HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark 2013-01-16 Minutes
PARKS COMMISSION
MINUTES
January 16, 2013 5:30pm Tukwila Community Center
Call to Order: Parks Committee Chairperson Sean Albert called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
Attendance: Commissioners –Sean Albert, Don Scanlon, Joanne McManus, Alice Russell
Staff – Dave Johnson
Absent – Scott Kruize
Approval of Minutes: Alice Russell moved to approve the Minutes of the November 20, 2012 meeting. Don
Scanlon seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Citizen Comment: no citizen comment
Business Items
A.Project Update – Dave Johnson briefly reviewed the Project Update with the Commissioners, most
notably the items occurring at the Pool.
B.Event/Activity Calendar – Dave Johnson informed the Commissioners that we are working to further
streamline the process for the calendar and hope to have this done in time for the February meeting
based on input from the Community Affairs and Parks Committee.
C.Tukwila Tree & Environment Advisory Committee Update – Don Scanlon and Sean Albert provided an
update to the Commission that the committee is putting lot of their information on the City website. The
Committee is awaiting the final Tree Canopy Study and working through and reviewing goals and policies.
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Beginning in March, their meetings will be on the 2 Wednesday of the month.
D.“Clean Parks” Initiative – Dave Johnson shared with the Commission some of the ideas that arose out of
the staff discussion and brainstorm including adding a Park mascot to the education piece and also
creating a fun video of how to clean up after your park use.
E.PROS Plan Update – Dave Johnson provided an update to the Commissioners – in early December, the
City sent out an RFP to over 30 consultants. The City received 5 proposals and a review committee scored
the 5 proposals on a weighted scale that took 6 elements into account. The review committee narrowed
the field to 3 consultants, and they were invited in for an interview. Panel interviews were on January
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15 with representation from Parks and Recreation, Mayor’s Office, Planning, and the Parks Commission.
The panel was very pleased with how the interviews went and are excited about the potential for the
PROS Plan. The City is doing reference checks, and will begin Scope of Work. The contract will be
forwarded through the Council process.
F.Department Update
a.Staff are working on the planning for the re-start of the Preschool program which was approved
by Council during the budget process. The program will begin in the Fall of 2014, but due to the
nature of the program, promotion, and timing of registration, the planning work begins now.
b.Staff are working on planning for Summer programs.
c.This past Saturday was our first Women’s Only time in the Fitness Room at TCC. Staff have been
working with Somali Community Services Coalition in coordinating this program, and there were
26 participants.
G.TMC Review – Dave Johnson introduced the Commissioners to the Tukwila Municipal Code that addresses
the role of the Parks Commission (Chapter 2.32) and notes that it was established in 1977. In the 35 years
since it was established, there have been significant changes in the City and the Department. As a result,
it seems worthwhile to review it and work to update it so that it reflects the role and duties of the current
times. Dave has asked the Commissioners to review it and think about some of the general concepts that
may need to be updated and to bring those to the February meeting to discuss.
Other
A.Pool Grand Re-Opening – The Pool will be re-opening in mid-February with a Grand Opening event
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planned for April 20, which is April POOL’s Day. As we get closer to the event and finalize details, we’ll
be sure to include the Parks Commission on the invite list.
B.The Green River Trail has re-opened now that the Flood barricades have been removed. There is some
patch and repair work still to be done, and the City will be planning a Grand Re-Opening event. Details
are still being worked through and we’ll keep the Parks Commission updated and on the invite list.
C.The Commissioners expressed their support for exploring transportation solutions to ease access for
community members to get to the Community Center. Many folks find it difficult to get to TCC because
they lack transportation and there is no bus route that provides easy drop point near the Center. The
Commissioners expressed their support in drafting a letter to the Mayor and KC Metro to explore
solutions to include, but limited to, altered bus routes and funding for community shuttle service. Dave
indicated that he would draft a letter for review.
D.Alice Russell shared a concept of people being able to donate their live Christmas Tree to the City for the
purposes of it being planted in a park or other City right-of-way.
Adjournment: Don Scanlon moved to adjourn at 6:25pm. The motion was seconded by Joanne McManus and
the motion passed unanimously.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 20, 2013