HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 05/02/2017Kent City Council Workshop
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2Ot7
Date: May 2,20L7Time: 5 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers East/West
Attending: Bill Boyce, Council President
Tina Budell, Councilmember
Brenda Fincher, Councilmember
Dennis Higgins, Councilmember
Dana Ralph, Councilmember
Les Thomas, Councilmember
Council President Boyce opened the meeting at 5:04 p.m.
Aqenda:
1. Whv Parks? Investing in Kent's Quality of Life
Julie Parascondola, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided
an overall view of the Parks programs and services that contribute to economic
viability, foster health and community wellness, steward and protect public lands,
create social equity and connection.
Hope Gibson, Parks Planning and Development Manager, provided information
regarding how the City approaches park planning. Hope reviewed the Parks and
Open Space Plan that has four core themes: Quality Public Spaces, Performance-
Based Approach, Transformation through Reinvestment, and Sustainable Funding.
Hope reviewed the Parks asset analysis that included a review of declining quality
public spaces, and failure of park assets/amenities
Brian Levenhagen, Parks Planning and Development Senior Park Planner provided
information regarding a performance-based approach
The Parks Department's assessment of the recreational value of parks vs. a
performance based approach. Brian presented information regarding the City's
planning for the future of parks with transformation through reinvestment. Brian
gave an overall view of strategic projects by regions.
Brian presented information regarding current investment vs. future investment,
and financial needs. Details regarding the 2017-2018 reinvestment projects were
provided in addition to a review of assets being addressed. Brian indicated a
recreational value project sheet is being utilized for each project. Brian provided a
review of recreational values being added to various parks.
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Kent City Council Workshop
Minutes
May 2, 2OL7
Kent, Washington
Approved May 16, 2OL7
Julie indicated the next step is to ask the question: "How much are we, as a city
and community, willing to re-invest in the livability?"
Council President Boyce suggested reaching out to the community.
Councilmember Higgins suggested Parks have conversations regarding raising the
baseline budget in addition to seeking voter approval.
Julie advised that she will work on educating the public to create excitement and
provide information so that the public will understand the backlog of work to be
done in the parks in addition to coming up with sustainable funding that will help
make strides, including working towards accreditation.
Councilmember Higgins indicated that through the recession, the Parks Department
was impacted by cuts more than any other department and that we need to make a
conscious effort to fix Kent's parks.
Councilmember Fincher requested the Parks Department come up with financial
benefits to home values.
Councilmember Berrios requested the Parks Department come up with options for
the future.
Council President recessed the workshop at 5:45 p.m.
Council President reconvened the workshop at 5:54 p.m. and advised that the
presentation by Sound Transit is cancelled.
Council President adjourned the workshop at 5:55 p.m.
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Kimberley A Komoto
City Clerk
May 2, 2OL7
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