HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Parks and Human Services Committee - 06/16/2016Page 1
Parks and Human Services Committee Meeting
Council members: Brenda Fincher, Chair - Dennis Higgins - Tina Budell
Jeff Watling, Director
June 16, 2016 - 5:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order
Chair Brenda Fincher called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Dennis Higgins and Tina Budell were absent. Bill Boyce attended the committee
meeting to reach quorum.
3. Changes to the Agenda
No changes to the agenda.
4. Minutes, dated May 19, 2016 - Approve
The meeting minutes dated May 19, 2016 were approved.
5. Naden Avenue Property Surplus Consideration – Recommend
Parks Director Jeff Watling reported that in 2006, the city began purchasing properties
collectively known as the Naden Avenue Property; the properties are generally
bordered by West Meeker Street, with East and West borders of 167 and the
Interurban Trail, and including Naden RV Park. Purchases of the properties in the
Naden Avenue area were an effort to assemble a campus for a future Kent Aquatics
Center.
In July 2008, City Council determined that the project would not move forward, due in
part by the onset of the recession. As the region began to recover from the recession,
the city began to seek alternative ways to provide a community aquatic facility.
Currently, the city is in partnership with the YMCA to construct a facility that would
include a community aquatic center on the East Hill.
J. Watling stated that the Naden properties are no longer needed for their originally
intended purpose. This motion and discussion is proposed to formally determine if the
City Council wants to consider these properties to be surplused.
After reviewing the aerial map provided at the meeting and council noted some
properties that are privately owned. B. Fincher clarified that this is not an action item
to sell the property; it is for consideration and will initiate getting public hearings set
up. Fincher asked for the value of the entire assemblage with and without the three
private properties that are not owned by the city.
Kurt Hanson, Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development (ECD)
responded that the appraisal will answer that exact question, including the "missing
link" property, noted on the map. The appraisal report will look at the value of the
entire assemblage with and without the privately owned properties.
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B. Boyce asked about the private properties that the city does not own and if the title
of Naden RV Park is incorrectly labeled as a park and open space. Jeff clarified that
just the RV property is labeled as park and open space and not the remaining
properties. The RV Park was named appropriately because, at one time, it was used
for park purposes. The remaining properties were purchased with the prospect of an
aquatic facility. B. Boyce commented that this action is putting the new ordinance to
the test.
Assistant Attorney David Galazin added that the new surplus process, through
Ordinance, is in effect today, June 16. This is the first time using the policy and there
could be a learning curve in the processing.
J. Watling conveyed that this is the first step in assuring proper and adequate public
notice.
Public Comment: resident of Kent Sandi Lynden thanked council for their efforts in
designing a surplus policy and, after being involved in this issue at council meetings,
she is pleased to be part of the new policy. Ms. Lynden asked where all the proceeds
will go and what will go on the site.
J. Watling responded that the first step with the proceeds is to pay off the
councilmatic bond debt from the original purchases of the Naden Property
assemblage.
K. Hanson reported that this area is a gateway site for economic development. The
zoning is downtown, commercial and enterprise - the more flexible zoning. Looking at
the site, ECD would first go out into the community for a vision fitting, a design mark.
K. Hanson stated that staff wants to ensure development is a continuation of the
quality legacy that downtown embodies, as with Kent Station and The Platform. He
said this site is not good for multiple dwelling and ECD is looking for something to add
to the downtown base, like hospitality, as in a quality hotel. They will test concepts in
the market and will keep council updated.
Council President B. Boyce moved to recommend that council determine that
the properties generally bordered by West Meeker Street, Naden Avenue
South, Willis Street and the Interurban Trail, collectively known as the Naden
Property, be considered for surplus, and that an informational public meeting
be scheduled and proper notice be issued, in order to receive public comment
prior to determining whether the Naden Property will be surplused. The
motion passed 2-0.
6. Director’s Report
The Riverbend Gateway Advisory group and the real estate broker Jones, Lange
LaSalle concluded interviews this week with two development teams. Both developers
have compelling and viable interest in the Par 3 property. The next step is to bring a
recommendation to execute a development agreement to the Parks Committee in
early July and then on to council for approval.
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The Lake Meridian Park lifeguard program begins on Sunday, June 19. During the hot
summer months last year, there were over 100,000 visits just to the beach alone.
Chris Jordan from the Recreation division has done a great job getting the lifeguard
program together again this year.
The annual triathlon is this weekend, starting off at Lake Meridian Park. The race is
managed by a third party.
J. Watling distributed a brochure of the free family fun opportunities occurring this
summer. For example: six sites for the Summer Playground Program, Kids' concerts
on Wednesdays at Town Square Plaza, Thursday evening concerts at Lake Meridian
and trail walks, in partnership with Kent4Health.
Green Kent Stewards will have a very active summer season again this summer,
removing invasives and doing plantings. If interested, go to the City of Kent website
for more information. No tools are necessary, materials are provided.
The Lower Russell Levee Green River project runs from Veterans Drive to 212th and
includes Van Doren’s Park and the Green River Natural Resources Area. It's the last
extensive levee project that stretches along the river. Through concept design, staff is
working with King County Flood Control to preserve and protect the park, while
honoring habitat enhancements along the river. Jointly with Public Works, J. Watling
suggests having this project featured at an upcoming City Council Workshop. Kent is
the property owner of the Green River Trail by 90+ percent, so there is a compelling
interest for the city to protect the natural amenities in this project. B. Fincher thanked
Jeff for fighting to preserve the city's natural resource areas and parks.
Chair Fincher adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Submitted by,
Teri Petrole
Teri Petrole
Kent City Council Committee Recorder
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