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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 9/9/2019Glen 4 Al 2 i `L MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION SAHUARO RANCH PARK HISTORIC AREA FRUIT PACKING SHED 9802 N. 59TH AVENUE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85302 SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 6:OOP.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair McConnell called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair McConnell took roll call. Present: Sam McConnell III, Chair Gayle Schiavone, Vice Chair Ronald Beye, Commissioner Kristina Cadena, Commissioner Jessica Edgar, Commissioner Absent: Macie Chrisman, Commissioner Stephanie June, Commissioner Aaron Walls, Commissioner Also Present: Jim Burke, Director, Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Vicki Rios, Assistant City Manager Paul King, Recreation Administrator Skip Varney, Parks Superintendent Gwen Benoit, Administrative Support Specialist 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Motioned by Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone, seconded by Commissioner Kristina Cadena to approve the August 12, 2019 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting minutes with the following changes: • Motion on Approval of the Minutes:change "Commissioner Johnston" to "Commissioner Beye" • Motion on Agenda Item 5c:change "...$7,500.00 monthly fee..." to "...$7,500.00 annual fee..." Motion carried 5 — 0. AYE: Chair Sam McConnell III Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Ronald Beye Commissioner Kristina Cadena Commissioner Jessica Edgar Passed 5. NEW BUSINESS a. INFORMATION: CITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY UPDATE Mr. Burke announced that Ms. Yates, the Community Engagement Program Manager, was unable to attend this evening's meeting and Mr. Barnard would give the presentation. Mr. Barnard relayed that Ms. Yates works with people who are interested in volunteering for the City and coordinated projects for different groups, such as sanding benches, clean-ups and more. Mr. Barnard noted that Ms. Yates keeps a large inventory of equipment that is used for the projects. Mr. Barnard provided the following information: • Mission Statement • Community Engagement strives to encourage a partnership between citizens, faith -based organizations, schools, businesses, civic leaders, and the City to assist in the revitalization of the Glendale community.Our focus is to develop and implement programs that build effective communication, partnerships, volunteerism, and neighborhood -oriented services. • Community Volunteer Program • The goal of the Community Volunteer Program is to improve the quality of life for Glendale residents and volunteers through valuable public service projects. • Annually: Over 200 projects, over 3,500 volunteers, over 9,000 hours of services, with a value of $223,470 • Ms. Yates is a key component in coordinating the Annual Volunteer Banquet • Mr. Burke commented that Ms. Yates told him that 60% of the volunteer projects are in the parks. • Ways to Volunteer • Adopt A Street • Partners N' Parks • Fruit Gleaning • Neighborhood Cleanups • Rose Pruning • Park/Trail Cleanups • Annual Events and Projects • MLK, Jr. Day of Service, Rose Pruning Event, Glendale Serve Day, Cesar Chavez Day of Service, Serve A Thon, Party for the Planet, Volunteer Recognition Event, Stand Up for Vets, Make a Difference Day, National Family Volunteer Day, and more • A list of projects for FY2019-20 was distributed • Volunteer Groups and Partners . An extensive list of volunteer groups and partners was shown • Upcoming Projects • GROW Happiness Gardening Event: 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2019 • Make a Difference Day: 8 — 11 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2019 Vice Chair Schiavone inquired as to the location of the community garden, as noted on one of the handouts. Mr. Burke stated that the specific address will be provided to the Commissioners. Mr. Barnard announced that the location is near 69th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Mr. Burke stated that Mr. Barnard and Mr. Varney send a list to Ms. Yates that are volunteer opportunities in the parks. Mr. Burke would like to see the tractor group that Chair McConnell is involved with formally signed up as a volunteer group. b. INFORMATION: POLLINATOR GARDEN UPDATE Mr. Burke announced that this agenda item stemmed from a request by Vice Chair Schiavone at a previous meeting. Mr. Burke relayed that there is a pollinator garden by the Main Library, sponsored by Water Services, and he will get the brochures regarding the garden to the Commissioners. Mr. Barnard gave a report on the Pollinator Garden request, which included the following highlights: • What is a Pollinator Garden? • The goal of this type of garden is to provide nectar and larval host plant sources to pollinator species. • Pollinator Garden Goals • The garden goals should be well-defined from the start since they dictate the steps to follow. • Seeking partnerships within your community • Select locations based on community support • Current Examples of Pollinator Gardens • Thunderbird Conservation Park • Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at Main Library • How to Build a Pollinator Garden • Careful planning is essential for success • Choose a location • Identify soil type and sunlight • Choose plants • Seeds versus plants • Prepping the garden • Planting seed or flowers • Wait, watch, water, and weed • Possible Pollinator Garden Locations — aerial photos shown • Murphy Park Flower Beds • Flower Beds at Thunderbird Paseo Linear Park at 67th Avenue Mr. Barnard noted that both of these locations used to have flowers and/or plants years ago. Vice Chair Schiavone thanked staff for the follow-up and the plant list that was previously provided to her, which she noted are all attractive to bees and butterflies. Vice Chair Schiavone stated that staff is already doing a lot on this topic indirectly, but is not identifying it or telling the public what to plant to attract bees. The agenda item was concluded. C. ACTION: OPERATIONAL POLICY FOR PUBLIC RESTROOMS IN PARKS Mr. Burke briefed the Commission on the ongoing challenges that parks maintenance and field operations staff and park rangers are experiencing at various parks. Mr. Burke's comments included the following: • The restrooms at Murphy Park have been closed and will be open only during special events. This was due to a lot of damage, trash, waste, complaints from the cleaning services, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of sexual activity in the restrooms.An executive decision was made with the City Manager to close the restrooms.Almost immediately, this had a positive impact and there is less people just hanging out at the park. • Damage was discovered at the North Bonsall Park restroom.A photo of the damage was shown, which included destruction, vandalism, debris, and waste; the same types of issues as at Murphy Park.The restroom has recently been closed. This restroom was receiving ten hours of service each month, while others were only getting one hour.Since the north restroom has been closed, park rangers reported that more people are using the volleyball courts and other park amenities.This is a positive impact; however, this did impact the restroom at the south side of the park negatively. Mr. Burke presented an inventory of parks bathrooms in the City and if they were limited access restrooms, inside facilities, or in parks. Mr. Burke and staff are recommending changing the hours of the following five park bathrooms from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to sunrise to sunset: Bonsall North (closed temporarily) and South Parks, Cholla Park, O'Neil Park, Rose Lane Park, and Sands Park. Mr. Burke explained that these park restrooms are now open when it is very dark out and suggested access times be changed to shift as the season shifts. Mr. Burke added that these locations are not currently in the dire condition as Murphy Park and North Bonsall Park, however, they are getting close. Mr. Burke noted that some people are taking baths and washing their clothes in the restrooms and they are not designed to handle that usage. Mr. Burke also presented and explained a draft Park Restroom Closure Policy for the Commission's review. Chair McConnell liked all of the policies and stated that they should be implemented immediately. Chair McConnell relayed that he took his wife to Bonsall Park one evening and it was not good. He stated that prior to the restroom changes, there would not be people using the volleyball court. Mr. Burke believed that the right move was made, although it was a difficult decision. Mr. Burke reported that there was vandalism at three of the ramadas in the park as well as rust on the poles. A City official was asked to look at the ramadas, and due to their condition, they were closed down and fenced off. Mr. Burke stated that staff is obtaining estimates for three options: contracting with a structural engineer for repair of the ramadas, demolition and not rebuilding, or replacing with shade structures. Motioned by Commissioner Ronald Beye, seconded by Commissioner Jessica Edgar to recommend changing the hours at the following park restrooms to sunrise to sunset hours: • Bonsall North and South Parks • Cholla Park • O'Neil Park • Rose Lane Park • Sands Park Motion carried 5 — 0. AYE: Chair Sam McConnell III Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Ronald Beye Commissioner Kristina Cadena Commissioner Jessica Edgar Passed Motioned by Commissioner Jessica Edgar, seconded by Commissioner Kristina Cadena to recommend institution of the draft Park Restroom Closure Policy as presented by staff. Motion carried 5 — 0. AYE: Chair Sam McConnell III Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Ronald Beye Commissioner Kristina Cadena Commissioner Jessica Edgar Passed 6. STAFF UPDATES a. Mr. Burke gave the following update: • At a Council meeting, a resident spoke regarding issues with flood irrigation at the corner of Heritage Park, where she lives by.lt was found that the system was not working properly and irrigation was leaking.The resident was very kind and met the crew at staff on site, providing water on the hot day. • There were issues with irrigation at the Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area rose beds. Volunteers had reported not seeing any watering. It was determined that the different heights of the concrete rose beds are causing problems with the irrigation.An irrigation specialist came out to the site and suggested a $1,500 solution, which was to install an above -ground drip system and pressure reducer. Seventeen of the twenty-six beds have been converted in an initial test.Volunteers who take care of the roses said they still did not see water. It was revealed that the beds are dry at the surface, but there is water three feet below the dirt, which is more beneficial to the roses.The volunteers have seen the roses to be doing much better.The balance of the beds will be converted as well.lt has been a challenge to resolve, but it has been successful. Vice Chair Schiavone asked if the resolution would end the need for the volunteers to be hand -watering the rose beds. Mr. Burke hoped so and stated that the volunteers are still hand -watering because they are concerned about the roses, but they have been shown that there is water down below. Mr. Burke would like the Commission to take a tour of the Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden before the next Commission meeting. Mr. Burke suggested a tour of the facility directly before the meeting at the Civic Center. All Commissioners agreed. Mr. Burke stated that next month, an update will be presented on the turf renovation at Murphy Park. Mr. Barnard announced that Mr. Varney was the Interim Parks Superintendent and has been made the permanent Parks Superintendent. A replacement for his Parks Manager position is being sought. 7. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Vice Chair Schiavone commented that the eucalyptus trees are being removed at the Desert Mirage Golf Course and they have also put out signage promoting that they are now serving breakfast and lunch. Chair McConnell complimented the meeting minute taker, Ms. Benoit, and other staff for a job well done. 8. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on October 14, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., at the Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, AZ 85302. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Commissioner Kristina Cadena, seconded by Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m. Motion carried 6 — 0. AYE: Chair Sam McConnell III Vice Chair Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Ronald Beye Commissioner Kristina Cadena Commissioner Jessica Edgar Passed The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of September 9, 2019 were submitted and approved this 18th day of November, 2019. Gwen Benoit Administrative Support Specialist Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary