Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 9/14/2009CITY OF GLENDALE, ARIZONA. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7 P.M., MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS -ROOM B-3 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Passmore, Chair Liz Farley, Vice-Chair Marissa Capleton Jonathan Liebman Gary Parr Danielle Silvas Pascal Tjahjo MEMBERS ABSENT: Margaret George STAFF PRESENT:Becky Benna, Director Cathy Gorham, Deputy City Manager Karen Hesser, Deputy Director Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Clyde Brown, Senior Management Assistant Lori Bye, Recreation Manager Chris Gallagher, Recreation Manager Deanna Ortiz, Recreation Manager David Seid, Recreation Manager John Akers, Acting Recreation 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. I. Approval of Minutes of the June 8, 2009 meeting Commissioner Parr motioned to approve the June 8, 2009, meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Farley made the second. Motion passed 6 — 0. (Commissioner Tjahjo was not in attendance yet.) II. NEW COMMISSIONER INTRODUCTION Chair Passmore welcomed all Commissioners back from summer break and extended a welcome to new Commissioner Silvas. Ms. Benna gave a brief background of Commissioner Silvas. Commissioner Silvas stated that she was very happy to be on the Commission and has been interested in participating for quite some time. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 14,2009 Page 2 III. INTRODUCTION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPUTY MANAGER Ms. Benny introduced Ms. Cathy Gorham, who is the interim Deputy City Manager of Community Services filling the vacancy of retired Ms. Gloria Santiago-Espino. Ms. Gorham gave a brief description of her background and many years of experience serving the City of Glendale. Ms. Gorham stated she is very happy to be part of the Community Services Group because it is on the front lines of citizen involvement. Ms. Gorham thanked all of the Commissioners for donating their valuable time to the City of Glendale. IV. REVIEW OF PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER SEASON ACTIVITIES A video presentation was presented on the summer parks and recreation activities. Mr. Brown distributed a calendar of the parks and recreation activities from September through December 2009. Mr. Akers provided an update on Special Events and Special Use Facilities, including the following highlights: The Summer Band was held every Thursday night starting in June and going through July. The attendance for concerts was 3,976, up from 3,522 last year. On June 18, the Summer Band concert hosted the kick-off celebration for the Glendale Centennial. Hook-A-Kid on Golf Clinics were held at Glen Lakes and Desert Mirage golf courses. Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area presented its "Adventures in History" summer camp for a second year in a row and it was held June 15 through June 18. Surveys received from camp participants indicated a 100%positive response to the program. Ms. Lori Bye provided an update on the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, including the following highlights: Two sessions that included "Fitness for Teens" programs. Game Time at the Rec" —Tweeners played indoor sports games from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for two days a week. 360 Youth Day Program — Over 1,500 kids ages 5 to 11 participated in games, arts and crafts, swimming, rock wall, game room fun, and guest speakers. Racquetball Leagues—28 youth and adult participants. Special Interest Classes—369 classes offered throughout the city with 985 participants World Records Day — On July 25, staff member Mr. Darren Skousen tried to beat the record for most t-shirts worn by a person. The current record is 227 and Mr. Skousen reached 214, beating the Arizona record of 155. Other activities were held for attendees such as longest jump roping, longest hula hoop, and most eggs held in one hand. Family Swim Night—This event was held on June 27 with 250 participants in attendance. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 14,2009 Page 3 Water Aerobics—Over the summer we had 107 participants. Free health screenings and massages were offered for Recreation Pass holders. An average of 604 Recreation Pass holders used the facility each day, plus an average of 125 walk-ins each day. Despite the difficult economy, the fiscal year ended with a cost recovery of 76% through user fees, pass sales, program fees, and rentals. Ms. Deanna Ortiz provided an update on the Youth and Teen Programs, including the following highlights: Eight drop-in programs and two licensed sites hosted a total of about 400 participants. Hours offered were 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Partners in this program were Kid's Café, GESD, Maricopa Tobacco Presentations, Water Mill Express and the University of Arizona. Thirty summer program participants were transported to the Arizona Cardinal Training Camp in Flagstaff. Participants were treated to food, agility training drills, and the opportunity to meet players and coaches from the Arizona Cardinals. Mr. David Seid provided an update on the Glendale Adult Center and Senior, Adaptive and Community Partnerships, including the following highlights: On June 24 through June 26, the Adult Center hosted the accreditation site visitors from the National Recreation and Park Association. The team conducted a review of the department's compliance regarding 155 standards that demonstrate adherence to nationally recognized practices. The Arizona Kidney Foundation held a free Kidney Screening Clinic at the Adult Center on June 27. Participants included 97 pre-registrations and 10 to 15 walk-ins. The free screening was valued at over $300. The Annual Patriotic Party was held on July 2, with entertainment by the Arizona Swing Kid and approximately 215 attendees. On July 21, the Adult Center celebrated its 6th Anniversary in the present location and an informal social was held with cake and coffee. The annual Aloha Summer Strut was held on July 29, at the University of Phoenix Stadium. This is a senior fun walk hosted by the City of Glendale and the City of Peoria. There were 110 attendees who enjoyed walking, entertainment, fabulous door prizes, and complimentary t-shirts provided by Gila River Casino. On August 8, the annual Adaptive Luau was held at Ironwood School and sponsored by the City of Glendale and the City of Peoria. There were 45 young people and caregivers that enjoyed an evening of swimming, games, and fun. Training for the Special Olympics began on August 19, with a total of 38 participants. This is also a partnership between the City of Glendale and the City of Peoria. The GAC Afternoon Delight program was held on August 26, and had a total of 84 attendees. Mr. Ken Balog performed with his sound machine and free dessert was sponsored by the Glen Croft Retirement Community Center. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 14,2009 Page 4 On August 24, the APRA Conference was held at the Adult Center and two Adult Center Coordinators attended the conference. Mr. Chris Gallagher provided an update on Sports and Aquatics, including the following highlights: Summer Baseball/Softball/T-Ball had over 600 participants ranging in ages 4— 14. Summer Open Gym and Weight Room at Glendale High had approximately 1,000 participants. Youth Basketball and Volleyball Clinics had 115 participants. Adult Summer Softball had 670 participants. Adult Basketball had 60 participants (which is the maximum limit). Hired and trained approximately 175 aquatics staff. Taught 4,720 swim lessons. Swim/Dive Team participant- 571 Recreation Swim participants - 81,897 Other programs offered included: Synchronized Swimming, Water polo, Junior Lifeguard Training, Adult Swimming Lessons, Water Aerobics, and Happy Splash Day Parties The overall participation numbers were similar to 2008 even though three pools were closed this summer and both the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center and the Rose Lane Aquatic Center had reduced hours. V. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE Ms. Benny stated that a Request for Proposal had been distributed to design/consultant teams for the updated Master Plan. Mr. Schwind added that of the eight proposals received, three teams will be presented to Council at an upcoming meeting for approval. The three firms chosen for interviews include Norris Design, Olson&Assoc. and EDAW/AECOM. Ms. Benny explained that there will be numerous public comment opportunities and the update process will be presented to the Commission for their input and feedback as well. The public meetings will most likely be scheduled after January 2010. VI. COMMISSION GOALS The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the current goals as presented and agreed to change Goal #8 to state "Each Park and Recreation Commissioner participates in a job shadowing with a Park and Recreation staff member." Ms. Benny will make the change as noted. Commissioner Parr attended a session on Boards and Commissions at the APRA (Arizona Parks and Recreation Association) conference in August and thought that it would be beneficial to Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 14,2009 Page 5 invite the same speaker or another expert in this field to present information to the Commission regarding open meeting rules, conflicts of interest, public records, etc. Commissioner Silvas commented that she attended the same session and took extra materials for other interested Commissioners which she will bring to the next meeting. Chair Passmore noted that this Wednesday, September 16, there is a Boards and Commissions Refresher Course scheduled for 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in B-3 and encouraged all to attend. Commissioner Farley stated that volunteers are needed to glean fruit at Sahuaro Ranch Park which would satisfy Goal#3. All Commissioners agreed to the goals and Ms. Benny will provide the final draft of goals to the next Commission for review and approval. VII. 2009-2010 COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR Mr. Brown distributed the 2009-2010 Commission meeting calendar to all attendees. VIII. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. IX. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Benny provided updates on the accreditation process which included the following highlights: The accreditation team recently conducted a three-day visit in Glendale and the preliminary report received from the team was that Glendale Parks and Recreation achieved 100% of the standards. On October 13, Parks and Recreation staff and Ms. Cathy Gorham will be in Salt Lake City, Utah and go before the Accreditation Commission for final review and anticipated confirmation of accreditation. In December, a formal presentation of the Parks and Recreation Agency Accreditationwill be presented at the City Council meeting. Glendale will be the 79th city in the United States and internationally to be accredited. Ms. Benny was very proud of staff for their extra efforts on the accreditation process. Chair Passmore thanked staff for their hard work on this process. Mr. Schwind provided an update which included the following: A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the pavilion area of the Western Area Regional Park. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 14,2009 Page 6 Staff worked with the Fire Department to improve the GPS mapping and provide for safe helicopter landing areas in Thunderbird Conservation Park when locating park users in need of emergency assistance. An entryway monument is being designed for the 59th Avenue entrance of Thunderbird Conservation Park. The design of two parking areas at Thunderbird Conservation Park is near completion. Planned improvements to Butler and Bicentennial Park have been designed and are in the bidding process. Restroom and roof improvements at the Carriage House in Sahuaro Ranch Park are on the September 22nd City Council meeting agenda for bid approval. Ms. Hesser provided an update which included the following: Eagle Scouts projects were completed at two park sites: o Foothills Sports Complex (black wrought iron fence was painted along the front of the complex. o Sahuaro Ranch Park (red fire lanes were all painted) Deputy Director Hesser, Park Manager Eugene Kraus and Crew Leaders Brian Wagner and Pete Lavander attended the recent Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) annual conference. The Utopia Park playground was replaced in August. The playground was destroyed by fire in mid-July and the vandals were caught. The Foothills and Paseo Sports Complexes as well as Brian Anderson Field, all received the annual August field maintenance. Turf was aerated and fertilized and infields were edged. At Foothills, the Streets Division resealed the parking lot and the concession and bathroom buildings received new fascia, thanks to the Building Maintenance Division. At Sahuaro Ranch Park, the ball fields were re-graded and leveled and two new pitching mounds were installed. The soccer fields were aerated and fertilized. At the meeting in October, a video will be shown on park improvements. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Silvas attended and volunteered at the APRA Conference in August. Commissioner Parr attended the accreditation breakfast and attended the Boards and Commissioner session at the APRA Conference. Commissioner Farley attended the accreditation breakfast and the Western Area Regional Park ribbon cutting ceremony this week; and she will attend the Ballet Under the Stars performance. Chair Passmore attend the Western Area Regional Park ribbon cutting ceremony this week thanked all of the Commissioners and staff for an excellent meeting. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 14,2009 Page 7 XI. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Goal approvals of final draft Parks and Recreation improvements made over the past year Parks and Recreation Master Plan update XII. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, October 19, 2009, at 7 p.m. in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Kazmierczak