Parks and Recreation Committee

Regular Meeting

Charleston, WV · March 25, 2021

Minutes

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING WEST HALL 1, CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER (THE VIDEO WAS ALSO MADE AVAILABLE AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM PER THE AGENDA) 5:30 P. M., MARCH 25, 2021 Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., JANUARY 28, 2021. Committee Members Present: Caitlin Cook, Chair Chad Robinson, Vice Chair Jeanine Faegre (attended virtually over Zoom) Joseph Jenkins Deanna McKinney ABSENT: Pat Jones and Robert Sheets A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. 1. Slack Plaza Redesign – Mayor Goodwin stated that the Administration had received great feedback concerning the redesign of Slack Plaza/City Center over the past year. The Mayor added that no renovations had been put into Slack Plaza in over 15 years. The Administration has made a commitment to robust planning and programming. City Manager, Jonathan Storage, thanked the WV Department of Transportation Division of Highways for their partnership on the project. Through the grant that the City received, the Administration engaged in a comprehensive selection process for a design engineer. Thrasher Engineering was selected to help with the design and bidding of the project. Sam Rich, from Thrasher Engineering, presented their revitalization development plan to the Committee. Highlights of the presentation included:  Currently, Slack Plaza has been neglected, has expansive areas of pavement, a non-working fountain, outdated light fixtures, etc.  They considered: comfort, increase sociability, uses and activities and access and linkages.  Goals for the area: to revitalize and encourage the reuse of the space in a way that is sustainable.  There will be a walkway straight through the park with various interactive March 25, 2021 features, such as a shaded café area, public art/live wall, performance stage, food trucks, police station renovation with added public restrooms, seasonal features such as an ice rink, etc. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed that the presentation showed the final plans. Councilmember Cook confirmed that the green space will be real grass, and there will be electrical hook ups built into the light poles for the food trucks. Councilmember Jenkins asked what the time frame was for the project. Rich replied that the project will be put out to bid in March/April, construction would likely start sometime in early summer and completion by the end of the year. 2. Resolution No. 446-21 - Honoring the life and legacy of Patrolman Robert Edward Easley, Sr. by dedicating and naming the western wing of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, which is dedicated to afterschool programming, the “Robert Edward Easley, Sr. Annex”. Councilmember Cook stated that Robert Edward Easley, Sr. was a tremendous asset to the City of Charleston serving on the Police force, and is known as the “father of the after-school program.” Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the resolution. Councilmember McKinney seconded. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the affirmative, Resolution No. 446-21 was approved. Robert Edward Easley, Jr. thanked the Committee for the resolution. He added that he was honored and humbled to be his son. Carl W. Lawson Jr. spoke highly of Robert Edward Easley, Sr., and his impact on the City. 3. Update on Cato Park – with American Electric Power City Engineer, Chris Knox, stated that he had been involved in discussions with AEP over the past several months concerning the Capitol Hill Chemical Transmission Line Project. The project will go 6 miles from North Charleston to Capitol Hill. The portion that affects City-owned property is Cato Park. He added that there had been some misrepresented emails incorrectly stating that there will be a 50-foot section taken out of Cato Park. It is actually more like 15 feet (the existing trail is 10 feet). AEP is required to put a 2-foot ditch on approximately a 12-foot path. He added that they have worked around all of the large, older trees. The majority of the tree removal will be near Tower March 25, 2021 19. AEP has agreed to remove downed trees, replace the trail with the same gravel, replace the drains, etc. He added that they have also agreed to chip the treetops, remove downed limbs and create a natural curb for the trail. Frank Jenkins, representing AEP (over Zoom), stated that the project will address a thermal violation to increase capacity of the transmission line. Highlights of his presentation include:  They will use existing easement rights for ingress and egress, install additional wire on approximately 6 miles of power line and make upgrades at the Capitol Hill and Chemical substations.  Crews need to use access roads in areas where the power lines are too difficult to access along existing rights-of-way (in this case, the area is too step).  Their crews will also need to access 2 towers with all-terrain vehicles for Tower 18 and a bucket truck on Tower 19.  Work will begin April 5 (for access work that will last around 2 weeks), May 3 – June 4 (for wire-pulling activities) and June 4 (for reclamation activities). Jenkins added that the trails will have to be closed to the public during active work for safety reasons.  Their goal is to minimize impact to the community and the environment.  Their most recent examination of the path has led them to determine that they can create the access road to be 10-12 feet (as opposed to the 9-10-foot existing path). Councilmember McKinney asked where the misinformation came from. Knox replied that AEP had their surveyors initially flag the limits of the project based on the DEP approved permit of 50 feet wide. He assumed that the mistaken assumptions came from that. Councilmember Jenkins asked why the project was not listed on AEP’s website. Jenkins replied that it is a rehab project that does not acquire any new easements or existing lines, etc. Councilmember Faegre stated that she represents Ward 5 which contains Cato Park. She confirmed with Jenkins that the intention is to keep the access road to a maximum of 12 feet in most areas. He does not know who owns the additional access point in the area. They did determine that the environmental impact would be greater if they chose to incorporate that for their use. Councilmember Faegre asked if they tracked how many trees will be removed. Jenkins replied that they do not usually do so, but the inspectors involved will identify which trees will be cut beforehand. They do plan to avoid cutting the more mature trees. Councilmember Faegre asked about potential runoff to Garrison Avenue. Jenkins replied that their project will not increase any runoff whatsoever. It will improve the drainage around the trail system. Councilmember Faegre stated that there have been complaints about the trees that have already been torn down, and there is also concerns that the felled trees will roll down onto the road. Jenkins replied that he will make note to have the inspectors in the field address any possible issues. Councilmember Faegre expressed a concern shared by her constituents that an old oak March 25, 2021 tree will be cut down. She added that she appreciates and understands what they are doing, she hoped they will keep their impact to a minimum. From the audience, Councilmember Knauff asked how AEP made the assessment that runoff was not going to affect the area. Jenkins added that their plans are designed to handle the storm water and calculate the amount of runoff. They will not be making changes as to how the area drains in that way. Councilmember Knauff asked how frequently maintenance like this is done. Jenkins clarified that this specifically is a capital project brought about by a study. Maintenance (usually comprised of inspections) is probably done on the lines around once a year. Councilmember Robinson confirmed that with Jenkins that their approved permit from the DEP is 50-feet for the limit of disturbance. He also clarified the AEP plan is for a 12- to 15-foot-wide path with as minimum impact as possible. Councilmember Robinson also asked if there will be a substantial amount of timber. Jenkins replied that for this project, there should not be much. Councilmember Robinson confirmed that cut trees could be re-used on the trail (as crossings, etc.). In response to the public speakers, Councilmember McKinney requested that the Committee walk the trail to see it for themselves. Councilmember Robinson asked what authority the City has to change/stop this project. Knox replied that he did not think the City had any authority. City Attorney, Kevin Baker, added that AEP’s easement predates Cato Park and is perpetual in nature. He added that there is no way that the City could stop the project, but they have been working with AEP to try to mitigate the damage. Councilmember Faegre agreed with Councilmember McKinney’s request to walk the trail, adding that this should have happened months ago. 4. Public Speakers – all spoke about the AEP project in some manner  Robin Sizemore  Harvey Allen  David Schles  Mary Ellen O’Ferrel  Dennis Strawn  Robin Godfrey  Gail Bellamy  Jack Hoblitzell March 25, 2021 5. Update on Vandalia Pool Project - Councilmember Cook added that the Vandalia group did not have any new updates, however, the Parks and Recreation Department has determined that the project would be low-cost to the City. Councilmember Jenkins added that the project is for a community garden in the old Vandalia pool. 6. Discussion on Rec Centers and City Pools for Summer 2021 – Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, added that the Rec Centers have remained closed expect for e-learners. They are currently discussing the possibility of opening them for the summer with new programming. The have plans to get the pools operational for maintenance only until they are approved to open them. They have also done several events, such as the Halloween and Christmas drive-through events. She commended her team, Dax Miller (Facilities Manager), Jeremy Mullins (Maintenance Manager) and Jennifer Neil (Deputy Director). Sayles added that they have also added an after-school program to the North Charleston Center. 7. Update on Ballfields – Councilmember Cook stated that, currently, the Little League Ballfields at Bigley and Kanawha City will be maintained by Capital Midwestern, while the Oakmont and North Charleston Fields will be maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department until Charleston Central starts their season. The City typically starts to prepare their fields around the beginning of April. Councilmember Cook added that there are no updates to the playground on Bigley Avenue as they are still doing research for that. Councilmember Knauff stated that the baseball league president, Director Sayles and her team met earlier that day. He added that the league had done an amazing amount of work to get that field ready, including the ability to have travel tournaments. 8. Approval of Previous Minutes 1-28-2021 – Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 1-28-2021. Councilmember McKinney seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. March 25, 2021 Councilmember Robinson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember McKinney seconded. Meeting adjourned. March 25, 2021

Agenda

Packet

CITY OF CHARLESTON West Virginia Council Member – AT LARGE Caitlin Cook Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair 1534 Summit Drive Environment and Recycling Committee Charleston, WV 25302 Telephone: 304.543.4879 caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AND CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON AND CAN BE VIEWED LIVE VIA ZOOM Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, West Hall 1 Charleston, WV A meeting of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation will be held on March 25, 2021. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 PM. *Join via internet: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85806037141?pwd=SmlUREFabGtEKzRiWFh0TnI0aTlHQT09 Passcode: 150570 *Join via Telephone: (312) 626‐6799 or (929) 436‐2866 Webinar ID: 858 0603 7141 Agenda DISCUSSION REGARDING SLACK PLAZA REDESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PUBLIC SPEAKERS INTERESTED PUBLIC SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER AT THE CLERK’S TABLE IN PERSON NO EARLIER THAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS.A TOTAL OF 15 MINUTES WILL BE ALLOTED FOR SPEAKERS. UPDATE ON CATO PARK APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES 1. 1‐28‐2021 RESOLUTION NO. 446‐21 City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax Page | 1 of 1. Honoring Robert Easley Sr. UPDATE ON VANDALIA POOL PROJECT DISCUSSION ON REC CENTERS AND CITY POOLS FOR SUMMER 2021 UPDATE ON BALLFIELDS THE AGENDA WAS AMENDED 3‐22‐2021 CC/ns City Council | 501 Virginia Street, East | Post Office Box 2749 | Charleston, West Virginia 25330 www.charelstonwv.gov | 304.348.8179 | 304.348.8038 fax Page | 2 of MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30 P. M., JANUARY 28, 2021 *IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY. THE MEETING WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS A LIVE STREAM VIA ZOOM (PER THE AGENDA). Caitlin Cook, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation to order at 5:30p.m., JANUARY 28, 2021. Committee Members Present: Caitlin Cook, Chair Chad Robinson, Vice Chair Jeanine Faegre Joseph Jenkins Pat Jones Deanna McKinney (arrived at 5:43) ABSENT: Robert Sheets A roll call was taken, and it was determined that a quorum was present. 1. Approval of Previous Minutes 10-29-2020 – Councilmember Robinson motioned to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 10-29-2020. Councilmember Faegre seconded. There was no objection and the minutes were approved. 2. East End Dog Park – Councilmember Cook informed the Committee that work on the East End Dog Park had started. The beginning structure for one of the shaded areas has been installed as well as a separate area for smaller dogs with its own entrance and an ADA compliant picnic table. The Director of Parks and Recreation, Rashaun Sayles, is pleased with the progress of the park despite the time delays that the pandemic has caused. Councilmember Cook added that the original fencing had also been repaired. Remaining work to the park includes: determining the best method to prevent dogs from getting their heads stuck under the perimeter fence, the larger shade structure repairs, 2 additional benches, updating the water station (by repairing and adding a new water January 28, 2021 Page | 3 of fountain as well as a new dog washing station), an additional picnic table, 3 maple trees for shade and more grass seed and fertilizer. 3. Cato Park – Councilmember Cook reminded the Committee that there had been a generous anonymous donation to the City to be used for Cato Park. Some improvements may include: an archery course along the existing trails (for individual use and for competitions), a dog park (named in honor of fallen Patrolman Cassie Johnson) to be completed within 60-90 days with a water source to be included later. Councilmember Cook added that the walking/bike path that will go around the perimeter of the golf course will be partially paved for ADA compliance, with the goal for it to be completely paved in the future. Councilmember Jenkins asked why the entrance was so far away from the parking. Councilmember Cook replied that it is because of a steep incline in that area. Additionally, there is parking on the other side of the playground, close to the entrance of the dog park. Councilmember Faegre asked if there was an estimate to be able to add the water feature to the dog park, and Councilmember Cook stated she will get that information to her. 4. Skate Park – Councilmember Cook stated there will be a few changes to the final design for the skate park. It will be maintained by Parks and Recreation, and construction is set to start in the Spring. She added that there will be a variety of structures for various skill levels. The people that will be using the park have had input into its design. Mayor Goodwin added that they had been meeting with about 25 skaters in the area to gather their input. 5. Magic Island – Councilmember Cook added that there is a lot of space that isn’t being used. She requested that the Committee members think of possible additions to Magic Island that would be an attraction but would also accommodate frequent flooding. She suggested shelters for gatherings. Councilmember Faegre expressed concern over the homeless population in that area. 6. Look Ahead to Spring/Summer – Mayor Goodwin added that Councilmember Robinson had brought up issues with turfing some of the fields, and had gotten some pricing for that. They are looking into January 28, 2021 Page | 4 of securing funding to turf the MLK field as well as the Kanawha City field. Councilmember Robinson added that the goal is the make the MLK field multi-use with softball, baseball, football and soccer. Councilmember Cook added that Rec Centers remain open to e-learners and afterschool programs. They have seen consistent students in the North Charleston and Kanawha City Centers. There has not yet been a determination as to when the Centers will be fully open. Councilmember Cook added that renovations to the various Centers completed by the Parks and Recreation Department include: ADA restrooms, remodeled kitchen at MLK, flooring projects/upgrades to MLK, free public golf at Cato Park, updated lighting for the fields at North Charleston, free meals to all e-learners through partnership, back-to- school supplies for students through partnership, free shoes to school age kids through partnership, an afterschool program at Kanawha City through partnership, their first Pickle Ball Tournament, hosted an MLK Celebration, new public access computers at the North Charleston and MLK Centers, created hand-crafted Christmas decorations for outdoor display. Councilmember Cook commended the Department for adapting their Halloween and Christmas events during the pandemic. Councilmember Knauff asked for an update on the playground on Bigley Avenue. Sayles replied that they do intend to install a playground there this Spring. She was not sure if it will be the same type of playground, possibly with smaller, educational structures. Councilmember Robison added that ideally, they would be able to put a gate at the end of the alley for access to unloading/loading that would allow for the parking area to be closed off safely. Councilmember Knauff added that he will discuss it with the Board and Councilmember Bailey. Councilmember Faegre motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Robinson seconded. Meeting adjourned. January 28, 2021 Page | 5 of Resolution No. 446-21 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council: April 5, 2021 Introduced by: Referred to: Caitlin Cook and Tiffany Parks & Recreation Wesley-Plear 1 Resolution No. 446-21 - Honoring the life and legacy of Patrolman Robert Edward 2 Easley, Sr. by dedicating and naming the western wing of the Martin Luther King, Jr. 3 Community Center, which is dedicated to afterschool programming, the “Robert Edward 4 Easley, Sr. Annex”. 5 6 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was a native of Charleston, West Virginia, and 7 served honorably in the Charleston Police Department; and 8 9 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was one of only a few Black Charleston Police 10 Department members during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s; and 11 12 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was known as the “peacemaker” for his ability to 13 find solutions to problems while transcending race, color, religion, gender, and creed; 14 and 15 16 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was given the 1963 Officer of the Year Award, 17 earned the medal of valor, and received multiple Officer of the Month recognitions; and 18 19 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. helped organize The Canteen—a youth center in 20 the Triangle District of Charleston, also known as the Block, that provided supervised 21 activities for young people; and 22 23 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. spent countless hours volunteering his time at 24 The Canteen in an effort to keep the youth of the community off the street and out of 25 trouble by engaging them with drum corps, drill corps, dances, basketball games, ping- 26 pong matches, tutoring, and much more with the assistance of other local community 27 leaders, teachers, and volunteers; and 28 29 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr.’s tireless efforts for the youth of Charleston and 30 his commitment to The Canteen earned him the moniker of “Father of Afterschool 31 Programs”; and 32 33 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. was beloved by the community and is fondly 34 remembered by everyone who spent time at The Canteen and heard Officer Easley’s 35 motivational and inspirational slogan, “Striving to Excel”; and Page | 6 of 1 2 Whereas, Robert E. Easley, Sr. passed away in 1997 and was posthumously 3 honored by the State of West Virginia’s Human Rights Commission as a West Virginia 4 Civil Rights Day honoree in 2010; and 5 6 Whereas, the City of Charleston owes a debt of gratitude to Robert E. Easley, 7 Sr. for both his distinguished service to the City as a member of the Charleston Police 8 Department and his dedication to the people of Charleston through his volunteer 9 service at The Canteen and throughout the community. 10 11 Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West 12 Virginia: 13 14 That the City of Charleston hereby honors the life and legacy of Patrolman Robert 15 Edward Easley, Sr. and expresses its thanks for Officer Easley’s dedicated service as 16 both an employee of the City and a committed community volunteer with The Canteen 17 and other community engagement. 18 19 And that the City of Charleston dedicates the western wing of the Martin Luther King, 20 Jr., Community Center in honor of Patrolman Robert Edward Easley, Sr.—the Father of 21 Afterschool Programs—and hereby names the western wing, which is dedicated to 22 afterschool programming, the “Robert Edward Easley, Sr. Annex” in his memory. Page | 7 of