HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 01/19/2012 (3) �-� KEN T
Parks and Human Services Committee Agenda
Councilmembers: Deborah Ranniger, Chair • Elizabeth Albertson • Dana Ralph
January 19, 2012
5:00 p.m.
Item Description Action Speaker Min. Page
1. Minutes of November 17, 2011 - Yes Council 03 01
Approve
2. Communities Putting Prevention to No Jeff Watling / 15 05
Work Grant Update - INFO ONLY Hope Gibson
3. Parks Infrastructure - Formation of No Jeff Watling 15 07
a Citizen Advisory Group - INFO
ONLY
4. 2011 Fourth Quarter Reports - INFO No. Jeff Watling 05 09
ONLY
5. Director's Report - INFO ONLY No Jeff Watling 05 41
Unless otherwise noted, the Parks Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:00
p.m. in Council Chambers East, Kent City Hall, 220 4th Avenue South, Kent, 98032-5895.
For information, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Human Services Department at (253)
856-5100.
Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk's Office
at (253) 856-5725 in advance. For TDD relay service call the Washington
Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-833-6388.
i
Page 1
i
I
Kent Parks and Human services Committee
KENT Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2011
i
i
Call to Order: Chair Debbie Ranniger called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
Council Present: Chair Debbie Ranniger, Dennis Higgins, Elizabeth Albertson
Item 1. Meeting Minutes - Approve
Dennis Higgins moved to approve the minutes of October 20, 2011.
Elizabeth Albertson seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Item 2. 2011 Art Plan Reassignment of Funds
Jeff Watling, Parks Director stated that on October 25, 2011 the Kent Arts
Commission recommended that funding be reassigned within the existing 2011 City
Art Budget. These recommendations were made in order to support a Youth Media
Art Program and to add an art element to the Municipal Court Remodel.
The proposed projects were explained:
Youth Media Art Project
This art project would raise awareness about food security issues in Kent. The Kent
Arts Commission believes that this media art project could empower the youth who
are being impacted by food scarcity during these difficult economic times, while
simultaneously empowering the broader community.
In October, new statistics revealed that 25% of Kent residents are living below the
poverty line. Furthermore, FEMA is no longer funding the Kent Food Bank because
unemployment across King County is lower than some of our nation's other
counties.
This project would provide Kent youth the opportunity to take the lead on producing
artful, meaningful and professional quality video segments. The video could be
broadcast on Kent TV 21, KCTV channel 22 and other publically operated stations.
Segments could also be shared through social networking - with the express intent
of creating meaningful connections between the Kent community and other
communities in King County.
Housing & Human Services would be the city partner on this project. An open "Call
for Artists and Producers" would be issued to contract for $9,500. The selected lead
artist and production company would work with Kent youth to produce professional
quality media artwork. The $9,500 in funding would be reassigned from Parks
Page 1
I
I
Page 2
Planning p 7 Capital Projects that are on hold. The goal would be to have this digital art
�
project ready for viewing in spring 2012.
Municipal Courthouse Artwork
Working with the architect and Facilities staff, artwork has been identified. It is
referred to as the "Center Separation Barrier Artwork." This barrier would be
located at the main entry where there is currently a rope and stanchions in place.
The proposed integrated artwork would prevent someone from stepping out of line
and avoiding the metal detector. It would also keep the exit aisle clear from the
people entering the building, The artwork would be designed to maintain visibility
for police and security guards, allowing them to keep tabs on who is leaving the
building. The barrier would be about 15 feet long and between 36 - 54 inches high.
It could be made of metal, metal mesh, or thick safety glass. It could take the form
of a screen or a railing.
Facilities would be the city partner on this project. An invitational "Call for Artists"
would be issued using 4Culture's Roster of artists who have already been through a
public selection process. A city councilmember and Judge would be invited to serve
on the selection panel, along with other key team members, as per our normal
process. The selected Artist would design, fabricate and install the artwork for
$32,500. This funding ($2,400) combines construction credits with city Art funds
that were previously assigned to Parks Planning Capital projects that are on hold.
The goal would be to have the "Center Separation Barrier Artwork" completed by
March 2012, but everyone on the project team understands that this is a very tight
timeline. Rope and stanchions can continue to be used in the interim.
Debbie Ranniger suggested having youth tell their own art project story on You
Tube, the city's Facebook and Twitter. Cheryl confirmed that the project will include
multiple social networking, including Channel 21.
Elizabeth Albertson suggested giving the video to the Kent School District to use as
a resource to middle schools and high schools in order to get the message out. -
Dennis Higgins asked about the three projects that were deferred and/or removed
to accommodate the two new proposed projects. Jeff responded that they were
deferred due to lack of Capital funding and will be back on the active list when
funding is available. Dennis asked about the community park reinvestment program
and asked if it related to the KaBOOM project at Tudor Square. Jeff said it is
completely independent and coincides with our Park Asset Analysis and will be
incorporated into the work plan when revenue is available.
Elizabeth Albertson moved to recommend approving the reassignment of City Art
Plan funds. Dennis Higgins seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
Page 2
Page 3
Item 3. Park Asset Analysis Update - INFO ONLY
Jeff Watling presented the Park Asset Analysis Report. The report evaluates the
current condition of all assets within Kent parks in order to establish a baseline for
reinvestment needs. The report helps to create a strategy for addressing the aging
infrastructure within our park system. Assets are facilities and property at a value
of $10,000 or more. This asset report looks at park inventory; at how much we
have and then applies a score to the asset, based on what condition it is in. Rates
begin at 1 for little or no life and end at 5 with maximum useful life remaining. Out
of 37 parks (or 63%) assessed, at least one asset is rated 1 or 2. Prior to this
report, there was no comprehensive look at the overall health of the system. The
report reflects an estimated cost projects that are backlogged. It also provides
detailed data that helps to make more informed decisions with shrinking resources.
The decline of major park features tends to happen slowly, over a course of many
years. Deferring these expenses is not the same as eliminating the need for them.
If we don't keep up on maintenance and lifecycle, it just gets worse. In the Asset
Analysis spreadsheet that was distributed, it showed the 59 parks that were
inspected with staff determining replacement costs and rating the condition at a
total of 240 major assets. Estimated replacement cost of items that ranked 1 or 2 is
just over $10M. Estimated cost for all of the parks, including sales tax,
contingencies, design, permitting and other soft costs, totals over $16M. The
current rate of capital revenue is not allowing us to keep up with our aging assets.
As assets fail we begin lose park function.
The next step is to go out to the residents and form a 20-25 person citizens group.
The goal is geographic diversity, and addressing diversity of interests, as well as
cultural diversity within our community. The group would be asked to review the
analysis and then help with prioritizing. This will include examining the functionality
of the system as a whole, as well as exploring funding options for taking the
recommended actions and prioritizing projects. The results of the advisory group
will be summarized and presented to the Parks Committee at a future date.
Debbie Ranniger said that it's good strategy to form the advisory group and have
them look at asset replacement and to analyze the best use. She also feels it is
important to make it convenient for students to be represented on the committee.
Elizabeth wanted to note that some levies do pass -- even during tough economic
times. Case in point, the recent Veterans and Housing Levy. She said she would like
to see new faces on the advisory committee. Elizabeth suggested being specific
with the issue on a ballot in order to be favorable with voting residents.
Dennis Higgins agrees with forming a community group but asked that staff present
a proposal to form the committee before taking any action and include timelines.
Page 3
Page 4
Dennis agreed that if you present a package that is very specific and clear to the
voters, there will be positive results, and he will support it as a potential voter
approved bond. He asked that the bond includes fields.
Debbie Ranniger suggested coordination with the Kent School District timeline for
their levy which is scheduled for 1-1/2 years from now.
i
Elizabeth agreed that we should be looking at future assets as well as past assets.
Jeff confirmed that staff will put together plan and come back in January with what
the outreach portion will entail with core tasks and timelines.
Item 4. Director's Report - INFO ONLY
The new Winter Guide is out and registration begins on November 28.
The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submi ed,
Teri Petrole
Parks and Human Services Committee
Page 4
Page 5
I
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Jeff Watling, Director
Phone: 253-856-5100
® Fax: 253-856-6050
KN
WAS�HOTON Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
I
January 19, 2012
TO: Kent City Council Parks and Human Services Committee
FROM: Name and Title
THROUGH: Jeff Watling, Director Parks, Recreation and Community Services
SUBJECT: Communities Putting Prevention to Work Grant Update -
INFO ONLY
MOTION: None, informational
SUMMARY: Hope Gibson, Superintendent of Parks Planning and Development will
update the committee on the bicycle and pedestrian work that has been
accomplished under the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant.
EXHIBITS: None
BUDGET IMPACTS: None
Page 6
Page 7
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Jeff Watling, Director
Phone: 253-856-5100
® Fax: 253-856-6050
WAS MJNGTO Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
January 19, 2012
TO: Kent City Council Parks and Human Services Committee
FROM: Jeff Watling, Director Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Hope Gibson, Parks Planning and Development Manager
SUBJECT: Parks Infrastructure - Formation of Citizen's Advisory Group
- INFO ONLY
MOTION: None, informational
SUMMARY: Staff presented the Park Asset Analysis to the Parks Committee at
the November 17, 2011 meeting. One of the recommended next steps within the
report was the formation of a citizen's advisory group to work with staff to further
analyze the data collected and prioritize needed investments within the Kent park
system.
As requested, Jeff Watling and Hope Gibson will be sharing information outlining a
plan for the formation of the group and an approach for accomplishing the strategic
work they will complete.
EXHIBITS: None
BUDGET IMPACTS: None
Page 8
Page 9
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Jeff Watling, Director
Phone: 253-856-5100
® Fax: 253-856-6050
KENT
WASHINGTON Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
January 19, 2012
TO: Kent City Council Parks and Human Services Committee
FROM: Jeff Watling, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
SUBJECT: 2011 Fourth Division Reports and Fourth Quarter Contributions
Report - INFO ONLY
MOTION: None, informational
SUMMARY: Jeff Watling, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services,
will inform the committee of noteworthy information related to the 2011 fourth
quarter reports.
EXHIBITS: None
BUDGET IMPACT: None
Page 10
Page 11
City of Kent
Parks, Recreation and Community Services
2011 Fourth Quarter Reports
Housing and Human Services
General Fund Contracts
All funded agencies are meeting their performance measures. Final numbers,
demographic reports and outcome reports are due at the end of January.
Kent Severe Weather Shelter Program at Kent Lutheran Church
The City of Kent will again partner with Kent Lutheran Church and Catholic
Community Services to provide a Severe Weather Shelter program (SWS) at
336 2nd Ave South, Kent, WA 98032-5849. The SWS will be activated when
temperatures are at or below 32 degrees for 24 or more consecutive hours, or
snow accumulation exceeding or expected to exceed 3 inches in depth and/or
other conditions deemed severe enough to present a substantial threat to life
or health of persons. Conditions would be identified at Kent City Hall. The
anticipated capacity for the SWS is up to 50 individuals in separate rooms; men
in one room, women in another. Families will be housed separately in a third
room. Activation may occur from October 1 to March 31. City of Kent Housing
and Human Services staff will monitor weather and call for shelter to be opened
when severe weather conditions are predicted. Volunteers and staff will require
at least 2 hours of preparation time before opening the shelter. People may be
referred by service providers, emergency services, faith groups, etc. or may
"walk in."
Church volunteers would be responsible for preparing shelter mats for the
night's use; preparing food items; sanitizing/cleaning and storing mats; and
cleaning the shelter area. CCS agency staff will be responsible for screening
persons for safety and monitoring sheltered individuals hourly over-night. Kent
Lutheran Volunteers and Agency Staff together will maintain a log of shelter
activities throughout the night and report back to Kent Human Services Dept.
each morning.
There is no payment or compensation between the City of Kent and Kent
Lutheran Church, The City of Kent does provide funding to a CCS that provides
paid, trained, over-night staff to the shelter.
Communities in Schools of Kent
Merina Hanson continues to serve on the Board of CISK. The agency is
pursuing accreditation with the support of the State Communities in Schools
office. CISK will benefit from some additional financial assistance from the state
in order to go forward. An AmeriCorps employee was hired to serve as a Site
Coordinator at Scenic Hill Elementary, which has over 90% of students
qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Services provided by CISK at the
site include mentoring and helping students. Families become eligible for
Page 1
Page 12
needed services, supporting the efforts of teachers and other school staff.
Please contact Joyce Yee, Site Coordinator, at 253-373-3643 or
jyee@ciskent.org for more information.
The CISK annual fundraiser breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14'
from 7:30 - 9:00 AM at the Kent Phoenix Academy. Sponsorships and
donations are now being accepted. Please contact David de la Fuente,
Executive Director, at 253-867-5637 or ddelafuentelcd)ciskent.org.
CISK is currently looking for volunteer mentors. You only need an hour a week
and have a willingness to help a student succeed. Please contact Dee Klem,
Mentor Coordination at 253-867-5637 or dklem@ciskent.org for more
information.
Kent TV
Staff recorded two human service related programs for Kent TV. The first was a
conversation for "Kent Today" with Mayor Cooke about basic need services in
Kent and the other highlighted the Severe Weather Shelter.
Safe Havens (Now "Safe and Sound")
The City of Kent has three contracts totaling $117,000 in 2011 with SMH for
operational support of the Safe and Sound visitation center, including the
Federal Office on Violence against Women (OVW) Safe Havens grant. City of
Kent staff are responsible for management of the OVW grant and for the work
of the MOU Collaborative Partners. All reports and billings are current, and the
center continues to operate and meet its performance goals. The MOU
collaborative meets quarterly to support the continued success of staff and the
operations at the center. The "Friend of Safe and Sound" group has started to
meet again with a focus on funding stability and fundraising.
Criminal Justice Initiative (CJI) Coordination
The King County CJI team cancelled its meeting in October and re-scheduled
for January 2012. The CJI Kent team is Sound Mental Health Re-entry Program,
DSHS, Kent prosecutors and public defense, probation, judges, court and jail
administration, and Kent Human Services. This group gathers quarterly to
check-in/update around CJI services (liaison, DSHS, reentry, etc) and
coordination with Kent Municipal Court and Kent jail. Probation is hosting the
January meeting and that will focus on the impact of state and county funding
cuts to criminal justice programs.
Regional and Sub-regional Efforts
SharelApp
Staff from the City of Kent, City of Bellevue and City of Redmond worked
collaboratively to research and demo existing online application tools. The
group has been working on common online applications since 2009. In 2010 an
online system was used for all of North/East/South King County for the first
time. In order to take the process to the next level, an RFP was released.
GoGrants Online was selected as the vendor and work to build our online
Page 2
Page 13
I!!
application began in November. GoGrants Online is a sophisticated web-based
grant lifecycle management product that we will be able to utilize not only for
the application cycle, but also for reporting. It will also come with a cost
savings to the cities involved. Kent Housing and Human Services staff will
assist with beta testing the system in January.
Aging Your Way
Aging Your Way continued to work in South King County to bring together
neighbors, service providers and businesses to share their strengths, passion,
knowledge, and relationships to create supportive places where people can live
confidently as they age. Aging Your Way is a new initiative that brings Baby
Boomers (age 45-65) and their local communities together to plan for their
future. It is sponsored by Senior Services.
Two events were held during the fourth quarter in South King County:
Thursday, October 20 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Renton Technical College, 3000 NE Fourth Street, Renton, WA 98056
Wednesday, November 30 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198
Former Director of Neighborhoods for the City of Seattle, Jim Diers, facilitated.
Community Center for Education Results
On December 13, 2011, CCER released the Road Map Project Baseline Report.
The Report presents the state of education in South King County and South
Seattle.
The data shows big challenges from cradle to college and career and also
highlights many bright spots—effective work that should be expanded. The
report calls for collective action and urges readers to get actively involved in
supporting and helping accomplish the Road Map 2020 Goal. We hope you'll
take a minute to read it, and dive into the report itself. There is a lot of work
ahead, but the answers can be found in the Road Map Region, if we work
collectively toward our 2020 Goal and build on the bright spots.
South King Council of Human Services
Staff continues to serve on the Board of the South King Council of Human
Services. Fourth quarter membership meetings all focused on the concept of
"place building" in South King County. Information about monthly meetings,
current research, relevant articles and more can all be found at:
http://skchs.org/.
The South King Council is a membership organization made up of nonprofit
agencies, municipal leaders, and concerned citizens who work to support one
another cooperatively. The members collaborate on important projects and
coordinate strategies for addressing racism and poverty in our area.
State of Human Services
Staff is participating in the State of Human Services Policy Group. The State of
Human Services policy group was convened by United Way, City of Seattle, and
Page 3
Page 14
King County, and includes representatives from North, East, and South King
County.
Since the Great Recession began in December 2007, "temporary belt
tightening" has gradually given way to the dismantling of the basic
infrastructure for health and human services. Cuts proposed at the federal and
state level in this upcoming session no longer just "trim" programs and push
them to be more efficient and effective: they eliminate whole support systems
that compromise individual well-being and community stability. The
philanthropic sector has stepped up its efforts, but private donations, charity
and volunteerism cannot replace the loss of public funding.
This work led to the State of Human Services partners to create this report: to
help build awareness of what's at stake. We encourage you to use it in
community conversations and hope it will generate new solutions to some of
today's most pressing challenges.
htt ://www uwkc orci/our-focus/public-policy/state-of-health-and-human-
services.html
State of Human Services - South King County
Staff participated on the planning committee for the State of Human Services
in South King County event held on November 16th at Green River Community
College. Approximately 75 members of the community, elected officials, and
local leaders participated in a discussion of the current status of health and
human services in King County. Local experts provided brief overviews and
examples in a few topic areas to illustrate the combined impact of reductions in
government support for health & human services. The meeting was held to help
inform and support communities, funders, and policy makers about the need to
rethink and redo how health and human services are addressed in South King
County.
There will be follow-up action related to feedback received at the meeting. Stay
tuned and visit the South King Council of Human Services website to be kept
informed: http://skchs.org/.
Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP)
The United Way of King County recently funded a significant expansion of the
Parent-Child Home Program in King County. As a result, Children's Home
Society of Washington is now offering PCHP to families with young children in
Kent, Auburn and Federal Way. PCHP is an evidence-based, early learning
home visiting program which serves low income, immigrant and refugee
populations. This program model has been used in a wide variety of locations
for the last 45 years and it has consistently shown strong results in increasing
school readiness, decreasing the need for special education services, and
increasing high school graduation rates in at risk children. Participation is free
to qualifying families. CHS is currently enrolling families in South King County
who have a child between 16 months and 28 months old. Interested families
can contact: 1-855-9PC-HOME (1-855-972-4663). DonorsChoose.Org - Help
Page 4
I
Page 15
Teachers Get Supplies - October yth. On October 5th, DonorsChoose.org
helped distribute $10 DonorsChoose.org gift cards at area Starbuck stores.
These free gift cards were redeemed at www.donorschoose.org and applied to
local teachers' requests for needed classroom materials and student projects.
Over $500,000 was available for projects in King County.
Homeless Forum
The South King County Forum on Homelessness continued to meet in the
second quarter of 2011 at its usual day/time, first Wednesday each month from
9-10:30AM at the Kent Senior Activity Center. This meeting gives the
opportunity to network and share updates between service providers and
municipalities around the effort to end homelessness. This quarter, the group
focused on Regional Severe Weather Shelters, Housing and Homelessness
Advocacy Day, and Coordinated Entry and Assessment for Families
Experiencing Homelessness).
Committee to End Homelessness in King County
Kent City Council Endorses the 10YP!
5 Years ago when this 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in King County (10YP)
was rolled out, the City of Kent Housing and Human Services was mostly
supportive, but did not recommend endorsement of the 10YP because of two
major pieces of the plan that did not seem to match the needs in SKC.
1. A call to end shelters and survival services with a sole focus on
development of perm housing first programs.
2. A decision to focus on population types instead of looking at local and
sub-regional gaps and inequities.
Over the last five years City of Kent staff and our municipal and agency
partners around South King County not only made significant inroads to change
these focus areas, but our partners countywide seem to be aligned.
1. Regarding shelter beds: While we agree that more supportive housing
was needed we also knew that our region needed more, or at least
better, access to shelters. 90 shelter beds for homeless men have
opened in South King County over the past 5 years. Two day centers
and a mobile hygiene trailer have been put into service. The number of
outreach workers connecting to people in need at meal programs, parks,
libraries, businesses and health clinics has doubled. Four cities including
Kent have opened cold weather shelters. While we still have gaps in the
shelter and survival services system in South King County, it is much
improved and not over-looked in favor of housing only focused
programming.
2. The creation of the SKC Response to Homelessness brought attention to
the local needs and realities of people experiencing homeless here in
Kent. More county wide planning efforts and funding streams are aware
of the human and system needs in SKC because of this local planning
Page 5
Page 16
i
effort and the strategies highlighted within. This was especially
important for the often invisible population of homeless families. Kent
staff, agencies, and resident look forward to the start of the Gate/King
County Families Initiative and Coordinated Entry which is coming to our
community this spring by CCS.
The gains to Kent has been significant as Kent HHS Staff have directed and
impacted funding decisions that have created and sustained programming for
people experiencing homelessness right here in Kent. CEHKC and the City of
Kent have also been looking forward. The CEH Mid-Plan review provided us
with action items for the next 5 years to come - including a new focus on youth
and young adults, immigrant/refugee populations, inventive housing
development, new ideas on how to invest in shelter, and prevention
programming.
Endorsement does not tie the city to funding nor does it change the city's high
level of commitment to ending homelessness.
Inter-Agency Council
The Committee to End Homelessness in King County's InterAgency Council has
been focused on the following work items this quarter,
• Vision for Second Half of the Ten Year Plan
® Creation and facilitation of the mid-plan task forces
• Development of the 2012 Legislative Priorities
Funders Group: NOFA
CEHKC Funders Group released its NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) last
quarter. This funding from King County, City of Seattle, Gates Foundation,
United Way, King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority,
Eastside ARCH, and Building Changes can be used for capital for new affordable
housing, housing operating support, rental assistance & supportive services
within new and/or existing permanent housing. There are three priorities
focused on homeless families, on service funding for capital projects already in
the pipeline, and for housing and services for chronically homeless persons.
The NOFA applications were reviewed and scored by a variety of stakeholders
from across King County including Jason Johnson from the City of Kent Human
Services division and Nathan Phillips of the South King Council on Human
Services. South King County agencies scored well and combined, received
roughly $4.5 million in supportive housing services funding. The exact funding
details will be released to agencies in January.
Shelter Task Force Co-Chair
Staff continues to co-chair the task force charged with assessing how King
County funders and providers can better access permanent housing for
homeless single adults. Fellow co-chairs and Funders Group members
(Dannette Smith, City of Seattle and Emily Leslie, City of Bellevue) have
created a task force of high level shelter providers and funders. They will
review current shelter diversion best practices, review past shelter reports and
Page 6
Page 17 '..
data, and to look at the recommendations from the mid-plan review to develop
strategies that will shorten shelter stays and move people into housing.
Recommendations from the task force will be made to the CEHKC Funders
Group and InterAgency Council in early 2012, ahead of many municipal and
United Way funding processes.
United Way Out of the Rain Impact Council
Jason Johnson is again this year's Out of the Rain Impact Council Funding
Committee Chair, and will over-see the application process and the allocation of
funds for United Way's work to end homelessness in 2012. The Out of the Rain
Impact Council is also working on its strategic and investment plans for 2012.
This plan is paying close attention to the needs and programming gaps in
South King County.
State Budget Cuts and Changes to DSHS Programs
Staff continues to monitor state budget cuts and impacts to DSHS programs.
Major changes and reductions are being made to many of the basic benefits
that support those living in extreme poverty. HHS staff attended trainings and L
stakeholder meetings so that when changes were implemented our office could
be of assistance to those seeking help and to better plan how our resources can
best be used to fill new gaps in the human services safety net. The most
significant changes were to the Disability Lifeline for the Unemployable
program. Changes to this program eliminated the monthly cash benefit and
greatly reduced who is eligible for medical and psychiatric support. There are
also major cuts and reductions to TANF, which supports families living in
poverty with cash, food, and medical support.
Other Regional Work
Staff attended a King County Funders Committee meeting. This Committee
meets monthly and focuses on two issues: (1) alignment of local funding; and
(2) advocacy for racial and social justice in philanthropy. The Committee
discussed the lack of specific data on the human services needs of immigrant
and refugee communities and decided to recruit a University of Washington
graduate student to compile data. Data will be shared with regional funders.
The group will approach a local foundation about collecting ongoing data.
Staff reviewed a housing funding application for King County. The organization
seeking funding is planning a project that is located in Kent and Des Moines.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
® HUD now considers data from the American Community Survey (ACS is
an ongoing survey that provides annual data) of the United States
Census when determining CDBG allocations. As a result, the city is
projected to receive a slight increase in its 2012 allocation and will not
have to decrease funding to programs.
• The city's 2008-2012 CDBG Consolidated Plan for Housing and
Community Development expires in 2012. The city contracted with John
Epler and Associates to develop the 2013-2017 Plan.
Page 7
Page 18
• The Kent city council approved the 2012 CDBG Annual Action Plan, and it
was submitted to HUD. The Annual Action Plan must be approved by
HUD before CDBG funds are released to the city.
• Final CDBG vouchers for 2011 were approved, and final demographic
reports are due soon.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 as a
response to the large number of foreclosures throughout the nation. The
Neighborhood Stabilization Program was established through this legislation,
and $475,264 in funding was provided for the project through the Department
of Housing and Urban Development. The State of Washington administers NSP
contracts through the Department of Commerce. The city executed a sole
source sub-recipient agreement with Habitat for Humanity (H4H) to take the
lead on its NSP Move to Housing Program.
