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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 10/19/2009CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7 P.M., MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - ROOM B-3 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Passmore, Chair Marissa Capleton Margaret George Jonathan Liebman Gary Parr Jose Rivas Danielle Silvas Pascal Tjahjo MEMBERS ABSENT: Liz Farley, Vice-Chair STAFF PRESENT:Becky Benna, Director Karen Hesser, Parks Deputy Director Bill Schwind, CIP/Planning Deputy Director Paul Bernardo, Recreation Manager Roger Boyer, Project Coordinator Eugene Kraus, Parks Manager Bryan Wagner, Acting Parks Manager CITIZENS PRESENT: None Call to Order. Chair Passmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and read the Commission's mission statement. Chair Passmore welcomed new Commissioner Rivas. Commissioner Rivas provided a brief description of his background and experience. I. Approval of Minutes of the September 14, 2009, meeting Commissioner Parr motioned to approve the September 14, 2009, meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Silvas made the second. Motion passed 7 — 0. (Commissioner Tjahjo was not in attendance yet.) II. AGENCY ACCREDITATION UPDATE Ms. Benna announced that the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department was officially the 80` h parks and recreation organization to attain the agency accreditation of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Ms. Benna explained that the department had 100% achievement Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 19,2009 Page 2 of the 155 best practice standards established by the NPRA and expressed pride for the staff's hard work and dedication to the task. Commissioner Tjahjo entered the meeting.] Ms. Benna explained that every five years, the department will need to complete re-accreditation, but the best practices are expected to be part of the department's organizational culture. On December 8, 2009, Ms. Jodie Adams, President of the NPRA, will present this designation to Mayor and Council. All are invited to attend. III. ART AWAKENINGS PROJECT AT SAHUARO RANCH HISTORIC AREA Ms. Hesser stated that a new art mural is in the working stages at the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area. Ms. Hesser explained that PSA Art Awakenings has partnered with Los Artes De Maricopa and the City of Glendale to bring a beautiful mural to fruition. The Glendale Chamber Foundation has graciously donated$10,000 toward the project. Ms. Hesser introduced Mr. Martin Moreno of Los Artes De Maricopa. Mr. Moreno explained that PSA Art Awakenings is a behavioral health agency working with teens that are challenged by various issues. This art program allows these teens to express themselves in healthy ways and build self-esteem while bettering the community. Mr. Moreno brought a rendering of the mural, which will include painted sections as well as tile work. The mural design includes symbols specific to Sahuaro Ranch Park, such as roses, date trees, agave, citrus trees, and peacocks. The unveiling of the mural is scheduled for November 7 during the Oh Annual Artist Celebration that will be held at Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Commissioners will be invited to attend the event which will also include live entertainment, a VIP luncheon, and artwork for sale. IV. PARK MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Ms. Hesser gave a video presentation on the 2009 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement accomplishments. Projects highlighted include: Brian Anderson Field Cholla Park ramada Discovery Park ramada Memmingen Park ramada Sunnyside Park ramada Pasadena Park ramada Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 19,2009 Page 3 O'Neil Park ramada Utopia Park improvements Western Area Regional Park improvements Murphy Park improvements Sahuaro Ranch Park granite installation Continuous maintenance of seven ball fields Eugene Kraus, Park Manager discussed the recent partnership with the Glendale Neighborhood Partnerships Office and the grant monies received to complete park improvements at Sunset Palms Park. Project highlights include: Two new ramadas Basketball court re-surfacing Playground re-surfacing Concrete picnic tables New drinking fountain New Weevos playground for ages 2-5 years-old Chair Passmore praised the improvements at Murphy Park. Ms. Hesser commented that Murphy Park was recently over-seeded in advance of the upcoming special events. Commissioner Capleton complimented the new granite at Sahuaro Ranch Park and mentioned that the project of spreading the granite was completed very quickly. Ms. Benna noted that Council members have been incredibly supportive and generous with available funds for various park improvement projects. Ms. Benna commented that even small improvement projects can go a long way to improve aesthetics. V. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE Ms. Benna stated that, from eight consultant team submittals, Olsson Associates has been selected as the consultant firm for the Master Plan and the consultant fee is currently being negotiated. Ms. Benna stated that the professional services agreement will be presented for approval at an upcoming City Council meeting. Ms. Benna stated that the master plan update process would begin in early 2010 and the Commission will play a significant role in the process. Ms. Benna thanked Chair Passmore for his involvement in the submittal review process and will continue to update the Commission on the progress of the Master Plan. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 19,2009 Page 4 VI. COMMISSION GOALS The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the final draft of the goals. Commissioner Liebman motioned to approve the 2009-2010 Commission Goals as presented. Commissioner George made the second. Motion passed 8—0. VII. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. VIII. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Hesser provided the following update: PARKS DIVISION: Ms. Hesser coordinated and attended two separate park and facility tours with Ms. Benna and Mr. Schwind: o The. Budget Office staff visited many park sites that received specific maintenance attention over the past year. o The new Deputy City Manager, Ms. Cathy Gorham, visited various park and recreation facilities. The park inspection packets were distributed to each Commissioner. The packets are due back to Ms. Hesser by November 4, 2009. SPECIAL EVENTS DIVISION: The Special Events Division assisted with coordinating the first BMX competition event at the WARP X-Court Facility. Approximately 400 spectators enjoyed watching 56 competitors over the course of the evening event. The Ballet Under the Stars was 'held at Sahuaro Ranch Park on Sunday, September 27. Approximately 3,200 people attended the event. On October 31, the GlendOberfest will be held at Sahuaro Ranch Park. This event was highlighted in the October 2009 Women's Day Magazine. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 19,2009 Page 5 SPORTS AND AQUATICS DIVISION: Staff conducted several CPR and AED Certification training sessions. A total of 32 people including department and Paseo Racquet Center staff were either certified or re-certified in Adult CPR and AED. The State Championship "Punt, Pass, and Kick" competition will be held on November 1, at the University of Phoenix Stadium, prior to the Cardinal/Panther game. The 5th Annual Enrique Banda Memorial Softball Tournament at Sahuaro Ranch Sports Complex will be held on December 5. The proceeds benefit the Youth Scholarship Fund. Last year, over$3,000 was raised for the fund. Ms. Benna stated that Parks and Recreation should receive some federal stimulus funding for LED lighting for various sport courts as a package request with other city departments. Mr. Schwind gave an update, which included the following: On October 27, the redevelopment contracts for Bicentennial and Butler Parks will be presented to City Council for approval. Also, an ordinance regarding the annual concession contract at Foothills Recreation Center will be presented for approval. Staff is pursuing a potential partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology to obtain shade structures for several playgrounds. At Thunderbird Conservation Park, the parking lots at 67th Avenue and Patrick and 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak are currently being designed to hard surface per the park master plan recommendations for dust control measures and more efficient parking. Refurbishment of the Carriage House restrooms and roof has begun at the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area. Commissioner Rivas inquired as to the improvements at Bicentennial Park. Mr. Schwind replied that the proposed improvements include new playground surface areas, playground shade and new pathway systems and added that the site plan is available on the Parks and Recreation website. Mr. Boyer stated that ADA improvements are being done to restrooms at 67th Avenue and 59th Avenue at Thunderbird Paseo Park. Mr. Boyer expected the remodeling of the bathroom interiors to take approximately four weeks. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Tjahjo has visited the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center. Commissioner Silvas attended the Pavilion Complex ribbon cutting at the Western Area Regional Park. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 19,2009 Page 6 Commissioner Parr attended Ballet Under the Stars and has been observing Sahuaro Ranch Park improvements while riding through the park weekly. Commissioner Rivas attended a Yucca District community meeting at Western Area Regional Park and often jogs through various parks. Commissioner Capleton enjoys photography and has been taking many pictures at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Commissioner Capleton also attended Ballet Under the Stars. Commissioner George attended the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conference in August; the Ballet Under the Stars; the Teacher's Fair at the Glendale Adult Center; and volunteered for Teddy Bear Days with the Glendale Greeters; the Mayor's Conversation meeting; and her District Council Members meeting. Commissioner Liebman has been making weekly bike trips through Thunderbird Conservation Park. Chair Passmore attended the training session for the Boards and Commission, participated in review of the Master Plan consulting selection process, the Mayor's Community Workshop, and the opening of the Western Area Regional Park pavilion area. X. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Park Inspections Review Master Plan Update Trail Entrance Improvements Open Meeting Agenda The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009, at 7 p.m. in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Kazmierczak