HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services Committee - 05/19/2016
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Parks and Human Services Committee Meeting
Council members: Dennis Higgins - Tina Budell - Brenda Fincher,
Chair
Jeff Watling, Director
May 19, 2016 - 5:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Committee Chair Brenda Fincher called the meeting to order at 5:58 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Committee members Present: Dennis Higgins, Tina Budell and Brenda Fincher, Chair.
3. Changes to the Agenda
No changes to the agenda.
4. Minutes, dated April 21, 2016 - Approve
D. Higgins moved to approve the minutes dated April 21, 2016. T. Budell
seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
5. Adoption of the 2016 Parks and Open Space Plan - Recommend
Parks Director Jeff Watling recognized the dedication shown by many individuals in
producing the updated Parks and Open Space Plan, including Parks Planning and
Development Manager Hope Gibson, Park Planner Brian Levenhagen, Berger
Partnership consultant Greg Brower, and the Kent Parks and Recreation
Commissioners. He also thanked the more than one thousand residents and park
users who provided input through surveys.
Parks Planning and Development Manager Hope Gibson gave a brief history of the
parks system and the challenges it has experienced in recent years. She described
how feedback from the public informed the plan’s development and that the essence
of the plan centers on transformation of the park system. The four themes of quality
public spaces, a performance-based approach, transformation through reinvestment,
and sustainable funding, center around that aim with each playing a unique yet
integral part of the overall transformation envisioned.
Park Planner Brian Levenhagen continued by elaborating how long-term planning,
acquisition and prior development have established a quality system, now
deteriorating, which can be significantly improved through purposeful reinvestment.
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The five park regions of West Hill, Green River, Downtown, East Hill North, and East
Hill South provide a framework for prioritizing needed reinvestment. He noted the
potential of each region and cited previous park plans which encouraged a similar
long-range perspective. Finally, he reviewed the aims and the inclusive intent and
philosophy of the Parks Department's goals and policies.
D. Higgins asked H. Gibson for background on the Level of Service (LOS) component
of the plan. She related the standard method of defining LOS and gave the new
approach this plan takes that replaces a quantity-based assessment with a
performance-based assessment. D. Higgins asked if the city could resume using the
standard method in the future, if desired. H. Gibson responded affirmatively, adding
that the plan can also be revised and improved, based on specific feedback over time.
D. Higgins asked about the input of the Parks and Recreation Commission. J. Watling
responded that their diligent involvement was an important element as the plan was
developed. Their perspectives provided many relevant insights. T. Budell noted the
challenge of funding in light of the current budget. J. Watling clarified the long timeline
of the aims presented and said that, over time, the goals are achievable.
Chair Fincher expressed her support for the plan, recalling her experience on the
Citizens Advisory Board of 2012 and the discussion of these issues at that time, noting
that the plan provides a guide for the city to follow as it continues to grow. She
described the changes over time in the way the public uses parks and Kent’s ongoing
efforts to meet those evolving needs.
Chair Fincher invited input from the public. Guest Sandi Lynden gave her views on
future development goals as the plan frames them. Guest Kristine Herrick addressed
funding for capital goals versus maintenance needs. Parks Commissioner Dan Barrett
offered his personal perspective and support for the plan and its goals. Fincher then
spoke about funding for capital improvements and recent achievements attained
through prior planning efforts. J. Watling noted that a public process will precede all
major projects.
D. Higgins acknowledged the guests’ comments and stated a desire that the full
comments and recommendations of the Parks Commissioners be placed on the next
City Council agenda as Other Business.
Chair Fincher stated her disappointment that Parks was not a higher priority in the
recent Financial Sustainability Task Force preliminary report. She described how parks
contribute to the community’s safety, economic development and overall quality of
life. T. Budell added her own observations of how proximity to a park has affected
property for sale in her own and other Kent neighborhoods.
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T. Budell moved to recommend council approve the 2016 Park and Open Space
Plan. D. Higgins seconded. The motion passed 3-0.
6. Director's Report - INFO
The 2016 Kent Track Program recently concluded another season with 1,400 fourth
through sixth-graders from 26 schools. Regular meets were held at Wilson Playfields.
The program culminated in the Junior Olympics at French Field. The track program is
managed by Athletic staff at Kent Commons in coordination with the Kent School
District.
Youth Baseball Season has kicked off with several jamborees at Service Club
Ballfields. The program is offered to youth from T-ball at age five through high school
baseball, engaging sixty teams and nine hundred participants. More jamborees are
coming up.
The Lake Meridian Restroom & Plaza Restoration project has resolved plumbing issues
in restrooms, just in time for busy summer.
Drilling for the new irrigation well at Riverbend Golf Complex is underway.
The merry-go-round in the play area at Service Club Ballfields has been replaced due
to increased use and the overall popularity of the play amenities with local residents.
The annual Youth Fishing Experience at the Old Fishing Hole Park will be held this
weekend. The event is fully booked with 150 participants. Rotary Club volunteers will
be on hand to help the kids with catching and cleaning the fish. This very popular
event is for youth up to fourteen years and run by our Youth and Teen division.
Chair Fincher adjourned the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teri Petrole
Teri Petrole
Kent Council Parks and Human Services Recorder-