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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 5/11/2009CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7 P.M., MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - ROOM B-3 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Passmore, Chair Liz Farley, Vice-Chair Marissa Capleton Margaret George Jonathan Liebman Gary Parr MEMBERS ABSENT: Pascal Tjahjo Raymond Kultala STAFF PRESENT:Karen Hesser, Deputy Director Shirley Medler, Deputy Director Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Sandy Adams, Transportation Department Bob Darr, Transportation Department CITIZENS PRESENT: Tim Davis Ted Hansen Call to Order. Chair Passmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and read the Commission's mission statement. Ms. Hesser shared that Ms. Benna' was absent from the meeting due to attending the National Recreation and Park Association meetings in Ashburn, VA. I. Approval of Minutes of the April 13, 2009 meeting The following changes were requested: Change the number of consecutive absences for Commissioner Capleton from five to six. In Commissioner Comments, Commissioner George "attended" a fundraiser for the Valley Child Crisis Center, not "volunteered." Commissioner George motioned to approve the April 13, 2009, meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Farley made the second. Motion passed 6—0. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 11,2009 Page 2 II. DRAFT TRANSPORTATION PLAN Mr. Darr, Transportation Planning Manager, updated the Commission on the draft Transportation Plan for the City of Glendale. Mr. Darr utilized a power point presentation with mapped displays of current and proposed expansions of transportation methods in the city. The draft plan strives to provide expanded services due to the expected increased population growth in Glendale. Mr. Darr explained that the plan is in the final stages. For further plan input, Glendale residents were recently surveyed regarding their traffic concerns and the following issues were mentioned, in rank order: 1. Traffic congestion 2. Unsafe drivers 3. Inadequate freeways 4. Not enough transit 5. Traffic in neighborhoods 6. Delay at traffic signals 7. Inadequate bicycle facilities Mr. Darr displayed a map of GO projects, including those completed and currently under construction. He commented on the following accomplishments funded by the 1/2 cent sales tax: 18 intersection projects have been completed 11 bike projects have been completed Enhancements in downtown landscaping and pedestrian facilities have been completed Mr. Darr displayed a chart regarding Glendale population and employment trends. Continued growth in both areas is expected. It is estimated that in the next 25 years, the population will grow 18-20% and employment will grow 57%. Anticipated high-employment locations include the Westgate/Stadium area, along the 303 freeway and in the industrial areas adjacent to Luke Air Force Base. Mr. Darr displayed the following maps: Future street widening plans Future regional roads (303 freeway, Northern Avenue, Grand Avenue) Future plans for local bus service (increasing services on many routes and creating new routes) Regional transit facilities (increasing service on existing routes, plans for express bus services, possibly light rail tracks to the Stadium) Bicycle path improvements Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 11,2009 Page 3 Mr. Darr highlighted Ongoing Programs: Demand management (for smaller projects) Safety education (Mr. Darr complimented Ms. Adams for her work in this area and noted that Glendale is the valley-wide leader in this arena.) Neighborhood traffic mitigation Mr. Darr discussed Plan Costs: 4.9 billion in costs anticipated Besides funding from the GO Transportation 1/2 cent sales tax, the City of Glendale will need other sources of funding, such as ADOT, RPTA/Metro, MAG, developers and regional monies. Mr. Darr thanked the Commissioners for their time and encouraged them to contact him at any time with suggestions, questions or comments. Chair Passmore thanked Mr. Dan for his presentation. III. ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREACTION ASSOCATION (AZPRA) CITIZEN BOARD REPRESENTATIVE UPDATE Moved to agenda item VIII. IV. DEPARTMENT RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY Ms. Hesser provided a copy of the Department's Risk Management Policy which is required as part of the National Recreation and Park Association Agency Accreditation process. The basic focus of the policy is to provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for all participants, visitors, and employees. Commissioner Parr motioned to endorse the Department Risk Management Policy as presented. Commissioner Farley made the second. Motion passed 6—0. V. COMMISSION GOALS The Commissioners reviewed the status of goals for the year. Commissioner Liebman mentioned that he volunteered at the Hershey Track and Field Meet on April 17th and enjoyed the experience. Commissioner Liebman has therefore completed all of his goals. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 11,2009 Page 4 Commissioners Parr and Commissioner George still need to complete Goal#7. Commissioners Farley and Capleton still need to complete Goal #2 and Goal#7. Chair Passmore needs to complete Goal #7 and Goal #4. VI. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. VII. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Hesser provided the following update: The new shaded kiosk at Thunderbird Conservation Park has been completed. Three division staff completed the Glendale Leadership Academy for Development. Forty-three (43) hours of community service was done at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Examples of work completed include: ground trash removal, cleaning of the citrus grove trash and weeds and cleaning of ramadas. With support from Council Member Knaack, the ramadas at Memmingen, Cholla and Sunnyside Parks were painted. Councilmember Clark supported improvements including the recently completed painting at the O'Neil, Discovery, and Pasadena park ramadas. VIII. ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREACTION ASSOCATION (AZPRA) CITIZEN BOARD REPRESENTATIVE UPDATE (revisited) Mr. Ted Hansen, Citizen Board Representative for AZPRA and previous Chair of the Glendale Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, gave a presentation regarding the annual legislative forum of the National Parks and Recreation Association in Washington D.C. in March 2009. Mr. Hansen attended the meeting with Ms. Hesser and Ms. Benna'. Mr. Hansen highlighted the following items relative to the annual meeting: Training on national issues and how to apply knowledge of national issues to local issues was provided. Many citizen representatives as well as professionals attended the conference. Advocacy issues and methods were presented. Specific topics presented included: Land and Water Conservation Fund, Funding for Urban Parks, CDBG Funding, "No Child Left Inside" program, Transportation Act Reauthorization of 2009 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 11,2009 Page 5 Mr. Hansen, Ms. Benna, and Ms. Hesser met with Congressman Ed Pastor, Congressman Raul Grjalva, and other legislative aides. Mr. Hansen announced that the NRPA Advocacy Action Week is July 19 — July 25 and Mr. Hansen would like to coordinate an effort with the Mayor's Youth Council during this week. Mr. Hansen stated that the current Administration has recommended stateside Parks and Recreation Funding of$30 million; however, this still must be passed by Congress. Mr. Hansen stressed that all citizens can make an impact by advocating important issues to the city, state, and federal leaders. Chair Passmore thanked Mr. Hansen for his dedication to Parks and Recreation. IX. STAFF REPORTS Mr. Schwind commented on the following: Information on stimulus funding can be found at www.glendaleaz.com/recovery/index Parks and Recreation is eligible for $135,000 in CDBG funds for. ball park and field renovation/enhancement at O'Neil Park. An NFL HUB Grant in the amount of $70,000 which will be matched) was also received for a total renovation budget of$275,000. Cactus Pool has been completely renovated and brought up to legal standards. The drainage situation at Ironwood High School, Rose Lane, O'Neil and Foothills Recreation Center still needs to be resolved. However, as long as contractors have been secured and are scheduled, the county has allowed the pools to be open for the summer. The goal is to have the drains changed by the end of the summer. Western Area Regional Park - The first phase of the enhancement project, including an 800-seat picnic ramada, is scheduled to be completed in June. Parking improvements for Thunderbird Conservation Park will go out to bid in June. At Sahuaro Ranch Park, the picnic pavilion project is 99% completed, however, the pigeon issue remains to be resolved. Plans for renovation of the historical side of the park will be presented this summer. Ms. Medler provided an update, including the following: The Hershey Track & Field Meet on April 17 was very successful and is growing each year. On Thursday, April 30, the Youth Football Festival was held. There were 1,200 players which was double from that of last year. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 11,2009 Page 6 The Prime Vision break dancing competition was held at the Glendale Adult Center. It was. a very successful fundraiser coordinated by a youth and teen group. The winning crew received a$500 cash prize from Glendale Pawn and Jewelry. On May 15, 10% of purchases at the Applebee's at 59th Avenue and Peoria will be donated to support the Glendale Parks and Recreation youth programs. Mr. Paul Bernardo, of the Parks and Recreation Department, was contacted by Women's Day Magazine regarding an article on Halloween Haunts. Glendoberfest at Sahuaro Ranch Park will be featured. Toddler Water Day will be held on May 15 at Sahuaro Ranch Park from 10 a.m. until noon. Ms. Hesser announced that Ms. Medler will be retiring in three weeks. The Commissioners. wished her well and thanked her for her service. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Liebman volunteered at the Hershey Track and Field Meet on April 17 and there were many participants as well as many people in the stands to view the event. Commissioner Parr completed Glendale University 101. Commissioner George volunteered for "That Thursday Thing", attended the Luke Air Force Base tour with the city, the Appreciation Dinner for Commissioners, and worked as a Greeter at the Farmers Market at Westgate. Chair Passmore attended the Volunteer Breakfast and took and observation ride with a park ranger. Commissioner Farley asked for a copy of the Master Plan for input in order to complete Goal #7. Mr. Schwind will make a copy of the RFP's and forward to Commissioner Farley and Commissioner Capleton. XI. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Vote on decision to vacate the July and August 2009 meetings Goal Updates Commissioner Kultala's last meeting and presentation certificate Update on the 2010 CIP budget Summer staff program update NRPA Accreditation status APRA Conference in August Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 11,2009 Page 7 XII. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. The meeting was adjourned at.8:50 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Kazmierczak