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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 6/11/2007CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7:00 P.M. MONDAY,JUNE 11,2007 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS—ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE MEMBERS PRESENT: Ted Hansen, Chair John"Chief'Fries Sara Berry Liz Farley MEMBERS ABSENT: Eric Simon, Vice Chair Loris Harding Morris Russell Raymond Kultala STAFF PRESENT: Becky Benna, Director Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Karen Hesser, Deputy Director Mike Davis, Acting Recreation Manager David Seid, Adult Center Manager Marcheta Strunk, Management Assistant Lori Bye, Foothills Recreation Manager Raul Daniels, Recreation Manager Paul Bernardo,Recreation Manager Christine Frederickson, Management Assistant Roger Boyer, Park Coordinator Call to Order. Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and read the Commission's mission statement. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MAY 7, 2007, MEETING Commissioner Farley motioned to approve the May 7, 2007, meeting minutes with the following corrections: On Page 9,"Mr. Krauss"should be spelled "Mr. Kraus". On Page 9,at the bottom, "DCC" should be changed to "GCC" On Page 9,the sentence "The highest users from outside of Glendale are 5% from Phoenix and 4.9% from Glendale" should read "5% from Phoenix and 4.9% from Peoria". Commissioner Fries made the second. The motion passed. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 11, 2007 Page 2 II. RECOGNIZE STUDENT COMMISSIONERS Chair Hansen stated that Commissioners Berry and Harding had served on the Commission for nearly two full years, but the time has arrived for their retirement from the Commission. Chair Hansen thanked the Commissioners for their unique perspective, participation, and input on all issues brought before the Commission and wished them well in future endeavors. Commissioner Berry commented that she enjoyed being on the Commission and learning about all of the work accomplished behind the scenes in the Parks and Recreation Department. On behalf of the Commission, Chair Hansen presented a plaque to Commissioner Berry in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the Commission and the city of Glendale. Due to the absence of Commissioner Harding, a plaque will be given to him at a later date. III. OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN Mr. Schwind apprised the Commission of the status of the plan, noting the following highlights: Staff is taking a very hard look at the draft of the original plan. Due to the growth in population and other changes over the years, it needs to be updated. Staff is communicating with the Transportation and Engineering Departments to allow them to provide feedback on the plan. It is important to maintain regional and local connectivity in the plan. There are no major updates in progress at this time, but staff hopes to provide a new draft of the plan to the Commission this fall. IV. SUMMER PROGRAM UPDATE Mr. Bernardo stated that summer is a very busy time for the Parks and Recreation Department and that it is in full swing. Mr. Bernardo introduced Ms. Strunk, who played a very fun, exciting promotional DVD, which showed people enjoying all of the different activities and offerings of the Parks and Recreation Department. Chair Hansen inquired about Family Night. Mr. Daniels replied that Family Night is an evening celebrating the culmination of all summer programs and there is entertainment, a talent show, bouncers, deejay, game booths, and other fun family activities. Mr. Daniels noted that this year, Family Night would be held at Copper Canyon High School. The High School is providing use of the facility free of charge. Mr. Daniels stated that this is a great situation because there will be shaded ramadas, lots of seating and people can also Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 11, 2007 Page 3 go into the air conditioned cafeteria if it is too hot or if it rains. Family Night is scheduled for July 20th from 6-9 p.m. Chair Hansen wondered if Mr. Daniels had any suggestions for replacement of the student Commissioners. Mr. Daniels replied that he would spread the word through the Junior Leadership Program. Chair Hansen inquired about the attendance at the Foothills Recreation Center. Ms. Bye replied that the weekends in May were a huge success, averaging 800 to 1,000 people a day. Mr. Davis interjected that because the pool is now open every day, the June figures are already surpassing those of May at the same point in the month. Ms. Benna stated that staff would provide a recap in the fall of the outcomes and attendance of the summer programs. Ms. Strunk provided the Commissioners with additional material on summer programs and schedules. Mr. Bernardo stressed that the goal of the Department was to have a safe and successful summer. Chair Hansen suggested that the promotional DVD be run on television during sign-up times to encourage residents and others to participate in Parks activities. V. UPDATE ON PARK NAMING Ms. Benna stated that there are three proposed park names that were previously reviewed and recommended by the Commission and require Mayor and Council approval: 1. Tarrington Ranch -63`d Avenue and Butler(under construction) 2. Sunset Ridge Park -87th Avenue and Missouri (joint use with Sunset Ridge School) 3. Orangewood Park- 71St Avenue and Orangewood Ms. Benna stated that the June 26 City Council meeting is very full and hopefully, the park naming item will remain on the agenda. Ms. Benna noted that there are two other parks for which staff will be soliciting names: 1. Western Area Regional Park 2. 79th Avenue and Orangewood (park phase-in over the next 2 years) Chair Hansen inquired about the criteria for park names. Ms. Benna stated previously utilized criteria for naming the three parks included consideration of geographic location, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 11, 2007 Page 4 outstanding park features, major uses of the facility, and local streets or subdivision. Staff has developed proposed park and facility naming policy and procedures that were previously reviewed with the Commission. VI. NEW COMMISSION GOALS Ms. Benny congratulated the Committee on accomplishing all six of its goals established for 2006/2007. Ms. Benny asked the Commissioners to begin to think about goals for the upcoming year and suggested considering the continuation of park site visits, participation in department events, and also assisting staff with the update of the Parks and Recreation Department Master Plan update. Ms. Benny explained that the Commissioners should be ready to discuss ideas for goals in the fall. Commissioner Fries asked how he could get a copy of the present Master Plan. Ms. Benny replied that it is on the city website or a hardcopy could be provided. Commissioner Fries asked for a hardcopy. VII. VACATED MEETINGS Ms. Benny stated that the Commissioners needed to decide whether or not to vacate any summer meetings. Chair Hansen led the discussion and asked for a decision on the matter. Motion made by Commissioner Fries to vacate the July and August meetings and to hold the next regular meeting on September 10, 2007. Commissioner Farley made the second. The motion passed. VIII. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Brian Brekke, (Glendale resident, Cactus District, 47th Avenue and Diana), stated that he is a parent of a youth involved in soccer and he is a coach and referee of youth soccer. Mr. Brekke was concerned about the 5-year and 10-year Master Plan and wanted to stress the need for more multi-purpose use fields in Glendale. Mr. Brekke explained that various sports such as soccer, football and lacrosse are all vying for the same field space. Because of the surge in population, it is important and necessary to increase the amount of these fields, maybe to have at least 8 to 10 more. Mr. Brekke added that he would love for the Parks Department and the Commission to reach out to all of these sports organizations. Mr. Brekke noted that the Regional Parks pull users from other valley cities as well as Glendale residents and it would be beneficial to hear voices from all sides of the issue. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 11, 2007 Page 5 Chair Hansen suggested including this issue on an upcoming agenda and inviting representatives of the different sports organizations to attend the Commission meeting. Ms. Benna commented that there are criteria used to prioritize the scheduling of Glendale fields, including an application process. Ms. Benna stated that the new park at 71st Avenue and Orangewood will have some multi-use fields. Ms. Benna noted that this issue will also be considered in the Parks and Recreation Department Master Plan update. Chair Hansen thanked Mr. Bekke for his participation in youth sports and for attending the Commission meeting and offering his suggestions. IX. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Benna's report: Introduced Ms. Frederickson as a new Management Assistant in the Administrative Office, noting that she is the newest member of staff and welcomed her to the Department. Congratulated Mr. Seid on his promotion to Recreation Manager, overseeing the Adult Center and Special Needs. Stated that the parks have been plagued by theft of copper wiring, especially at Grand Canal Linear Park. Staff will be reviewing prevention techniques with the Field Operations Department and has initiated the solicitation of tips through the Silent Witness"program. Ms. Hesser provided an update of site inspection maintenance and presented the Commissioners with an updated spreadsheet from the Commissioners' park inspections. Ms. Hesser reported that all standard maintenance items have been resolved. Items that are still outstanding include the major capital items such as parking lot refurbishments, installation of new water fountains, etc. which will be addressed as part of the capital replacement projects in the future. Ms. Hesser discussed other highlights and upcoming activities: On June 2, in the Environmental Section of the AZ Republic, it was reported that there are new and improved doggie bag dispensers at specific Glendale parks and that people can bring used but clean plastic grocery bags to insert into the dispensers for future use. This is a great recycling use for these plastic grocery bags, as well as a cost savings for the city. On June 18th, the Dog Park at Sahuaro Ranch will be closed for refurbishment and renovation through July9tn Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 11, 2007 Page 6 The Maricopa County Department of Health chose the Rose Lane Aquatic Center to hold its inspection training class. The facility passed with flying colors. Commissioner Fries commented that there is a lot of dead grass in the parks and noted that it is important for the city to set the example of standards of grass upkeep. Ms. Hesser agreed and said that staff would continue to monitor this issue. Ms. Benna stated that Chair Hansen had earlier apprised her of issues at the Thunderbird Conservation Park due to the 59`h Avenue Road improvements. One contractor has disturbed some soil on 59th Avenue by going beyond the areas marked for construction. On the east side of the parking lot, a staging area has been constructed for the purpose of rock crushing. This is a convenience for the contractors so they do not have to drive very far to crush rocks. Staff, Mayor, and Council were unaware that the request had been approved and the staging area was set up. It was not noted on the Engineering Department website, thereby, surprising the public as well. Staff is working on informing the public and asking the Engineering Department to respond to any community concerns. There will be dust and some noise, but there should be specific hours during which this activity can occur as per a typical noise permit. The Engineering Department should be notified of any dust and noise complaints. Once this project is completed, whatever decision is made regarding the use of the old staging site will be brought before the Committee. Commissioner Berry noticed that there were tractors left unprotected and not locked up at the end of the workday. Mr. Schwind will be meeting with the Engineering Department tomorrow and follow-up on these items. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Farley was happy to see Mr. Brekke at tonight's meeting. Commissioner Farley met Mr. Brekke at the Mayor's event, he mentioned his concerns to her and she suggested that he come to one of the Commission meetings. Chair Hansen commented that it is good for the Commissioners to encourage the public to become involved and attend the Commission meetings. XI. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS The following were agenda suggestions: Summer Program Updates Open Space and Trails Master Plan Committee Goals Park Names Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 11,2007 Page 7 The next regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, September 10, 2007, at 7 p.m. in Room B-3 of the City Council Chambers, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Denise Kazmierczak, Recording Secretary