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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 11/9/2009CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7 P.M., MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - ROOM B-3 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Passmore, Chair Margaret George Jonathan Liebman Gary Parr Jose Rivas Danielle Silvas MEMBERS ABSENT: Liz Farley, Vice-Chair Marissa Capleton Pascal Tjahjo STAFF PRESENT:Becky Benna, Director Clyde Brown, Sr. Management Assistant Karen Hesser, Parks Deputy Director Eugene Kraus, Parks Manager Bryan Wagner, Acting Parks Manager Mike Gregory, CIP Project Coordinator Steve Hancock, Transportation Department CITIZENS PRESENT: John Hoade Call to Order. Chair Passmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and read the Commission's mission statement. I. Approval of Minutes of the October 19, 2009, meeting Commissioner George noted that on page 6, in the paragraph beginning "Commissioner George..." the phrase "Western Area Regional Park" should be changed to "Adult Center". Commissioner Silvas asked that, on page 5, in the last sentence, "Weevos Playground" be changed to "Pavillion Complex" and "Sunset Palms Park" be changed to "Western Area Regional Park". Commissioner George motioned to approve the October 19, 2009, meeting minutes as corrected. Commissioner Liebman made the second. Motion passed 6—0. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 9,2009 Page 2 II. TRAIL ENTRANCE IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Gregory introduced Mr. Steve Hancock, Mr. Will Herrera, and Ms. Caryn Logan-Heaps of ADYE Design. Mr. Herrera and Ms. Logan provided a presentation regarding Linear Park Trail Enhancement projects that included the following information: The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) developed the Design Assistance Program to encourage the development of designs for bicycle and pedestrian facilities according to the MAG Pedestrian Policies and Design Guidelines. Glendale applied for and was granted funding to design four projects that will enhance neighborhood access to the Thunderbird Paseo and Skunk Creek Pathways. ADYE Design was hired to design these four projects. The Glendale Transportation Department will seek Federal Highway funding for project construction. Displayed in the presentation were the current conditions and proposed enhancements to four trail entrances: Sweetwater Avenue and Thunderbird Paseo, Hearn Road and Thunderbird Paseo, 71St Avenue and Thunderbird Paseo, and Sunset Vista Park and Skunk Creek. Mr. Herrera and Ms. Heaps-Logan discussed the various improvements and explained the materials used for both function and aesthetic effect. The goal of the improvements is to improve the access points and to encourage increased usage by neighboring residents. Proposed improvements to the four trail entrances include: 1. Sweetwater Avenue and Thunderbird Paseo: Caged Rock (Gabian) benches, half walls and groundscape. 2. Hearn Road and Thunderbird Paseo: Caged Rock (Gabian) benches, half walls and groundscape, and saw cutting turtle, or other patterns, into concrete. 3. 71St Avenue and Thunderbird Paseo: Repaving existing access to Thunderbird Paseo Pathway and creating three new access pathways to the traffic circle at Greenway Road. 4. Sunset Vista Park and Skunk Creek: Loose gravel entrance will be changed to a pattern of pavers. Mr. Hancock stated that construction funding has not yet been secured. However, having a finished design will increase the chances of receiving MAG funding. Commissioner Liebman expressed concern about graffiti on the caged rock. Ms. Logan-Heaps explained that because the caged rock is not a smooth surface, it is not as tempting to taggers as a flat surface. Commissioner Liebman asked if there could be any scratching or gouging done to the iron on the caged rock. Ms. Logan-Heaps had not seen this type of vandalism before on the caged rock baskets and is not expecting it to be an issue. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 9,2009 Page 3 Chair Passmore thanked Mr. Hancock, Mr. Herrera and Ms. Logan-Heaps for an informative presentation and asked that the Commission be kept informed of the funding status, final design, and construction phase. III. PARK VISITS REVIEW Ms. Hesser distributed a parks inspection summary report which was updated to include the Commissioners findings. Ms. Hesser explained that due to the timing of the submission of comments, some of the suggestions have already been addressed. Ms. Hesser introduced Park Manager Eugene Kraus and Acting Park Manager Bryan Wagner who are responsible for the actual maintenance of the parks and trails. Ms. Hesser announced that the Older Park Improvements would begin at Bicentennial Park and Butler Park, and fencing would go up around the park for the construction period. Ms. Hesser stated that the fencing at Butler Park would be cut out to tie in along the school and Bicentennial Park would be fully surrounded by fencing. Ms. Hesser thanked the Commissioners for their park inspections and support. IV. OPEN MEETING REVIEW Ms. Benna distributed material on the Arizona Open Meeting Law, Conflict of Interest and Public Records as presented at the Arizona Parks and Recreation Annual Conference. Ms. Benna explained that the Open Meeting Law is applicable to public bodies and officers, and thus the Parks and Recreation Commission. The information in the distributed materials covers meetings, quorums, agenda, minutes, public record, and conflict of interest. Ms. Benna stated that the Commission has consistently followed the Open Meeting Law and this agenda item per the request of the Commission and is informational in nature. V. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE Ms. Benna stated that Olsson Associates has been selected as the consultant firm for the Master Plan Update and the contract and fees are still being negotiated. Once negotiationis complete, the City Attorneys office will review the contract. Ms. Benna hopes to present the contract to City Council at either its November or December Council meeting. VI. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 9,2009 Page 4 VII. STAFF REPORTS Mr. Michael Gregory provided updates on activities at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center: December 5: Cultural and Culinary Arts Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 12: Santa's Workshop from 10 a.m. to Noon November 15 - 18: Lap pool will be closed for drain repairs November 26: The center will be closed for Thanksgiving November 27 - 29: Maintenance work will be performed at the center, including parking lot re-striping. Mr. Gregory commented on other activities as well: The contractor will begin work this Monday on the Carriage House renovation at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Westmarc held its Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet. Westmarc is the Western Maricopa Coalition which is a group of leaders focusing on leadership, advocacy, and public policy in the West Valley. Fifteen awards were presented at the event and the Grand Canal Linear Park and Trails System won the Attraction Destination Entertainment Award. Mr. Clyde Brown commented on various activities, including the following: In May 2009, room rentals began at the Glendale Community Center and rental bookings are doing well. On October 9, 150 children and parents attended an event at the Rose Lane Community Center promoting community safety. The department partnered with the Glendale Police Department, the Glendale Fire Department, and the American Red Cross in the event. Ms. Benny announced that on December 8, 2009, at 7 p.m. Ms. Jodie Adams, Past-President of the National Recreation and Park Association, will present its agency accreditation award to the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department. The Department has achieved 100% of the 155 standards required for accreditation. Ms. Benny noted that on November 12, the Christmas tree from Arizona that will be displayed in Washington D.C. will make its way through Murphy Park at 1:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 9,2009 Page 5 Ms. Hesser provided the following update: Parks Division: o Crew Leaders, Bryan Wagner and Pete Lavander, along with Recreation Manager Chris Gallagher and Recreation Coordinator Mike Grono, attended a free sports turf and game day preparedness workshop at the Camelback Ranch facility. Topics included: Fertilizers and Grass Seed, Irrigation Systems, Pitcher's Mounds and Home Plate Repairs, Game-day Field Preparation, Soil and Field Compaction, and Turf Maintenance o Mr. Wagner secured over 400 tons of free river rock from the Arrowhead Water Treatment plant for use in various park areas. The first park site to receive a portion of the materials was the Skunk Creek Linear Trail to reduce erosion issues. o A drinking fountain was installed at the Foothills SK8 Court o The interior of the restrooms at both the 59th Avenue and 67th Avenue Thunderbird- Paseo Trail parking areas have been renovated through a project coordinated by the Facilities Management Division. The restrooms are now ADA compliant. Special Events Division o GlendOberfest was held on October 31,with a total of 9,600 people in attendance. o The mural project at Sahuaro Ranch Park was officially unveiled on November 7. City Council Members, Park Commissioners, and other VIP's attended the event. o The Girl Riders Organization (GRO) Tour stops at the Foothills SK8 Court this November 14, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. GRO is a non-profit group launched in 2006 on a mission to inspire, educate, and support girls in action sports. On March 6, 2009, the GRO team began a journey that will lead to over 70 cities in more than 35 states across the nation to mentor and coach females of all ages in skateboarding. The events consist of girl skate sessions, on-site demonstration and hands-on training in a fun and safe environment. o The annual "Hike to Santa" event will be held on December 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thunderbird Conservation Park. o "Holiday at the Ranch" will be held at Sahuaro Ranch Park on December 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sports and Aquatics Division o The 5th Annual Enrique Banda Memorial Softball Tournament at Sahuaro Ranch Sports Complex will be held on Saturday, December 5. Proceeds will benefit the Youth Scholarship Fund. Last year, over $3,000 was raised for the Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 9,2009 Page 6 VIII. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Rivas enjoyed visiting the parks in his neighborhood to complete the park inspections. Commissioner Parr attended the PSA Art Awakenings presentation of the new mural at Sahuaro Ranch Park and stated that the mural was a beautiful addition to the park. Commissioner Silvas attended and enjoyed the GlendOberfest and also spent time at the Thunderbird Conservation Park. Commissioner George attended a recent City Council meeting, volunteered at GlendOberfest, and attended the PSA Art Awakenings presentation of the new mural at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Commissioner Liebman volunteered at GlendOberfest and completed park inspections. Chair Passmore completed park inspections, attended the PSA Art Awakenings presentation of the new mural at Sahuaro Ranch Park, and attended the recent City Council meeting during which his wife was recognized for her four years of service on the Glendale Arts Board. Chair Passmore thanked the Commissioners for attending and volunteering at various park events. IX. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Park Inspections Follow-Up Master Plan Update Commission Goal Status Review X. The next regular meeting will be Monday, December 14, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Glendale Community Center, located at 5401 W. Ocotillo Road. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Kazmierczak