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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102516 FINAL Minutes PARKS, RECREATION & TREE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Date: October 25, 2016 Time: 4:30 pm Location: City Hall First Floor Conference Room Members Present: Lyndi Hutchison, Debbie Jahnke (Vice Chair), Brenda McMillan, Jim Todd Members Excused: Ed Robeau (Chair), Paul Schutt Staff Present: Parks & Facilities Manager Alex Wisniewski Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Approval of Minutes: September 27, 2016 Unanimous approval with word change/clarification recommendations included Staff Report and Update: Alex Wisniewski reported on: • Management of the Port Townsend Swim Team receives Council approval • Update on recreation programs at the pool and facility rentals at Chetzemoka Park • Update on parks maintenance activities including an equipment failure incident at Mountain View that caused the temporary closure of the pool Reports: Alex Wisniewski provided an update on leash law and off-leash areas due to the Chair's absence. The General Services and Special Projects committee recommended that full Council task staff with development of an agreement between the City and Fair Board regarding the construction of a dog park at the Fairgrounds, designate 35th Street Park as an off-leash area and develop a process for partnering with private property owners who wish to designate their property for off-leash use. Arbor Day celebration was described by Brenda McMillan and Debbie Jahnke. Admiralty Audubon led a workparty that planted natives in the Garfield ROW that abuts water, aka Duck Heaven. The need for press releases was discussed. Arbor Day proclamation was accepted at Council. Old and New Business: TreeCity USA: TreeCity annual renewal (four standards; deadline in early December) was discussed briefly; renewal efforts will be led by Alex Wisniewski. Street Tree List: Information provided to the committee from DNR UFRP Special Projects Coordinator was distributed to provide guidance and Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action recommendations about preparing and updating tree lists and how they can be used to educate the public about the importance of selecting appropriate tree species in the light of changing climate, invasive species and other challenges. Capital Improvement table and grant opportunities: Board discussed Table 6.1 from 2014 parks plan and whether the board could assist the City in securing grant funds in the 2017-2018 cycle for any of the priorities not yet funded. Staff time for permitting, review and oversight were noted to be limiting factors. Grant money does not cover full costs. Public Comment: Margaret Lee commented on off-leash area concerns, particularly on beaches, and on the professionalism of the pool staff. Robert Gray commented on off-leash areas and recommended to pursue alternate funding sources for park improvements to help reduce the reliance on public funds. He provided success story examples of this that included the playground at Parkside Park, the development of Rotary Park, and the walk-in coolers at the Food Bank. Next Meeting: November 22, 2016 (may be cancelled due to staffing shortage) Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.