Title
Approval of Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) Work Plan Update for City Council
Recommended Action
Move to approve the PRAC work plan update for City Council.
Report Issue:
Whether to approve the PRAC work plan update for City Council.
Staff Contact:
Joel Sisolak, Senior Park Planner, OPARD 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Joel Sisolak, Senior Park Planner
Background and Analysis:
On May 14, 2025, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) discussed the effectiveness of City Council appointed advisory bodies in meeting the communication and community engagement goals for which they were created. Former Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan presented an extensive evaluation of the existing bodies that included analysis of advisory body works plans, referrals from Council, attendance and member survey results. Following discussion of the results, CLPS directed staff to continue the evaluation process, and to bring back recommendations
One challenge identified through the evaluation process was effective two-way communication between advisory bodies and the City Council. This need was also addressed at the June 24, 2026 CLPS meeting with advisory body chairs.
A solution proposed was an annual end of year update from advisory bodies to the Council on their work plan progress and to share the work they have completed, upcoming projects remaining in their current work plan cycles, and share emerging issues or community concerns related to their advisory body’s scope to help inform Council work plan discussions. A standard update form was developed for each advisory body to complete and submit to Council in December to inform their Council work plan discussions in January of the new year.
The purpose of this agenda item is for PRAC to complete the Work Plan Update form and approve it to be forwarded to the City Council as information to inform their 2027 Council Work Plan discussions.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) was established in 1983 to make recommendations to the City Council regarding parks and recreation plans, policies, programs and projects and to serve as liaison between citizens and the Council on parks and recreation related matters. Equity and inclusion are core values of the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has a wide interest in OPARD and therefore a vested interest in the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee’s work. Improving effective communication between the City Council and the PRAC supports community interests and concerns being shared directly with the City Council to inform annual work plan and priorities discussions.
Financial Impact:
To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to Advisory Committee members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory Committee members may waive the stipend upon request.
Options:
1) Approve the PRAC work plan update for City Council.
2) Modify and approve the PRAC work plan update for City Council.
3) Do not approve the PRAC work plan update for City Council. No update on work plan items or emerging community concerns will be submitted to Council for 2026.
Attachments:
PRAC 2026 Q4 Work Plan Update - DRAFT