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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 3/11/2019MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION HISTORIC SAHUARO RANCH PARK FRUIT PACKING SHED 9802 N. 59TH AVENUE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85302 MARCH 11, 2019 6:OOP.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair McConnell called the meeting to order at 6:25 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Sam McConnell II Chair Gayle Schiavone, Vice Chair Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Monica Lopez, Commissioner Aaron Walls, Commissioner Absent: Jessica Edgar, Commissioner Also Present: Jim Burke, Director Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Paul King, Recreation Administrator Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Kim Larson, Marketing and Communication Program Manager Skip Varney, Park Manager Steven Castillo, Park Supervisor James Hardy, Park Supervisor Henry Rodriguez, Park Supervisor 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES a. Approval of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of January 4 2019. Motioned by Commissioner Pattie Johnston, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Walls to approve the January 14, 2019 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 5-0. AYE: Chair Sam McConnell III Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Pattie Johnston Commissioner Monica Lopez Commissioner Aaron Walls Passed 5. NEW BUSINESS a. INFORMATION: TOUR OF SAHUARO RANCH FRUIT PACKING SHED Mr. King gave a brief history of Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park, which included information on the original owners, specific building and property details, and the Rose Garden. b. INFORMATION: TRAIL ASSESSMENT Mr. Barnard gave a presentation on the assessment and evaluation of the trails in Thunderbird Conservation Park, which included the following information: . Background Follow up to Commission presentation on January 14,2019 Contract with Okanogan Trail Construction (OTC) - a well-known desert trail building and management company. . 20 years' experience building new trails and trail systems in the diverse wilderness regions. . Specializing in rugged and remote terrains of national forests, wildlife preserves, and private lands . Business in urban areas as well, such as college campuses, rural mountainous areas, and outer-city neighborhoods . Maps -An aerial map of the trail and aerial photos of the Thunderbird Conservation Park was displayed. . Scope of Work . Prioritized maintenance needs based on sustainability and user safety . Identification of areas needing width reduction of over-width trail . Average width recommendation is 48" . Review of residential access/unauthorized trails for addition/obliteration . Recommend signage improvements, correct existing trail mileage . Identification of park master design enhancements . Recommendations . Photos of trail segments with too much rock, over-width, and erosion were displayed. Improved trail conditions resulting in better user experience Existing trails upgraded to most current sustainable trail construction practices for long-term durability of entire system and lower maintenance costs Signage improvements resulting in easier orientation . Sensibly designed routes/loops of varying difficulty, consider an ADA Stabilized Trail within the system to create a diverse user experience for many abilities . Directing pedestrian traffic efficiently from parking/roadway areas to trail . Next Steps . Staff will review recommendations . Identify funding source . Results and recommendations will be included in department master plan replacement project. Mr. Barnard opened the floor for questions or comments. Chair McConnell wondered if there was any consideration of obtaining volunteer help for this project. Mr. Barnard explained that the recommendation is to hire a professional company to be able to complete the project at one time and not in small segments. Mr. Barnard commented that there are issues with erosion, which require engineering of the upslope and downslope. Mr. Burke noted that after the initial project is completed, volunteers could possibly be used to maintain the trails. Chair McConnell inquired as to when the project would begin, how long it would take, and if it would be a project completed in one season or over a period of years. Mr. Barnard relayed that staff is researching costs versus budget at this time, which will determine the answers to Chair McConnell's questions. Mr. Barnard concluded the agenda item. c. INFORMATION: PARKS DRONE Mr Varney, who is also a licensed pilot, provided information to the Commission regarding the Parks Division's drone, which included the following information: . Difference between recreational and commercial drones. A licensed pilot can take a short online course to become a certified drone pilot. As of February 2019, anyone who operates a drone outdoors must have a license.The cost is $5.00. .A drone is not supposed to be flown beyond the operator's visual range. . The state of Arizona has equipment which monitors drones in the airspace. Mr. Varney brought the Division's drone to the meeting so the Commissioners could see the actual drone. Mr. Varney displayed photos and videos taken by the drone of Skunk Creek. Mr. Varney explained that the drone was used to show how much of Skunk Creek has been cleaned out. Mr. Barnard explained that debris in the Skunk Creek impedes the flow of storm water, the City is required to maintain and keep the Skunk Creek clear of impediments, and the video shows the progress. Mr. Varney stated that the project crew is cleaning up approximately 93 feet of the Skunk Creek each day. Mr. Varney announced that two other staff members are obtaining a drone license, one of whom is Mr. Chris Kurtzhals. Mr. Varney displayed photos of the Sands Park Playground construction project build day. Photos included shots of the contractor at work, the volunteers numbering over 50 in total, and the finished product. Mr. Varney highlighted that Commissioner Walls and football players from Apollo High School participated on the project. Mr Barnard noted that a shade structure is in the plans for a future phase and is currently under review. Mr. Varney noted that the drone can also be used for special events and special projects. Chair McConnell asked if this was the only drone owned by the City. Mr. Varney replied that other City departments, such as Engineering, may have their own drone. 6. a. Commissioner Schiavone inquired as to the cost of the drone. Mr Varney estimated the cost of the drone at $4,400.00 and noted that Council Member Tolmachoff donated the drone to the Division. Mr. Varney stated that there are drones available that cost much more, however, this drone has a camera system and many beneficial features. Mr. Varney relayed that the battery time on the drone is twenty to twenty-five minutes. Chair McConnell thanked Mr. Varney for his report. INFORMATION: WEST COAST ARBORIST TREE ASSESSMENT Ms. Miller announced that over the last several months, staff has been working with PLAN-et Communities, LLC to develop an assessment of the current operations and assets at Sahuaro Ranch Park Ms. Miller noted that staff has specifically requested an inventory and mapping of the trees in the Park and the document to be produced will provide an assessment of the type, age, and condition of the trees. The Commission was provided with the Tree Assessment' Report as prepared by PLAN-et. Ms. Miller highlighted the following items from the report: . There is a total of 799 trees in the park.A total of 34 species were identified. . 337 of the trees are considered middle-aged. . There are 265 Grapefruit Trees in the park, which is the most prevalent species. . There are 82 recommend tree removals, including 6 stumps. . Implementation of an irrigation system, in place of the flood irrigation, is recommended. . Photos of healthy trees, sample irrigation systems, trees, and plants on the property were shown. Chair McConnell asked if staff planned to implement the recommendations. Ms. Miller relayed that^taff is in the midst of budget season and the information would be reviewed accordingly. Mr. Burke replied that he asked staff to review the existing budget, the short-term needs in'the report, and current capacity to determine if there were funds available to tackle the recommendations. Mr. Burke commented that some of the recommended tree removals are due to dead or unsafe trees. Mr. Burke added that the recommendations do not have to be completed all at once but could be done in phases, and staff will have more implementation information at the next Commission meeting. Chair McConnell offered to bring potential partners to meet with Mr. Burke to discuss options for an irrigation partnership. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Varney announced that the Parks Division has been restructured and introduced all new Park Supervisors who are responsible for specific areas of the City: Mr. Hardy, Mr. Rodriquez, and Mr Castillo, who each gave a brief background of their experience. Mr. Varney explained that the primary reasons for the restructure is that customer response can be quicker and contractor quality control will be increased. Mr. Burke stated that there was a different structure when he arrived at the City, however, he and Mr. Varney created these positions. Mr. Burke explained that the Park Supervisors will be in the field with their crews and are responsible for assignments and personnel reviews. Commissioner Schiavone asked if the crew task system is still being utilized and Mr. Varney replied in the positive. Ms. Larson played a Fox Channel 10 news clip footage of the Glendale Antique Tractor and Engine Association Event. Ms. Larson commented that she had met with Chair McConnell and his colleagues who partnered with staff to invite the Kellis High School We Are Able Program students to the event. Chair McConnell praised Ms. Larson and staff for all that was done for the event. Ms. Larson announced the following upcoming events for which the Commissioners could attend or volunteer: . March 20th:Cactus District Meeting at Manistee Ranch . March 31 st:Glendale Family Bike Ride .April 6th:Dog Days Event at Murphy Park Mr. Barnard announced that the RFP for the Master Plan Update has been issued and responses will be obtained over the next few weeks. More information will be provided once a consultant is chosen and a timeline is established COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Schiavone requested a Parks and Recreation organizational chart. Chair McConnell complimented Ms. Larson on her work with the Kellis High School teens at the Tractor Show and suggested that it become an annual event. Chair McConnell announced that he will reach out to the City Clerk's Office in regard to the need for more members on the Commission. Chair McConnell noted that he will not be able to attend the May Commission meeting but could possibly attend via conference call. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on Monday, April 8 at 6:00 p.m., at Rose Lane Recreation Center, located at 5003 W Marlette Ave., Glendale, Arizona, 85301. ADJOURNMENT The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of March 11, 2019 were submitted and approved this 8th day of April, 2019. Gwen Benoit Administrative Support Specialist Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary