Parks Comm MINS 02-07-2002CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, February 7, 2002 City Hall
6:00 p.m. Mt. Baker Conference Room
ATTENDANCE
Present: C. T. Purdom, Vice Chair, Don Dennis, Bill Foulkes, Karl Grosch, John Morrison,
George Pfeiffer and Lisa Welch. Excused: Neil Hellickson and Len Zickler.
Staff: Kurt Reuter, Parks Maintenance Superintendent, Jon Jainga, Parks Planning and
Development Manager and Peg Wright, Administrative Assistant.
Guests: Council member Linda Kochmar.
Grosch moved: Dennis seconded motion to approve January meeting minutes as written.
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM
James Hoover was upset he did not receive notification on the Armstrong property public
meeting held January 17, 2002. Jainga went over much of the information that had been
discussed at this meeting. Hoover disapproves of the entire process and wants to know what the
city’s intent for development. Jainga said that there were no development plans at this time, but
that their input would be solicited in any development plans for the future.
Carol Hoover complained on the 4-wheel drive vehicles that currently drive through that area
and wants to know who will protect them from trespassers if further development takes place.
Jack Jackson asked why the adjoining property owners had not been notified of the public
meeting. He stated that the city is sneaking behind the owner’s backs to purchase property for
development of a park. Jackson is adamantly against a park and feels there will be additional
problems if developed. He complained about persons trespassing through that property since the
water line was installed and the trees and plant material were not replaced by the City of Tacoma
as promised.
Frank Sawyer asked the locations of the four properties that the city had looked at for park
development. Jainga went over each property location and how they had been scored using the
acquisition criteria with the Armstrong property rating highest. Sawyer said the homeowners in
the neighborhood like their large lots, wildlife, etc., and do not want further development to
destroy the area. Sawyer stressed the importance that they are kept aware of the process.
Clark Kieft asked about a trail system development like the current BPA Trail in that area.
Jainga showed other park properties in the city that are open space and kept in their natural state.
Mark Thompson thinks the acquisition is a good idea with development that could actually assist
in keeping motorbikes, quads and 4 wheel drive vehicles out of the area. He stressed the
importance to the neighbors to the Armstrong property, the need to keep it as natural as possible,
small playground for immediate neighborhood children and planting to replace water line
destruction of the area.
Nancy Cleaveland did not receive a notice for the public meeting in January. Jainga gave more
information on the Armstrong property, purchase process and stated that there would be
additional public meetings to glean information on the neighborhood needs and wants. He then
introduced Reuter who reiterated the park development and maintenance process.
Parks and Recreation Commission, February 7, 2002 Page 2
REPORTS
Batting Cage – Jainga reported on the batting cage project and distributed a map of the location
in Celebration Park.
Armstrong Recommendation – Vice Chair Purdom read the Commission recommendation to
move forward with the proposed property acquisition and enter in to a formal negotiation process
with Mrs. Armstrong and her representative. Grosch moved: Dennis seconded motion to
approve recommendation and forward to Council Committee. Motion passed unanimously.
Comprehensive Plan – Jainga said that the Comprehensive Plan update will be discussed at the
March commission meeting and will include population and demographic information. CIP
projects will be prioritized for the 2003-08/6 year plan with input from the public meeting
scheduled for February 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the 320th Library in Federal Way. Jainga also stated
that the next subcommittee meeting would be February 11, 2002 at 6:00 p.m.
PRHSPS Council Committee meeting will be held February 11, 2002 at 12 noon in the Mt.
Baker conference room. Chair Purdom is unable to attend but Grosch will attend for
representation of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Purdom asked that the election information be put in the commission packet. Reuter
discussed changes in the election process so all commissioners understood the changes and that
they all had the same revised document. Reuter will submit the adopted changes to the City
Clerks office to update files.
NEXT MEETING
2002 Work Plan
Election of Officers
Regional Off Leash Dog Area Recommendation
Armstrong Property Update
Summary of CIP Public Meeting
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Purdom adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.