HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2012 (2)Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
5:30 p.m.
Auburn Senior Activity Center, Rotary Room
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Michael Hassen. Those attending in addition to Mr.
Hassen were Vicki Gilthvedt and Greg Dobbs. Department staff present were Parks Director Daryl Faber
and Parks Secretary Julie Mehl.
II. Minutes
The minutes of the March meeting were motioned for approval by Vicki Gilthvedt, seconded by Greg
Dobbs.
III. Committee Member Input
The board unanimously agreed to accept Park Board applicant Laura Keim as new Park Board member.
Vicki Gilthvedt suggested the Parks Administration Building entrance curbing be painted bright yellow as
some citizens have had trouble seeing it and could possibly trip on curb. Vicki also inquired as to why the
handicapped parking is on the east side of parking lot. Daryl explained that handicapped parking is
required to be the closest parking to the building yet placed so the disabled do not have to cross traffic to
reach the entrance.
IV. Correspondence/Public Input
V. Old Business
VI. New Business
VII. Department Report
Kjerstin Lange, Teen Programs Assistant reports on the activities and history of the Auburn Youth Council.
The AYC was founded in 1994 by Teen Coordinator Jim Westhusing. Jim and Kjerstin work closely with
the AYC as they sell concessions for various Parks events and shows, including Teen Late Night. There
are currently 44 active members and roughly 70% are high school age, 30% are middle school age. The
members are from varied schools in the area including North Tapps Middle School, Bellarmine Prep, Holy
Family as well as the Auburn School District. They meet twice per month, have a chair person and are
currently gearing up for elections. They raise funds and participate in "Relay for Life" with a fundraising
goal of $1,500. To date they are $113 from reaching that goal. The Auburn School District speculates
that 65% of their students proceed to college, the Auburn Youth Council speculates 75% of their
members proceed to college. One of the main messages Jim and Kjerstin parlay to the AYC is that
"college is an option, you need to go". The AYC logged 2500 volunteer hours in 2011, with numerous
kids having over 500 hours. Some of the volunteer projects include mural painting, Clean Sweep,
landscaping projects etc. The concession funds earned go into their teen fund, last year it was up to
$9,000. They work together and decide where and how the funds are distributed in the community.
They have donated to the Discovery Playground, bicycle helmet programs and purchased booster seats
for the Around the Bell program. 2/3 of funds get donated while 1/3 remains in the teen fund. The
group usually attends an outing each quarter with "Tall Timbers" being a group favorite.
Susan Black of Susan Black & Associates reports on the Lea Hill park landscape design. The park will be
family focused, and will have a farm/barnyard appeal. There will be a 24 x 48 barn type picnic shelter
(with weathervane), a ball field with no bleachers but a grassy area for spectators, a small synthetic
soccer field, a pervious circulation path, two skate board areas, a play ground area, rain garden and
drinking trough. Hopefully we can have some barn yard animal sculptures for kids to climb and play on.
Parking will be on both sides of street with sidewalks. Poplars will be removed and fencing will be
installed near the four parcels. Bid specifications and documents will be complete by Friday, May 11.
Director Faber is spearheading weekly meetings to update the Park Board manual. The off leash area
and skate park rules have been added, spray park rules updated as well.
Daryl showed the board photos of the work the Washington Chainsaw Association has done at Les Gove,
Brannan and Game Farm Park. Three artists (one of whom has been a guest on The Today show) have
carved some of the trees damaged in the January storm. The sculptures include raccoons, pheasants,
and a bear on roller skates with an eagle. The cost would have been about the same to grind the
stumps, and now we have fun, new art at these three parks.
Daryl reported there was a lot of work done on the Inter -urban Trail as a Clean Sweep project. There is
a new picnic area / planting project being installed. There was a community group who assembled 30
small soccer goals for distribution in low income apartment complexes throughout town.
VIII. Adjournment
A. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm.
Approved this IC Day of �lf ' i , 2012
'_� 11r_ �
Michael Hassen, Chair
Daryl Faber, Director
.AUBURN* MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED