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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 6/13/2011CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7 P.M., MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2011 GLENDALE ADULT CENTER 5970 W. BROWN STREET MEMBERS PRESENT: Jonathan Liebman, Chair Donna Williams, Vice Chair Danielle Silvas Allison Tedford Samantha Cooke Jamie Aldama MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Parr OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Exec. Director, Parks, Recreation &Library Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Karen Hesser, Deputy Director Mike Gregory, Park Manager David Seid, Recreation Manager Chris Gallagher, Recreation Manager Roger Boyer, Project Coordinator Katherine O'Connor, Recreation Coordinator Anthony Garcia, Recreation Coordinator Christine Frederickson, Management Assistant I.CALL TO ORDER Chair Liebman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Liebman noted that Commissioner Parr was absent and Commissioner George recently resigned. Chair Liebman also introduced and welcomed the new student Commissioner Samantha Cooke of Cactus High School and Commissioner Jamie Aldama, of the Ocotillo District. Both new Commissioners were very pleased for the opportunity to participate on the Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MAY 9, 2011, MEETING Commissioner Silvas motioned to approve the May 9, 2011 meeting minutes with a change to include comments by Mr. Strunk regarding the city libraries and also that the picnic tables at Thunderbird Conservation Park were painted, not the ramadas. Commissioner Tedford made the second. The motion passed 6—0. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 2 IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. V. RECOGNITION OF ADOPT-A-PARK PARTICIPANTS Ms. Hesser introduced and recognized the volunteer services of four different Adopt-A- Park groups. Group representatives were presented with a certificate in commemoration of the hard work performed by the volunteers since the program's commencement in the fall of 2010. The Adopt-A-Park groups recognized at the meeting were: 1. Adopted Park: Sunset Palms Sponsoring Group: Thunderbird Palms Neighborhood Group Representative: Ms. Danielle Martinez Achievement: 22 hours of volunteer work which equals $470 in labor savings for the city. 2. Adopted Park: Mission Sponsoring Group: Sands West Neighborhood Block Watch Group Representative: Ms. Nancy Steindam Achievement: 34 hours of volunteer work which equals $726 in labor savings for the city. 3. Adopted Park: Desert Mirage Sponsoring Group: Desert Mirage Adopt-A-Park Group Representative: Mr. John Kolodziej Achievement: 295 hours of volunteer work which equals $6,301 in labor savings for the city. 4. Adopted Park: 26 Different Parks and 2 Linear Park Trail Systems to date. This group rotates through the entire City of Glendale park system. Sponsoring Group: Gompers Habilitation System Group Representative: Ms. Eileen Espinoza Achievement: 748.5 hours of volunteer work which equals $15,988 in labor savings for the city. Chair Liebman praised and thanked all of the Adopt-A-Park groups for their hard work. Ms. Hesser thanked the department Project Coordinator Roger Boyer for coordinating the Adopt-A-Park program. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 3 VI. REVIEW OF COMMISSION WORK PLAN FOR FY 2010-2011 Mr. Strunk provided a finalized FY 2010-2011 Work Plan Report which detailed the Commission's accomplishments over the year in regards to established goals. Mr. Strunk also attached a survey for the Commissioners to complete which would further capture individual accomplishments, feedback and suggestions. Mr. Strunk stated that the Work Plan Report and the surveys would be given to Council and asked that the Commissioners complete the survey by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2011. Commissioner Williams noted that there were some Commissioners whose term ended during the fiscal year or had to step down and suggested that the survey be sent to them for completion as well. Mr. Strunk agreed with the suggestion and will do so. Chair Liebman requested an updated Commissioner roster. Staff will follow-up on this request. VII. SUMMER COMMISSION RETREAT Staff and the Commissioners discussed dates and times for the Summer Commission Retreat. It was agreed that the Summer Commission Retreat would be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with the location to be announced. Mr. Strunk asked the Commissioners for ideas regarding topics and/or presentations to be held at the retreat. Commissioner Silvas inquired if the public was able to attend the retreat. Mr. Strunk replied in the positive. Commissioner Silvas announced that although her term was coming to an end this month, she is planning on attending the retreat. Chair Liebman read aloud comments that he received via email from some of the Commissioners, which included the following: The Commissioners as individuals should attend another department's Commission meeting. The Commission should have a discussion on naming conventions and the naming of trails at Thunderbird Conservation Park and Western Area Regional Park. The Commissioners should shadow a staff member or Park Ranger for a day. The Commission should receive quarterly status updates on the status of the department Master Plan. The Commissioners would like information on the upcoming Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conference to be held in August. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 4 Mr. Strunk stated that the suggestions were very good and will pursue these, along with staff selections, with the chair and vice-chair of the Commission. Chair Liebman also requested a status update on the Master Plan for the Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Strunk agreed that this could be provided and also suggested a presentation on the Trails Plan. Commissioner Aldama requested information on the partnerships that the Parks and Recreation Department has with schools or other organizations. Commissioner Williams also asked for a specific list of events and activities that are sanctioned by the Parks and Recreation Department that the Commissioners can attend in order to meet the fiscal year goals. Commissioner Williams noted that there are various city events and sometimes it can be difficult to determine if it is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department or by another city department. Ms. Hesser agreed to compile a list for the Commissioners. Chair Liebman added that it would be very helpful to add the events which need volunteers so that the Commissioners can plan ahead. Ms. Hesser agreed to do so. Mr. Schwind stated that staff is always looking at new ways to market events and so a more concise list such as the one suggested might be beneficial for other groups besides the Commission. Chair Liebman has noticed the Parks and Recreation Department postings on Facebook and praised the use of social media. Chair Liebman added that marketing can be used to increase park usage, but also to secure donations. VIII. PRESENTATION ON NEW SAHUARO RANCH ENTRY MONUMENTS Mr. Gregory gave a presentation, including diagrams, maps, and pictures, of the new Sahuaro Ranch Park entry monuments along 59th Avenue and 63rd Avenue. Highlights of the presentation include the following: The Artist o Glendale Arts Commission chose Ms. Laurie Lundquist. o Ms. Lundquist has created other artwork in the valley including: Rain shelter at the Mesa Art Center, Mesa 2009 Light Rail Station, Tempe 2008 Western Canal, Tempe 2008 Swimming Dream, Phoenix 2007 Fly Over Pedestrian, Tempe 2004 Mountain Pass Pedestrian Bridge, Phoenix 1997 o The various architecture, materials, and landscaping of Sahuaro Ranch Park provided great inspiration for Ms. Lundquist, including the older brick on the buildings, the columns, the farming equipment, the weathered wood, the orchards, and the flood irrigation canals. The 59th Avenue Entry Monument Concept Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 5 o The monument is a 5/8" plated steel with a natural rust finish which will have raised lettering. o The cut-out design on the monument will be steel cut. o The monument will be placed at the entrance on 59th Avenue. o The placement of the new monument is moved back a bit from the present location to remedy a sight-line issue. The Artist's Responsibility regarding the 59th Avenue Entry Monument: o Fabricate and install the new monument. o Move the existing wrought iron fence to be in line with the entry arch. o Remove the column on the corner. o Install LED down lighting for the monument. o Install a planter along the arch. Additional Monuments o Two on 63` d Avenue: one at the north entrance and one at the south entrance. o Not as tall, but as wide as the 59th Avenue Entry Monument. o These monuments have a large circle cut-out in order to avoid sight-line issues. Chair Liebman inquired about the artist selection process. Mr. Gregory explained that the Glendale Arts Commission published an RFQ and three artists submitted a proposal. Of those three, the Arts Commission and select members of city staff chose the winning submission. Mr. Gregory stated that the Arts Commission has budgeted $40,000 for the cost of all three monuments. Commissioner Williams asked about the target date for completion of the monuments. Mr. Gregory replied that fabricating has already begun and the project should be completed in