HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/24/2011CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
7 P.M., MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2011
GLENDALE ADULT CENTER
5970 W. BROWN STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Passmore, Chair
Jonathan Liebman, Vice Chair
Dana Dale
Danielle Silvas
Donna Williams
Elizabeth Fernandes
Gary Parr
Margaret George
MEMBERS ABSENT: Edgar Hernandez
OTHERS PRESENT: Becky Benna, Director
Karen Hesser, Deputy Director
Bill Schwind, Deputy Director
Lori Bye, Recreation Manager
David Seid, Recreation Manager
Mike Gregory, Project Coordinator
Marcheta Strunk, Management Assistant
Christine Frederickson, Management Assistant
Jeff Kratzke, Olsson Associates
Randall Kopff, Olsson Associates
Brian Trusty, PROS Consulting
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Passmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 13, 2010, MEETING
Commissioner Dale motioned to approve the December 13, 2010, meeting minutes
as written. Commissioner Parr made the second. The motion passed 8—0.
II. PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Ms. Becky Benna stated that the Master Plan Update has been in process for nearly a
year. During that time, a great deal of information gathering occurred, including staff
meetings, consultant meetings, public surveys, discussions with public representatives,
public meetings and hearings, and Commission meetings.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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Ms. Benna stated that the new plan is an update of the plan set forth in 2002. Ms. Benna
noted that once the updated Master Plan is completed and approved, an annual business
plan will be developed to incorporate measurable action steps to address the updated
master plan recommendations.
Ms. Benna introduced Mr. Jeff Kratzke and Mr. Randall Kopff, of Olsson Associates, and
Mr. Brian Trusty of Pros Consulting, who were in attendance to present the preliminary
recommendations and implementation strategies included in the updated Parks and
Recreation Department Master Plan. Ms. Benna stressed that the presentation will
include the major recommendations for proposed draft plan. Once the document is
reviewed and recommended by the Commission, the final Master Plan must be approved
by City Council.
Mr. Kratzke thanked the Commissioners for their time this evening and the information
presented at this meeting. Mr. Kratzke noted that the full report was in its final stages of
quality control review and the Commissioners would receive the detailed report in
approximately three weeks.
Mr. Kratzke presented details of the Master Plan Update, including the following
information:
Master Plan is based on the following:
o Site, facility and program assessments
o Extensive Public Input
o Interviews with organization's leadership, community leaders and
organizations and staff
o Demographics and trends analysis
o Park classifications and facility standards analysis
o Industry best practices
Core Services
o Care of Infrastructure
o Health and Prevention
o Safety
o Community Heritage and Preservation
Mr. Trusty presented the details and the demographics of the community. He also
reviewed the data collected from the community-wide survey regarding the most use park
and recreation and facilities, and most desired park amenities:
Top Six Most Used Parks and Recreation Facilities:
76% Neighborhood Parks, 70% Parking Lots, 60% Walking and Biking Trails,
57%Picnic Areas and Ramadas, 56% Park Restrooms, 55% Community/Regional
Parks.
Top Five Most Desired Park Amenities:
37% Shade Trees, 34% Park Restrooms, 24% Drinking Fountains, 20% Lighting,
19% Trash Cans.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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Mr. Trusty also shared the following information based on analysis and the various
input processes:
Maintenance Management of Current Inventory:
Percent of Total Workload for the following Maintenance Areas: 70% Park
Maintenance, 7% Trails Maintenance, 10% Sports Complexes, 4% Urban
Forestry, 2% Open Space Maintenance, 5% Facility Maintenance and 2% City-
Wide Responsibilities.
Level of Service Analysis Based On:
o Establish current standards for existing parks and recreation sites and
amenities and project future needs based upon projected population growth to
maintain these standards.
o Review national standards provided by the National Recreation and Park
Association.
o Review the inventory of park land and green space and recreational amenities
provided by alternative organizations in the community (i.e. schools, YMCA,
homeowner associations, etc.)
o Development of standards collaboratively between the Consultant Team and
management staff from the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department to
project future needs based upon current standards, local trends, public input
and best practices in similar communities around the United States.
Proposed Strategic Implementation Plan: Key Strategies
o Category 1: Community Mandates:
The goal is to maintain and enhance park and recreation facilities and
programs to promote community interaction, healthy lifestyles and safety. Six
detailed strategies were presented.
o Category 2: Service Standards:
The goal is to update and utilize standards for development, design, operations
and maintenance of park and recreation facilities. Eight detailed strategies
were presented.
o Category 3: Programs and Services:
The goal is to provide balance and consistency in delivery of programs and
services by meeting the needs of the diverse community. Five detailed
strategies were presented.
o Category 4: Business Practices:
The goal is to manage park and recreation facilities and programs that support
Department and City cost recovery goals and policies. Five detailed strategies
were presented.
o Category 5: Community Outreach and Partnerships:
The goal is to maximize resources through partnerships that leverage facilities
and open space development and program opportunities. Six detailed
strategies were presented.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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Program and Service Needs Recommendations and Recommended Priorities:
o Partnership program to engage alternative providers in the community as a
network of recreation opportunities in the City of Glendale. (primary)
o Programs that improve the health and lifestyles of residents. (primary)
o Quality and accessibility of youth programs. (primary)
o Quality and diversity of programs for adults of all ages. (primary)
o Quality and diversity of programs for residents with special needs. (primary)
o Programs that promote safety in the community. (primary)
o Programs that celebrate the significance of the natural and cultural resources
of Glendale. (secondary)
o Develop new programs that will engage families in recreational experiences.
secondary)
o Maintain an appropriate balance of traditional (athletics, team sports, fitness,
etc.) and non-traditional (BMX, skateboarding, rock climbing, etc.) sports and
activities that are representative of community interests and predominate
demands. (secondary)
o Programs that promote and draw tourism to the community and contribute to
economic development. (secondary)
Programs/Service Recommendations and Recommended Priority:
o Partnership Program (primary)
o Adopt-A-Park Program (primary)
o Park Operations and Sustainability Task Force (primary)
o Healthy Lifestyles Programs (primary)
o Quality, Accessible Youth Programs (primary)
o Quality, Diverse Programs for Adults (primary)
o Quality, Diverse Programs for People with Special Needs (primary)
o Safety-Focus Programs (primary)
o Community Communications (primary)
o Natural and Cultural Resource Programs (secondary)
o Family Programs (secondary)
o Traditional and Non-Traditional Sports (secondary)
o Tourism Programs (secondary)
Facility Needs Recommendations and Recommended Priority:
o Improve conditions of neighborhood parks (primary)
o Develop and improve shade structures/amenities in parks (primary)
o Complete the Western Area Regional Park (primary)
o Improve existing restrooms (primary)
o Improve existing and develop new trails and greenways (primary)
o Improve existing and develop new playgrounds (secondary)
o Improve and enhance Thunderbird Conservation Park (secondary)
o Improve existing and develop new picnic areas and ramadas (secondary)
o Improve conditions of community and regional parks (secondary)
o Improve parking lots (secondary)
o Develop additional skate/BMX parks as needed (long term)
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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o Develop additional aquatic facilities as needed (long term)
o Develop additional multipurpose athletic fields as needed (long term)
o Develop additional dog parks as needed (long term)
Mr. Kratzke presented the following information:
Trail System Recommendations:
o Optimize existing trail resources
o Concentrate resources on projects that link trails to surrounding municipality
trail networks
o Develop teaming opportunities with irrigation districts and the Maricopa
County Flood Control District
o Connect parks with trails when feasible
o Provide safe routes to schools, parks and entertainment areas
o Pursue grants as viable funding sources
o Create a comprehensive trails map which identifies connections to adjacent
municipality trails, parks, and open spaces
Capital Improvement Plan Based on:
o Demographics and trends analysis
o Organizational leadership, staff and public input
o Capital costs
o Operations and maintenance costs
o Financial capacity of the City
o Financial capacity through grants, partnerships, and regional coordination
o Economic and political conditions of the local area
Proposed Capital Project Plan: Potential Capital Costs and Potential Operational
Budget Impacts were presented for the following:
o Improve conditions of existing and develop new neighborhood parks
primary)
o Develop and improve shade structures or shade amenities in parks (primary)
o Complete the Western Area Regional Park (primary)
o Improve existing and develop new restrooms (primary)
o Develop new trails and greenways (primary)
o Improve existing and develop new playgrounds (secondary)
o Improve existing and develop new picnic areas and ramadas (secondary)
o Improve conditions and develop new community and regional parks
secondary)
o Improve parking lots (secondary)
o Improve and enhance Thunderbird Conservation Park (secondary)
o Develop additional skate/BMX amenities and facilities as needed (long term)
o Develop additional aquatic facilities as needed (long term)
o Develop additional multipurpose athletic fields as needed (long term)
o Develop additional dog parks as needed (long term)
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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Land Management Recommendations: Establishment of Criteria for Acquisition
and Parcel Prioritization:
o Master Planning and Departmental Purpose Statement
o Site Characteristics
o Financial
o Partnership Opportunities
o Accessibility Linkages
o Accessibility—Mass Transit
o Transparency and Citizen Stewardship
Land Management Recommendations: Potential Funding Sources for Land
Acquisition:
o The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
o Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA) of 2000
o The North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) of 1989
o Land Exchanges
o Open Space Bond Issues
o Community Development Block Grant Funds
o Park Foundations
o Grants
Mr. Trusty discussed the following information:
Land Management Recommendations were presented for:
o A prioritized map of recommended land acquisition areas was displayed.
o Criteria for the divestiture of property were presented. There are currently no
recommended closing or selling of park land. These criteria are put in place
for future use if action is deemed necessary.
Funding and Partnership Recommendations were presented for:
o Public/Public Partnerships
o Public/Not-for-Profit Partnerships
o PubIic/Private Partnerships
Funding and Partnership Recommendations: The following areas of focus are
recommended:
o Operational Partners
o Vendor Partners
o Service Partners
o Co-branding Partners
o Resource Development Partners
Pricing Plan Update Recommendations: Updated pricing plan criteria for various
levels of services based on community input were presented.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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Summary of the Master Plan Update Recommendations:
o Maintain and improve what we have
o Enhance ability to take care of what we have through partnerships, contracting
and streamlined means and methods
o Complete projects and improvements that have been started
o Enhance and expand partnerships and alternative funding sources
o Support development of a primary non-profit partner: i.e. conservancy, friends
group, or foundation
o Continue to analyze and manage the maintenance needs of the system sites,
facilities and infrastructure and labor to support the system needs
o Improve awareness of facilities, services and programs in the community
o Establish and follow prudent standards for amenity development as
community grows
o Manage use and participation levels from outside of Glendale
o Maintain diversity of programs and services
o Maintain balance of facilities and programs in the community
Mr. Trusty commented that the Master Plan of 2002 was a very good plan, but there have
been many changes in the population of Glendale over the past eight years and this
update to the plan is focused to accommodate those changes. Mr. Kratzke stated that the
key to the plan update is to be both balanced and realistic in the plan but include ambition
for the future as well.
Ms. Benna again stressed that the Master Plan Update is only proposed at this time and
expects to present the Master Plan to the Mayor and Council for approval by June 2011.
Ms. Benna explained that all capital improvement projects in the proposed Master Plan
are subject to Council approval and subsequent available funding and are only a guide for
the future. Ms. Benna added that the Master Plan is a ten-year guide but would be
referred to on an annual basis when staff completes the Parks and Recreation Annual
Business Plan.
Commissioner Liebman asked when the Commissioners would receive the final report
for review. Mr. Kratzke replied that it should be available in approximately three weeks.
Ms. Benna commented that once the Commissioners receive the detailed plan, questions
or concerns should be forwarded to her attention. Ms. Benna added that formal
discussion by the Commission regarding the detailed plan could be included on the
March meeting agenda.
Ms. Benna also stated the tonight's presentation would be posted on the Parks and
Recreation Department Website for the general public to view and download.
III. COMMISSION GOALS
Agenda item tabled until the February 2011 Commission meeting.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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IV. CITIZEN COMMENTS
None.
V. STAFF REPORTS
Ms. Hesser provided the following update:
Significant vandalism to Butler Park occurred in December. The underground
batteries for the newly installed solar lights were stolen. Facilities and Building
Safety are working to remedy a new design. Door hangers were placed on all
homes in the surrounding area soliciting the neighbors' help to thwart continued
abuse.
Similarly, Tarrington Ranch, Sunset Palms, Montara, Mission, Orangewood and
Butler have had the copper wire stolen from their light systems. Additionally,
backflow preventers which protect the water system from contamination have
been stolen at Tarrington Ranch, O'Neil, Country Gables, Northern Horizon,
Sonorita and the retention area at 67`h and Pinnacle Peak.
o Staff is working with the Police Department on the thefts and the Facilities
Department is replacing the copper wire as their schedule permits.
o Staff issued a news release to television and print media asking them to call
the police department or Parks and Recreation staff should they see something
suspicious, including any vehicle that is not identified as a City of Glendale or
Mariposa Landscaping unit.
The O'Neil Park Improvements bid was opened in December 2010. The contract
for the lowest qualified bidder, Gothic Landscaping, is on the January 25, 2011,
City Council meeting agenda. Upon award, the work is expected to be completed
by April 2011.
The Sahuaro Ranch Sports Complex renovation is 85% complete. Construction
continues to progress and is expected to be completed by early March.
A status summary of the October/November 2010 park site visit reports was
distributed to the Commissioners.
Mr. Schwind discussed the following items:
A Valentine's Day luncheon will be held at the Glendale Adult Center on
February 14, 2011.
A Health Fair will be held at the Foothills Recreation Center on January 28, 2011.
VI. COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Williams found the presentation this evening very informative.
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Advisory Commission Meeting
January 24,2011
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Commissioner Parr felt the Master Plan update had a very sharp focus, not just a general
direction, which would make the City of Glendale Parks and Recreation facilities the best
in the valley.
Commissioner George liked the emphasis of trails in the plan.
Commissioner Silvas inquired about the goal requiring the Commissioners to promote the
Commission at an event and asked if this was still scheduled for the Chocolate Affaire.
Ms. Benna replied that the goal would need to be re-scheduled and suggested the Jazz &
Blues Festival or the Green Festival as possibilities. Commissioner Fernandes stated that
a booth could possibly be shared with the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission
MYAC) at an upcoming event and offered to discuss the possibility with members of the
MYAC. Chair Passmore appreciated the suggestion and asked Commissioner Fernandes
to follow-up via email if this partnership could be secured.
Commissioner Fernandes attended the City Council installation.
Commissioner Dale praised the very concrete direction of the Master Plan.
Commissioner Liebman complimented staff on implementing the suggestions regarding
the Parks and Recreation webpage and various links that he made at the last Commission
meeting. Ms. Benna stated that Ms. Marcheta Strunk made the webpage changes as
requested.
Chair Passmore enjoyed the Master Plan presentation and thanked staff and the
consultants for their hard work on the updated plan.
VII. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS
Park Site Visits
Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center Update
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held at the Foothills Recreation and
Aquatics Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. by consensus.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, February 14, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the
Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Kazmierczak