HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-2007 Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Minutes PARK& RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
November 1, 2007
In attendance: Duane Taber, Cheryl Smyth, Mike Mathews, Curt Shaw, Edmon Daniels and
Rebecca Francik. Staff. Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services Manager and Dan Dotta,
Facilities Services Manager.
The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. and Chairman Taber called for staff reports.
STAFF REPORTS
Recreation
Paul Whitemarsh reported that the Recreation staff assisted the YMCA with a pre-Halloween
party. The YMCA has taken the lead in the Block Grant funded remodel in the gym. They have
started with the asbestos abatement and that project will probably have to be phased over 2 years
to get the work done.
Fall recreation programs include a youth volleyball clinic, Scaled Down Soccer and Sporties for
Shorties.
The State High School Cross Country Championships will be in Pasco for the 20th consecutive
year. The Facilities and Recreation Divisions contribute a significant amount of logistical
support to that event. There will be over 1,000 runners and 6,000— 8,000 parents, coaches and
fans.
Application has been made for the annual renewal of the Foot Care and Health Screening
contracts with Aging and Long Term Care.
The Senior Association is holding a dance to honor the Tri-City area First Responders. The
Police, Fire and Sheriff Department personnel have been invited to their guests at a dance on
Saturday,November 3.
Facilities
Dan reported one of the vacancies for Groundsman I has been filled. Shane Flannery started a
week ago.
Projects for the month included aerating football, soccer fields and various parks, cleaning catch
basins, winterizing pool buildings,park restrooms and the baseball stadium and various other
projects to prepare for winter.
Special activities for October: planting a tree at Kurtzman Park for Arbor Day, assisting with
set-up for the Recreation Fall Hayride and repeatedly painting the Highland Park restroom due to
heavy graffiti.
Dan handed out a written summary of the maintenance activities.
OLD BUSINESS
Chairman Taber noted that the golf cart paths have been completed on schedule and on budget.
Committee members reported on the Aquatic Facilities Review Committee. Edmon Daniels
stated he has talked with people in the east Pasco area and they feel strongly that a pool is needed
in Kurtzman Park. Rebecca stated that the committee was seriously looking at swimming
options west of town off the I-182 corridor. The City Council will put a lot of weight on a
recommendation coming out of the adhoc committee and Park Board.
Cheryl Smyth brought up the subject of a Metropolitan Park District and wondered if a close
look should be taken at the Park District. Rebecca reminded the board that Pasco's tax rate is
$2.00 per thousand higher than the other two cities and that all three cities have stated that new
property taxes are not the way to fund new projects. Paul stated that Stan was prepared to bring
new information to the adhoc committee next week and had been talking to the City Manager
about funding/financing options to help with the pool project.
Mike Mathews led a discussion on the Senior Center Plan Phase II. Mike noted that he attended
the Compression Planning meeting and felt that the report accurately reflected the results of the
meeting. The Advisory Council voted unanimously to recommend that City Council accept the
plan.
NEW BUSINESS
Paul mentioned that the Senior Advisory Board will be discussing the possibility of allowing
alcohol to be served at the Senior Center for wedding receptions, etc. He explained that Vince
Guerrero is gathering information. The consensus of the Park Board was that it is OK if that will
help better utilize the center.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.