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