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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services Committee - 01/19/2017P a g e | 1 CITY OF KENT PARKS AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting January 16, 2017 5:00 p.m. Kent City Hall Council Chambers East Kent, Washington PRESENT: Committee Chair, Brenda Fincher, Councilmembers Tina Budell and Dana Ralph ABSENT: Dennis Higgins 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m., with Committee Chair Fincher presiding. 2. Roll Call All Councilmembers were present. 3. Changes to the Agenda Chair Fincher indicated there were no changes to the agenda. 4. Approval of Minutes, dated November 17, 2016 Councilmember Ralph moved to approve the Minutes dated November 17, 2016 and Councilmember Budell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0. 5. 2016 Fourth Quarter Fee-in-lieu Funds– Recommend Parks Director Julie Parascondola informed the committee that, between October and December 2016, the city received a total of $68,887.50 from developers who voluntarily paid fee-in-lieu funds instead of dedicating parkland to mitigate the development of single-family homes. The funds were deposited in a reserve account for capital improvements at Clark Lake Park, Chestnut Ridge and Morrill Meadows Park. Councilmember Budell moved to recommend council accept $68,887.50 of fee-in-lieu funds, amend the Community Parks Reinvestment Program budget and authorize the future expenditure of these funds for capital improvements at Clark Lake Park, Chestnut Ridge Park and Morrill Meadows Park. Councilmember Ralph seconded. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0. P a g e | 2 6. Youth Initiative Update – Information Only (see attached presentation document for details) Parks Director Julie Parascondola and Human Services Planner Lori Guilfoyle led the presentation explaining that this has been a team effort and a collaboration between Recreation Superintendent Lori Hogan, Youth/Teen Manager Julie Stangle, Police Education Specialist Stacy Judd and Human Services Manager Merina Hanson Parks Director Parascondola reported that city council proved their investment in the youth community by hiring a new youth position in the 2017-2018 budget. The position will be managed by the Human Services division, working with internal and external players. Existing programs will continue and the new position will identify current services, looking for gaps and overlaps, while working on leveraging other programs to provide superior service. Responsibilities of this position will not include supervision of any staff. The initiative will specifically focus on middle school age youth and older because it's a challenging time for youth in that age bracket. The plan is currently in the development stage and may be refined as the initiative progresses. L. Guilfoyle clarified for Councilmember Ralph that the focus is on the age group prior to middle school, as well as middle school age youth. Parks Director Parascondola shared statistics and information from King County and the Kent School District (KSD) on numbers for the most referred criminal offenses, referring agencies, race and ethnicity, mental health, and violence and personal safety. One of the KSD charts showed that almost half of the kids are on the free or reduced lunch program, English is not the primary language in 20% of the families in the area and only 80% are graduating from high school. For Councilmember Fincher, staff will research the statistics that may or may not include home-schooled students. L. Guilfoyle explained that “at risk” is a concept that reflects chance or probability and not fact. Different populations are affected and they can be based on childhood and family experiences, local crime and abuse. Risk can be channeled into new ways for protective factors. This information can assist staff in finding ways to support this group. J. Parascondola explained Kent's 4-goal approach: • Prevention: look at a range of programs with positive development for children, youth and families, building on existing networks. • Intervention: provide consistent social support that provides resiliency to potential risks. Improve coordination between organizations, establish a shared client management system. • Enforcement Strategies: maintain data driven policing / facilitate appropriate referrals through local law enforcement agencies. • Re-connection: increase education, employment and career development opportunities for re-entering youth. L. Guilfoyle talked about similar programs and missions - national, state and regional programs with a focus on youth. Since the first Youth Initiative meeting in 2016, over P a g e | 3 80 agencies were identified as organizations that offer some kind of youth program or activity in Kent. Kent is active in the Road Map Project, a community center for education results, as well as other programs and organizations that offer grants and services for youth in the community. Parks Director Parascondola clarified the next steps: 1. Hire Parks Program Coordinator. 2. Convene Kent Youth Providers / Complete the Kent Youth Provider Inventory. 3. Begin researching local and regional trends, programs and statistics. 4. Pending Best Start for Kids (King County) Grant Program Launch in June/July 2017 – explore opportunities for Kent. 5. Develop and establish a Kent Youth Advisory Board which is different from the Kent Police Advisory Board. 6. Community Outreach Campaign – “what is my role as a member of the Kent Community?” What are the community's priorities?” 7. Work plan development and strategy planning for the 2017-2018 Biennium. Councilmember Ralph voiced her concerns with overlapping recreation and police youth services, wanting to know how the initiative and the position will be coordinated. Parks Director Parascondola explained that the initiative and the coordinator will focus on local providers, gaps and overlapping in current services. They will review the community's priorities and define Kent's role. This will be done internally with Human Services, Recreation and Police, and externally with outside youth-related agencies. It hasn't been determined if the position will work on program plans, or if they will provide the connection to expand or refer to existing programs. The position is not the same as a recreation coordinator and is not intended to supervise staff. It will be the center for communication, information and resources for youth services in Kent. After community mapping is done and the internal framework is complete, details of the position’s responsibilities will be more evident. L. Guilfoyle assured Councilmember Ralph that data from the KSD Health Chart will be used and updates on data and indicators will be in place. Guilfoyle clarified that youth can be identified as "off track" by current programmers. This position will handle the higher level work and not the day-to-day. It was determined that staff will update the committee quarterly on progress, including the delivery of performance measures. 7. Director's Report – Information Only On January 21 and 22, Kent Commons is hosting the Boeing Coin Show and the USA Dance Quest for the Best Competition on January 28. You, Me We is a free, family, fun event at ShoWare scheduled for Friday, January 27 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The Peking Acrobats will be at Kentwood Performing Arts Center, also on January 27. P a g e | 4 A Green Kent work party is scheduled for January 28 at Clark Lake Park. The new floating dock at Lake Meridian Park will be open and ready for use the second weekend in June 2017. The glazing project at the Centennial Building parking garage will start in approximately three weeks. The Senior Center has regularly scheduled ballroom dances. Check the city website for dates and times. City Council Workshop Presentations: • February 21: Parks and Recreation Department 2017 Work Plan - including 2016 Accomplishments and 2017 Challenges. • March 21: YMCA Update and City Hall Campus Efficiency Study Update. 8. Adjournment Committee Chair Fincher declared the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Teri Petrole Teri Petrole Parks and Human Services Committee Secretary PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES YOUTH INITIATIVE UPDATE JANUARY 2016 BACKGROUND / HISTORY • Decrease in high school graduation rates / college enrollments. • Increases in crime and gang affiliations and involvement. • Competing ‘youth initiatives’ across the state, region and nation. • New position approved in the 2017-2018 adopted budget. • Current City departments/divisions/career staff working directly with youth programming and outreach: • Kent Police Department (1) • Parks, Recreation and Community Services (8) • Human Services (1-new position housed initially) • All Departments work with youth via seasonal employment/internships • All existing programs will continue, this new position is designed to identify gaps and overlaps and leverage other programs to provide superior service. DEFINITIONS • Although youth can be defined as all ages under 18, this initiative specifically defines “Youth” as ages 10-24 years of age. Work will focus on middle school and up. • Youth development is an intentional, pro-social approach that: • engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; • recognizes, utilizes and enhances youths’ strengths; and • promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths. YOUTH STATISTICS AND INFO SOURCE: 2014-2015 JUVENILE JUSTICE REFERRALS. MARCH 2016. KING COUNTY OFFICE OF PERFORMANCE, WA. 9.64% 21.74% 0.40% Hispanic/ Latino of any race AI/AN Asain 35.71% 17.90% Black/African American 2.54% 12.06% Native /Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander White SOURCE: KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT RACE/ETHNICITY DEMOGRAPHICS. 2016. YOUTH STATISTICS AND INFO SOURCE: 2014-2015 JUVENILE JUSTICE REFERRALS. MARCH 2016. KING COUNTY OFFICE OF PERFORMANCE, WA. YOUTH STATISTICS AND INFO SOURCE: 2014-2015 JUVENILE JUSTICE REFERRALS. MARCH 2016. KING COUNTY OFFICE OF PERFORMANCE, WA. YOUTH STATISTICS AND INFO SOURCE: PUBLIC HEALTH, SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY. KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH PROFILE. 2012. SCHOOL DISTRICT YOUTH SNAPSHOT School District Est Students % of students on Free or Reduced Lunch (2015-2016) % of Students with Limited English Gender Graduation Rates (2015) Diversity 35.7% | White KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (includes a portion of Covington) 27,736 48.8% 19.3% 52.2% Male 47.8% Female 79.7% 21.7% | Hispanic/Latino 17.9% | Asian 12.1% | Black/African American 9.6% | Two or More Races 2.5% | Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander .4% | American Indian / Alaskan FEDERAL WAY SCHOOL DISTRICT (serve a portion of students) 22,930 59.3% 17.7% 51.4% Male 48.6% Female 77.8% 30.3% | White 27.8% | Hispanic/Latino 12.8% | Black/African American 12.3% | Two or More Races 11.4% | Asian 4.9% | Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander .6% | American Indian / Alaskan SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE. OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEARS. NOT ALL-I NCLUSI VE. DOES NOT I NCLUDE HOME/ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS, UN-ENROLLED YOUTH, ETC. “WHAT DOES “AT-RISK” MEAN? Youth are deemed potentially “at-risk” youth, if: • youth are culturally deprived, impoverished, underprivileged, disadvantaged, disenfranchised • youth are disconnected from school, work or families; • youth is exposed to poverty • youth is exposed to abuse (physical, sexual, mental, etc) • youth is living in foster care, group homes, etc • youth is exposed to bullying • youth has one or many disabilities • youth has one or many learning difficulties • youth is exposed to and/or actively using Drugs and/or Alcohol • youth has mental health issues • youth is over exposed to sexuality or active sexually KENT ’S 4-GOAL APPROACH Children, youth, and families access high quality culturally responsive programs and resources that promote positive child, youth, and family development. (1) (2) Youth who lack consistent social supports or are presenting challenges access effective resources to help them develop positive behaviors and build resiliency to risks (for gang involvement, substance abuse, youth violence and/or other criminal activity). prevention intervention (3) enforcement Youth involved with the system or youth considered disconnected access effective resources to support their positive development and ability to fully participate in community life. (4) Re- connection Youth crime is deterred and safe environments foster healthy youth and families. PREVsEtrNaTItOeNgies 1. Build on existing neighborhood and community networks and strengthen the ability of community and faith-based organizations to deliver high-quality programs and resources for youth. (This may include after-school programs, mentoring, tutoring, college preparation, internship, parenting skills, and similar resources). After School Kent Parks Community Center Youth Sports Clinics, Leagues and Camps You Me We Event Community Education Programs Fun Runs Spotlight Series, Education Outreach Kent Kid’s Art Day Seasonal Employment Fishing Experie. SPLASH Summer Concert Series Human Services Funded Programs National Night Out Host After School Energy (9 Sites) 2. Strengthen and work through existing neighborhood and community networks to improve local environments for high-risk youth. (This may include establishing safe places and passages, addressing problem properties, increasing social efficacy, etc.). All-Stars (3 Sites) Summer Playground Programs (5 Sites) Middle School All-Stars (6 Sites) HERO (various sites) KPD – GREAT (gang resistance) Meridian and Mill Creek Late Nights Game of Life Youth Conf Cops in Schools (Kent Elementary) Kent Police Youth Board STOP Underage Drinking (middle schools) Explorers Camp Waskowitz Camp Walkapala / Counselor in Training Kent Meridian Police Science Class INTEsRtVrEaNtTeIgOiNes 1. Ensure youth have healthy activities to engage in and promote access to programs that emphasize awareness and education in personal safety and positive interpersonal relationships. 2. Expand case management and multi-agency intervention teams to support youth at highest risk for problem behavior. 3. Increase and improve coordination among agencies serving youth, the Kent School District, and the City of Kent by establishing a shared electronic client management system and creating incentives for agencies and providers to participate. PD – Alcohol Prevention at Meridian and Meeker Youth Linc – with both CCYJ/KPD Human Service funded programs PD – GREAT (gang resistance) Kent SD Totem Middle School C-21 Cops in Schools – Kent Elementary STOP Underage Drinking (middle schools) ENFOstRrCaEtMeEgNieT s 1. Maintain data-driven policing. 2. Equip all branches of local law enforcement (police, prosecutors, public defenders, juvenile court, and judges) to facilitate appropriate referrals to prevention and intervention programs. Neighborhood Response Team Officers School Resource Officers Intelligence Led Policing Partnership with Kent Youth and Family Alive and Free Gang Prevent. Partnerships Totem Middle School C-21 RE-CsOtNraNtEeCgTIiOeNs 1. Increase education, employment, and career development opportunities for re-entering youth. 2. Enhance capacity and services for academic focused programs serving re-entering youth. (IGRAD) 3. Provide intensive case management to help youth successfully return to the community. 4. Identify and expand community or neighborhood-based networks of programs and providers (e.g. academic enrichment, job readiness, recreation, mental health counseling, coaching /mentoring) trained to serve re-entering youth. SIMILAR PROGRAMS / MISSIONS NATIONAL • Pathways for Youth: Strategic Plan for Federal Collaboration. Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, August 2016 • National Forum on Youth Violence Strategic Plan. National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention. 2011-2015 • My Brother ’s Keeper Initiative. White House. 2016 • Cities United. National League of Cities. • National Youth Leadership Initiative. Various Programs. CADCA STATEWIDE • Youth Works Initiative. State of Washington. • Schools Out Washington. REGIONAL • Best Starts for Kids. King County. September 2016. • Road Map Project. Community Center for Education Results. • Various Programs. Juvenile Justice Equity Steering Committee. King County, Various Partners. • Race and Social Justice Assessment and Action Plan. King County. Final Plan Pending. • Youth Development Executives of King County. SIMILAR PROGRAMS / MISSIONS CONT. LOCAL / WITHIN KENT BOUNDARIES Focus on Local Providers What is the City of Kent ’s role? Over 80+ providers in Kent work with “youth” in some way. Are their gaps? What are the community priorities? NEXT STEPS 1. Hire Parks Program Coordinator – Youth Initiatives (Feb 2017) 2. Convene Kent Youth Providers (confirm inventory of services, confirm community intent, etc.) / Complete the Kent Youth Provider Inventory 3. Begin researching local and regional trends, programs and statistics. 4. Pending Best Start for Kids (King County) Grant Program Launch in June/July 2017 – explore opportunities for Kent 5. Develop and establish a Kent Youth Advisory Board. 6. Community Outreach Campaign – “what is my role as a member of the Kent Community?” 7. Work plan development and strategy planning for the 2017-2018 Biennium. QUESTIONS? Julie Parascondola, CPRP Director Administration | Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department 400 West Gowe Street, Kent, WA 98032 Phone 253-856-5007 | Fax 253-856-6050 jparascondola@KentWA.gov Lori Guilfoyle, Human Services Coordinator Housing & Human Services | Parks, Recreation & Community Services 220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032 Phone 253-856-5061 | Fax 253-856-6070 lguilfoyle@KentWA.gov