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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 2/10/2014 CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE, B-3 FEBRUARY 10, 2014 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Portillo, Chair John Krystek,Vice Chair David Moreno Samantha Johnson Robert Irons Barbara R. Cole MEMBERS ABSENT: Yesenia Rascon James Baribault OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Gregory,Parks and Recreation Manager Chris Gallagher,Recreation Manager Lori Bye, Recreation Manager Eugene Kraus,Park Manager Gwen Benoit, Senior Secretary Erik Strunk, Executive Director I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Portillo called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Portillo took roll and noted absences. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Cole motioned,seconded by Commissioner Moreno, to approve the January 13,2014 meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 5—0. [Commissioner Irons was not yet present.] IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. V. ARCHERY RANGE PROJECT OPEN HOUSE AND ENGAGEMENT UPDATE Mr. Gallagher provided an update on the concept of an archery range as a potential enhancement to Glendale Heroes Regional Park. Mr. Gallagher reviewed the timeline in regards to the archery consideration as follows: • Council Workshop: October 15, 2013 o Staff was given direction by Council to investigate the possibility of a range at Heroes Regional Park. • Commission Meeting: October 21, 2013 1 o Mr. Strunk briefed the Commission on the consideration of a possible archery range. • Staff assigned the project in early November 2013 o Visited multiple ranges around the metropolitan Phoenix area o Gathered feedback from archery experts o Researched other communities that have ranges in the area • Mr. Strunk and Mr. Gallagher met with Mr. Mike Cullumber, President of USA Arizona Archery, Mr. Mike Raum, Statewide Shooting Ranch Administrator at Arizona Game and Fish, and Ms. Crabtree, owner of Corner Archery in Glendale, on December 27, 2013. o Heard from these experts on the safety of archery o Confirmed Public Meeting Dates and Times • Commission Meeting update at the Foothills Library location: January 13, 2014 o Briefed the Commission on the progress of the proposed range and informed the Commission of the public meetings that were scheduled • Public Meeting: January 22, 2014 o There were 26 attendees at the meeting including Commissioners Moreno, Cole and Rascon. o Of the general public in attendance, the majority live within a five-mile radius of the park, some of the public had questions on the Master Plan • Archery Demonstration/Public Meeting: January 25, 2014 o There were approximately 45 attendees at the demonstration including Commissioners Moreno, Cole and Irons o Mayor Weiers was also in attendance • Commission Meeting Follow-Up: February 10, 2014 o The public is very supportive of the range. Of all the comments made via the comment cards, emails or phone calls/conversation, there has not yet been one negative comment or opposition in regards to a proposed range. o A copy of the comments on the comment cards were provided to the Commissioners. Mr. Gallagher stated that staff will continue to gather comments from the public and will present the findings to the Council in the spring. Chair Portillo inquired about the cost of liability insurance. Mr. Gallagher stated that if an archery group runs the range,the City would require a minimum$1.0 million Certificate of Insurance. Ms. Bye stated, in regards to the Master Plan, that by the time funds might be on hand to complete some of the proposed improvements,the plan may need to be reviewed based on new desires of the public. [Commissioner Irons entered the meeting.] Commissioner Cole asked if the park would need special liability coverage for archery. Ms. Bye replied that it would be included in the overall park coverage. Ms. Bye added that there would be a fence around the archery range. Vice Chair Krystek inquired as to how many Glendale residents attended the public meetings. Mr. Gallagher stated that the sign-in sheets did not ask for resident or non-resident status, only address. Mr. Gallagher added that most of Glendale's regional parks are destination parks which pull visitors from nearby cities. Ms. Bye noted that staff sent out 800 postcards to Glendale residents and also advertised the public meetings via press release, district newsletters and the City website. Ms. Bye stated that 2 outreach was concentrated on Glendale residents; however, all members of the public were allowed to attend. Vice Chair Krystek felt that it was important to build the park for Glendale residents specifically. Commissioner Moreno commented that at first, he did not want the archery range. Commissioner Moreno explained that at the first public meeting, he saw a family who was also against the range. Commissioner Moreno then saw the same family at the second public meeting and their children became very interested in the sport after the demonstration so the parents changed their mind. Mr. Gallagher noted that comments regarding safety concerns were expressed by some of the Commissioners. Mr. Gallagher stated that, upon research, archery falls into the same safety categories as bowling, badminton and table tennis. Mr. Gallagher noted that archers themselves stress the safety aspect of their sport and are a very responsible group. Mr. Gallagher was unable to find one documented case of an archery accident at a park or archery range. Chair Portillo asked if a partner for the range has been identified. Mr. Gallagher stated that there is a group who might be interested. Mr. Gallagher announced that Cabela's may be interested in some form as well. Chair Portillo noted the archery range at El Oso Park in Phoenix and wondered if having two archery ranges within two miles of each other was necessary. Mr. Gallagher stated that El Oso is a very small and hard-to-reach range which is not popular with archers. Chair Portillo asked if the City of Phoenix was contacted regarding the potential range at Heroes Regional Park. Mr. Gallagher replied in the negative. Chair Portillo asked that Mr. Gallagher reach out to the Phoenix Parks Department regarding any conflict with the proposed range. Commissioner Cole stated that she attended both events. Commissioner Cole wondered what the general public would shoot at if the archery clubs have their own targets. Mr. Gallagher stated that at Paseo Vista in Chandler, there is a pressed cardboard target at the range for public use; however the archery clubs will bring their own as well. Mr. Gallagher noted that at El Oso there are also pressed cardboard targets for the public. Mr. Gallagher stated that there would be some type of targets for public use at the proposed range. Mr. Bye stated that staff would work with a potential partner regarding equipment needs at the range. Commissioner Cole asked if there could be paid advertisement on the fencing around archery range. Mr. Bye replied in the positive. Vice Chair Krystek asked where the $50,000 cost of the proposed range would be obtained. Ms. Bye noted that staff would pursue grants, partnerships, donations and other funding sources. Mr. Strunk stressed that the directive from Mayor and Council is that there will be no funding from the City. Commissioner Moreno inquired about an age limit for use of the proposed range. Mr. Gallagher did not see any age limits posted at the Papago range or at the Chandler range. Mr. Gallagher noted that archery equipment can be expensive so more than likely it would be adults, teens or older children with their parents. VI. TURF AUDIT Mr. Gregory introduced Mr. Kraus who was to give the Commission a presentation on the Turf Audit and an implementation plan for improvements to the turf in the parks and facilities. Mr. Gregory stated that 3 this fiscal year,the water budget was increased by$400,000 and this impact was seen in the improved turf at the parks and fields. Mr. Kraus's presentation included the following information: • 2013/2014 Turf Audit o Purpose: to complete an assessment of current turf conditions and to schedule a plan to renovate the turf and develop an implementation plan. o The audit was conducted in late summer and early fall 2013. o Mr. Kraus and Mr. Gregory evaluated all of the parks, sports fields and facilities in regards to square footage and how much seed is required. This information was input into a spreadsheet for review. The spreadsheet was provided to the Commissioners. o Areas of stress,thin thatch and/or non-existence of turf were noted. o Reasons for stressed areas include: open space, patterns of water, heavy traffic and heavy use. o Once the root zone is compromised,the turf viability is lost. • Soil Conditions o Mr. Kraus displayed a diagram of a good soil profile. o It is important to identify compaction and high calcium in soil. o Calcium moves to the top of the soil profile due to a lack of watering over long periods of time and inadequate watering. o It is best to create an ideal condition for roots. • Aeration o Aeration opens the soil profile, creates gas exchange, improves water filtration, reduces compaction and increases the growing media. o Aeration allows nutrients to get down into the soil profile. • Application of Seed and Fertilizer o It is best to apply when the ground temperature is at 65 degrees. o Be aware of a false warming period. o Some seed and fertilizer will fall into the voids created by aeration. o Dragging and top dressing is done to fill voids and protect the seeds from the birds and wind. o Organic matter is added as well. o Blackjack Bermuda is a vigorous, hybrid seed used for the turf. It is a fine-bladed cultivar which adds color and density to any warm-season blend. Blackjack Bermuda seed produces a sun-loving turf that performs throughout the hottest summer months and also shows remarkable cold tolerance. Blackjack Bermuda is applied at 2 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. • Irrigation o Application of sufficient water is necessary to support the turf seeds. Blackjack has a seven to 14 day germination period. o Irrigation begins in early March. o Watering in the winter months is only done to maintain the irrigation infrastructure, valves and rotors. Commissioner Cole asked for further clarification on Blackjack Bermuda. Mr. Kraus stated that Blackjack is a fine-leaf Bermuda which blends well with the majority of common Bermudas. Commissioner Cole asked if Bermuda grass comes up every year. Mr. Kraus explained that once a turf thatch is broken apart and the root zone is compromised, nothing will come back. Mr. Kraus stated that this is why turf management is so very important. Mr. Kraus stated that Blackjack is very resilient. Mr. Gregory noted that in September/October,the mower levels are raised to protect the root ball of the turf. 4 Chair Portillo thanked Mr.Kraus for a great presentation. VII.NON-PROFIT DISCOUNT RENTAL FEE Ms. Bye presented information on the proposed Non-Profit Group Rental Policy for Parks,Recreation and Library Services facilities. Ms. Bye distributed the proposed policy and gave a presentation on the policy which included the following information: • Policy Definitions o Local Non-Profit: A Local Non-Profit group is defined as any organization that has been granted 501(c)3 status by the Internal Revenue Service based within the City of Glendale, Arizona or Non-Profits that serve the clientele within Glendale,Arizona. • Good Standing: Good Standing is defined as the 501(c)3 organization being in compliance with all required Arizona Corporation Commission rules and regulations required of all registered corporation and Limited Liability Corporations in Arizona. o HOA/Neighborhood Association: Any Homeowners Association (HOA); neighborhood association and/or neighborhood watch group that is actively registered through the City of Glendale Neighborhood Services function. • Guidelines o Non-Profit Groups: Local non-profit organizations meeting qualifying criteria below are eligible to receive a 20% discount off the rental rate. The Group requesting a discount must complete a Non-Profit application request at least seven days in advance of the reservation. Organizations must provide documentation or prove that they meet the qualifying criteria. o Qualifying Criteria: • The organization must be non-profit/tax exempt • Good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission • Documentation proving non-profit status • Copy of the certificate of "Good Standing" with the Arizona Corporation Commission • Must promote or provide a community or recreational service for its clientele • At least 80%who must reside within the corporate city limits of Glendale • Rental room rate example from the Glendale Adult Center : o Room 102: • Resident/Non-Profit: $24/hour • Non-Resident: $30/hour • Commercial: $36/hour o Room 103: • Resident/Non-Profit: $26/hour • Non-Resident: $31/hour • Commercial: $39/hour o Room 104: • Resident/Non-Profit: $24/hour • Non-Resident: $30/hour • Commercial: $36/hour • Glendale Adult Center Proposed Changes in the Rental Rates: o Room 102: 5 • Non-Profit/HOA's: $19/hour • Resident: $24/hour • Non-Resident: $30/hour • Commercial: $36/hour o Room 103: • Non-Profit/HOA's: $21/hour • Resident: $26/hour • Non-Resident: $31/hour • Commercial: $39/hour o Room 104: • Non-Profit/HOA's: $19/hour • Resident: $24/hour • Non-Resident: $30/hour • Commercial: $36/hour Ms. Bye stated that the rental rates are important income to the division for day to day operations. Ms. Bye estimated that more customers will be obtained with the discount. Ms. Bye anticipated increased revenue despite the discount. Ms. Bye noted that Mesa offers a 20% discount to non-profits, Phoenix charges $5.00/hour regardless of group's status and Peoria's non-profit rate is the same as its Resident rate. Commissioner Cole wondered why for-profit companies were not given a discount. Ms. Bye explained that there is a commercial rate for profit organizations and this is a discount for non-profit organizations. Commissioner Johnson wondered how the non-profit 20% discount rate was working for the City of Mesa. Ms. Bye stated that they have been offering this discount for quite a while now and is working fine. Ms. Bye stated that the City of Gilbert is looking at a non-profit discount currently as well. Chair Portillo wondered when the change would take place. Ms. Bye stated that if the Commission agrees with the policy, it would then go to Council for approval and implementation. Chair Portillo felt that the non-profit rate was a great idea and would benefit many groups in Glendale. Chair Portillo asked if the Commissioners agreed with the policy. The Commissioners agreed by consensus that the Non-Profit Group Rental Policy should move forward for approval by City Council. VIII. STAFF UPDATE Ms.Bye provided an update on activities which included the following: • Tonight from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., there is a fundraiser at the Great Skate Roller Rink in Glendale. The Youth and Teen Division will receive $2.00 per admission. • The Glendale Adult Center, in partnership with the Glencroft Community, will host a six-week seminar titled"Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions." • On February 1st, at Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden, the Commission on Persons with Disabilities hosted a rosebush pruning. Also, eighteen more rose bushes were planted. • Over the second weekend in February, the Engine and Tractor Show will be held at the Sahuaro Ranch Park. This is hosted by the Arizona Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association. • Mr. Paul King is now the new Recreation Manager at the Glendale Adult Center. 6 • Ms. Michelle Yates has been promoted to Senior Recreation Coordinator. • On Saturday, March 8th at Bonsall Park, a Family Fishing Clinic will be held in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The lake will be stocked with fish for the event. • Staff is working with Breakthrough Life Church regarding summer programs for youth at the O'Neil Recreation Center. Mr. Gregory commented that a date for the Partners 'N Parks Commission goal needs to be scheduled. Ms. Benoit will send out an email regarding options for dates and locations. Mr. Gregory provided an update on the following: • On April 26th,the Party for the Planet event will be held in honor of Earth Day, in partnership with Peoria Community Services. This event typically has 300 to 400 volunteers and 30 to 40 staff members. • At 67th Avenue and Deer Valley Road, a project is underway in regards to a man-made rainwater diversion. The rainwater diversion has created an area of debris in a neighborhood which needs to be cleaned out. Staff is working with Environmental Services on the project. • Staff has undergone a homeless training class to ensure that the homeless situation in the parks is being addressed properly. The training has been very helpful. A few of the homeless in the parks have been referred by staff to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. • The Marty Robbins Memorial Plaque will be on the next meeting agenda. Commissioners were encouraged to take a look at two other memorial plaques in Murphy Park to get a feeling for the proposed Marty Robbins Plaque. • The Arizona Parks and Recreation Association is soliciting award nominations. The Commissioners were asked to identify programs and activities that would be eligible,and to please forward their suggestions to staff. Mr. Strunk thanked staff for all of its continued hard work during a very active budget season. Mr. Strunk encouraged the Commissioners to stay abreast of the City's budget discussions. Mr. Strunk stated that there may be a variety of information in the media and encouraged the Commissioners to contact him or staff directly with any questions or concerns. Mr. Strunk stated that the City of Glendale Financial Services Director will be on the next meeting agenda in order to present the 5-Year Financial Plan. Commissioner Cole asked if the Super Bowl affects any of the budget plans. Mr. Strunk stated that with $1.5 million allocated to staffing, police, fire and safety expenses, there is definitely some impact. Mr. Strunk added that when bidding for the Super Bowl, the City pledged to staff the event appropriately. Mr. Strunk cautioned that the $1.5 million figure could change based on need. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Cole congratulated Vice Chair Krystek on his appointment to Vice Chair. Commissioner Moreno thanked Mr. Kraus for a great presentation on turf management. Vice Chair Krystek stressed that he is not anti-archery and does think archery is a great sport. Vice Chair Krystek stated that his main concern is the deviation from the Master Plan for Heroes Regional Park. Vice Chair Krystek expressed concern that something temporary usually becomes permanent and the residents in the area may be giving up an original amenity in the Master Plan for the archery range. 7 Chair Portillo offered to volunteer at the Folk and Heritage Festival. Chair Portillo clarified that the dates for the Folk and Heritage Festival are March 22nd and 23rd and not March 23rd and 24th as noted in last month's minutes. Chair Portillo attended the Chocolate Affaire and stated that it was better than last year and that the band was great. Chair Portillo asked if the Civic Center was used at all. Mr. Gregory stated that he did see a seminar being held at the Civic Center a short time ago. Mr. Gregory suggested that a representative be invited to make a presentation at a Commission meeting or that the Commission could have a mobile meeting at the Civic Center. Chair Portillo stated that the University of Phoenix hosts the only major West Valley college fair. Chair Portillo suggested that the Civic Center could be an excellent place to hold a West Valley college fair. Chair Portillo offered to organize a college fair with staff. Commissioner Johnson liked the idea. Chair Portillo thanked staff for all of the information and thanked all Commissioners for attending the meeting. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:11p.m. by consensus. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Gallery Glendale — Westgate, 9380 W. Westgate Blvd. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 8