HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services - 04/19/2012 Meeting Minutes
and Human Services M
KENT April 19, 2012
Call to order: Debbie Ranniger called the meeting to order at: 5:08 p.m.
Added Item: Public Communication
Council Present: Chair Debbie Ranniger, Dana Ralph, Elizabeth Albertson
Item No. 1: Minutes of March 15, 2012
Dana Ralph moved to approve the Parks and Human Services meeting
minutes dated March 15, 2012. Elizabeth Albertson seconded. The motion
passed 3-0.
Public Communications
Dave Roe and residents of Panterra Lago, a mobile home park located within the
newly annexed Panther Lake neighborhood, attended the meeting to give special
thanks to the City of Kent Home Repair team and the Senior Home Repair Program,
funded through Community Development Block Grant. Mr. Roe said that all of the
26 residents in the Panterra Lao have been recipients of some type of repair to their
homes including: stairs, bathroom flooring, roofs, general plumbing, toilets, and
doors. Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors were installed in every home as well.
They are very thankful for Darrel Hammack and the crew; Jeff Veach, and Nate
Harper, for all of the great work they've done for the residents.
Item No. 2: Ouota International Donation to Adaptive Recreation -
Accept
Superintendent of Recreation and Cultural Services Lori Hogan reported that staff
within the Adaptive Recreation Division created a cheerleading program for
participants to showcase their athleticism and creativity, and to support our Special
Olympics sports teams during competitions.
The Quota Club's $1,000 donation will enable to group to purchase uniforms, pom-
poms, and related supplies. Staff and the cheerleaders plan to attend the May Parks
Committee meeting to share highlights of the Adaptive Recreation programs and
display the new uniforms.
E. Albertson moved to recommend council accept the donation from Quota
International of Kent Valley in the amount of $1,000.00 and approve
expenditures of funds in the Adaptive Recreation budget. D. Ralph
seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
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Item No. 3: National Council on Aaina Award - INFO ONLY
Lori Hogan and Lea Bishop, Manager of the Kent Senior Activity Center announced
that the Kent Senior Activity Center was awarded honorable mention from the
National Council on Aging (NCOA) for its "Evening of Jazz and Art in Kent" program.
The award was presented on March 28, 2012 as part of NCOA's National Institute of
Senior Centers' 2011 Programs of Excellence at the annual NCOA Aging in America
Conference in Washington D.C.
The annual Kent Jazz and Art Showcase blends the talents of renowned jazz
musicians performing on an outdoor stage with an art show by Kent Valley Artists
on display inside the senior center. The free event, co-sponsored by the Kent Art's
Commission, attracted over 400 multi-generational participants. The first three
hundred guests were treated to a free box dinner and dessert provided by a co-
sponsoring local retirement facility. This fun and highly entertaining event is an
excellent way to introduce the Kent community to their senior center and the
myriad of programs and services available. The event is June 28, from 5:00 to 8:00
p.m. at the Senior Center.
Lori Hogan complimented Lea Bishop as a noted photographer and wanted to share
with the committee that one of Lea's photos was chosen for the cover of the
recipients award book.
Jeff commended Lea and staff for the many successful programs, and for
continually looking for partnerships that are multi-generational. As an example,
Program Coordinator Helena Reynolds introduced Ms. Bright, a teacher at Scenic
Hill Elementary, who started a knitting program at the school in partnership with
the senior knitting group. It began with Ms. Bright's Mom who knits hats for kids in
her neighborhood. She and Helena's daughter, a para-educator at Scenic Hill were
introduced and the program was born. They connected to the knitting group at the
Senior Center and the program grew. The senior knitting group is also a part of the
"Knit it All" group that knits hats, gloves, scarves and blankets for the homeless, as
well as caps for soldiers to put under their helmets. The program has had quite an
impact on the kids and the community and continues to grow. Thank you notes to
the knitters from the students at Scenic Hill were shared at the meeting.
Item No. 4: First Ouarter Report - INFO ONLY
Jeff noted that the first quarter report contains the new, refined report format that
focuses on outcomes and measures of programs and services. The intent of the
new format is to quantify how much we do, how well we do it and is anyone better
off. Future reports will have trend lines to compare statistics to previous years. D.
Ranniger asked for numbers to compare with the previous year.
Comments from participant's and parents:
Recreation Programs:
"My daughter has transformed from shy to social and outgoing and enjoying class
each week, plus meeting new friends."
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"My child's listening skills improved and the effects extend to our everyday living."
After School Programs:
"It has made me rethink about people and how they think and act. It gets my mind
off of what happened in school."
"I have been playing less video games and doing more exercise. Also, I see my
friends more often."
Senior Center Programs:
"I found it has broadened my social life, friendships, travel and activity levels. All
in all, I am a healthier person with a good outlook on life."
Jeff commended Facilities division for their hard at work on the Municipal Court
renovations. The Probation staff have been moved over to their new offices in the
court building.
Jeff complimented Park Operations and Riverbend staff for their work during and
after the ice storm, as well as their cooperative cleanup efforts with Public Works.
Jeff explained that the Contributions Report reflects the great support from
businesses and the community. During the first quarter of 2012, $20,050.46 was
received from donations and in-kind gifts. To highlight one, Allied Waste contributed
a total of $5,500.00 throughout the first quarter in support of our 2012 summer
events. Jeff offered many thanks to all of our partners.
Item No. 5: Division Update: Riverbend Golf Complex - INFO ONLY
Parks Director Jeff Watling and Superintendent of the Riverbend Golf Complex Pete
Petersen presented a division update on the Riverbend Golf Complex. Jeff said the
report will address the number of challenges and impacts to the golf course over
the past couple years, and subsequent loss of revenue. It will also show some of
the work that has been going on, plus the game plan for next year.
National and Regional Golf Trends
2000 —2010: Annual number of rounds of golf played nationwide decreased
by 9.5% and an additional decrease from 2010 to 2011. The loss is about
three million golfers nationwide.
2007 —2011: 15-20% decrease in play at typical Western Washington golf
course.
Western Washington weather has had a significant impact on the number of
rounds played in the last two years.
Since 2007, the annual number of rounds played at Riverbend has decreased
by 12.7%.
Days with Rainfall Weekdays Weekends
2007 95 /36% 35 /33%
2011 141 / 54% 57 / 54%
Increases 48% 63%
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Workinq Throuqh Challenges at Riverbend
• 2008: Green River Levee Improvement Project.
• 2009: Well for irrigation water failed.
• 2010: Fire Creek Restaurant closed.
• 5% admissions tax was placed on green fees.
• Internal service fee for Finance and Legal support was re-established.
Positive Signs
• In 2011, the Riverbend 18-hole golf course was one of very few courses in
Western Washington that posted an increase in the number of annual rounds
played, as well as an increase in revenue.
• Driving range business continued to increase in 2011, resulting in a 13%
increase in revenue over the previous year.
• The Riverbend Men's Club was able to increase its membership by more than
10% in 2011.
• The Riverbend Men's Club has increased from 335 members in 2007 to 594
members in 2011 - a 77% increase.
• Innovative Marketing: Riverbend utilizes different means of technology and
social media to attract new customers. As noted in the text messaging
program, and participation with Golf Now, Groupon, Living Social and
Amazon Local - all to promote specials.
• Riverbend supports the Douglass Youth Golf Club, four junior golf programs,
Greater First Tee of Seattle, Highline Community College Golf Class,
Washington State Junior Golf Association and Riverbend is hosting the state
championship.
2012 Operations
• The golf complex has implemented several operational changes to reduce
expenses:
- At the driving range and merchandise center, shifts have been
combined, resulting in a 40% reduction in staff costs.
- At the Par 3 golf course, hours of operation have been modified,
resulting in a 5% reduction in staffing costs.
- The golf cart lease was extended an additional year rather than leasing
new golf carts, resulting in a savings of over $8,000.
- An alternative work schedule was developed that reduces overtime.
• A plan is being implemented to increase revenue by an additional $120,000
for 2012.
Options for Seeking a More Sustainable Future 2013 and Beyond
A. Options for seeking a more sustainable future, 2013 and beyond.
B. Revise the operational model for Riverbend.
C. Recognize the public value and contribute support via the General Fund or
Capital Fund.
D. Outsource the operation of the golf course.
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D. Ranniger asked about national downward trends and asked for any data
available from previous years on cyclical trends.
Pete addressed Elizabeth's question about electrical carts. An electrical meter has
been installed at the golf course to monitor the electrical power and see if it will
accommodate charging energy efficient golf carts in the future.
D. Ranniger appreciated the way Pete reported the challenges that Riverbend is
going through in a national context. She thanked him for the chronology of the
challenges that are unique to Riverbend and the innovative way staff is trying to
increase the revenue sources.
Jeff Knapp, President of the Riverbend Men's Club read a letter representing the
Men's Club. The club is concerned about the possibility of the golf course
management being outsourced. They wanted to express their appreciation with the
current management. As a result of the successful relationship with Riverbend staff,
membership has increased and the Club brings in over $250,000 in revenue
annually, despite the economy - not including merchandise center, driving range
and restaurant. They would like the Council and staff to reconsider any outsourcing
of the operation of the golf course (see attached letter).
Larry Tukes, Executive Director of Douglass Youth Program, explained that the
youth program was established in 2005 and began their partnership with Riverbend
in 2006. The program is dedicated to enriching lives of low income and
underprivileged kids. Not only is golf taught, but life skills as well. They work in
partnership with the First Tee Program of Greater Seattle and high schools in King
and Pierce County. Mr. Tukes spoke of the wonderful relationship with the
Riverbend staff. He wanted to thank everyone for their support and the opportunity
to participate.
In closing, Jeff said that discussion will continue as staff proceeds into the 2013/14
biannual budget process.
Item No. 6: Director's Report - INFO ONLY
D. Ranniger spoke of three pertinent items that came from the Human Services
Commission meeting earlier that day:
• The commission voted to unanimously establish a task force for discussion on
the homeless issues in Kent. The members will consist of representation from
Human Services agencies, Kent Hope, the Chamber of Commerce and Kent
Downtown Partnership. They will participate in establishing deadlines with
measurables and bring a recommendation back to Council in May/June.
• Discussion also took place on the Community Development Grant (CDBG)
application process with specifics to ranking history, criteria, and gaps in
service. All of this information is necessary for reviewers to know how
agencies can best fulfill those needs.
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The last item discussed was changing the human services funding structure.
In the past, 1% of the General Fund has been dedicated to funding human
services. Unfortunately, the General Fund has been hard hit by the recession.
As stated in the Strategic Plan, "Find Sustainable Funding Sources," the
Commission suggested changing the 1% funding base for human services to
a per capita base, with a small escalator for population growth and reduced
funding. The Commissioners voted in favor of the changes. Numbers will be
explored and the Commission will review a recommendation in May/June. If
approved, it will become part of the 2013/14 budget discussion.
Jeff commented on the General Fund impacts from the Regional Fire
Authority last year to human services funds. Dana Ralph shared her
appreciation for the consistency of per capital funding.
Jeff reported that T-Ball and Toss Ball Jamborees will be held at Service Club
Ballfields this weekend. Jamborees for four year olds and Kindergarten age kids are
a fun time for spectators.
The Parks Citizens Advisory Group will frame a recommendation for reinvesting
back into our park system in the next two weeks. Based on priorities and the needs
of our aging infrastructure, representatives from the group will present their
recommendations at the Council Workshop on May 1.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Teri Petrole - Council Committee Secretary
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