HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 10/18/2010CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
7 P.M., MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS -ROOM B-3
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Passmore, Chair
Jonathan Liebman, Vice-Chair
Dana Dale
Donna Williams
Danielle Silvas
Gary Parr
Margaret George
MEMBERS ABSENT: Elizabeth Fernandes
STAFF PRESENT:Becky Benny, Director
Bill Schwind, Deputy Director
Karen Hesser, Deputy Director
Roger Boyer, Project Coordinator
Christine Frederickson, Management Assistant
CITIZENS PRESENT: John LeGendre
Stacey Bittner
Call to Order.
Chair Passmore called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and read the Commission's mission
statement.
I. Approval of Minutes of the September 13, 2010, meeting
Commissioner Dale motioned to approve the September 13, 2010, meeting minutes as
written. Commissioner George made the second. Motion passed 7—0.
II. NEW COMMISSIONER INTRODUCTION
Chair Passmore welcomed new Commissioner Williams from the Barrel District. Commissioner
Williams shared a description of her background, interests, and experience.
III. PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Ms. Benny gave an update on the status of the Master Plan, including an update to the
Community Values Model, one of the tools used in developing the Master Plan.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
October 18,2010
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Ms. Benny stated that to date three public meetings have been held regarding the Master Plan
Update at which very positive and beneficial feedback was received. Based on feedback from
the public meetings, feedback from the Commission and staff, the Consultant Team updated the
Community Values Model. The Community Values Model is a framework for guiding the
development of recommendations and strategies for the Glendale Parks and Recreation
Department.
Ms. Benny discussed the five Community Values:
Community Mandates
Service Standards
Programs & Services
Business Practices
Community Outreach & Partnerships
Each of the five Community Values has corresponding strategies and in the future, action steps
will be identified.
Ms. Benny distributed a Master Plan Document Tentative Completion Timeline which included
the following information:
October 12-27: Olsson &Associates Team to develop draft document.
October 29: Delivery of draft copy to city staff for review.
November 1-22: City staff to review the document.
November 30: Comment Resolution Meeting between
Olsson& Associates Team and staff.
December 6-10:Delivery of Final Draft Master Plan to the
Parks &Recreation Commission prior to meeting on December 13.
December 13: Presentation of the updated Master Plan
draft to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
January 4 or 18:Tentative dates for the City Council Workshop.
February 8: Tentative date for City Council approval.
Chairman Passmore opened the floor to public comments on the topic. Mr. LeGendre stated that
he was on the Parks and Recreation Commission in the early 1990's and appreciates the work
done by staff and the Commissioners. Mr. LeGendre advocated for an expanded adaptive
program and for more involvement by the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department in the
Special Olympics. Mr. LeGendre explained that as the father of a child with autism, he sees the
great benefit of the adaptive programs and stressed the need for more offerings.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
October 18,2010
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Ms. Bittner stated that she has attended all of the Master Plan Update public meetings and has
enjoyed being part of the Master Plan process.
Ms. Benna noted that the Commission would receive another update on the Master Plan at the
November Commission meeting.
IV. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FY 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT
REVIEW
The FY 2009-2010 Parks and Recreation Annual Report was distributed to the Commissioners.
The report is also posted on the Parks and Recreation Department website.
V. ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
Ms. Hesser and Mr. Boyer provided an update on the Adopt-A-Park Program, including the
initial parks involved, program partners, and potential projects for the volunteers.
Ms. Hesser stated that the Adopt-A-Park Program was first conceptualized by staff two years
ago. Ms. Hesser explained that the City of Phoenix recently held a session at the annual APRA
Conference on its program and Glendale staff attended the presentation. Ms. Hesser stated that
Glendale staff is using the City of Phoenix framework for the Adopt-A-Park Program and
tweaking the program to reflect the needs of Glendale. Ms. Hesser explained that the goal of the
program is to engage the community in "ownership and care" of the parks.
Mr. Boyer added that a partner in this initiative is the Glendale Neighborhood Partnership Office
NPO). Mr. Boyer explained that the NPO has an extensive database of registered
neighborhoods, neighborhood leaders, and community volunteers who are potential participants
in the Adopt-A-Park Program. Mr. Boyer also noted that the NPO has a tool shed which houses
various tools and equipment that can be borrowed for use on community projects.
Ms. Hesser stated that the following parks are the pilot parks in the Program:
Hidden Meadows (Sahuaro District)
Sunset Palms (Sahuaro District)
Desert Mirage (Yucca District)
Sierra Verde (Cholla District)
Mission Park (Cactus District)
Ms. Hesser explained that these parks were chosen because there were already neighborhood
and/or volunteer groups in place that are able-bodied and ready to tackle their chosen
responsibilities at the parks.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
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Mr. Boyer stated that a group did not have to volunteer to take care of an entire park, noting that
with larger parks, this would be an enormous task. Mr. Boyer explained that groups or
individuals could register to take care of certain tasks, such as maintaining a basketball court or
removing graffiti. Mr. Boyer gave examples of specific park duties that could be handled by an
Adopt-A-Park partner, which included the following:
Clean up of litter and trash
Landscape trimming
Weed removal
Raking the sand and/or wood fiber under the play structures
Graffiti removal
Sweeping gravel from trails or sport-courts
Painting projects
Mr. Boyer added that the time required can be as minimal as one or two hours a month and
projects can be tailored to each group or individual.
Ms. Hesser stated that on November 6, staff will be at the Thunderbird Conservation Park
distributing surveys to park users. The surveys are intended to ask for park users perspectives
regarding their usage of the park and to ask if they would be interested in helping staff with
maintaining portions of the trail system. Ms. Hesser stated that staff will distribute the surveys at
different times and days to ensure a good representation of responses later in the month of
November.
Chair Passmore inquired about advertising of the Adopt-A-Park Program. Ms. Hesser replied
that staff has not begun marketing the program yet because the focus is currently on the five pilot
parks. Once the program at those parks is up and running successfully, the concept will be
expanded to other parks.
Ms. Benna stated that the Adopt-A-Park Program is a wonderful way to build relationships
between the city, residents, and businesses.
Commissioner Silvas asked if the Fire Department would be interested in participating in the
Adopt-A-Park Program on behalf of the Skunk Creek Linear Park, which is directly behind a fire
station. Ms. Hesser replied that this suggestion could be explored with the Fire Department.
Commissioner Silvas also suggested contacting the businesses that are adjacent to the
Thunderbird Conservation Park to determine if there is any interest in the Adopt-A-Park
Program.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
October 18,2010
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Commissioner Dale asked if, despite the fact that Adopt-A-Park Program was not being
advertised yet, she could spread the word about the program at school in order to generate
interest. Ms. Hesser replied in the positive.
Commissioner Liebman noted that the Thunderbird Conservation Park is bordered by Peoria,
Phoenix, and Glendale and asked if there was a way to get the residents or city staff of the other
towns to participate in the Adopt-A-Park Program. Ms. Benna replied that many park users,
despite what towns they actually live in, do feel ownership of the parks that they use on a regular
basis and may be receptive to this idea.
Chair Passmore inquired as to how successful the City of Phoenix Adopt-A-Park Program was
doing. Ms. Hesser replied that the program is doing well, as their Park Stewards program with
the rangers has approximately 150 volunteers.
Chair Passmore inquired about signage for the Adopt-A-Park Program. Ms. Hesser replied that
staff is conscious of sign pollution and was focusing on other means of recognition.
Chair Passmore asked that an update on the Adopt-A-Park Program be put on the Commission
agenda in perhaps the next six months. Chair Passmore felt that this was an excellent program
and may be the new model for cities to maintain parks, especially during difficult economic
times.
VI. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mr. LeGendre reiterated to the Commission about the need for more Parks and Recreation
adaptive programs for special needs children and adults. Mr. LeGendre suggested that special
needs children and adults be charged the same discounted fees as seniors at the Foothills
Recreation and Aquatic Center. Mr. LeGendre stated that special needs adults and children do
not use the center as long or in the same manner as other users and therefore, the reduced fees are
justified. Mr. LeGendre added that special needs adults typically have little or no income and
could greatly benefit from the reduced fees.
VII. STAFF REPORTS
Ms. Hesser provided the following update on current projects and activities:
Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area
The "Wild West Event" was held this past weekend. Approximately 4,000 visitors
attended and produced $6,850 in revenue for the division. In addition, a total of 305
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Advisory Commission Meeting
October 18,2010
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guests visited the Main House for a self-guided tour and over 20 volunteers staffed the
house throughout the three-day event.
Parks and Capital Improvement Projects Division
o The parking lot project at Thunderbird Conservation Park is complete.
o The sports complex renovation at Sahuaro Ranch Park continues to progress.
o The O'Neil Park sports field improvement portion of the construction project is nearing
the 100% design status. Work is expected to be completed by spring 2011.
o Solar lighting was installed at the recently renovated Foothills Dog Park. The area has
historically been illuminated when Field 1 of the complex is reserved. The new solar
lights will allow visitors to use the facility during the evenings when the sports field is
not being used.
o Murphy Park will be the recipient of two complete over-seeding and fertilization
applications.
o Mr. Paul Bernardo represented the Department along with Ms. Marcheta Strunk at the
recent Barrel District Town Talk. Ms. Hesser and Ms. Benna also attended the first
portion of the event. Several compliments were received from citizens regarding the
maintenance of the neighborhood parks.
Mr. Schwind gave the following update on current projects and activities:
Ironwood Pool Improvements
As part of the preventative maintenance program, re-plastering and deck repair are
scheduled for Ironwood Pool as well as diving board adjustments at Cactus Pool. Repairs
are scheduled for spring 2011.
Western Area Regional Park, Splash Pad Improvements
A second filtration system is currently being installed at the splash pad to assist in the
cleaning of the water during high use periods.
Grant Applications
Two applications were submitted through the Community Development Block Grant
program (CDBG). Notification of funding will be determined in spring 2011.
o "Get a Grip on Health" — is a $66,000 grant to provide services and support to
combat childhood obesity.
o Facility Renovation — A $58,500 grant was submitted for the improvements to the
Glendale Community Center. These improvements include more energy efficient
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Advisory Commission Meeting
October 18,2010
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windows, improved access along sidewalks, and the resurfacing of the outdoor
basketball court.
VIII. COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Silvas stated that she was impressed with the turnout at the Master Plan Update
public meetings and was especially moved by the comments regarding the Special Needs
population at the last public meeting. Commissioner Silvas has been enjoying the Tumbling for
Tots class with her daughter at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center and has been very
impressed with staff at the Center. Commissioner Silvas would like to participate in the survey
distribution at Thunderbird Conservation Park.
Commissioner Dale felt that the Adopt-A-Park Program will encourage more community
involvement and liked all aspects of the program. Commissioner Dale attended the
Commissioner Basic Training Workshop.
Commissioner George attended the third public Master Plan Update meeting, one Council
Meeting, and volunteered at the Wild West Event at Sahuaro Ranch Park.
Commissioner Williams would like to participate in the survey distribution at Thunderbird
Conservation Park and is very excited to be on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Commissioner Parr attended the third public Master Plan Update meeting.
Commissioner Liebman attended the third public Master Plan Update meeting and felt there
were many excellent discussions which have been common throughout all of the meetings.
Commissioner Liebman complimented staff on the parking lot on the Pinnacle Peak side of
Thunderbird Conservation Park and will participate in the November 6 survey at the park.
Chair Passmore attended the third public Master Plan Update meeting and found it to be very
informative. Chair Passmore was excited about the Adopt-A-Park program moving forward.
Commissioner Silvas suggested having a Commission meeting at the Glendale Adult Center or
the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center in the upcoming months. All Commissioners
agreed. Ms. Benna will pursue this suggestion.
IX. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS
Confirmation of the December meeting to be held at the Glendale Adult Center
Update on Commission Goals
Master Plan Update
Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission Meeting
October 18,2010
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X. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting will be Monday, November 8, 2010, at 7 p.m. in Room B-3 of the
Municipal Office Complex.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. by consensus.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Kazmierczak