Title
Discussion of Community Garden Resolution Referral
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the Community Garden Resolution, and recommend the resolution to the full City Council for approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Discussion on the proposed Community Garden resolution and forward it to Council for approval.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Luke Burns, Program Specialist, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Fran Eide, City Engineer, Public Works
Rachel Friedman, President, Sustainable South Sound
Background and Analysis:
At the August 22 City Council meeting, representatives from Sustainable South Sound requested that the City Council pass a resolution establishing a goal to have a community garden within a half-mile of every resident. In September, Councilmember Jeannine Roe referred this to the General Government Committee.
Following that referral, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Staff met with representatives from Sustainable South Sound to discuss their proposed resolution while also sharing information about existing programs and policies that support achieving the goal of having a garden withing a half-mile of every resident. .
Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation currently manages two successful community gardens in parks: one at Yauger Park, and one at Sunrise Park. The Public Works Department has also developed a pilot-program that would allow Neighborhood Associations to sponsor community gardens in un-opened right-of-way properties managed by the City.
The presentation will include a presentation from Sustainable South Sound, and a brief overview of both city programs. City staff will also present a slightly revised draft resolution for consideration. The revisions to the resolution have been reviewed and supported by Sustainable South Sound representatives.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Unknown.
Options:
1. Discuss the Community Garden Resolution and recommend it to full City Council for approval.
2. Discuss the Community Garden Resolution and do not recommend the resolution to full City Council for approval.
3. Discuss the Community Garden Resolution and recommend a modified resolution to full City Council for approval.
Financial Impact:
Resolution as proposed does not commit new City resources to building community gardens.
Attachments:
Proposed resolution
Council Referral Request
Sustainable South Sound Request