BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MINUTES
Monday, October 22, 2012 5:30 p.m.
Lacey City Hall
Present:
Commission: Gary Hanson, Paul Royer, Glen Crandal & Lu Carlson
Excused: Shawn Smith, Jason Agtarap
Staff: Lori Flemm, Liz Spiller
The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm, by Vice-Chairman Paul Royer.
Additions or deletions to the Agenda
Addition: 8k) 2013 Budget update
Minutes
The September 24, 2012 minutes were corrected:
Old Business: Paul (added the letter l)
New Business: was (added the letter s)
The corrected minutes were unanimously approved and placed on record.
Calendar
The December Commission meeting is cancelled.
Correspondence
No correspondence.
Old Business
No Old Business.
New Business
a) Tree cutting policy
Commissioners reviewed the current Firewood and Tree Cutting Policy and agreed it is outdated and needs to be revised. Commissioners recommended item #3 be handled by the Parks Operation Department and item #4 be changed to read “Citizens must obtain a permit from the Operations Department, to cut firewood in City parks.”
Lori will draft a revised policy and permit form for review at the next meeting. Commissioners voiced an earlier concern about the apparent discrepancy in who is and is not allowed to use power tools in City parks, saying it seems a shame to prohibit trained volunteers the use of tools that would make their work easier and benefit the parks.
b) Adopt-a-Trail program
The City currently has an Adopt-a-Roadway program, and recent requests indicate an Adopt-a-Trail program would be well received. Lori said a citizen has ‘unofficially’ adopted the Lake Lois Habitat Trail, using cut limbs to line the trail, clearing the trail of leaf & debris and even posted a signs that reads “Oliver’s Trail” (Oliver is a dog). The area is heavily used by local residents, many of whom have joined in the maintenance of the trail. Unfortunately, since this work involves use of power tools (leaf blower, power saw etc), he is in violation of existing policy, so Lori had to ask him to cease work in the area. Commissioners thought it a shame to lose valuable volunteer services that directly benefit City parks & trails, but agreed there needs to be some sort of supervision or direction for citizens willing to provide volunteer labor and time. Commissioners asked that Lori relay their gratitude to this citizen, for his time and work on the Lake Lois area. The Commissioners would like to see an Adopt-a-Trail program developed.
c) Property acquisition
Lori reported the Blume 85 property south of Cuoio Community Park closed 10 days ago. The City paid $585,000 for 87 acres, $203,000 of which was Conservations Futures Grant funds. Lori said the area has a nice existing trail system and is already used by the public.
Director’s Report
a) Senior Center Expansion Project construction update
The east wing of the Senior Center is framed and should be weather-tight (doors & windows) by the end of October.
b) Lake Lois Park and Habitat Reserve Forest Management Plan and hazard tree removal
5 hazardous trees were professionally removed and 3 additional trees removed by LPRD staff. 100 seedlings were planted in the laminated root rot zone.
c) Rampage at the RAC: 799 participants at this great event!
d) Blume 85 acquisition and Conservation Futures Grant of $203,000
e) Children’s Day: Record high attendance at this popular, free community event.
f) RAC
• Fencing project scheduled to begin Oct. 25
• Readerboard RFP due Oct. 26
• Beverage & Concession RFP out soon. Gary & Glen may be available for the selection panel in November. Lori will send them specifics when dates/times are available.
g) Woodland Creek Community Park Trailhead and disc golf course project updates:
Large volunteer project recently cleared & chipped a large section of the course. SSDGA President Chris Gilbert addressed a park user’s complaint about the large pile of brush, explaining the plan & timeline for the course, and they seemed to understand the plan.
h) Saint Martin’s University class project: Lake Lois Habitat Reserve
i) Turn Back the Clock run: Registration is down a little, for the November 4 event.
j) Jacob Smith House RFQ due Oct. 26: 8 people attended the pre-bid meeting, Lori is hoping for RFQs from 4 or 5 companies.
k) 2013 budget update: Lori updated the Commissioners on the 2013 budget, saying funding was recommended for the following: exhaust system for the Rainier Vista concession stand, recreation equipment, portable lift and M & O for the Senior Center, tables & dishwasher for the Lacey Community Center, Jacob Smith House site improvements, architect & engineer for Lacey Museum at the Depot, benches & garbage cans for the golf disc course at Woodland Creek Community Park, concrete apron for Huntamer Stage and monument sign for the Brentwood entrance to Wonderwood Park. Funding for the Community Center roof was not recommended. Gary asked if a sign for the Jacob Smith House was approved, Lori said it was requested but may not make the cut.
Commissioner’s Report
No report.
Chairman’s Report
No report.
Citizen Comments
No citizens present.
Committee Reports
No reports.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 6:28pm
Next meeting: Monday, November 26, 2012 at 5:30pm at the Lacey City Hall.