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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 12/10/2018^^ZM^.^ /^- MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MANISTEE RANCH 5127 W. NORTHERN AVENUE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 DECEMBER 10, 2018 6:OOP.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair McConnell called the meeting to order at 6:23 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Vice Chair McConnell took roll call. (Commissioner Lopez arrived during Agenda Item 5a.) Present: Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone, Commissioner Aaron Walls, Commissioner Ethan McAffee, Commissioner Monica Lopez, Commissioner Jessica Edgar, Commissioner Absent: Barbara Cole, Chair Also Present: Jim Burke, Director Tim Barnarad, Assistant Director Paul King, Recreation Administrator Bryan Wagner, Park Superintendent Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Kim Larson, Communication & Marketing Program Manager Attendees: Jessica Koury - Glendale Historical Society Catherine Morgan - Glendale Historical Society 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS If citizens wish to speak on a matter concerning the Glendale Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission that is not onthe'printed agenda, please complete a Citizen Comments Card and provide itto the designated staff person prior to'the'beginnrn g''ofthe meeting. Once your name is called by the Commission Chairperson, please proceed to the podium "and'stateyour name and address for the record. Please limit your comments to a period of three minutes or less. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES a. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of October 8, 2018. Motioned by Commissioner Jessica Edgar, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston to approve the October 8, 2018 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission minutes as written. AYE: Commissioner Pattie Johnston Vice Chair Sam McConnell III Commissioner Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Aaron Walls Commissioner Ethan McAffee Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Chair Barbara Cole (ABSENT) Commissioner Monica Lopez (ABSENT) Passed 5. NEW BUSINESS a. INFORMATION: TOUR OF MANISTEE RANCH Ms. Koury provided general information on the Glendale Historical Society, which included the following: . The Glendale Historical Society's concern is that the history of Glendale is accurately portrayed and passed down to generations. . The Glendale Historical Society works closely with the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department. . The Society has approximately 200 members and meets monthly during October through May. Ms. Koury and Ms. Morgan conducted a tour of the Manistee Ranch home interior and noted key artifacts and history regarding the home, which was built in 1897 by the Hamilton Family. [Commissioner Lopez joined the meeting during the agenda item.] b. INFORMATION: UPDATE ON RECREATIONAL DRONE ORDINANCE Mr. Barnard commented that at the October 8, 2018 Commission meeting, staff presented an update on the proposed ordinance change to designate a city park for recreational drone use. Mr. Barnard noted that at the meeting, Vice Chair McConnell raised the question if smaller drones need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Mr. Barnard stated that he has researched this question and also had the City Attorney's Office review ARS 13-3729 to determine if it required the City to designate a park for recreational drone use. Mr. Barnard provided the following information: . The FAA response regarding the question of whether smaller drones need to be registered or not was that drones weighing under 0.55 pounds do not need not be registered if used for recreation.However, the rules of Section 336 must still be followed.Mr. Barnard provided Section 336 to the Commissioners. . The City Attorney's Office announced that the City does not need to designate a City park for recreational drone use.Rather, a park designation should be a response to a need and frankly, there has not been a need for a designated park as of yet. Therefore, at this time and keeping all in mind, staff will not move forward with a proposed ordinance change. Staff will continue to monitor the item and any public requests and will bring back to the Commission for further discussion if warranted. There were no questions or comments. c. INFORMATION: COYOTES AT SAHUARO RANCH PARK Mr. King gave a briefing on coyotes in Sahuaro Ranch Park and the recommended actions from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Highlights of the presentation included the following: . Over the past spring and summer, about three to five residents expressed concern regarding coyotes in Sahuaro Ranch Park and the historical area. . Staff contacted the Arizona Game and Fish Department.AZ Game and Fish came out to the site and staff noted the various locations of the coyote sightings. AZ Game and Fish recommended the following: . To take down the corn in the demonstration field, which was near harvest. . Elevate the canopies of the trees in the orchard. . Eliminate hiding areas for the coyotes. . Spray ammonia at sighting locations. . Park Rangers to use lights and horns when spotting coyotes. . A brochure from the Arizona Game and Fish Department titled "Living with Coyotes" and "The Coyote News" from Project Coyote were distributed, which includes coyote facts and tips for long-term solutions. . Staff is maintaining a log ofsightings and coyote-related issues at the park. Commissioner Schiavone wondered why the City does not try to sterilize the coyotes so they do not breed. Mr. King replied that staff is following the recommendations ofAZ Game and Fish. Commissioner Schiavone commented that the coyotes would be scared from the park and into the neighborhoods. Mr. King replied that staff has been told the coyotes are coming up from the washes and Skunk Creek to the food sources at Sahuaro Ranch Park, such as rodents, guinea fowl, and pea fowl. Mr. Barnard noted that coyotes are in urban areas all across the United States and one issue is that people feed the birds and bunnies, which are a food source for the coyotes. Mr. Burke noted that AZ Game and Fish recommends not to feed the wildlife so the issues with coyotes do not continue. Mr. Burke explained that the coyotes are not living in the corn, but they are hiding in there and using the corn field as an escape route. Mr. Burke added that there are signs stating not to feed the animals at the park, however, some people stilt do, and this is a major issue. Vice Chair McConnell asked if there were a specific number of coyotes seen at the park and Mr. King replied that there was no definite number, however, AZ Game and Fish noticed two or three white they were on site. Mr. King noted that the coyotes are always moving, which makes counting a challenge. Vice Chair McConnell inquired if many young coyotes were seen. Mr. King replied that a few young coyotes were seen on and off over a three-week period. Vice Chair McConnell wondered if it would behoove the park to plant cotton instead of corn in the demonstration area. Mr. Burke explained that the plants are really creating a hiding space, so possibly the corn could remain if planted with wider spacing. Vice Chair McConnell recommended more discussion on what should be planted in the demonstration area. Commissioner McAffee suggested putting a GPS chip in a few of the coyotes to determine if they are going back to the wash. Mr. King will follow up with AZ Game and Fish. The agenda item was concluded. d. INFORMATION: ROSE GARDEN AT SAHUARO RANCH PARK Mr. King gave a report on an upcoming partnership at the Rose Garden at Sahuaro Ranch Park, which included the following highlights: .An exciting project at the Rose Garden was recently presented to Council. . On December 30th, all of the rose plants in the Rose Garden will be removed.Over 50 volunteers from Francis Roses will be on site to remove approximately 400 rose bushes and surrounding soil, address irrigation system needs, replace the soil in the beds, and level the ground.Over 1,500 new rose bushes will then be planted, themed to a specific type of rose in each bed. . Francis Roses is a local, commercial rose grower who would like to give back to the community.The City is very appreciative.The total donation, including labor, is valued at $30,000 to $40,000. . The Mayor's Office is providing funding for a new irrigation controller and new valves for the irrigation system.Mr. Bryan Wagner's staff will complete this portion of the project prior to December 3Qth. . February 2nd is recruitment day for more volunteers to manage the rose beds. . A very nice spring bloom is expected. . An aerial diagram was provided. Commissioner Schiavone wondered if some of the rose bushes being removed were still viable. Mr. King replied that this would depend on who is asked and noted that some of the bushes are old. Commissioner Schiavone asked if anyone could take the rose bushes that are being removed. Mr. King replied that he could follow up on the possibility of community gifting. Commissioner Edgar noted that 1,500 bushes were being planted in the place of 400. Mr. King confirmed and noted that this was the recommendation of Francis Roses. Mr. King stated that the bushes will be planted closer together and are anticipated to grow taller, not wider The report was concluded. 6. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Wagner gave a report, which included the following information: . ADOT has been working on connectivity projects at Thunderbird Paseo Park and Skunk Creek Linear Park at four locations:Skunk Creek at Sunset Vista Park, 54th Avenue at Sweetwater. 62"d Avenue and Hearn, and 71 st Avenue and Greenway. Improvements include new sidewalks, trees, benches, signage, and gate repair. . The City has been working on park enhancement projects at the following locations: Orangewood Vista Park: Improvements included extra pathways and more.Completed. . Pasadena Park: Improvements include picnic areas, BBQ grills, more pathways, three workout stations.Work by the contractor is complete.The workout stations will be installed by staff soon and all should be open to the public by the end of next week. . Discovery Park: Improvements include two new ramadas and a pathway in the middle of the park.Work is currently underway. . Thunderbird Paseo Linear Park: Improvements include pathway widening.Work is currently pending a permit from Maricopa County to begin. Mr Barnard reported on the following: . O'Neil Park: CDBG grant funding was received in order to demolish the bathhouse and old 7. pool, install sod and a new irrigation system, install benches, and possibly construct a ramada.The project will create more open green space in the park. . Bonsall Park: Staff will submit a CDBG grant request for the new funding round this fiscal year to convert the tennis court to two pickleball courts at the park^Furthermore, staff will submit for CDBG funding for more ADA improvements at various City parks. Sands Park: The signed'contract was just received back from the City Clerk's Office and was sent to the contractor for the new playgrounds at the park, also funding via CDBG grant.The contractor will order the equipment.The community build is scheduled for February 18, 2019.Volunteers are currently being recruited. Mr. Burke provided an update on the Glen Lakes Golf Course, which included the following: . On November 27, 201 8, direction was given to begin the sale and disposition of Glen Lakes following a temporary 90-day period of operation. . Staff immediately began the steps necessary to open the course, including coordination with the course operator. After three days of coordination, the course was re-opened on Saturday, December 1. Staff began working on a course of communication for residents and the business community, including social media, Council district newsletters, and digital billboards. A tally of rounds played December 1st through December 6th was provided. A resolution is on the agenda for Council consideration at the December 11, 2018 voting meeting authorizing the disposition and sale of the golf course. The vote will be on a resolution to begin the process of planning for the sale of the golf course. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Schiavone inquired about the raising of the flag at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Burke relayed that the installation went very well, and he heard that approximately 1,000 people were in attendance at the event. Mr. Burke noted that the flag was passed hand to hand to the installation site. Vice Chair McConnell relayed that he recently learned the amount spent per individual on Parks and Recreation and wondered if others knew what Glendale spends and what the next lowest amount was. Mr. Burke estimated that Glendale spends approximately $29.00 per individual and the next lowest amount was $79.00 per individual and Vice Chair McConnell agreed. Vice Chair McConnell stressed that there is a lack of funding for maintenance and new and bigger programs for the City and help is needed. Vice Chair McConnell would like to see the Commissioners work on potential avenues for grant funds and other assistance for staff. Vice Chair McConnell stressed that the accomplishments of the Parks staff with so little funding is very impressive. Vice Chair McConnell asked all Commissioners to research ideas that may work for the department. Mr. Burke offered to provide the Commissioners with a summary of budget figures for the Commissioners and encouraged all to attend and participate in the City's budget meetings. Mr. Burke stated that the City Manager has told Mr. Burke that Council has been commenting that the parks and public facilities need attention. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on January 14,2019 at 6:00 p.m., at Heroes Regional Park, 8300 W Bethany Home Rd., Glendale, Arizona, 85303. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Commissioner Ethan McAffee, seconded by Commissioner Jessica Edgar to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried 7-0. AYE: Commissioner Pattie Johnston Vice Chair Sam McConnell III Commissioner Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Aaron Walls Commissioner Ethan McAffee Commissioner Jessica Edgar Commissioner Monica Lopez Passed The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of December 10, 2018, were submitted and approved this 14 day of January, 2019. Gwen Benoit Administrative Support Specialist Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary