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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 2/12/2007CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,FEBRUARY 12,2007 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX,ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE MEMBER PRESENTS: Ted Hansen, Chair Eric Simon, Vice Chair Morris Russell Ruben Gutierrez Raymond Kultala Liz Farley Michael Socaciu Loric Harding Sara Berry MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Becky Benna, Director Clyde Brown, Management Assistant Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Roger Boyer, Project Coordinator Mike Gregory, Project Coordinator Shirley Medler, Deputy Director Call to Order Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and noted that all Commissioners were present. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—DECEMBER 11, 2006, MEETING Commissioner Simon motioned to approve the December 11,2006, meeting minutes with the following changes: 1.)Page 6,the adjournment time should be changed to 9:06 p.m. 2.)Page 6,last sentence: "Following adjournment,several Commissioners toured the center." should be removed. 3.)Page 2, paragraph 8,should read: "Ms. Benna distributed a copy of the Parks and Recreation Bond Committee 10 Year Recommendations" Commissioner Socaciu made the second. The motion passed unanimously. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 2 II. BOND ISSUE UPDATE Ms. Benna distributed a report detailing the proposed bond issue and stated that the total request is approximately $16,155,000. Commissioner Socaciu wondered if the five-year projects on the list were prioritized. Ms. Benna replied that they were not specifically prioritized, but the department master plan provides some guidance of priority. Commissioner Socaciu thought it might be good for this Commission to voice an opinion on priority projects. Ms. Benna replied that the Citizen's Bond Committee was involved in determining some priorities; but this Commission could certainly establish project priorities to be noted in the meeting minutes. Ms. Benna covered some of the basic methodology behind the bond request figure and added that specific details could be forwarded to the Commissioners upon request. Commissioner Farley motioned to add the Sahauro Ranch Barnyard Addition to the 5-year CIP Project list on Page 3 of the December 11, 2006, meeting minutes. Commissioner Socaciu made the second. The motion passed unanimously. III. CURRENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROEJCTS (CIP) UPDATE Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, Bill Schwind addressed the Commission stating that he was very pleased with the progress of the current projects and excited about the overall enhancements to the park system. Project Coordinator Roger Boyer discussed the following projects: Sunnyside Bridge: This project is located in the Barrel District and consists of equestrian, pedestrian and bicycle trails at 50th Avenue and Sunnyside. The bridge will be constructed over the SRP canal and will connect to the Sun Circle Trail. Mr. Schwind interjected that the Bureau of Land Management and Arizona State Parks are both partnering on the project. Because of the partnership, the 215,000 construction project is nearly cost-free for Glendale. The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2007. Sahauro Ranch Playground: This project is a partnership with a playground manufacturer (Landscape Structures.) Landscape Structures had a worldwide conference in January in Phoenix and wanted a location to construct and unveil a very new type of playground. The company approached the city of Glendale and offered to donate a playground valued at $80,000. The playground equipment is one-of-a-kind and deemed to be the future of playground equipment by the company due to its very interactive construction and nature. The unveiling included nearly 100 company staff, company representatives from around the world as well as Glendale staff. A photo shoot was held which showcased many Glendale children playing on the equipment. This playground is in addition to the existing playground at Sahauro Ranch. The grand opening should be held in Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 3 approximately two weeks. Marshall Ranch Pedestrian Bridge Lighting: This Barrel district project consists of the installation of a 20-foot pole light at each end of the existing bridge. The permits should be issued soon. Thunderbird Conservation Park Trail Maintenance: Recently, five miles of trail improvements were completed which greatly enhanced the area. The city received a grant for the project. Thunderbird Conservation Park: The project includes removing old paint and painting the picnic tables and ramadas, parking lot improvements to decrease dust and improve parking markers. Future enhancements include signage improvements and revegetation. Thunderbird Paseo Linear Park Signage: Eighty-five signs have been installed directional, informational and "You Are Here" signs.) The new signs are constructed of a very thick laminate and are not breakable, are vandal resistant, have a professional, consistent look and are very low maintenance. Thunderbird Paseo Linear Park Improvements: This project consists of two parts. The first was near 67th Avenue, whereby there are drainage issues to be resolved. Second, storm water drainage in Rancho Mirage needs to be corrected. City engineering is involved in the repairs. Paseo Racquet Center: All nineteen courts have been refinished and-resurfaced. Other improvements included: electrical improvements, shade installation and exterior painting. Paseo Ball Fields: This project consisted of eight shade structures and picnic tables. Foothills Regional Park: The existing shade structures were raised and rebuilt to eliminate vandalism plus a new shade structure was installed along the aquatic center. Two fencing projects are to be completed in the future. Skate Park Concessions: This project consists of the construction of a pro-shop and a concession building. The project is scheduled to open Spring 2007. Project Coordinator Mike Gregory provided updates on the following projects: 63rd Avenue and Butler Park: This project is in the Ocotillo district and is a development agreement with KB Homes. The five-acre park will include a basketball court, a figure-eight walking/jogging loop, picnic tables and two acres of turf. 71st Avenue and Orangewood Park — Phase I: Plans for the complex include a basketball court, a volleyball court, two shaded playgrounds and a main pathway. Phase II of the project is expected to include soccer fields. Ball Field Lights: Lights will be installed at Kellis Field and Copper Canyon Field. This new lighting is very low spill-off. There are intergovernmental agreements with these schools. Grand Canal Linear Park: This project at 75th Avenue and Camelback consists of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 4 trail improvements, flood drainage improvements to alleviate water retention, new landscaping, primary and secondary trails and neighborhood park nodes. The project is expected to be completed by March, but the contractor will be on site until May or June. Joint City/School Park Site—87`h Avenue and Missouri: AZ STATE PARKS and AZ Heritage Fund are partners on this project. A play structure will be built and educational signage will be installed. Turf was installed in January 2007. Western Area Regional Park: Turf has been installed. The work currently being completed at the site includes underground infrastructure (water, sewer & electrical utilities). The park amenities consist of sidewalks, benches, bike racks, rest rooms, a utility room,roadways and landscaping. Western Area Regional Park X-Court: This multi-use facility is for BMX cyclists and skateboard enthusiasts. Design work was completed in early 2004 and some design elements have been revised as the project has moved along. Completion is expected in late spring or early summer 2007. Park Redevelopment: Presently, bids are being solicited from architects to conduct public meetings regarding redevelopment at Bicentennial Park in the Yucca district, Butler Park in the Ocotillo district, Rose Lane Park in the Cactus district, and Sands Park in the Ocotillo district. Ms. Benna thanked Mr. Boyer and Mr. Gregory for all of their hard work and for their presentation. Commissioner Gutierrez commented that since many holidays fall on a Monday, it might be beneficial to move the Commission meeting to another night. Upon discussion, it was deemed that the meeting would be kept on Monday nights. IV. OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS PLAN UPDATE Ms. Benna stated that the planning process began in 2003 and was put on hold in 2004. Ms. Benna explained that because there has been much preliminary work already done on the plan, it would take time to review all of the documents in order to determine how to best move forward. Ms. Benna explained the purpose of the plan and commented that further information on this agenda item would be forthcoming. V. COMMISSION GOALS UPDATE Management Assistant Clyde Brown distributed a list detailing other citizen commissions and their scheduled meeting dates so that the Commissioners could identify a commission it would like to contact for a potential joint meeting or to attend another commission's meeting. This would fulfill the commission's fourth goal. Chair Hansen asked the Commissioners for their meeting preferences. The Commissioners discussed the various possibilities. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 5 Commissioner Simon wondered if the entire commission was to attend another commission's meeting or if only a few representatives from the commission were to attend. Commissioner Socaciu felt that the intent was for both commissions to network and be exposed to new perspectives, so it would be best if all commissioners attended the meeting. Chair Hansen agreed, citing the model as last year's meeting with the Commission on Neighborhoods. Chair Hansen added that the goal uses the term "meet with"therefore, implying that all commissioners be in attendance. Upon further discussion, Chair Hansen announced that the majority of preferences were to meet with the Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Historic Preservation Commission if the Bicycle Committee was not available. Staff will contact the Bicycle Commission to determine interest in meeting and availablity. Commissioner Simon suggested the Adult Center as a good location. Commissioner Simon requested an updated goal list. Ms. Benna agreed to provide one. VI. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. VII. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Benna commented that she was flying to Washington, DC in the morning for the National Recreation and Parks Association Legislative Forum and meetings. Ms. Benna noted that Deputy Director Karen Hesser would be interviewing people for two park manager positions. Once the new managers are hired,they will be introduced to the commissioners. Deputy Director Shirley Medler reviewed a list of recreation programs and events from January 15th through April 15th. Ms. Medler highlighted the following programs and events that have been held or are scheduled: Don Mensendick Memorial Boys/Girls Basketball Tournament Volunteer Fruit Gleaning Project at Sahuaro Ranch Park Union Hills Classic IV Skateboard Competition (1/26 and 1/27) Superbowl Family Tailgate Parties at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center and Glendale Community Center(2/4) Glendale Community Center Valentine Teen Dance (2/9) Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2007 Page 6 Skunk Creek Clean-Up Day(2/10) Antique Tractor and Engine Show at Sahuaro Ranch(2/10 and 2/11) Touch-A-Truck special event at Glendale Community College (2/24) VII. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Russell stated that he was planning on visiting some of the CIP projects presented during the meeting and encouraged other commissioners to do the same. Commissioner Simon expressed concern over the recent freezing weather and how it has impacted the plant life and landscaping in the parks. Ms. Benna replied that the city horticulturalists have advised against any trimming or pruning of vegetation at this time and once the weather is more stable, a vegetation analysis will be conducted. Commissioner Socaciu mentioned that he has seen huge mounds of grass clippings left by the SRP Pumping Station near 87th Avenue in the Grand Canal Linear Park and wondered when they would be removed. Staff agreed to research this issue for remedy. Commissioner Berry commented that at the Hillcrest Park, the water fountains are clogged with sand and the play structure has a pole sticking up which could be dangerous for the children. VIII. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Benna requested that the commissioners provide their park observation forms to Ms. Hesser when they are completed. Other suggested items were: Open Space and Trails Update Update on a meeting with the Bicycle Committee IX NEXT MEETING: Monday, March 12, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office complex. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m. Denise Kazmierczak, Recording Secretary