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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 07/05/19944 arks Committee Minute July 5, 1994 Councilmembers Present: Christi Houser, Chair; Paul Mann arrived late Staff Present: John Hodgson, Jack Ball, Patrice Thorell, Tom Brubaker, Helen Wickstrom, Teri Stump Others Present: Jennifer Stoner, Saturday Market; Harold Perantie, Golf Advisory Board ACCEPTANCE OF THE TITUS RAILROAD PARK MURAL: In the absence of Councilmembers Bennett and Mann, Councilmember Houser was joined by Councilmember Judy Woods. Councilmember Judy Woods moved to commission the artist Paul Cislo to paint a mural as pictured in his painting, "Northbound," for the wall on the north side of the Titus Railroad Park. Councilmember Houser seconded. The vote passed 2-0. Councilmember Woods left after voting. (Councilmember Mann subsequently viewed and approved the mural, making this a 3-0 vote). SATURDAY MARKET REPORT: Jennifer Stoner reported that the market is still above the 1993 averages. To date the deposit is $24,724; their goal is $40,000. The Market experienced a drop in vendors on the fourth of July weekend, but a Norwegian group performed and drew more customers. Customer, not vendor parking has become an issue; they are parking in unauthorized spaces. The Market continues to implement many vendor requests such as: name tags, free coffee in the morning, early booth assignments listings, increased advertising, local entertainment, lunch delivery, more signage and additional vendor space for Cornucopia Days. The Market will have a booth for Cornucopia Days, along with the Downtown Association. Councilmember Houser commented on how different the market is this year; more vendors and more to chose from. John Hodgson stated that contract negotiations for next year have begun with the Downtown Council. GOLF ADVISORY REPORT: Harold Perantie, Chair of the Golf Advisory Board presented the minutes of the June 29 Advisory Board meeting (attached). He stated that Doug Schwab has resigned from the advisory board and Patty Greeny has been appointed. Harold reported that the golf complex is targeting their golf merchandise. Counciimember Houser stated that the merchandise at the complex is good but the space is inadequate.. John Hodgson responded that he is currently reviewing a proposal to turn a conference room into a pro -shop and add sales training for employees. The tee -time telephone system is a problem for customers. The Board recommended trying the direct call system, with the call-in procedures posted. Councilmember Houser stated that $20,000 was spent on this system only four years ago. John Hodgson responded that computerized systems have short lives and research will determine how much of the problem is mechanical and how much is operator error. The maintenance crew has implemented some improvements to the course such as placing seed and sand buckets at Par 3 so that players replace their divots and cutting down the smoothness of the green; the result has been fewer complaints. A portable starting booth, hopefully donated, will be placed at the course for participants to get their starting times. Acceptance of permanent restrooms on the golf couroill be on the next agenda. These strAres are not self-contained units but have to be pumped; it is cost prohibitive to construct real ones. In response to the advisory boards feeling of posting the projects from increased fees, John Hodgson responded that some of the minor renovations can be posted, but a feasibility study will be conducted on the Par 3 course and driving range projects before any advertising is done. Councilmember Houser suggested picking 5 projects at a time to be advertised. A feasibility plan will be announced this fall. Councilmember Houser asked if the advisory board has enough members. Harold responded that is why he has nominated Dick Egan and R.T. Rasco to the Board. Harold stated that an advisory board is important only if some of the issues for discussion are followed up on. Councilmember Houser shared an idea she has for the mini putt putt course; to sell holes to local business owners; in return they receive free advertising. Businesses could capitalize on this with a theme; a bank, for example, could create a replica of bank building on the course. John Hodgson thought it was a great idea and will pursue it. KIWANIS TOT LOT #1: Helen Wickstrom reported that in order to give the citizens of Kent an opportunity to give input on this park a public meeting was held in June. Sixteen attended showed up. 50,000 City CIP and $30,000 from a King County Block Grant. Colie Hough of Hough Beck and Baird Landscape Design brought small scale to size blocks representing park furnishings for everyone to design the park together. Helen has a list of requests including: a security light, basketball hoops at both ends of the court, drinking fountain and new play equipment. Helen reported that it was determined from a survey through Ken Chatwin that the play equipment is unsafe. Also, it was determined a sign on Willis symbolizing a park is there. The citizens are planning a picnic for the next meeting. Construction is planned for September/October. TITUS RAILROAD PARK: Helen Wickstrom reported that six citizens attended this public meeting in June. The mural of the railroad was on display. The citizens requested a fence along the street along the track side, a drinking fountain and a sitting area to view the new mural and shrubbery to beautify the corner of the lot. Helen stated that they will be on the lookout for old railroad memorabilia such as benches, lights or cross bars in keeping with the railroad theme. This project is not budgeted. Helen to check on using budget monies for renovating parks; she stated we might be able to pay for fencing and a picnic table. A follow-up meeting is also scheduled for this park. John Hodgson stated that he will be touring Kwanis club members through three of their parks. They apparently have resources to do some renovations. Councilmember Houser asked to attend the tour. Helen also stated that Parks will be applying for another Block Grant next year for miscellaneous park improvements. Councilmember Houser also commended Helen for conducting these necessary public meetings on her own time. GENERAL: In closing John Hodgson stated that July is officially "Parks and Recreation Month" and the Balloon Classic is in two weeks. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. CITY OF KENT GOLF ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 29, 1994 Attendees: Harold Perantie, Dan Farmer, Patty Greeny, Councilman Jim Bennett, Pete Petersen, John Hillman, Jim Stone, John Hodgson. The meeting was called to order by Chair, Harold Perantie at 5:45 p.m. Harold Perantie reported Doug Schwab resigned from the Golf Advisory Board June 21, 1994, John Hodgson, Park Director, announced Patty Greeny's appointment as a Golf Advisory Board Member. Harold era i�epproposed two new members be added to the Golf Advisory Board; Dick Egan, Golf 6r; and Kent buniess owner "The Rebuilder" and R. T. Rasco, golf member and on call starter and marshall at Riverbend. A discussion on tee times ensued the phone-in system vs current system. Jim Stone (SSMD) expressed continuing problems with the current system lead to unhappy customers. Jim claims SSMD's staff could give better service to all concerned with the direct calls using names not assigned numbers. John Hodgson expressed concern over added maintenance costs as the current system ages. The Advisory Board recommended trying the direct call system with call-in procedures written and posted for the golfing public. John Hillman gave a financial report indicating the month of May had brought the YTD acutual up to the contract projection. Green fees revenues YTD exceeded budget. Mini putt revenues continue below budget. Golf lessons continue below budget. Mr. Stone indicated the new Golf Director is addressing this problem. Mr. Stone commented on how positive it has been working with the City. Mr. Stone reported merchandising has and will continue to be reviewed to increase the revenue in this area. Pete Petersen reviewed the progress of the maintenance department. a. General Maintenance Increase green speed (smoother) Sand and seed buckets on par three (positive usage) Review testing of new equipment - John Deere aeriator Flower beds - beauty bark (appearance) b. Projects Driving range hitting stall nets reinstalled Drainline cleaned at range Distance markers installed (increase number of rounds) Tee markers replaced Sand bunker edging & filling Scoreboard (July 15, 1994) Driving range yardage signs (July 1994) Mini putt - Committee within the Park Department for immediate.and future plans �A Starters booth (Planning stage) Permanent Restrooms (Planning & Financing) Par 3 course - install portable restrooms Yardage signs, Bail washers units (costing) c. Equipment Fairway mower down (7 weeks) Two utility vehicles (bids out) Evaluating rotary deck mower vs trim mower Propane tank storage problem resolved d. Staff One water person quit Fulltime person for appearance (beds, trees, shrubs) John Hodgson indicated master plan going forward - considering consultants and direction. John indicated the Golf Advisory Board should include a report from the mens and ladies club in the agenda. Patty Greeny and Dan Farmer, members of Ladies and Mens Board, will discuss this with respective boards and update Harold Perantie. The Advisory Board expressed the importance of posting the projects using the increased fees monies. Keep the public advised. Councilman Jim Bennett discussed the status of the proposed golf fee discounts to Kent residents. Review for possible action later - January I, 1995. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Next meeting, July 27, 5:45 p.m. Riverbend. arks Committee Minutest July 5, 1994 Councilmembers Present: Christi Houser, Chair; Paul Mann arrived late Staff Present: John Hodgson, Jack Ball, Patrice Thorell, Tom Brubaker, Helen Wickstrom, Teri Stump Others Present: Jennifer Stoner, Saturday Market; Harold Perantie, Golf Advisory Board ACCEPTANCE OF THE TITUS RAILROAD PARK MURAL: In the absence of Councilmembers Bennett and Mann, Councilmember Houser was joined by Councilmember Judy Woods. Councilmember Judy Woods moved to commission the artist Paul Cislo to paint a mural as pictured in his painting, "Northbound," for the wall on the north side of the Titus Railroad Park. Councilmember Houser seconded. The vote passed 2-0. Councilmember Woods left after voting. (Councilmember Mann subsequently viewed and approved the mural, making this a 3-0 vote). SATURDAY MARKET REPORT: Jennifer Stoner reported that the market is still above the 1993 averages. To date the deposit is $24,724; their goal is $40,000. The Market experienced a drop in vendors on the fourth of July weekend, but a Norwegian group performed and drew more customers. Customer, not vendor parking has become an issue; they are parking in unauthorized spaces. The Market continues to implement many vendor requests such as: name tags, free coffee in the morning, early booth assignments listings, increased advertising, local entertainment, lunch delivery, more signage and additional vendor space for Cornucopia Days. The Market will have a booth for Cornucopia Days, along with the Downtown Association. Councilmember Houser commented on how different the market is this year; more vendors and more to chose from. John Hodgson stated that contract negotiations for next year have begun with the Downtown Council. GOLF ADVISORY REPORT: Harold Perantie, Chair of the Golf Advisory Board presented the minutes of the June 29 Advisory Board meeting (attached). He stated that Doug Schwab has resigned from the advisory board and Patty Greeny has been appointed. Harold reported that the golf complex is targeting their golf merchandise. Councilmember Houser stated that the merchandise at the complex is good but the space is inadequate. John Hodgson responded that he is currently reviewing a proposal to turn a conference room into a pro -shop and add sales training for employees. The tee -time telephone system is a problem for customers. The Board recommended trying the direct call system, with the call-in procedures posted. Councilmember Houser stated that $20,000 was spent on this system only four years ago. John Hodgson responded that computerized systems have short lives and research will determine how much of the problem is mechanical and how much is operator error. The maintenance crew has implemented some improvements to the course such as placing seed and sand buckets at Par 3 so that players replace their divots and cutting down the smoothness of the green; the result has been fewer complaints. A portable starting booth, hopefully donated, will be placed at the course for participants to get their starting times. Acceptance of permanent restrooms on the golf courtill be on the next agenda. These stru*res are not self-contained units but have to be pumped; it is cost prohibitive to construct real ones. In response to the advisory boards feeling of posting the projects from increased fees, John Hodgson responded that some of the minor renovations can be posted, but a feasibility study will be conducted on the Par 3 course and driving range projects before any advertising is done. Councilmember Houser suggested picking 5 projects at a time to be advertised. A feasibility plan will be announced this fall. Councilmember Houser asked if the advisory board has enough members. Harold responded that is why he has nominated Dick Egan and R.T. Rasco to the Board. Harold stated that an advisory board is important only if some of the issues for discussion are followed up on. Councilmember Houser shared an idea she has for the mini putt putt course; to sell holes to local business owners; in return they receive free advertising. Businesses could capitalize on this with a theme; a bank, for example, could create a replica of bank building on the course. John Hodgson thought it was a great idea and will pursue it. KIWANIS TOT LOT #1: Helen Wickstrom reported that in order to give the citizens of Kent an opportunity to give input on this park a public meeting was held in June. Sixteen attended showed up. 50,000 City CIP and $30,000 from a King County Block Grant. Colie Hough of Hough Beck and Baird Landscape Design brought small scale to size blocks representing park furnishings for everyone to design the park together. Helen has a list of requests including: a security light, basketball hoops at both ends of the court, drinking fountain and new play equipment. Helen reported that it was determined from a survey through Ken Chatwin that the play equipment is unsafe. Also, it was determined a sign on Willis symbolizing a park is there. The citizens are planning a picnic for the next meeting. Construction is planned for September/October. TITUS RAILROAD PARK: Helen Wickstrom reported that six citizens attended this public meeting in June. The mural of the railroad was on display. The citizens requested a fence along the street along the track side, a drinking fountain and a sitting area to view the new mural and shrubbery to beautify the corner of the lot. Helen stated that they will be on the lookout for old railroad memorabilia such as benches, lights or cross bars in keeping with the railroad theme. This project is not budgeted. Helen to check on using budget monies for renovating parks; she stated we might be able to pay for fencing and a picnic table. A follow-up meeting is also scheduled for this park. John Hodgson stated that he will be touring Kiwanis club members through three of their parks. They apparently have resources to do some renovations. Councilmember Houser asked to attend the tour. Helen also stated that Parks will be applying for another Block Grant next year for miscellaneous park improvements. Councilmember Houser also commended Helen for conducting these necessary public meetings on her own time. GENERAL: In closing John Hodgson stated that July is officially "Parks and Recreation Month" and the Balloon Classic is in two weeks. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. t 0 CITY OF KENT GOLF ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 29, 1994 0 Attendees: Harold Perantie, Dan Farmer, Patty Greeny, Councilman Jim Bennett, Pete Petersen, John Hillman, Jim Stone, John Hodgson. The meeting was called to order by Chair, Harold Perantie at 5:45 p.m. Harold Perantie reported Doug Schwab resigned from the Golf Advisory Board June 21, 1994. John Hodgson, Park Director, announced Patty Greeny's appointment as a Golf Advisory Board Member. Haroldera r�e proposed two new members be added to the Golf Advisory Board; Dick Egan, Golfi'�r;`and Kent buniess owner "The Rebuilder" and R. T. Rasco, golf member and on call starter and marshall at Riverbend. A discussion on tee times ensued the phone-in system vs current system. Jim Stone (SSMD) expressed continuing problems with the current system lead to unhappy customers. Jim claims SSMD's staff could give better service to all concerned with the direct calls using names not assigned numbers. John Hodgson expressed concem over added maintenance costs as the current system ages. The Advisory Board recommended trying the direct call system with call-in procedures written and posted for the golfing public. John Hillman gave a financial report indicating the month of May had brought the YTD acutual up to the contract projection. Green fees revenues YTD exceeded budget. Mini putt revenues continue below budget. Golf lessons continue below budget. Mr. Stone indicated the new Golf Director is addressing this problem. Mr. Stone commented on how positive it has been working with the City. Mr. Stone reported merchandising has and will continue to be reviewed to increase the revenue in this area. Pete Petersen reviewed the progress of the maintenance department. a. General Maintenance Increase green speed (smoother) Sand and seed buckets on par three (positive usage) Review testing of new equipment - John Deere aeriator Flower beds - beauty bark (appearance) b. Projects Driving range hitting stall nets reinstalled Drainline cleaned at range Distance markers installed (increase number of rounds) Tee markers replaced Sand bunker edging & filling Scoreboard (July 15, 1994) Driving range yardage signs (July 1994) Mini putt - Committee within the Park Department for immediate and future plans 4.. Starters booth (Planning stage) Permanent Restrooms (Planning & Financing) Par 3 course - install portable restrooms Yardage signs, Bail washers units (costing) c. Equipment Fairway mower down (7 weeks) Two utility vehicles (bids out) Evaluating rotary deck mower vs trim mower Propane tank storage problem resolved d. Staff One water person quit Fulltime person for appearance (beds, trees, shrubs) John Hodgson indicated master plan going forward - considering consultants and direction. John indicated the Golf Advisory Board should include a report from the mens and ladies club in the agenda. Patty Greeny and Dan Farmer, members of Ladies and Mens Board, will discuss this with respective boards and update Harold Perantie. The Advisory Board expressed the importance of posting the projects using the increased fees monies. Keep the public advised. Councilman Jim Bennett discussed the status of the proposed golf fee discounts to Kent residents. Review for possible action later - January I, 1995. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Next meeting, July 27, 5:45 p.m. Riverbend.