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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 4/9/2007CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,APRIL 9,2007 FOOTHILLS RECREATION AND AQUATICS CENTER 5600 W. UNION HILLS DRIVE BOBCAT MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Hansen, Ted, Chair Simon, Eric, Vice Chair Farley, Liz Gutierrez, Ruben Kultala, Raymond Russell, Morris Socaciu, Michael MEMBERS ABSENT: Berry, Sara Harding, Loric STAFF PRESENT: Becky Benna, Director Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Shirley Medler, Deputy Director Karen Hesser, Deputy Director Jackie Anderson, Sr. Recreation Coordinator Manny Padia, Sr. Recreation Coordinator Carrie Faulkner, Office Support Supervisor Call to Order. Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—MARCH 12, 2007, MEETING Commissioner Simon noted that on page 2, the sentence "Commissioner wondered if the meeting with.,." was missing the Commissioner's name. (Note: This was Commissioner Socaciu and will be reflected as such in the revised minutes.) Commissioner Simon noted that on page 4, in the sentence "Mr. Brown announced that Commissioners Loric and Berry would be..." the word "Loric" should be changed to Harding". Chair Hansen suggested that on page 3 in the first paragraph, the phrase Commissioners were utilizing the inspection forms" should be changed to Commissioners were utilizing the new inspection forms." Chair Hansen asked that the sentence "The skate court concession buildings are being constructed" be changed to "The skate court concession buildings for both the Foothills Park and the western area regional park are being constructed offsite." Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9,2007 Page 2 Commissioner Simon motioned to approve the March 12,2007 meeting minutes with the revisions as proposed. Commissioner Gutierrez made the second. The motion passed unanimously. II. PARK INSPECTIONS FOLLOW-UP Ms. Hesser distributed a spreadsheet summarizing the issues to be remedied as a result of reports submitted by the Commissioners at the March meeting. The spreadsheet will be used as a tool to track the outstanding issue and the status of resolution. Any outstanding issues will be highlighted in future meetings. Ms. Benny commented that this was a wonderful tool for tracking Commissioner concerns. Chair Hansen asked why the grass condition that was discussed at Oasis and Hillcrest Parks was not on the report. Ms. Hesser replied those issues had already been addressed as soil analysis was performed and the seasonal park mowing process has begun and so improvements in the turf areas should be seen as the warm weather increases. Commissioner Russell wondered if the parks survived the recent freeze. Ms. Hesser stated that assessments were being completed and plant replacements would be made as necessary. Commissioner Simon wondered if the park signage had text indicating whom to contact regarding maintenance issues. Ms. Hesser responded that the parks rules and regulations signs do not include contact numbers, but the "Eagle Eye Park Watch" signs include contact numbers for the graffiti hotline, park ranger and police. Staff will investigate including contact information on the park rules and regulations signage. Commissioner Socaciu asked about the benches and table replacement at Desert Mirage Park. Ms. Hesser replied that staff contacted the Neighborhood Partnerships Department who is working with the neighborhood HOA through the grant process in an effort to secure additional amenities and upgrades at this park and this discussion would move along more in the fall. Commissioner Gutierrez asked which city department handled graffiti calls. Ms. Hesser explained that there are employees in the Facilities Department who respond to major graffiti for the City of Glendale. If it is minor graffiti in a park, the parks employees will take care of it immediately. The graffiti hotline is 623-930-3080. Commissioner Socaciu complimented Ms. Hesser on the spreadsheet and stated that it would be a good tool to use at community meetings so that residents can see all of the repairs and improvements completed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Chair Hansen asked if the Commissioners could have a monthly update of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 3 spreadsheet and Ms. Hesser agreed to do so. III. OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS ACTION STRATEGIES REVIEW Mr. Schwind presented an update on the Draft of the Open Space and Trails Plan. History Growing Smarter Legislation (passed in 2000) 2002 Ten-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2025 General Plan Western Area Plan Bicycle Transportation Plan West Valley Multi-Modal Transportation Plan Linking open space to recreation and other community destinations. Preservation Planning Process Analyze Data Understand Issues Generate Ideas and Consensus Implementation Strategies Present Plan for City Council Final Approval Project Strategies(4 Major Facets of the Plan) Trails and Paths Pedestrian Open Space Character Elements Trails and Paths Update GIS Database Identify Top Projects in CIP Identify New Trail Access Points Explore Intergovernmental Opportunities(Peoria Interlink, for example) Pedestrian Add Street Crossing Projects to the Plan(safety concerns) Add Equestrian Grades at Street Crossings(safety concerns) Update CIP to Reflect Crossings Increase Sidewalk Linkages to Parks Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 4 Open Space Preservation of Natural Resources Flood Protection o Flood Plains o Detention Basins o Streams and Washes Utility Corridors o Power Lines o Pipelines o Salt River Project o Flood Control Thunderbird Conservation Park o Over 20 miles of Single Track Trails o 1,185 Acre Desert Mountain Park o Conservation Facility Character Elements Community Entrance Points(Grand Canal Linear Park, for example) Downtown Greenway(Murphy Park, for example) Project Coordination Staff Involvement in Development Review Process Development of a Planning Checklist that includes Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Issues Development of Path and Trail Standards Open Space and Trail Improvements Project Coordination allows: o Funding Alliance Go Transportation Heritage Fund A.D.O.T. o Right of Way Preservation o Scenic Corridors Bicycle Program Bicycle Advisory Committee o Bike Safety o Bike Laws o Helmets 0 Bikeways o More than 100 miles of bike routes, paths and trails Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 5 Glendale Bikeways Grand Canal Linear Park o 75th Avenue and Camelback Road to 97th Avenue and Bethany Home Road o Lighted 3.5 Mile Paved Pathway Skunk Creek Linear Park o 51St Avenue and Utopia to 73`d Avenue and Paradise Lane o 3.5 Mile Paved Pathway Thunderbird Paseo Park o 51st Avenue and Cactus Road to 73`d Avenue and Greenway Road o Connects to the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel in Phoenix all the way to 24th Street for a total of 16 miles Partnerships Transportation Department ACE (Partnering with youth who perform volunteer trail preservation) Planning and Zoning o Update GIS o Annexation Projects Next Steps Analyze Previously Completed Needs Survey Analyze Path and Trail Current Inventory Public Input Assess Current Conditions o Local o Regional o State Assess Opportunities Connectivity Safety/Street Crossings Trail Improvements Streetscape Enhancements Equestrian Issues Trailheads, Access Points and Nodes Land Acquisition/Preservation Constraints High Traffic Areas Public Safety Loop 101 Grand Canal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 6 Bicycle and Parks Joint Commission Meeting May 7, 2007 o Generate Ideas o Review Strategies Chair Hansen asked if this presentation would be given to the Bicycle Committee at the May 7th meeting. Ms. Benna stated that parts of this overview would be presented to the Committee with the intent of gaining feedback and generating discussion. Ms. Benna noted that, with the Commission's agreement, the meeting would be held on Monday, May 7th at 6:30 p.m. at either the Foothills Recreation Center or the Glendale Adult Center depending on availability. All Commissioners agreed to hold the joint meeting on Monday, May 7th with the location to be determined. Chair Hansen stated that in one of the original Open Space and Trails workshops, residents brought up the fact that they did not prefer the bike path on 59th Avenue due to high traffic. Chair Hansen wondered if any main bike path corridors were identified in the plan yet. Mr. Schwind replied that they were not yet identified. Chair Hansen stressed the need for a larger buffer between the bikers and vehicle traffic. Mr. Schwind stated that the use of a bike path versus a bike lane was dictated by the size of the road and available easements. Mr. Schwind noted Chair Hansen's point and would keep it in the planning rationale. IV. FOOTHILLS RECREATION AND AQUATIC CENTER BUSINESS PLAN UPDATE Ms. Medler introduced Recreation Senior Coordinator Jackie Anderson, Recreation Senior Coordinator Manny Padia and Office Support Supervisor Ms. Carrie Faulkner, all staff at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center. Ms. Medler expressed appreciation for the community involvement in development of the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center and especially the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council for their involvement in seeing the project through. Mr.Padia provided a thorough presentation of the Center's operations. Hours of Operation The Center is open 101.5 hours a week, 363 days a year. The center is closed on Christmas and Easter. In the business plan, Thanksgiving is noted as a closed holiday, however, in 2006, staff wanted to keep the center open on Thanksgiving because it was so close to the grand opening. Thanksgiving Day for 2007 is being considered for closure due to the low attendance on that day in 2006. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 7 Areas of Operation Recreation Pass Options Areas Open to the General Public Special Interest Classes Aquatic Programs Recreation Programs Turtle Club(non-licensed, supervised daycare for parents using the facility) Catering Kitchen Recreation Pass Amenities Fitness Lap Swim Climbing Rock Wall Gymnasium Fitness Center Walking/Jogging Track 3 Racquetball Courts Basic Aerobic Classes Ms. Medler explained that the daily and monthly passes comprise the most sales and that the Center has already reached 92% of the annual estimated pass sales as anticipated in the Center Business Plan. Recreation—Active Pass Holders Mr. Padia provided a chart which showed that the number of active passes has increased from 1,494 in October 2006 to 4,203 in March 2007. Recreation—Pass Holder Visits Mr. Padia presented a participation graph indicating that total visits had increased from 8,477 visits in October 2006 to 15,337 visits in March 2007. Highest Use Areas Mr. Padia stated that the Fitness Center and the Gymnasium are the two highest-used areas. Chair Hansen asked about the demographics of those who use the Center. Ms. Medler stated that she would provide this information in the future. Mr. Padia interjected that there is one gentleman who travels from Tempe once a week to play in the Poker league. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 8 Non-Fee Areas Open to the Public Lobby (read or relax) Facility Tours (every half hour daily) Activity Room (billiards, foosball, Ping-Pong, video games, television, board games) Special Events (Superbowl Flick Football Tournament, Points-Based Poker League, Lectures) Facility Rental Opportunities Rooms are rented to residents, non-residents, non-profit and commercial groups. Ms. Medler explained that room rentals were not publicized until November because the room partitions were not in place until then. Ms. Medler anticipates room rentals would increase with additional promotions regarding facility availability. Special Interest Classes Classes offered in Cultural Arts, Dance, Personal Development, Exercise and Sports for youth, teen and adults. Special Activities/Events/Leagues Men's and Women's Racquetball Leagues Personal Training Adult Poker League Water Aerobics Pickle Ball Badminton Get Board Night Flick Football Tournament Basketball Leagues Ms. Medler presented the following topics: Revenue Collected to Date Recreation Pass Revenue 581,958 SIC/Recreation Programs 63,449 Facility Rentals 12,870 Concession Sales 5,872 Aquatic Rentals 5,919 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 9 Aquatic Classes 4,966 Aquatic Pass Revenue 349 Merchandise Sales 2,083 Child Care Revenue 2,360 Ms. Medler noted that there would be an increase in aquatics figures with the warmer weather. Ms. Medler added that staff would follow developing trends in actual use of the Center for future planning. Revenue vs. Expenditures Total Revenues(through March 31, 2007) 681,027 Total Expenditures (though April 5, 2007) 934,433 Ms. Medler stated that the fiscal year 2006-2007 Current Cost Recovery was 72.9% versus 78% in the plan. Ms. Medler felt this was a very good result considering that the Center was only six months into operation and the busiest season is still ahead. Ms. Medler commented that there are 10 full-time employees: seven recreation staff and three support staff. Aquatics Ms. Anderson stated that the Center partners by renting pool use to Deer Valley High School and Neptune (a private swim school) on the aquatics facility. Upcoming Summer Aquatics Swim Lessons Recreational swim and dive team and Jr. Lifeguard Program Recreation Swims for 40 hours each week Two Aquatic Teen Bashes Mr. Padia was very proud of the facility, enjoyed working at the Center and thanked the Commissioners for their time and interest in the Center. Commissioner Russell excused himself from the meeting.) Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 10 V. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. VI. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Medler thanked Chair Hansen and Commissioners Gutierrez, Kultala, Simon and Berry for working the Parks and Recreation booth at the Spring Extravaganza. Ms. Medler stated that event participation exceeded last year's attendance. Ms. Medler noted the following: The Central Arizona Museum Association held its annual meeting at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Silent Saturday is up-coming. The Glendale Community Center is holding a teen job fair on April 20. Ms. Hesser gave the following update: Two new Park Managers, Mr. Brian Collins and Mr. Eugene Krause,were hired and are scheduled to start on April 16. Ms. Gwen Benoit began as a full-time secretary on March 18. The department landscape gardener/horticulturalist has nearly completed her tree assessment of all park areas. The goal is to remove trim and/or replace as necessary. All parks began weekly mowing and fertilization April 2. Deputy Director Hesser attended a 2-day OSHA safety class. Deputy Director Hesser presented two sessions at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association conference on "Motivation and Ethics"and "Change." The park inspection forms will be modified to include the Council District and department contact information. Mr. Schwind reported on the following: The annual Arbor Day event will be held on April 25 and invitations will be sent out soon. Two parking lots at Thunderbird Conservation Park have been redressed. Ms. Benna distributed an updated goals sheet and noted that for Goal #4: "Meet with other Citizen Commissions"the goal completion date should state May 7. Ms. Benna announced that Thunderbird Conservation Park was nominated as Best of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 11 Phoenix for a hiking park and that Sahuaro Ranch Park was nominated for best family park. Ms. Benny encouraged all Commissioners to vote. Commissioner Farley added that five Glendale restaurants are nominated as well. VII. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chair Hansen announced that two Commissioners were retiring this month. Chair Hansen stated that Commissioner Gutierrez had served on the Commission for four years had a very calming voice on the Commission and was a strong advocate for the citizens of Glendale and for his district. Chair Hansen presented Commissioner Gutierrez with a plaque recognizing his outstanding efforts. Commissioner Gutierrez stated that it was an honor to serve on the Commission and that participating is truly a civic duty. Commissioner Gutierrez thanked staff and the other Commissioners for a wonderful experience. Chair Hansen noted that Commissioner Socaciu served on the Commission for four years with great distinction and was a strong voice for the Yucca district. Chair Hansen presented Commissioner Socaciu with a plaque recognizing his outstanding efforts. Commissioner Socaciu stated that he was very impressed with the evolution of the Commission over the years and was privileged to be on the Commission. Ms. Benny thanked both Commissioners on behalf of the staff for their time and talent over the years. VIII. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Joint meeting with Bicycle Committee. IX COMMISSION TOUR OF THE FOOTHILLS RECREATION AND AQUATIC CENTER Will be conducted after adjournment. X. NEXT REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Farley motioned to vacate the regularly scheduled May 14, 2007 meeting and replace it with the May 7, 2007 joint meeting with the Bicycle Committee. Commissioner Socaciu made the second. The motion passed unanimously 6—0. Monday, May 7,2007 at 6:30 p.m. location to be determined. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 12 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Denise Kazmierczak, Recording Secretary