Parks Comm MINS 11-06-2008CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, November 6, 2008 Hylebos Conference Room
6:00 p.m. City Hall
MINUTES
Chair Konkell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Chair Fred Konkell, Vice Chair Brian Ailinger, Mody Catahan, Scott Chaffee, Julio Diaz, Chris Hash,
Martin Moore, George Pfeiffer, Marie Sciacqua, Jack Sharlock and Ingo Zinner. Unexcused: Carol Otto and Sheri
McConnaughey.
Staff: Interim Parks Director Steve Ikerd and Administrative Assistant Peggy Wright.
Guests: Lois Watt, Sally Hurst, Harrell Hurst, JoAnn Hugill and Kevin Morris.
Pfeiffer moved: Ailinger seconded motion to approve the October meeting minutes as written. Motion passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM
Lois Watt – she is a member of the Laurelwood Community Club and was at the meeting representing the
neighborhood, hoping for a favorable recommendation by the Commission to assume the Laurelwood Park property.
Sally Hurst – she thanked staff for meeting with the Park Pals group at French Lake Park over ongoing issues.
Harrell Hurst – he reported there is a muddy section at the entrance that needs more gravel with the beginning of the
rainy season. He also thanked staff for their reponse to issues relating to French Lake Park.
JoAnn Hugill – she is the Fundraising Chairman for Park Pals and reported on their efforts to raise monies for
renovating the pond. She said they were quoted $25,000 - $30,000 a year ago to re-do the pond, that would include
a pump and fountain.
Kevin Morris – he thanked staff and the City Council for the dog park at French Lake Park and their response to
ongoing issues. He asked about the status of Adelaide Park as another dog park per previous discussion. Ikerd
reported that it is on the Commission Work Plan.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Laurelwood Park Recommendation – Ikerd showed a slideshow to give commissioners an overview and refresher of
the park property prior to discussion. He also distributed the document from last month of estimated costs to assume
it – property taxes in arrears, wetland survey, clean-up costs. Ikerd reported that in the Parks Work Plan, $500,000
is earmarked for the property if accepted, for clean-up and immediate basic maintenance. Playground does not meet
standards and would have to be removed. There is no water or electricity to the property. Ikerd felt it would take
$50,000-$60,000 just to do basic clean-up. The property could be maintained as is but any improvement to the site
amenities, i.e., replacing the playground equipment would require code compliance. Discussion followed on whether
it would be best to secure the property until better developed or leave as is after initial clean-up process. Pfeiffer
moved: Hash seconded motion to recommend acquiring Laurelwood Park property with no conditions and to
forward the recommendation to Council Committee. Motion passed with majority vote.
STAFF REPORTS
French Lake Park Pond/Testing Analysis – Ikerd distributed a graph on the newest results of the French Lake pond
sampling and analysis as well as a map of the park with neighboring parcels. Testing began September 17, 2008
with the last test report on October 24, 2008 listed. The pond was fenced off because of concerns of elevated levels
of microcystis and aphanizomenon, toxic blue-green algae. Such elevated levels are a public health hazard for
humans, pets and livestock. Harrell Hurst asked about testing on the pond 3-4 years ago by City staff and what were
those results. Kevin Morris said a private citizen/park user had been doing testing on the pond the past few years
Parks and Recreation Commission, November 6, 2008 Page 2
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
and will make inquiries on acquiring those reports from him. Ikerd showed a slideshow of French Lake Park with
areas of concern noted. He said a public meeting will be scheduled for all concerned parties to glean information on
how to best proceed with numerous issues in French Lake Park – the pond, over-use and neighbor complaints on
noise/trespassing. Chair Konkell shared emails received by Representative Skip Priest over concerns in the park.
Celebration Park Building – Ikerd reported on the progress of the maintenance building for Celebration Park and
showed samples of building colors chosen – a brick red color for walls and brown for roof. These colors will best
match the current brick buildings in the park. Concrete is to be poured the first week of December and building
delivered mid-December.
CIP/Final Document – Ikerd distributed a Draft Work Plan with explanation on the figures that commissioners had
questioned. The figures were correct but the designation was different on the Sacajawea Park Design and
Redevelopment. Ikerd and Pfeiffer explained the costs of the soccer field as projected on the Work Plan. There were
questions on the status of Camp Kilworth and inquiries about visiting the site. Discussion followed on a parks tour
in the Spring for new commissioners.
Saghalie Park Fence – Ikerd reported that the specifications/drawings were found for the fence and he is working
with the contractor to get new drawings to match the other end.
City Sponsorship – Initial information was included in the packets for information to commissioners. Ikerd said
FEDRAC approved and has recommended the sponsorship as it is now written to City Council. City Council has
delayed action until they are done with budget and will meet on it at a later date.
NEW BUSINESS
Impact Fees – meeting schedule for the Impact Fee presentations are as follows:
December 3rd, Planning Commission - Margaret Clark and Greg Fewins to coordinate with Randy Young,
consultant.
December 4th, Impact Fee Stakeholders meeting at 4:00 p.m.- Scott Pingel and Steve Ikerd to coordinate.
December 4th, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. – Steve Ikerd and Randy Young,
consultant
December 16th, Study Session with City Council – to be scheduled prior to regular Council meeting.
Pfeiffer explained to the new commissioners what Impact Fees are and what the process will entail if adopted.
Washington State Parks – Classification & Management Program (CAMP) – Ikerd said the state parks has been
doing a classification of their parks and just wrapped up a public survey that includes a couple parks in the Federal
Way area. Since Dash Point Park was one park in close proximity, they invited the City of Federal Way to review
results on recreational and open-space use.
Chair Konkell asked about the removal of the cottonwood trees. Ikerd said the contract is being completed then
signage will be posted to notify users of work being done and the time frame. As soon as the trees are removed the
asphalt work will be done, weather permitting.
Chair Konkell said unleashed dogs on the BPA Trail are still a problem and one nipped at him. When he approached
the owner about the leash law, he was verbally abused.
Cars speeding along First Avenue, running the light at the trail crosswalk was discussed. Another commissioner
mentioned that many walkers also cross against the lights causing a danger as well.
Cherry trees hide lights by Lakota Park causing poor visibility for drivers. It was suggested the trees be trimmed
back from the lights.
Commissioner Diaz asked if any parks in the City are revenue-generating sites, to include Dumas Bay Center and
Federal Way Community Center.
Ikerd was reported the West Hylebos Park monument sign is installed. The interpretive signs are being made and
will be installed within a few weeks.
Parks and Recreation Commission, November 6, 2008 Page 3
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
Commissioner Pfeiffer said there have been several car break-ins at Steel Lake, Saghalie and Sacajawea Parks. It is
accelerating at an alarming rate and he is concerned about the lack of security and boldness of the vandals. Ikerd
said he is meeting with Police and the soccer community in the next couple weeks to discuss crime issues.
Chair Konkell will attend the PRHSPS Council Committee meeting, re-scheduled to Monday, November 10, 2008
since Tuesday is a holiday.
PENDING ITEMS
None at this time.
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Review Sacajawea & Lakota Master Plans Impact Fees
Cost Estimate for Parking Lot Security Cameras Celebration Park Building Update
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Konkell adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.