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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 5/11/2015 CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE—B3 May 11, 2015 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Barbara R. Cole, Chair Manuel Padia, Vice Chair John Krystek John Faris Robert Irons Manuel S.Padia, Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeri Ann Soper Chase MacKay OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Director Tim Barnard,Assistant Director Mike Gregory,Parks, Recreation &Neighborhood Services Administrator Lori Bye, Operations Manager Councilmember Gary Sherwood I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Cole took roll call. Mr. Gregory swore in Commissioners Padia and Padia Jr. for renewal terms. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Krystek motioned, seconded by Commissioner Padia, to approve the April 13, 2015 meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 5—0. [Commissioner Irons was not present yet.] IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. V. MARTIN ART CENTER Mr. Gregory announced that the Martin Art Center, a non-profit organization, has proposed the utilization of Community Center North for an afterschool STE+[a]M program: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. A special focus is placed on incorporating art as a means to explore the STEM offerings. Mr. Gregory explained that Community Center North, on 59th Avenue just north of Thunderbird Road, is the only City community center that does not have current partnership programming. Mr. Gregory introduced Mr. Martin 1 Wesolowski, Founder and CEO. Mr. Wesolowski appreciated the opportunity to speak before the Commission and introduced the other Martin Art Center Board members who were in attendance. Mr. Wesolowski stressed that the demand for STEM has been greatly increasing as the program increases students' problem solving and person skills. Mr. Wesolowski said that the STE[+a]M curriculum is used by over 700 educational facilities and supported by 50 companies. Mr. Wesolowski gave a presentation,which included the following information: • Mission Statement of The STE[+a]M Generator Project: o A Supplemental Education Center Whose Focus is Art and PreK-12 STEM o To Initiate, Captivate and Propagate Lifelong Critical Thinking Skills • Acknowledgements o Ed Abeyta,PhD—University of California at San Diego o Rhode Island School of Design • What is STEM? Science, Technology,Engineering and Math • STE[+a]M: STEM+The Arts o Music, Painting,Drawing,Poetry, Humanities, Sculpture,Robotics and more • The STE[+a]M Forum: STE[+a]M provides a forum for community collaboration and a collection of resources to bring a diverse group of stakeholders together to address common objectives. Includes non- profits, education, business, policymakers and our communities. • Why STE[+a]M?: We are bridging arts, science, education and the community. • Program Examples: Super Hero Academy, "Freq" Freak, Life After High School, Weights and Measures, GOOGLE This!, LED Wiring and Use, Mom and Dad STEM, Arduino Robotics, Cyber Ethics and Etiquette, Computer Literacy, Resume Writing, Paying it Forward, Workforce Development and Youth Outreach. • What We Do: o Classroom for STEM to STE[+a]M o Pre-K— 12 Education Program o After School Enrichment Program o Supplemental Education Program o Art Gallery o Hosted Events o Maker Space o Presentation/Performance Stage • Demonstrate that Art is a Necessary Adjunct to STEM: o Arts education is a key to creativity o Creativity is an essential component and sparks innovation o Innovation is agreed to be necessary to create new industries in the future o New industries,with their jobs, are the basis of our future economic wellbeing, o By using these concepts, STE[+a]M education will continue to initial, captivate and propagate a lifelong learning experience for those students who need and want a combined approach to learning. • Maker Space Activities o Available for weekly activities in Maker Space formats o Various activities in multiple disciplines o Activities from Quilting to Computer usage and many things in between o Open for new ideas and presentations o Also,paid programming • Arizona Steam Shop: Performance Arts Stage 2 o Student Presentations o Performance Art o Community Presentations o Multi-Media Stage — sound system, smart board, video projector, big screen HDTV, video cameras, fast internet, Skype, MAC, YouTube • Lecture Series and Events o Dead Hot Steam Shop o Poetry Slam o Guitar Slam • Art Gallery o Periodic Rotation of Artists Works o Works for Sale o Guest Artist Discussions o Call for Artists, for Multiple West Valley Venues • Art Examples o Learn Basque Relief Sculpture Techniques o Work with 2D and 3D Art,Found Art, Wood, Clay o Free Form explains Physics and Engineering • E.D.LE: Educational, Demonstrative, Interactive Exhibits o Custom-made and sponsored by local professionals o In depth explanations and explorations • Yes We Do That!: Arizona SciTech Festival, Arduino Robot Competition, TEDx — an independently organized TED event Mr. Wesolowski noted that he has been an artist in the valley community for many years and is also a carpenter and exhibit builder at the Arizona Science Center. Therefore, he has in-depth experience and will be very hands-on at the Center. The floor was opened for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Krystek asked if there was a cost to the participants. Mr. Wesolowski stated that certain programming will have a fee. Mr. Wesolowski added that due to the nature of the program, a limited number of participants can be taken and so there will be a sign-up or registration period. [Commissioner Irons entered the meeting.] Commissioner Padia asked if there were any scholarship opportunities. Mr. Wesolowski replied in the positive. Commissioner Padia inquired as to background checks for staff. Mr. Wesolowski provided details regarding the levels of background checks necessary for the different types of staff/volunteers. Commissioner Padia asked about the child to staff ratio. Mr. Wesolowski stated that there are generally two adults to 20 children. Also, another person will be needed to watch the doors. Mr. Wesolowski explained that there are six methods of entry/exit at the building and this poses a certain challenge which will be resolved. Commissioner Padia wondered if any collaboration has been made with local schools yet. Mr. Wesolowski stated that an instructor from Dysart Elementary is allowing the Center to use his drafting program and there is a partnership with the ASU education department. 3 Commissioner Padia inquired as to how advertising would be handled. Mr. Wesolowski stated that marketing will be done, but it is expected that there will be more interest than spaces allowed. Commissioner Padia asked if the program is licensed. Mr. Wesolowski replied in the negative and explained that the program will not be a drop-in style. Formal registration will be done and the children will sign-in. Chair Cole asked if weekend classes would be held. Mr. Wesolowski stated that possibly on Saturday, but not on Sunday. Chair Cole asked if the Martin Art Center has required permits. Mr. Wesolowski was not aware of a permitting requirement. Mr. Gregory assured the Commission that staff will check into the necessity of permitting and will ensure that the appropriate channels are followed if so. Chair Cole asked if van transportation would be supplied. Mr. Wesolowski replied in the negative but added that a potential partnership with the YWCA could lead to that. Chair Cole asked how the student age ranges would be handled. Mr. Wesolowski explained that classes would be broken out by age groups, typically within a two-year age range. Mr. Strunk interjected that Pre-K would not be included at this time. Chair Cole inquired as to the participant limit. Mr. Wesolowski stated that currently, about 45 attendees could participate at one time. There is about 15-20 participants to each class and therefore, it is estimated that 3 classes could be held at one time. Chair Cole wondered how advertising would be done. Mr. Wesolowski commented on use of the following: Martin Art Center website, City of Glendale website, AZ Central website, door to door flyers, radio spots and outreach to schools. Chair Cole wondered if there were opportunities for student internships or community service hours. Mr. Wesolowski replied in the positive stressing a partnership with ASU. Mr. Gregory stated that the goal is to have the group approved and onsite possibly by the end of June. Mr. Barnard stated that the agreement with the Martin Art Center is still with the City Attorney for review, but it is similar to the agreements at the other three community centers. Mr. Gregory added that the Martin Art Center is making significant improvements to the center and therefore, the proposed agreement will be for 2-year years with a 1-year renewal. The Commissioners agreed by consensus for staff to move forward with entering into a two year contract with the Martin Art Center to provide daytime, afterschool, and evening programming at Community Center North. VI. REQUEST TO IMPROVE SURFACING AROUND THE FRUIT PACKING SHED Mr. Strunk announced that staff was recently approached by the Barrel District Councilmember with a request to look at improving the surface around the Fruit Packing Shed in Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park, to construct a "wrap around" style walking path/porch. The project site needs to be evaluated by an architect that is knowledgeable in historic preservation. The architect will then make a recommendation as to what improvements could be done to maintain the historic preservation designation of the site and try to meet 4 Council Member request. Mr. Strunk explained that due to historic location, the path/porch must be historically accurate while still meeting ADA compliance. The Councilmember can contribute Council District Improvement Funds to the project. These funds must be used by the end of FY2014-15. Mr. Strunk stated that it is expected that the design concepts will be completed later this month and reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission for final consideration at their May 28th meeting. Commissioner Padia asked if the architect was informed about the limitation on funding for District Improvement Funds. Mr. Strunk stated that the architect will complete the drawings first and then cost will be determined based on the drawings. Commissioner Padia also asked if the Councilmember would provide additional funds from the upcoming fiscal year if necessary. Mr. Strunk stated that the cost must be determined first before a decision could be made. Mr. Strunk commented again that city or departmental funds would not be utilized as the project is not in the current or next fiscal year budget. Commissioner Irons asked for clarification regarding the reason for the improvement. Mr. Strunk explained that the Fruit Packing Shed is used for weddings, retreats, corporate receptions and also the Juried Fine Arts Show in January. Mr. Strunk stated that a porch would ideally keep dirt, dust