Public meeting: State parks leaders review past, ponder future

GOLD BAR — Leaders of the state parks system plan to gather at Wallace Falls Lodge next week to consider projects and initiatives to pursue in 2016.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission also will review its performance agreement with agency director Donald Hoch and discuss any changes they want to make in it for 2016.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to noon Thursday.

The annual two-day planning meeting is open to the public. No formal action is planned and no public comment is expected to be taken.

Wednesday will be devoted to reviewing agency operations in 2015, evaluating Hoch’s performance and discussing the content of a performance agreement for the director in 2016.

Hoch’s current performance agreement expires Dec. 31. The eight-page document is not a contract but lays out the commissioners’ expectations of him in the calendar year.

These range from administrative chores, management of financial resources, overseeing of various initiatives and ensuring concerns of state parks are clearly understood by state lawmakers.

Next week’s conversation will shape the content of the 2016 agreement that could be approved in a special meeting in December or the panel’s next scheduled meeting in Edmonds Jan. 27 and 28.

On Thursday, commissioners will get status reports on ongoing projects including development and maintenance of state parks.

Additional information on state parks can be found online at parks.state.wa.us.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Alan Edward Dean, convicted of the 1993 murder of Melissa Lee, professes his innocence in the courtroom during his sentencing Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bothell man gets 26 years in cold case murder of Melissa Lee, 15

“I’m innocent, not guilty. … They planted that DNA. I’ve been framed,” said Alan Edward Dean, as he was sentenced for the 1993 murder.

Bothell
Man gets 75 years for terrorizing exes in Bothell, Mukilteo

In 2021, Joseph Sims broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home in Bothell and assaulted her. He went on a crime spree from there.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tesla driver on Autopilot caused fatal Highway 522 crash, police say

The driver was reportedly on his phone with his Tesla on Autopilot on Friday when he crashed into Jeffrey Nissen, killing him.

James McNeal. Courtesy photo
Charges: Ex-Bothell council member had breakup ‘tantrum’ before killing

James McNeal was giving Liliya Guyvoronsky, 20, about $10,000 per month, charging papers say. King County prosecutors charged him with murder Friday.

Edmonds City Council members answer questions during an Edmonds City Council Town Hall on Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds wants to hear your thoughts on future of fire services

Residents can comment virtually or in person during an Edmonds City Council public hearing set for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett approves measure for property tax increase to stave off deficit

If voters approve, the levy would raise the city’s slice of property taxes 44%, as “a retaining wall” against “further erosion of city services.”

Vehicles turn onto the ramp to head north on I-5 from 41st Street in the afternoon on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Weather delays I-5 squeeze in Everett

After a rain delay, I-5 will be down to one lane in Everett on May 10, as crews replace asphalt with concrete.

Everett
2 men arrested in dozen south Snohomish County burglaries

Police believe both men are connected with a group from South America suspected of over 300 burglaries since 2021.

James McNeal. Courtesy photo
Ex-Bothell council member arrested for investigation of killing woman

James McNeal, 58, served eight years on the Bothell City Council. On Tuesday, he was arrested for investigation of murdering a 20-year-old woman.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.