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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 12/12/2006CITY OF GLENDALE,ARIZONA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY,DECEMBER 11, 2006 GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX, ROOM B-3 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE MEMBER PRESENTS: Ted Hansen, Chair Eric Simon, Vice Chair Morris Russell Ruben Gutierrez Raymond Kultala Liz Farley Michael Socaciu Loric Harding MEMBERS ABSENT: Sara Berry STAFF PRESENT:Becky Benna, Director Clyde Brown, Management Assistant Bill Schwind, Deputy Director Roger Boyer, Project Coordinator Mike Gregory, Project Coordinator Karen Hesser, Deputy Director Shirley Medler, Deputy Director Call to Order Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and noted that Commissioner Berry was absent. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —NOVEMBER 13, 2006, MEETING Commissioner Socaciu called for approval of the minutes. Commissioner Socaciu had the following corrections: Page 1, under "Approval of Minutes" stated "Commissioner Simon had the following corrections"should read, "Commissioner Socaciu had the following corrections". A motion was made by Commissioner Socaciu to accept the minutes as amended. Commissioner Kultala seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2006 Page 2 II. REVIEW OF COMMISSION GOALS The Commission reviewed its list of 2006-2007 goals in order to address outstanding details. Three goals were specifically discussed: Goal #2: Provide bi-yearly updates regarding park site visits utilizing park inspection forms and standards. The completion date for the first site visit was selected as March 2007. Goal #4: Meet with other citizen commissions, such as the Arts Commission to gain understanding of their area of focus. The Commissioners suggested various commissions such as the Bicycle Commission, Planning Commission, and the Neighborhood Commission. Ms. Benna will obtain more information on the meeting dates of these commissions. Goal #5: Conduct a park appreciation activity — hold a park appreciation event while conducting a commission meeting in a city park). Commissioner Simon suggested tying into an already established city event and having a booth to promote the commission. Commissioner Gutierrez agreed and added that it would be good public relations to spread the word on the Commission's activities. Deputy Director Shirley Medler stated that the Tractor Show is scheduled for February 10 and 11 which might be a possibility for a booth. Ms. Benna agreed and added that the booth could include information on the Parks and Recreation Department as well. Ms. Benna offered to provide a list of events for review. Chair Hansen noted that the goal states that a Commission meeting is to be conducted at the same time. Commissioner Socaciu motioned to strike Goal #5 as written and restates Goal 5 as "Participate in an established community event to promote parks and recreation activities". Commissioner Farley second the motion. The motion passed unanimously 8-0. Chair Hansen requested copies of amended Commission meeting minutes. III. BOND COMMITTEE PARKS AND RECREATION RECOMMENDATIONS Ms. Benna stated that the Bond Committee Chairs (representing approximately 70 citizens) provided its recommendations to Mayor and Council on November 21, 2006. The recommendation totaled $794 million. Ms. Benna distributed a copy of the Parks and Recreation Bond Committee 10 Year Recommendations along with maps of parks and recreation facilities (current and proposed) and trails and open space(current and proposed). Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2006 Page 3 Commissioner Morris had some technical questions about bond process and felt it would be a good idea to invite a representative from the city finance department to educate the Commissioners on the bond process. Because Mayor and Council were concerned with the amount of the bond recommendation, city departments were asked to review any amounts remaining from the 1999 bond issues and determine a five-year project view. Ms. Benna stated that this analysis is still occurring and the Commissioners would be informed of the details once finalized. Commissioner Farley asked about which projects on the list were in the five-year CIP Project list. Ms. Benna highlighted the five-year projects as: Parks Re-development (older parks) 63rd and Northern Park Development Park Enhancements Facilities Renovation Thunderbird Park Improvements (phased) Apollo Pool Restoration Sahuaro Ranch Park Improvements 79th and Orangewood 63rd and Maryland Park Development(phased) Soccer Lights (phased) West Area Pool Sahuaro Ranch Visitor Center Sahuaro Ranch Barnyard Addition Western Area Regional Park Ms. Benna noted that for the Open Space and Trail funds, no new dollars are needed via the bond process and she would keep the Commissioners advised of the bond process. IV. CITIZEN COMMENTS None V. STAFF REPORTS Deputy Director Karen Hesser reported on the following park maintenance items: Drainage alignment work is being completed at Rose Lane Pool. Trees are being trimmed along Skunk Creek. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2006 Page 4 Project Coordinator Roger Boyer is involved in the Thunderbird Conservation Park analysis of the salt cedar issue. The goal is to remove some of the invasive species. There has been discussions with the Arizona Game and Fish Department as to the best plan of action. Deputy Director Bill Schwind, discussed several CIP projects including: 87th Avenue and Missouri 67th Avenue and Butler X-Court Ballfield Lighting at Kellis and Copper Canyon High School. Project Coordinator Mike Gregory provided the following update on the Grand Canal Linear Park project: Reach A: Landscaping has been completely restored. Reach C: Current phase under construction. Construction includes: ramada, plaza area, as well as equestrian staging area. There are six different contractors working on the project. Commissioner Socaciu mentioned that on the Cardinal's game days, some people are setting up tents and tailgating in the Grand Canal Linear Park. Commissioner Socaciu added that he has seen a lot of graffiti in the west end of the park. Ms. Benna stated that this park is open to the general public, not for tailgating with alcohol. Ms. Benna would follow-up on both of these issues. Ms. Hesser recently attended a meeting with the police and graffiti removal crew. Ms. Hesser noted that graffiti is supposed to be removed within 48 hours, but sometimes, due to a police investigation,the graffiti must stay up longer. Deputy Director Shirley Medler provided the following updates: A valley wide Aquatic Symposium was held at Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center. Approximately forty people from around the state attended and discussed issues,best practices and how to help each other. The regional finals of the National Pass and Kick NFL Youth Program were held yesterday at the University of Phoenix Stadium. A demonstration of the youths' skills was done at halftime of the game. There were about thirty finalists from Arizona and New Mexico. Hike to Santa: A health and wellness promotion was held whereby participants could hike up the mountain at the Thunderbird Conservation Park to see Santa. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2006 Page 5 December 15: Senior Dinner at the Glendale Community Center. December 16: Holiday event at the Glendale Community Center featuring Santa, crafts, and activities. Between Christmas and New Year's, the Super Series of Youth Baseball Tournament will be held at Sahuaro Ranch Park. A new 2007 event calendar will be distributed soon. VI. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Simon: Asked if the department's master plan was available for review. Mr. Boyer responded that it was available online. Inquired about the Heritage Grant application to be used for Sahuaro Ranch Park building roofs. Ms. Medler replied that because this park is on the National Register, there are federal funds available for restoration and upkeep. If the grant request is not funded, the city needs to look at alternative funding sources. Expressed concern over the fact that there are paid advertisements in the city's Parks and Recreation class schedule booklet and wondered about possible conflict or interest. Commissioner Socaciu asked about any criteria for advertisers. Ms. Benny would provide that information. Chair Hansen commented that he attended the Hike to Santa and had a very enjoyable time with his family. Chair Hansen wondered if the Parks and Recreation Department would offer a skateboarding class. Ms. Medler replied that she is in discussions with the Skate Advisory Committee about this and the thought was to tie in lessons with the business concessionaire at the skate park Ms. Medler will forward details once they are determined. VII. NEXT MEETING SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Benny noted some of the following items for next month's agenda: Bond Issue Update CIP Update Update on the Open Space and Trails Plan VI. NEXT MEETING: Monday, February 12, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in Room B-3 of the Municipal Office complex. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2006 Page 6 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Denise Kazmierczak, Recording Secretary