Parks Comm MINS 09-07-2023i:\parks comm mtg notes\2023\09-07-2023 minutes.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 7, 2023 Hylebos Meeting Room
5:00 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Chair Michael Campsmith, Vice Chair George Vadino, David Berger, Monty Stewart,
Jerry Knutzen and Karen Brugato
Commissioners excused: Sabrina Ettinger and Rayna Ross
Staff: Jason Gerwen, Parks Deputy Director and Mary Jaenicke, Parks Administrative Assistant II.
Chair Campsmith called the meeting to order at 5:00pm.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Brugato moved to approve the May 4 and June 1, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission regular
meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Stewart seconded. Motion passed.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
New Playground Installation Discussion
The tours took place on June 1. The two sites being considered are Alderbrook and Celebration Park. There is
currently $225,000.00 in the playground account and $750,000.00 in the King County Levy that could be
transferred to the playground account. Commissioner Brugato added that she would like to get a request for
proposal for a park for neuro divergent individuals – something that is more passive and calmer. Questions
and discussion followed. Commissioner Berger moved to solicit proposals for both Alderbrook and
Celebration Park. Commissioner Stewart seconded. Motion passed.
Steel Lake Shop
The commission reviewed a drawing of the site for the new Parks and Public Works maintenance shop. There
is also an area for the Police Department for storage of some of their larger equipment and there will also be a
fueling station. The new facility will be built on its current site and will go down to 308th.
Trail Repairs
Public Works is actively working on the design drawings for the trail repair at Alderbrook park. The
asphalt trail is going to be replaced with quarry sand; this product is used at many of our parks. The tree
roots are uplifting the asphalt which creates a tripping hazard. The City’s contracted Arborist has
identified 35-50 trees that may need to be removed. The goal is to go out to bid in January and the project
will be completed in the Spring.
Parks and Recreation Commission, September 7, 2023 Page 2
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STAFF REPORTS
Red, White & Blues Recap – Survey Results
Deputy Parks Director Gerwen reviewed the survey results that were collected at the Red, White & Blues
Festival. Chair Campsmith suggested having translators available and to have the surveys translated in
different languages.
Update on Park Impact Fees - Approved
Parks Deputy Director Jason Gerwen informed the Commission that the Park Impact Fees were approved.
There is now a dedicated funding source for Parks. This funding can only be used for new Capital
Improvements.
Update on FWCC Pool
The grand re-opening for the FWCC pool is tentatively scheduled for September 16. We are still waiting for
the final inspection from the King County Health Department. There is still some internal work that needs to
be completed. The city has entered into a contract with Rock Project Management for the locker room
renovations. We are in the design phase and hope to start construction in a year.
Update on Master Plan Proposals and PROS Plan Proposal
Staff has not received an updated schedule from the consultant. The first public meeting on Brooklake is
tentatively scheduled for October 12. Parks Deputy Director Jason Gerwen will invite the AHBL consultants
to the October 5 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. The updated schedule will be sent to the
commission when staff receives it.
Update on Ordinance 23-960
Parks Deputy Director Jason Gerwen informed the Commission that the Legal Department had an ordinance
passed in July. The goals and objectives for the update was to review all code chapters for commissions,
committees, and boards to make necessary technical changes for consistency. Ensure the code was accurate
and up to date, and reflects current practices. Provide additional clarity of direction, goals and roles. The
current Parks and Recreation Commission By-Laws will be updated to reflect the changes.
OTHER BUSINESS
A discussion took place on when to hold nominations and the elections for the Chair and Vice-Chair.
Questions and discussion followed. Commissioner Stewart moved to have the nominations in November
and hold the elections in January. Commissioner Brugato seconded. Motion passed.
Commissioner Stewart asked for clarification on the difference between a Community Park and a
Neighborhood Park. Parks Deputy Director Jason Gerwen answered that it’s generally the size of the park and
the volume of usage. Neighborhood parks tend to not have as many amenities as the community parks.
Community parks are also intended for longer visits. He also asked why some parks have dog bag dispensers
and other parks don’t. Deputy Director Jason Gerwen answered that the dog bags are something that have
evolved. There is not a policy on providing dog bag dispensers in the parks. Commissioner Berger suggested
that this may be something that is addressed in the PROS Plan as a need.
Vice Chair Vadino arrived at 6:15.
Commissioner Stewart requested to invite Corey Dembeck, the creator of wind phone to the October meeting.
The purpose of the phone is for people to speak out loud to lost loved ones. Discussion was held. It was
decided that it would be better to wait until the November meeting.
Parks and Recreation Commission, September 7, 2023 Page 3
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NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Commission Business
AHBL Consultants
By-Laws
Staff Reports
Maintenance Shop Update
Trail Repairs
FWCC Pool Update
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Knutzen to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Steward.
Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.