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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 9/11/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11,2006 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, Ruben Gutierrez, Morris Russell, Kultala, and Sara Berry. Representing city staff was Becky Benna, Karen Hesser, Shirley Medler, Lori Bye, Jen Godbehere, Chris Gallagher, Roger Boyer, Colleen Dallman, Anthony Garcia, Raul Daniels, and Clyde Brown. I.APPROVAL OF MINUTES—AUGUST 14, 2006 MEETING Chairperson Hansen called for approval of the minutes. Chairperson Hansen stated that the Public Comments agenda item should be moved to prior to the Staff Reports. He corrected the fourth paragraph under Staff Report's and stated the last two sentences refer to the Thunderbird Park not the Skunk Creek Park as noted in the minutes. His last clarification was under Commission comments. He stated the correct term for dog shows was lure coursing. He said this is an event which requires at least ten acres of space for the dogs to chase after a lure. He said there are two dogs at a time that cannot be leashed during this event. This type of event is not allowed under the current leash guidelines. Commissioner Socaciu, not in attendance, provided staff with his corrections to the minutes which includes the clarification regarding the lure coursing. A motion was made by Commissioner Simon to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Hansen chose to hear agenda item #3 next with agenda item#2 being moved to after Commission Goals. II. PARK AND FACILITY NAMING POLICY Becky Benna, Park and Recreation Director, presented this item. The revised Park and Facility Naming Policy was distributed for the Commissions review. She stated the changes are noted in blue. I.Purpose She stated the purpose is to establish guidelines and procedures for naming City of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 2 Glendale parks and recreation facilities. II. Objectives 1. Establish criteria for park or recreation facility name selection. 2. Identify methods for citizen input process. 3.Establish the naming process for Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. III. Criteria for Name Selection Names submitted for consideration should relate to the following criteria: 1. The geographic location of the park or facility. 2. An outstanding feature of the park or facility, whether it is natural, geographical or man-made. 3. An adjoining or local subdivision, street, school, facility or natural feature. 4. Facilities within a park can be named separately from the park and/or facility in which they are located, subject to the general guidelines outlines in this policy. 5. An individual or organization that financially contributes significantly typically not less than 50% of the value of the property or improvements) to the acquisition or development of the park or facility. In regard to a qualifying financial contribution, the park or facility may be named as suggested by the individual, family, business entity or organization providing the donation. However, this criterion does not guarantee naming rights and shall be at the direction of the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration and recommendation .and approval by City Council. 6. Duplication of other park or facility names located in the City or in other jurisdictions located adjacent to the City shall not be considered. IV. Procedures A. Public Input Process 1. The Parks and Recreation Depai lment shall solicit input from the community for park and facility names through a variety of methods. Examples of solicitation include, but are not limited to: public meeting(s), naming contests, news releases, direct mailing to residents and the Internet. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 3 Chairperson Hansen asked for clarification regarding the regulation or policy adoption as it relates to the Commission. Ms. Benna stated she would recommend a naming policy adoption by City Council. 2.The Parks and Recreation Department shall solicit the naming of a new park or facility to citizens living within a specified service area of the park or facility. The methods of informing the public may be through direct mailing notices, news releases or public meetings with residents within the service area. Residents may respond with their input via public meetings, postal mail or e-mail within 21 calendar days of the announcement. 3. For regional and community parks and/or facilities that may attract potential uses citywide or from outside the city, the Parks and Recreation Commission should consider additional naming criteria, such as: Promotion of the Glendale brand Promotion of Glendale community,regional or city themes Major uses of the park Park name recognition and image within and, where applicable, outside Glendale. 4. The Parks and Recreation Department will collect citizen input. Once it is received, staff will present the submitted name suggestions to the Parks and Recreation Commission at a scheduled commission meeting for review, recommendation and/or approval. B. Name Selection and Approval Process 1. For neighborhood parks and facilities that serve residents located within a one-mile radius of the park or facility, the Parks and Recreation Commission will review and provide approval of the park or facility name. 2. For community and regional parks,the Parks and Recreation Commission will review the submitted names and provide a recommendation to City Council for final approval and adoption at its Business Voting Meeting. 3.Once a park or facility name is adopted, the Parks and Recreation Department will install signage and include the name in department and city marketing material. C. Renaming Parks and Facilities 1. Renaming of existing parks and facilities is strongly discouraged. However, if there is a request for renaming a park or facility, it shall be Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 4 forwarded by staff to the appropriate City Council representing who then determines if it should be brought forth to the Mayor and City Council as an"item of interest" for discussion. 2.If the city acquires a park or facility previously owned by a non-city entity, the acquired park or facility name must meet the naming criteria. If it does not, the park or facility shall be renamed according to the city's park and recreation facility naming criteria and selection process. Commissioner Russell questioned if the city has ever acquired a park from a homeowners association has gone broke. Ms. Benna stated she was not aware of this having occurred. She would need to check with her staff A motion was made by Commissioner Simon to recommend approval of the Park and Facility Naming Policy and to forward the policy and criteria to the City Council for consideration and approval. Commissioner Kultala seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The Commission questioned if this policy would be in place prior to having to recommend approval of another park name. Ms. Benna stated that she is hopeful that this will be approved prior to name another park. III. 2006 SUMMER PROGRAM UPDATE Ms. Shirley Medler introduced staff making presentations. She introduced Chris Gallagher, Sports, Health and Aquatics Recreation Manager. Mr. Gallagher stated that youth sports program consist of baseball/softball/youth basketball clinic, youth volleyball clinic, youth wrestling camp, and lacrosse camp. He provided the Commission with the number of participants for each program. He continued with summer adult sports, which included softball, sand volleyball, and basketball as well as including the number of participants. Mr. Gallagher reviewed the summer aquatics programs and that offered during the summer. Commissioner Gutierrez asked with the significant increase in attendees at the Rose Lane Aquatics Center has there also been an increase in vandalism. Mr. Gallagher stated no, only an increase in the usual repairs due to high usage. Colleen Dalmann, Glendale Adult Center Manager, presented information related to the Adult Center. She stated the increase in participants from 2005 vs. 2006. Ms. Dalmane presented statistics regarding the early work, flexibles, senior aerobics, fitness room visits and blood pressure checks. She gave information regarding the summer evening participation and stated there was a significant increase in July of 2006. She continued Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 5 with statistics related to the nutrition and social services provided. She also included a breakdown of summer Saturday participation in 2005 vs. 2006. She said the center is opened on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Jen Godbehere, Special Events Recreation Coordinator, reviewed Toddler Water Days, Hook-A-Kid on Golf, and When the Sun Goes Down. Ms. Godbehere explained that Toddler Water Days is a preschool special event with a variety of carnival games, crafts and water games. She explained that Hook-A-Kid on golf is a week long introductory golf clinic coached by professional golf instructors in golf rules,etiquette, sportsmanship, and proper swing techniques ending with a golf outing with an adult mentor. She continued with a description of When the Sun Goes Down - Skate Event. The event was based on the recommendations from the Foothills Skate Court Advisory Committee to provide youth extreme sports opportunities to compete in an entry-level contest. She provided statistics on summer participation from 2005 vs. 2006. In response to a question from Chairperson Hansen, Ms. Godbehere explained the grant received from the U.S. Golf Association is a matching grant, where they provide the equipment and will provide the staffing. He noted that staff has always done a good job at locating grants. Lori Bye, Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center Manager, began with Special Interest Class categories, which included cultural arts, hobbies and crafts, dance, computer, personal development and business, exercise and sports, and youth. She said there were 251 total classes offered with 150 of those being youth related and the remainder adult related. She said the new and unique summer classes this year included Boot Camp, Japanese Judo, Mystery Shopper, Ice Skating Camps, Kids Improvision, Learn to Bowl, and Money Management for Teens. She provided statistics related to the number of participants in the special interests classes. Ms. Bye continued her presentation with information regarding the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center. She stated the Center will be holding its Grand Celebration on September 30, 2006, with the dedication starting at 8:00 a.m., followed by a tour of the center and a grand opening at 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Gutierrez stated he has viewed the Center and commended staff on such a great facility. Commissioner Russell asked if the Center is limited to Glendale residents only. Ms. Bye explained that the facility is open to everyone however, City of Glendale residents will receive discounted rates. Chairperson Hansen asked when it will be opened for public swimming. Ms. Bye stated that the facility will open in May 2007 for swimming. The leisure pool area will be open two weekends September 30th— October 1St and October 7th, 8th, and 9th. The facility does have a lap pool, which is heated and opened year round. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 6 Chairperson Hansen stated the heated pool may be utilized by valley swim teams. Raul Daniels, Youth and Teen Recreation Manager, began his presentation by explaining that the City of Glendale partners with four school districts. The school districts are Glendale Elementary, Peoria Unified, Deer Valley Unified, and Alhambra Elementary. He stated there are eighteen free Glendale Recreation After-School (GRASP) programs. He noted the schools where these programs are located. He said there were approximately 2,196 participants involved in summer programs ages kindergarten through Stn grade. He added the sites were opened Monday through Friday 9 to 5pm. He provided a break down noting the number of participants involved in the GRASP. summer programs. He stated the city partners will include Girls Scouts, Youth Etc., Prehab, the Glendale fire Department, the Glendale Police Department, Children Signs, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide the residents with these valuable programs. Mr. Daniels explained the Traveling Artist program included participants the opportunity to learn art techniques while creating their very own masterpieces. He said over 250 youth participated in field trips. He said several clubs were offered such as scrap booking, outdoor,jewelry making, science,build a book,health, and arts and crafts. He said the Glendale Community Center Teen Program had 89 registered team participants ages 13 through 17. The programs were offered Monday through Friday at 3pm to 9pm. He stated there is a licensed GRASP program held at Desert Mirage Elementary as well as Sahuaro Ranch Elementary. He listed the Teen Program Highlights such as "A Night to Remember"which was a teen prom. Mr. Daniels said the city partnered with the Arts Commission of Glendale to offer "Picture Glendale" photography exhibition. Mr. Daniels concluded with the Glendale Community Center. The Senior Program is offered through a partnership with the YWCA. He said 73 participants registered and over 1,110 meals were served during the months of July and August. He stated the Community Center offers this program each week, Monday through Friday between 8am and 2pm. Chairperson Hansen asked if teen programs took place during 7pm and 9pm. Mr. Daniels stated that this time proves to be the high peak for teens These programs provide a positive outlet for them. Mr. Daniels added there is an emphasis on teaching life skills to these teens. IV. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION GOALS Ms. Benna distributed a list of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Goals for 2006-2007. She reviewed each goal noted on the list: 1) at least once per year, tour other parks and/or recreation facilities located inside or outside of Glendale that may be similar to existing or planned future; 2) provide bi-yearly updates regarding park site visits utilizing park inspection forms and standards; 3) participate in a minimum of one program or event and report experience(s) to the Commission; 4) meet with other citizen Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 7 commissions, such as the Arts Commission to gain understanding of their areas of focus; 5) conduct a park appreciation activity—hold a park appreciation event while conducting a commission meeting in a city park; and 6) conduct a commission meeting in another park and recreation location. The Commission discussed the goals presented to them. Chairperson Hansen asked for clarification as to when the goals should be complete. Ms. Benna stated that was up to his discretion, but suggested the completion dates run on the city fiscal year, which is July to June. Commissioner Gutierrez asked if staff would be able to send email reminders to him regarding upcoming events. Ms. Benna stated they could. Commissioner Russell stated that he would be interested in attending more training related to his commission position. Commissioner Simon recommended the Commission meeting of October should be scheduled at the Adult Center. This would allow the Commission the opportunity to visit the Adult Center as well as accomplishing one of their goals. Ms. Benna suggested the November meeting be held at the Center as this will allow staff ample time to reserve and prepare for the relocation of the meeting. Chairperson Hansen suggested meeting at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center sometime in the spring. The Commission agreed that Goal #1 would be met by October 30, 2006 and #3 met by June 30, 2007, goal #5 should be tabled, and goals deadlines for completion of#2, 4, and 6 will be decided at a later date. V. STAFF REPORT Ms. Benna stated that a Deputy Director for Capital Improvement Projects Planning and Agreements Administration has been hired. His name is Bill Schwind and staff is happy to have him on board. Ms. Medler stated the APRA Conference and Trade Show was held August 28 through September 1, 2006, in Mesa, Arizona. She recognized staff members who were instrumental in organizing the conference and staff who presented educational sessions and thanked Commissioners Hansen and Gutierrez for attending. Ms. Karen Hesser provided an update regarding the older park renovations. She thanked all those that attended the reopening of New World Park. She provided information Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 8 regarding the Paseo Racquet Center improvements and also announced that Mr. Pete Vargas, Parks Supervisor and Mr. Drummond, Parks Ranger Supervisor, have announced their retirements. Ms. Benna spoke briefly about the youth sports fields where Pop Warner Football games and activities have been taking place. VI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Simon questioned the adult center funding. Ms. Benna explained the funding for the bond issue is for capital expenses. Commissioner Simon stated he is on the Streets and Transportation subcommittee. He asked for an updated organizational chart as well. Commissioner Gutierrez stated a great job was done by staff at the ARPA conference and trade show as he was in attendance. Commissioner Berry stated she enjoyed the New World Park reopening and added she had also attended the Rose Lane Aquatic Center reopening. Chairperson Hansen was asked a question on behalf of one of his district residents as to why the entrance fee at Rose Lane Pool remains at .50 cents while the entrance fee to the Foothills Aquatic Center is $2.50. Staff explained that Rose Lane Aquatic Center is a renovated existing community pool, where as Foothills is a fee-based Recreation and Aquatic Center offering year-round swimming experiences. II. PUBLIC COMMENTS 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 and Public Comments Speakers Cards located outside of the door. He asked that anyone wishing to speak or submit comments please complete either one of the cards. VII. NEXT AGENDA ITEMS 1. Park Maintenance Standards and Inspection Review Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes September 11, 2006 Page 9 2. Upcoming Events and Programs 3. Department Organization Chart and Responsibilities VIII. Due to the Columbus Day holiday, the next meeting will be held Monday, October 16, 2006 at 7pm in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary