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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 10/16/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY, OCTOBER 16,2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX, ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00p.m. by Chairperson Hansen with Commissioners Eric Simon, Raymond Kultala, Liz Farley, Michael Socaciu, and Sara Berry. Representing city staff were Deputy Directors Shirley Medler, Karen Hesser, and Bill Schwind, and Parks Supervisor Bob Rhodes. Director Becky Benna was absent due to a death in her family. Chairperson Hansen read the Mission Statement for the record. I.APPROVAL OF MINUTES —SEPTEMBER 11, 2006, MEETING Chairperson Hansen called for approval of the minutes. Chairperson Hansen stated that he read the mission statement at the beginning of the meeting and it should be noted as the first item in the minutes. He went on to say that on page 3, item A - 3 should include a paragraph to read: "In addition to public input process previously described, names may also be solicited from Glendale Parks and Recreation and the Glendale Marketing and Communications Department". A motion was made by Commissioner Kultala to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Simon seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Hansen introduced Park and Recreation Commissioner Liz Farley and asked that she share with everyone a little bit about herself. Commissioner Farley stated she moved to Arizona from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She resides in the Sahuaro District and has been in the valley for 11 years. She stated the Mayor contacted her and asked if she was interested in volunteering for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Chairperson Hansen stated the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission consists of nine members, two of which are students. He asked the Commission members to introduce themselves. He named the Commissioners that were absent this evening. II. PARKS MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND INSPECTION REVIEW Ms. Shirley Medler introduced Ms. Karen Hesser and Mr. Bob Rhodes who will be presenting this item. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page 2 Deputy Director Karen Hesser is responsible for Parks, Rangers, and Aquatic Maintenance operations. She presented the Commissioner with packets of information, including a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that Parks Supervisor Bob Rhodes will be presenting. Mr. Rhodes stated that the parks maintenance service levels and standards were developed as a result of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. He explained that it was developed in 2001 and implemented over the past few years. He said new facilities, such as new park sites, or other areas of responsibility are to be included in the process. He explained there are four levels of service established to maintain the various sites. He said the frequency of usage increases or decreases and the levels of service increase or decrease. Mr. Rhodes said that whether department staff is maintaining the facility or a contractor is responsible for the facility, staff and visitors expect to have a level of consistency. He said this is accomplished by having the guidelines and standards followed and the same expectations required. Mr. Rhodes continued by describing the changes in standards over the past several years. He used the example that over the last ten years staff has addressed water reduction. He said that while there has to be a process of water use reduction there needs to be minimal impact on the plant material. Additionally, Mr. Rhodes explained that safety inspections are required of all playground equipment and that the inspections are conducted once a week by a nationally certified playground inspector. This person is also responsible to make any repairs to the equipment. Chairperson Hansen asked if this person would be city staff. Mr. Rhodes stated yes. Mr. Rhodes continued by explaining that there are different types of turf. He explained that it is important to maintain the turf at every level. He described how the standards were created. He said staff began with the identification of specific maintenance tasks. He added there is a comparison of existing parks to outside source standards. Mr. Rhodes said staff set standards for each task identified. Staff reviewed maintenance frequency of each park. Mr. Rhodes reviewed the tasks within modes of service such as irrigation/inspections, the turf, trees and shrubs, litter, park/site inspections, playground inspections, soil testing, ball field renovation,planting beds, and restroom cleaning. As a point of comparison, Mr. Rhodes reviewed the staffing levels of some parks that Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page 3 have specific staff assigned, including Sahuaro Ranch, Thunderbird, North and South Bonsall, Murphy Park and the combination of the western area regional park and the Grand Canal Linear Park. Mr. Rhodes said the city contractors with Mariposa Landscaping to provide maintenance of the parks. He displayed slides and explained the areas of the Bethany Home Outfall Channel (Grand Canal Linear Park), retention basin at 83'a and Maryland Avenues, Bicentennial Park, Foothills Dog Park, Sahuaro Ranch Ball Fields, Foothills Library, and Sunset Vista Park. Commissioner Socaciu asked if parks that weren't over-seeded for the winter would remain as dirt. Mr. Rhodes explained that parks