Parks Comm MINS 09-05-2017CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 5, 2019 Hylebos Conference Room
6:30 p.m. City Hall
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Chair Laura Belvin, Vice Chair Dawn Coggins, David Wilson, Thomas George, Michael Campsmith,
David Berger, and George Vadino.
Excused: George Pfeiffer
Unexcused: Bobby Jennings
Staff. John Hutton, Parks Director, Steve Ikerd, Parks Deputy Director, Jason Gerwen Parks & Facilities Manager
and Mary Jaenicke, Parks Adm. Asst. II.
Chair Belvin called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
None
PUBLIC FORUM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Berger moved to approve the June Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes as
written. Commissioner Wilson seconded. Motion passed.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Introductions
Parks and Recreation Commissioners and Parks staff introduced themselves to new commissioner Thomas
George.
Park Code Sub -Committee Update
Staff Gerwen distributed a draft of the Park Code with the suggested changes to the commission. The process
that took place at the sub -committee meeting was reviewed. Sub -committee members were Chair Belvin,
Commissioners Wilson and Campsmith and staff Gerwen. The sub -committee reviewed the Park Code from
neighboring cities; the City of Lakewood has a section in their code that lists the penalties for violating codes.
Our current document has references to Municipal Codes and is light on definitions. Staff Gerwen summarized
the proposed changes to the existing Park Code. The commission and staff had an opportunity to review the
suggested changes and provide feedback. The draft of the proposed revised codes will be reviewed by the
Law Department. The Parks Department is starting to receive an increased amount of calls regarding flying
drones and launching rockets and staff Gerwen would like input from the commission regarding these issues.
Discussion also took place regarding stronger language on smoking and the use of tobacco products. Staff
Gerwen requested that the commission review the proposed changes and email their comments/suggestions to
him.
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Parks and Recreation Commission September 5 2019 Paee 2
STAFF REPORTS
Red, White & Blues Festival Recap
Director Hutton reported that it was another successful event. We had a new fireworks vendor this year and
they did a great job. The event was very well attended and there were no major incidents. Vice Chair Coggins
inquired about parking at the Commons Mall. Mall security was placing "No Parking" notices on cars that
were parked in the lot — even though the mall was closed. She asked if there has ever been any coordination
between the city and the mall to allow parking when the mall is closed. Director Hutton answered that they
have been difficult to work with in the past. Staff Gerwen added that the mall would be liable if something
happened on their property or if someone was drinking on site and caused an accident after they left the
property and could end up in a lawsuit.
Park Tour Discussion
Park tours are associated with selecting the next playground to have their play equipment replaced. The cost
for the new play equipment at Mirror Lake is approximately $140,000.00 - $160,000.00. The replacement will
occur late winter so it will be ready by spring. No other playground equipment installations will take place in
2019. Staff Gerwen asked if the commission was still interested in touring the playgrounds in 2019 or wait
until 2020. Commissioner Campsmith proposed that there are some new members that have not toured the
parks and that regardless of whether or not there is money available they should visit some parks. Staff Ikerd
added that there is $160,000.00 set aside for Laurelwood Park and suggested the commission start discussing
plans for some upgrades at that park. Staff Gerwen reviewed the playground CIP budget. Park Tours will be
held on October 3 at 4:30pm. This tour will count as a regular commission meeting. Staff Gerwen will email
the commission the five parks that will be toured. The conditions of the parks toured will be across the
spectrum.
Saghalie Park Field Turf Replacement Update
Staff Ikerd gave a brief report on the field turf replacement at Saghalie Park. Half of the old turf was removed
on Tuesday, September 3. The project should be completed by mid-October. This new turf includes a foam
pad called an e -layer; this will improve safety and is guaranteed for ten years. We are able to include this
upgrade because of the donation from the Federal Way Soccer Association and a grant that the city received.
The next field turf to be replaced is Sacajawea.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Campsmith asked for a brief update on how the recent passage of the King County Parks Proposition
1 will affect our department going forward. Staff Gerwen stated that we have benefitted greatly from it in the past.
Staff Ikerd reported that with the current levy in place we averaged about $100,000 per year. We are not sure what
this new funding can be used for. The Commission requested an update at a future meeting.
Staff Gerwen provided a brief update on the Blueberry Farm. The next volunteer event will be on Serve Day which
will be held on September 29. Served Day will include Sacajawea and the Blueberry Farm. Chair Belvin stated that
it's beneficial to have commissioners there, please notify staff if you are available. Staff will be giving a
presentation on the Blueberry Farm to Advancing Leadership.
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Parks and Recreation Commission September 5, 2019 Page 3
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Commission Business
November meeting:
Proposed earlier start time for Parks & Recreation Commission meeting
2020 Work Plan
Staff Reports
November meeting:
Park Tour update
Interlocal agreement with the Federal Way School District
Park Code Update
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice Chair Coggins and seconded by Berger to adjourn the meeting.
Chair Belvin adjourned the meeting at 7:48 pm.
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