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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 6/8/2015 CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE—B3 June 8, 2015 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Barbara R. Cole, Chair Manuel Padia,Vice Chair Jeri Ann Soper John Krystek John Faris Robert Irons Manuel S.Padia, Jr. OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Director Tim Barnard,Assistant Director Mike Gregory,Parks, Recreation&Neighborhood Services Administrator Michelle Yates,Neighborhood Services Coordinator Councilmember Gary Sherwood Members of Students Standing Together Against Tobacco—SSTAT Adela Guerra,member of the public Bobby Casares, member of the public I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Cole took roll call. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Soper motioned, seconded by Commissioner Krystek, to approve the May 11, 2015 meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 7—0. IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. V. TOBACCO FREE PARKS PROPOSAL Mr. Barnard provided a brief background on the Tobacco Free Parks proposal. Mr. Barnard explained that the proposal was originally presented to the Commission by Ironwood High School's Students Standing Together Against Tobacco (SSAT) at the April meeting during the Business from the Floor agenda item. Mr. Barnard noted that at the end of the April meeting,the Commissioners asked for the proposal to be formally included on a Commission agenda so that more details could be presented and discussed. Mr. Barnard welcomed the members of the club who were in attendance at the meeting. Mr. Barnard added that SSTAT has been working 1 with Ms. Jo Ann Brown from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health in conjunction with the County's efforts to educate the public on the harmful effects of smoking. Councilmember Sherwood has also been in contact with Ms. Brown and the students regarding their proposal. Mr. Barnard explained that the State of Arizona passed smoking legislation in 2006, A.R.S. 36-601.01, prohibiting smoking in public places. The main items in this legislation include no smoking in most enclosed public spaces and places of employment, no smoking within 20 feet of the entrance to the building/enclosed public space, requirement to post no smoking signs, the exemption of outdoor patios and the ability for political subdivision of the state to enact more restrictive ordinances or regulations. Mr.Barnard added that the City of Glendale Municipal Code addresses smoking in Section 27-574,which states that "Smoking in any enclosed facility in a city park is prohibited." The Community Services Department, of which Parks and Recreation belongs, has a Code of Conduct policy which was revised May 1, 2014, that lists behaviors that do not meet accepted facility standards including: "9. Unauthorized use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, including e-cigarettes." The Cody of Conduct Policy was provided to the Commissioners. Mr. Barnard announced that staff has done limited research of local parks and recreation and community services agencies in Arizona that have policies regarding smoking in parks. The research revealed that as of April 2, 2015,the cities of Goodyear and San Luis have formally adopted policies banning smoking in parks. Mr. Barnard introduced Ms. Dominique Arvizu and Mr. Cameron Armstrong, students from Ironwood High School who are members of SSTAT. Their presentation included the following information: • Who Is SSTAT? o A coalition of Arizona advocates against tobacco o An ambitious club at Ironwood High School with students ranging from 14-18 years old • Tobacco-Free Park Proposal o The SSTAT Coalition is proposing a tobacco-free park pilot for Desert Valley Park. o A six month pilot program beginning in September is suggested. • Prohibiting Use of All Tobacco Products o Cigarettes o Smokeless tobacco: Snus/Snuff,Chew,Orbs, Sticks, Strips o Cigars o Electronic Cigarettes • Why Are Tobacco-Free Park Policies Necessary? o Secondhand smoke in outdoor settings harms everyone and can reach the same detrimental levels as secondhand smoke indoors. o Cigarette litter is not biodegradable, requires expensive maintenance, and can be ingested by toddlers and animals. o Tobacco-free policies promote healthy lifestyles and positively influence children in either the park or in surrounding schools. o In a 2014 Arizona Smoke-Free Parks Study, it was shown that more than 8 in 10 Arizona citizens support policies restricting tobacco use in public parks. • Data Collection: Cigarette Butt Clean-Up Findings o Four gallons of cigarette butts have been collected at Desert Valley Park. The collections took place on November 11,2014,December 12, 2014, January 24, 2015, and March 30, 2015. o Community surveys have been collected on October 22, 2014, March 13, 2015, and April 10, 2015. Of 242 total responses,215 are in support while 27 oppose. • How Can These Policies be Enforced? o Publicity and signage are primary tools to enforce a tobacco-free policy. 