• H4H sold the two remaining houses that the city helped to purchase with
NSP funds. Staff joined Mayor Cooke at the dedication ceremony for the
third house. H4H presented Mayor Cooke a framed and matted
photograph of the three houses that were purchased and rehabilitated.
The photograph can be viewed on the first floor of City Hall.
• Chase Bank offered H4H a fourth house that may be purchased at
reduced cost. If H4H purchases this house, it will use private funds. The
low/moderate-income family that purchases the house may apply to the
city's Home Repair Program for eligible repairs.
• The Washington State Department of Commerce monitored the city's
NSP Program. The city is awaiting a formal report.
Refugees/Immigrants
Kent Cultural Diversity Initiative Group (KC-DIG): The Kent Immigrant/Refugee
Forum was organized in November 2009. The meeting was organized for
service providers and community members who have cultural and language-
specific expertise working with immigrants and refugees. The purpose of the
meeting is to provide an opportunity for those working with
immigrants/refugees to come together and share ideas, recommend policy
changes, and leverage resources. The meeting is held monthly in the
Centennial Building, Conference Room South.
i
• October Meeting: Keynote Speaker: Jaimie Driscoll, Refugee Women's
Alliance. Topic: Anti-human Trafficking.
• November: Keynote Speaker: Luke Williams, World Relief. Topic:
Program Overview and Update on Budget Cuts.
• December: Keynote Speaker: Karen Bohlke, Institute for Community
Leadership. Topic: Program Overview and Work in Kent School District.
Other Immigrant and Refugee Work
• Staff facilitated Preserving and Strengthening Specialized Community
Organizations (PSSCOs). PSSCOs was organized to develop a strategy
for contributing to the long-term viability of small and emerging
organizations that specialize in providing human services to Kent
Page 8
i
Page 19
immigrant and refugee communities. Representatives from Seattle
Foundation, South King Council of Human Services, United Way of King
County, Community Center for Education Results, and a community
volunteer member of the Seattle Foundation Neighbor to Neighbor Grant
Committee make up the group. The group developed a Capacity
Assessment Tool and guidance prior to contacting organizations about
participating in the Capacity Assessment. To date, seven interviews
were conducted and two to three additional interviews may be
scheduled. Staff is in the process of summarizing information gathered
in interviews.
• Staff participated on the King County Mobility Coalition Refugee and
Immigrant Elders Transportation Sub-committee. The Sub-committee
received a national grant to reach out to newly arrived refugee and
immigrant elders and their families and convened ten (10) community
conversations and then held a Transportation Summit. The goals of the
conversations were to assess existing knowledge and use of
transportation options and solicit ideas for increasing access; engage
stakeholders and elders in a transportation summit to develop outreach
strategies and an action plan; and create an ethnic senior advisory
council.
Guided by information learned during community conversations and the
transportation summit, the sub-committee contracted with a
videographer to create a multi-lingual series of three (3) travel
instructions videos covering the following topics: Riding the Bus, Paying
to Ride the Bus and Light Rail, and Other Ways to Travel. The videos are
in English and seven additional languages - Spanish, Russian, Amharic,
Somali, Burmese, Nepali, and Tigrinya. (Staff narrated the English
version.) Copies of the videos will be provided to community
organizations and to local government. In addition, the videos are
currently available on the King County Mobility Coalition YouTube
channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/`KCMobilityCoalition. The video's
will soon be posted on the King County Mobility Coalition website (hosted
by KC Metro) http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/kccsnt/ .
• Staff consulted with staff within the Parks Planning and Development
Division on best practices for conducting focus groups within
communities of color, especially immigrant and refugee communities, for
the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. It was
recommended that staff contract with experts within each community to
conduct focus groups and referrals were made to several people who
might assist.
I
I
• The director of the Kent Pool, a community member, and city staff met
to discuss safety issues and challenges surrounding the bimonthly
Women Only Swim program at the pool. As a result of the discussion,
safety rules were posted in Russian, Ukrainian, and Nepali. Rules will
I
Page 9
Page 20
also be posted in Arabic. Translations were provided from staff at
community organizations. In addition, pool staff received training on
cultural issues.
a Staff attended the three-day Immigration Conference in Seattle. This
was an international conference, which included a track on how
government could engage immigrant and refugee communities.
• Staff met with a regional group of people who attended the Immigration
Conference to discuss lessons learned and what, if any, initiatives could
be applied locally.
Kent Home Repair
Kent Home Repair provided services to 16 unduplicated households in the 4tn
quarter, 92 for the year.
a 6 Disabled.
a 10 Senior.
a 4 Both senior and disabled.
Home Repair staff continues to receive more and more requests for additional
services not covered with in the program including but not limited to:
• Mortgage assistance
a Utility assistance
a Food assistance
• Accessibility
• Weatherization
• Transportation
These clients are being referred to the crises line (211) and Kent Resource &
Referral staff for direction. Connections have been made with Volunteer Chore
and the Multi Service Center, as well as other agencies for some of these
clients.
Resource and Referral
Due to changes in procedure for recording data, the final figures for 4th quarter
are at a decrease from the previous 3 quarters. These figures are believed to
be inaccurate due to a new procedure implemented to collect data during the
4tn quarter. With new procedures to learn and the loss of one staff member the
potential for missed data is a realistic possibility. Year to date however, our
records show we have served more people than in 2010.
Local Agencies in the News:
Dynamic Family Services (aka Children's Therapy Center of Kent)
Through a grueling elimination process, Dynamic Partners, emerged as one of
the top two nonprofit finalists competing in the first annual Social Innovation
Fast Pitch presented by Social Venture Partners on October 3, 2011 at Fisher
Pavilion in Seattle. Dynamic Partners was awarded the $20,000 Zino Society
Award for Social Innovation for their Dynamic Labs project. "We feel privileged
Page 10
Page 21 ',
to have been a part of this inaugural event and incredibly honored to receive
such an award," Jon Botten, the CEO of Dynamic Partners.
"Dynamic Labs exemplifies the core values of the Social Innovation Fast Pitch
program through exceptional societal impact, innovation, sustainability and
leadership," said Will Poole, SVP Lead Partner and Social Innovation Fast Pitch
organizer. "The ZINO Society Award for Social Innovation represents our
community's enthusiastic support of Dynamic Lab's vision and work in
developing breakthrough solutions for individuals with special needs."
The 2011 Social Innovation Fast Pitch competition began in August with over
120 applicants. Forty organizations were chosen to compete in the quarter
finals with twenty advancing to the semi finals. Of those semi-finalists,
Dynamic Partners was chosen as one of seven nonprofits to pitch their projects
onstage to an audience of 700 at Monday's Fast Pitch final event at Fisher
Pavilion in Seattle.
Jon explains the purpose behind Dynamic Labs. "By creating Dynamic Labs, we
are making an organizational commitment to innovation. We recently went
through an intense organizational review as part of a marketing and branding
project with an outside consultant. This project brought to light the fact that
innovation is a key characteristic of our organization and staff. This drive stems
from our commitment to do whatever it takes to help children with special
needs reach their full potential. Until now, we did not have a dedicated space
for staff, families, and community members to test, vet, and trial innovative
products, services and funding models. Consequently, we missed
opportunities. We've now made a commitment to make innovation a priority
via Dynamic Labs."
"Through a process of systematic innovation, we will gather ideas from a wide
variety of constituents including staff, families, referral sources, and community
members. Then, we will vet those ideas for impact and sustainability. Once
something has proven itself inside the lab, we will spin it off into its own social
enterprise. Like all of our products and services, lab ventures are intended to
help children with special needs reach their full potential."
Dynamic Partners is consortium of organizations empowering children with
special needs through innovation and collaboration headquartered in Kent. Our
Dynamic Partners include Children's Therapy Center, South King Early
Intervention Program, Dynamic Orthotic Systems, SPIO Compression
Garments, Dynamic Labs, and Dynamic Family Services. Member organizations
have been providing therapy services for children with special needs in South
King and Pierce County since 1979. We currently have locations in Kent,
SeaTac, and Tacoma.
To learn more about our Dynamic Labs project, make an investment, volunteer
your expertise, or present an idea, please contact Jon Botten, CEO at
Ion Odynamicpartners.org. To learn more about SVP's Social Innovation Fast
Pitch, visit www.sifp.net.
Page 11
Page 22
Facilities
• Ongoing meetings for the renovation of Court after closing papers are
signed.
• TMA Upgrade was completed.
• Court Reroofing is 95% complete.
• Moved workstations at Shops. Created new workstations.
• Completed painting Centennial Center including garage roll up door.
• Deep cleaned City Hall stairs carpeting.
• Painting at Golf Course.
• Boiler replacement at Corrections 95% complete.
• Cleaned carpets in various buildings.
• Painting in various areas in city buildings.
• Taking care of work requests.
• Installed electrical at New Mod building East Hill Maintenance.
• Working on new furniture clerical area court.
• Stove hoods at Senior Center and Corrections were cleaned.
• Did temporary construction re-core of locks for court building.
• Completed confidence testing of safety systems sprinklers and fire alarms.
• Certified underground storage tanks.
• Completed HVAC filter changes.
• Completed interior painting of senior center.
Kent Senior Activity Center
October
Special events in October included the fall Firefighters Foundation luncheon.
This complimentary lunch included entertainment by the Cafe Karaoke Club.
The Washington State Residential Care Council of Adult Family Homes
sponsored a lunch for 180 seniors this month. The Council provided lunch,
entertainment, setting up, serving and clean up.
The Radio Drama group presented a classic radio drama to the delight of those
attending.
Several Medicare workshops were held this month it inform seniors about their
choices during open enrollment for Medicare Part D.
Trips out included a visit to the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, a Fall Colors tour, a
Concrete Ghost Walk, 2 different restaurants for Seattle Restaurant week, and
a Halloween mystery trip.
Outdoor recreation included fishing for Coho on the Cowlitz as well as the
Chehalis and hiking the Naches Peak Loop.
Page 12
Page 23 '..
November
November's special event was the 25th Annual Holiday Craft Market, Over 70
vendors and over 2,000 shoppers made this 2 day event a huge success. The
event grossed over $10,000.
The annual Thanksgiving lunch was a sell out with a traditional turkey dinner
provided by the kitchen staff.
Wellness workshops focused on friendship, both reflexology and acupuncture
continue to be popular with appointments filling up quickly, and the dental
hygienist has waiting lists.
Trips out this month included a tour of the neighborhood featured in the book
"Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet", a tour of the veterans museum in
Chehalis, a visit to the Red Winds Casino, lunch at Harbor Lights and the
Maltby Cafe.
Outdoor recreation included an Olympic Peninsula Guided salmon fishing
overnighter, fishing for South Sound Chum salmon and hiking the Boulder River
trail.
December
Featured a variety of holiday events:
• Kent Senior Ensemble Christmas mini-concert
® Pineapple Express Hawaiian Holiday Concert (ukuleles)
• Annual Christmas luncheon
® Firefighters Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
• The Oh Family Strings Mini-Concert
Be Well workshops focused on Spiritual Wellness and art and exercise classes
finished up their sessions.
Trips out included a Christmas Capitol tour, "A Christmas Carol" at ACT
Theater, Christmas Tea at the Georgian Room, "Annie Get Your Gun" at the
Village Theater, and the annual Christmas tour of lights (local lights and
Spanaway Fantasy Lights)
4th Quarter Statistics 2011
4,222 meals were served at the Mill Creek Cafe, for an average of 72 meals per
day.
51 classes/workshops/support groups were held, 415 participants, average
8/class
30 trips taken (includes day trips, extended trips, outdoor sports trips), 428
participants, average 14/trip
3102 participants in special events
Page 13
Page 24
881 dance participants (includes evening dances, square dancing, daytime
dances), 26 dances, average 34/dance
1,102 visits to the Fitness Center, average 21/day
Youth and Teen / Adaptive Recreation Services
After School Energy
Program/Site Service Days Number Registered
Duplicated Participants
Star Lake 14 37 Participants 518
Meadow Ridge 15 50 Participants 750
Park Orchard 15 45 Participants 675
Panther Lake 13 51Participants 663
Scenic Hill 13 49 Participants 637
Kent 12 53 Participants 636
Horizon 12 50 Participants 600
Pine Tree 8 48 Participants 384
Lots of fun was had over the last few months! Star Lake has been a great
addition to the ASE locations and has been well received on the West Hill. The
kids enjoy getting active in games that require movement, balance, teamwork,
and eye hand coordination.
C-21 Partnership at Neely O'Brien Elementary had 9 service days, 45
registered for 405 duplicated participants.
The partnership has continued to go very smoothly. The kids light up as we
enter the room and really enjoyed games like 45 seconds, capture the flag and
Everybody Is It Tag. We were sad to leave the group at Neely, but are looking
forward to starting at Martin Sortun and Millennium the second week in
January.
Holiday Camp
I
Program/Site Service Days Number Registered
Duplicated Participants
Week 1 3 17 51
Kent Commons
Week 2 4 20 80
The kids really enjoyed going to see We Bought a Zoo the first week and roller
skating the second week. We played non-stop and filled the day with games
like Mushroom Ball, Clothes Pin Tag, Jailbreak, Make It Take It- and MUCH
MORE! We also made some cool arts and crafts and even had a talent show on
Friday where the kids showed off their dance moves, magic tricks, singing skills
and even a little karate.
Page 14
i
Page 25
i
i
Camp Waskowitz annual Concert for Camp with The Coats and comedian
Kermet Apio raised close to $9,500 for camp scholarships.
Adaptive Recreation
A busy fall sports season, lead by Head Coach, Kathy Bigelow went flawlessly.
All 51 bowlers attended the Special Olympics Regional Tournament on Sunday,
November 6th at Secoma Lanes in Federal Way. Overall everyone did quite well
bringing home i6 gold medals, 21 silver medals, 9 bronze medals, and some
participation ribbons. With 51 bowlers at 10 sessions we served a total of 510
duplicate participants.
The youth and adult basketball season kicked off on Wednesday, December 8th
at Meridian Middle School. We anticipate having 3 full teams with a handful of
individual skills athletes.
New this quarter is our Kent Parks "Cheer Team". Our fearless leader, Rebecca
Torgusen enthusiastically took on teaching several cheers, dance moves and
promoting self-esteem to our 10 cheerleaders. The highlight of this quarter
was when our cheer team was asked to present medals to the Special Olympics
Bowlers at the regional tournament.
A full season of community trips were enjoyed by many. Some of the trips
included the annual Puyallup Fair visit, Snoqualmie Valley Railroad and some
holiday fun at the Victorian Country Christmas. We offered 9 trips. 1 trip held
a roster of 7 participants, 3 trips held 10 participants, 3 trips held 10
participants, 1 trip held 15 participants and 1 held 16. We served 107
participants total.
Creative ArtSpace continues to be popular among our participants with our new
Lead Instructor, Pavo McDonald. Numbers for each class are as follows:
® Tuesday am - 10 service days, 17 registered, 170 duplicated participants
® Thursday am - 10 service days, 18 registered, 180 duplicated
participants
Studio 315 is the program in the highest demand for Adaptive Recreation.
Each Friday has a different theme. Participants enjoyed everything from
Karaoke, Pajama Parties, Wild Hair Night and ending the season with a visit
from Jolly St. Nick and his Elves. With 10 service days and 119 registered we
served 1,190 duplicated participants this fall.
Swimming Program kicked off a new Water Aerobics class that was a huge
success. Along with the new class we still offer an intermediate class and the
Dolphin Swim Team (which will compete in the spring with Special Olympics.
The numbers for each class are as follows:
® 9am Beginner - 10 service days, 5 registered, 50 duplicated participants
• 10am Intermediate - 10 service days, 14 registered, 140 duplicated
participants.
Page 15
Page 26 '..
• 11am Dolphin Swim Team — 10 service days, 12 registered, 120
duplicated participants.
I've Got Rhythm, music and movement class spent this quarter learning beats
and how to move your body with the beat. With 10 service days and 16
registered we served 160 duplicated participants.
Not be forgotten are our long and successful partnerships with Boeing Tennis
Center and Children's Therapy Center. This quarter our tennis pro, Allan
Overland worked with 6 participants. This quarter they focused on proper
forearm and backhand technique, as well as perfecting the perfect serve.
Children's Therapy Center introduced 12 children ages 15 months to 4 years of
age into the world of movement with the Moovin' and Groovin' class. We
continue to find new ways to partner with different organizations and
instructors. Look for our NEW "Zumba" fitness class and "Karate for All
Abilities" in January!
Participant/Parent/ Care Provider Quotes from fall quarter surveys:
• My son has so much fun in the new water aerobics that he doesn't
realize he is exercising!
• This is the only place I get to see my friends.
• "I'm just like a "Normal" person now. I party on Friday nights too." This
is what my son shared with me after his first night at Studio 315.
• These programs provide a sense of independence for the people I
support in the community.
• Kent Parks ROCKS!!!!!!
The Mobile Technology and recreation program continued to thrive, with visits
to 17 different apartment complexes, mobile home parks and King County
Housing Authority sites within the city limits. New stops this quarter were Birch
Creek Apartments and Royal Firs Apartments. The total number of participant's
visits was 868 and total number of site visits was 76 for an average of nearly
12 kids per stop. Numbers vary depending on weather, day light and holidays
during this quarter.
Once again this year we were able to partner with the Kent Fire Department
and the "Toys for Joys" program and distributed gifts to the participants on the
bus. We also worked with them on getting toys to kids at the Appian Way
Apartments for the 7`" year in a row. Over 250 kids received gifts and enjoyed
a community meal with our help and the help of the Kiwanis Club of Kent. Also,
special thanks go out to the Kiwanis Club of Kent for sponsoring one of the
families in Appian Way, whose father was diagnosed with cancer and was
unable to work for over 4 months. The Kiwanis Club paid their rent. Also,
special thanks go out to Barbie Collins Young, Senior Regional Vice President of
Partylite Gift Inc., who adopted another family at Appian Way, The 9 year old
son in the family (5 kids) has been a participant in the program for 4 years. He
had a very unfortunate accident where he nearly drowned this last summer and
Page 16
Page 27
has been on a feeding tube ever since. Barbie purchased gifts for the entire
family including the parents.
The Wii gaming console continues to be a big draw. Special thanks go out to
Parks Maintenance worker Scott Viseth for his generous donation of a television
set for the Wii.
Totem Latenight a new program in partnership with the Federal Way School
District, Totem Middle School and Kent Parks, provides late night activities for
teens 6th grade - 9th grade on the West Hill of Kent every Friday night.
The program's opening night was October 21, 2011 and to date we have had
270 visits. Activities include open gym basketball, arts and crafts, indoor
soccer, climbing wall, board games and cooking classes. The cooking class
focus is on having the teens help and prepare nutritious meals together, while
teaching them healthy food handling techniques. The teens help prepare the
meals, set the rooms, eat and clean up. So far we have made spaghetti,
lasagna, garlic bread and quesadilla's with freshly made Pico de Gallo.
Take Me Fishing Grant preparations for the upcoming boating safety, family
fishing and environmental stewardship program have been in the works. Grant
monies were used to purchase materials to install two new Kiosks at site to be
determined in most need, 1 being the Old Fishing Hole. Further meetings and
information on environmental impacts to Kent bodies of water have taken
place.
The Kent Parks Community Center and Meridian Late Nite continue to grow!
The Community Center finished 2011 with 16,665 visits, which are 5,089 more
visits than 2010. Basketball and break dancing are now just a few of a variety
of programs and activities teens can get involved in. Along with the Boxing
program that runs Monday through Thursday, we have also added soccer to our
new schedule and let's just say the teens are getting a kick out of it! About 20-
30 participants come out on a daily basis to see if they can be the next to
score. The best part about soccer is that anyone can play no matter what your
skill level is. If that's too active for you, but you still like competing, we've also
added a videogame Shed with a big screen TV were you can play Xbox and Wii.
The teens have been gaming pretty and look forward to the NBA 2K12 and
Madden 12 tournaments we run every Saturday.
Another area of the community center that has been getting attention is our
game room. Thanks to our volunteers, the teens are able to utilize two pool
tables, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, board games and much more. We also
can't forget our new Girls group which, has already proved to be very popular.
Every Monday and Wednesday, the girls get together to spend some quality
time. Some of the activities have included basketball drills, kickball, arts and
crafts projects, manicures, game room activities, dodge ball, board games and
more. On top of that, the staff has been putting money together to host a
community dinner once a month for all the teens and parents that participate
at KPCC. Thanks to all the donations from Top Foods, Kent Parks Staff and
Page 17
I
Page 28
i
other community members we were able to have quite the Holiday feast. We
served an amazing spread with chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, baked beans,
rolls and plenty of dessert... mmmmm! So far we have see a turnout of about
80 people at each meal.
i
Last but not least, we couldn't be more excited about our new music studio.
Thanks to the Kent Parks Foundation and the donations of caring people in our
community, we have raised $8,000 through a Dancing with the Stars fundraiser
for our newly remodeled music studio. Teens can now record their vocals or
instruments in a soundproof booth using professional recording equipment. We
have already seen a huge interest in teens wanting to book out studio time, so
you can expect to hear a lot of good music coming out of KPCC in the near
future. We have also been having tryouts for the 2012 You Me We event
coming up in February at the ShoWare Center.
Cultural Programs Division
i
Christmas Rush Fun Run
The 29th annual Christmas Rush was the largest ever. 2,277 people crossed
the finish line and over 2,500 were registered. 581 kids participated for free
thanks to a sizeable financial contribution by the Tab Wizard. Electronic chip
timing was implemented for the first time in the race's history, providing
participants with a true finish time and allowing accurate results to be posted
within 4 hours of the finish (as opposed to 4 days.)
Spotlight Series
Hawaiian singer Amy Hanaiali'i kicked off the 2011-2012 Spotlight Series on
Saturday, September 24. An enthusiastic audience of 155 people enjoyed the
performance. Ticket sales picked up steadily in the week before the concert,
but we did not see a strong door turn-out, possibly due to parking issues
caused by a Kent-Meridian vs. Kentwood football game at French Field on the
same night.
Riders In The Sky performed to an audience of 221 on Friday, October 14. A
total of 85 attended the Ruth Moody Band's performance on October 29,
despite strong promotional efforts, including a radio interview to promote the
show. Staff is hearing similar stories from other performing arts presenters in
the Western region.
I
Ticket sales for holiday shows were stronger with a 78% capacity crowd of 281
attending Kent's 251h annual Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert on
December 4 at Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center and a 76% capacity
crowd of 358 in attendance for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with David Benoit
at Kentwood PAC. The locally-based Rainier Youth Choirs participated in the
December 10 performance of"A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Page 18
Page 29
A "Living Social" offer ran for Spotlight Series tickets to Ruth Moody, A Charlie
Brown Christmas and/or Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys. A total of
14 vouchers for two-for-one tickets were sold.
Centennial Center Gallery
Artists Jeremy Mangan and Rickie Wolfe exhibited at the Centennial Center
Gallery in September/October. An exhibit of local photographers, Jennifer J
Hermanson and Maria Olga Meneses was in the gallery during
November/December.
Public Art/Portable Collection
The Portable Collection was rotated and received its first major round of
maintenance. Non-archival mats were replaced and several pieces were
refra med.
Recreation Division at Kent Commons
The Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services Holiday Dance Recital was
held in December at the Kent Meridian High School Performing Arts Center.
Youth enrolled in Kent Parks Youth Dance classes practice for months in
preparation for the event. There were 2 sold out shows with standing room
only with over 1,023 spectators and 498 performers involved in the recital. This
event supports the City Council strategic planning goals by fostering urban
centers and exclusiveness, creating connections for people, and supporting
neighborhoods
Olympic gold medalist Pat Powers held a 2 day Volleyball Clinic at the Kent
Commons Community Center Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December
11. The clinic is a popular regional event. The success this year for local high
school volleyball teams that qualified for the WIAA State Volleyball Tournament
could be credited to the quality sport clinics available to youth in our
community.
The Recreation Division received a grant of $1,900.00 from the Thunderbird
Community Sports Foundation. The grant will be used for the Kent Parks Youth
Sport Scholarship Program. This program provides financial aid to youth and
families who request assistance with class or youth sport registration fee.
Youth Basketball registration began this quarter. There will be 121 teams and
1,126 area elementary and junior high school youth involved in the program.
Games and practices are held in 26 Kent School District sites and the Kent
Commons Community Center. Over 150 volunteer coaches help with these
programs.
The Recreation Division had 252 volunteer coaches this quarter that logged in
over 3,960 hours in volunteer services. Many programs could not happen
without the support and dedication from the community.
Page 19
i
i
Page 30
Youth Girls Volleyball and Youth Boys Flag Football had a total of 26 teams and
316 participants. Practice & games were held at Kent School District and Kent
Parks sites.
Youth Soccer (grades K-6) runs September, October, and November to finish
the season. The program had 97 teams had 1,204 participants involved. There
were 2 "Jamboree Saturdays" held at Wilson Playfields to kick off the soccer
season which had over 1,200 spectators and participants involved each day. It
takes over 100 volunteer coaches to help make the season possible.
Indoor Park held at the Kent Commons Community Center is a popular drop-in
and open play program for children ages 10 months to 5 years. The program
runs October-May. The program brings in many first time participants to the
Kent Commons Community Center which provides a warm and safe setting for
this great interactive activity for parent & child. There were 760 participants
involved this quarter.
There were over 500 classes offered this quarter. A new and popular class is
Zumbatomic which is an aerobics class exclusively for kids. It is a high energy
fitness class specially choreographed and kid friendly. Collaboration with the
Kent School District helped make the class possible.
Adult basketball, kickball, and volleyball had a total of 46 teams and 552
participants involved in play.
The Recreation Division employed 49 sport officials during the 4th quarter. Many
are local senior high school students. The Parks Department provides clinics
and training to prepare them for the sport season.
