Minutes of the July 15, 2004
Longview-Kelso Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Members Present: Margaret Soderman, P.J. Enbusk, Buff Chambers, Carl Degner, and Ann
Brock
Members Absent: Scott Moultine, Mike Karnofski, Shelley Cosgrove, Jerry Phillips, and
Kirby McCoy
Kelso City Council Representative Present: Kathleen Johnson
Staff Present: Rich Bemm, Liz Davis, Dick Mueller, and Al George
Others Present: Paula Stoppler, Frances Weber, and Terry Reams
Without a quorum present, Chair, Margaret Soderman began the meeting to order at 7:05
p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Without a quorum present, the approval of the June board minutes was tabled.
Constituent Comments
Paula Stoppler, representing the Humane Society "Pet Trek" event distributed information
and gave a presentation about the history Pet Trek. She then requested permission to hold this
year’s Pet Trek at Tam O'Shanter Park in September and asked that they be allow to invite
"for-profit" vendors to sell their goods at the event. Ms. Stoppler asked for an exception to
the park policy which prohibits for-profit vendors in city parks. Kathleen Johnson suggested
they make a presentation to the Kelso City Council. The board felt the event had merit, but
opinions were mixed regarding the appropriateness of allowing the Humane Society to make
space available to for-profit vendors.
Frances Weber, a neighbor of Rotary Park on Burcham Street in Kelso, wanted to go on
record that she is opposed to the proposed skate park at that location. Rich said there are no
funds available for the project to move forward at this time however, he assured Ms. Weber
that a public meeting would take place prior to the project beginning.
Terry Reams, representing the Kelso Highlander Festival Committee addressed the board
regarding a permanent staging location for the dance competition. Mr. Reams said that a
portable stage was built with donated materials from the Weyerhaeuser Foundation. They
would like to install a cement slab (12' x 40') to place it on, noting the committee had the
funds to complete the project. Buff favored the project and supported its approval with the
understanding that a cover would be installed in the future. All board members present were
in favor of this project.
Board Member Comments
Margaret said she had received requests from two senior center members regarding several
issues. One issue was marking pickle ball courts at the Vandercook Park tennis courts. Rich
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said this issued was discussed a few months ago by the Board and they were given
permission to paint lines at Rotary Park in Longview where the courts are used less than the
ones at Vandercook Park. The seniors would also like to offer more trips. Dick Mueller
responded by stating there is a new board at the Senior Center that wishes to change the
Operating Boards relationship with the city. Trips fall under the Park and Recreation
Department’s jurisdiction because they help to subsidize the cost of having a staff member at
the center.
Park board members indicated they would like a list of parks and their corresponding
addresses.
Reports
Park Maintenance
Al distributed his monthly report, noting that labor to repair vandalism was up in June. This
does not including the vandalism to Japanese Island which occurred in July. He said the grass
at Lake Sacajawea did not recover as expected after the Go 4th event therefore, the Go 4th
Committee will be looking at the possibility of restricting the placement of tarps on the
ground to times only after 5 pm.
He also said that the RA Long electrical project will begin on July 19th with donated labor
from Renaud Electric.
The new parks supervisor, Curt Nedved, will begin work on August 2nd, replacing Scott
Zlotnik.
Recreation
Dick Mueller distributed this written report and highlighted the Teen National Youth
Congress teen leadership program.
He also noted that the 21st Century program will use only academic components next year
and not recreation services.
Dick acknowledged the major sponsors for the summer concerts series as; Kirkpatrick
Family Care, Monticello Hotel and Northern Lights Bingo.
Director
Seniors at Council - Rich said that several seniors attended a recent Longview city council
meeting seeking support for a new facility. He noted the current buildings capacity is 385,
and their current membership is less than 375. The largest events are the lunches and
entertainment which draw between 25-50 seniors.
Columbia Theatre Tree Removal - A new marquee is being installed at the theatre and their
board is asking for several trees to be removed because they block the view. Rich suggested
that with some trimming, sight lines may be improved to the point that some of the trees may
not need to be removed. Al suggested that the trees be trimmed after the marquee is up. Staff
was concerned about setting a precedent if the trees were removed for the purpose of opening
up views for signage. Board members felt we should wait until autumn when the leaves fall
and the sign is up before making a decision.
