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Parks Comm MINS 10-01-2009 • • CITY OF FEDERAL WAY PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Thursday, October 1, 2009 Senior Lounge 6:00 p.m. Federal Way Community Center MINUTES Chair Konkell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chair Fred Konkell, Vice Chair Brian Ailinger, Mody Catahan, Julio Diaz, Carol Otto, Dwight Otto, George Pfeiffer, Justin Schmitter, Jack Sharlock, Louise Wessel and Karl Zinner. Excused: Marie Sciacqua. Unexcused: Chris Hash and Martin Moore. Staff: PRCS/PW /EM Director Cary Roe, Parks and Facilities Manager Steve Ikerd and Administrative Assistant Peggy Wright. Guests: Council member Jeanne Burbidge, Chris Carrel and Diana Noble - Guilliford. Ailinger moved: C. Otto seconded motion to approve the September meeting minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission as written. Motion passed unanimously. No public forum. COMMISSION BUSINESS No commission business on agenda. STAFF REPORTS Federal Way Forest Health — Chris Carrel, Executive Director for the Friends of the Hylebos, presented a slideshow to the commission on protecting and restoring habitat in the City. Forest health/forest management has become a concern with a shift in thinking on how to deal with aging forests. Invasive plant species is one of the biggest problems in forest health — English ivy being one of the worst. It has trespassed in to forested lands from private properties and is covering trees, the native understory, suffocating and killing them. Himalayan blackberry is another aggressive, invasive plant that often takes over forested lands. He stated that the forests cannot take care of themselves thus to maintain a natural balance, many organizations need to partner to address these issues. Carrel stated both Poverty Bay Park and Dash Point Preserve have an infestation of English ivy and Himalayan blackberries and Celebration Park has purple loosestrife and blackberries. A pilot project has begun in Dumas Bay Preserve with grant funding for mapping and surveying to address most urgent areas needing eradication of the invasive species. Playground Replacement — Ikerd reported on the playground projects and answered questions by commissioners concerning the "poured in place" flooring at the Alderdale and Saghalie locations. They voiced concern on the expense of this type of flooring even though it is far superior over engineered chips for maintenance /upkeep, safety, longevity. Pfeiffer said the "poured in place" product does not hold up well when wheeled objects are used on it — skateboards, bikes, etc., and Saghalie is a middle- school. Ikerd addressed the concerns and said it would be taken to the PRHSPS Council Committee on October 13, 2009 then to the full City Council on October 20th. French Lake Project —Staff has been working on the "small -dog area" by grading, setting fence posts, placing fabric and seeding prior to opening it up for use. Ikerd reported that the fencing around the pond area will include two gates and in the future, test results will be posted so users can make the determination if they wish their pet to use it. Director Roe said a one -year time frame was promised before a decision would be made on the future of the pond per discussions at the public meetings. Ikerd reported that there have been no complaints from park neighbors since the buffer area has been completed. Another public meeting will be held in November to see how the improvements are working for the neighbors, park users and Park Pals group. Trail/Pedestrian Subcommittee Report — Chair Konkell reported that Diaz appreciated being considered for the subcommittee but with work commitments, does not have time. Ailinger is chairing the committee and made note of this information. Sub - committee is Karl Zinner, Mody Catahan, Dwight Otto and Ailinger with Ikerd as staff contact. Director Roe checked with Law and a Public Notice must be done for each meeting but there is no limit on the number of commissioners that can participate. Ailinger reported that trail connectivity is the main focus while hoping to supply a map to the public showing City inventory. Ideally it would highlight areas to accommodate bikers, walkers, runners, too. • • Parks and Recreation Commission, October 1, 2009 Page 2 STAFF REPORTS Trail and Pedestrian Subcommittee Report (continued) — Pfeiffer suggested including the Killamey 2 -mile trail behind DeVry, the informal trail at Steel Lake /Truman School, the short circular trail at Celebration Park, the Weyerhaueser area trail plus the Panther Lake trail could be tied in to the BPA Trail easily. Ailinger said the subcommittee will meet every 3 -4 weeks in the beginning phase. NEW BUSINESS Pfeiffer asked about the possible closure of three King County parks and if the ballfields could be leased for maintenance costs, it would be a good opportunity. The ballfields could have an economic benefit for the City whereas the other properties would not. Councilmember Burbidge said it we would be well- advised to wait until after elections in November because of the difference of opinions of King County candidates. Pfeiffer asked why the City continues to put money in to and maintain the two caretaker houses at Hylebos Park. Ikerd explained that caretakers who live in the homes work so many hours weekly on park maintenance as well as monitor activity in the park, which discourages vandalism and graffiti. With caretakers on location, it has also significantly cuts down on City staff doing any maintenance in the park. In addition, each caretaker pays a minimal monthly rent. No pending items at this time. Chair Konkell will be out of town so Vice Chair Ailinger will attend the PRHSPS Council Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. NEXT MEETING /AGENDA ITEMS Trail and Pedestrian Subcommittee Report Animals of Trails French Lake Park Update Park Signage Playground Equipment 2010 Work Plan FWCC Marketing Plan ADJOURNMENT Chair Konkell adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.