Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Debbie Bent, Principal Planner Todd Hall and consultant Tom Beckwith presented draft updates to the parks, recreation and open space (PROS) element and the capital facilities element and asked for council direction Nov. 10.

Councilors raised a range of editorial and policy questions: how national benchmark data (NRPA) are used versus local community values; whether benchmark tables should clarify whether they count ‘in‑city’ facilities only or include adjacent providers; the tone and accuracy of an obstacle paragraph describing "lack of waterfront access" (several members asked that language be softened to reflect progress and incomplete connections rather than absence); and a numbering error affecting policy references. One policy (identified in the packet as "4.13" in the printed page) naming a pool as a policy item prompted discussion — some council members favored retaining explicit pool language, others said singling out a pool elevated the facility above others; no consensus was reached and the policy remained for now.

Council members suggested using ratios or timeless objectives for some policy boxes so that goals remain relevant over time. Staff noted statutory planning constraints under the Growth Management Act (GMA) — goals and objectives give the city authority to pursue projects as opportunities arise — and committed to incorporate the council’s edits. The council then voted unanimously to return a revised ordinance for adoption on Dec. 8.

What’s next: Staff will incorporate the requested edits, correct numbering and grammar issues, and present the ordinance and related materials for council adoption on Dec. 8.