the next 30 to 60 days. Commissioner Aldama asked if any artists from Glendale submitted a design. Mr. Gregory replied in the negative, noting that the RFQ was statewide and well-publicized. Commissioner Aldama inquired about the meaning of the shape of the monument. Mr. Gregory explained that the shape of the monument is the same as the disks used to plow the fields. Chair Liebman asked who chose the materials for the monument. Mr. Gregory explained that the materials are chosen by the artist. Ms. Hesser stated that the Parks and Recreation Department has worked on various art projects with the Arts Commission. Ms. Hesser explained that the Arts Commission Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 6 chooses the art and the Parks and Recreation Department is a recipient of the beautiful pieces. Commissioner Cooke asked if the rusted steel would rust even further. Mr. Gregory replied in the positive but added that this would only further add to the artistry and beauty of the steel. Commissioner Cooke asked if the rust would ruin the lettering. Mr. Gregory replied in the negative. Chair Liebman thanked staff for the update. IX. STAFF UPDATES Ms. Hesser provided the following update on recent activities and accomplishments: Repair and renovation projects are wrapping up at several parks during the next few weeks. Improvements include the resurfacing of basketball courts at Cholla, O'Neil, Discovery, Sunnyside, and Desert Rose parks. The tennis courts at Chaparral Park are also being resurfaced. At Sahuaro Ranch Park, the restrooms near the ramada complex and the picnic area will have new lights, fresh paint and new epoxy flooring. In addition to the Adopt-A-Park groups that were recognized earlier this evening, staff was contacted by a commercial firm who is interested in adopting two of the neighborhood parks. It is hoped that the group will be on board in the next few weeks. Staff worked with a local Girl Scout troop over the Memorial Day weekend to plant eighteen fruit trees in the orchard at Sahuaro Ranch Park. This brings the orchard to 99% of the original inventory. Staff also worked with Councilmember Clark to facilitate the purchase and planting of five trees at Sunset Vista Elementary School. Staff coordinated with several Boy Scout Troops to accomplish several other projects during the month: o Painted all the picnic tables and grills at Thunderbird Conservation Park. o Installed river rock for erosion control and painted benches in the cactus garden. o At Hillcrest Park, the parking lot gate and low-flow ditch railing were painted yellow and the shrubs and bushes in the landscaped areas were trimmed. o At Sunset Vista Park, the shrubs and bushes around the volleyball court, horseshoe court, and basketball court were trimmed. The jet at Bonsall Park North is being repainted and restored to its original luster. Through a partnership with Councilmember Lieberman and the Department, the jet is being repainted and the markings will be replaced during the next several weeks. Park Visit Report summaries were distributed to the Commissioners. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 7 On June 25, an Adopt-A-Trail event will be held at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Staff will be coordinating volunteers at 7:00 a.m. at Restroom#1. Ms. Hesser stated that, in regard to the Park Visit Reports, due to expiring terms and a resigning Commissioner, the Yucca District was not fully completed nor was the Ocotillo District. Ms. Hesser noted that Park staff has resolved all issues that did not involve large scale CIP budget items. Mr. Schwind provided the following update on recent activities and accomplishments: Wednesday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m.: Arrowhead Little League Scoreboard Dedication at Foothills Park, Field#3 o The Mayor, Vice Mayor Frate, and Councilmembers Knaack and Martinez are scheduled to attend. This will be a short ceremony to thank the Little League and McCarthy Builders. McCarthy installed the scoreboard at no cost to the city which saved the City approximately $21,000 in labor, supplies, electric, and welding. The actual engineering and purchase of the scoreboard also amounted to $12,000 which was paid for by the City via field rental funds. Friday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m.: Rose Lane Pool—Water Safety Walk o Southwest Ambulance will present a $5,000 check to the City for swimming lessons at Rose Lane Aquatics Center. Councilmembers Clark, Knaack, Alvarez, and Lieberman are scheduled to attend the event. After presentation of the check, a 30-minute water safety walk from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. will be conducted through the adjacent neighborhood. ASA Men's "E" Western Region National Softball Tournament: o Labor Day Weekend— Sahuaro Ranch Sports Complex o 40 — 50 teams are anticipated, of which 60% will be coming from out of state. The Youth and Teen Division has partnered with Heart for the City at the Glendale Community Center offering additional recreation programs on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 3:30 -8:00 p.m. free of charge. The Youth and Teen Division has also partnered with Glendale's Hope and applied for a $20,000 Fiesta Bowl Grant to support the Department's Youth Scholarship Fund. Eight drop-in recreation programs and two licensed programs are in full swing keeping the youth in Glendale participating in recreational activities. Mr. Strunk provided an update, which included the following highlights: Two items of note will be on the City Council agenda this month: 1. A resolution received from the Boys and Girls Club which would allow the City to apply for $10,000 in state gaming funds from the Gila River Nation. The funds would be used for the afterschool program at the Boys and Girls Club located at 63rd Avenue and Maryland in Glendale. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 8 2. The reciprocal field usage agreement with Raymond S. Kellis High School in the Peoria Unified School District needs to be re-signed. The City budget is in the final stages of completion. Ms. Sue Komernicky, who has served as a librarian for the City of Glendale for the past 28 years, is retiring and will be greatly missed. Ms. Cathy Gorham, Deputy City Manager, is retiring at the end of June after 17 years with the City of Glendale. Ms. Gorham has been a phenomenal and very dedicated asset to the City and will be deeply missed. Chair Liebman requested a new Parks and Recreation organization chart. Mr. Strunk stated that this should be available for distribution at the summer Retreat. Chair Liebman inquired about the renovations at O'Neil Park. Mr. Schwind explained that the facility improvements are basically complete. The grass is being given time to take hold and grow in and therefore, an August grand re-opening is being considered. Mr. Schwind stated that the Heart of the City children have been asked to participate in the grand re-opening. Mr. Stunk suggested that the Commission hold a mobile meeting in September at O'Neil Recreation Center. All agreed. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Cooke noticed that there were some benches with graffiti at Kings Park and at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Commissioner Williams was excited about the new Commissioners as they will provide a fresh outlook on the topics discussed. Commissioner Silvas stated that this was her last meeting as a Commissioner and commented that she has enjoyed her two years of service. Commissioner Silvas was proud to have been able to speak on behalf of the residents of the Sahuaro District. Commissioner Aldama was very happy for the appointment to the Commission and was especially pleased to hear about all the trees planted at Sahuaro Ranch Park and the planting of five trees at Sunset Vista Elementary School Commissioner Aldama asked for the following information to be provided: A copy of the 2009-2010 Annual Report Further information on the Parks and Recreation Department partnership with Arrowhead Little League in regard to its use of the field at Foothills Sports Complex. Specifically is there a similar arrangement with other Little Leagues; and what is the full cost of the Little League field renovations at Foothills Sports Complex. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 9 Information on any plans to upgrade Sonorita Park at 58th Avenue and Market Street. Staff will follow-up on these questions and provide clarification at the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Aldama volunteered to complete the Park Inspection visits for the parks in the Ocotillo District. Chair Liebman attended the 63rd Avenue Bridge Dedication and visited Thunderbird Conservation Park many times on his mountain bike. Chair Liebman noticed quite a few dog waste bags left on the trails at Thunderbird Conservation Park which he noted means that people are using the bags, but now need to be encouraged not to leave the bags on the trails. XI. SPECIAL TOUR OF ADULT CENTER At 8:15 p.m., the Commissioners were given a tour of the Adult Center by staff members. XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. by consensus. The Commission will conduct a special summer retreat on August 13, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The location will be selected. The next regular meeting will be Monday, September 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Room B-3, Glendale, Arizona. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak