Ryan Reding

The meeting included updates from special guests: the President of Friends of Manito, the Executive Director of the Parks Foundation regarding grant awards, and Executive Directors from the Senior and Youth Community Centers (SYSCA). Financial reports indicated that Parks and Recreation Fund revenue was tracking at 103% of the projected budget, with expenditures at 101%. The Golf Fund revenue tracked at 156%. A primary discussion involved amending an agreement between the City of Spokane Utilities Division and the Parks and Recreation Department regarding design review, environmental decommissioning, the Urban Forestry Program, and establishing a 20-year term with a 2.9% CPI starting January 1, 2016. After contentious motions, the Board approved a final document that corrects typos, amends Urban Forestry language, incorporates resolution changes, and includes Park Board design review and decommissioning measures. Committee reports detailed several action items, including the approval of a contract for the Manito Rose Garden Gazebo construction, approval of the Franklin Complex Alcohol Policy for concessions vendors during adult games, and approval of contracts for the South Channel Bridge specifications, GCCM Advisory, light and sound concept, and Concession Supply for Riverfront Park projects. The Finance Committee approved a $137,000 Capital Expenditure for the Golf Fund, involving a transfer and a loan from the Park Fund.

Key discussions and actions included approving claims for January 2017 and December 2016. The Board received updates from SYSCA regarding their 2016 highlights and the Next Generation Zone partnership, which involves students interning in Parks summer programs. Committee reports covered several action items, such as approving the low bid for the Looff Carrousel facility construction, a language amendment and contract extension for Desautel Hege, and approving the 2017 senior and community center contracts. Other significant items involved approving construction alternates for the Recreational Rink queuing canopy, awarding the contract for the Shadle Park stage and lighting project, and addressing various design addendums for the Rotary Fountain and West Havermale Island projects. The Board also discussed the contract amendment for project management services with Hill International and reviewed the January 2017 expenditure claims and Riverfront Park bond utilization.

The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered minutes from the previous regular meeting, October claims, and several contract amendments related to Meadowglen Park design and cultural resource assessments for Shields Park Trailhead. Special guests provided a quarterly update on the Spokane Youth and Senior Centers' Association, noting high participation hours and volunteer contributions, along with facility upgrades. The financial report indicated that Park Fund revenues exceeded expenditures year-to-date, while the Golf Fund showed expenditures above the two-year average despite strong revenues exceeding expenditures year-to-date. A major discussion item focused on the levy implementation framework, detailing the anticipated annual funding of $12 million over 20 years, primarily for capital projects, with a projected $9.5 million for year one (2026). Committee reports detailed updates on ongoing work, including a cancellation of the Urban Forestry Tree Committee meeting and discussion by the Land Committee regarding an alternative use request for the American Indian Community Center. The President commended a City Council liaison for their service and partnership, particularly regarding the passage of the levy.

The meeting began with the approval of consent agenda items, which included the minutes from the December 19, 2019, special Park Board meeting and the December 2019 claims totaling $2,908,597.19. The financial report indicated strong performance for the Parks Fund revenue (121.27% of projected budget) and Golf Fund revenue (112.78% of projected budget), while noting that of the $68.39 million Riverfront Park Bond, $54.54 million had been expended. A Nomination Committee was appointed to recommend 2020 Park Board officers. Key action items involved the Finance Committee's report, which included the approval of the Spokane Public Facilities District land lease and the joint use agreement for the SportsPlex facility, passing with a 7-0-1 vote (one recusal). The board also received committee reports covering Urban Forestry, Golf, Land, Recreation, Riverfront Park, and Finance committees, noting that most committees did not meet in January. The Park Board President expressed appreciation for collaborative work and highlighted upcoming 2020 projects including the SportsPlex and Riverfront Park redevelopment. The Director reported on the Mayor's recent swearing-in ceremony and provided an update on progress for the Riverfront Park redevelopment.

The agenda for the Spokane Park Board meeting included a roll call and the minutes from the July 13, 2017, Regular Park Board meeting. Key discussions covered a SYSCA quarterly update from guest directors, claims for July 2017, and a financial report and budget update. Committee reports featured several action items: the Land Committee addressed the Finch Arboretum Master Plan, a contract for the Rochester Heights project, and funding for the Fish Lake Trail crack sealing project. The Riverfront Park Committee focused heavily on numerous change orders related to the Walker Construction and Contractors Northwest Inc. contracts for the South Bank East and the Recreational Rink and SkyRide facility, alongside budget amendments. The Finance Committee reviewed a list of potential items to be funded by excess fund balance and the 2018 budget calendar and guidelines. Correspondence included matters concerning the Pavilion design, climbing wall, and shrubbery removal in Coeur d'Alene Park.