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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-2007 Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Minutes PARK& RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL September 6, 2007 In attendance: Duane Taber, Stacey Estes, Cheryl Smyth, Mike Mathews and Rebecca Francik. Staff. Paul Whitemarsh, Recreation Services Manager and Dan Dotta, Facilities Services Manager. The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. by Chairman Taber. The minutes of the previous meeting was tabled by Chairman Taber because they had not been mailed to the board members. STAFF REPORTS Recreation Paul reported that the King Center programs are back on the school year schedule. The YMCA recently purchased a new piece of equipment, an interactive video called"Dance Revolution" that pairs two kids simultaneously against each other in an agility activity to music. It is a great exercise form. The King Center's annual Back to School BBQ in late September will be used to kick off some new recreation programs. Paul distributed the new Fall brochure and highlighted the Hanford Reach Kayak tour. Pasco High School P.E. classes are using Memorial Pool the first 2 1/2 weeks of the school year. Paul reminded the Council of the Tri-City wide All Senior Picnic is being hosted by Pasco this year at TRAC on September 20. Park Board members are encouraged to attend. Facilities Dan reported that the full-time maintenance crew is two staff members short and will be testing to fill those vacancies in the very near future. Dan handed out a written summary of maintenance activities. OLD BUSINESS Project Updates Paul reported the Cyber Stop program is taking shape. A rewiring and installation of equipment is nearly complete. Six applicants for the supervisory position will be interviewed next week, with hopes to get the program running by mid September. He also reported that the Parent Information Resource Center that the Educational Service District is setting up will get a later start, expecting to open that program in October. Swimming Pool Recommendation to the City Council Park Board members Cheryl Smyth and Mike Mathews expressed interest and a desire to continue to be involved in that process. Rebecca Francik pointed out that the Mayor has yet to appoint the adhoc committee and staff assured them they would hear as soon as appointments were made. Duane Taber and Cheryl Smyth brought up the mailing they received within the last week from Vic Epperly encouraging the Park Board to look at the Regional Aquatics Facility project and seriously consider how we can push the notion of a metropolitan park district to develop such a facility. Paul explained to the Council who Vic Epperly is and the nature of his passion; how he has been a tireless champion for the cause and is putting forth a proposal for a metropolitan park district ideas as the best way to fund such a project. Rebecca then stated that the Pasco City Council does not feel they can embrace such a method because it does involve property tax for the funding source. That would be a huge issue with Pasco and the need for additional school funding which has to come by the way of property tax. NEW BUSINESS Senior Center Plan Phase 2 Mike Mathews, who attended the session that produced the plan, was pleased with the process and he felt the report did not emphasize enough that the seniors participating felt it would be important to bring in younger seniors. There was discussion on what it would take to get Baby Boomers to the Senior Center and what would attract them. Staff pointed out some programs that have proven successful in other communities, with the understanding that you don't bring people in to "join"the Senior Center. They will participate in programs and activities of interest,but they are not likely to sign up and be there on a regular basis. There was a discussion on the physical appearance of the Senior Center and the importance of cleaning up the entryway and making it more inviting and more professional looking. Councilmember Suggestions and Reports Rebecca brought to the Council's attention phone calls she has received from citizens who have been complaining about the tremendous growth along the shoreline on the Pasco side of the river, which severely limits the access people have to the river for fishing or swimming. She thought it was important for the Council to know or recognize that the City does not have the ability to go out and mow down the shoreline or remove vegetation because of Army Corps of Engineer restrictions and regulations.