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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. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 18,2010 Page 2 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. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 18,2010 Page 3 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. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 18,2010 Page 4 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. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 18,2010 Page 5 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 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 18,2010 Page 6 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 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 18,2010 Page 7 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 Page 8 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