Title
Artesian Commons Leadership Team - Council Liaison
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Provide guidance on whether City Council should appoint a Councilmember liaison to the Artesian Leadership Committee to provide broad policy perspective.
Report
Issue:
To confirm a need for a City Council liaison to the Artesian Leadership Committee, and to recommend who the City Council liaison would be.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Background and Analysis:
The Artesian Commons is highly visible park in downtown Olympia unlike any other in the Olympia Parks system. Due to the urbanized setting and the Artesian Well located on site, this park attracts a diverse group of community users. The Artesian Leadership Committee will be comprised of a broad group of stakeholders who will be charged with transforming the Artesian Commons into a safe and welcoming place for all.
Scope & Objectives
The Artesian Commons Leadership Committee will:
· Provide oversight and guidance in the evolving management of the Artesian Commons
· Provide feedback and support to the five supporting Action Teams
· Recommend and evaluate future design opportunities and management strategies
· Provide guidance to staff regarding implementation of changes
· Serve as community ambassadors for the Artesian Commons
Membership
The Artesian Commons Leadership Committee will be facilitated by the Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director. Representatives from the following agencies will be invited to voluntarily participate on the Artesian Leadership Committee:
· Behavioral Health Resources
· Community Planning & Development
· Community Youth Services (CYS)
· Downtown Ambassadors
· H2Oly
· Mobile Food Vendor (Must be active at the Artesian Commons)
· Nearby Business Owner
· Nearby Building Owner/Landlord
· Olympia Downtown Association (ODA)
· Olympia Police Department
· Olympia Public Works Department
· Partners in Prevention Education (PIPE)
· Parking & Business Improvement Area
· Parks, Arts, & Recreation Department
· Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC)
· Thurston County Health Department
· Youth Liaison - Appointed in Coordination w/ CYS
*In addition, the City Council may wish to designate a Councilmember liaison to provide a broad policy perspective.
Additional stakeholders who demonstrate interest and may add value to the group may be suggested by Committee members and will be considered at the discretion of the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director.
Action Teams
The City of Olympia has developed five Action Teams designed to focus on the "on the ground" implementation of management strategies, while receiving guidance and support from Artesian Leadership Committee. These community oriented groups listed below will be facilitated by the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department:
· Programs, Partners, & Events
· Maintenance
· Safety & Security
· Evolving Design
· Public Outreach & Communications
Action Teams will provide status updates at each of the Artesian Leadership Committee meetings to receive feedback, guidance, and support. The Action Teams will also work to evaluate, develop, and implement recommended strategies from the Artesian Leadership Committee.
It is expected that each Action Team will develop and utilize data points to evaluate progress and measure success. It is also expected that each Action Team provide opportunities for park users, partner agencies, and community stakeholders to help guide the management of the park.
Decision Making
The Action Teams will work under the direction of the Parks, Arts, & Recreation Director. The Artesian Leadership Committee will serve in an advisory role to the Parks, Arts, & Recreation Director, who reports to the City Manager and ultimately the City Council. The Committee's work plan and activities will be coordinated and developed with Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director; and approved by the City Manager.
*All major physical changes and major regulatory decisions will continue to be approved by the City Council.
Meeting Frequency
Action Teams will develop a meeting schedule based on the nature of their work and the individual needs of their committee.
The Artesian Leadership Committee will meet on the first Thursday of every month from 3:00-4:30pm. Meeting times may be changed and/or additional meetings may be added at the discretion of the Committee.
Communication
The Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department will establish and maintain a page on the City Website that will provide up-to-date information regarding the management of the Artesian Commons.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Several community stakeholders have provided general comments regarding the Artesian Commons at previous Land Use and Environment Committee and City Council meetings.
Options:
1. Recommend that Council appoint a Councilmember liaison to the Artesian Leadership Committee and identify a representative, recognizing that all major structural and regulatory changes still require the approval of the full City Council.
2. Move forward without a City Council liaison to the Artesian Leadership Committee, recognizing that all major structural and regulatory changes still require the approval of the full City Council.
Financial Impact:
None