Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 6/12/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,JUNE 12,2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX,ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. by Acting Chairperson Stanley Long with Commissioners Michael Socaciu, Ruben Gutierrez, Raymond Kultala, Morris Russell, Sara Berry, and Loric Harding in attendance. Representing city staff were Becky Benny, Karen Hesser, Clyde Brown, Roger Boyer, Mike Gregory, Randy Spreitzer, Lori Bye, Darren Skousen, Carrie Faulkner, and Jackie Anderson. Acting Chairperson Long 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. Acting Chairperson Long stated there were Citizen Comments Cards and Public Comments Speakers Cards located outside of the door. He asked that anyone wishing to speak or submit comments to complete either one of the cards. A citizen was also in attendance. I.Approval of Minutes Chairperson Long called for approval of the minutes. It was noted that Commissioner Berry's name is spelled Sara rather than Sarah. A motion was made by Commissioner Socaciu to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Gutierrez seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. II. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK MASTER PLAN Ms. Becky Benny, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that staff would provide an update on its presentation to City Council at its Workshop held on June 6, 2006. Commissioner Long attended the briefing and gave his thanks for Ms. Benny and her staff for a being so well prepared for the Council's questions. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 12, 2006 Page 2 Ms. Benna reviewed the Thunderbird Conservation Park Master Plan Executive Summary, dated June 2006. She stated that she had provided background information to the Council and continued by explaining the master plan public process. She provided the master plan recommendations for the park, which included the overall priorities for the park as well as specific areas for improvement. Ms. Benna reviewed the funding and implementation and concluded with a summary of the recommendations. In addition to the summary, Ms. Benna reviewed the PowerPoint presentation provided at the June 6 City Council Workshop. III. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION GOALS The Commission agreed to table this item to the August Commission meeting. IV. PARK AND FACILITY PROJECT UPDATES Project Coordinators Roger Boyer and Mike Gregory, Parks Supervisor Randy Spreitzer, and Recreation Manager Lori Bye provided the Commission with an update of current park projects. Mr. Boyer and Ms. Bye presented an update on the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center. Commissioner Russell asked if leagues were going to take place. Ms. Bye responded that both adult and youth leagues would be offered within the center. Chairperson Long asked about the width of the lazy river and the location the rock- climbing wall. Mr. Spreitzer responded that the width of the lazy river is 10 feet. Ms. Bye stated that the rock-climbing wall is located in the lobby area. Chairperson Long also asked if there would be a first aid department. Ms. Bye stated that all staff is certified in CPR and first aid. The lifeguard staff are certified through the American Red Cross. Commissioner Russell questioned if there would be a ceramics room. Ms. Bye responded that ceramics will not be offered at Foothills,but is offered at the Adult Center. Chairperson Long asked if residents would receive a reduced price. Ms. Bye responded that non-residents pay 20% more than residents. She also mentioned that they are having a pre-sale promotion for residents to receive an additional 10% off the monthly and annual rate. The sale runs until June 30, 2006. Mr. Boyer continued the presentation with the status of the projects at Thunderbird Paseo, Foothills, and the Racquet Center. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 12, 2006 Page 3 Chairperson Long asked if the dog park would have an area for smaller dogs and larger dogs._Mr. Boyer responded that there are currently separate areas for large and small dogs, and these would remain after the renovation. He added that there would also be separate pet drinking fountains. Mr. Gregory and Mr. Spreitzer continued the presentation to review projects that included the Older Parks Renovation, Northern Horizon, Tarrington Ranch, and the Western Area Regional Park. Chairperson Long asked if the picnic tables located at Tarrington Ranch could be turned over. Mr. Gregory responded that the park tables are secured to the ground or concrete. Commissioner Socaciu asked if there would be video monitoring at the Western Area Regional Park X-Court. He asked if the lake would be included in Phase II of the Park and asked when construction of that phase would begin. Mr. Gregory responded that the contracts were being filed with the City Clerk's office and construction then could begin and that should happen very soon. The lakes are not part of Phase II. The monitoring/web cam is being considered as part of the X-Court project. Commissioner Socaciu asked when the NFL Experience would be awarded and would other facilities be built after that award was announced. Ms. Benny responded her understanding is sometime later in 2007. V. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were none. VI. STAFF REPORTS Ms. Benny introduced Parks and Recreation staff members: Deputy Director Karen Hesser, Office Support Supervisor Carrie Faulkner, and Recreation Programmer Darren Skousen. Mr. Gregory provided kudos to those that assisted with the design for the dog park at 63rd and Northern Avenues. He stated that Pete Vargas, Bob Rhodes, Roger Boyer, and Randy Spreitzer helped create the design. Ms. Benny stated that Ms. Bye distributed a listing of upcoming events. She asked that the Commission to contact staff if they need further information. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes June 12, 2006 Page 4 VII. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Gutierrez asked if staff could email the reports. Ms. Benna said that staff could email the reports. Commissioner Socaciu stated that he registered his daughter for the Summer GRASP program and that he had to complete a lengthy document to register her. He said much of the information he had to provide was redundant and asked if the staff could review the process to ensure it was needed. He gave kudos to staff for the Grand Canal Linear Park and said that while Phoenix has taken a minimalist approach on their portion, Glendale has made its portion into a wonderful park system. Commissioner Harding asked if there were shade structures in the picnic area mentioned in Mr. Gregory's briefing would have problems with bird droppings. Mr. Gregory explained it depends on the type of trees planted. He said the trees used are usually not conducive to birds nesting. Also, the trees are planted in such angles that they are shading areas from the sun rather than to cover tables and chairs. Commissioner Harding stated this is a concern at Sahuaro Ranch Park. IX. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Commission Goals, Park and Facility Naming Monday, August 14, 2006 at 7pm in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary