Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 3/13/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,MARCH 13,2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX,ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:05p.m. by Chairperson Ted Hansen, with Commissioners Chuck Jared, Michael Socaciu, Ruben Gutierrez, Raymond Kultala, Stanley Long, Sarah Berry, and Lori Harding. Representing city staff was Gloria Santiago-Espino, Becky Benna, RJ Cardin, Shirley Medler, Roger Boyer, and Clyde Brown. 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 had the following corrections to the February 13, 2006, minutes: Public Comments: Please insert that the American Youth Soccer Organization will hold its annual soccer tournament at Sahuaro Ranch Park and the Glendale Community College fields. This year"it will be held the first weekend in March and ..." Thunderbird Conservation Park: Insert paragraph 3. Ms. Benna stated staff was reviewing current utilization of existing parking lots. She indicated the preliminary master plan proposed to remove some of the parking along the wash and relocated them. One observation determined that the north parking lot (between 59th and 67th Avenues) is not heavily used. Others, such as H3, 67th Avenue, and 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak parking lot are well used. Page 4, Public Comment: Please add the speakers' addresses. In this case Mr. Mike Rupp, Mr. Larry Clark, Mr. Dale Woods, and Mr. Allan DeFranco. Also, a comment by Mr. Clark should be added. Mr. Clark stated there were unobtrusive methods for park education could include interpretive boards and that these would be more cost effective. In Mr. Dale Woods' comments: Please add "combined" survey results the most Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 2 requested issue ... In Mr. DeFranco's comments please add ...unneeded and dangerous. He said the lighting in the culvert might affect wildlife using the culvert. He stated concerns about how access could be provided to emergency vehicles. He said the Audubon Society has found 39 species in the sedimentation basin area. On page 7: Add Chairperson Hansen noted that the equestrian trail on the west side of 51st Avenue between Greenway Road and Cactus Road was being upgraded. Staff indicated the upgrades were being completed as part of a neighborhood grant. A motion was made by Commissioner Socaciu to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Kultala seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments Chairperson Hansen asked for comments from the public. He added the Commission may not discuss items that are not on tonight's agenda. This time is for those citizens to comment on items not on the agenda. If an audience member would like to comment on an agenda item, that person will be given the opportunity to comment after the Commission hears that particular agenda item. Mr. Allan DeFranco, Glendale, AZ, thanked the Commission for allowing him to speak this evening. He stated he would refer to the Thunderbird Conservation Park as TCP. He said he is grateful that this item has been on the agenda for the past few months. The preliminary master plan process has a very important purpose. To keep TCP a very unique park and unique, something that the city of Glendale is always striving for in everything that they do as we are not Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or any other city. He felt that most everyone in the room can attest to that. He appreciates the time and effort that the Parks staff has given as well as the members of the Commission. However, he believes now is the time to change the hat. TCP needs to be looked at differently. This is a conservation park and is unique. He will not go into the lengthy definition of a conservation park as he felt all in attendance have heard it many times. He asked if anyone knew how unique TCP is. He said there is no other conservation park throughout the entire valley. He felt this was unique and it needs to be preserved, protected, valued, but don't destroy it. When the park is gone, it is gone whether it's one acre or one hundred. He reminded the Commission it took thousands of years for what is now appreciated. He quoted artist Joannie Mitchell, The Yellow Taxi. "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot with a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swinging hot spot. Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got `til it's gone. They paved paradise, paved paradise and put up a parking lot. This evening's presentation by the Parks and Recreation Department is of great interest for all who use TCP. Are they really listening to the public and have they made modifications to the master plan. Many of us do not understand how this happened in the first place which began in January 2004. He Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 3 recapped each public meeting for those in attendance. He said those in attendance repeated for a year for the park to be left as it is. Do we have to remind everyone here today about the organization"Save the Park"and why it was started? He said here we are today looking at destroying the park. He wanted to know if he was missing something with this picture. He was unsure. He said one would think with all the public outcry of the 59th Avenue road issue regarding the destruction of the park, staff would have come up with an alternative based on what they were hearing. Even when the preliminary master plan was brought forth, there should have been some modifications. That seemed logical to him. He said you asked for comments and concerns and why have you not listened. He hopes he will be able to sit back during the presentation and feel better about the process. Please consider about not comparing TCP to another park. Just because it works over there does not mean it will work at TCP. Commissioner Socaciu clarified that public comment being heard currently should be for items not on the agenda. Chairperson Hansen stated that was the purpose of this time. Commissioner Socaciu said people will have the opportunity to discuss items on the agenda as they appear. Chairperson Hansen stated that this time is for those wishing to comment on non-agenda items. He said he would prefer to defer those comments until the particular agenda item is heard although he does not wish to discourage anyone from speaking. Commissioner Socaciu stated if this is the case each person will have two opportunities, totaling ten minutes, to speak to their particular concern thus making a very long meeting. He stated this time of the meeting is for citizens to speak to items not on the agenda. Chairperson Hansen felt it made sense to him and asked if a motion needed to be made. He asked staff for guidance. Ms. Benny stated that any public comments not on the agenda can be heard by the Commissioners, but cannot be addressed during the meeting. Ms. Benny stated that staff can obtain legal guidance regarding public comment guidelines and return with information for the Commission at the next meeting. Commissioner Gutierrez stated it would be more efficient for speakers to voice their concerns or comments after their particular agenda item of interest is addressed by the Commission. Chairperson Hansen stated he did not want to shortchange speakers and have them speak only 1-1/2 minutes each time they have the opportunity. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 4 Commissioner Socaciu clarified that his intention is not to limit public comment. Chairperson Hansen stated at the City Council meetings there are two different speaker cards available to the audience. He explained the purpose of the different colored speaker cards. One allows the opportunity to speak to a specific agenda item while the other indicates a person is interested in speaking on an item not on the agenda. He said the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings only have one speaker card available. He thought they might want to take the City Council speaker card idea into consideration. Chairperson Hansen asked that any individuals wishing to speak to non-agenda items, please speak at this time. No audience members were interested in speaking on non-agenda items. III. COMMISSION GOAL TIMELINES Chairperson Hansen called for this item. Ms. Benny suggested that the Commission move this item to the end of the agenda as there were many in attendance for item#5. The Commission agreed. IV. REVIEW AND DISCUSS JOINT TOUR WITH COMMISSION ON NEIGHBORHOODS AND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Ms. Benny suggested this item be moved to the end of the agenda as well. The Commission agreed. V. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK MASTER PLAN (TCP) Chairperson Hansen explained that the TCP preliminary master plan was voted on at the Parks and Recreation Commission June 2004 meeting. Also at that time, the completion of the design process for 59th Avenue Road improvement was being conducted, so the TCP process was delayed until that road project design was completed. In the fall 2005, the TCP draft preliminary master plan item was brought back before the Commission and the public for additional opportunities to provide more input. Each Parks and Recreation Commission meeting since that time has discussed information for the public to review and provide comments. He indicated that surveys also were conducted. This meeting is also to allow citizens the opportunity to provide comments as well as for staff to provide citizens accurate and up-to-date information regarding the master plan. This is for Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 5 discussion purposes only. He thanked the interested citizens for attending. Parks and Recreation Director Ms. Benna began her presentation regarding updates on Thunderbird Conservation Park (TCP). The presentation overview explained the action steps that have occurred since September 2005, which were to collect additional public input and park information. She stated the staff conducted an on-site user survey during the months of September and October in 2005; the draft preliminary master plan was presented to the City Commission on Persons with Disabilities for review and comment; additional on-site meetings were held at Thunderbird Conservation Park with park rangers and maintenance staff to review the plan and to discuss ideas about the use of the park; periodic observations of parking lot use in the park were conducted from the end of the month of November through December 2005; the Commission and staff toured TCP and other parks to view design and park elements; staff met on site with police and ranger staff and several residents to discuss the 59th Avenue culvert area and contacted other organizations that utilize culverts for trail connection; site tours of the park were conducted with the Arizona Game and Fish Department; additional evaluation of the sedimentation basin was also being completed; and meetings are being held with school representatives regarding the interest in park use. Ms. Benna stated staff also continues to solicit public input and provide updates to the Commission at its monthly meetings. The 751 on-site user surveys that were collected in the fall 2005 indicated the most popular use was the trails. Ms. Benna reviewed where the trails are located in the park. She stated there are 12 designated trails, which means they are assigned a trail designation. She reviewed each trail and its length. She identified 10 undesignated trails for the Commission. These trails are also referred to as social trails and not assigned as official trails,but have been created informally by users of the park. Ms. Benna indicated through periodic observations of current parking lot use from November through December 2005, it was found that parking lots K (located off of 67th Avenue), 55th and Pinnacle Peak parking lot, A (parking lot located at H-3 trail head) and F (located at south end of wash located west of 59th Avenue) are consistently utilized and at times have been filled or exceeded capacity. Also, it was observed that other parking lots such as B (located at northeast end of the park between 67th and 59th Avenues), J located in the northwestern portion of the park between 67th and 59th Avenues, and G located at the north end of the wash between 67th and 59th Avenue) were used on a limited basis. She suggested that directional signage and locations of trailheads should be considered to maximize use of parking lots. Understanding the trail use and locations are important since the trails are one of the major use components of TCP. Ms. Benna asked Parks and Recreation Project Coordinator Roger Boyer to provide an update regarding the TCP trail maintenance program. Mr. Boyer stated that the Parks and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 6 Recreation Depai lment is receiving trail maintenance assistance from the Arizona State Parks Department and the Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program through the American Conservation Experience group. He said there is a supervised trail maintenance crew that is helping to repair the use and wear on the trails. The intent is to improve the trails to meet state and national trail standards which include things, such as having sufficient width for multi-use path users to pass safely along the trails and removing the obstructions that create trip and fall hazards. Also being installed along the trails are water deflection areas, which will move water off the trails as soon as possible so that the water will not wash away the natural soil and leave rock trails again. The trail maintenance crew includes international representatives from Korea, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England, Japan and Canada. They work a 4/10 schedule, Tuesday through Friday. The Trail Assistance program will continue for approximately 12 more weeks or until it becomes too warm to work. The crews have completed about one mile of trail and are beginning preliminary work on another 1.5 miles. They have divided the park into three work zones. They are working on trails between 67th Avenue and 59th Avenue presently. A second zone is north of Pinnacle Peak and the third zone is east of 59th Avenue. Staff has posted a public comment notebook at the trailhead where work is being completed to record public reaction to this trail maintenance program. Mr. Cardin provided the Commission with the locations and the length of time these notebooks have been available to the public and he indicated over 90%were favorable comments. Ms. Benny then presented what staff has learned over the past several months as a result of collecting additional public input and park information: 1) Limit park improvements, 2) repair and replace restrooms, 3) providing drinking water, 4) provide a safe and clean park, 5) improve signage for parking, rules/regulations, trail marker, interpretive/educational, 6) provide shaded areas, 7) provide picnic areas, 8) provide area for interpretive/education discussions, 9) provide parking, but limit expansion, 10) enhance and preserve wildlife, 11) maintain existing trails, 12) connect trails, 13) restore areas with native vegetation, and 14)preserve vegetation and wildlife in the park. Commissioner Berry asked what the widths of the trails that are being improved. Mr. Boyer stated each trail that is being improved will be approximately three feet wide. Chairperson Hansen asked if the social trails would be removed. Ms. Benny stated that the social, or undesignated, trails are being reviewed and the trail maintenance crews are working with staff to determine if those should remain or be filled. Staff will return before the Commission and provide recommendations. Ms. Medler stated she, Chairperson Hansen and Commissioner Long are completing meetings with the school districts. Chairperson Hansen stated that based on the public input received, people have stated that they are for education and he felt that the preliminary master plan had a box that said "EC" possibly to represent an education center. He was curious if schools would visit the park if it had such a center. He felt it Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 7 was worth the time to see if schools would use the education center if one was provided in the park. Chairperson Hansen stated he wanted to know what the educators would want if a field trip were taken to the park. He said Commissioner Long and Ms. Medler have attended three meetings with Mountain Ridge High School, Legends Springs Elementary, and Copper Creek as well. There is a plan to visit one middle school and Deer Valley High School as well. Ms. Medler stated meetings may also be held with Glendale Unified School District, as well as Tolleson School District, and Peoria School District. Chairperson Hansen said to date, they found that the three schools they've spoken to have indicated if they are taking a field trip, when they get off the bus, they want to stay out in the field and get "hands on" experience and not be placed into a classroom. They would like to have a place to sit down and have a discussion with a ranger or instructor and would like shade,water, and restroom facilities. Commissioner Berry suggested they meet with the athletic directors in addition to meeting with the educators. Chairperson Hansen felt this was a good point. Commissioner Jared stated he was thinking along the same lines. He said the cross- country meets used to take place at the Thunderbird Conservation Park. He suggested bringing the meets back to the park. Chairperson Hansen stated the districts were concerned about balancing their needs against the other users of the park. They need to meet the standards of promoting conservation education and would appreciate any assistance. Commissioner Harding asked if it was discussed with the principals and the teachers to place a survey into the school newspapers in order to obtain student input. Chairperson Hansen said no,but a good idea to consider. Chairperson Hansen announced that a video of park tours would be shown. This video shows various park elements and designs, and the pros and cons of amenities located in different valley parks as well as TCP. He asked if anyone would like to speak prior to the video. Ms. Barbara Huber, of Glendale, stated that she is within walking distance of the park and does not use the parking lots. A master plan for Thunderbird Conservation Park - she understands that the park needs to be managed, but the most profound statement she heard was to better utilize the existing park. It is a conservation park. She hopes the wildlife would be enhanced and preserved, restore areas with native vegetation, and do not add picnic areas. With regards to the education center, does it have to be here and is a building needed? She said she doesn't understand how this park can be improved upon. Please leave the pavement elsewhere. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 8 Mr. Larry Clark, of Glendale, recapped the history of the park for all in attendance. Mr. Clark stated the three concerns he has which appear to violate the intent of the park master plan concept and the forefathers that were so determined to preserve this park for future generations are as follows: 1) the education center — although he is in favor of education, a building of that magnitude is not needed; 2) the improvement of the culvert would involve intensive development; and 3) a welcome center located in the park would also require intensive development. These things would not fit well with what our forefathers envisioned for the park. How did we get so far off the beaten trail with big schemes? What does the word intensity mean? Things previously spoken of should be maintained. The Commission and the City Council are in a fiduciary capacity to do just that. He hopes that the Commission will think before they act on any intensive development ideas or concepts. Mr. Jeff Altenbach, of Glendale, stated he loves the park, the way it is and would suggest to minimize the modifications that are made. He said he likes the existing amphitheater and does not understand why it is not being used. He says some of the best experiences he has had outdoors is related to music. He suggested music in the park on an afternoon for a couple of hours. He suggested an acoustic guitar musician. This might attract more people to the park. Council member Phil Lieberman, of Glendale, speaking as a citizen stated he began to use the park in 1963. He provided some of his previous park experiences for the audience, staff, and Commission. Council member Phil Lieberman stated he also represents the citizens of the Cactus District. He suggested that a reasonable conclusion be reached and a plan which will allow all residents to use the park. He thanked everyone in attendance for coming to tonight's meeting. Ms. Patricia Woods, of Glendale, stated that it is essential that this park remain a conservation park. She would like to be able to hear the sounds of the park. She would welcome the constituents of Mr. Lieberman or Mr. Goulet to come enjoy the park in its natural beauty. She felt the Commission and the Council could either go down in infamy by destroying the park or go down in history by saving it. Mr. Allan DeFranco, of Glendale, thanked all in attendance. He does not understand why Council member Lieberman believes this is a north-south battle. He said we do need to educate our children. Children do not want to go from a classroom to a classroom. A field trip is called a field trip, because they want to be out in the field. Mr. DeFranco stated that the City of Glendale 2002 Master Plan clearly states that the city is short 150 acres of conservation park. Where is the city going to get this acreage? Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 9 Chairperson Hansen asked if there is a set limit of conservation park that the city should have. Ms. Benna stated the Parks and Recreation Department Master Plan guidelines for the number of neighborhood park, community parks, regional parks, etc that should be located within the city. Staff reviews this information each year to determine areas of growth. Mr. Cardin added that the New River area is currently being reviewed by staff as potential park land. There are two areas of Glendale that touch along New River. The city has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Maricopa County Flood Control District to provide trails along those reaches of the river corridor which will connect to trails in Phoenix and Peoria. Staff does actively look to add or partner with others to provide open space areas for the public. Ms. Benna then presented the video of park elements and design features that featured different types and themes of signage, viewed different types of shade structures, various entry points, restrooms, use of various materials, lighting features, gates, and trash receptacles. The parks examples included: Scottsdale's Pinnacle Peak Park, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Phoenix's North Mountain Preserve Park and TCP. Commissioner Gutierrez asked how the Pinnacle Peak parking spaces were maintained. Ms. Benna stated she did not have that information on this item,but would obtain it. Commissioner Socaciu asked about the tree cutting in the sedimentation basin shown on the video. Ms. Benna stated that staff did not cut down the trees. She did not know why the trees were being cut down. She said the staff needs to determine how it will manage and provide education to the community about the vegetation around the area. Mr. Cardin stated he has spoken with the Arrowhead Lakes Homeowner's Association President and is planning a meeting with those residing along the sedimentation basin to talk about the area. Commissioner Gutierrez asked if there is any signage in this area. Mr. Cardin stated there are signs that state"No Trespassing". Commissioner Socaciu stated that in the future if there are any more videos shown; comments from the public should be taken after the video. A lot of people spoke and left and did not see the video which may address their concerns and questions. Chairperson Hansen again opened the meeting for public comments regarding Thunderbird Conservation Park. Ms. Cathy Podolsky, of Glendale, stated she supports the comments made earlier regarding minimizing destruction of the park. She stated the presentations have been very informative. She has not seen any signage regarding "No Smoking" posted along 59th Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 10 Avenue. She was very concerned about the fire that occurred last year. She stated the survey conducted regarding parking was completed during the months of November and December. She stated these may be the most popular months. She stated parking varies from month to month. Mr. Karel Podolsky, of Glendale, suggested conducting parking surveys during the months of July or other months. He complimented staff on the meeting and added this is his first time attending. He stated he likes the idea of non-paved parking lots. However, the dust from 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak parking lot is too much for the valley. He would like to minimize pollution although he does not want to see if paved. He asked the Commission to research alternative solutions. Ms. Benna stated staff will try to post the video onto the TCP webpage. Commissioner Socaciu commented on the idea of having music in the park. He stated based on previous presentations by staff that there is a concern of the location of the current amphitheater and the parking issues related to it. He added there are sound limitations so that music will not be blaring throughout the park. He said he understood how someone could feel that there is a "north— south" issue related to the park. He said those near the park are very concerned with the parking and do not want any additional parking. Most of the citizens of Glendale would have to drive to the park. He added that dust is a big issue where there is gravel and heavy usage. he suggested different types of asphalt that would incorporate surrounding materials which would create a more natural look. He described the asphalt in Sedona, Arizona where the red rock material is incorporated which gives the asphalt a more natural color rather than black. Commissioner Kultala said he and his wife visited the park on Sunday and spoke with other users. He stated only one person they chatted with was from Glendale. Chairperson Hansen thanked all those in attendance. Ms. Benna stated she also appreciates the citizens that attended tonight's meeting as well as the Commission's commitment to this process. Chairperson Hansen questioned whether the Thunderbird Conservation Park item should remain on the agenda each meeting or only when new information is presented. Chairperson Socaciu suggested it should be listed under"Staff Update". IV. COMMISSION GOALS V REVIEW AND DISCUSS JOINT TOUR WITH COMMISSION ON NEIGHBORHOODS AND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes March 13, 2006 Page 11 Commissioner Socaciu made a motion to continue these items to the April 10, 2006 meeting. Commissioner Gutierrez seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. V. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Ms. Medler announced that two Recreation staff participated in the Aquatic Facilities Operators National Certification Program. Jackie Anderson and Darren Scalzo are now certified as aquatic facilities operators. VI. Commission Comments Commissioner Jared announced that this may be his last meeting as his term is expiring. Commissioner Jared wanted to thank Commissioner Long for scheduling the tour of the Glendale Arena. Commissioner Socaciu wanted to clarify that public comment taken at the beginning of the meeting should be only for items not appearing on the agenda as the public will have the opportunity to comment on the agenda items when they arrive. Ms. Benna stated staff would research this issue. Commissioner Socaciu stated that he appreciated Commissioner Jared's comments regarding the Yucca District. VII. Next Meeting The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 10, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary