HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 11/07/1994PARKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
(special)
NOVEMBER 7, 1994
Council Present: Chair Christi Houser, Paul Mann, Jim Bennett; Leona Orr
- (audience)
Staff Present: Mayor Jim White, Doreen Higgins, Julie Stangle, Lori Hogan, Arthur
Martin, John Hodgson, Tom Brubaker, Teri Stump
Others Present: Cheryl Reid, Valley Daily News; Tyler Malejko, Jungle Gym;
Clarence i Foster, Jungle Gym; Mary Kathleen Reidy, Project
Lighthouse
YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAM: Parks Director John Hodgson gave a brief history of his
experience with the youth program in Tacoma and how it was initiated nine years ago.
He thanked the council for approving a portion of the utility tax dedicated to enhancing
the youth/teen program. John referred to the display board and other resources that
are emerging throughout the United States now. He used Yakima and Seattle as
examples, both cities have reduced crime in specific areas because of Parks and
Recreation programs designed for youth.
One of the goals of this program is to establish partnerships with apartment complexes,
local churches, schools, businesses and the juvenile justice system. This program
creates a multitude of components and the option to change any one that doesn't work.
John Hodgson referenced the packet outlining the program schedules and locations,
including the necessary amount of recreation leaders and the apartment complexes
already contacted. Miscellaneous programs highlighted in the plan are: Arts, City-wide
Cooperative, School District Cooperative, Community Coalitions, Business Coalitions,
Employment, Program. John stated that he does not want to "re -invent the wheel," he
will try other city's programs and adjust them to meet Kent's needs.
Councilmember Mann asked about the staffing budget. John Hodgson confirmed that
the proposed staff budget reflects part-time and full-time positions with benefits. Chair
Houser asked how much staff this budget involves, including Project Lighthouse. John
responded Lighthouse has four staff members, but it is hard to identify exact staffing
numbers in this plan because certain programs may require part-time staff to work
different shifts at various locations.
Page 1
Councilmember Bennett questioned the high salary proposed for the part-time
administrative staff position. John Hodgson replied it is a benefitted half time position
and that it will be responsible for maintaining the entire clerical portion of the program.
He will try to get volunteers to fill the position first, but showed it as part of the
proposed budget so there would be no surprises. John stressed the importance of
consistency in staff and how integral it is to maintain a good program.
Councilmember Bennett referenced annexation and asked how it will impact the
program. He also stated the need for accountability for the program. John Hodgson
responded that program updates will be reported monthly at the Parks Committee
meetings and they will include measures of accountability. Chair Houser added that
the utility tax includes newly annexed areas and will cover the increase necessary for
the program.
Chair Houser complimented John Hodgson on the visual and content of his packet.
Bennett stated that it is important to plant a positive seed to steer youth in the right
direction. Councilmember Mann asked about staff hiring. John replied that he will hire
experts and the positions will be open to outside applicants.
Councilmember Bennett shared his concern on targeting the right group; the at -risk
youth, not the kids that don't need it. He also stated that we need to emphasize the
use of volunteers. He felt that the process for this plan went backwards; we needed
to analyze, plan and then fund.
John Hodgson shared that the youth committee has received a lot of encouragement
from local apartment complex managers that have been contacted. John distributed
a long list of local apartment complexes still to be contacted. Councilmember Mann
suggested having a meeting that includes all apartment complex managers and owners
in order to gain their support and input.
Tyler Malejko of Jungle Gym then asked the committee if this meeting was scheduled
to decide whether to put out an RFP for youth programs. He also urged the committee
to go to RFP and amend the Ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Tom Brubaker
explained that this meeting is to consider whether or not to approve the plan. Tom then
further clarified his memo to the Parks Committee stating that Council has spoken in
regard to the program; they have authorized Administration to empower the Parks and
Recreation Director to implement his program. A number of changes have been
discussed, but the Parks Committee has not recommended any changes. This meeting
is to consider recommendation to proceed with the plan and proceed to the Operations
Committee.
Page 2
PARKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
(special)
NOVEMBER 7, 1994
Council Present: Chair Christi Houser, Paul Mann, Jim Bennett; Leona Orr
- (audience)
Staff Present: Mayor Jim White, Doreen Higgins, Julie Stangle, Lori Hogan, Arthur
Martin, John Hodgson, Tom Brubaker, Teri Stump
Others Present: Cheryl Reid, Valley Daily News; Tyler Malejko, Jungle Gym;
Clarence ',Foster Jungle Gym; Mary Kathleen Reidy, Project
Lighthouse
YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAM: Parks Director John Hodgson gave a brief history of his
experience with the youth program in Tacoma and how it was initiated nine years ago.
He thanked the council for approving a portion of the utility tax dedicated to enhancing
the youth/teen program. John referred to the display board and other resources that
are emerging throughout the United States now. He used Yakima and Seattle as
examples, both cities have reduced crime in specific areas because of Parks and
Recreation programs designed for youth.
One of the goals of this program is to establish partnerships with apartment complexes,
local churches, schools, businesses and the juvenile justice system. This program
creates a multitude of components and the option to change any one that doesn't work.
John Hodgson referenced the packet outlining the program schedules and locations,
including the necessary amount of recreation leaders and the apartment complexes
already contacted. Miscellaneous programs highlighted in the plan are: Arts, City-wide
Cooperative, School District Cooperative, Community Coalitions, Business Coalitions,
Employment Program. John stated that he does not want to "re -invent the wheel," he
will try other city's programs and adjust them to meet Kent's needs.
Councilmember Mann asked about the staffing budget. John Hodgson confirmed that
the proposed staff budget reflects part-time and full-time positions with benefits. Chair
Houser asked how much staff this budget involves, including Proje Lighthouse. John
responded Lighthouse has four staff members, but it is hard to identify exact staffing
numbers in this plan because certain programs may require parttime staff to work
different shifts at various locations.
Page 1
. N
Councilmember Bennett questioned the high salary proposed for the part-time
administrative staff position. John Hodgson replied it is a benefitted half time position
and that it will be responsible for maintaining the entire clerical portion of the program.
He will try to get volunteers to fill the position first, but showed it as part of the
proposed budget so there would be no surprises. John stressed the importance of
consistency in staff and how integral it is to maintain a good program.
Councilmember Bennett referenced annexation and asked how it will impact the
program. He also stated the need for accountability for the program. John Hodgson
responded that program updates will be reported monthly at the Parks Committee
meetings and they will include measures of accountability. Chair Houser added that
the utility tax includes newly annexed areas and will cover the increase necessary for
the program.
Chair Houser complimented John Hodgson on the visual and content of his packet.
Bennett stated that it is important to plant a positive seed to steer youth in the right
direction. Councilmember Mann asked about staff hiring. John replied that he will hire
experts and the positions will be open to outside applicants.
Councilmember Bennett shared his concern on targeting the right group; the at -risk
youth, not the kids that don't need it. He also stated that we need to emphasize the
use of volunteers. He felt that the process for this plan went backwards; we needed
to analyze, plan and then fund.
John Hodgson shared that the youth committee has received a lot of encouragement
from local apartment complex managers that have been contacted. John distributed
a long list of local apartment complexes still to be contacted. Councilmember Mann
suggested having a meeting that includes all apartment complex managers and owners
in order to gain their support and input.
Tyler Malejko of Jungle Gym then asked the committee if this meeting was scheduled
to decide whether to put out an RFP for youth programs. He also urged the committee
to go to RFP and amend the Ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Tom Brubaker
explained that this meeting is to consider whether or not to approve the plan. Tom then
further clarified his memo to the Parks Committee stating that Council has spoken in
regard to the program; they have authorized Administration to empower the Parks and
Recreation Director to implement his program. A number of changes have been
discussed, but the Parks Committee has not recommended any changes. This meeting
is to consider recommendation to proceed with the plan and proceed to the Operations
Committee.
Page 2