Parks Comm MINS 04-05-2012g:\parks comm mtg notes\2012\agenda & minutes\040512 minutes.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, April 5, 2012 Hylebos Conference Room
6:30 p.m. City Hall
MEETING MINUTES
Dwight Otto made a motion to nominate George Pfeiffer as Interim Chair due to an absence of both Chair
Ailinger and Vice Chair Wessel. Second by Sharlock. Motion passes.
Interim Chair Pfeiffer called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm.
Present: Interim Chair George Pfeiffer, Jack Sharlock, Carol Otto, Dwight Otto, Marie Sciacqua and
Mark Koppang.
Staff: Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Cary Roe, Parks and Facilities
Manager Steve Ikerd, Public Works Administrative Assistant Shawna Upton and Amy Jo Pearsall,
Assistant City Attorney.
Guests: None.
The January Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes were approved as written.
Motion by Sciacqua, Second by Carol Otto. Motion passes.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public comments.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
MOTION TO AMEND THE AGENDA
Interim Chair Pfeiffer made a motion to amend the agenda as follows:
• Reschedule the presentation on Les Grove Park (Item C) to the May 3rd meeting.
Motion by Pfeiffer to amend the agenda, Second by Sharlock. Motion passes.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER
Interim Chair Pfeiffer asked Mark Koppang to introduce himself to the group and give a brief summary of
why he joined the Parks & Recreation Commission. Pfeiffer also asked other Commission members and
staff to introduce themselves as well.
COMMISSION ORIENTATION
Pfeiffer gave a brief overview of roles and responsibilities of being a Parks Commission member.
Parks and Recreation Commission, April 5, 2012 Page 2
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Amy Jo Pearsall, Assistant City Attorney, provided a copy of the draft Parks & Recreation Commission
By-Laws explaining that some changes have been made in an effort to be consistent with other
Commissions within the City. Pearsall also gave a brief orientation presentation to the Commission
which included information on the following topics:
• Commission Authority
• Conflict of Interest – Code of Ethics
• Open Public Meetings Act
• Public Records and
• Use of Public Facilities
LES GROVE PARK PRESENTATION
Moved to the May 3rd meeting.
QUORUM
Roe stated that there have been several meetings in the last year cancelled due to lack of quorum. Roe felt
it was important to address the Commission about it pointing out that it is challenging for staff, the public,
and moving business topics forward when the meetings are cancelled. Roe acknowledged that issues arise
that prevent Commissioners from making the meeting but stressed the importance of being committed to
meeting each month as much as possible. New direction has been given to staff to wait no more than 15
minutes for a quorum to be present before cancelling a meeting. Time sensitive topics are just one
example of a benefit of making sure meetings occur on a regular basis. There may be some time sensitive
topics that have to move forward without Commission input as a result of cancelled meetings. Discussion
continued.
STAFF REPORTS
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BY-LAWS
Roe reiterated that the by-law document previously handed out is a draft document. He encouraged the
Commissioners to review the by-laws and bring any comments or suggestions to the May meeting to be
discussed. Discussion continued covering topics addressed in the by-laws such as quorum, alternates and
attendance.
EARTH DAY EVENT – APRIL 21ST
Ikerd handed out the list of projects identified for Earth Day and asked Commission members who are
willing to sign up for a location of their choosing. The goal would be to have Commission coverage at
each location to assist with greeting public and volunteering time for cleanup activities.
SCULPTURE PARK
Roe gave a summary on the status of the sculpture park. Ikerd showed an illustration of the concept being
proposed regarding the trail through the area and samples of art work that is expected. Discussion
continued surrounding controlling vehicle access to the park, pedestal uses and installation of artwork and
potential vandalism challenges. Roe stated this project is intended to be a temporary installation to bring
positive attention to the area.
PANTHER LAKE IMPROVEMENT
Huitt-Zollars has submitted the 30% Design report to the City and it is currently under review by the City.
Roe provided a summary of the process completed so far and stated what to expect as the project moves
forward. A more detailed staff update should be available at the June meeting.
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STEEL LAKE FUNLAND SAFETY AUDIT BY LEATHERS
Ikerd noted that Leathers came out in February to perform the safety audit on Funland at Steel Lake. It
will take about 6-8 weeks from the date of their visit to obtain the official report and the City expects to
receive that in the next couple weeks. Leathers made several minor safety recommendations that Parks is
currently working to improve upon while waiting for the audit report. They also noted that Funland is
holding up remarkably well in comparison to similar structures installed elsewhere.
SACAJAWEA SOCCER FIELD TURF REPLACEMENT
Ikerd noted that Parks goal has been to replace the turf on this field this year and it appears to be very
feasible. Staff in the Surface Water Division of the Public Works Department have used video camera
equipment throughout to map out the location of the pipes as well as identified problems in the lines.
Drainage issues have been investigated and several collapsed or blocked pipes have been found. These
are contributing factors to the drainage issues on the field in addition to the use of cinder track. The
cinder track material has made the existing turf impervious over time. Options are being explored to
solve the drainage issues and replace the turf as well as to minimize the impacts on the new turf by the
cinder track material. Staff hopes to have an update at the June meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dwight Otto expressed concern regarding safety at Steel Lake Park. The gates aren’t always locked at
night as they should be; especially the side entrance. Ikerd will follow up with the security company.
Pfeiffer pointed out that the back trail between the Community Center and the BPA trail are quite grown
over. He would like to see trimming done to make enough room for an emergency vehicle to access it
and for pedestrian safety. Roe stated the department is gearing up for their seasonal trimming and
cleaning of trails and other areas.
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Introduction of New Commission Member Hoefel
Review of Draft By-Laws
Les Gove Presentation
Earth Day Event Update
Sculpture Park Update
Sacajawea Field Update
ADJOURNMENT
Interim Chair Pfeiffer adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.
NEXT MEETING IS MAY 3, 2012