Parks Comm MINS 09-02-2021i:\parks comm mtg notes\2021\09-02-2021 minutes.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 2, 2021 Video Conference
5:00 p.m.
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Chair Michael Campsmith, Vice Chair George Vadino, Thomas George and David Berger
Excused: George Pfeiffer and Carrie BeSerra
Staff: John Hutton, Parks Director, Jason Gerwen, Parks Deputy Director and Mary Jaenicke, Parks Adm. Asst. II.
Chair Campsmith called the meeting to order at 5:04pm.
PUBLIC FORUM
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Berger moved to approve the June Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes as
written. Commissioner George seconded. Motion passed.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Prioritization Matrix
The two questions to be discussed are: 1) Environmental Impact(s)? and 2) Equity
Environmental Impacts? Staff Gerwen stated that this can be looked at in two ways; Does it have a positive
environmental impact or does it have a negative impact. Chair Campsmith asked who would make the
determination on whether or not it’s a positive or negative impact. Staff Gerwen answered that it would be the
Parks Commission that would make that determination. It was asked if this is a question that should be on the
Matrix? Chair Campsmith stated that he doesn’t think that the Parks Commission would ever agree on a
project that would have a negative impact to the environment. Commissioner Berger asked if Parks projects go
thru the SEPA review process? Staff Gerwen answered that yes, they do go thru the process. Since all projects
have to go thru the SEPA review process the commission made the decision to remove this question from the
Matrix.
Equity. Staff Hutton stated that underserved neighborhoods should be considered. There are some
neighborhoods that do not have a park close by. It’s important to put amenities where the people are. We don’t
want to enrich an environment that is already enriched. It’s important to serve the areas that are lacking
services. The project that is going to a less enriched environment will score higher because it will be more
equitable. Commissioner Berger added that the term that is more commonly used is social equity and
suggested adding this to the Matrix.
Park Tours
Staff Gerwen stated that there are two ways that this could be done. There are no major decisions pending on
the park tours regarding playground replacements. Staff Gerwen suggested tabling this due to Covid and
reschedule this to a later date or staff could provide the commission a list of parks to go visit on their own time
and provide feedback on those parks. Chair Campsmith would prefer to hold off on the Park tours until the
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Commission can do it safely as a group. If this can’t be done in October, it will probably be rescheduled until
early Spring.
STAFF REPORTS
City Reopening
The Mayor announced on September 2 that all public meetings will be done remotely until further notice. Staff
Gerwen stated that we have been opened for business and that up until today public meetings were being held
in-person. The Parks and restrooms are open and the Spray Park will be open until Labor Day. No large
special events are allowed, but we are allowing picnics. Volunteer events are still on hold. Every athletic
event being held at our fields are required to have a Covid plan on file. The PAEC, Dumas Bay Centre and
Centerstage have been opened.
OTHER BUSINESS
A discussion was held about how to recruit new commissioners – how do we get people involved. Chair
Campsmith will write some text to recruit new members for the Parks & Recreation Commission. The City’s
Graphics designer will create a flyer. Those flyers will be posted on the City’s website and will be emailed to
members of the Community Center through Constant Contact. The commissioners were also encouraged to
talk to people in their own circles.
Staff Hutton was contacted by a member of the community that wanted to place painted rocks at the Dumas
Bay Centre. Staff Hutton encouraged her to place the painted rocks at Palisades Park. She was also interested
in placing a little library at that Park. The Parks Commission is supportive of this idea.
NEXT MEETING/AGENDA ITEMS
Commission Business
Prioritization Matrix
1. Safety – How to capture it in the Matrix
Park Tours
Staff Reports
City Reopening
Recruitment Update
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Berger and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Pfeiffer adjourned the meeting at 6:04 pm.