are not left as dirt but rather are cut lower and Bermuda grass is left dormant until spring. He described when and which parks would be fertilized and over seeded for the winter as well as those that would be prepared for the spring. Chairperson Hansen stated the latest issue of National Recreation and Park magazine that the Commission receives, readers requested more information regarding dog parks, attesting to the increasing popularity if this particular type of park. Deputy Director Hesser shared that at the recent NRPA Congress in Seattle, she attended a session on dog parks and that it was "Standing Room Only", confirming Mr. Hansen's assertion. After reviewing the list of parks and their maintenance providers, Commissioner Socaciu asked for clarification that if no one is listed under "contract" should it be assumed the City maintains that park? Ms. Hesser said that was correct. Commissioner Socaciu expressed concerns with the condition of the Bethany Outfall Channel. Mr. Rhodes explained that the city has not accepted the park back from the contractor. He added the city has begun the process however, with the walk through process. Commissioner Socaciu inquired about the length of time a dead plant would remain on site. Mr. Rhodes stated that if there are dead plants or trees on site, staff's first responsibility is to identify why the plant or tree has died before another tree or plant is planted. Commissioner Socaciu stated that he would like deed items removed immediately whether or not they are replaced. Commissioner Socaciu stated that it shouldn't come to the point where residents must complain about something in the park. He stated that most residents will not complain until they have had to deal with the same issue repeatedly. Commissioner Kultala asked about the types of tree programs that city offers. Mr. Rhodes stated the city has "Dedicate a Tree Program" and added there are brochures Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page 4 located throughout the city at various offices. Ms. Medler stated this brochure could be mailed to those interested in the program. Commissioner Simon asked what criteria is used to determine who will maintain a particular park, whether by city or contracted staff. Mr. Rhodes explained that high use sites are maintained by staff but with rapid growth sometimes it is necessary to contract out these sites, at least temporarily. Commissioner Simon asked how many staff was needed to maintain the Thunderbird Conservation Park. Ms. Hesser said there is one full-time and one part-time staff member at the site. Ms. Medler went on to explain that quite a number of volunteers assist in park and trail maintenance at Thunderbird Park. Chairperson Hansen questioned how the modes were established. Mr. Rhodes explained that the modes are established typically on the size of the park, the different features it offers, and the amount of use. Commissioner Farley asked if the modes were revisited with the older park renovations being completed. Mr. Rhodes said yes, that as a result of the renovations, the parks maintenance levels were increased. Chairperson Hansen asked when the new standards were effective. Mr. Rhodes stated the standards were implemented in 2003. He added any major changes to the standards need to be reviewed with the contractors as they based their landscaping fees on a year-to-year basis. Chairperson Hansen thanked staff for reformatting the park inspection sheets distributed this evening, as they were much clearer. Mr. Rhodes reminded each Commissioner to add his or her name to the top of the inspection sheet in the event a staff member would like to make contact. Chairperson Hansen asked for the Department staff number in case any commissioners would like to fax their inspection report into the office. III. UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Ms. Shirley Medler stated that staff would provide a spreadsheet on a quarterly basis indicating all upcoming parks and recreation events. The Commission thanked staff for the information. Commissioner Socaciu asked that the events be placed in chronological order. Chairperson Hansen agreed adding that the Wiffle Ball World Series is scheduled to take place in a couple of weeks followed by the Jingle Bell Hike. Commissioner Socaciu asked that an electronic copy be sent to the Commission so that they may sort the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page 5 events themselves. Ms. Medler offered to sort and send the chart to the Commission. Ms. Medler introduced Bill Schwind, new Deputy Director for Capital Improvements, Planning, and Intergovernmental Agreements. Mr. Schwind provided his background information on his work experience for the Commission. IV. PARKS AND RECREATION ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Ms. Medler suggested this item be continued to next month's meeting. She distributed an organizational chart that included the administrative Parks and Recreation management and their areas of responsibility. She explained the major duties of those listed on the organization chart and some potential changes. V. CITIZEN COMMENTS: There were none. VI. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Medler stated that Mr. Rex Gulbranson, liaison to the Arts Commission, has invited the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to the Public Art Tour, scheduled for October 21 from 9:30 to noon. Chairperson Hansen indicated he would be attending. Ms. Medler thanked those Commissioners who attended the grand opening of the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center. She distributed a marketing brochure related to the Center. Ms. Medler discussed the Glendoberfest, which is Glendale's Halloween Celebration. This will take place at Sahuaro Ranch Park on Tuesday, October 31. Ms. Hesser stated an Eagle Scout conducted a project at the Thunderbird Park Viewing Blind on October 7. She added the Scouts were well received by the neighbors. She noted the splash pads are now closed for the winter season. Mr. Schwind stated he would be presenting an overview of the capital improvement projects before the Commission once it is prepared. Chairperson Hansen stated that he recalls at the previous CIP review, Commissioner Socaciu stated he would like to have more input. Mr. Schwind stated he would like as much input from the Commission as possible. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page 6 VII. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Simon stated he and his wife attended the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center grand opening. He stated Mrs. Simon noticed there are no restrooms on the second floor. Ms. Medler stated due to budget constraints restroom facilities are located on the first floor only in that section of the building. However, a drinking fountain is located on the second floor. He felt that this issue should be revisited in the near future. Chairperson Hansen asked Commissioner Berry for an update of school sporting events. Commissioner Berry stated that the cross-country team practices at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Chairperson Hansen stated he attended the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center grand opening and he found the staff was well trained and informed. He asked that the Foothills Park link be updated as it still shows a vacant lot. He noticed there was some planting of Sahuaro Cactus at Thunderbird Park. Ms. Hesser stated that this was a reclamation project with the Streets Division and that Parks Division staff were able to secure and acquire sahuaros and have them installed at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Hansen asked if the Commission could review the operational plan. Ms. Hesser stated that staff is currently in the process of completing the plan and will make it available to the Commission as soon as possible. Chairperson Hansen asked if anything would be done with the charred trees along 59th Avenue at the Thunderbird Park. Ms. Medler stated 59th Avenue is scheduled to be improved in the near future. She will check on the plans for the trees and report back to the Commission. Chairperson Hansen congratulated staff on being awarded a $150,000 NRPA grant for youth football. Ms. Medler explained the NRPA has partnered with the NFL and has awarded money which is reserved to inventory at infrastructure such as sportsfields, space available, and different organizations that are involved in order to collaborate efforts to serve the youth of the communities. She explained that a lot of city facilities are constructed as multi purpose fields, which allow for flexibility. Glendale is receiving more recognition nation wide for our sports programs. Chairperson Hansen stated that he had attended "After the Sun Goes Down" skate court event that took place a couple of months ago during a previous Commission meeting. He raised the issue regarding individuals that did not utilize safety equipment. She stated that anytime staff is supervising the facility, safety equipment should be used. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page7 Chairperson Hansen asked when the Park and Facility Naming Guidelines would be heard before the City Council. Ms. Medler stated she would check on when this is scheduled to be discussed with Council. Commissioner Simon reminded staff that there was previous discussion about holding the November Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting at the Adult Center. Ms. Medler confirmed that the next meeting would be held at the Adult Center on November 13th Chairperson Hansen asked for any topics of interest for the next Commission meeting and Commissioner Simon suggested an update regarding the proposed plans for the second floor of the Adult Center. Commissioner Socaciu asked if there was a demand for use of the second floor. Ms. Medler explained that the business plan does include proposed use of the second floor and added that staff is researching information related to centers of this type and size to establish a business plan for the Adult Center. Commissioner Simon asked what the purpose was for the second floor. Ms. Medler stated it was designed to be improved as demand for increased use was realized. Commissioner Farley stated the three Commission Goals were tabled and he asked when they would be brought off the table. Chairperson Hansen confirmed that item #5 had been tabled to see what would develop. He said #6 has been completed. Chairperson Hansen said#2 and 4 needs to be addressed. Ms. Medler stated she would check into this. She added a meeting would be scheduled at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center in the spring. Chairperson Hansen stated if this were the case, the center would have 6 months of operation which could be discussed. VIII. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS IX. NEXT MEETING: Monday, November 13, 2006 at 7pm at the Glendale Adult Center. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2006 Page 8 Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary