Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 4/10/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,APRIL 10,2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX,ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. by Chairperson Ted Hansen, with Commissioners Michael Socaciu, Ruben Gutierrez, Raymond Kultala, Stanley Long, and Eric Simon. Representing city staff was Becky Benna, RJ Cardin, Shirley Medler, Roger Boyer, Clyde Brown and Larry Broyles. 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. Chairperson Hansen introduced the newest Park and Recreation Commissioner representing the Barrel District. Commissioner Eric Simon thanked the Chairperson and provided his background information. Chairperson Hansen explained that the agenda has been revised to provide the opportunity for citizens to comment on"non-agenda" items following the meeting agenda items. He also explained the green speaker card would need to be completed by anyone wishing to speak to an agenda item and the yellow comment card would need to be completed by anyone wishing to speak on an item not on tonight's agenda. I.Approval of Minutes Commissioner Socaciu asked that staff indicate which set of minutes are draft and for review and which are revised minutes from previous meetings. Commissioner Socaciu referred to page 10 stating that his comments in paragraph three should read that 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. Chairperson Hansen referred to page six, first paragraph stating that the last line reads Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 2 that Mr. Cardin indicated a majority of the comments received were positive. He suggested that the sentence state that 90%of the comments were favorable. A motion was made by Commissioner Long to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Socaciu seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. II. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK MASTER PLAN Becky Benna, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that staff would provide an update regarding the Thunderbird Conservation Park Master Plan. She stated that staff has worked diligently to complete the Action Plan in collecting additional information and public feedback regarding the park. Ms. Benna stated that within the last month Chairperson Hansen, Commissioner Long, and Ms. Shirley Medler have completed meetings with additional school organizations. She asked the Chair to provide an update. Chairperson Hansen stated the group visited more schools, Deer Valley High School, Canyon Elementary School, Copper Canyon High School, Hillcrest Middle School, as well as the Glendale Union High School District. In general, previous comments were echoed stating that having to get students to and from the park in one class period's time would be difficult. He said, high schools may not see much benefit as far as curriculum is concerned. There were a lot of clubs and extra curricular groups that could make use of the park and education amenities that may be provided. The Canyon Elementary School representative stated that they could typically take a one and a half to three hours for a field trip. The instructors of the younger-aged classes stated they would need the assistance of the park rangers for hands-on instructions. The three main themes heard from those visited are conservation education, desert education or desert survival education, and that the sedimentation basin could be used as for wetlands instruction. One of those interviewed stated that a classroom would be nice, but a field trip should take place in the "field". At the request of Commissioner Berry, schools were questioned regarding the interest of having cross-country meets at the Park. All were interested. Commissioner Kultala stated he has attended meets at the park in the past and they have worked well. Commissioner Long said he was pleased with the positive reception from the schools especially from the elementary schools. He indicated that instructors wanted to verify the safety and well being of the children. They wanted to be sure the children would be sheltered from severe heat or cold weather. They also wanted to ensure the children would have a place to sit and possibly write or draw comfortably. The instructors liked the ideas of rangers speaking to the children. Ms. Benna stated that a meeting was held at the sedimentation basin on Saturday, April 1, 2006. This meeting was coordinated with the Arrowhead Lakes Homeowners Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 3 Association and city staff. The Arrowhead Amenities representatives that manage the lake water were also in attendance as well as representatives from Arizona Game and Fish. Ms. Benna stated Chairperson Hansen was in attendance as well as Ken Reedy, Deputy City Manager with the City of Glendale. Mr. Reedy provides background information and history regarding the sedimentation basin and lake. Mr. Cardin stated that staff reviewed as-built