility before, and Mr. Sanden felt this would be good exposure promotion-wise for Riverbend. Sue Goddard, President of the Riverbend Ladies' Club, explained that the golf course will have to be shut down for three days in order to host the tournament. Because revenue from play will be interrupted, the WSWPLA will negotiate a fee with the golf course for coverage. The schedule is set years in advance. Ms. Goddard said it is an honor that Riverbend has been asked and encouraged the Parks Committee to fulfill the request. J Councilmember Johnson moved to approve the Washington State Women's Public Links Association request to hold their championship tournament at Riverbend Golf Course in July 1995. Councilmember Houser seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. McCarthy directed Mr. Sanden to work with Patrice Thorell in obtaining approval of fees negotiated with the WSWPLA. Mr. Sanden also reported that the putting green proposal which he discussed at the last meeting did not work out. Construction of the green is not satisfactory at this time, but he is still researching the possibility of a putting green at the driving range. Mr. Sanden said that things are going well at the complex. He commented that it is a busier complex than he imagined. The new kitchen will be on line early next week. Councilmember Houser requested that Mr. Sanden paint the ladies' room white at the Par-3 course and install more lights. He informed her that the restroom has been painted and mirrors are on order. Doug Schwab mentioned a letter to the editor that appeared in the Valley Daily News in which a young lady and a friend visited the mini putt to play and were not pleased with the condition of the facility. Schwab asked if anyone from the City of Kent, the golf complex, or the Golf Advisory Board had responded to the young lady's concerns. McCarthy directed Thorell to respond to the young lady. Councilmember Bennett thanked the Golf Maintenance staff for responding quickly and taking care of the mini putt. GOLF ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF BUYOUT FUNDS Sue Goddard, Chair of the Golf Advisory Board, explained that the buyout revenue coming to the City is $161,888.91. The Golf Advisory Board is proposing that $60,000 be used for short term improvements that are directed toward customers and at attracting repeat business. Ms.Goddard said the improvements are necessary to keep revenues up. She explained the Golf Advisory Board's list of recommended improvements. BIDS FOR PAINTING THE EXTERIOR OF THE GOLF COMPLEX Jack Ball obtained bids for painting the outside of the buildings at the complex. Because Kent is a municipality, the City legally has to pay prevailing wages. As a result, Thorell said that bids may go up significantly, as prevailing wages were not originally considered. Mr. Sanden mentioned that he knows an individual who has done work for him before. The gentleman is an independent contractor who does the work and pays himself. Sanden questioned how prevailing wages apply to this situation. Staff will confer with the City Attorney. McCarthy suggested that the Committee could approve the $60,000 and do what can be done with that amount. He also mentioned that some items on the list could be done with funds from the operating budget. Councilmember Houser moved to approve the $60,000 for improvements at the golf complex. Councilmember Johnson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. This issue will be discussed at the July 26 Budget Committee meeting. 4 PROJECT LIGHTHOUSE - TEEN RECREATION PROGRAM Cheryl Fraser reported that Project Lighthouse has formally requested that the City of Kent provide a teen recreation program as one component of the overall Project Lighthouse program. If funded, this will be a two day a week program at Sequoia Jr. High School, with a total proposed budget of$45,222, of which $18,000 will come from the Criminal Justice Fund. Project Lighthouse has also received funding from other agencies. Diane Lewis from Project Lighthouse explained that as the program progresses,Project Lighthouse would like the City of Kent to take an active role. The City of Kent is one of many who will be approached for funding. McCarthy reported that the Mayor favors the program if it is a community-involved project. He explained that as long as there is total community involvement, the Mayor is willing to recommend the City's budget. McCarthy stated that if funding for Project Lighthouse is approved this year, he will need to know very soon what the program will cost in 1994, as he is putting together the Mayor's budget. Ms. Lewis explained that the program does have school district commitment. She receives calls daily from groups and individuals who are anxious to put time and resources into Project Lighthouse. She said she hopes to expand the number of agencies involved next year. Included in those areas requested to be funded by the City is an increase of the Youth at Risk Coordinator position from 3/4 to full time to cover the Project Lighthouse program, as Project Lighthouse has asked the Parks Department to implement the recreation portion of the program. The Committee expressed concerns about this proposed increase. Ms. Lewis explained that Project Lighthouse will serve some of same population that is served by the Parks Department's Youth-at-Risk program. McCarthy again informed the Committee that the Mayor is willing to support this program if other agencies will contribute to the program and this is not just an expansion of the Parks program. McCarthy said the City is already paying full time benefits to the Youth-at-Risk Coordinator now. This increase will involve the remaining 1/4 of the salary for the position. Because the Project Lighthouse program runs for five months, the cost is approximately $10,000. Chief Crawford added that the program has to be properly staffed and supervised with people who know how to do the job. Councilmember Johnson moved to approve funding of$45,222 for Project Lighthouse. Councilmember Houser seconded. Bill Doolittle questioned the amount expended per hour per child. Councilmember Houser explained that attendance may go up or down. Ms. Lewis added that the program is not limited to 100 participants; it is a ballpark figure and may fluctuate. Councilmember Bennett commented that as a community, the City needs to address youth issues. He felt the program has so much support and energy that $27,000 is an inexpensive investment in our youth. The motion passed unanimously. This will appear on the Council agenda under 'Other Business.'