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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 5/7/2007CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA APPROVED MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION CITIZEN BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 6:30 P.M. MONDAY,MAY 7,2007 GLENDALE ADULT CENTER 5970 W. BROWN STREET CITIZEN BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Brian Canitsch, Chair Fred Coury Brad Meek Bill Wilkinson Betsy Turner Norm Crowell Gail Hildebrandt Jim Walker STAFF PRESENT: Jamsheed Mehta,Transportation Department Bob Darr, Transportation Department Steve Hancock,Transportation Department PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Ted Hansen, Chair Eric Simon, Vice Chair John"Chief'Fries Sara Berry Liz Farley MEMBERS ABSENT: Loric Harding Morris Russell Raymond Kultala STAFF PRESENT: Becky Benna, Director Clyde Brown,Management Assistant Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Shirley Medler, Deputy Director Robert Rhodes, Park Manager Eugene Kraus, Park Manager Brian Collins,Park Manager Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 2 Call to Order. Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. and thanked the Bicycle Committee for making accommodations to meet with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE APRIL 9, 2007,MEETING Commissioner Simon motioned to approve the April 9, 2007 meeting minutes. Commissioner Farley made the second. The motion passed unanimously 5-0. II. APPROVAL OF CITTIZEN BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 2, 2007, MEETING Committee member Turner motioned to approve the April 2, 2007, meeting minutes. Committee member Crowell made the second. The motion passed unanimously 8—0. III. INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF AND PURPOSE OF JOINT MEETING Chair Hansen again thanked the Bicycle Committee Members for attending the joint meeting. Chair Hansen introduced the newest Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Chief Fries." All Commissioners, Committee Members, and Staff introduced themselves. Chair Hansen read the purpose of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Chair Hansen explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission had been interested in meeting with other city commissions and formalized the activity in a goal for the current fiscal year. Chair Hansen commented that because the Trails and Open Space Plan that began a few years ago, is now being revisited, the Commission felt that it would be beneficial to meet with the Bicycle Committee. Chair Hansen stated that Staff would present the current Trails and Open Space Plan and would like to hear any comments or suggestions from the Bicycle Committee Members. Chair Hansen also wanted to hear about the activities and concerns of the Bicycle Committee. Chair Canitsch read the purpose of the Bicycle Committee and thanked the Parks and Recreation Commissioners for suggesting the joint meeting and for its interest in the Bicycle Committee activities. Chair Canitsch noted that the Bicycle Committee falls under the Transportation Department and that Mr. Hancock is the liaison for the Committee. IV. REVIEW OF GLENDALE FAMILY BIKE RIDE Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7,2007 Page 3 Mr. Hancock provided the following highlights of the Glendale Family Bike Ride: Held on Sunday,April 22nd The goal of the event is to encourage people to use bicycles as a form of transportation. Turnout: o 2004: 350 Riders o 2005: 350 Riders o 2006: 450 Riders o 2007: 608 Riders Increase in riders most likely due to advertisement in AZ Republic, Raising Arizona Kids, Channel 3 Coverage, and more registration forms mailed out as well as sent through the school system. Event is supported by volunteers(many from Staff and Bicycle Committee) The youngest rider was 3 years old and the oldest rider was 87 years old. 650 Free t-shirts were distributed. There was a short-route ride and a long-route ride. Bike helmets were required. $460 of bike helmets was sold at the event. Additional kids activities included a rock wall, bouncers, balloons, and face painting. Additional adult activities included a DJ, ASU Music School representation, a Valley Metro Bus on display, and contests. The total cost of the ride was $11,233 (about $18.50 per rider.) The event is funded by GO Money (1/2 cent sales tax.) One problem encountered on the long-route ride was the locked gate at the Sweetwater access to the Thunderbird Paseo Park. No other major incidents were reported. Mr. Hancock discussed improvement for the 2008 event: Eliminate conflict between long and short route riders at the start of the ride. Have waivers filled out before registering for the ride. Get a count of long and short route riders. Mr. Hancock asked for comments or questions. Commissioner Simon went on the ride, enjoyed it and felt that the event was fabulous and well run. Commissioner Simon did state that upon return from the long-route ride, he took a wrong turn. Commissioner suggested using different colored arrows for the return trip. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 4 Chair Canitsch wondered if the roads were swept before the ride. Mr. Hancock responded that they were not, but would look into this for future rides. Mr. Hancock did state that a private contractor would have to be secured to do this. Committee Member Meek commented that the inflatables and rock wall were great additional activities for the kids. Committee Member Meek suggested reminding riders of the rules of riding at the start of the event. Committee Member Turner noted that she usually makes this announcement, but the megaphone was not working. Mr. Hancock thought it might be a good idea to have the DJ make the announcement. Committee Member Turner had received many compliments about the ride and was impressed by the amount of people hanging out after the ride. Committee Member Turner commented on the great coverage by Channel 3. Committee Member Wilkinson complimented Staff on having a person available to fit helmets on the children correctly. Committee Member Meek commented that a bike repairman who volunteered at the event was of great help to riders in need of assistance. III. OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN BICYCLE AND TRAIL ACTION STRATEGIES REVIEW Mr. Schwind presented an overview of the Open Space and Trails Plan Strategy. Planning 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 Maricopa County Association of Governments Planning Process Analyze Data Understand Issues Access Existing Conditions Generate Ideas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 5 Implement Strategies Gain Final Approval (from Mayor and Council) Path&Trail Elements Multi-Use Unpaved Shared-Use Paved On-Street Connections Access Areas Crossings 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 Project Coordination allows: o Partnerships Go Transportation Heritage Fund A.D.O.T. Flood Control District of Maricopa County Salt River Project o Right of Way Preservation o Scenic Corridors Bicycle Program Areas of Focus o Sidewalks o Linkages o Safety o Bike Laws o Helmets Bikeways o More than 100 miles of bike routes, paths and trails Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 6 Coordinated Efforts Regional Planning o Maricopa County o City of Phoenix o City of Peoria City of Glendale o Master Plans o Downtown CIP o Opens Space&Trails o Parks o Go Transportation Challenges High Traffic Areas Public Safety Loop 101 Grand Canal Opportunities Grand Canal Neighborhood nodes and linkages Bridges North Horizon Park(educational park for cycling) Highlights Connectivity Safety/Street Crossings Road Improvements Streetscape Enhancements Access Points and Nodes Land Acquisition/Preservation West Valley Multi-Modal Transportation Corridor Northern Reach: Paseo Skunk Creek Trail System Southern Reach: Grand Canal and other corridors Character Elements Signature Streets Greenways/Parks Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 7 Scenic Corridors Landmarks Linear Parks Community Entrance Points (Grand Canal Linear Park, for example) Downtown Greenway(Murphy Park, for example) Landmarks Thunderbird Conservation Park o 17 miles of Single Track Trails o 1,185 Acre Desert Mountain Park 59th Avenue Road Improvement o Construction scheduled—May 2007 o Designated Bike Lane o North& South Bound Directions o Connections to Intersection Crossing 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 50 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 731-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 Sun Circle Trail o Boasts a 110-mile circle passing along some major canals as it circles the Valley and is operated by Maricopa County in partnership with the Salt River Project. Next Steps Analyze Needs Survey Analyze Path and Trail Inventory Public Input Assess Current Conditions o Local o Regional o State Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 8 Mr. Schwind stressed that the plan would be a dynamic, living plan responding to the needs of the citizens of Glendale. Committee Member Coury inquired about a timetable for the Skunk Creek to New River. Mr. Hancock replied that the City of Peoria is working on this issue, but he has not heard of a specific timetable as of yet. Chair Hansen wondered if it was practical for the trails to be completely multi-use, such as being shared with equestrian riders. Ms. Medler responded that the trails are multi-use as in regards to pedestrians and bike riders; however, there will be a separate, decomposed (DG) trail for horses. Ms. Medler noted that pedestrian and bike riders could use these trails as well. They have been included in three other linear parks. Committee Member Cromwell expressed concern over flood control, noting that at 75th Avenue and the canal, the trail sometimes disappears. Committee Member Cromwell suggested that in future planning,bike paths should go underneath the canal. Chair Hansen asked when the Open Space and Trails Plan would be ready for presentation to Council. Mr. Schwind replied that Staff is still compiling data and finalizing the plan. Mr. Schwind added that Council would be recessing for the summer soon. Mr. Schwind will keep the Commission apprised of the Plan process. Ms. Benna commented that because the Plan was put on hold in 2004, it is critical to ensure that the most current and accurate information is utilized in the Plan update. Ms. Benna ensured the Commission that the Plan would be on the agenda for any necessary updates. Ms. Benna also noted that all Plan information could be found on the Glendale website, under Parks and Recreation. Ms. Benna thanked the Bike Committee for attending the joint meeting and encouraged the Committee Members to contact her any time with questions or concerns. Chair Hansen complimented Staff on its receptiveness to input from the Commission. V. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. VII. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Benna noted the following: The AVP Pro Volleyball is holding a tournament at Westgate this weekend. The AVP is donating $10,000 worth of improvements to the sand volleyball courts. The Park and Facility Naming Policy will be presented to Mayor and Council. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 9 Proposed names will come before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and then on to Mayor and Council for approval. Ms. Medler noted that at the last Commission meeting, a question was asked about the demographics of the users of the Foothills Aquatic and Recreation Center. Ms. Medler followed up on the question with the following information: 87.5%are Glendale residents, 12.5%reside outside of Glendale. 2,963 are male and 3,875 are female 63.4% are from Glendale zip code 85308, the second highest at 9% are from 85310 and the third highest at 9%are from 85301. The highest users from outside of Glendale are 5% from Phoenix and 4.9% from Peoria. Other cities and states represented are Sun City, Youngstown, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Scottsdale, Chandler, Wikieup, Surprise, New York Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Utah, Washington and Texas. Ms.Medler highlighted the following: Glendale was awarded a grant to augment youth football programs and to perform statistical analysis to improve youth football programs. Only five cities were chosen for this three-year pilot program. A steering committee has been established with representatives from various groups such as Pop-Warner Football and Central Arizona Youth Football. A stakeholder summit was held with about 50 attendees. The Youth Football Sports Festival will be held on Saturday, May 19th. The coaches will be highlighted. The goal is to demonstrate the importance of training coaches and to provide fun and interest in the sport. The Hook-A-Kid on Golf Tournament was held to earn funds for the program. The event hosted 84 golfers and raised $6,000. Mr. Rhodes reported on the following: Two new Park Managers are now on board: Mr. Collins and Mr. Kraus. Because of recent windstorms, some trees had to be removed at 14 different sites because they were damaged or blown over. On April 25th, a very successful Arbor Day Event was held. The City partnered with Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School at Sahuaro Ranch Park and it was a very enjoyable day for the children. Mr. Kraus and three other staff members attended a sports turf seminar. Staff is busy preparing the pools for opening day and all is on schedule. New shades were installed at the GCC and Apollo pools. Mr. Rhodes distributed an updated project list and noted that some projected were still pending completion, but most were done. The list would continue to be updated and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 10 distributed to the Commissioners. Chair Hansen thanked Mr. Rhodes for the list. VII. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE COMMENTS Commissioner Farley saw Mr. Schwind on Channel 3 promoting the Arbor Day Event and noted that it was great press for Glendale. Chair Hansen announced that the two student Commissioners, Commissioners Harding and Loric were completing their terms. Chair Hansen announced that the Commission is recruiting for other students to fill the vacancies and asked that the Commissioners and Committee Members spread the word about the vacancies. Chair Hansen also noted that there was an opening for a Cactus District Commissioner. Chair Hansen had participated in the football summit along with Commissioner Kultala and commented that it was very interesting. Chair Hansen added that Glendale is getting more sponsorships and a higher profile, which is a reflection on a great job by Staff. Committee Member Hildebrandt participated in the Cycle the Arts Ride in Scottsdale and enjoyed the event. Committee Member Hildebrandt announced that the Coalition of Arizona Bicycles is in the process of improving its website and also held a conference in March in conjunction with El Tour de Phoenix which was very successful. Committee Member Turner attended a Citizen's Transportation Oversight Commission meeting. The Bicycle Committee is a subcommittee of this Commission. Committee Member Turner is a dual-member of the Bicycle Committee and the Citizen's Transportation Oversight Commission. Committee Member Turner sadly reported that a member of the West Valley Bicycle Club was struck head on by a car and killed last month. Committee Member Turner announced that Valley Bike month was officially over as the last event was the Cycle the Arts Ride in Scottsdale. VIII. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Becky Benna took note of the following for the Parks and Recreation Agenda: Open Space and Trails Master Plan Recognize student Commissioners Next year's goals Summer program update Update on park naming policy Summer meetings to be vacated For the next Bicycle Committee meeting, Committee Member Hildebrandt suggested discussing the pedi-cab issue that the Coalition of Arizona Bicycles is requesting Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission And Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee Joint Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 11 Glendale review. Mr.Hancock took note of the suggestion. X. NEXT REGULAR MEETING The next regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, June 11, 2007 at 7 p.m. in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. 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