plans, which indicated the basin was construction in the mid- eighties. Mr. Reedy, informed the group that the construction actually was completed in 1984. The survey company had divided the lake into grids and had taken depth measurements of the lake. He said it was discovered that the silt level ranged from as little as six inches to 2 1/2 feet. Mr. Reedy indicated the primary function of the lake was to filter the water and settle the sediment before it went into the rest of the Arrowhead Lake system. He felt the lake has far exceeded its original purpose. He stated there are currently no major concerns regarding the basin. Mr. Reedy suggested the basin should be monitored after large storm systems have passed. Mr. Reedy stated that there was a concern with an area in front of the sedimentation basin, commonly referred to as "dragon's teeth". There was a misconception that the teeth were designed to slow sediment; however, the original purpose is to slow the water down and dissipate the energy of the water. Sediment has settled into the teeth. If a large storm system comes through the teeth are designed to be self-cleaning and will clean themselves. In addition, there is currently a large amount of vegetation. This vegetation is helping to keep silt from entering the lake. Ms. Benna stated that staff walked the park with the American Conservation Experience ACE) trail maintenance crews to review the park's designated trails and undesignated trails. She stated the crews have done a wonderful job. In addition, the crews have provided information to staff on how to maintain the trails. The crews will be on site until May. She suggested the commissioners visit the trails to see how the trails have been improved. Ms. Benna provided a presentation to the Commission regarding the proposed conceptual changes for the Preliminary Master Plan. The recommended changes have been developed by Parks and Recreation staff as a result of the past seven months of additional review and analysis process. Commissioner Long asked when the consultants would be asked to get involved. Ms. Benna said staff will utilize the consultants for their technical expertise as needed. Ms Benna continued with a review of the approach to conceptual changes. Staff considered studies and surveys conducted by the consultant and staff prior to September 2005. Public input has been utilized and park information has been collected from September 2005 to date. Tonight, staff will be seeking the guidance from the Commission to regarding proceeding with changes to the preliminary master plan. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 4 Ms. Benna reviewed the general proposed improvements to the Thunderbird Conservation Park. She stated consistent maintenance and design standards are needed for all park trails, trailheads, trail nodes, signage, trash cans, ramadas, picnic tables, drinking fountains, equestrian hitching posts and troughs, restrooms,parking, and lighting to the park. Staff needs to determine surfacing and marking standards for parking lots and roads both paved and unpaved. If not already identified, park property boundaries should be marked along the entire perimeter. Also,mileage indicators for all trails should be provided. Standards and procedures for park special uses and requests should be identified. A community education outreach program regarding park wildlife, vegetation, geology, and other natural areas in the park should be developed. 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road Ms. Benna reviewed the proposed conceptual changes to the master plan beginning with the 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road area. She discussed the proposed main park entrance for this area at the traffic light at 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road. A secondary entrance east of the parking lot is proposed to allow for loop access for emergency vehicles. The existing parking lot which includes 68 parking spaces, should remain and is proposed to be extended to the west and east adjacent to Pinnacle Peak Road, with the number of spaces to be determined. Two linear parking spaces are proposed for buses. Update and extend the existing accessible trail and interpretive signage should be provided along the trail. Resting benches along the accessible/interpretive trail are proposed. The existing trailhead at the west end of the parking lot is proposed to be upgraded to include a restroom and drinking fountain. Also proposed is the addition of 3 single use ramadas and 2 optional single use ramadas on the south side of the Parking Lot for shade and resting. An outdoor shaded interpretive area that accommodates 60-100 persons (one of two location options) should be considered. The two existing single use ramadas located west of the traffic light along the H-1 trail should remain and be upgraded. The native vegetation in the areas affected by last year's fire need to be restored. Two natural water guzzlers at the southeast wildlife habitat area should be provided. A few other options noted are future parking spaces and one single use ramada; consider option for maintenance storage area on the east end of the property; consider extending a current undesignated trail that leads to viewpoint located on the east side of the park that overlooks the valley east of the park; and resting benches and signage at the top of H-2 trail should be added to identify mountains and foothill areas. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 5 Sedimentation Basin Area Ms. Benna noted improvements proposed for the sedimentation basin area such as to improve the existing H-1 trail that leads from 51st Avenue to 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak to meet state and federal trail standards. Also, interpretive signage should be provided along the trail and at the viewing blinds located north of the sedimentation lake. Last, the plan should address vegetation restoration in the sedimentation lake area. She touched on the use of a land bridge north of the sedimentation basin and stated that would be the best form of a connection. 59th Avenue and Amphitheater Area Ms. Benna stated the Parking Lots A, B, C, D, E, and H, should be retained for a total of 91 parking spaces. Parking Lots F and G located in the wash should be removed for a loss of 38 parking spaces. Two linear parking spaces for buses should be provided at Parking Lot E. A trailhead and trail and an information kiosk should be added to the south end of Parking Lot B. Also, Parking Lot B to help relieve the parking demand on Parking Lot A. Also Parking Lot B is proposed to be expanded and parking should be added for the ranger/information facility. In addition, the ranger/information facility propose, should include a restroom facility and a drinking fountain. There are currently three restrooms and seven ramadas located within the wash. These facilities should be removed. A large group ramada is proposed at the base of the amphitheater area, which should include a drinking fountain, restroom, and two single use ramadas. A single use ramada should be added near the existing ramada #1. The restoration of the existing amphitheater is proposed. Commissioner Simon suggested adding a bike rack at this area. 67th Avenue Park Entrance Ms. Benna said the undesignated trail located along the north border fence line is proposed to be identified as a designated trail. The gate, located at the west end of the road between the 67th Avenue Parking Lot K and Parking Lot J, proposed to relocate the gate to the east road entrance and Parking Lot J. Parking Lot K, which includes 20 parking spaces, should remain. An equestrian corral is proposed to the south end of Parking Lot K. The existing trailhead at Parking Lot K should be upgraded and an information kiosk, and drinking fountain should be provided. Parking Lot J would remain and has 39 parking spaces. The roadway is proposed to be improved to allow for two-way traffic and a sewer line installed that leads to a restroom at Parking Lot J. Three are proposed ramadas should be added to Parking Lot J; two currently exist at this location. A new trailhead and information kiosk proposed at Parking Lot J. The existing restroom needs upgraded or replaced at Parking Lot J and a drinking fountain should be provided. The restroom at Parking Lot H needs repaired or replaced and the existing three ramadas should be upgraded. Revegetation of the area will be planned as needed. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 6 Ms. Benny concluded the presentation with a review of the upcoming public meeting dates. That will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30pm in the Deer Valley High School cafeteria. A second meeting will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 29 at 9am. No audience members were interested in speaking at this item. The Commission Chair, Ted Hansen, provided staff direction to proceed with refinement of the proposed conceptual changes to the Preliminary Master Plan. III. CITIZEN COMMENTS Chairperson Hansen called for citizen comments. Chairperson Hansen opened the floor public for public comments on the proposed conceptual changes. There were no public comments. Mr. Christopher Freeman and Mr. Jordan Hagemeyer, of the Cactus District, wished to address the Commission regarding the renovation of Delicias Park. Mr. Freeman stated that park users had discussed the idea of including a small skate park as part of the new design. He felt this would help to keep kids off the streets and from getting into trouble. Mr. Hagemeyer added this would also keep kids from skating on the streets. They both asked for possibly a couple of ramps and jumps; nothing too elaborate. Mr. Freeman submitted petitions which had signatures of people 18 years old and over that support the idea of a skate park in their neighborhood. They were opened for questions. Chairperson Hansen asked if the park is at a construction position where jumps and ramps could be added. Ms. Benny stated staff could provide the commission an update at the next meeting. Mr. Freeman added that although there is a skate park within the city limits it is located too far north and creates difficulties for children that need their parents to drive them. Mr. Freeman said Delicias Park was closed down prior to spring break. Once they noticed the closure they contacted the park ranger that asked they contact city staff to submit their request. Chairperson Hansen thanked them for their time and for taking the appropriate route and coming before the Commission to voice their requests. IV. Staff Report Ms. Benny stated that Mr. RJ Cardin has accepted the assistant director position with the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. His last day with the city will be Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 7 April 21, 2006. Mr. Cardin thanked the Commission for its dedication. Ms. Shirley Medler stated that Mr. Paul Bernardo reported the Spring Eggstravaganza, which held on April 8, was well attended. She said operations at Sahuaro Ranch have been going smoothly. Recently the responsibility of the programming, volunteers, and tours at Sahuaro Ranch were transferred to city staff. She commended everyone for their efforts. She stated Ag Day was held at Sahuaro Ranch this year complete with a $1.00 Farmers Lunch. Attendance at this event was over 4,500 people. Over 70 individuals were interviewed this week for 40+ summer aquatics positions. A grant from Southwest Ambulance for $5,000 was received in order to assist with 625 free-swimming lessons in pools located in the 85301 zip code. An additional $3,500 was received from Arizona Physicians IPA to allow for "Free Swim Friday" this summer. There are currently close to 1,000 youth participating in the spring youth sports program. There are approximately 100 teams playing in adult sports. The grand opening for the new aquatic facility at Rose Lane Park is scheduled for May 20. Two open houses will take place May 17 & 18 to allow residents to pick up information about all the city's aquatic facilities and programs. V. Commission Comments and Suggestions Commissioner Kultala said the$1.00 lunch was excellent as he attended Ag Day. Commissioner Socaciu asked for an update regarding the linear park construction. Mr. Cardin stated that construction should be completed towards the end of 2006. This would be in the area between 75th Avenue and 83rd Avenue. Commissioner Socaciu asked about the construction west of 83rd Avenue. Mr. Cardin said residents should have received a notice through the mail from the city's Engineering Department, as it was a water line project. He stated he would provide the Commission with a timeline. Commissioner Kultala stated that fence is in need of repair at the Greenway Grenada Park. He said there is a lot of trash near the ditch at Paseo Park. He added the water fountain at Greenbrier Park is non-operational. The drinking fountain is not working at Desert Rose Park at 63rd Avenue and Kings. The handicapped ramps at Sweetwater have been moved around. With regard to the new area south of Hearn at the Paseo, the dogs are ruining the grass. He suggested some signage. Commissioner Gutierrez asked if the Park's staff check the water fountains to be sure they are functioning properly. Also, he asked that staff check the trash cans as some of them rot through the bottom. Commissioner Socaciu asked how often staff checks the parks for maintenance needs. Mr. Cardin stated that playgrounds are checked weekly, trash cans are emptied twice a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 Page 8 week, and other items are checked based on the annual maintenance calendar, which is maintained by staff. Commissioner Socaciu explained his concern regarding some graffiti in his area to the staff. Commissioner Socaciu asked if staff walks the parks checking for these items. Mr. Cardin explained that any contractors working in the parks are instructed to report graffiti and staff does check the parks periodically. Commissioner Simon invited everyone to the Jazz Festival taking place this weekend and stated he will be working in the beer booth. Commissioner Socaciu mentioned a new committee has been established regarding Mega Events. He said these upcoming events are going to affect city parks. He asked if Parks and Recreation is represented. Commissioner Gutierrez stated that he is on the committee. Commissioner Socaciu was hoping to receive regular updates. Ms. Benny stated that she, Mr. Cardin, and Ms. Medler are part of an internal staff committee regarding Mega Events. Commissioner Gutierrez suggested beginning meetings earlier as they appear to be running later than usual. Ms. Benny said that once the Thunderbird Conservation Park issue is addressed the meetings should return to ending at an earlier hour. VI. Next Meeting Suggested Agenda Items VII. Next Meeting — Monday, May 8, 2006 at 7pm in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary