Barge 412 - 8:30 AM

PRESENT:

Ex-officio voting:  Marilyn Levine, George Clark, Sherer Holter, Jim Huckabay, Ian Loverro, Matt Cziske, Charlene Andrews

Ex-officio advisory non-voting:  Ethan Bergman, Jack Bishop, Kandee Cleary, Sandy Colson, Patricia Cutright, Bob Hickey, Connie Lambert, Tracy Pellett, Linda Schactler, John Swiney, Scott Wade

I. Information Items

1. Ellensburg Boards/Commissions/Councils Update from the following faculty & staff:

Margaret Reich – Environmental Commission:
Margaret reported that the Ellensburg Environmental Commission is staffed by Community Development and operates under the authority of Chapter 1.60 of the City Code.  There are seven volunteer citizen members and she is one of them.  The commission is responsible for advising the City Council on environmental matters with the mission of maintaining and enhancing the uniquely livable and sustainable environment enjoyed by city residents, and promoting and encouraging the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program.  They currently have an opening on the commission.  If anyone is interested in the position, please contact the commission office (962-7231).

Doug Ryder – Board of Adjustments & Building Appeals Board:
Doug reported that the Board of Adjustment has five volunteer citizen board members that are not required to be city residents and he is one of them.  The Board of Adjustment operates under the authority of Chapter 13.56 of the City Code and has the power and duty to hear and decide variance appeals in accordance with the procedures set out in the Ellensburg City Code.  Appeals of the board’s decisions are heard in a court of law.

The Building Appeals Board also has five volunteer citizen board members that are not required to be city residents and he is one of them.  They operate under the authority of Chapter 3.2 of the City Code.  They are responsible for hearing appeals of decisions or interpretations of the building official concerning alternate materials and types of construction as required in the International Building Code adopted by the city, and for providing the reasonable interpretations of the provisions of the codes.  The Building Appeals Board may also recommend to the City Council new legislation consistent with its interpretations.

Marilyn Levine – Ellensburg Business Development Authority:
Marilyn was recently appointed to the EBDA.  She has attended one meeting of this group, so far.  The Ellensburg Business Development Authority operates under the authority of Chapter 1.62.16 of the City Code and governs the affairs and manages assets of the Phoenix Development Authority.  Some of the major areas that the EBDA group is working towards are:  future directions decision process, incubator issues and process, Dolarway Industrial Park issues and process, and Airport Business Park development.  Marilyn will be viewing these properties next week to become more acquainted with the areas and issues.  She serves as the representative for CWU.

Sherer Holter, Lynne Harrison, & Mike Luvera – Transportation Ad Hoc Advisory Committee:
Lynne reported that in response to a feasibility study that was conducted and the community’s response for expanding bus service in Ellensburg, the City Council appointed 13 local residents and two council members to serve on an Ad Hoc Public Transit Committee.  The committee is reviewing current bus operations and partnerships, identifying gaps in current service, including routes and hours of service, and developing recommendations for financing an expanded public transit system.  Mike added that the next step is to come up with a plan for expanding public transportation service within the city, consistent with the direction provided in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the findings of the Transit Feasibility Study.  Eventually, they will be looking at broader areas, but for now, the focus is on the city of Ellensburg.  Sherer officially represents CWU on the committee.

Pete Richmond – Utility Advisory Committee:
Pete reported that he serves on the Utility Advisory Committee as a CWU representative because of his position.  He is an electrical engineer with Facilities Management.  The Utility Advisory Committee has five members and they operate under the authority of Chapter 1.50 of the City Code.  They advise the City Council on electrical and utility issues that affect city energy policy and operations.

Ken Cohen – Parks & Recreation Commission (written report):
Ken was unable to attend in person, so he provided a written summary of his participation on the Parks & Recreation Commission.

“As a representative for the University on the City of Ellensburg’s Parks & Recreation Commission, I am involved in strategic planning initiatives that affect the quality of life of all members of the Ellensburg community.

In a recent poll of top CEO’s by Forbes magazine, the three most critical issues considered when deciding to move a corporation’s operations to a new location are: a favorable business climate, cultural and educational opportunities, and recreation opportunities. Whether it is a prospective faculty member evaluating the community or a business enterprise, Parks & Recreation has the answer to “what is there for me and my family to do here?” In addition to propelling the local economy, Ellensburg Parks & Recreation addresses community health and safety, promotes community attachment, and creates places and programs for people of all ages and income levels to participate in constructive activities.

The Parks & Recreation Dept. operates a community center, youth center, senior center, tennis facility, and the aquatic center. Expansive activities take place at these facilities and at the Department’s parks and outdoor athletic facilities. At each one of these facilities, CWU students participate as volunteers or through practicum and internships. This partnership benefits the City, the community, the student, and the University.

Presently the Parks & Recreation Commission is addressing the City’s growth plan, scoping the feasibility for building a new community center, and responding to citizens’ requests for expanded athletic and park facilities.

As the University continues to expand and enhance its partnerships with the community, the Parks & Recreation division provides opportunities for direct engagement, tangible benefits, and mutually beneficial outcomes for the community, students, and the University.

Please let me know if I can provide any further information about the work of the Parks & Recreation Commission and my role as a University representative.”

II. Action Items

1.         Approval of UPAC Minutes from January 4, 2012
Motion to approve the UPAC Minutes from January 4, 2012 as presented by Marilyn Levine.  Seconded by Jim Huckabay.  No further discussion.  Motion carried.

III. University Policies to Recommend for Approval

No university policies to recommend at this time.

IV. University Procedures Reviewed

No university procedures to review at this time.

V. Departmental Policies/Procedures Reviewed

No departmental policies/procedures to review at this time.

For the Good of the Order:

Sandy Colson reported that the CWU Board of Trustees meet this Friday, February 3, 9:00 AM, at the Hal Holmes Center.  The off-campus meeting is part of the community outreach initiative that the trustees developed during fall quarter.  Live video streaming will not be available, but the meeting will be taped and will be available to view from the CWU webpage early the week of February 6.

Jim Huckabay noted that the chairs are advocating that faculty and staff recognize that we all represent CWU at all times no matter where we are.  It’s a good reminder to everyone.

Next Meeting: May 7, 2012