MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS November 7, 2016

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS November 7, 2016 PRESENT: Excused: PLACE: Erik Hanberg, President Andrea Smith, Clerk Tim Reid Aaron Pointer Jessie K. Baines, Jr. Metro Parks Tacoma Headquarters The meeting was called to order by President Hanberg at 5:30pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES JUNE 20, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Commissioner Pointer moved to adopt the minutes as presented; seconded by Commissioner Smith and passed on a vote of 4-0 (Commissioner Baines being excused) RECOMMENDED WORK PLAN & BUDGET Shon Sylvia began by reporting on the resources that he and staff have used to inform the recommended budget including community survey, advisory councils, public participation in capital projects, community outreach with staff liaisons, accreditation standards & best practices, and strategic partnership goals. Mr. Sylvia continued by commenting on some the major assumptions, drivers and impacts including a 15% increase in medical insurance coverage, minimum wage increases, a smaller percentage in property tax collection increases then in years past, as well as costs associated with new assets being brought on-line. District Sustainability in the areas of environmental, social and economic was outlined by Mr. Sylvia as being the foundation of the District s focus for the biennium. The District will do this by creating efficiencies in the District s systems and technology, continuing to collaborate and formalize governmental agreements, evaluating the structure and organization development to manage and grow staff talent, continued management of the capital bond program, and removing barriers to park and recreation programs. An organization chart for the District as well as a District budget summary were briefly discussed. Staff pointed out an increase in revenue due to new assets being brought on line as well as increases in attendance. Staff also pointed out a new increase in revenues due to many MOUs for contract for services with the City that are coming on-line.

2 Marina Becker was introduced to highlight core services being provided by the Parks and Natural Resources department: Preserve, protect and provide safe, well-maintained parks, natural areas, attractions and facilities to serve present and future generations Promote connection between people & the natural world Facilitate water access to the Puget Sound Waterways Provide accessible, playable and community-oriented golf experiences Provide historic and cultural preservation, interpretation and education. Promote and adhere to conservation ethics and environmentally sustainable practices Operational Highlights noted by Ms. Becker included: Revise operational structure for Conservatory /Greenhouse enhancing programming, operations and mission delivery Enrich Point Defiance visitor experiences, communication and safety through programs & interactions with Park Ranger and Ambassadors, engage and educate through citizen science, Jr. Ranger and other programs Continue emphasis on safety through operational enhancements and collaboration with TPD, RPD, TFD and Pierce County. Collaborate with TPS for integration of SAMI in Point Defiance and to advance consolidated maintenance complex concept Increase 4,000 volunteer Chip-In hours through partnerships, friends of groups, park patrols and sponsors, 20% increase in small events Transition kayak rental operation to Marina from Owen Beach concessionaire Integration of pre-packaged wine and beer sales in tackle shop Explore programming opportunities utilizing the enhanced driving range and learning center Host Special Olympics State Golf Championship in 2018 A Parks and Natural Resources organization chart was reviewed along with summary budget numbers. The Point Defiance Marina and Meadow Park financials were also briefly reviewed with both projecting a positive bottom line. Dave Lewis was introduced to highlight core services being provided by the Recreation and Community Services department: Programs - In concert with other departments, deliver and/or partner with other agencies to offer a balance of recreation and educational programs to all Tacoma citizens: Sports & Aquatics Visual and Performing Arts Fitness & Wellness Facilities - Manage and operate community centers and other recreational facilities in key geographic quadrants throughout the city Access for Underserved Populations - Provide special focus on social equity programs to remove barriers and give access to underserved populations: youth, seniors and individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.

3 Operational Highlights noted by Mr. Lewis included: Transition out of Portland Avenue Community Center and open Eastside Community Center. Implement a district-wide community center membership option that is valid for use of all centers; investigate opportunity to promote a loyalty model. Work with Fifty and Better (FAB) program to collaborate with the City of Tacoma on programs and location for seniors. Explore opportunity to contract out Adult Sports through alternative providers. Enhance partnership between Aquatics and TPS Innovative Schools (Thrive) as a way to reach more minorities and students of color to learn to swim Increase county resident participation in Specialized Recreation program with additional funding assistance from Pierce County. Continue to manage Polar Plaza on behalf of the City of Tacoma. Evaluate Go Guide format, production and distribution. Expand Financial Assistance Program by raising maximums from $100/$500 to $200/$1,000. Increase opportunities for elementary afterschool programs with other offerings such as lacrosse, martial arts, and art. Collaborate with City of Tacoma to continue to enhance public art. A Recreation & Community Services organizational chart was reviewed along with summary budget numbers. Current vacancies within the department were noted. There was brief discussion amongst the board and staff to clarify subsidy. Gary Geddes was introduced to highlight core services being provided by Zoological and Environmental Education Department: Conservation & Research Shark, Tiger, Red Wolf, Climate Change, Paws for a Cause Environmental Education Programs, Field Trips, Teacher Resources, Career Programs, Zoo to You, Explore Outdoors, Citizen Science Serve as a leader in environmentally sustainable practices by promoting and adhering to conservation ethics Operational Highlights noted by Mr. Geddes included: Prepare for AZA Accreditation inspection spring 2017 Open New Pacific Seas Aquarium summer 2018 Design Polar Bear Exhibit in 2017 for construction in 2018 (opening 2019) Collaborate and partner with the Zoo Society on capital campaign in support of aquarium project Advance community conservation engagement through realignment of education programs for ZEED in collaboration with other MPT departments Continue conservation project funding via the Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund

4 Provide instructional support and guidance for the integration of the Science & Math Institute (SAMI) Work closely with MPT Planning to implement the parking strategy Collaborate and partner with the Northwest Trek Foundation on a new bald eagle exhibit Advance our field conservation work and support of local conservation initiatives Advance community conservation engagement through realignment of education programs with other MPT departments Expand the citizen science programming Enhance and maximize our relationship with volunteers, including interns and volunteer groups A ZEED organizational chart was reviewed along with summary budget numbers. Mr. Geddes commented on the succession planning within leadership that has been occurring over the past couple of years. He also commented that attendance will be impacted over the biennium with the construction going on at the zoo. Debbie Terwilleger was introduced to highlight core services being provided by the Planning and Development department: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning, design & development District-wide project management and contract administration Capital funding strategy/package development & implementation Integrated park, open space, trail, park and infrastructure planning Cultural and Historic asset management District-wide oversight and regulatory compliance for capital development (ADA, SEPA, cultural/historic preservation, 1% for the Arts) Interdepartmental emergency and continuity of operations planning Operational Highlights noted by Ms. Terwilleger included: Community Parks Eastside Community Center Athletic Facility Partnerships Wapato Park--Docks Oak Tree Park Charlotte s Blueberry Park Seymour Conservatory Masterplan Updates: Titlow Park Hidden Beach Swan Creek District-wide District Wide Priority- Small Caps Shared Maintenance Facility Joint CIP Planning (City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools)

5 Trail Coordination with City of Tacoma Expanded Public Access to Park-Related Historic and Cultural Resources District-wide Land Acquisition Plan Ruston Way Corridor Planning Regional Parks Destination Point Defiance Waterfront Phase 1 Triangle Development Point Defiance Management Agreement (COT) Pacific Rim Aquarium PDZA Rocky Shores Environmental Learning Center Viewpoints/Loop Trail Owen Beach Fort Nisqually Parking and Circulation Plan Marina Development Plan Future TPS-MPT joint facilities Camp Six/Baker Tract New Park on the Peninsula A Planning and Development organizational chart was reviewed along with summary budget numbers for the department along with a CIP funding summary. Several handouts articulating the CIP plan were distributed. Shon Sylvia highlighted the core services for Governance & Direction Department: Marketing and Resource Development Communications and Public Affairs Strategy and Innovation Organizational Development and Human Resources Finance and Accounting Services Operational Highlights noted by Mr. Sylvia included: Complete 2017 Classification & Compensation Study for non-represented part-time staff Complete Comprehensive Talent Management Strategy and Plan of HR /JUST Program Fully implement a Volunteer Management Strategy Update the MPT Strategic Master Plan Implement the Data Analytics Program to serve all levels of staff throughout the agency MPT Legislative Agenda Coordinate and collaborate public celebrations of the Eastside Community Center, Wilson Way pedestrian bridge, peninsula park, aquarium and numerous smaller projects. Manage Intergovernmental work-plan initiatives.

6 Implement New Market Tax Credit allocation and structure for Eastside Community Center Explore potential for developer impact fee for parks with City of Tacoma A Governance and Direction organizational chart was reviewed along with summary budget numbers for the department. Key remaining dates for the Board and public input on the budget include the following: Nov. 9: ZEED Budget Presentation at ZTA Nov. 10: GMPF Budget Presentation Nov. 14: Public Hearing #1 Operating & Capital Budgets Nov. 21: COW Budget Discussion (if needed) Nov. 28: Budget Study Session and Public Hearing #2 First Reading of Budget Resolution Second Reading and Adoption of Tax Levies Dec. 12: Second Reading of Budget Resolution and Budget Adoption Board members asked about additional information on the new market tax credit source of funding being considered by the District. Staff responded that at the next COW meeting that item will be brought forward with additional detail. Commissioner Pointer requested that staff look into funding being allocated for Lincoln Park. Commissioner Reid requested that the public hearing include easier to read and understand spread sheets. Commissioner Hanberg indicated that looking ahead he is concerned about the projected tax revenues. OTHER ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, President Hanberg adjourned the meeting at 7:50p.m. APPROVED: President Clerk Submitted by: Jennifer Bowman, Secretary