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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 4/11/2016 MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE—B3 April 11, 2016 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Manuel Padia, Chair Kerry Dewberry, Vice Chair Lorrie Moreno John Faris Henry Rosas Gail Hildebrant MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeri Ann Soper OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Community Services Director Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Paul King, Recreation Manager Stephanie Miller, Senior Management Assistant I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Padia called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chair Padia took roll call and introduced new Commissioners Hildebrant and Rosas. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chair Dewberry motioned, second by Commissioner Moreno, to approve the March 14, 2016 meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 6—0. IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. Mr. Barnard swore in Commissioners Hildebrant, Rosas, and Padia. Loyalty Oaths were signed. V. RENAMING OF MUPRHY PARK AMPITHEATER Mr. Barnard and Mr. Jaeger, Director of the Glendale Summer Band, provided information on the application to rename the Murphy Park Amphitheater the"E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheatre". Mr. Barnard provided background information on E. Lowell Rogers: • He was a music teacher for over 30 years in the Glendale Elementary School District. • He authored two books on music education, which were used for teaching music in Glendale. 1 • In 1974, Mr. Rogers was named as an "Outstanding Educator in America" by Who's Who in American Education. • He was a recipient of Glendale's "Pied Piper" Award for contributing to the enrichment of children. • Mr. Rogers conducted the Summer Band for 22 years. • Mr. Rogers passed away on August 23, 2004 at the age of 75. A copy of the application and the City policy regarding the naming of parks amenities and/or the installation of recognition plaques in parks or facilities was provided to the Commissioners. Mr. Barnard stated that the application meets the criteria as required in the City policy. Commissioner Faris announced that he would recuse himself from the vote on the issue. Mr. Yaeger announced that he was representing the group "Members of the City of Glendale Summer Band" in the application process. Mr. Yaeger provided a brief history of the Glendale Summer Band. It was noted that over 250 musicians participate each summer and the audience ranges from 350-600 people per concert. Mr. Yaeger stated that E. Lowell Rogers was a Glendale resident for 50 years and impacted the lives of many Glendale residents through the Summer Band, his educational career and his other community involvements. Mr. Barnard provided a draft mock-up of the proposed naming signage at the Amphitheater. Mr. Yaeger noted that this is the 50th Anniversary of the Glendale Summer Band and the re-naming of the Amphitheater is especially meaningful at this time. Vice Chair Dewberry inquired if there are any relatives of Mr. Rogers living in Glendale. Mr. Yaeger replied in the positive and added that the unveiling of the new name and a reception will be held at one of the summer concerts. Commissioner Moreno inquired about the durability and maintenance of the metal signage. Mr. Barnard explained that the most appropriate, low-maintenance material would be utilized for the signage. Mr. Yaeger stated that the Summer Band Group would ensure that the signage is maintained. Commissioner Faris commented that the recognition plaque will be an imitation of the Marty Robbins plaque for consistency. Vice Chair Dewberry motioned, second by Chair Padia, to recommend to City Council the renaming of the Murphy Park Amphitheater to the "E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheatre". Motion carried 5 — 0 - 1. [Commissioner Faris recused himself from the vote.] VI. DISC GOLF UPDATE Mr. King gave a presentation on the Grand Canal Linear Disc Golf Course. Mr. King stated that staff has been working with the Ryan Mapus Group, who is adopting the course via the Partners 'N Parks program and has been instrumental in bringing the course to fruition. Commissioner Hildebrant asked for clarification of the sport and Mr. King provided a basic description. Mr. King presented the following information: • Project Goals o Create the only Par 72 Disc Golf Course in the state o Target GCL trail between 83`d and 99th Avenue o Draw large amounts of use and tournaments o Build and maintain the course through Partners 'N Parks volunteer program with local enthusiasts o Increase park amenities 2 o Reduce vandalism through high use and ownership by participants • Project Scope o Tee pads- Eighteen 5x10 foot concrete pads o Install 18 disc baskets and optional sleeves o Install tee posts and signs o Install rules, warning, and course direction signs o Install park benches • Itemized Costs to Build o 19 Disc Golf Galvanized Baskets $ 4,750 