The Kent Commons Community Center had 4 individual private rentals that had
over 1,500 people in attendance at each event and 5 individual private rentals
that had over 500 people in attendance at each event. There were also 9
reception type events scheduled with 100-150 people in attendance at each
event. Many local groups and organizations use the building on an ongoing
schedule. With the close proximity of Kent Station the Kent Commons
Community Center location is becoming increasingly popular.
The Kent Police Department scheduled the Game of Life Youth Conference at
the Kent Commons Community Center in December. The 2-day event brings in
many local and regional high school students to the Kent Commons Community
Center.
Park Operations
Capital Projects/Lifecy le/General Operations
• Kent Memorial Park. Light pole replacement. Contractor working towards
completion.
• Tudor Square. Prepping site for KaBOOM play equipment build event.
Page 20
Page 31
• Earthworks. Double ring pond maintenance and cleaning completed prior to
start of contract restoration work.
• Tournaments/League. Season play off season work underway at athletic
complexes. Annual inspections of building systems, irrigation and lighting.
• Vandalism & Graffiti. Ongoing vandalism clean up, working with Police to
monitor locations and types of graffiti.
• Irrigation systems. Winterizing for the year and annual backflow testing is
underway.
• Festivals & Events. Support for Winter Carousel, Green Kent Events and the
Christmas Rush.
• Staff. Completing seasonal staff reviews, training and recertification cycle is
underway including CDL training, equipment operation training and license
re-certifications, inventory.
• E Hill Trailer. Additional office trailer delivered and installed. Interior work to
create locker room space and work space due to be completed by February.
• Annual fall activities. Fall pruning, debris and leaf removal, sign repair and
playground repairs.
West Region
• Town Square Park. Preparing for holiday season support the holiday
Carousel and Winterfest. The fountain will be winterized as freezing weather
becomes eminent.
• Senior Center. Landscaping and fall pruning underway.
• Lake Fenwick. Repairs made to deficiencies in the decking of the floating
walkway.
• Earthworks. Project work to supplement restoration efforts underway.
• KMP. Field preparation for winter complete, new sod for wear areas on the
infield, repair warm up areas.
East Region
• Shelters. Painting and staining shelters at multiple locations.
• Playgrounds. Inspections, maintenance, repairs and prep for installations.
• Lake Meridian. Event support, swim area closure for the season, new park
signage installed at main entrance for park hours.
• Service Club Ball Fields. Signage repair/replacement.
• E Hill Park. Storm drainage maintenance - fulfilling inspection requirements.
• Springwood. Continued work to remove overgrown vegetation from the
north fence perimeter. Graffiti removal also continues.
Street Trees
• Street trees. Fall pruning work underway along West Valley and the East
Hill. Planting work also underway at Eagle Creek and East Hill locations.
Page 21
Page 32
Parks Planning and Development
Communities Putting Prevention to Work Grant (CPPW)
Public outreach portion of project is winding down. Almost 400 online surveys
were submitted, and the data is being reviewed. Staff is working on draft
report.
Earthworks Park Restoration
The contractor's work has been accepted as substantially complete. McClung
construction is working on the punch-list. Parks Maintenance has developed a
plan to restore the grass around the double ring pond.
Lake Fenwick Park Improvements
Berger/Abaco has design documents at 60% completion. Work is on hold
pending resolution of funding priorities.
Parks Assessment
Staff is working on a report outlining the physical condition of assets in our
park system. Through an assessment of our park facilities, staff found that
almost 2/3 of Kent parks contain at least one asset that is nearing or at the
end of its useful life. Report to be completed by first quarter of 2012.
Tudor Square
Through KaBOOM, a national play advocacy organization, Kent partnered with
Humana and area volunteers to renovate the park. New improvements included
trails, a concrete plaza, landscaping, three adult fitness stations, and park site
furnishings. Operations provided significant support to the project, including
demolition, concrete work, and construction support on the work day. A few
final tasks remain, which Operations will wrap up as weather allows.
West Fenwick Park
United Way, GMC, and the Seahawks teamed up to add new play equipment to
West Fenwick Park. The added play equipment will be retained when the rest
of the play area is redeveloped as phase 2 of West Fenwick Park's
redevelopment.
Page 22
Page 33
Volunteer Program
Location Volunteer Group Value
Flours @$14/hr.
Turnkey Park Eagle Scout project: 26 volunteers constructed
split-rail fencing, removed invasives and
mulched several areas 154.75 $2,166.50
Clark Lake Park ReLeaf: 56 volunteers removed invasives,
planted and mulched @40 trees 141 $1,974
Neely-Soames Hawkeye: 8 volunteers helped harvest the
Home garden 40.5 $567
Morrill Meadows Green Kent work party:11 volunteers finished
Park removing invasive plants to prepare for planting 9.75 $136.5
Tudor Square KaBOOM Playground Build: 284 volunteers
Park assembled equipment, spread 130 cu. yds. fibar,
removed invasives, planted 260 plants, built
160' trail, made mosaic tiles, installed 30' split-
rail fencin 2,011 $28,154
Salt Air Vista Park Make a Difference Day: 19 volunteers spread 3
yds. fibar, removed invasives, added 3 yds.
chips, washed fence, did 11 survival rings 57.25 $801.50
Scenic Hill Park Green Kent work party: 17 volunteers removed
invasives and collected litter 51 $714
Clark Lake Park Eagle Scout project: 15 volunteers removed
invasive blackberries (some over 6' tall!) and
constructed 100' of split-rail fencing 300 $4,200
Morrill Meadows Fall clean-up: 27 volunteers removed invasives
Off-Leash Dog in the wetland and around the park
Park M 79 $1,106
Morrill eadows Eagle Scout project: 22 volunteers created 200'
Off-leash Dog of new gravel trail
ark 112.5 $1,575
Clark Lake Park Lake Youngs field trip: 70 students and 20
volunteers planted 36 red-osier dogwood 135 $1,890
Clark Lake Park Kent Elementary & Meadow Ridge field trip: 96
kids and adults planted 13 bigleaf maples and 8
red-osier dogwoods 144 $2,016
Interurban Trail 14 Kent Covenant Church collected litter 38 $532
Neely-Soames Master Gardeners: 39 volunteers logged hours
Homestead maintaining the garden throughout the year 759 $10,626
Morrill Meadows Green Kent Steward and 1 staff spread chips
Park around newly planted natives 3.5 $49
Kent Commons Green Kent Steward training: 12 volunteers
participated 48 672
Campus Park Eagle Scout project: 33 volunteers removed
invasives and planted 200 native shrubs 161.11 $2,555.54
Total 4,245.36 $59,735.04
Page 23
Page 34
Grants
Location Agency Amount Received Received-
Requested
West Fenwick Park Together We Play ($100,000- No $0
$150 000
Morrill Meadows KaBOOM Let's Play Spruce $750 Yes $750
Park Grant Program- ADA Sand
digger
Turnkey Park KaBOOM Let's Play Spruce $750 Yes $750
Grant Pro ram- ADA swing
Green Kent King Conservation District. $49,539 0
Partnership Notification 2/12
Total $1,500
i
Page 24
i
Page 35
Fourth Quartcpw
Aam
contributions
i
i
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
I
Dedicated to Enriching Lives
i
Page 36
Page 37
O
U V ;' C Y m L O
_ L U 3 m p m c c
m m m m _ O O
E rid y v m X m cr aj 3 x L m C Iy0 '
> c m y > E a) E > m O m c c
7 .V ++ al m a
p NN E U ar ar U) W > >_ W V) U) 'o m Z m m
E y
E I I 1 I I I I I
6 a a a acl laa a a a cl a a a aL
a rnU m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m
U) e
o f L
D a� a y L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L m L -o
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C
:N Q m u.- �- L- u-_ u- IL v.- �.- L w w �- u-- u-- w u- p N
m y y u u tyJ t y y u y
L � L L L L L L L L L L ` L L L L L aJ L aI
O 2O E U i a) a) a) a) a) a) a) N C a) a) a) a) N N a) a) 'o a)
m L u U N U N U V U U U G U V V N V V u d, U '� V
C o1 p C C C c c C C C '- C C C c c C C C
@ o f c U o 0 0 o O o p O � o u 0 o o E o 0 0 �
L +� t \ U U m u m U U M U V V C V m u U V U m U 0 U m U (p
E cc �o'DQ) �° � � w � E � �Y � � N �� �� � o
a) a) 0 3 m E N N U N UNNN O N N N S N mNNN U N NON U N N E
.-I [7 0 U) z W 'ZI .ti + ti .� ti .-� .� ti .-� ,� '+� .ti ,a ,� .-i :p
a) v) 0 0 0 O O 0 0 0 0 0 O O 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Ln Lf) O O O N N O N O h N rl 0 i0 O h O
N N N .--� .--i '-I N m .-i .--� N ti N N ,--I N N
> �, H} tPr E4 NT v+ 4Pr tPr
II
m C
O
O
m
N _ N O J
w a)E c E U E
� OY c > L OL t
Q 0 o - =u o C7 W
El
c co
ri O +I 0) m OL ++ m yJ a1 O 0) .—
00 p U 7 3 pU MDO
m V c m U V m LOo U o U a U) 0! o (aJ o F- LL m Q
u N o
~ N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
0 v) LL LL Y .:1 Y Y 4 Y Y Y Y Y Y Yrq Y Y Y Y Y
a1 m m m m m m m m m V) (A m m m V) m m
L
EO m V O O i.+ .0 .0 a+ .�.+ .0 .0
E o v > E E m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m
O � + W U m
U o E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E
c o a E v v m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m
U V U U U U U U U U U U U U U v U
c -114
@ ° aVi aVi ami ami ami ami ami ami ami ami v v ami ami ami ami ami ami
O � � a m m w w K a w D a a w a w a s n w o
y L N
a) C U (!I m m m m m 0 m m m V) m m (A m m m
U U c (Eo IEn E m m m m m E m m m m m E cEo m
L C C L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L
a) Y O O
m L c 1�6 (z OL OL OL Oi O
v OL OL 2 OL O O O O O O O O
U a s a a a a a a a aL d a a` aL a` a` d
U C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C c
a) (v a) a) a) a) m a) a) a) a) a) ai a) m a) m
L
c i m a) a) U m a) m m m a) m m a) a) ma) a) m
a) F F- F- F- F F F F F F- F F- F F
O C > > dS 0-3 C S dS d3 dS dS 0-6 dS czS 0-6 dS dS c;j 0-6 dS 06
LL O L S L L L L L L L r L I- L L L L L
>+-'{ O 'O "o O O O O O O O O O D O O O O O O O
boo o a a r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
Page 38
•,zl a) a a 0 r o
,yy/r
a)
Y @ N 0
Y_l71 La LC1 7 al N N v N
w
O N 0
O V O O Q @
0 nU 0 u y =ya) .'NO O C @ 0VO
@ V m @ 0 V) - M
UO 0 >
O C06
>
a O. O. Q O. 0 p C1 0)y — .. 0)- L L
E E E Ea) E _ E C — $ � - y2No 0
ro U V V V E U O L fPr fPr V '= Ul O -O 'o Y y} c N
L L L L@ Laj
C G C O L a O V _ U Y > a)
E w O C 1a L O
i i y i y i a) i V C C o C C i TO O L E N .--i N L C 0 0) El
L
a a u E m
U U Ocl
U O U > V Y -0 "0 VI 'O D U N U L y) _C L Vl0 a) ❑ V) N
o � of oEo o0 3 m v m o (v Yoh ° _ � M
U)
U C U@ U@ U@ U O L L L L V V! U 01 >, +� y V 0
E l0 ) t0 V U '~' i' a) N a) 0) @ a) a w � ' 0 O VI N0 �6 C mm
Y N L N� N� N N O @ a) @ N N N U 0 0 0 'C. p 0 7 C '0 0 7
'3 (D (D U 0 C7 V Y u u cC N Q ,�
0 0 0 o p 0 o O o 0 0 o co 1n O It 0 O
It t0 .-1 O O O O O N O O O t0 00 .-I Ln M
O N N +-f rl ri .-1 if} N
a .y} -b4 HT iPr .-a H} H� H} 'V, 'A H} tPr kPr EA
A
0 >
a C
w = n Y C7
[6 fa O OM co O i- cr
a1
U "0 '0 C W C o 0 O G O
pNri L Y . =O Y a) +@+ JXU =C EO
0
O U > aa
C) u C9 N Y m (n m Y � � m ° V) Q D 2
m u)
U N lii
u C
a) t Y Y Y Y Y L L Y JN� ANC Y
Y
NN � Y Y � 0 °1 Y u u u u u
V -
a) N N m
E O@ QJ i;: i�: 3: 3: L L L L L
E O Qf Y Y .Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y n' L Q Q a a
0 Y � @ @ @ @ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Y
E E E E E E E E E E E E V L in (n cn
@ ° C U U U V U V U U V V U V a) > a) a) a) N
C = @ 0 UI V! V! VI V) 0 0 0 0 m m m m — 0) 0) 01 01
o r s L a) m v w w w m 0 w a) @ (a @ @ @
'c a A K K a'. K cG K K K K a nC w w w w w w
@ Y @
i C U
0 V) VI m m 0 0 0 w 0 VI 0 U)
uv -D E E E E E E E E E E E E
CL L @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Q) L L L L L L L L L L L L
@ C O O
y L O O OL OL OL OL OL OL OL O
a 0. a.
p CL
L C C C C C C C C C C C C
Y @ a) a) (v a) a) a) w a) a) a) a) a)
C L (A m v a) a) m v v a) Q)
Y o G F- F- F- F- F- F-
,� U- dS 011 0 dS czS C S dS aS cz dS
O
0
i
Page 39
F"o 0
aW= p
§§ O C
C
In
7 C A al
O. CO C
O m a .M.i Ln >• E Z, O L
rq 0 7 C C O
Lp/1 O L ❑ 'O C
O OC C
N w `a O ep a . O
0 LO
pCL
o m mM E 0
N m
o 0
M o0 °
L 0 u O O O fu
m m i LC p O O M C C
° aLc aa O o° o -p Omoft
m a p a
N cE0 3 t m V t0 V Y .i� C u u u 'O u u
U CL ++ O +2 O O C m m C C C G C
U' G N .au) LO ED J U 0 '-i CJ U co 0Y i-Cr U U J J J M J J
O O O O O ri M M M n M r O O O O O r-I O O O co
M N O O O N N T N -;I- N N O O O N 00 +-4 co O O (Yj
4A rl M N to d' tPr 4H ld} Ln Lr) Lrl L\ O O M ti
4fY 4fT 4Pr ti 4ff 4f} Ln 4f} 4Pr C+] 4R 4f} ti {f} ti 4f} 4ml N
Ln
+R 4f} 4Pr Off 4Pr N N
4A 4
lu
w L m L E ° c °
u- m E m o o m o
O M U O
'= U IO 7 m 10 m LL C O C
.0 U p CD LL ,N U C
C a) U C a) C L 1] i O i m O M
IO m Y o- O O -0 U) O fo m 10 ) _7 .di y O 7 a�
v ° = Y o p _ m` m 7 U rn a a E 0 a
L
❑ C C p L 13 C N LL E IL c r O
O m LCD o 3 .E n. a m C1 ''� .- a) m M v LL a) Zi 0 E
N O L ap+ 7 O M L p LL E LL) — 10 Q t O L d L O C a)
U) U ❑ LL U F U d (n a Q I- U inc: iL Y LL LL Qam ro Ln
jO N
•L ~ (C6 7
a)
o
-
Ca) 'k"'j LL
� N L
E m0 ° O p p ° p p p p p 7 E E E E E E
E o 'c a = _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - _ a) a La m m M M m
p ,y y� +-+ 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 O U) 7 L L L L L L
U .. M o -0 .c a -0 9 -0 n -0 -0 ..p _° m „ 0 0 0 0 C o u
.o m Z ° 2: y: 7: 7: z z z z2: z: z E rn
L L L L L L
c o 'o O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N O1 @ a Lz a a a a
`° :a c O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 '� " E u u u u u u
C 7 O p) f]] m m ED ED co m M m CO CO t p_ M C C C C C C
O ff = Lp (p fp M M M O @ M 0M M U �- 7 7 7 7 7 7
m w Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ❑ J J J J J J
m . m
U
� i
m Y i 1
V i C LO
- Ms ry
ac -C L L L L L L L V T-1
Y A� Y ) o
G m C C C C C C C V N
m 7 C N a) a) a) a) a) (D L 6
Y p ° — U U U U U U U LO
w LL m
O T C 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
+T+ +-4 O ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ '� C C C C
U °N d d d d d d a a a a d d u U (n Ln Ln Ln Ln (n un F F
i
Page 40
i
i
Page 41
I
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Jeff Watling, Director
Phone: 253-856-5100
® Fax: 253-856-6050
KENT
W A S III N G T°N Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S. '..
Kent, WA. 98032-5895
January 19, 2012
TO: Kent City Council Parks and Human Services Committee
FROM: Jeff Watling, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
SUBJECT: Director's Report - INFO ONLY
MOTION: None, informational
SUMMARY: Jeff Watling, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services,
will inform the committee of noteworthy information and upcoming events.
EXHIBITS: None
BUDGET IMPACT: None