Parks Comm MINS 11-07-2019November 7, 2019
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Hylebos Conference Room
6:30 p.m. City Hall
Present: Chair Laura Belvin, Vice Chair Dawn Coggins, Thomas George, George Pfeiffer and George Vadino.
Excused: David Wilson and David Berger
Unexcused: Michael Campsmith and Bobby Jennings
Staff: John Hutton, Parks 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
Vice Chair Coggins moved to approve the September Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes
as written. Commissioner George seconded. Motion passed.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Proposed Earlier Start Time for Parks & Recreation Commission Meetings
The commission discussed an earlier start time for the Parks and Recreation commission meetings.
Commissioner Pfeiffer stated that several years ago a decision was made to have the Parks and Recreation
commission meetings have a later start time because it allows for business people to have a position on the
commission but this may no longer be an issue. After discussion the commission decided to propose a 5:30
start time. A vote will be taken at the December meeting.
Staff Reports were given prior to discussion on the 2020 Work Plan
2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
The commission reviewed the current Work Plan and discussed ideas for new projects and which projects
should be removed, updated or kept. Discussion was held on adding applying for grants that could be used for
development and improvements to Lakota, Celebration Park, Saghalie and other locations. The Historical
Society is going to take the lead on applying for a grant for the Brooklake Community Center. Other items
discussed included uses for King County Levy money, developing a Master Plan for Steel Lake Park and Trail
Connectivity. Chair Belvin stated that the Commission needs to decide what they want to focus on for the
next year. Vice Chair Coggins suggested adding developing a Prioritization Matrix to the Work Plan. The
Work Plan will be brought back to the commission in December for approval and then onto Committee and
the Full Council for final approval.
Chair Belvin spoke about the dogs that play inside the tennis courts at Adelaide Park because it's an enclosed
area. She spoke with a dog owner about French Lake Park and the owner spoke about why she doesn't bring
her dog there. Chair Belvin inquired about formalizing an area of Adelaide Park as an official off leash Dog
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Parks and Recreation Commission, November 7, 2019 Pace 2
Park and adding it to the Work Plan. Staff Gerwen stated that this would help Parks staff and the Police if it
was formalized as an off leash park. Staff Hutton expressed his concern about turning an area of Adelaide Park
into a Dog Park; it could bring potential problems such as a lack of parking. French Lake Dog Park is one of
the most heavily used parks in the city's park system. We can't currently keep up with what we have so adding
new assets is not the thing to do at this time. There is a lot to think about and there needs to be further
discussion on this.
December Elections of Chair and Vice Chair
Chair Belvin and Vice Chair Coggins stated that they would be willing to serve another year as Chair and Vice
Chair. The elections will take place at the December meeting.
STAFF REPORTS
Park Tour Discussion
Staff Gerwen reviewed the Parks that were toured in October. The playground at Mirror Lake has been
removed. Staff Gerwen discussed with the commission the idea of a fitness trail at Alderbrook Park; a Park
Maintenance worker noticed that the demographics of the park users tend to be older and they use the park for
walking. This would be something unique to our playground system. Vice Chair Coggins agreed that it is
mostly adults that she sees walking at the park.
Park Code Update
Staff Gerwen met with the City Attorney to review the suggested changes to the Park Code. Staff Gerwen
received the City Attorney's comments and will incorporate his suggestions into the Park Code. The sub-
committee will meet in December or January to discuss the changes. The Park Code will be brought back to
the Parks and Recreation commission for their approval. Staff Gerwen will meet with the Community
Development department to discuss having the updated code incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Interlocal Agreement with the Federal Way School District (FWSD) Update
Staff Hutton reported that they have had several positive meetings with the FWSD. They are getting very close
to having an Interlocal agreement ready to be reviewed by the Attorney's. The agreement will be brought back
to the commission for their review and recommendation to forward it onto Committee and the full Council for
approval. Chair Belvin asked about Lakota Park. Staff Hutton answered that this agreement is completely
separate from Lakota. They have had discussions with the FWSD regarding Lakota and they did not get a
commitment from them. Staff needs to know by March if they are able to be a partner with the City on the
improvements at Lakota. Staff Gerwen added that the FWSD has a lot of capital projects going on and he is
not optimistic that they will have an agreement in 2020. The purpose of this Interlocal agreement is to clarify
responsibilities at the joint use facilities.
Saghalie Park Field Turf Replacement Update
Staff Hutton reported that the project is complete and it's being played on. There are some items on the punch
list that need to be completed. Commissioner Pfeiffer notified staff Gerwen that the center circle is not
centered; this is fixable. Training on the maintenance of the field needs to be schedule.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Tree Lighting will take place on December 7 at 4:00pm.
The Grand Stair Case dedication will take place soon.
Chair Belvin will be singing at the PAEC on the 14th.
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Parks and Recreation Commission, November 7, 2019 Page 3
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Commission Business
Earlier start time for Parks & Recreation Commission meeting
Elections
2020 Work Plan
Staff Reports
Park Code Update
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice Chair Coggins and seconded by Pfeiffer to adjourn the meeting.
Chair Belvin adjourned the meeting at 7:55 pm.
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