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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 6/11/2018 rriP74 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX CONFERENCE ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVE. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 JUNE 11, 2018 6:00P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Barbara Cole, Chair Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Gayle Schiavone, Commissioner Aaron Walls, Commissioner Monica Lopez, Commissioner Jessica Edgar, Commissioner Absent: Sam McConnell Ill, Vice Chair Ethan McAffee, Commissioner Also Present: Jim Burke, Director Public Facilities, Recreation & Special Events Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Kim Larson, Communications & Marketing Program Manager Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Paul King, Recreation Administrator Kyle White, Recreation Coordinator Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Arts & Culture Program Manager Attendees: Nancy Lenox Al Lenox Dan Kallberg Bernadette Carroll Betsy Etchart Lichen Frank 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS If citizens wish to speak on a matter concerning the Glendale Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission that is not on the printed agenda, please complete a Citizen Comments Card and provide it to the designated staff person prior to the beginning of the meeting. Once your name is called by the Commission Chairperson, please proceed to the podium and state your name and address for the record. Please limit your comments to a period of three minutes or less. Chair Cole read aloud an introduction for the agenda item. 1. Mr. Ten Hansen, Cholla district resident, addressed the Commission and his comments included the following: I found out about the proposed flagpole by reading the Glendale newspaper after the Commission's vote in March to approve the flagpole. With my son, I canvassed 85 residents backing to the park. I did not have time to do both sides of the street. We canvassed both east and west of 54h Avenue. Of the 23 that answered the door, only three knew about the proposal and this was five days before the issue went before the City Council workshop. When the Council debates topics that have been forwarded to or sent on before the Commission, I often hear Council say, "It's been reviewed by the Commission and their recommendation is...", so your recommendations really hold a lot of weight with this Council, particularly the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. They value your views and assessments based upon you being the citizens' representatives. They expect that the Commission, and this is something I've heard the Mayor say in the last workshop, they expect the Commission as supported by Parks and Recreation staff, to get it right. And in the view of the Mayor, they got it right, the second time, the second vote. But really to get it right, it means to go out of the way to get public input, especially from those most impacted by the issues in the district. It cannot be assumed that those who will be impacted are going to chance upon the website or happen to read somebody's newsletter or happen to go to a park. I myself, on the Glendale website, I pay my bill and sign off. I did go to the park in January and I must not have seen the staff. I know that they were there in January and February. I did not see them, but I've been to the park. Based upon the people's reaction during our canvassing, people don't necessarily use social media or they don't necessarily go to websites. Chair Cole reminded Mr. Hansen of the comment period time limit. Mr. Hansen concluded comments with the following: I understand that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan may be up for review and renewal in the next twelve months or so. I would recommend that going forward, that we use proactive outreach from the City's Parks and Recreation Department to inform us, the residents, of what's going on, so our voices can be heard. Thank you. 2. Mr. Larry Clark addressed the Commission and his comments included the following: I served eight years on the Glendale Public Safety Retirement Board for the Police Department and the Fire Department, so I speak with some authority about some of the events that took place at the Thunderbird Conservation Park. In conjunction with what Ted has already addressed, all the neighbors know who I am up and down the lane. I'm the last house before you go up the hill and into the Conservation Park. I was very instrumental with the road that goes through the park. I worked with the City engineers and I know what the Master Plan is all about. I am very concerned that the input was not accurate in the way that the City handled it. I wasn't even informed about it. So, we think that what they are doing is to ramrod this thing through. There are so many areas of concern. Take a look at Camelback Mountain where they started a Christmas tree and flag and then before you know it, there are two or three other elements up there. We're also concerned that if you put up one flag, what comes next? Is it the Confederate flag or Nazi flag? What about partying at night? Are they going to light this thing up? I can just picture it. From my back yard and from my living room, I can see the flag. And the noise factor and the unsavory characters it could bring to the area. You'll also take more police surveillance, which we need more police surveillance than the southern part of the City. We don't have that much up here. I'm concerned from the perspective of being involved for eight years. I just think it's kind of an improper approach to it. It's like getting a prescription and you read your prescription and it sounds like "great, it's going to cure me" and then you look at all of the side effects. So, we need to know more of the pros and cons before you make a decision and ram this thing through. I think that there are a number of areas that I cannot address because we can't do it in three minutes. I would hope that they would table this thing until we have greater input from the citizens who reside along the way and who have a view of that mountain. If you picture it from my window, we'll see this lighted thing every single night, 365 days of the year. Some of the people who voted on it are from other areas. They only come here, visit, or go up the mountain once every three months or so forth. We see it every day. We're impacted by the unsavory characters that it may bring to the park. Thank you. Chair Cole thanked Mr. Clark for his comments. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES a. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of May 14, 2018. Motioned by Commissioner Jessica Edgar, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston AYE: Chair Barbara Cole Commissioner Pattie Johnston Commissioner Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Aaron Walls Commissioner Jessica Edgar Commissioner Monica Lopez Passed 5. NEW BUSINESS a. INFORMATION: TOUR OF ROSE LANE RECREATION CENTER Mr. Burke announced that Mr. King would provide a tour of Rose Lane and then a short tour of the aquatic facility would be conducted as well. Mr. King gave a tour of the multipurpose room and computer room. Mr. King announced that an RFP was issued for an operator and a candidate was selected: Friendly House. Mr. King stated that with Council approval at the end of June, an operator should be approved that will run the afterschool program at the facility. Mr. King noted that the Friendly House will offer the following programming: youth projects, career guidance, GED, ENSL, day and evening hours for kids and adults. Chair Cole inquired about facility hours. Mr. King will follow up with the new hours once the new operator is on board. Chair Cole inquired if the pool patrons can use the recreation center. Mr. King explained that the recreation center is not open at this time and when it is, the children in the neighborhood will be using it afterschool. Chair Cole asked about the use of the computer room. Mr. King replied that the computer room is open for specific classes and programs. Mr. King stated that the best practice is for residents to call and inquire before arriving at the center. Commissioner Schiavone asked if the children were fed. Mr. King commented that free lunch will be provided for the children who qualify. Commissioner Schiavone inquired if the center was open for summer. Mr. King relayed that the center is not open at this time. Mr. King stated that the center is in transition and more information would be presented to the Commission soon. Mr. White gave a tour of the Rose Lane Pool and highlighted the recent physical improvements to the facility, including ADA compliance improvements. Mr. White shared that Councilmember Hugh sponsored a recent free day at the pool at which 600 people attended. Mr. White announced that Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are discount days and entry costs only $1.50 for anyone. Chair Cole inquired as to how many staff work at one time. Mr. White explained that about 26-28 lifeguards work at one time out of a total 45 on staff. Commissioner Walls inquired about capacity. Mr. White stated that capacity is 200 for each pool. Mr. White relayed that the pool is open six days a week and is closed on Mondays. The tour was concluded. b. INFORMATION: GLENDALE AMBASSADORS Representatives from the Glendale Ambassadors will share with the commission their mission and how their efforts benefit the City of Glendale and the Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events Department. Ms. Larson commented that the Glendale Ambassadors were formerly known as the Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors. Ms. Larson stated that she has worked with this group for many years via the Special Events Division. Ms. Larson introduced Ms. Nancy Lenox, the President of the Glendale Ambassadors. Ms. Lenox gave a presentation, which included the following information: •We have been around since 1994 and have about 20 to 30 active members. • Mayor Elaine Scruggs initially started the program as a way to get residents involved. •We raise money in various ways. • Pictures were displayed of different events at which the Ambassadors work. •As far as Parks and Recreation, we sponsor a variety of things, including the Folk & Heritage Festival, a number of Glendale Summer Youth Ball teams, and the Glendale Summer Band. •The Ambassadors give funds to a wide variety of Glendale organizations. •To date, the Ambassadors have given over$330,000. Brochures and information was provided to the Commission. Chair Cole asked how donations were obtained. Ms. Lenox stated that the monies are donations received from working the beer and wine booth at Special Events. Mr. Kallberg stated that the City does take some funds off the top first and the Ambassadors receive about 20% or 22%. Chair Cole asked if there was a booth at Summer Band. Ms. Lenox replied in the negative noting that the Ambassador booth is currently only at the City's major Special Events. Ms. Lenox shared that the group has a booth at GAIN night, Teddy Bear Day, and a few of the back to school events. Ms. Lenox announced that the Ambassadors have helped bring back the Sister Cities Program to the City of Glendale. Ms. Lenox explained that the Ambassadors were a perfect fit for the program and has now partnered with its first Sister City since the program was renewed: Orland, Norway. Commissioner Walls asked if there were any age requirements to be an Ambassador. Ms. Lenox replied that there are no age requirements. Ms. Lenox added there has been discussion regarding a junior group, but it is currently an adult group. Chair Cole inquired as to how a person could become an Ambassador. Ms. Lenox stated that all information was provided in the brochures and interested people can send an email and complete an application. Ms. Lenox added there is additional information on their website. Ms. Larson announced that the Ambassadors have donated to sponsor Ranger, the departments community outreach dog. Ms. Larson invited all to a birthday party for Ranger on June 21 st. c. INFORMATION: GALLERY 37 PROJECT FOR ELSIE MCCARTHY SENSORY GARDEN For summer 2018, Glendale is partnering with the WVAC to conduct a Gallery 37 project for the Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden. Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Arts and Culture Program Manager for the City of Glendale; Bernadette Carroll, Executive Director of the West Valley Arts Council; and project master artists, Betsy Etchart and Lichen Frank, will be on hand to present details about this project to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Vahabzadeh stated that she manages the public art program, which started in 1983 and was the state's first official public art program. The main mission of the program is to create public art for public places. Ms. Vahabzadeh introduced Ms. Bernadette Carroll, Executive Director of the West Valley Arts Council (WVAC). Ms. Carroll provided the following details on Gallery 37, which is an award-winning youth arts employment program that pairs students ages 15 to 18 years-old with professional artists in order to design, develop and install a permanent piece of public art for display in the West Valley: •The West Valley Arts Council has been running Gallery 37 for about 20 years. •Gallery 37 has done a $90,000 project for the City of Tolleson's downtown revitalization project, three murals for the City of Peoria over the past two years, and in all of the west valley you can find Gallery 37 projects. •Gallery 37 is an organization that started in Chicago. • Up to twenty artistic teams are hired each year and apprentice as master artists in public art. •The artists are paid a stipend and receive college credits.These artists are teens and this experience will look great on their resume. •This year, the two artists driving the public art project are Ms. Betsy Etchart and Ms. Lichen Frank Ms. Etchart stated that she was involved with Gallery 37 in 2015 when they did a mosaic splash pad for the Friendship Park in Goodyear. Ms. Etchart announced that this year, Ms. Frank will be working on the project as well at the Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden, which is a wonderful garden at 55th Avenue just south of Northern. Ms. Etchart stated that they were given the task of rejuvenating the pavilion, seating area, and nine pillars in the park. Ms. Etchart relayed that in keeping with the mission of the Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden, the mission for the project is a rejuvenation of the reflection garden that engages, appeals, and connects the senses of sound, touch, smell, and sight; creating a sanctuary for visitors. Ms. Etchart displayed current pictures of the area and the proposed changes and rejuvenation plans. Commissioner Edgar inquired if the pillars had specific meaning. Ms. Etchart stated that they were sort of like sundials. There are five elements to the project: •Seating:Sandblasting designs such as hummingbirds, red yucca, and deer grass. • Pillars:Will be stenciled in two-color painting, also with hummingbirds, red yucca, and deer grass. • 14-foot tall metal canopy:Will provide shade and sound elements will be hung from the canopy •Sound Elements:Chimes • Plantings:Hardy and aromatic star jasmine Commissioner Edgar inquired about the type of metals being used, which Ms. Etchart explained. Ms. Etchart stated that the structure will be very low maintenance. Chair Cole inquired if the water feature at the park was still functional and Ms. Etchart replied in the positive. Mr. Barnard clarified the location of the project area in the park. Chair Cole requested that the Commission be notified of the grand opening date. Chair Cole inquired as to what high schools the teens were from. Ms. Etchart and Ms. Carroll stated they were from Tolleson, Great Hearts, Glendale, Buckeye, and Surprise. Ms. Carroll stated that this is a five-week program that started on June 20th. Due to the heat, many elements will not be done until the fall. Ms. Etchart explained that the teens will be making the stencils now, which will be painted in the fall. Commissioner Edgar asked for information on Elsie McCarthy. Mr. Barnard explained that Elsie McCarthy was a resident in the City of Glendale who left a living trust to City with direction for the development of a park specifically for sensory enhancement. The living trust provides a portion of the maintenance cost on an ongoing basis. Ms. Etchart stated that Elsie McCarthy was a gardener who lost her sight. Chair Cole thanked all for the presentation. d. ACTION: VOTE TO CANCEL JULY MEETING It is requested that the Commission make a recommendation to vacate its regular meeting for the month of July 2018. Motioned by Commissioner Jessica Edgar, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston to vacate the July 2018 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole Commissioner Pattie Johnston Commissioner Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Aaron Walls Commissioner Jessica Edgar Commissioner Monica Lopez Passed 6. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Burke announced that the flagpole goes before Council tomorrow for their vote to approve the contract with the Chamber of Commerce Veteran's Affairs Committee to install the flag. This follows the direction given by the Commission as voted upon at a previous Commission meeting. Mr. Burke noted that traditionally the Commission has had a summer retreat on a day other than a regular meeting day. Mr. Burke suggested that this year, the retreat be held on the regular August meeting date. Mr. Burke stated that at the retreat, topics will include review of the mission, accomplishments of the Commission, the upcoming meeting schedule, and suggestions for facilities that the Commissioners would like to tour. All agreed. A staff suggestion was made to hold the retreat in the lounge at the Main Library and all agreed. Mr. Burke and staff will follow up on availability. 7. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Schiavone thanked staff for the meeting and enjoyed seeing the Rose Lane facility. Chair Cole wondered, in regards to the flagpole comments made tonight, if the issue would come back to the Commission if there were people against the flagpole. Mr. Burke stated that this issue is going to Council tomorrow and if there is a huge outcry, Council would certainly listen. Chair Cole asked for an update on Sands Park. Mr. Burke stated that staff is working on playground design with the vendors and once the equipment is installed, the Commission will be invited to the dedication. Chair Cole enjoyed the meeting. Ms. Miller announced that the Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation will be made at the June 26 th Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. The Mayor will read the proclamation. Ms. Miller will send an email invite to the Commissioners. Mr. Burke encouraged all Commissioners to attend. 8. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on August 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., in conference room B-3 of the Municipal Office Complex, located at 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, Arizona, 85301. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Commissioner Pattie Johnston, seconded by Commissioner Monica Lopez to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole Commissioner Pattie Johnston Commissioner Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Aaron Walls Commissioner Jessica Edgar Commissioner Monica Lopez Passed The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of June 11, 2018 were submitted and approved this 13 day of August, 2018. Gwen Benoit Administrative Support Specialist Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary