HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 10/15/2009City of Kent
Parks and Human Services Committee Meeting
Minutes of October 15, 2009
Council Committee Members Present: Debbie Ranniger, Elizabeth Albertson,
and Tim Clark
Call to Order: Debbie Ranniger called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
Added Item #3: Federal Department of Justice Grant for Safe Havens - Authorize
Item #1: Meeting Minutes Dated September 17, 2009
Tim Clark moved to approve the minutes of September 17, 2009. Elizabeth
Albertson seconded and the motion passed 3-0.
Item #2: 2010 CDBG Action Plan
Dinah Wilson, explained that the City of Kent receives Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) as an Entitlement City. To receive this funding, the City is
required to submit a Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing & Community
Development. The City’s Consolidated Plan is in effect from 2008-2012. Prior to
the beginning of each year of the Consolidated Plan, the City must inform HUD
and the community of the specific actions that the City will execute to implement
the objectives and strategies of the Consolidated Plan. The Action Plan also
includes the allocation of estimated resources that will be used to carry out the
objectives and strategies. Any overages will carry over and be used for approved
projects.
Elizabeth Albertson moved to approve the proposed 2010 Community
Development Block Grant Action Plan, including funding allocations and
contingency plans, and authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate
certifications and agreements. Tim Clark seconded and the motion passed 3-0.
Walk On. Item #3: Federal Department of Justice Grant for Safe Havens
Program - Accept
Jeff Watling reported that the Committee has been updated on the funding
situation with the Safe Havens program throughout this year. Safe Havens is a
pilot project run by Housing and Human Services for the past six years. Staff
found out recently that stimulus funds will not be awarded to the city, so the
program is in a critical situation. With the current funding challenges, the funds
are expected to expire at the end of this year. Staff began communicating with
domestic violence agencies and gaining attention. Jeff commented that this could
be a potential path forward. Katherin Johnson agreed that we may have a
potential path forward and, though it may not solve the entire problem, it does
give us an opportunity to work with the stakeholders to find a permanent solution.
Katherin explained that the city was awarded the second half of the Office on
Violence Against Women (OVW) grant of $250,000, which presents $100,000 in
2010, $100,00 in 2011, and $50,000 in 2012. With the budget shortfall, staff
approached the OVW to see if the grant can be accepted without penalty, knowing
there aren’t enough funds in the city to continue the program beyond mid-2010.
The Office on Violence Against Women confirmed that there would be no
consequence since it’s a reimbursement grant.
Katherin clarified that this is not a unique problem to the City of Kent, grantees
are experiencing the same problem, nation-wide. This is no surprise in
Washington DC either. In response, the Director is willing to come here and work
with the stakeholders to find a solution. Safe Havens Center is often used as a
model by the Federal Government. New grantees are sent to tour the center
because of its operational success.
Katherin indicated that this is a regional service and a regional problem, so staff
met with stakeholders for discussion. She feels the collective wisdom of everyone
involved is needed to assist in finding a solution. This includes finding the bridge
funding of $140,000.00 and an existing non-profit agency with the same mission
to take over the program. The stakeholders are willing to help in the transition,
and the Executive Director of King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence is
willing to accept the role of leader and facilitator of this group to find solutions.
Staff will continue to find ways to reduce operational costs, as well. It will be less
costly for a non-profit to run the program. Staff is confident that between the
stakeholders, the OVW, and the city, a solution will be found.
Staff is recommending the new agreement be designed to be contingent upon a
written understanding with the OVW that the city would have the right to
terminate early without penalty, if the bridge funding is not found, and/or if the
ability to transition the program to a nonprofit agency is not accomplished. The
program may have to be scaled down, but at least it will be kept in the
community, and available for services. This is critical, based on the increased
number of domestic violence cases within the City of Kent.
Tim Clark voiced concern of the security of the program if it is moved and run by
a different agency. Katherin responded that staff plans to petition for the program
to remain in the current facility across from City Hall because security is already
in place. Elizabeth Albertson thanked Katherin Johnson for working so hard to
save the program and asked her to explain Safe Haven to the viewers. Safe
Havens is a safe facility for children to visit the non-custodial parent of families
involved in domestic violence, while keeping the victim safe from potential violent
behavior.
Tim Clark moved to accept the $250,000.00 grant from the Federal Department of
Justice, approve expenditure of funds in the Safe Havens Budget, and authorize
the Mayor to sign the agreement contingent upon an agreement with the Office on
Violence Against Women (OVW) to allow the city to end the project early, or
transition the project to a nonprofit. Elizabeth Albertson seconded and the motion
passed 3-0.
Item #4: Third Quarter Fee-In-Lieu Funds - Accept
Between July and September 2009, the City of Kent received a total of
$29,913.00 from one developer who voluntarily paid fees in lieu of dedicating
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park land to mitigate the development of single family homes in one subdivision:
• Wilson Playfields Acquisition and Development Budget: $29,913.00 from Cedar
Point, LLC.
Elizabeth Albertson moved to accept the $29,913.00 in fee-in-lieu funds for the
third quarter of 2009, and authorize the expenditure of funds in Wilson Playfields
Acquisition and Development budget. Tim Clark seconded and the motion passed
3-0.
Item #5: 2009 Third Quarter Contributions Report
Jeff encouraged the Committee to review the Contributions Report that reflects all
cash and in-kind donations from local stores, agencies, and citizens that are less
than $5,000 and not required for Council approval. A total of $32,137.13 was
donated during the months of July, August and September. These contributions
are from businesses and residents who partner with us to provide some great
programs and services. The list includes future programs, as staff secure
donations for our winter events. Jeff commented that the city has very creative
staff and an incredibly supportive community.
Item #6: 2009 Third Quarter Report
Jeff informed the Committee that 5,000 lunches were served to low income kids
throughout the summer months as part of the Summer Playground Program. The
parents had many positive comments regarding the program.
Jeff reported that year-to-date player numbers at Riverbend Golf Complex are
above 2008 numbers. Larry Tukes, owner and operator of the Douglass Youth
Golf Program was recognized in the audience for his leadership and his
participation in the youth golf program at Riverbend Golf Complex.
Tim Clark asked about community response to the new outdoor movies at Town
Square Plaza this summer. Jeff affirmed that the movies were very well received
by the community.
Tim Clark referenced the Arts Commission documentary video on Earthworks
Park. Debbie Ranniger stated that she had attended the showing, along with
enthusiasts from all over the world. Debbie said that the video demonstrated how
the park integrated great historical value and flood protection together as an art
piece. It was shown at the University of Washington and will be shown on TV21 in
the near future.
Elizabeth Albertson referenced the Memo of Understanding with Catholic
Community Services and Kent Lutheran Church for homeless sheltering during
cold weather. She asked if contracting is underway with agencies for the impacts
of potential flooding. Jeff replied that Calvary South and Kent Lutheran Church
have both offered assistance in sheltering. Parks is creating a volunteer program
to recruit help from the community to get evacuation notices to the elderly.
Debbie Ranniger commented on what a great sustainable activity she experienced
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with the Community Garden this summer. She enjoyed sharing plants and seeds
with fellow gardeners and the garden was a record sell-out this year. Jeff noted
that more vegetables than flowers were planted this year, which speaks of the
challenging economic times.
Tim Clark inquired about the Public Service Announcements done by the Teen
Council. Jeff shared that the PSA’s focus on getting teens ready for high school
and what they can expect. The videos are currently showing on TV 21 and
awaiting confirmation from Kent Station for showing between reels. Jeff will send
the videos to Council to view.
Elizabeth Albertson thanked the staff and teens who designed and painted the
wonderful mural at the corner of 240th and 104th. The corner is very pleasant to
look at now.
Item #7: Director’s Report. On Saturday, October 19, 91 volunteers cleaned
up Clark Lake Park, removed invasive plant material and planted 140 Douglas Fir
trees. Make-A-Difference Day is October 17, at Turnkey Park, focusing on trail
enhancements and invasive plant removal.
Green River Flood Plan. Flood prevention sandbags are going up on the trail. The
trail will be closed to bicycles, not pedestrians. Signage is going up and
information is being distributed to residents. King County is installing detour
maps. Parks and Public Works staff are preparing for facility protection and
developing a plan that looks at the 3-5 day window prior to flooding. Aqua
bladders will be purchased to protect city buildings.
Senior Center Lunch. The new relationship with Panera Bread has proven to be
very successful, with 78 lunches sold on the first day of operation. The lunches
will be served every Wednesday at the Senior Center. Many thanks to Senior
Center staff for finding creative ways to improve services in a financially feasible
way.
Off Leash Dog Park. A follow-up public meeting is scheduled for October 27, at
Daniel Elementary from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion will be on the two sites
chosen as temporary off leash dog areas at 132nd Park, and a 3 acre parcel
between Morrill Meadows and East Hill Park. Both sites will net 2.5 acres toward
off leash dog areas. The wetland analysis and conceptual designs will be available
for feedback at the meeting. Limited capital funds are available, so staff plan to
recruit volunteer labor to help build the parks.
The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teri Petrole, Committee Council Secretary