a) Birdloop – Planting around the Viewing Mound is
on hold until the Poison Hemlock infestation is dealt with.
Thus, temporary irrigation is not needed at this time.
Asphalt Trail repairs are likely to appear on the 2015-16
capital budget. Norah has also put in for money for a new
boardwalk, though they have probably not asked for enough
money for the whole boardwalk. Michael suggested that it
would be possible to break the project into 3-4 years.
Probably a designer/consultant will need to be hired, and
hopefully Eastside Audubon will provide an initial proposal
to guide the designer. Eastside Audubon has already done
significant work towards presenting a proposal. Michael
suggested that *something* might want to be done in 2014
just for safety. Norah will look into either demolishing the
pavement this year, or perhaps simply filling some of the
potholes with gravel fines.
Glenn also mentioned that EAS will address some of the
Himalayan Blackberry problem in Snag Row.
b) Community Gardens
1) Bees: In place and doing fine, though the sign
already needs maintenance. The gardeners are happy to
have the bees. Norah mentioned that one of the hives may
have a sickness, according to a parks employee that has
knowledge of bees. This is a pilot project, to be
reviewed in 2-3 years.
2) ADA beds / Eagle Scout candidate: currently in
process – it’s been approved by the local chapter, and
has been submitted to the higher Eagle Scout committee
for final blessing.
3) There are 14 people on the waiting list for plots.
c) Marymoor West and the Boathouse Project: The
SRA is close to getting lights installed in the parking lot.
d) Concert Venue: New power supplies have been
added throughout the venue. This involved significant
trenching, which was preceded by archeological test holes.
It was deemed that the area was not archeologically
sensitive. There will now be lighting in the clump of large
Doug Firs, which has always been too dark for safety. There
is also better power available for the vendors, and
additional power for the stage for things like video
screens.
The concert vendor would like to adjust the concert
fencing to put the South Picnic Shelter *outside* the fence
(including most of the clump of tree there), but include the
North Picnic Shelter *inside* the concert venue fencing.
Norah is also looking to build a new, temporary picnic
shelter just north of the venue, with close access to the
playground and restrooms. Comments on this
generally expressed support, as the current vendor seems to
be thinking creatively about how to improve the venue for
patrons, and improve the appearance of the venue generally,
without greatly expanding the footprint.
e) Lot B – the surplus gravel from Cavalia was
spread over Lot B without proper permits or authority. Parks
is trying to figure out how to remove material, and how to
reconfigure the lot in a way that can be permittable. Norah
would like a reversion to a grass and gravel lot, though
properly drained and properly set up with designated parking
lanes. Michael objected to the destruction of what has been
a seasonal wetland that has been heavily used by migrating
birds. Norah suggested that Eastside Audubon, the Marymoor
Community Gardeners, and other interested parties might want
to send comments through Norah to the permitting officer.
f) Sammamish Transition Zone – The next
Stakeholder’s Advisory Committee meeting is June 11.
g) Clise Mansion – ADA compliant bathroom is
close. Some painting work is also ongoing or imminent. Other
upgrades and repairs are pending funding. Currently, the
mansion is not being rented out for weddings or corporate
events; the current vendor is not focused on those uses, and
the mansion repairs and enhancements are an impediment to
renting the facility out. Once the upgrades are complete,
Parks will investigate finding a new vender, or possibly
managing the facility themselves.