Parks Comm MINS 12-02-2010i:\suef\parkscommission\2010\december 2010 minutes.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, December 2, 2010 Hylebos Conference Room
6:00 p.m. City Hall
MEETING MINUTES
Chair Konkell called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Present: Chair Fred Konkell, Vice Chair Brian Allinger, Carol Otto, Dwight Otto, Justin Schmitter, Marie
Sciacqua and Jack Sharlock,. Excused: Karl Zinner, Louise Wessell. Julio Diaz, George Pfeiffer and
Martin Moore.
Staff: PRCS/Public Works/Emergency Management Director Cary M. Roe, Parks and Facilities Manager
Steve Ikerd, and Public Works Administrative Assistant Shawna Upton.
Guests: Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge and representatives from Huitt-Zollars.
The November Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes were approved as written. Motion by
Sciacqua, Second by Sharlock. Motion passes.
No Public Forum.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
TRAIL CONNECTIONS / CONSULTANT
Representatives from Huitt-Zollars presented a Trail Connections Feasibility Study from West Hylebos
Wetlands to BPA Trail (through Panther Lake area). Their objective, using the City’s Parks, Recreation
and Open Space Plan, is to create a “Walking and Biking Community” within Federal Way by connecting
the BPA trail to West Hylebos Wetland Park, to connect West Hylebos to Panther Lake Open Space and
connect residential areas, the Aquatic Center, shopping, library and school. Major issues that need to be
addresses are pedestrian safety and comfort along SW Campus Drive, S 348th Street, a connection
between 1st Ave S and the Aquatic Center and the existing green corridors. Huitt-Zollars presented
several, large color maps illustrating the three route options, each with varying costs and levels of
improvements: low cost initial improvements (Basic), medium cost medium term improvements
(Enhanced) and higher cost long term improvements (Regional). Each of the three main options has been
further broken down into smaller segments where the levels of improvements can be individually
addressed to aid in determining project costs. Each option has some challenges to work through in
regards to possible community outreach and agreements with the Aquatic Center, Little League,
Homeowner’s Associations, Lakehaven Utilities, Saint Francis Hospital, King County Library, Panther
Lake Elementary School. In addition, a multi-step plan and action program should be developed and
implemented. Some short term actions that have high benefits and low costs are a continued focus on
maintenance and Wayfinding efforts. Wayfinding improvements should be made to improve trail
visibility and to increase the amount of public that becomes aware of the trails that are available. There
may also be an opportunity to use volunteers for some of the preparation work. In some areas, the land is
already set up for this type of trail system and only minor preparation work would need to be done.
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Emphasis was placed on separating from the road when and where you can. The final Feasibility Study
report should be complete in January 2011.
TRAIL MAP
Ikerd presented the final revised trail map which included newer, high resolution pictures for the front of
the map showing more activity and revising the mileage information for the main trails as requested at the
November meeting. The date has been removed to keep the map viable for a longer period of time before
an update to the map would be needed and to reduce the amount of time it would take to replace the maps
yearly. Councilmember Burbidge suggested adding a very small “printed” date so users of the map could
determine if there is a newer version. Sciacqua reemphasized making updates to the road system at
Celebration Park in anticipation of the School District property improvements being completed shortly.
Ikerd mentioned he did some research on printing and they are available in multiple quantity lots but
looked specifically at a quantity of 5000 maps. The cost for printing full color, 100# book stock gloss
white, tri-fold is $1,096.00. Roe stated that he and Ikerd talked with Patrick Doherty about options for
stocking the maps in public locations throughout the City. Doherty will provide contact information to
the company that handles the stocking and displays for the maps. Ikerd will bring back a few samples
from the print shop and the distribution information. Councilmember Burbidge suggested making the map
available on the website so citizens have the option to print their own map. Konkell suggested including
the map in the Parks & Recreation Newsletter and Ikerd clarified that a portion of the map is already
provided in that newsletter. Some research will be done to determine if they should be included in the
newsletter or provided in Kiosks at the Park locations.
REVIEW 2010 WORK PLAN / PRELIMINARY 2011 WORK PLAN
Ikerd provided the updated 2010 Work Plan showing what has been accomplished during the year and a
discussion was held to discuss what should be moved forward and added to the 2011 Work Plan. Trail
and pedestrian access improvements will be moved forward; which includes the final trail map.
Exploring park enforcement fines with the possibility of having bicycle police patrol and enforce the
speed limit. Speed signs will be posted in these areas and police will enforce this using LIDAR, giving
them an accurate speed measurement to reference if issuing citations. There is also a concern about dogs
being off leash and that will be looked into as well. The goal is to increase public awareness of the rules
at the parks prior to enforcement. Disc Golf seems to have a large following and should be evaluated to
determine the costs and improvements needed to provide this option and determine if it is feasible. Disc
Golf will be evaluated at a later date after review of the trail access improvements study. Annual
playground equipment replacement will continue throughout the year. Roe suggested working on the
process earlier in the year to take advantage of better weather conditions for equipment installation. The
two significant 2011/2012 capital improvement projects, outside of the annual playground equipment, are
Sacajawea Park in regards to field turf and drainage system improvements and installing a loft at the new
maintenance building in Celebration Park. Volunteer events should be continued in 2011; especially
during Earth Day. Roe stated that Jason Gerwen does a great job with that program and the numbers of
people that turn out are staggering. Ikerd mentioned the City has Ameri Corps set up on a routine basis
now and plans to inform the committee as to when and where the events will be held. Councilmember
Burbidge suggested advertising them on the City website or periodically in the Mirror to increase the
amount of participation as well as recognize Ameri Corps. An effort was made to clean up Laurelwood
Park, improved access to the park, added two barbecue grills, made improvements to the roof of the
shelter and cleaned out the drainage area to encourage more usage of the park and make it more
functional. More minor improvements are suggested for 2011 and will be discussed further.
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STAFF REPORTS
There were no staff reports from Commissioners.
NEW BUSINESS
COMMISSION MEETING MEALS
Roe addressed the Commission in regards to meals. At this time, Parks & Recreation Commission may
be the only group receiving meals provided by the City. Roe received direction from Acting City
Manager/Police Chief Wilson to discontinue providing the meals. Due to budget constraints, this practice
will be discontinued as of January 1, 2011.
DONATION/MEMORIAL PROGRAM
Sharlock asked about the status of the donation program process for the bench that Mr. H. David Kaplan
desired to donate to the City. Roe stated that the policy has gone through the process and had been
approved for use by Council. Mr. Kaplan has been provided with a copy of the policy and a form to
initiate the process and will be provided with a cost estimate. Roe stated that Mr. Kaplan also desires to
donate a picnic shelter at Steel Lake Park. Details regarding the shelter will be discussed in the future to
ensure uniformity with the current setting.
PARKS LIGHTING CHARGES
Sharlock mentioned the City of Seattle has started charging additional fees to the soccer teams and others
that use the fields to cover the costs of lighting. Roe would like to review the fee schedule and talk with
John Hutton from the Federal Way Community Center to determine how much of those fees cover costs
for lighting and will bring the findings back to the Commission.
SIGHT LINE SAFETY CONCERNS
Sharlock is concerned with sight lines in parks; particularly Steel Lake between the skate park and the
parking lot. There is a large amount of overgrown brush. For safety reasons, the brush should be cleared
to reduce the amount of vehicle damage and theft.
PENDING BUSINESS
RENAMING WEST HYLEBOS/BROOKLAKE
Roe met with Councilmember Burbidge regarding renaming the West Hylebos /Brooklake Overview.
Chris Carrel initiated this topic and is no longer with West Hylebos group. This concept is no longer
supported and will not move forward.
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Priest has been scheduled to attend the January 6th meeting to discuss the role of the Parks
Commission and what his priorities are moving forward. Chair Konkell has advocated for a Parks
Planner or Grant Writer for the City in hopes of securing money for future projects. Roe has also talked
with Mayor Priest about the possibility of a grant writer and looks forward to the opportunity for the
Commissioners to meet Mayor Priest and get an idea for how he sees the City moving forward.
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The updated trail map will be brought back along with distribution information. Roe is hopeful that this
will be a final product and the City will be able to print and distribute during the first part of the year.
The 2011 Draft Work Plan will be brought back for discussion.
If we receive the Huitt-Zollars Trail Connections Feasibility Study from West Hylebos Wetlands to BPA
Trail (through Panther Lake area) and the Panther Lake Study prior to our meeting in January, the
information will be supplied.
Field lighting fees information will be discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Konkell adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
NEXT MEETING IS JANUARY 6, 2011