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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 5/8/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,MAY 8,2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX, ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Ted Hansen, with Commissioners Michael Socaciu, Ruben Gutierrez, Raymond Kultala, Morris Russell, Sarah Berry, Loric Harding, Stanley Long, and Eric Simon present. Representing city staff included Becky Benna, Shirley Medler, Clyde Brown, Raul Daniels, Bob Rhodes,and Gloria Santiago-Espino. 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 stated there were Citizen Comments Cards located outside of the door of room B-3. He asked that anyone wishing to speak or submit comments please complete the appropriate cards. Chairperson Hansen introduced the newest Parks Commissioner, Mr. Morris Russell. Commissioner Russell provided his background information and stated he was glad to be part of the group. I.Approval of Minutes Chairperson Hansen called for approval of the minutes. He asked that his name be corrected on page 6. A motion was made by Commissioner Socaciu to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Long seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Hansen introduced former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Chuck Jared and presented him with a plaque of appreciation for serving on the Commission for two full terms. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes May 8, 2006 Page 2 II. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK MASTER PLAN Ms. Becky Benna, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that staff would provide an update on the public meetings held on April 26 and 29, 2006 that presented the Thunderbird Conservation Park Revised Master Plan and proposed changes. She also distributed public comments received after the April 29 meeting. She explained the approach to the Master Plan and informed the Commissioners of the changes to the plan. She provided a PowerPoint presentation that displayed examples of park elements such as: outdoor seating areas, resting benches, signage, parking areas, ramada and park information facilities. She also reviewed the Executive Summary for the plan, which explained the proposed changes to the plan. In response to a question from Chairperson Hansen regarding funding for completing the plan's recommendations, Ms. Benna stated there are existing funds available to begin to implement the recommendations, and future funding is planned to complete the recommendations. Ms. Benna stated City Council will meet in workshop on June 6, 2006 and staff would like to present the plan and proposed changes. Staff will update the Commission on the results of workshop at the June 12 Parks Commission meeting. She encourages the Commissioners to attend the City Council Workshop if they were available. Commissioner Berry questioned why the equestrian trail does not connect. Ms. Benna stated that the trail will connect to H5 and be a designated trail as currently it is undesignated. Chairperson Hansen opened the public hearing. Mr. Allan DeFranco, 5710 West Melinda, stated his comments this evening were with regard to the ranger station. He distributed a drawing showing a ranger station and approximate size of 1,200 square feet. He felt this would be plenty of area to house a ranger,park information, emergency phone, and storage area. Ms. Benna stated she would discuss the proposal with staff and ranger staff to ensure that the location and size would be suitable and functional. Mr. Darwin Huber, 5555 West Melinda Lane, stated that he wished to address the Commission regarding a Salt Cedar. Mr. Huber provided results of information he has collected and stated there is Salt Cedar growing on the shores of the Thunderbird Conservation Park Sedimentation Basin. There has been discussion that Salt Cedar is a bad plant. His study was conducted to investigate and report the findings to the City of Glendale and the Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that Salt Cedar is an invasive exotic plant that is well established in the southwestern United States. It is Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes May 8, 2006 Page 3 incredibly aggressive, causing serious ecosystem problems and can grow 12 feet in a single season. A single Salt Cedar plant consumes 200 galloons of water per day. Its extensive taproot system can extent 60 feet choking stream beds. Salt cedar increases soil alkalinity. A single salt cedar produces seeds, which are widely dispersed by wind and water, which quickly germinate in moist areas. Salt Cedar re-sprouts vigorously if its top portion is damaged or removed. The drought-deciduous nature of Salt Cedar contributes to a heavy fuel load, increasing the frequency of fires. He provided the Commission with information on government legislation. He also explained various ways of eradicating the Salt Cedar. Mr. Huber concluded that Salt Cedar is an invasive exotic plant that is incredibly aggressive and destroys ecosystems. He said many states have taken serious action against salt cedar. He stated that permanent removal of Salt Cedar is the only solution. Commissioner Long inquired about the square footage of the proposed ranger/park facility. Ms. Senna stated that staff would review the square footage to ensure it could be functional. A motion was made by Commissioner Simon to accept the Executive Summary and directed staff to move forward with the changes to the Preliminary Master Plan and for staff to proceed with it's presentation to City Council Workshop on June 6, 2006. Commissioner Marshall seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. V. Staff Report Ms. Medler stated the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center construction project is coming along well. She stated a fishing derby was held this past weekend at Bonsall Park with more than 400 kids participating. Ms. Medler stated they are deep into the aquatics season with the grand opening of the Rose Lane Aquatic Center to take place on Saturday, May 20, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. She noted there were Cinco de Mayo G.R.A.S.P. celebrations as well as the Glendale Community Center, which took place recently and each was well attended. Mr. Raul Daniels stated that two employees were recently hired - Ray Rosales at O'Neil and Michelle Weir at Discovery. Ms. Benna announced that the Parks and Recreation Department has hired a new Deputy Director Karen Hesser and she will begin on Monday, May 15, 2006. Her responsibilities include: over-seeing park and aquatics maintenance and ranger operations. She added that RJ Cardin's position was posted today. V. Commission Comments and Suggestions Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes May 8, 2006 Page 4 Chairperson Hansen suggested a calendar showing all upcoming events. Ms. Benna stated that was an excellent idea and that staff could provide a calendar to the Commissioners. Commissioner Simon requested a Parks and Recreation organizational chart. Commissioner Gutierrez reported there is no information at this time from the Ad Hoc meeting regarding Mega Events. Commissioner Long commended staff on the quarterly magazine. He stated it was terrific. Ms. Benna encouraged the Commission to attend the reopening of the Rose Lane Aquatic Facility as she would like to recognize the commissioners. VI. Next Meeting Suggested Agenda Items Chairperson Hansen asked that the goals and objectives of the Parks and Recreation Commission be placed on the agenda again. VII. Next Meeting — Monday, June 12, 2006 at 7pm in Room B-3 Of the Municipal Office Complex. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary