HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-2011Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, December 4, 2011
5:30 p.m.
Auburn Senior Activity Center, Rotary Room
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:36 by Vicki Gilthvedt. Those attending in addition to Dr. Gilthvedt
were David Domenowski, John Webley, Greg Dobbs and Julie Parascondola. Department staff present
were Parks Maintenance Manager Mike Miller, Environmental Protection Manager Chris Anderson,
Environmental Planner Jamie Kelly, Planning Intern Gary Yao, Parks Secretary Julie Mehl.
II. Minutes
The minutes of the October meeting were accepted as written.
III. Committee Member Input
A. Greg Dobbs stated the sound system at the Santa Parade & Tree Lighting did not project well enough
for all to hear. Mike Miller will make some adjustments for next year to improve.
B. David Domenowski has received good input regarding the off leash area at Roegner Park. Mike Miller
added that he will work on getting running water this winter. Benches will be added as well. David
asked about the ball field, Mike responded the school district owns, and it is swampy. David asked about
extending the dog park, Mike said the plan is to expand toward the parking lot and swap the small dog
area with the large dog area. Funding is the only issue.
IV. Correspondence /Public Input
V. Old Business
VI. New Business
VII. Department Report
Chris Anderson reports on the status of the Environmental Park and Boardwalk located at 15th St NW and
Main St (to south). The first phase has been the east side of the project location, phase two is the west
side. In the late 1990's the city acquired land and designated it as an environmental park. Last fall the
city acquired the final portion of the land. In 2007 the city received a state grant for wetland mitigation.
The city is currently working with the state for wetland mitigation bank. A bird observation tower has
been built and the city is in the process of building the boardwalk /trail from Main street to the bird tower
on Western Ave. The city received a $120,000 grant which the city matched for a total budget of
$240,000. The Washington Conservation Corp signed on for a one year stint, they will be constructing
the boardwalk as a cost savings measure. It will cost $45,000 for the construction labor and the city will
pay for materials. This will be very physical work as vehicles can not be driven to the site, all supplies
must be packed in. The amenities will include benches, signage and bike racks and will be sponsored by
local organizations.
Jamie Kelly reports the boardwalk will be .24 mile and will include three viewing platforms. It will be 30"
off the ground including kickerboards and there will be hand rails for areas higher than 30 ". There will
be trash and recycle bins and picnic tables near the bird tower. Currently working on design ideas for
the Main Street entrance. The area will be ADA accesible. Had to mitigate for impact on vegetation.
Held a fall planting project, on the first day 650 plants were planted, the second day 1,100 plants were
planted. There is 400' remaining to build (boardwalk), February is the target completion date with a
grand opening in March. There are currently seven parking spots and some on street parking, working
on acquiring more parking.
Gary Yao reports that it has been a challenge getting citizens aware of the attraction. There will be signs
on Hwy 167 and eight interpretive signs at the park for educational purposes. The features of the
wetland are storm water filtration and habitat for wildlife. The 2 x 3 interpretive signs will have
removable panels for rotating exhibits. They will be made of 100% recycled material and will be graffiti
resistant. The vegetation areas are considerably different (and seasonal) as you walk down the
boardwalk. Hope to have one or two more volunteer days before the Spring grand opening. The
maintenance should be minimal as we are using pressure treated wood. May need to pressure wash and
maintain some vegetation. Mayor Lewis has requested a special set of rules & regulations for this unique
attraction. The nearby residents are positive about the project and the hope is for them to be the "eyes
and ears" of the park.
Mike Miller reports on the various volunteer projects done throughout the year. In his 24 years with the
city he has overseen 72 Eagle Scout projects. The projects for 2011 include:
A. Dorothy Bothell park — Dry riverbed was constructed using left over rocks from Discovery Playground.
B. 22 Crab Apple trees planted along 81" St (Neighborhood tree grant).
C. 28 Kwanza Cherry trees were planted at Les Gove park to bring the number back up to 100.
D. 38 Kousa Dogwood trees were planted on Park Ave.
E. Life preserver kiosk was installed at Isaac Evans park. All preservers are missing but will be
replaced.
F. Girl Scout troop built benches around the fire pit at Game Farm Wilderness campground.
G. 13 wheel chair accessible planter boxes were built at the community garden. A bench with an arbor
was built as well.
H. There have been numerous service projects (church or school groups) helping to remove invasive
vegetation such as ivy in locations where spraying is not allowed (near rivers).
I. A mural was painted by high school students on the trail near the A St bridge.
J. Recurring volunteers, the Auburn Garden Club — the city buys 120 plant starts, keep them in the
greenhouse and replants in 4" pots. This saves the city a considerable amount of money. The club
also adopted the Backyard Idea Garden.
One nice thing about these projects is that the volunteers take ownership and report any graffiti or
broken equipment.
During Clean Sweep we have an average of 600 volunteers each year.
In 2011 we have recorded 1,400 volunteer hours. Dick Richards has recorded 800 hours as well at the
Backyard Idea Garden.
AUBURN * M01tL THAN YOU IMAGINED
VIII. Adjoumment
A. The meeting was adjoumed at 6:45 pm.
Approved this -� Day of � . 20�
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Michael Hassen, CFiair
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Daryl Faber; Director
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