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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 8/2/2014 CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION RETREAT GLEN LAKES GOLF COURSE GLENDALE, AZ AUGUST 2, 2014 8:00 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Krystek, Chair Barbara R. Cole, Vice Chair David Moreno Robert Irons Manuel Padia John Faris MEMBERS ABSENT: Manuel S. Padia, Jr. Chase MacKay OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Gregory,Parks and Recreation Manager Eugene Kraus, Parks Manager Lori Bye, Recreation Manager Paul King, Recreation Manager Bryan Wagner, Crew Leader Mario Rochin, Special Facilities Manager Michelle Yates, Senior Recreation Coordinator Gwen Benoit, Senior Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Krystek called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Krystek took roll. New Commissioner Faris was welcomed and Mr. Gregory provided a brief background of the new Commissioner's experience. It was noted that Commissioner Padia Jr. was absent. Student Commissioner MacKay was absent due to a conflict with the first day of football practice at his high school which he was required to attend. [Commissioner Padia Jr. entered the meeting.] Commissioner Manny Padia Jr was not in attendance. Manny Padia arrived late. III. BREAKFAST/TOUR/ACTIVITY The Commissioners were given a brief lesson on putting and participated in a putting competition. IV. INTRODUCTIONS Mr. Gregory announced the creation of the Community Services Department, which includes Human Services, Library and Arts, and Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. Mr. Gregory distributed the new organizational chart for Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. 1 Each manager provided the Commission with an overview of their roles and responsibilities. Ms. Bye gave an overview as follows: • 2014 Aquatics o Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center(FRAC) • Approximately 28,000 attendees this summer • 1,400 lessons to date o Rose Lane Aquatics Center • Approximately 20,000 attendees • 550 this summer o Swim/Dive Neptune: • Average 150 swimmers/I5 divers year-round each month • Summer recreation swim/dive team averages 100 swimmers/25 divers o Water Aerobics: • Over 600 water aerobic participants each year • Other FRAC events: o October 25, 2013: 4th Annual Neighborhood Halloween event. 266 children attended the event with approximately 800 people in attendance. o Saturday, July 19, 2014: First Daddy-Daughter dance held at FRAC. Approximately 52 people attended. o August 1, 2014: Foothills 360 program had approximately 900 weekly spots filled. 90% of the children enrolled were Glendale residents. • Special Interest Classes: o Over 500 classes were offered this summer. o There were nearly 4,000 participants. o Low-attendance classes were eliminated however,total enrollment stayed the same. Chair Krystek inquired about any subsidized swim lessons at Rose Lane. Ms. Bye stated that there are sponsorships available and approximately 95% of the Rose Lane lessons are paid via scholarship. Councilmember Hugh donated funds for a few free swim days. Ms. Bye added that this fiscal year, the department will apply for CDBG funds for free swim days as well. Furthermore, there will be additional review of the fee structure. Chair Krystek asked for further information regarding sponsors so there is no duplicate effort if he or the other Commissioners approach potential partners for scholarship donations. Ms. Yates stated that she is currently the Acting Manager of Neighborhood Services, which provides a variety of programs and services to help keep our neighborhoods healthy and strong, while also building their capacity. Areas of responsibility include: • Community and Neighborhood Education • Glendale University 101 • HOA Training Academy • Neighborhood Newsletters • Neighborhood Connection Events • Youth&Teen Services • Special Projects • Contracts and Agreements Related to Facilities 2 Commissioner Cole inquired about GAIN night. Ms. Yates replied that she is working on planning and it is on the FY14-15 calendar. Mr. Rochin announced that he is new to the department and is enjoying working with the rest of the team. Mr. Rochin explained his area of oversight,which includes the following: • Civic Center • Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area • Manistee Ranch • Community Centers • Amphitheater/B-Rooms • Audio/Visual • Contracts and Agreements Related to Facilities Commissioner Faris wondered who is the final authority at the City for the Amphitheater. Mr. Rochin stated that the Amphitheater falls under this department's umbrella. Mr. Gregory added that staff will be meeting soon to discuss Amphitheater issues. Quotes and bids are currently being reviewed for lighting improvement. Commissioner Faris commented that there needs to be one person as a contact for the Amphitheater. Mr. Rochin asked Commissioner Faris to contact him directly with any questions or concerns. Mr. Paul King oversees Parks Maintenance and introduced his direct reports: Mr.Kraus and Mr. Wagner. Responsibilities in this area include: • Mr. Kraus o Mowing o Irrigation o Park Rangers • Mr. Wagner o Tree Team o Fleet Management o Equipment Coordination • Sports&Health(Mike Davis) • Contracts/Agreements Related • X-Court • Foothills Skate Court Commissioner Moreno inquired about the Sonorita Park improvement project. Mr. King explained that this is a grant project and much of the demolition was done in house. Mr. King added that the irrigation would be completed soon and the playground will be installed. Mr. Gregory noted that a $61,500 CDBG grant was received for the project which should be completed by October. Mr. Gregory announced that Exerplay is donating a playground valued at $25,000. Commissioner Moreno complimented the condition and maintenance of the greenbelt from 83`d Avenue to the stadium. V. FY 2013-14 YEAR IN REVIEW Staff members highlighted major accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2013-14. Ms. Yates discussed the following: 3 o The Gifting for Glendale Corporation 501c3 was established. o This group seeks to provide community services, programs and activities to the citizens of Glendale which are not currently funded through the city's general fund with monies generated through fundraising, donations and gifts. o All Commissioners are invited to participate. Board members are currently being appointed. o Recreation Centers o Heart for the City • 86 participants registered o Breakthrough Life R.O.O.T.S. • 197 participants registered o Glendale Youth Project • 100 participants registered o G.R.A.S.P. Youth and Teen Programs o Licensed Before/After-School Programs o 5 sites and 184 participants o Summer Programs o 3 sites and 172 participants o Summer Field Trip Program o 5 field trips o 61 participants o Special Events & Projects o Touch A Truck - over 4,000 in attendance o Glendale Folk&Heritage Festival - over 6,000 in attendance o Arbor Day o Surviving the Summer Safety Event- 1,000 in attendance o Family Fishing Clinic-400 in attendance o V.I.P. Volunteer Recognition Event Commissioner Cole asked how parents were made aware of the kids programs. Ms. Yates stated that information is disseminated through non-profit outreach, the Glendale Elementary School District, Councilmember neighborhood outreach and various other forms of advertising. Chair Krystek commented that he went to the Glendale Youth Project website to make a donation, however the website was not available. Ms. Yates will follow up on the issue. Mr. Rochin discussed the following: • Civic Center • Provides top-quality meeting and banquet facilities for clients and their guests. • Promotes a positive identity for the City of Glendale. • Encourages local economic growth by bringing large groups of people to downtown Glendale. • Arizona Catering is the exclusive In-house food and beverage provider for groups ranging from 10 to 1,000. • Ranked#1 by"Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business"—2014, 2013 and 2012. • Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area • Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • The site has thirteen historic structures and several original landscape features sitting on seventeen acres. 4 • Organized activities include: educational programs such as guided Main House Museum tours, self-guided site tours, a video tour and school field trips. • There are opportunities to volunteer, such as a Rose Garden "Deadheader" or as a museum docent. • Space is available to rent for receptions, retirement parties, Sweet 16's, family reunions either in one of the varied outdoor spaces or inside the unique 1891 Fruit Packing Shed. • The Glendale Historical Society provides tours and a research library. • Audio/Visual • 59 Council meetings/workshops yearly • 13 Planning Commission meeting yearly • 10 CDAC meetings yearly • 4 Civic Center events • 2ldays of Special Event shows yearly Mr. Rochin stressed that he will be partnering with various City departments to spread the word regarding all available rental space at the various City recreation facilities. Mr.King commented on improvements at the Glendale Adult Center: • 500 square feet of fitness space was expanded to include a treadmill, elliptical and bicycle. • The library area was converted to a media space with audio/visual enhancements. • The group fitness studio is a great space for classes such as Zumba, Yoga and Tap. Commissioner Cole wished that the Adult Center was open after 5:00 p.m. so that she could join the Center and attend after work. Ms. Bye explained that the hours at the Center were reduced due to budget restrictions; however,there may be discussions for extended hours as revenue improves. Mr. King stated that the Adaptive Recreation program runs successfully due to a great partnership with the City of Peoria. At a recent Bingo event, there were 110 attendees and there were 170 in the audience for the spring Kid's Theater performance. Mr. Kraus provided the following update: • The turf audit done in FY13 identified areas in need of renovation. • Due to increased attention,these areas have improved ten-fold. • Compliments have been received instead of complaints. • The second phase of the audit will begin shortly. Commissioner Cole inquired about new sprinkler heads. Mr. Kraus explained that when new sprinkler heads are replaced, an opposing nozzle head is now being used which is more efficient. Commissioner Moreno complimented a parks employee who was doing a wonderful job of tree trimming at 75th Avenue and Camelback. Mr. Kraus continued with the following: • The dog park survey was successful and provided beneficial information. • Bonsall Park is now part of the Arizona Urban Fishing Program and will be stocked with trout three times annually and catfish twice annually. • At Sunset Palms, Councilmember used discretionary funds to re-do the decorative mural. Mr. Wagner commented on the following: 5 • Thunderbird Conservation Park Wild Flower Project: Staff plus members of the West Side Leadership Alliance Group spread 200 lbs. of seeds, planted 39 new trees and installed 4 new stone benches at 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak. • Eagle Scout Projects: Fourteen projects are typically completed each year. This year's projects included the following: o Sahuaro Ranch Park: 35 volunteers repaired the old concrete irrigation ditches over 4 hours. 300 linear feet were done with more to be completed. The grape vines were re- staked. • Party for the Planet: In April, volunteers and staff from Glendale and Peoria cleaned up the New River Trail. Ten tons of debris was collected over three hours. • The department is testing the use of canola oil for use on chain saws and other equipment, which is more environmentally friendly and less costly than other lubricants such as WD40. • The department has approximately 121 vehicles/equipment pieces. • Three park ranger trucks were recently replaced with the purchase of 2014 Nissan Frontier trucks. The new trucks should be on the streets this week. [A five minute break was taken at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Moreno, Mr. King and Mr. Kraus excused themselves for the remainder of the meeting.] VI. COMMISSION FY 14 GOALS COMPLETION Mr. Gregory gave an overview of the achievements of the Commission during Fiscal Year 2013-14, which included the following: • Commission attended a tour of Camelback Ranch Spring Training Facility and Glendale Adult Center. • Commissioners attended events at Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area: Dr. Buck's Wild West Show, Deadheader's Rose Garden Project, the annual Folk & Heritage Festival; Archery Range public meeting and demonstration at Heroes Regional Park. • Held a joint meeting with the Commission on Persons with Disabilities and also attended meetings of the Arts Commission and Library Commission. • Participated in two Partners 'N Parks cleanup events on Saturday, April 5 at Heroes Regional Park and the City's three dog parks. • Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meetings were held at various City of Glendale sites, including: Adult Center, Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, Foothills Library, Gallery Glendale-Westgate and the Main Library. • Over the course of the fiscal year, a wealth of information was shared with the Commission regarding Parks Amenity and Recognition Plaques; water management, turf audit and field allocation plans; dealing with homelessness in our parks; ADA compliancy in our parks and facilities; a proposed archery range project; non-profit discount rental fees; the City's 5-Year Financial Plan and the Department's FY15 budget; neighborhood park signage relative to organized sports; strategic marketing plans for GAC and FRAC; park improvements to Sonorita Park, 2014 Glendale Parks&Recreation re-accreditation. Mr. Gregory complimented the Commissioners on a job well done. VII.DISCUSSION OF FY 15 COMMISSION WORK PLAN Mr.Gregory facilitated a discussion on the Commission's work plan and goals for Fiscal Year 2014-15. 6 Goals were discussed as follows: I. The Commission to visit all parks in their district during the fiscal year and provide comprehensive input on what they believe to be the: a. Strengths b. Weaknesses c. Suggested Improvements d. Amenities or infrastructure that should be removed or replaced It was agreed that staff will formalize the process. The Commissioners can split the list of parks between themselves if they share a district. 2. Visit and tour a facility that is operated and programmed by a non-profit organization. Prior to the tour develop a list of questions that might pertinent to the operation. Ms. Yates will distribute a list of non-profits to visit. 3. The Commission attends two other City of Glendale commission meetings. The commissions include: Arts Commission * Aviation Advisory Commission * Board of Adjustment * Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission * Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee * Commission on Neighborhoods * Commission on Persons with Disabilities* Community Development Advisory Committee * Glendale Municipal Property Corporation MPC * Historic Preservation Commission * Industrial Development Authority * Judicial Selection Advisory Board * Library Advisory Board * Personnel Board * Planning Commission 4. The Commission conducts one public event and contributes all proceeds to the Gifting For Glendale non-profit—Glendale's Initiative for Tomorrow. It was noted that this can piggyback off of an existing event and the Commission can possibly run a concession stand with departmental equipment. 5. Conduct a focus group for those groups who participate in the Department's tournament allocation program. It was suggested that the Commission would work with Mr. Mike Davis on this goal. 6. The Commission to take the lead role in developing a youth master plan for Glendale residents.The combined effort should establish a shared vision for youth in a community and identify the strategies needed to achieve desired outcomes for youth. Parks, recreation and neighborhood services staff will provide guidance and assistance in the process. Mr. Gregory will discuss this goal with the City Attorney first. If it is approved, Commissioner Padia volunteered to spearhead the goal. 7. The Commission to participate in one or more phases of the Kaboom! playground build. The playground build is broken into three areas; 1) Design Day;2) Preparation Day; and 3)Build Day. Mr. Gregory thanked the Commissioners for their participation throughout the fiscal year. 7 VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 a.m. by consensus. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall — Room B3, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 8