Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/24/2015

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Councilmember Shryock stated she lives off Emerald Pond Park in an urban area where a lot of residents, because they are busy, have their own play equipment so children play in that way. She felt it was almost an automatic given that people provide their own play equipment in their yards. She stated there is other infrastructure to be considered, such as trails, noting most of the proposed yards will be of reasonable size and able to accommodate private play structures. Councilmember Shryock felt that should suffice at this point, so she does not support requiring a dedicated City park within this development. Planning Commission Chair Levine stated the Planning Commission wrestled with that point and came up with the same conclusion and that the Elementary School is across the street and provides a larger -sized play area for younger and up through teen -aged children. He noted the school has vey nice play equipment. Mayor Strommen agreed the Elementary School is an incredible resource and the Council will need to address how to assure safe crossing of Highway 5 to access that play equipment. She stated if that is supported, she would want the City to address that concern with the County. Councilmember Johns pointed out that Solstice Park is not that far away and does not involve the need to cross Highway 5. She suggested using resources to create safe access to Solistice Park, creating connection for a park experience for younger children. Community Development Director Gladhill noted the location of a City -owned outlot that could be used to increase pedestrian connectivity to Solstice Park. Councilmember Williams stated she respects the thoughtful recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, noting the City's larger parks provide a recreational experience for its residents. Councilmember Kuzma stated because his children are older, he had not thought about the issue of park experience for younger children and he also respects the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Acting Mayor LeTourneau noted that requiring park land may also impact the financial feasibility for the developer to move forward with this development. Councilmember Williams asked about staff's comment on an encroachment use of private property. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that was a discussion topic raised at the meeting, that the City maintains the stormwater pond at the old Municipal Center. He stated the idea was more than maintaining the stormwater pond but whether additional density transitioning could be created. Councilmember Riley stated with density transitioning, it most often involves going from large lots to small lots but in this case it is the opposite. He noted the abutting lots would be larger so City Council Work Session / February 24, 2015 Page 4 of 10