Initial donations from Mapus Group o 30 in-ground sleeves $ 600 24" in length o 18 concrete tee pads $ 6,875 10x5 pads—4"thick o 18 tee sign posts $ 700 Sponsor paid o 18 tee signs $ 1,500 Sponsor paid o Rules/introduction sign $ 500 Sponsor paid o Pavers &other construction materials $ 400 Paid through donations o 9 dedicated benches $ 7,200 Paid for by Dedicate a Bench Prgm o 50 bags concrete "ready mix" $ 500 Initial donation o Miscellaneous supplies $ 500 Volunteer work day supplies o Total Expenses $23,525 • Course Design Draft: Aerial photographs of the proposed course layout were displayed. • Examples of a course signage were displayed. • Ongoing Maintenance Needs o Clean tees and baskets after flood events o Regular mowing and line trimming o Volunteers perform litter pick-up, tee sweeping and basket care o GCL supplemental litter pick-up by Parks staff three days a week. • Partner and Volunteer Program o Mr. Ryan Mapus and his group of volunteers will schedule and coordinate through staff: • Litter pick-up "clean up days" • Project improvement/maintenance work days • Provide two youth/family introductory disc golf clinics • 2016 Timeline of Disc Golf Course o July: Final course design approval o September: Sponsorship/Donations received o September: Commission Update o September: Concrete contractor selected o October/November: Construction and volunteer work days completed o December: Course Grand Opening event Mr. King opened the floor to questions. Vice Chair Dewberry asked if an increase in liability insurance for the City was necessary due to the addition of the course. Mr. King explained that staff will engage the Risk Management team to ensure that the City has proper insurance and signage for the course. Mr. Barnard added that there is an Arizona State Statute which has been in place for over 20 years, basically indicating that there is inherent risk in being outdoors and cities cannot be sued by individuals participating in outdoor activities. Commissioner Rosas inquired as to how often the volunteer group would be required to maintain the course. Mr. King explained that the Partners 'N Parks policy requires one clean up date quarterly; however, different 3 parks can have different needs. For the Disc Golf Course, a monthly clean-up will be requested and the group members will also pick up litter while out playing on the course. Mr. Barnard added that the Neighborhood Services Department organizes large volunteer group projects, and if necessary, a project could be scheduled for the Disc Golf Course or corporate sponsorship of the course could be pursued. Chair Padia asked if staff was working with the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) to ensure that the course is in compliance with PDGA regulations for tournaments. Mr. King replied that the Mapus Group is very familiar with the PDGA; however, there are no specific course requirements to hold tournaments. Mr. King noted that the PDGA and other disc golf enthusiasts will be asked to review the course design for suggestions and comments prior to final design and construction. VII. PARTNERS 'N PARKS RECOGNITION SIGNAGE Mr. Barnard gave brief history of the Partners 'N Parks program and announced a new direction which still includes community-based volunteer opportunities while broadening the program by soliciting in-kind contributions, private donors, and corporate sponsorships. Mr. Barnard explained that the groups that stay on board for a full year, and/or contribute monetarily, will receive signage recognition at the adopted park. After the yearlong commitment or financial contribution, staff will place a Partners 'N Parks sign at the park acknowledging the partner. The sign will remain in place for one year, at which time the sign will be removed and presented to the partner for a job well done. Mr. Barnard clarified that the monetary or in-kind services must be valued at $1,000 or more. Mr. Barnard provided three signage designs and noted that option "C" was recommended by staff due to the smooth edges and ease of maintenance. Mr. Barnard explained that the Partners 'N Parks sign would be installed below the current park name signage. Chair Padia suggested including on the sign the City of Glendale logo and a QR code with a link to the City website for additional information. The Commission agreed with the staff recommendation that signage option"C" should be utilized. VIII. STAFF UPDATES Mr. King provided an update, which included the following: • A software update to RecTrac was installed. RecTrac is the parks and recreation online reservation and registration system. • An open house was held at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center this past weekend. There were 87 attendees who participated in a tour and expressed interest in becoming members. • The second movie of the downtown film series was shown at the Amphitheater on April 8th. The movie was"Inside Out" and there were more attendees than at the first movie. The next dates are as follows: o April 22nd: "The Good Dinosaur" o May 6th: "Frozen" o May 20th: "Big Hero 6" • June 3rd: Summer event held at the Fountain Park at Westgate • The free, AARP-sponsored tax preparation program held at the Glendale Adult Center is coming to a close. • April 26th: The City of Glendale is being recognized as a Tree City USA at Cholla Park. All are invited to attend. 4 Ms. Miller announced that on April 23rd, the Glendale Empowerment Expo for people with Physical Disabilities will be held at the Civic Center from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Over 25 non-profit agencies and community service providers will be at the event to answer questions and provide information on their services. Ms. Miller noted that a graduate student group from ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy will present recommendations from their "Assessment of Glendale's Homeless Strategy" to the Community Development Advisory Commission at their meeting on April 21st. The seven graduate students have been analyzing homeless prevention, intervention, and best practices, and have assessed Glendale's current homeless strategy. Mr. Barnard provided an update on volunteer projects, which included the following: • April 14th: Chapparal Park—AAA Group Partners 'N Parks Project: 60 tons of granite will be added to the pathway to complete the project. • April 16th: LDS Church Volunteer Project at 67th Avenue/Thunderbird Conservation Park: Cleaning and trimming along the fence line will be conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. • April 23rd: Earth Day New River Trail Cleanup: Partnership project with the City of Peoria, starting at 99th and Northern Avenues from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. • April 30th: Eagle Scout Project at Foothills Library: Installing new plants and granite on the west and north sides of the building. Mr. Barnard provided an update on Civic Center activities, which included the following: • The Association for Supportive Childcare Annual Conference was held on Saturday, March 5th Approximately 900 attendees participated. • The Girl Scouts of Arizona held their Annual Awards Ceremony on March 19th. Approximately 300 attendees were at the event. Mr. Barnard provided an update on Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area activities, which included the following: • So far this fiscal year, 65 events have been hosted in various areas of the Ranch. • Ranch staff is now hosting a monthly group tour at the Ranch. Over 30 people attended the last tour. • 655 visitors toured the Main House during 107 guided tours. During March, the Main House was decorated with 1930's-style Easter decorations. • Over 50 business men and women from the West Valley attended lunch in the Fruit Packing Shed on March 2nd. • Over 400 musicians performed at Glendale's Annual Folk and Heritage Festival on March 19th and 20tH Offerings included a variety of music such as country and blue grass, cowboy poetry and storytelling, historic house tours, educational workshops, blacksmith demonstrations, along with food and retail vendors. Mr. Barnard stated that a consultant has been engaged to conduct a Fee and Revenue study for the department. Public meetings will be held and an update will be brought to the Commission in the future. Mr. Barnard announced that Council provided concurrence to move forward with the Heroes Park option for the west side library. Staff will move forward to pursue construction plans. Council has put $600,000 for maintenance and operations in to the annual budget. Mr. Strunk noted that a Fishing Derby will be held at Bonsall Park this weekend. The free event is sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and was driven by Councilmember Aldama. Mr. Stunk added that the budget hearing for the department with Council will be conducted next Thursday. Mr. Stunk gave kudos to all staff members for their hard work during the budget process. 5 X. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Faris inquired as to who was responsible for maintaining the pavement at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Commissioner Faris commented that the roads are in very bad shape. Mr. Barnard explained that the Transportation Department is responsible for 59th Avenue and Parks and Recreation and Transportation share responsibility for the roadways inside the park. Mr. Barnard stated that staff will look into using any budget savings for road improvement. Commissioner Rosas thanked staff for answering all Commission questions and providing detailed information. Commissioner Rosas looked forward to serving on the Commission. Commissioner Dewberry stated that Council's approval of the department's and the Commission's recommendations are a reflection on how staff brings forward good projects that the people of Glendale want. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. by consensus. The next regular meeting will be held on May 9, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the Glendale Municipal Office Complex, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, B-3. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 6