HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 2/12/2018 4.11
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MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX
CONFERENCE ROOM B-3
5850 W.GLENDALE AVE.
GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85301
FEBRUARY 12,2018
6:00P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara R.Cole, Chair
Alicia H. Rublo,Vice Chair
Pattie Johnston, Commissioner
Sam McConnell Ill, Commissioner
Gale Schiavone, Commissioner
Jessica Edgar, Commissioner
Ethan McAffee, Commissioner
Absent: Dan Huston, Commissioner
Also Present: James Burke, interim Director, Public Facilities, Recreation&Special Events
Timothy Barnard,Assistant Director
Michael Gregory,Deputy Director
Kim Larson,Communications&Marketing Program Manager
Stephanie Miller, Program Manager
Bryan Wagner, Park Superintendent
Kari Sliva, Mayor's Executive Assistant
Attendees: Jeff Turney
Gary Fenton
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
If citizens wish to speak on a matterconcerning the Glendale Pdm andRo V Advisory Commission that is not on the printed
agenda, / complete a Citizen Comments Card and provide it to the designated staff person prior to the beginningf thneUng.
Once your nameisoa/|odhythaCvmmiwaivnCha| leproceed to the podium and state your name and address for the
record. Please limit your comments to a period of three minutes or less.
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
a. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of December 11,2017.
Motioned by CommissionerPattieJohnston. mocondedb Commissioner Etan McAffee to approve the December
11,2017 Commission meeting minutes as written. (Commissioners McConnell and Edgar were not yet present)
AYE: Chair Barbara R. Cole
Vice Chair Alicia H.Rubio
Commissioner Pattie Johnston
Commissioner Sam McConnell Ill
Commissioner Gale Schiavone
Commissioner Jessica Edgar
Commissioner EthaMcAffee
Other: Commissioner Dan Huston (ABSENT)
Passed
Motion carried 5-0.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. TOUR OF MURPHY PARK
Mr.Wagner conducted a walking tour of Murphy Park.
[Commissioners McConnell and Edgar arrived during the tour.]
b. PICKLEBALL RESEARCH
Summary: Pickleball is a paddle sport for all ages and skill levels.The game was invented in 1965 and is a sportthsd
combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.Since its inception,the sport has grown over the years
and it is now one of the fastest growing recreation sports in the United States.
Staff was recently contacted by a representative of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA)and a local,avid player to
discuss bringing additional pickleball courts to Glendale,Arizona.
Chair Cole introduced the agenda item as follows:
•Pickleball is a paddle sport for all ages and skill levels.
•The game was invented in 1965 and is a sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
•Since its inceithe sport has grown over the years and it is now one of the fastest growing recreation sports
in the United States.
'Staff was recentlycted by a representativeof the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA)and a local, avid
player to discuss bringing additional pickleball courts to Glendale.
Mr.Gregory introduced Mr.Gary Fenton, a local pickleball enthusiast,who attended the meeting. Mr. Gregory
gave a presentation on the sport,which included the following information:
•Presentation Objectives
•Provide a generalundemtandingofpink/aboU
▪Location of courts
•Location characteristics(retrofit vs. new)
•Review costs
•New and repurposed
'What is Pickleball?
•Combines maelements of tei badminton, and ping-pong
•Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis set
'Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes
•Played as doubles or singles
•Pickleball Court
•Court Dimensions
o Court size iw2U'x44'
°Playing area io34'xG4'
o 3G^ high net
o Amenibmo
o 8enuhao
o SUonoge
o Tab|eo
•Restrooms
o Fenu|ng
•Lighting (Optional)
•Diagram of a pickleball court shown. Four pickleball courts can fit into one tennis court.
•Pickleball Equipment
o Pich|eboU Paddle
'Smaller than a tennis racquet, but lthan a ping-pong paddle
•Made of wood or light weight composite materials
o BoU
'Plastic ball with holes,similar to a whiffle ball
'Different models for indoor and outdoor play
°For 22Valley Locations, including Casa Grande and Florence,the following was displayed:
'Court Locations: The number of facilities and number of courts in valley cities was displaed.
•Glendale has four public indoor courts available for drop-in or member play at Foothills Recreation
and Aquatics Center. Games are played in the gymnasium on temporary courts and are available
during designated days and times.
•Indoor vs. Outdoor
'Glendale has four indoor courts.
•Estimated Drive Time from Downtown Glendale
•Estimated Distance from Downtown Glendale
.Assessing Court Viability
•Determine if and where there is underutilized space
•Basketball courts
°Tanniocourts
°VnUnybo||couhs
•Underdeveloped areas
•Costs
•Impact on residential
•Impact on other parusers
•Estimated Construction Costs
•Single Court Estimated Construction Costs(New)
°Concrete Pad w/poottension(3.OUOmq.ftj: $23.000
Includes netting and posts
"AcryUcF/nishing $3.500
~Fencing: $8.400
°UghUng: $25.000
•RepuExisting
'Acrylic Finishing: $7.000
'Net and Posts: $1,000(purchase and install)
Mr. Gregory opened the floor for questions.
Commissioner Schiavone inquired about the utilization of the current courts. Mr. Gregory replied that the courts at
FRAC are used to the maximum. Commissioner Schiavorie asked if the cost is covered by Silver Sneakers. Mr.
Gregory explained that the cost is part of the FRAC daily or membership fee, of which FRAC is a participant in the
Silver Sneakers program.
Commissioner McAffee asked about the age range of players. Mr. Fenton relayed that during the day, there are older
players, however,there are also younger players. Mr. Fenton stated that pickleball is the fastesgrowing sport and is
now beini kmd up by hih schools. Commissioner McAffee inquired about pickleball statistics versus tennis. Mr.
Fenton explained that Mr. Manolis,of the USAPA,was to be in attendance this evening. Mr. Manolis would have this
information and Mr. Fenton will ask Mr. Manolis to forward the data to staff. Mr. Fenton surmised that tennis play is
decreasing and four pickleball courts can be placed on one tennis court. Mr. Fenton noted that at the Villages in
Orlando, Florida,there are 144 pickleball courts and there is a wait list to play.
Mr. Gregory played a video to show how pickleball is played.
Chair Cole stated that she has played pickleballmndhooenjoyodit. Chair Cole inquired if there are tennis courts in the
City that could be converted to pickleball courts. •Mr. Gregory stated that review of potential locations will be part of the
assessment phase.
Chair Cole noted that there are dual pickleball and tennis courts at the Paseo Racquet Center. Mr. Gregory agreed
endstohsdthatitiobacomingmurocommuntoovedmypick|ebmUcourtsontenniocoudw. howavor. itisnotth$idea|
situation. Mr. Fenton agreed, explaining that the different court lines can make for confusing play.
Commissioner McAffee inquired about statistics regarding day versus night play. Mr. Fenton stated that he plays in
tournaments,which can start veearly and continue throughout early evening. Mr. Fenton commented that in
Phoenix, in the summer especially, it is better to play at night. Mr. Fenton is an advocate for lighting of the courts. Mr.
Fenton also preferred to pltside because there are no walls to run into and the outdoor ball is heavier. Mr. Fenton
relayed that avid players prefer to play outdoors.
c. REQUEST TO AMEND PASEO RACQUET CENTER CONTRACT
Summary:The Paseo Racquet Center locatd at 6268 W.Thunderbird Roadcurrently has nineteen (19)lighted tennis
courts,a retail sales area, administrative offices, a locker room area and a refreshment center.The center has been
operated d managedbythoPeoaoRe et Center LLC for nearly twenars, and they continue to partner
with the City to provide quality public tennis play and national championship caliber tournaments at the site.
The current contract includes guaranteed annual rent payment to the city with an automatic three percent escalation of
the monthly fee payment for each year of the ten-year initial term of the contract.The cost impact of this request will be
a reduction of annual revenue over the last five years of the contract based on the proposed rate of$1,824 per month.
Mr. Barnard presented information regarding the Paseo Racquet Center. Background information includes the
following:
•The centehas 19 lighted tennis courts, a retail sales area, a locker room, and a refreshment center.
•The Paseo Racquet Center LLCha been inthe facility for nearly twenty-five years.
'The current contract with the Paseo Racquet Center LLC was signed on January 1, 2012, and includes an initial
ten-year term which expires on December 31, 2021.
•The contract includes guaranteed annual rent payment to the City with an automatic three percent escalation of
the monthly fee payment for each year of the ten-year initial term of the contract.
'The Prudhomme family, Paseo Racquet Center LLC, has asked that the City adjust the monthly rate based on a
market analysis of the City of Phoenix TennisCanterondtheCdyofK8aaoTennisConter. The proposed monthly
fee schedule was provided.
•The cost impact of the request will be a$31,600 total reduction of annual revenue over the last five years of the
contract.
'The request also asked for a six-month rebate of the 2017 monthly payment rate due to court construction delays,
which equals$13,920.
Chair Cole asked if Glendale residents could get a resident discount to play tennis or pickleball at the Racquet Center.
Mr. Barnard explainedthnttheountnootaUmwuthoPrudhommofami| to set the court rates based on the market,
however,the City could request resident discounts. Chair Cole wondered how staff perceived the increased rate. Mr.
Barnard commented that the proposed rates are in line with the market and there is a clause in the contract which
states that after the initial 10-year term, a market rate adjustment can be requested.
Commissioner McConnell asked who initiated the court resurfacig project. Mr. Barnard ex | i d that the court
resurfacing was added to the CIP budget a year ago and the item was brought forward by Council. Mr. Barnard noted
that the Prudhomme family made a number of improvements prior to the resurfacing. Commissioner McConnell asked
if the Prudhomme's requested the resurfacing and Mr.Barnard replied that to his knowledge,they did not.
Commissioner McConnell expressed that it was a challenge to agree to a rebate of the monthly payment due to
construction because the Prudhomme's are benefitting from the project. Vice Chair Rubio agreed.
Vice Chair Rublo asked if the City attorneys have reviewed the request. Mr. Barnard relayed that the request is within
the legal parameters of the agreement.
Commissioner Edgar stated that the market rate adjustment appears reasonable, but would like more information
regarding the rebate.
Commissioner Schiavone inquired about the Center's prufibobUih/. Mr. Barnard provided the following information
regarding revenues:
"896increase in2014
o 4Y6decrease 2O14-15
°17%decrease 2O15'1O
°21%decrease 2018-17
Commissioner McConnell asked for a comparison versus Phoenix and Mesa. Mr. Barnard provided detailed figures,
which averaed$96.00 pecourt/percourt/per month. Commissioner McConnell ii d if staff researched private clubs. Mr.
Barnard explained that the comparison was made to others similar in structure and situation. Mr. Barnard noted that
there may be other centers which are subsidized or in more lucrative areas of the valley, so staff used what was
directly comparable. Commissioner McConnell recalled that in the past he would hear commercials promoting famous
players at the Center and wondered if the Center was not doing such promotions. Mr. Barnard noted that the contract
does not dictate how the Center advertises. Mr. Barnard added that staff is doing some cross-promotion. Mr. Barnard
stressed that the Center has a solid business, is well-connected with national tennis play and hosts a number of
collegiate tournaments.
Mr. Barnard stated that the Center is aging,as it is over 25 years old. Commissioner McConnell asked if the family has
paid for maintenance and resurfacinover thfirst 25 years. Mr. Barnard replied in the positive,stated that there may
have been one other time that the City did pay for resurfacinduring the first 25 years. Mr. Barnard explained that the
City does not perform daily maintenance, but is a partner on landscape and roofing.
Chair Cole inquired as to the cost of the court resurfacing and Mr. Barnard replied that it was a$400,000 capital project.
Vice Chair Rubio wondered if the request will go to Council. Mr. Barnard explained that the Commission is advisory
and if the Commission denies the request,the information will be relayed to the Prudhomme's or a recommendation will
be made to Council. Vice Chair Rubio commented that more information regarding the rebate request is needed,
including the Center revenues. Vice Chair Rubio wondered what would happen if the Prudhomme family walked away
and if there was a buy-out clause.
Chair Cole stated that she was agreeable to the market rate increase, but not the rebate due to construction.
Commissioner McAffee asked if there a reason for the revenue decrease. Mr. Barnard did not have information to that
effect.
Commissioner Edgar commented that she would like to table the vote and invite the Prudhomme family to the next
Commission meeting. Commissioner Edgar wanted more information regarding the request. Commissioner Edgar
suggested a vote on the market rate increase only, at this time.
Motion second by CommissionerJohnubm.bzapproxeonincreooeinthncurnen monthly fee
rate with the Paseo Racquet Center LLC to reflect a 3%adjustment.
Mr. Barnard noted thathe change is to reflecthe new monthly fee rate starting at$1,824 monthly base rate,which
will increase by 3% each year.
Motion amended bVice Chair Rubio, second by Commissioner Johnston, to approve an increase in the current
monthly fee rate with the Paseo Racquet Center LLC to reflect a 3%adjustment each year, beginning in July 2018
at$1,824 base rate. The amended motion carried 4—3.
Motioned by Commissioner Jessica Ed ` to requestth Prudhomme Familto attend the next Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission meeting to provide more information regarding their request for a$13,290 rebate
in regard to the Paseo Racquet Center.
AYE: Chair Barbara R. Cole
Vice Chair Alicia H. Rubio
Commissioner Pattie Johnston
Commissioner Sam McConnell U|
Commissioner Gale Schiavone
Commissioner Jessica Edgar
Commissioner Ethan MeAffee
Other: Commissioner Dan Huston(ABSENT)
Passed
Motion carried T-0.
d. PUBLIC INPUT RESULTS REGARDING POSSIBLE FLAG PLACEMENT IN THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION
PARK
Summary: In August of 2017, staff was directed by the City Council to engage the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission to formally review the possible construction and placement of a 20-25' lighted flag pole atop
Arrowhead Point. As part of that process, staff conducted a formal citizen input phase. During the period the survey
was open,a total of 1,087 responses were collected.
Staff will present an update to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on the survey results, as well as
questions and comments received from survey respondents.
Ms. Larson distributed survey responses and gave a presentation on the agenda item,which included the following:
•Backd
•Direction from City Council: collect public input on Option#1 (lighted flagpole atop Arrowhead Point)
•Public Participation Plan presented to the Commission in November
•Draft survey questions;the format was presented to the Commission in December
•Public Participation Plan Summary
•Survey conducted December 20 through January 31:
•News release to all Local TV, radio,and newspaper outlets
•Website a surytool was posted on City's home page, Parks and Recreation page, and Thunderbird
Conservation Park webpage
'Weekend Intercept Surveysat TCP (J6th and 20th)
•City Council Messagin (newsletters, meetings if applicable)
'Chamber Sub-Committee on Veterans Affairs
•Survey Results:
•Are you in favor of a permanent flagpole at the Arrowhead Point in Thunderbird Conservation Park?
•Total Respondents: 1.087
o Yen: 929
o No: 158
o Aneyou a Glendale resident?
•Resident: 64Y6
°Non'ranidant 36Y6
•How often do you visit Thunderbird Park?
°NoAnswer: 7
o Atleast 5Umeo/week: 73
°VVeek|y: 310
°Afew Umou/mnnth: 245
°Afew timos/yooc 335
•This is my first visit: 49
•I have never visited: 71
Next Steps
•Commission makes formal recommendation
•Tentatively scheduled to present results, recommendation to City Council at April 10th workshop
session.
The floor was opened for Commissioner comments or questions.
Chair Cole inquired as to the size flagpole that is included in the vote. Ms. Larson explained that staff was instructed to
obtain public opinion on Option#1,which is a 20-25 foot flag pole on Arrowhead Point. Mr. Burke clarified that the
information garnered was based on a 20-25 foot flag pole; however,the Commission can make its desired
recommendation.
Vice Chair Rubio noted that based on the survey, 85% of the respondents said"Yes".
Commissioner McAffee commented,that from his understanding,the people who said"No"preferred the natural beauty
of the mountain.
Commissioner Edgar commented that this park would be the only one in the country with a flag in a conservation area.
Commissioner McConnell wondered what would happen if another group wanted to put a different flag on top of the
peak. Commissioner McConnell asked if the survey respondents were aware of the cost of$50,000 to$55,000.
Commissioner Edgar clarified that the City was not paying the installation costs. Ms. Larson noted that this information
was part of the survey question and it was explained that the Council on Veterans Affairs would be responsible for
construction costs and ongoing maintenance.
Commissioner McAffee commented that he was for the American flag, however,this issue could open a Pandora's box
and disagreed with the installation of a flag pole. Commissioner Edgar agreed.
Vice Chair Rubio did not think it should be at the top of the mountain and wondered about maintenance or if the flag
needed to be lowered. Chair Cole expressed concern as to what would happen to the flag if the group proposing
maintenance would walk away from the responsibility.
Motioned by Commissioner Gale Schiavone, seconded bCommissioner Sam McConnell Ill to not recommend
moving forward with placing a flag pole at the top of Arrowhead Point in the Thunderbird Conservation Park.
AYE: Chair Barbara B. Cole
Vice Chair Alicia H. Rubio
Commissioner Sam McConnell Ill
Commissioner Gale Schiavone
Commissioner Jessica Edgar
Commissioner Ethan McAffee
NAY: Commissioner Pattie Johnston
Other: Commissioner Dan Huston(ABSENT)
Passed
The motion carried 6—1.
G. STAFF UPDATES
Mr. Gregory reported on the past fire at Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area:
'The site is cleared.
•The perimeter fence will remain in place until construction is complete.
'There is a current effort to assess what type of buildings to place on the site.
•There is a surveillance camera at the construction site for security purposes.
Mr.Burke received a letter from a downtown merchant comlimenting Ms. Miller on her efforts on special events in the
downtown area and praising Mr. Glen Glover, a service worker,who quickly fixed a downtown right-of-way bench.
Mr.Burke distributed Certificates of Completion for Commission training to Commissioners McConnell and Schiavone.
Ms. Miller reminded all to RSVP for the Boards and Commissions Appreciation Night at the Coyotes game on March 17.
7. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Commissioner McAffee noted that there is a home school grothat meets in a Peoria park and the Ceoria is
asking for a permittod so. Commissioner McAffee iired abothe City of Glendale's policy for thitype of
situation. Mr. Burke will have staff obtain and send Commissioner McAffee information on this request.
Chair Cole stated that meeting was informative.
A Commission photo was taken.
8. NEXT MEETING
The next reu|ormeaUngofthaPorkoondRecneedionAdxioug/Cummiosionw|Ubaha|donN\aruh12.2O1DatG:OO
p.m..edOasis Park, located mt1Q4OON. 79thAve, Glendale,Arizona, 853O8.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Johnston motioned,second by Commissioner McConnell to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m.The motion
carried 7—0.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of February 12,2018 were submitted and approved this 12th
day of March,2018.
Denise Kazmierczak
Recording Secretary
Gwen Benoit
Administrative Support Specialist
Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events