Parks Comm MINS 10-07-2004CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, October 7, 2004 Hylebos Conference Room
6:00 p.m. City Hall
MINUTES
Vice Chair Pfeiffer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Vice Chair Pfeiffer, Don Dennis, Cindy Dodge, Joel Howitt, Fred Konkell, Marie Sciacqua and David
Talcott. Excused: Chair C.T. Purdom, Ade Bright, Joe Henry and Tom Medhurst. Staff: Donna Hanson, Interim
PRCS Director, Kurt Reuter, Parks Operations Superintendent, Mary Faber, Recreation and Cultural Services
Superintendent, Betty Sanders, Parks Planning and Development Manager, Rob Ettinger, Dumas Bay Centre
Coordinator and Peg Wright, Administrative Assistant.
Guests: Jeanne Burbidge, Councilmember.
Talcott moved: Konkell seconded motion to approve the amended meeting minutes from September. Motion passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM
Carol Clemens – introduced a proposal from the Federal Way Symphony for an outdoor “Boston Pops” type concert
at Dumas Bay Centre in August, 2005. They have examined relative logistical issues and feel they can be resolved
to the city’s satisfaction.
Cathy Franklin – voiced her support for the Symphony proposal and sited the use of Dumas Bay Centre by FUSION
each year as a similar function.
H. David Kaplan – would like to give additional information on the Tourist Enhancement Grant subject during the
discussion under “Commission Business”. He also supports the Symphony request but does not think Steel Lake
Park is the proper location.
Donna Welch – Voiced her concerns on events held at the Dumas Bay Centre. Her concerns are the irrigation
system, turf and landscape damage, additional maintenance requirements, amplified music impacting neighbors and
the lack of parking. She supports the concept of a concert but has concerns on impacts to the property and the
theory that the event would continue to grow each year.
Barbara Reid – supports the Symphony proposal and feels it would be an excellent opportunity to promote cultural
activities within the City of Federal Way.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Special Use Permit/Federal Way Symphony – Superintendent Faber distributed a packet of information on the
history of Dumas Bay Centre and the “passive” use restrictions. This is in relation to the special use permit request
by the Federal Way Symphony for an outdoor concert in August, 2005. Faber said staff and Symphony members
have already met to review the proposal. Dumas Bay Centre Coordinator Ettinger reported on typical events that are
scheduled at the facility and the revenue produced. A recommendation was made to the Symphony to hold the event
at Steel Lake Park since it is an “active use” park with adequate facilities to host this type of event. Both sites are
being held open pending further review of all pertinent issues. Staff has been asked to inquire on costs from other
cities for such requests.
Budget Overview – Director Hanson discussed the budget shortfalls, cost increases and potential deferral of
admissions tax. Some options being considered to reduce the deficit include staff reductions, increasing user fees,
shifting a portion of the utility tax from capital projects to operations and using REET funds to pay the mortgage on
city hall. The PRCS budget will be presented to the city council October 19, 2004.
C.I.P. – Sanders distributed a document on the 2005-2010 Parks Capital Improvement Projects. It addressed funding
sources and projects for the next six years. Projects will still be listed on the six-year plan but may be postponed for
lack of funding. The priority for projects was established by the commission and in the Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Plan. One item not on the 2005/2006 project list is the new Community Center.
Park Impact Fee/Scope of Work – Based on a recommendation from the city attorney, Director Hanson asked that
no action be taken regarding park impact fees until staff has had the opportunity to analyze and evaluate the viability
issue. The commission will re-visit this issue at the December meeting.
Armstrong Park Naming Subcommittee Report – Howitt distributed information from the subcommittee
recommending names for the Armstrong property. Some items they took in to consideration were plat and
subdivisions in the area, environmental features, neighborhood schools, and historical significance. “Madrona Park”
was chosen for the abundance of madrona trees on site and a local subdivision named Madrona Meadows. Dennis
moved: Dodge seconded motion to recommend to the Council Committee naming this property “Madrona Park”.
Motion passed unanimously.
Tourism Enhancement Grant – Pfeiffer and Kaplan explained the duties and responsibilities of the Tourism
Enhancement Grant committee to new commissioners. This process allocates monies twice a year to groups who
submit grant applications. The applications are reviewed using established criteria. Based on these criteria,
applicants are selected to receive funds.. The latest allocation was $7,500 to Center Stage, $3,500 to the NIT
softball tournament, $3,500 to the Federal Way Symphony and $3,000 to another softball tournament request.
STAFF REPORTS
Community Center – Director Hanson said there would be a budget review meeting with City Council on Thursday,
October 14, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.
Armstrong Park Bid Process – Sanders reported that bids were opened Friday, October 1, 2004 for this park. The
low bid submitted was within the allotted budget. Sanders performed a preliminary reference check on the low
bidder and received good feedback. Precision Earthworks will begin construction as soon as the contract is signed
and approved by the city council.
PENDING ITEMS
There are no pending items at this time.
PRHSPS Council Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, October 11, 2004 has been canceled.
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
C.I.P.
Special Use Permit from Federal Way Symphony
Update on Armstrong Park
ADJOURNMENT
Pfeiffer adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.