2 o Other methods of notification may include updating websites, newspapers, or distributing the information to members of the community. o Self-policing: Making it normal not to smoke in parks. • We Are Not Alone o In Arizona, some cities within the following counties have had success with policies of this nature or are working towards it being implemented: Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, La Paz, Maricopa (Trevor Browne), Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz,Tucson Indian Center,Yavapai and Yuma. o In addition, according to the key findings in a 2014 AZ Smoke Free Parks Study, "over 900 U.S. municipalities have banned smoking in public parks." Youth and organizations around the nation are fighting for a safer and cleaner America. • Conclusion o The SSTAT Coalition is proposing a six-month tobacco-free park pilot for Desert Valley Park, beginning September 2015 through March 2016. o This policy is proposed as a form of protection and aid for residents, the community, and public property. o Through community support, countless studies, experiments, cigarette clean-ups, and personal experiences, it is clear that a tobacco-free policy should be taken into consideration as a serious matter. Not only does the problem of tobacco concern financial matters, but the health of the general public as well. The students displayed canisters holding four gallons of cigarette butts which they have collected during a clean-up at Desert Valley Park. Chair Cole inquired as to the proposed method of policy enforcement. The students suggested community enforcement and self-policing. Vice Chair Padia interjected that signage and eventual common knowledge as other methods. Chair Cole asked for clarification of the action to be taken by the Commission. Mr. Gregory explained that at this time,the proposal is for a six-month pilot program at Desert Valley Park and six or seven other parks. Vice Chair Padia asked if the proposal was for the entire park to be smoke free. The students replied in the positive. Mr. Barnard commented that data collected from the pilot program could be used to determine if designated smoking areas should be included. Mr.Barnard offered that staff could prepare additional details for the pilot program and bring back to the Commission for formal action on implementation. Commissioner Faris commented that for police enforcement of the policy, a City Ordinance would have to be passed. Mr.Gregory agreed. Commissioner Faris wondered if smoking would be allowed in the ramada areas for private parties/picnics. Vice Chair Padia wondered if there was any public backlash in Goodyear and San Luis after adoption of the tobacco-free parks policy. Vice Chair Padia also suggested partnerships with schools located near or next to the other parks selected for the pilot program. Commissioner Krystek complimented the proposal. Commissioner Krystek suggested that any signage should include the word "voluntarily" so that members of the public do not expect formal enforcement unless an Ordinance is passed. Mr. Barnard commented that park staff or police are not present at all times to enforce other park rules. Therefore, most times compliance and enforcement stem from public education, community pressure and following accepted public behavior. Commissioner Faris noted that even though it is illegal to 3 smoke on the grounds of public schools, he has not heard of anyone being arrested for doing so. Vice Chair Padia stated that once a behavior becomes common knowledge, after a while it is accepted by the public. Vice Chair Padia requested more formal information on the proposed implementation of the pilot policy and the parks that will be chosen for the project. The Commissioners agreed that staff should research the issue further and provide a concrete plan for a tobacco free park pilot program,data collection and implementation at a future Commission meeting. VI. RECOGNITION PLAQUE/SIGN AT ROSE LANE PARK Mr. Gregory provided information regarding the City of Glendale Plaque and Renaming Guidelines which were formally adopted in September 2013. Mr. Gregory introduced Ms. Adela Guerra and Mr. Bobby Casares, citizens who were in attendance to present a request to rename the Rose Lane Park ballfield "Enrique Banda Field" and to also have an identifying sign at the backstop. The Commissioners received copies of the completed Parks Recognition Plaque Installation and Amenity Naming Application as well the design of a sample plaque. Ms. Guerra and Mr. Casares provided information regarding Mr. Enrique Banda, which included the following information: • Mr.Enrique Banda was a resident of Glendale for over 70 years and passed away in 2006. • Mr. Banda was a genuine, humble man who volunteered for over 50 years of his life toward bettering the lives of children by occupying their time with sports. Mr. Banda helped countless children stay off the streets by keeping them in sports and after school programs. • Mr.Banda won the following awards for his countless hours of volunteering: o 1996: Heroes Award for the State of Arizona from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association o 1996: KPNX Channel 12 Hon Kachina Award o 1996: National Coach of the Year Award from the National Youth Sports Coaches Association o 1997: Volunteer of the Year Award from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association o 2005: Volunteer Award from the City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Department • Mr.Banda was involved with Show Them a Better Way • Mr. Banda coached Ms. Guerra and others on a very accomplished girls' softball team. He was very supportive of all the girls on the team as well as all of the other children he has mentored. • In honor of Mr. Banda, Banda's Angels Volunteer Group was formed. Through organizing an annual softball tournament over the past 5 years, Banda's Angels has raised over $15,000 to continue Mr. Banada's legacy of assisting the youth and community. • The community wants to continue Mr. Banda's legacy by nominating him for park recognition and giving a piece of Mr. Banda back to the community. Mr. Gregory announced that Banda's Angels has committed to ballfield maintenance four times a month. Mr. Gregory commented that this would be a tall task which may have to be redefined. The Commissioners agreed that staff should move forward with the renaming of the Rose Lane Park ballfield as "Enrique Banda Field". The Commission directed staff to return to an upcoming meeting with the design of the plaque and clear verbiage for formal review and approval. VII. JULY IS PARK AND RECREATION MONTH 4 Mr. Gregory announced that July is Park and Recreation Month and invited the Commissioners to the City Council recognition and mayoral proclamation at the June 23, 2015, Council meeting. VIII.COMMISSION GOALS SETTING AND WORK PLAN AND VACATE JULY 2015 MEETING Mr. Gregory facilitated a discussion on the location and potential agenda items for the Commission retreat in August. The following location suggestions were made: • Heroes Park including a tour of the proposed archery range and park amenities • Glendale Gallery at Westgate • The Martin Arts Center at Community Center North Mr. Gregory will follow up on the location suggestions for date availability. Commissioner Faris motioned, seconded by Commissioner Padia Jr.,to vacate the July 2015 Commission meeting. Motion carried 7—0. IX. STAFF UPDATES Ms.Yates provided an update which included the following: • Scouts and volunteers working on an Eagle Scout project refurbished 25 benches in Murphy Park this past Saturday. Other volunteer groups will be pursued to refurbish the other 114 benches in the park. • On July 18th,the Cactus High School Football Club will conduct a clean-up at Thunderbird Paseo Park. • In the Youth and Teen division, the summer GRASP programs are moving ahead and the summer field trips program will kick off soon. • Ms. Yates will be taking the lead on volunteer projects such as Adopt A Park, Adopt A Street, clean-up events and more. • Next Friday at Westgate, a Surviving the Summer Safety Event will be held. Approximately 20 agencies providing information on various safety issues will be in attendance. The event will be held from 6:30 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. and is free. Mr. Gregory provided an update which included the following: • The Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center and Rose Lane Aquatics Center are open for summer swim programs. • The splash pads at Heroes Park and Sycamore Grove Park are open. • Recent Projects in the Parks Department: old wood fiber playground surfaces at six parks have been removed and replaced and at two parks, sand is being removed from the playground and wood fiber will be installed. • Recruitment has begun for a Park Manager and a Service Worker/Certified Playground Safety Inspector. • The summer baseball and softball programs are moving forward successfully. There are approximately 200 children comprising 11 teams. X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Irons inquired as to any further plans from Midwestern University since their bid to purchase the Glendale Main Library was denied. Mr.Barnard was not aware of any other plans at this time. Commissioner Krystek announced that this is his last meeting after four years on the Commission. Commissioner Krystek stated that it has been a privilege working with staff and the other Commissioners over the years. 5 Chair Cole liked the suggestion of Heroes Park for the August retreat location. Chair Cole stated that she recently attended meetings of the Glendale Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission and the Aviation Commission. Chair Cole will have her park inspections completed next week. Vice Chair Padia suggested that staff put the park inspections form online or on an app for the phone. Commissioner Soper stated that Google Surveys could be utilized for this purpose. XI.ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.by consensus. The next regular meeting will be held on September 14,2015, at 6:00 p.m. at Glendale Municipal Office Complex, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue,B-3. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 6