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Date: Wednesday, March 30, 1994 4:27PM <br /> There were about 50 persons attending, including Councilor <br /> Barbara Keller. Other notable folks <br /> included Art Farley, Bruce Newhouse, Al Johnson, and <br /> representatives from the Master Running <br /> Club, KidSports, and the Off -Leash Organization. Staff <br /> included John E, John Webber, Bob Hammitt, Nathan Duke, and <br /> Louis Kroeck. <br /> My part went fine. One of the folks representing the running <br /> club that wants to install lighting around <br /> the jogging trail suggested that water quality related <br /> projects could hold up their project. I indicated <br /> there were no immediate water quality project for the park <br /> that would interfer with their project. The <br /> overall interest would be to work with the Parks Division to <br /> coordinate water quality opportunities <br /> with other planning efforts and construction projects. That <br /> seemed to satisfy his concem. <br /> Personal Observation - the planning process for this project <br /> is very awkward. The purpose of the <br /> project is unclear and, as a result, the process is confusing. <br /> f The purpose appears to be to gather <br /> input from special interest groups who want to use the park <br /> for their needs, and then develop a public response via a <br /> construction plan. With the wide range of interests expressed <br /> at the meeting, from natural <br /> resource protection and enhancement to intensive recreation <br /> ball fields lighted w/ ample parking, to <br /> LTD interests to flood control and water quality <br /> possibilities, to implications with TransPlan update, to <br /> futrue street improvements, a broader planning process should <br /> be considered that gives the public an opportunity to <br /> participate w/n a structured format where the decision making <br /> function is with an independent body, such as the Planning <br /> Commission, Hearings Officer, or City Council. This could <br /> result in a master plan for the park where the public is aware <br /> of and expects changes and new uses over time. This may be <br /> even more important given the possibilities of future planning <br /> efforts for the area - <br /> Update of South Hills Refinement Plan and Basin Plan. <br /> At times, John Etter appeared somewhat bias toward those with <br /> conventional recreational interests <br /> versus those with other interests, such as passive, open <br /> space, natural resource uses. Given the City's <br /> traditon and inclination for public processes, this one seems out -of -step. <br /> tim <br /> Page 4 <br />