and mud from coming into the building. Commissioner Faris motioned,seconded by Commissioner Krystek,to approve the request to use$15,000 in City Council District Improvement Funds to construct a "wrap around" style walking path/porch at the Fruit Packing Shed in Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park as long as the following conditions are achieved: • Approval by the City's Historic Preservation Officer • Approval by the Historic Preservation Commission • Approval by the Community Services Department Motion carried 6—0. VII. COMMISSION GOALS; SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE Mr. Gregory facilitated a discussion on the Commission goals for the current and upcoming fiscal years. Mr. Gregory suggested that next year, instead of seven goals, the Commissioners consider a smaller list of more comprehensive goals. Commissioner Padia expressed concern that for some of the goals, the Commissioners did not receive enough follow up information from staff for completion to materialize, such as for the fundraising goal. Commissioner Padia commented that when developing new goals,they have to be achievable. Mr. Gregory agreed. Chair Cole requested clarification on the purpose of interviewing the non-profit agencies. Mr. Gregory explained that the suggestion was made to become more familiar with the non-profit agencies in Glendale at the Commission retreat last summer. Commissioner Padia noted that if a Commissioner does visit a non-profit working with youths,this information could be utilized in the Youth Master Plan. Mr. Gregory asked the Commissioners to consider vacating the July meeting as historically done. Mr. Gregory also asked the Commissioners to bring suggestions for the August retreat location to the June meeting. Commissioner Faris motioned, seconded by Commissioner Padia, to vacate the July 2015 Commission meeting. Motion carried 6—0. 5 VIII. STAFF UPDATES Ms. Bye distributed the Quarterly Magazine, the Splashbook and the Foothills Update. Ms. Bye discussed the following: • Resident-only swim lesson registrations began this morning. Several classes are already full. Non- residents can sign up this Thursday. • The splash pad at Glendale Heroes Park opens on May 23rd. The daily hours are 11:00 a.m.to 7:00 p.m. • The two aquatics centers will be open from May 30th to August 1St. Some exterior maintenance and improvements have been completed. • The Foothills 360 Program starts on May 26th and is approximately 75% full already. Kudos was given to staff on this very popular program. Mr. Gregory gave an update from Ms. Michelle Yates, who was unable to attend the meeting, which included the following: • The licensed youth program at Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School runs from May 26th—July 24th from 7:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m. • The drop-in program at Copperwood Elementary runs from June 1st—July 23rd and the drop-in program at Desert Mirage Elementary runs from June 1St through July 31st • The Summer Field Trip Package consists of trips to Peter Piper Pizza, AZ Ice Peoria, Rose Lane Aquatics Center, Jump Street and Wet N Wild. • Ms. Yates and Commissioner Padia continue to work on the Youth Master Plan and a draft is expected soon. • Ms. Yates is nominating the KaBOOM! playground build for the APRA Outstanding Program Award. Mr. Gregory gave an update from Mr. Paul King, who was unable to attend the meeting, which included the following: • The Turf Renovation Plan is being implemented at all parks. • On April 22nd, the Arbor Day Celebration was held at Dos Lagos Park. Twelve ash trees were planted and e graders from Highland Lakes Elementary participated in the event. • Youth Sports Program: So far, 150 kids have registered for summer baseball and softball and 13 coaches have volunteered. The grand opening will be on June 1st Chair Cole attended the Party for the Planet clean-up event which was very successful with approximately 200 participants. Mr. Barnard provided an update,which included the following: • The Ironwood High School SSTAT student group will present their proposal for a smoking ban at Desert Valley Park in greater detail at the June Commission meeting. • Council has requested more summer special events and staff will put together dates and locations for movies in the park. • Mr. King and Mr. Barnard met with a group who would like to adopt the ball field at Rose Lane Park. The group will maintain and keep an eye on the field. • There is a private party interested in renting the X-Court building to run a BMX/skateboard shop and provide activities and safety information. This proposal is in its infancy and will be presented at a future meeting. Mr. Strunk announced that there is a group that would like to rename the Rose Lane Park ball field the "Henry K. Banda Sr. Ballpark". The group will complete the application and it will most likely be ready for 6 presentation to the Commission in early fall. Mr. Strunk commented that review of the application would follow the recently adopted guideline/policy for naming parks and park amenities. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chair Cole liked the Martin Art Center concept and hoped that the proposal comes to fruition. Other Commissioners agreed. X.ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. by consensus. The next regular meeting will be held on June 8, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. at Glendale Municipal Office Complex, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, B-3. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 7