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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/9/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,JANUARY 9, 2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX, ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:04p.m. by Chairperson Ted Hansen, with Commissioners Chuck Jared, Michael Socaciu, Sue Klima, Raymond Kultala, and Stanley Long. Representing city staff was Becky Benna, RJ Cardin, Mike Gregory, Roger Boyer, and Clyde Brown. Several citizens were also in attendance. Chairperson Hansen read the mission of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to advise the City Council on policies, rules, and regulations referring to planning, acquisition, deposition, operations, use, care and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities. The Commission is also responsible for development of a continuous master plan for the city parks system and its recreation programs. Approval of Minutes Chairperson Hansen called for approval of the December 12, 2005,meeting minutes. Commissioner Jared made a correction to page 5, Director's Report, changing the date from Wednesday, December 17 to December 14. Commissioner Socaciu stated that on page 3, paragraph 8, he would like it to read as follows: ...within the subdivision was likely more... Commissioner Socaciu stated that on page 6, paragraph 1, staff should point out to the Arizona Republic that an error was made because the entire park will not be completed in 2007. Chairperson Hansen stated on page 2, paragraph 3 should read: Chairperson Hansen said the Commission is considering naming for a community park and later in the agenda the Commission will consider a neighborhood park. Last month, the Commission considered a regional park. It appears that with all three parks the same naming criteria was used. Chairperson Hansen wondered if more weight should be placed upon the public input for community or neighborhood parks. He continued with page 4, Thunderbird Conservation Park, he felt the entire presentation should be noted in the minutes. He felt the minutes should include statistics that were Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 2 presented such as those surveyed, how many of those surveyed drove to the park, the distance drove, statistics on uses of the park, how many of those surveyed were Glendale residents, what they liked about the park, and what changes they would like to make. Also, please add that Ms. Medler indicated staff had received seven comment submissions through the Internet site and via email. This is important so that Council can tell the Internet is working the way it should. Also, he stated that Ms. Medler had indicated that staff had met with the Commission on Persons with Disabilities. Ms. Medler stated that the Commission had suggested signs with a preview of the amenities. He asked that this be included as he felt it was important. He said on page 5 the minutes read that Ms. Medler reviewed a PowerPoint presentation for the Commission and asked for comments. He felt it should read, "Ms. Medler reviewed a PowerPoint presentation on the Commission visits to North Mountain Visitors Center and Thunderbird Conservation Park." He felt it should be included since it is one of the goals of the Commission. Also, Ms. Medler indicated that the process is in the programming phase of the master plan development and this would be followed by the physical planning phase. It would be good to reflect this in the minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Socaciu to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Long seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments Chairperson Hansen asked for comments from the public. There were none. III. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK Ms. Benna greeted the Commission and apologized for not being present at the last meeting. She reminded the Commission that this item would be placed on each agenda for discussion. She said staff continues to collect data via the onsite user interviews that were conducted in September and October. This information is posted on the web page. In addition, staff continues to respond to the frequently asked questions, which are posted on the web page. Staff has also conducted observations of parking lot use as this was noted to be of concern at the public meetings. Ms. Benna stated that park maintenance and ranger staff recently met on-site to discuss some of their ideas regarding the park. She noted staff is still interested in meeting with the residents that live south of the sedimentation basin in order to get their comments regarding the basin and the surrounding area. Also, staff would like to touch base with the educational system or the school systems to get some feedback from them regarding their interest in using the park. She felt the information gathered to date is very good and believes it is time to begin reviewing the plan itself. She would like to bring the plan to the February Commission meeting in order to determine any changes or modifications. However, she stated that staff will take the time to continue to review and consider all collected data before beginning to suggest changes to the plan. The goal is to present the revisions to the plans at public meetings in order to receive feedback. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 3 Commissioner Long suggested these public meetings be advertised in the local paper. Ms. Benna stated this would take place. Chairperson Hansen asked when staff would begin to meet with the education system. Ms. Benna stated once staff and the commission begin to identify the direction they would like to take in the next month or so, staff would like to begin the process with participation from the Commissioners. Also, she felt it would be helpful for the Commission members to meet with the residents along the sedimentation basin. Chairperson Hansen asked if there were any plans to meet with the residents along the west side embankment. Ms. Benna stated staff would be happy to do so. Chairperson Hansen asked if the February presentation would be for what is presented to the consultant or for the results of what the consultant comes back with. Ms. Benna stated at that point it would be a discussion among staff and commission as to what would be presented to the consultant although there would be contact with them prior to the February meeting. Chairman Hansen then asked for public comment regarding Thunderbird Conservation Park: Mr. Allen DeFranco stated his first concern was the culvert trail. He reminded all in attendance that in the minutes of June 14, 2004, the police told the Commission that there were many safety concerns related to tunnels. Some other concerns were graffiti, lighting, and vandalism. In addition to which, when the road project was going through for 59th Avenue the residents were complaining about people walking through their backyards. He said there is already enough trouble with people messing around in the sedimentation basin. He said if you bring a trail through the culvert you are just asking for more trouble. The people who already live along the base already have intruders. According to Ms. Medler, there is discussion with Officer Joan Campbell regarding the culvert. He questioned what her job title is, what does she do for the police department, and what kind of discussions occurred. He felt they need to know these things. What do the police say? Also, he is concerned with some fuzzy math. In the September 17, 2005 public meeting, it was said there were 1700 vehicles entering into the park on a Sunday. Do the math. He said that would be one car every 40 seconds. "Frequently Asked Question" #5 reads now it is only 1250 on a Sunday with an average of 750 a day Monday through Saturday. That is still a lot of cars. He questioned how and where these numbers were received and shouldn't they be questioned. The last concern is the reservation of ramadas. "Frequently Asked Question" #5 also states we got 3,000 reservations. Is everyone reading these questions and looking at the answers. There are a lot of other questions that are not showing up in these statistics. He felt the questions need to be answered and they need to be clear. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 4 Mr. Larry Clark stated his main concern was the building of the educational facility that started out as a 10,000 square foot complex. He is familiar with the size of that building and what all is involved with it. He says his children and grandchildren use the park. But he believes they can receive their education about the geology and the wildlife and the plants by other means such as videos or receive it at school. He suggested they visit the Rock Museum on 35th Avenue. He is very concerned about this as are many other citizens. He said the park isn't as large as you think and the facility would take away from of the park. It will be very costly to provide utilities for the facility. Also, it will need to have additional employees for safety and maintenance, additional costs. Consider insurance costs for fire and liabilities. You must provide for repairs of replacement costs such as plumbing, air conditioning, roof, electric, and improving roads and repaving. Many neighbors are concerned about additional lighting in the area. Without lighting you will not have security. Also, there is a problem with the toilet facilities. The more buildings and toilet facilities that are there, the more problems that will take place. These are all concerns that need to be considered in the planning process. Please consider that children can receive their education at their schools via tapes, etc. or the rock museum. Why not consider using displays such as those at the rest areas. The children are out of school during the hottest months of the year from May through August or September. Use canopies for shelter where they can be moved around for presentations. He said let children get their education about the outdoors outdoors not inside a building. The amphitheater is there and how often is that used? These are just some of the things that are bothersome to some of the people that visit the park. He believes this item should be removed from the plan as it is not practical. He said the majority of the people surveyed so far are opposed to any changes taking place at the park. The vast majority of the people do not want a building that large which will eat up the park. This is not a good investment and the funds can be better used elsewhere. Commissioner Long asked if his main problem is the tax dollars spent. Mr. Clark said the funds allocated for the park could be used for other things such as trail improvement. He felt the facility would not be utilized to its full extent. The costs will be passed on to the citizens. A lot of security will be needed in the area. He felt the kids can get the same benefits without constructing this building. The overwhelming input that he has received support that no one is in favor of this facility. Commissioner Klima said she felt perception is the problem. She would like everyone to visit the City of Phoenix North Mountain Park facility. She believes the public thinks there will be a big glass building in the park area that does not fit. The education for the children is absolutely awesome. The outdoor area is also very awesome. It isn't going to be a big glass facility with parking all the way around it. The parking lot was even a color of brown to fit into the mountain park. She believes it would deter the fire concerns for the area. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 5 Commissioner Kultala said this facility would also serve as a visitors' center for people driving through the area wanting to know about the area. Mr. Clark added increasing the traffic flow is not something that they wanted to see. Although the center may work well at North Mountain Park, that does not mean it will work for Thunderbird Park. Once the park has been nibbled away, you can never replace it. Chairperson Hansen said when he looks at the park he looks at it with a capital "C" conservation. He felt the flatter areas are a little more delicate as far as the ecosystem is concerned. He believes in the conservation principle too. He felt in some of the presentations made by the consultant they have indicated these areas are trampled on land. He thinks the area east of 56th looks like the area north of Jomax. He said the biologist said he was going to relabel this area on their map. Chairperson Hansen asked if the consultant has ever noted what would diminish wildlife. Ms. Benny stated that she believes the consultant looked at the vegetation and staff would review the information again. She said she would provide this information to the Commission. Chairperson Hansen asked if a police study had been done on the culvert. Ms. Benny said she believed there wasn't a police study. Mr. DeFranco said in the June 14, 2004 meeting minutes, there was a comment from the police stating that the tunnels or culverts were of concern. He asked if the police said they were concerned, why is this still being considered. He said during the discussions regarding 59th Avenue the police department stated their concerns with tunnels. A tunnel is a culvert and there is still concern. Mr. Dale Woods stated his question is at the last meeting Ms. Medler referred to 751 survey responses and gave some numbers of what they resulted in stating the highest response was to do nothing. Mr. Woods represents an organization called Save the Park. He said the organization felt bad that one half acre of virgin parkland was used to cover the recent roadway project. He is now facing using 100 acres for the educational building. He is requesting copies of the survey sheets which were received by the Parks Department. In addition he would like copies of the emails receiving regarding this issue. Ms. Benny stated that a public requests form may be needed but she would research this issue. Commissioner Jared said Officer Campbell should be invited to one of the Parks meeting. Ms. Benny stated she appreciates the speakers' interest. She said as a park user, as the Parks and Recreation Director, and as a resident of the community she also wants to make sure that the park is protected and managed properly. Staff will continue to stay flexible Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 6 with the process and will continue to gather feedback and information for this very important decision. Chairperson Hansen also thanked those that spoke stating the Commission doesn't usually get public comments. He stated it is always good to get the viewpoints of those using the park. Commissioner Klima stated 13 of her relatives were here for the Fiesta Bowl and they used the park at least four days out of seven. IV. OLDER PARK REDEVELOPMENT Ms. Benna said staff wanted to touch base and provide the Commission an update with the Older Park Redevelopment Program. Staff would like to give the Commission an update on the parks that are going to be redeveloped this year. Staff is beginning the capital improvement and operating budget process. Mr. Cardin stated additional older parks are proposed for renovation in 2006-2007. At this time, the parks include Clavelito, Bicentennial, Butler, Rose Lane, and Sands Parks. Approximately$938,000 is budgeted for design and renovation. The proposed renovations include upgrade and/or addition of park features, such as open space, turf, landscape, aesthetics, pedestrian walkways, play structures, entry signs, shade structures, and picnic ramadas. Also, maintenance staff will be providing input on modernizing the parks operating infrastructure. Selection of specific park improvements will involve public and staff input. Mr. Cardin presented a PowerPoint presentation for the Commission. He reviewed the criteria for prioritization, which stated parks must have been acquired prior to 1980 and have received little or no renovation within the last 10 years. The 2000 Parks and Recreation Commission prioritization was based on site visits during September and October to assess the existing condition of park amenities and infrastructure. Parks for redevelopment during fiscal year 2005-2006 are Delicias, Lawrence, Myrtle, and New World. Previously Sonorita Park was on the list, but this park is in the City Center Master Plan area and staff felt it would be appropriate to remove this park from the list as the area is proposed for business redevelopment. He continued with reviewing the subsequent prioritization meetings stating that on September 9, 2002, there was another review of older parks to be redeveloped and discussion on the removal of O'Neil Park from the top five. O'Neil park received Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 7 substantial improvements in 2002. On October 21, 2002, the Commissioners discussed the redevelopment of Sunset, Bicentennial, Lions, Clavelito, and Sahuaro Ranch parks. Staff answered specific questions regarding amenities and condition of each park. On November 18, 2002, the Commissioners discussed the redevelopment of Mission, Butler, Sands, Horizon, and Rose Lane parks. Staff answered specific questions regarding amenities and condition of each park. On December 9, 2002, Commissioners discussed the parks presented at the November 18, 2002 meeting and Acoma, Thunderbird, and Tierra Buena parks. Staff answered specific questions regarding amenities and condition of each park. On January 13, 2003, the Commissioners discussed the redevelopment of Mary Silva, Heritage, Chaparral, Mondo, Plaza Rosa, Country Gables, and Rovey parks. Staff answered specific questions regarding amenities and condition of each park. On February 10, 2003, Commissioners reviewed the entire prioritization of the parks to be redeveloped and conducted a final prioritization. Mr. Cardin reviewed the parks proposed for fiscal year 2006-2007. Clavelito Park was acquired in 1969 and is a two-acre neighborhood park located at 53rd Avenue and Ocotillo Road. This park features a basketball court,playground,picnic tables, and grills. Bicentennial Park was acquired in 1974 and is a six-acre neighborhood park located at 71St Avenue and Missouri Avenue. This park features basketball and volleyball courts, ball field and open turf, racquetball courts, a playground, picnic tables, and grills. In 1966 Butler Park was acquired. Butler Park is a five-acre neighborhood park located at 57th Avenue and Alice Avenue. It features a soccer field, a playground, picnic tables, grills and a ramada. Sands Park was acquired in 1978. It is a six-acre neighborhood park located at 55th Avenue and Orangewood Avenue. It features a basketball court, open turf area, racquetball courts, a soccer field, tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables, grills, a volleyball court, and restrooms. Rose Lane Park acquired in 1959 is a 19-acre community park located at 51St Avenue and Marlette. It features basketball court, open turf area, racquetball courts, open turf, a playground, picnic tales, grills, a volleyball court, restrooms, and a new aquatic facility. Future park redevelopment may include Horizon, acquired in 1971; Sunset, acquired in 1977; Mission, acquired in 1971; Lions, acquires in 1954; Chaparral, acquired in 1972; Acoma, acquired in 1973; Plaza Rosa, acquired in 1959; Tierra Buena, acquired in 1974; Mondo, acquired in 1978; Country Gables, acquired in 1972; Heritage, acquired in 1977; Mary Silva, acquired in 1972; and Rovey, acquired in 1970. Mr. Cardin stated future funding for park redevelopment is proposed for fiscal year 2006- 2007 at $938,625; fiscal year 2007-2008 is $0; fiscal year 2008-2009 is $1,675,409; fiscal year 2010-2011 is $0; fiscal year 2011-2012 is $0; and fiscal year 2012-2016 is 18,308,124 with an estimated carry over of$550,000 for fiscal year 2005-2006, which will be applied as needed to the next round of improvements. He asked for feedback from the Commission. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 8 Commissioner Jared said the community center should be larger at Rose Lane Park. This would get kids into the center and out of the streets. He noted the construction of a new ramada at Mary Silva Park. Mr. Cardin explained this was made available through a neighborhood grant. Chairperson Hansen asked if there were any current members on the Commission in 2001. There were none. Mr. Cardin stated the last reprioritization was in January 2003. Commissioner Long wanted to know if these renovations included shade structures. Mr. Cardin stated the neighborhood provides input if shade structures are needed and wanted. Currently,three out of four parks are scheduled to have the shade structures. Commissioner Long asked if Utopia Park was due for these modifications. Mr. Boyer stated there are three partners working on this park project and shade structures have been ordered. Commissioner Klima suggested that more partnering will have to take place in order to accomplish the listed renovations. Mr. Cardin said staff may have to look at streamlining the renovations. Ms. Benna asked the Commission to consider meeting with Neighborhood Partnerships to discuss possible partnerships. Commissioner Jared said he was on the Commission when the city had Brian Anderson field,which was a partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In response to a question from Commissioner Jared, Mr. Cardin said from time to time the Parks and Recreation Department is able to partner with the City Council in order to construct shade structures. Staff has also found numerous private and non-profit organizations to assist with renovations such as Kaboom Playgrounds and Home Depot. Mr. Cardin stated the city has been successful in receiving Heritage Fund Grants which unfortunately are only offered for new parks. Chairperson Hansen said approximately $400,000 per park is needed. Mr. Cardin stated this is generally correct plus a few other costs such as design costs and construction administration costs. Chairperson Hansen asked the Commission for their input on the grouping priorities. Commissioner Socaciu asked if there is any reason to doubt the current prioritization. Mr. Cardin stated no. Commissioner Kultala made a motion to continue with the prioritization of older Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 9 park renovation. Commissioner Klima seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Hansen asked when would be a good time to reprioritize these parks. Ms. Benna stated at the time when the department master plan revision takes place or annually. V. COMMISSION GOALS—TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION The Commission agreed to table this item until the student Commissioners have joined the Commission. Commissioner Klima made a motion to continue this item to the February 13, 2006 meeting. Commissioner Jared seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VI. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. Benna stated she would like feedback from this Commission as to whether they would be willing to meet with the Commission on Neighborhoods for a casual joint meeting / field tour. The Commission stated they were interested. Ms. Benna stated she would provide some possible dates to the Commission. Ms. Benna stated Chairperson Hansen has been reappointed to the Commission for another year term. She added that she and the Chair met the two student Parks Commission representative candidates. Ms. Benna stated she would be attending and teaching at the National Institute of Golf Management. Mr. Gregory provided an update on the 63`'Avenue and Northern Avenue facility which is progressing nicely. The contractor is preparing for the installation of the main irrigation line. He announced the subcontractor for the playground structure is ahead of schedule. The Bonsall Park steel railing project has been delayed as there was a problem with the steel. The fishing derby taking place at Bonsall Park has been postponed to January 21, 2006. Ms. Benna stated that staff hosted the Secretary of Health and Human Services in charge of Medicare at the adult center. Mr. Boyer stated that Desert Valley Park is moving along fine. The picnic tables, garbage cans, etc should be installed by the end of January. The celebration of Desert Valley Park will take place in the spring. The professional trail maintenance crew that will provide improvements and repairs to Thunderbird Conservation Park trails from Flagstaff in the next several weeks. They will be working 40 hours a week on trail improvement of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 10 existing trails. They will be housed on the northwest side of the park. Ms. Benny complimented Mr. Boyer for all his hard work. VII. Commission Comments Commissioner Kultala stated there is a leaky fountain at 54th Avenue and Sweetwater. Also at the Paseo from Thunderbird Avenue to 59th Avenue, there is a lot of trash along the ditch side. Commissioner Jared stated the arena sprinklers were on late on evening at Mary Silva Park. He announced that the 32nd annual Don Mensendick Memorial Basketball Tournament is underway with 54 teams participating. Ms. Senna has been invited to present the women's award. Commissioner Klima stated that staff continues to do a great job. Commissioner Long stated a Utopia park tree had been decorated with ornaments for the holiday season. Commissioner Socaciu stated there has been some four-wheel traffic through the linear park. He stated this issue may need to be revisited. Mr. Cardin stated staff would check into this issue. Chairperson Hansen said the Sierra Verde Park has bees in the water drain. Mr. Cardin stated he will contact staff and someone will visit the park and address the problem. He added he appreciates staff's efforts in collecting information from the residents and visitors. Commissioner Klima asked that the car count calculations be completed prior to the next meeting. Ms. Benny stated that staff can provide this information to the Commission. Commissioner Socaciu felt that the citizens need to get an idea on what the education center would look like. He said they do not have a reference point. Commissioner Long asked for a video from the North Mountain Visitors Park. Ms. Benny stated staff would check into this. Next Meeting The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 13, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes January 9, 2006 Page 11 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary