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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 8/17/2013CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION RETREAT CAMELBACK RANCH- GLENDALE 10710 W. CAMELBACK ROAD SATURDAY,AUGUST 17,2013 8:00 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Portillo, Chair Mike Buettner, Vice Chair John Krystek David Moreno James Baribault MEMBERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk,Executive Director Mike Gregory,Parks&Recreation Manager Eugene Kraus, Park Manager Lori Bye,Recreation Manager Paul King, Senior Recreation Coordinator Christine Frederickson, Management Assistant Gwen Benoit, Senior Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Portillo called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Portillo took roll call. Chair Portillo inquired as to the vacancies on the Commission. Mr. Strunk commented that there are two teen vacancies as well as two other vacancies on the Commission. Mr. Strunk stated that new Commissioners should be identified and appointed soon. III. BREAKFAST/TOUR Mr. Jonathan Vasquez, Director of Facility Operations, conducted a tour of Camelback Ranch from 8:15 a.m.to 8:35 a.m. IV. ROLE AND MISSION OF THE COMMISSION Mr. Gregory provided an overview of the role and mission of the Parks and Recreation Commission, which included the following sections: The Mission Basics Roles and Responsibilities 1 Practical Responsibilities Staff Responsibilities V. REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT REVENUE AND FEE PHILOSOPHY Mr. Strunk gave a presentation on the revenue and fee structure of Parks and Recreation activities. The information provided included the following: Fee Philosophy 101 o Authority to establish fees is provided in Section 27 of City Code o The Parks and Recreation Master Plan was last updated in 2011 o A Dynamic Price Plan is utilized based on: Cost Recovery Public Benefit Resident Status Commercial Status o Programs and Service Fees Based on Direct Costs Price Plan o Category 1: Fixed Programs Programs expected of the City and receive up to 100% subsidy. o Category 2: Core Programs Baseline programs that add value to the quality of life and receive up to 75% subsidy. o Category 3: Tiered Programs Programs, services and facilities that users gravitate towards and receive up to.50% subsidy. o Category 4: Revenue Centers Programs that are revenue producing and typically cover 75%- 100%of their expenses. o Category 5: Partnerships Programs and services that are provided through partnerships and generate revenue to offset all City expense. Revenue Review o General Fund revenue and self-sustaining fund revenue was provided for FY 2009 through 2013. o Revenue for the Glendale Adult Center, Facility Rentals, Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, Historic Sahuaro Ranch and Sports and Health were presented for recent and current fiscal years. Follow-Up/Pending Discussion Items o Establish formal non-profit fee rate o Develop "prime time" rate structure to control or limit use during high demand periods or encourage use during periods of low demand or under use o Develop a discount program for individuals/families unable to afford fee- based services but still desire opportunity to participate o Develop "differential fees"—additional fees charged to non-City residents for the use of facilities and programs 2 o Identify"nominal fees"—minimal fees intended to recover a portion of the costs associated with a basic service (i.e. light fees) The Commissioners were provided with an Activity-Based Cost Analysis Worksheet which was developed by Mr. Gregory that is used to analyze the expected costs and necessary revenue for a specific program or activity. Commissioner Krystek expressed concern in regards to the increased resident cost for aquatics at Rose Lane. Commissioner Krystek commented on the drop-off in attendance and voiced the possibility that the youths might be getting into trouble in the neighborhood if they are unable to go to the pool in their neighborhood. Mr. Strunk will check with the police department to see if there has been any increase in issues with kids over the summer. Commissioner Moreno suggested more emphasis on partnerships for donations toward funds for the aquatics program. Vice Chair Buettner commented that the aquatics program warranted additional conversation and a more in-depth review of the revenue and attendance statistics. Chair Portillo agreed. VI. FY 2013 Year in Review The Commissioners were provided with a detailed document reporting major departmental accomplishments over the past fiscal year. Mr. Gregory highlighted the following accomplishments: Bermuda Grass Life Cycle: Staff has fully energized the irrigation systems in the parks so residents should begin to see changes in turf appearance. Wildflower Project: The north side of the Thunderbird Conservation Park was damaged by a wildfire in 2006 and the area has been unable to rejuvenate due to wind and water erosion. Through the Partners N' Parks program, Leadership West and the Parks and Recreation Division will join forces to implement the Wildflower Project. The project is set to kick-off on November 2, 2013 during which staff and volunteers will spread wildflower seeds in the area. Staff member: Ms. Michelle Yates was the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards handed out by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association: APRA Outstanding Young Professional. Ms. Yates was recognized by her peers throughout the state for her distinct leadership in promoting recreation events and activities, dedication to her organization, development of pioneer-type activities in parks and recreation and overall contribution to the profession. Ms. Bye highlighted the following accomplishments: Glendale Gallery: Since the opening, almost 2,000 people have visited the art gallery located at Westgate. 3 Water Safety Walk; On April 10th, the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Division canvassed 1,100 homes in the Arrowhead area to deliver water safety and swim lesson information. Southwest Ambulance contributed $5,000 for free or reduced rate swim lessons to Glendale residents. Rose Lane Aquatics Center: On June 15th, the Verano Sano Safe Summer event was held. The division partnered with SRP, Radio Campesina, the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Southwest Ambulance and the Glendale Fire Department to make it a successful event. Kudos to staff on the great job of safety in the aquatics programs this summer. VII. BREAK A break was taken from 9:58 a.m.to 10:09 a.m. VIII. PARKS AMENITY NAMING AND RECOGNITION PLAQUES Mr. Strunk announced that recently, the Parks and Recreation Division received two separate requests for special plaques of recognition to be installed in two different parks. Mr. Stunk stated that the current park naming policy makes reference to the issue as such: Facilities within a park can be named separately from the park and/or facility in which they are located, subject to the general guidelines outlined in the policy." Mr. Strunk noted that the intent of this agenda item was to further refine this portion of the process to be as streamlined as possible. Mr. Stunk stated that the two requests were as follows: 1. A recognition plaque for Ronan, a police dog who was killed while on duty. It is requested that the plaque be placed in the park where Ronan trained for duty. 2. A plaque to be placed in Murphy Park in honor of Mr. Marty Robbins, famed country legend who was born in the City of Glendale and where he also played much of his music. Chair Portillo opened the floor to public comment. Two members of the public addressed the Commission. Mr. Ron Short, of the Glendale Arizona Historical Society, presented the Commission with information on the background of Mr. Robbins,his accomplishments and a proposed sample of the memorial plaque. Ms. Jessica Koory, also of the Glendale Arizona Historical Society, spoke in support of the plaque for Mr. Robbins as well. Both presenters shared stories of the impact of Mr. Robbins' music all over the world and the pride that the residents of the City have for Mr. Robbins. Mr. Short and Ms. Koory stressed that Mr.Robbins was very deserving of a plaque in Murphy Park. Chair Portillo closed the floor to public comment. 4 Mr. Strunk provided the Commissioners with the proposed Parks Amenity Naming and Recognition Plaques policy. The proposed policy defines the purpose, process and criteria of the policy. Mr. Strunk asked that the Commissioners review the proposed policy and announced that a formal vote will be held at the September meeting. IX. DISCUSSION AND CREATION OF FY2013-14 COMMISSION WORK PLAN The FY2013-14 Commission Work Plan was discussed in depth. The Commissioners agreed to the following Work Plan: The Commissioners each will conduct one park visit during the Fiscal Year and provide comprehensive input on what is believed to be strengths, weaknesses, suggested improvements and amenities or infrastructure that should be removed. The Commission to conduct a minimum of two meetings at an alternative Parks and Recreation facility,which would include a tour of the facility. o Suggestions included Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area, Glendale Adult Center, Paseo Racquet Center, Glendale Youth Sports Fields, Manistee Ranch and Thunderbird Conservation Park. The Commission participates in one department-hosted special event. o Suggestions included Dr. Buck's Wild West Show, Folk & Heritage Festival,Earth Day and Touch-A-Truck. The Commission participates in the Wildflower Project at Thunderbird Conservation Park on November 2, 2013. The Commission attends two other City of Glendale Commission meetings. o It was agreed that staff would coordinate dates and locations. The Commission to participate in or attend one citywide event. o Suggestions included Serve Day, Watermelon Festival, downtown special events and Sonorita park clean-up. The Commission to participate in the Partners N' Parks program by adopting two parks and conducting one clean-up event in FY2014 at each of the chosen parks. o Suggestions included Glendale Heroes Park and Orangewood Vista. Chair Portillo inquired as to when the Park Naming Ceremonies would be held for Glendale Heroes Park and Orangewood Vista. Mr. Strunk replied that the date was still to be determined but all Commissioners will be invited to the event. Chair Portillo noted that last fiscal year, there was a goal in the work plan for each Commissioner to participate in a ride-along or shadow a Parks or Library staff member. Mr. Gregory stated that a ride-along can still be done but noted that the Work Plan was getting very full for the fiscal year. Chair Portillo suggested that a ride-along be done on a voluntary basis. It was agreed that the following would be added to the Work Plan: On a volunteer basis, the Commissioners can perform a ride-along or shadow a Parks or Library staff member. 5 The final draft will be prepared and presented at the September meeting for review and approval. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Moreno was looking forward to receiving the information on dates and locations for completion of Work Plan goals. Vice Chair Buettner would like to learn more about water management and the possibility of planting more trees in the parks this year. Commissioner Krystek thanked staff for a very good retreat. Commissioner Baribault commented that there should be more discussion regarding additional parks offerings to keep children busy during the summer. Chair Portillo thanked staff and all Commissioners for attending the retreat. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 6