HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.19.26 MinutesPARXS & ttCN[AilON
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PARKS, RECREATION & FACILITIES COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
PortAngeles, WA
February 19,2026
The meeting was conducted as a hybrid meeting.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Kiedrowski at 6:08 p.m.
Members present: CommissionerAndrews, Vice-Chairperson Collins, Chairperson Kiedrowski,
Commissioner McCaughan, and Student Representative Garcelon. Commissioner Houck
attended virtually. Commissioner Hilory was present virtually at 6:11pm.
Members absent: Commissioner Fischbein
Staff present: Director Corey Delikat, Parks Manager Timothy Tucker, Project Manager David
Wegener, Clerk Ireland Judge.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
It was moved by McCaughan and seconded by Collins to:
Approve the January 15,2026 Regular Meeting minutes.
Motion carried 5-0
LATE ITEMS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
FINANCE & PACKET ITEMS: There are no updated financials at this time.
LEGISLATION: None
GUEST SPEAKER: Scott Olson and Philip VanDevanter of RWD Landscape Architects were
in attendance virtually to present during the Director's Report.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
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PATI(S & iECTEAIION
DEPANIMINI
1. Laurel Street Stairs: Director Delikat began by explaining the purpose and expectations
of the current meeting. Members of City staff, Sargent Engineering, and RWD Landscape
Architects were present to share two conceptual designs for the Laurel Street Stairs.
Director Delikat opened the presentation by reviewing a brief history of the stairs.
Notably, plaza improvements that were completed in 1983. The fountain was renamed
after Conrad Dyar, to honor the Parks Commissioner who passed away unexpectedly.
Other additional improvements over the years included painting, additional seating,
improved planting areas, and pump replacements. Director Delikat noted that caring for
the pumps in the fountain has become increasingly difficult.
In 2001, City Council approved the Laurel Street Stairs Replacement Project (TR-l01)
Funding falls under the category of transportation project because of additional grant
opportunities. In 2022 funding for the design project was approved and is currently
$750,000. This funding will cover either of the designs that is chosen.
Director Delikat shared images of construction and other elements on the Laurel Street
Stairs which have been updated throughout the years.
Parks Manager, Timothy Tucker, reviewed the timeline of the stair's renovation project
from202l on. Tucker shared information related to various presentations, workshops,
surveys, and other public input that has been considered in creating the current stair
designs, including 700 total individual inputs collected from the community. Tucker also
highlighted the involvement and feedback of Elevate Port Angeles and the Welcoming
Design Advisory Group to identiff safety and maintenance needs as well as community
desires.
Capital Project Manager, David Wegener, discussed maintenance and safety code
concems that are addressed in the new stair designs. Wegner shared that the current stair
measurements are out of code and the wood stairs is failing, making them unusable at
times during winter months. The new designs will use galvanized steel open grates which
will alleviate maintenance issues.
Philip VanDevanter of RWD Landscape Architects presented an overview of the two
design options. The first option, titled "Monumental Stairs" was first shared with the
public in2023. This option restructures the stairs to be centered on Laurel Street and
would relocate the existing mural, allowing for new opportunity for public art.
Option two, titled "Community Plaza" is the lower cost option, and is similar to the
design of the current stairs, lifted higher to reduce the number of hiding spots which
addresses public concern. In this option the existing mural could stay, and the fountain
would be removed which opens theplaza for community events.
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PAR(S & NECNEAIION
DEPARIMENI
Scott Olson, also of RWD Landscape Architects joined to discuss design cost and
underscored the importance of safety features, maintainability, and integrity of structure
throughout both designs.
The 2028 cost estimate which includes design and construction for the high-cost option,
"Monumental Stairs" is $3.6 million dollars. Cost drivers for this project include volume
of work and material, as recentering the stairs will include geotechnical and structural
considerations.
The 2028 cost estimate which includes design and construction for the low-cost option,
"Community Plaza" is $1.8 million. This estimate is a result of the design requiring less
modifications and a smaller volume of work, as the design maintains the existing
alignment of stairs but does reduce the slope of the stairs to meet code.
Director Delikat thanked community members who have participated in the project since
202I and reiterated that funding for this project is contingent upon grants. Director
Delikat closed by reviewing the next steps: Commissioners will make a recommendation
at the March 19th regular meeting, that recommendation will be taken to a future City
Council Meeting, if approved, the City will move forward with the final design.
DISCUSSION: Director Delikat and RWD Landscape Architects took questions from
commissioners. Director Delikat invited those present in person to participate in a survey to
share feedback on their design preference and emphasized that the survey would be posted online
for the community to participate in over the next two weeks.
Chairperson Kiedrowski adjourned the meeting at 6;46 p.m.
Kiedrowski, Chairperson Ireland Judge,
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