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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2007Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes Wednesday, ]anuary 3, 2007 5:30 p.m. ROTARY ROOM AT THE AUBURN SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER 808 NINTH ST SE, Auburn I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order. Those Board members present were Mike Hassen, Laura Higdon, Bob Englehart, and Vicki Gilthvedt. Stephanie McPhail, Paul Wohlhueter, and Julie Parascondola were absent. Also present were Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber and Department Secretary Ann Fuqua. II. Minutes Minutes of the November meeting were accepted as sent. The December meeting was cancelled. III. Committee Member Input IV. Correspondence/Public Input None V. Old Business Mr. Faber reported that Council had voted last night to enact impact fees at a higher rate than was first recommended. These are the fees paid by developers to pay for services which will be needed to serve new growth of developments coming into Auburn. The Board had previously expressed their agreement to this means of funding some of the needs of future growth in the community. As a result, we had recommended that Council charge impact fees at the 50% level for both single family and multiple family dwellings as outlined in Consultant FCS's report. Council exceeded this amount, which will make it possible to finance recreation space for people moving into the area at a level they will expect. The new fees became effective January 2, 2007. VI New Business A. 2007 Goals and Projects Mr. Faber reported that we have a number of projects and goals for the coming year. The discussion of a Community Center is beginning again, and we will be meeting with Council and, in the future, community groups to talk about the possibilities of building a new center. The concept of the Les Gove campus is still the favored location, with a social service component located on the north side of Auburn Way South. At present, Park Board Minutes Page 2 of 3 many scenarios are being discussed, but the need for a facility is recognized by the community and Council Construction of the Cemetery's new mausoleum has begun. The bad weather has not delayed the schedule so far; the walls are up, outdoor niches are in place and we have the roof trusses. The golf course Clubhouse is finally a reality. We are beginning the excavation for the structure, and everyone is excited. The City takes over the operation of the course the end of January. The restaurant concessionaire has been selected, and we will have a very nice restaurant and banquet area. Construction will begin with the walls to the underground parking and storage area. The northwest look of the design will be an attractive feature to the course, with it's waterfall. Clean Sweep 2007 is taking on another new look. We have received money for planting along "A" Street on the west side of the street. The money is being donated by the Burlington Northern to plant 1200 English Laurel shrubs along the street, which will improve the landscape in that area and screen off the railroad yards for a number of blocks along that street. This will involve a large number of volunteers to install this landscape material along that area, and it should be an impressive addition to that busy street. Upcoming, also, will be discussion of incorporating Lea Hill and part of the West Hill of Auburn into the City Limits. These areas are part of our growth area, and it is expected that the election will take place this year. We are also scheduled to convert the soccer fields at Game Farm Park from dirt to artificial turf. Receipt of a grant in the amount of $375,000 has made this a reality. Design drawings have been started and we are sending out requests for proposals from contractors to handle this project. Field lighting has been installed at GSA Park. The project is awaiting PSE, who has been delayed by weather, but should be complete soon. This project was funded with a King County Youth Sports Facilities grant, as well as money from Auburn Little League and the City. There is still work going on between the cities of Auburn, Pacific and Sumner to find ways to connect the south end of the Interurban Trail to the Foothills Trail in Pacific, Algona, Sumner and Puyallup. Another upcoming project is the phase one park improvements at the park site located next to the Lakeland Hills Community Center Building. We are obtaining permits; phase one is the installation of soil, the irrigation system, walks, and may include a play structure. AU$U~~.N ~ MC7RE THAN YOU IMAGINED Park Board Minutes Page 3 of 3 We have a busy season of construction planned this year, as well as lots of events over the next six months. While some of our programs wound down in December, other programs are beginning for all of our participant groups that include adult and youth sports, special population sports and activities, Around the Bell -our before and after school program, and the start of our on-line registration capabilities. The Web Site is undergoing new design, so be sure to check it out. It should be ready the end of the month. VI. Department Report VII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. AUBUF~N * MC7RE THAN Y4v IMAGINED