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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.