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New Playground Equipment at 7th Avenue Park - Rich said the playground equipment has
arrived and crews are scheduled to begin demolition of the current equipment on July 26th.
Barnes After School Program - Rich noted that 21st Century and 4H are currently sponsoring
a program at Barnes. Staff is suggesting moving our component of this program to Catlin
School to benefit more students. Discussion with the principal at Catlin School will
continue.
Tree Board
In addition to his written report, Al noted that many of the Thundercloud plum trees are
producing fruit this year. The crew will spray them in the future to prevent this occurrence.
Old Business
No old business was brought before the board.
New Business
No new business was brought before the board.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded at 8:35 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, August 19th in Longview.
Submitted by:
Secretary to the Board
Park Board Minutes 3 July 15, 2004
Memorandum
To: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
CC: Rich Bemm, Director, Parks & Recreation
From: A. L. George, Superintendent of Parks
Date: 11/4/2011
Re: Board Report for period of June 4 through July 2
Labor for vandalism for the period of June 4 through June 26 was $1,055.62. The two top
areas for vandalism during this period was Tam O’Shanter Park and Rotary Park Kelso.
This does not include the vandalism to the Japanese Garden on July 8, 2004.
Donators for materials have been obtained and project to upgrade and extend electrical
system at R. A. Long Park will begin on Monday the 19th. This is the project that was
reported earlier that is being spearheaded and administered by the Christmas Lighting
Committee and Renaud Electric will do the installation. Our division will participate by
doing the trenching. In that way we can repair irrigation lines and electrical lines that
control the automatic irrigation system. This first phase will be to install the panels and lay
the conduit. Wire will be pulled later when funds are available.
It has been a tough month preparing for the Fourth of July celebration. (The schedule that I
am providing are the tasks that we do in support of the event and in addition to the regular
daily maintenance of the parks)
A special effort was made to fertilize and water the turf to get it in good condition before the
event. However, tarps destroyed our efforts by cooking the green grass on the day of the
fourth. (Pictures available)
Routine maintenance of all areas
Once again, Lake Sacajawea won the “Readers Choice Award” as the “Best Local Park”.
Set up for the “Concerts in the Park” was completed.
Bleachers were loaned, repaired and delivered to LCC for the World Series next month.
Swanson’s Fuel donated bark mulch for the Tennant Way Longview sign. We sprayed for
weeds, they weed whipped them down after they had absorbed the chemical and applied the
mulch with their blower truck.
A new supervisor, Curt Medved, has accepted our offer of employment. He will be re-
locating from Phoenix, Arizona and reporting for work on July 30 th.
TREE REPORT
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The Thundercloud plum trees have presented a severe problem this year. A huge number of
trees have reverted from ornamental to fruit bearing trees. At least 50% of our citizen
requests have been broken limbs, or limbs hanging extremely low. (Pictures will be
available at the meeting.) Chipping branches that are loaded with fruit are clogging the
machine which has to be cleaned after pruning approximately three trees. Since there are
approximately 1600 plum trees and small staff, we are unable to check each tree for fruiting.
We will have to anticipate fruiting next year and spray to prevent fruiting next year, if
weather allows.
Pruned 209 trees
Removed 9 trees
Removed one stump
One limb failure of an elm caused major damage to vehicle. (Pictures available at the
meeting.)
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Date: July 12, 2004
To: Richard Bemm, Director of Parks and Recreation
From: Dick Mueller, Recreation Superintendent
Subject: June 2004 Recreation Program & Facility Report
Discover the Benefits of Parks & Recreation
Experience Recreation for Life! We serve the community with quality opportunities to
play, learn, and grow.
Parks & recreation services support economic development. Recreation programs and
facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as attract tourists. Parks and
recreation provides jobs and generates income for the community and for local
businesses.
“Jake’s parents took his TV time away. Punishment or prize? Good health and
happiness starts at home – and in the more than half a million parks and recreation
centers across the country. Parks are where kids learn to swim, hit a curve ball or head
for on a beautiful day to enjoy life. Imagine life without them? So be active, volunteer,
and support parks and recreation. Make an investment that improves your health and
your happiness – for a lifetime. It starts in parks! Healthy Lifestyles, Livable
Communities.” Source: National Recreation & Park Association.
Youth
There were six youth enrichment classes during June with 92 children attending. New
classes included several Kids in the Kitchen day camps.
Surveys from Guitar class and Kids in the Kitchen classes reported that 100% learned &
improved a new skill, 100% were satisfied with the class, 100% met people & developed
relationships and 83% gained personal development & growth.
One volunteer assisted with preschool youth programs and volunteered eight hours.
The out of school “Super Hours” program was held at six elementary schools in June.
School Site Registered Daily Average Monthly Attend Staff/Youth Ratio
Barnes 21 6 75 1:3
Kessler 50 25 399 1:12
Northlake 46 21 341 1:11
Robert Gray
morning 136 33 523 1:11
afternoon 135 27 426 1:13
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St. Helens 50 25 482 1:12
Wallace 228 66 750 1:10
The canine club visited after school programs this month to present pet care and safety.
Three parents were involved in the out of school programs during the month. They
assisted with planning, providing resources and helping at program sites.
Teen
The National Youth Congress teen leadership program is a grant funded pilot program
through the National & Washington Recreation & Park Associations. There are three
components of this leadership program which are a youth forum, leadership training and
volunteer internship/service. We held the NYC Town Hall Forum at the Red Lion Hotel
with 90 young people attending. The established topics were night life, recreation
opportunities and youth violence. Facilitators were from youth serving agencies and
organizations around the county. Community volunteers donated 33 hours to help
organize and facilitate the forum. The data collected will be sent to the National Youth
Congress and made available to local community leaders.
NYC forum Question - What do you hope will come about for youth in future months as
a result of this Forum? “For parts of the community to change.” “That things will
change.” “Better community.” “Everything we talked about will happen.” “Things that
I wanted to improve will be taken into consideration or improved.” “Take care of the
community.” “I will try to make my community a better place.” “No violence, safety,
fun and more available things to do.” “Better hangouts.”
Staff interviewed teens that applied for the NYC junior leader program. There were 17
youth that applied and were selected for the junior leader program. They spent two days
training with TRICS curriculum (trust, respect, integrity, consistency & self esteem).
Fourteen of the teens spent a total of 196 hours training. Internships (volunteer service)
will begin in July with placement at Catlin Center, Barnes School, Seaquest State Park,
Longview Library, Youth Day Camps, Huntington School and Catlin Pool.
Seven Junior Leaders gained job skills, learned leadership and earned job experienced as
they recorded 70 hours to help plan and conduct youth programs.
We sent six teenagers to Cispus on scholarships provided by Altrusa International of
Cowltiz County, Farm Forestry and the Soil Conservation District. They spent one week
learning leadership skills and about environmental education.
Catlin Center is open after school and had 94 registered teenagers that attended 359
times. This is an average daily attendance of 18 teens and a staff to participant ratio of
1:9.
Late Night was held four Friday nights at the YMCA with 157 registered teenagers
attending 426 times. This is an average of 107 teens each night for a staff to participant
ratio of 1:13.
21st Century Community Learning Centers
In collaboration with the middle and junior high schools, we offered after school
recreation programs to complement academic classes. The school year programs ended
on June 10. The middle school, junior high schools and high schools do not have the
grant funds in future years to offer the programs we have been conducting.
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School Site Registered Daily Average Monthly Attend Staff/Youth Ratio
Coweeman 26 22 177 1:11
Huntington 80 52 418 1:26
Family Programs & Events
There were six family classes with 38 participants attending. These are classes that a
parent or caregiver and child attend together. The classes have a recreational or
educational emphasis and provide quality time for children and their parent to be
together. New family classes held this month were Half Notes Music Development and
Letterboxing.
We hosted the annual Juneteenth Celebration in collaboration with the Ethnic Support
Council with approximately 100 people attending this cultural event held at the
McClelland Center.
Free fishing day was held at the lake with 40 people participating in this state wide event.
We partnered with the Cowlitz Game and Anglers Club who provided five volunteers
that donated a total of 20 hours to conduct the event.
Adult
There were 18 adult classes held this month with 121 participants. New enrichment
classes included natural skin blends, Pilates, outdoor photography and a history program
at the historical museum.
Three classes were randomly evaluated with 27 responses collected. The participants
reported that 100% enjoyed their class & were satisfied, 100% said class met their
expectations and 100% said the instructor was enthusiastic & made good use of time.
CoRec softball began with 24 teams having 336 players held at Roy Morse Park. There
are three divisions which are set up by playing and skill level.
Adults 55 & Over
Special events included Strawberry Shortcake Social with 25 and Men’s Day serving 30
people.
Health and safety programs include a driving safety class that served 23, foot care having
three and blood pressure checks with five. The driving class is made possible through a
partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons. Peace Health provides the
blood pressure clinic as a community service.
There were three ongoing weekly programs this month serving 134 participants that
attended 619 times. These programs included line dancing, bridge and woodcarving.
Weekly entertainment and lunch programs served 55 people who attended 199 times on
Tuesday and Thursday. Three different groups provided music entertainment during
lunch.
A van trip went to the Japanese Garden in Portland with 9 people. The monthly walk was
at Seaquest Park with six people taking advantage of this fitness opportunity that is a
partnership with Mt. Saint Helens Hiking Club.
Volunteers donated 48 hours of time for programs at the Senior Center during the month.
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Therapeutic (programs for developmentally disabled individuals)
The “Saturday Night Social Club” was held on four Saturday evenings at Catlin Center
with 102 registered participants attending 172 times. This program includes activities,
games, snacks, music, contests, education and social interaction.
Special Olympics continued the spring sports season at school and park locations. There
were 15 athletes in swimming, seven participating in track and 10 in soccer. Our
department sponsors the regional Special Olympics program. Only athletes that are
advancing to state completions continued this month.
Eighteen therapeutic volunteers donated 128 hours to programs and events during June.
Staff & Volunteers
Thirteen aquatic staff members attended a total of 670 hours of training to prepare for the
summer season programs at Catlin Pool.
Eleven teen staff spent 48 total hours training in preparation for summer programs.
Youth training provided 11 staff members summer training for a total of 81 total hours.
Two staff members attended the Stan Rister Stadium, in Tam O’Shanter Park, dedication
ceremony held at the Red Lion Hotel.
We are involved in attending a Highlander Festival meeting to assist with the event and
coordinate the park use.
Staff attended two juvenile probation orientations to inform parents and youth offenders
about the positive activities teens can get involved in to keep out of trouble. Staff
presented a high school health class with information on summer programs and
opportunities.
Volunteers donated 307 hours at youth, teen, therapeutic and senior programs during the
month.
Donations & Contributions
Summer concert sponsors donated $18,000 in cash to pay all direct costs of the seven
family summer concerts that have a cultural emphasis at Lake Sacajawea Park. The title
sponsor is Kirkpatrick Family Care who donated $6,000. Major sponsors include The
Monticello Restaurant, NCS with a $5,000 contribution and Northern Lights with a
$7,000 donation to sponsor a nationally known A Capella entertainment group.
The out of school programs received a donation of paint and craft supplies from two
parents having a value of $50.
At the Senior Center this month, the United Way funds paid $250 for entertainment in
collaboration with the lunch program. Sterling Health Insurance provided the dessert and
door prizes for the senior social having an estimated value of $100.
Facilities
Day use rentals included five at Tam O’Shanter, two at Lake Sacajawea, and one at 7th
Avenue.
The Woman’s Club Building had eight nonprofit, one government and one private rental.
McClelland Center use consisted of two nonprofit uses, three government and three
private rentals.
Youth sports organizations used park sport fields and recreation facilities 529 times.
School programs used park fields and recreation facilities 28 times.
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Adult sports programs rented park fields 74 times during the month. Recreation adult
softball programs used fields 52 times.
There are 44 garden plots rented this season at the park property on 32nd Avenue.
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