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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 9/11/2017MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE MUNICIPAL OFFICE COMPLEX CONFERENCE ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVE. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 6:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Barbara Cole Commissioner Dan Huston Commissioner Pattie Johnston Commissioner Sam McConnell III Commissioner Jessica Edgar Absent: Vice Chair Alicia Rubio Commissioner Gayle Schiavone Commissioner Ethan McAffee Also Present: Erik Strunk, Director Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Mike Gregory, Deputy Director Paul King, Recreation Administrator Cameron Dewaele, Administrative Support Supervisor Kim Larson, Communications & Marketing Program Manager 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Vice Chair Alicia Rubio (ABSENT), Commissioner Gayle Schiavone (ABSENT), Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed a. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of August 5, 2017. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. FY 17-18 MEETING LOCATIONS - 5 MINUTES At the.Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting on August 5, 2017, the commission indicated it was interested in hosting FY 17-18 meetings at various locations throughout the city. Staff is requesting that the Commission review and approve the proposed meeting locations. Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston [Mr. Strunk entered the meeting.] Mr. Barnard provided a tentative schedule for FYI 7-18 Commission meetings at various locations throughout the City. Ms. Miller provided an update to the schedule. • October 9, 2017: Glendale Community Center North, 14075 N. 59th Avenue • November 13, 2017: Glen Lakes Golf Course, 5450 W. Northern Avenue • December 11, 2017: Heroes Regional Park — Wheels in Motion, 6101 W. 83rd Avenue (to be confirmed) • January 8, 2018: City Hall, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Room B-3 (may be at Heroes Regional Park if December 11, 2017 is unavailable) • February 12, 2018: Oasis Park, 79th Avenue and Utopia Road • March 12, 2018: Manistee Ranch, 52nd Avenue and Northern Avenue • April 9, 2018: Bonsall Park North, 59th Avenue and Bethany Home Road • May 14, 2018: Desert Mirage Golf Course, 8710 W. Maryland Avenue • June 11, 2018: City Hall, 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Room B-3 • Saturday, March 10, 2018: Special Saturday tour of Glendale's park system AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed b. FY 17-18 COMMISSION WORKPLAN -10 MINUTES At its August 5, 2017 summer retreat, the Commission discussed the possible creation of an FY 17-18 work plan. This item is designed to review and finalize a work plan, based on comments received at the retreat. Motioned by Commissioner Pattie Johnston, seconded by Commissioner Dan Huston Mr. Strunk facilitated the review and finalization of the Commission FYI 7-18 work plan as discussed at the August 5, 2017 retreat. Chair Cole enjoyed the park inspections and was in favor of the proposed work plan. Chair Cole was interested in participating in the Youth Master Plan. Mr. Strunk stated that staff will disseminate a list of parks by district; however, Commissioners are welcome to inspect parks outside of their respective districts, as well. Commissioner McConnell commented that previously, the Commission discussed the possibility of appointing one Commissioner as a representative at the Master Plan meetings, who would report back to the Commission. Commissioner McConnell volunteered to be the Commission representative at the Master Plan meetings. Mr. Strunk stated that the RFP for the Master Plan consultant is nearly finalized and that a Commission representative for the RFP selection process would be beneficial. However, a review to ensure no conflict of interest must be performed. Commissioner McConnell confirmed that he is available to participate in the RFP selection process. Motion by Commissioner Johnston, second by Commissioner Huston, to approve the FY17-18 Commission Work Plan with the following key objectives as further defined in the Work Plan: • Participation/representation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on the Master Plan Update. • Participate in park and community center inspections throughout the year. • Engage non -profits that are of interest and encourage community building. • Potential involvement in What Works Cities. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed C. REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION OF PROPOSED DISCOUNTS - 1S MINUTES At the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting on August 5, 2017, staff presented background information and recommendations to the Commission on potential discounts for three categories: veterans, persons with disabilities and low-income persons. Based on Commissioner comments and suggestions received at the August 5 retreat, staff was asked to develop final recommendations as related to each of the proposed discounts. If approved by the Commission, these recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for further consideration. Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston Ms. Miller announced that this agenda item is a follow-up to the August 5, 2017 retreat presentation by staff regarding research and recommendations for potential resident discounts for three categories: veterans, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons. Based on Commissioner comments and suggestions received at the August 5th retreat, staff has developed final recommendations as related to each of the proposed discounts, which Ms. Miller presented this evening. Veterans: Commissioner recommendation for a 25% veterans discount for all parks and recreation programs, services, and rental fees to be offered to Glendale residents who are veterans. The estimated impact is $8,247 annually. Exact figures will not be known until a full twelve months of this program is completed. To be eligible for the discount, veterans would need to provide "proof of service" when registering for a recreation program or service offered by the City. "Proof of service" would consist of a VA identification card, veterans' membership card such as the American Legion of VFW, or a Department of Defense Form 214. To receive the discount, veterans would need to register in person and bring one of the approved forms of documentation. Discounted user fees would apply only for the veteran and not for family members. 2. Discounts for Low -Income Persons: Commissioner recommendation for a one-year pilot program beginning January 1, 2018, that would provide 25% discount for low-income youth only (not for those 18 years of age or older) for all department programs and services, rentals not included. The process for receiving a discount would mirror the current Youth Scholarship Fund Application. Applicants must be residents of Glendale who are 17 years of age or younger. Applicants must complete an application and provide proof of income from an approved source and show proof of Glendale residency (via City of Glendale water bill, phone bill, etc.). Staff will review the application within seven days of receipt and if approved, will issue a discount card for each youth who qualifies. The card will be valid for one year for a 25% discount on all recreation programs. The card must be presented at the time of registration or service. To receive the discount, all program registrations must be done in-person at either the FRAC, the Glendale Adult Center, or at any qualifying community center. The program would be voluntary. The estimate revenue impact is $3,751.annually. At the end of the pilot program, the program will be evaluated and a decision made with the Commission to determine if the program should be continued or modified. The program would be voluntary and at no time would any documentation other than the paperwork associated with the Youth Scholarship fund be retained. 3. Discounts for Persons with Disabilities: The Commission does not recommend. A primary concern is verifying eligibility. Due to HIPPA guidelines and 28 CFR Part 35, staff is prohibited from asking about a person's disability in order to verify eligibility for the discount. Additionally, there are a variety of disabilities that a person may have, including physical and mental disabilities; visible and invisible disabilities. There are over 130 disabilities that are recognized by social security for adults, but this does not include the entire spectrum of possible disabilities a person may have. It would be difficult for staff to verify eligibility for a disability -related discount for these reasons and it is not recommended. Currently, no other major valley city offers recreation discounts for persons with disabilities, unless it is via a partnership with an outside agency, such as a non-profit. Chair Cole inquired as to how the discounts would be advertised. Mr. Strunk stated that there would be a marketing component to the program and would include community newsletters, the City website, flyers, and the Glendale@Play magazine. Mr. Strunk stressed that Council must approve the discounts prior to going into effect. Commissioner Huston wondered who the card would be issued to for the low-income youth discount and Mr. Strunk replied that the card would be in the name of the youth. Commissioner McConnell asked for clarification regarding the youth discount card. Mr. Strunk explained that the card would provide a 25% discount off of the gate fee. Commissioner McConnell suggested including a single line on the Youth Scholarship Fund Application for the discount card. Commissioner McConnell inquired about tracking of the discounts. Ms. Miller stated that she and Mr. Dewaele have been discussing the creation of different system codes in order to track use of the discounted fees. Motion by Commissioner Huston, second by Commissioner Johnston, to approve and recommend Council approval of the following proposed discounts: • Veterans: 25% discount for all Parks and Recreation programs, services, and rental fees for Glendale residents who are veterans, with proof of service. • Low -Income Persons: One year pilot program, beginning January 1, 2018, that would provide a 25% discount for low-income youth (17 years of age or younger) for all Parks and Recreation programs and services, rentals not included, with approved application which mirrors the current Youth Scholarship Fund Application. • Persons with Disabilities: No recommendation for a discount due to legal and administrative challenges. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed d. UPDATE ON NEW DISC GOLF COURSE - 15 MINUTES Approximately three years ago, the department established the "Partners N' Parks" program to encourage volunteers to give back to the community by helping to maintain a park or enhance certain portions of an existing park. Recently, the department worked with the local "Disc Golf Foundation" to encourage it to participate in this program by adopting the Grand Canal Linear Park. The purpose of this item is to provide an overview of the new disc golf course, introduce the Commission to the key members of the Disc Golf Foundation, and answer any questions about the organization or "Partners N' Parks" program. Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston Mr. Gregory and Mr. King provided an overview of plans for the new disc golf course at Grand Canal Linear Park and the supportive role of the Disc Golf Foundation via the Partners N' Parks program. The presentation included the following: • Program Goals • Develop a win-win relationship with the Disc Golf Foundation • Create an adaptable 18 -hole disc course • Target Grand Canal Linear Park trail between 83rd Avenue and the SR101 • Develop program and course popularity through a well-designed course • Design, build, and maintain the course through Partners N' Parks • Enhance park and trail appeal • Reduce vandalism • Benefits of Disc Golf • Environmentally friendly • Low cost • Low impact exercise • Course. construction is inexpensive • Use existing locations • Draws people into the community • Community pride and park clean up • A video on disc golf was shown • Course Location o An aerial map was displayed • Project Scope • Course Construction • 18 disc baskets with optional sleeves • 18 totems • Each hole will have a disc basket, totem, and a junior goal to create different difficulty levels • Tee signage • Course signage . Tee Pads — Eighteen 5'x10' concrete pads • Install park benches (possibly via the Adopt A Bench program) • Estimated cost: still being developed • Concrete pads estimated at $9,000 • The Disc Golf Foundation has committed $2,500 now and is pursuing more fundraising • Staff has the 18 disc baskets are already — The Disc Golf Foundation is purchasing the 18 totems • Aerial views of sample hole set-ups were displayed and explained • Course Characteristics: Pictures displayed • Types of Signs: Pictures displayed • Additional Course Signs: Pictures displayed • Timeline • October: Final course design and approval • November/December: Basket and totem sleeve install • November/December: Temporary identification of tee boxes • Soft opening in 2018 Mr. Gregory and Mr. King brought a disc golf basket and disc for a demonstration. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed e. THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK FLAGPOLE UPDATE - 10 MINUTES On August 15, 2017, staff presented an update at the City Council workshop on the feasibility of installing a flag pole at Thunderbird Conservation Park. The purpose of this item is to present an update to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on the progress of the flagpole at Thunderbird Conservation Park and to review discussion from the City Council workshop. Mr. Strunk announced that on August 15, 2017, staff presented an update at the City Council workshop on the feasibility of installing a flagpole at the Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Strunk noted that at the meeting, Council directed staff to draft an ordinance that would specifically grant the authority to the City Manager and/or designee to allow the placement of one U.S. flag at Arrowhead Point in Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Strunk noted that until this ordinance is adopted, staff will continue to allow the placement of an existing flag at Arrowhead Point. Mr. Strunk provided the following Thunderbird Conservation Park Flagpole Update: • Overview • Initial request in response to unauthorized placement of a residential American Flag at Arrowhead Point trail — designated conservation park • Current City Code does not allow for the unauthorized placement of items within city parks (City Code Sec. 27-44) • An aerial map and satellite view of Thunderbird Conservation Park and Arrowhead Point was displayed. • Research Phase • U.S. Flag Code • City Dark Sky Ordinance • Develop Cost Estimates: Approximately $17,000 • Review Thunderbird Conservation Park Master Plan • Review Deed Restrictions of Thunderbird Conservation Park • Determine, if any, Conflict with Aircraft • Potential Options 1. 20-25' Lighted Flag Pole atop Arrowhead Point = $58,500 estimate 2. 20-25' Lighted Flag Pole in Parking Lot Area = $17,200 estimate 3. Ordinance Allowing Current Flag to Remain at Arrowhead Point = $0.00 4. Status Quo/Remove All Flags = $900/year (labor expenses) 9 Council Direction • Consensus for Option #1 (6 —1 vote) — August • Finalize Information & Brief Commission — September • Develop Outreach/Input Plan — September • Public Input Phase — October/November • Synthesis & Commission Recommendation — December • Formal Recommendation to Council — January 2018 • Formal Action — January 2018 Chair Cole inquired if the Council was willing to pay the $58,000 for Option 1. Mr. Strunk replied that Council is asking for public input and clarified that the Chamber of Commerce Subcommittee of Veterans' Affairs has indicated that it will raise the funds for the project. Commissioner Edgar inquired about public comment. Mr. Strunk explained that there would be a public comment period and discussion will also be held at a Commission meeting. Commissioner Huston wondered if the Chamber of Commerce Subcommittee of Veterans' Affairs would fund the project if the flag were installed in the parking lot instead on top of Arrowhead Point. Mr. Strunk replied that staff is still researching details, will conduct public hearings, and continue the process. Chair Cole thanked Mr. Strunk for the information. Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Failed f. DRONES IN PUBLIC PARKS - 20 MINUTES This memo is in follow up to the discussion on drone use in parks at the June 12, 2017 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. Motioned by Commissioner Jessica Edgar, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston to table the "Drones in Public Parks" agenda item, per staff request, until the October 2017 Commission meeting. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed g. REVIEW OF RECREATION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE -15 MINUTES The purpose of this item is to conduct a short presentation on this new software and seek the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to move forward with its purchase. Once recommended, it will be presented to City Council for final consideration later this fall. Motioned by Commissioner Pattie Johnston, seconded by Commissioner Dan Huston Mr. Dewaele conducted a presentation on the proposed new recreation management software: CivicRec. Information on the background of the project, costs, and benefits of the new system were provided as follows: • Overview • The recreation management software is the backbone to our department's registration and bookkeeping processes. • The software includes: • Activity Registration Programming and Maintenance • Facility Booking • Recreation Center Memberships • Online Web Registration • Payment Processing Interface (credit cards) • Point of Sale • Reporting • The Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events Department was approved through the IT Steering Committee for the replacement of their recreation management software . Approved for $69,100 • This procurement is to be made in the current FYI budget • Background • Current Registration Software — RecTrac • In use by the department since 2006 • Hosted on a City of Glendale server • Issues with user interface on staff and public side • Outdated system • Community Impact • In FY17, there were 3,905 households that made over 53,000 transactions through the recreation management software • Of the 3,905 households that processed transactions, 78% of them were Glendale residents • In FYI 7, only 10% of those registrations were completed online • Analysis • Staff looked for a comprehensive vendor -hosted software as a services (SASS) solution — cloud -based • During the past 12 months, key PFRSE staff has had the chance to demonstrate multiple products • PFRSE staff has partnered with other departments to make sure that the software chosen fits well and integrates with current and future city needs • Staff has had conversations with other cities regarding the experiences they are having with their software • Recommendation • CivicRec • In the past 8 months, two local cities have conducted RFP's and have awarded CivicRec as the winning proposal • After reviewing the RFP from the City of Surprise, the recommendation would be to move forward with a linking agreement, saving staff time and resources. • Developed over 10 years ago specifically for parks and recreation • CivicRec includes all the modules required of the software, as well as being noted by staff as the most user friendly during the demos • Integration capabilities with our financial software, as well as the capability to integrate with the City's GIS system for residency and ballfield lighting system for registrations • CivicRec Highlights • All updates and upgrades are done behind the scenes, on the vendor -hosted servers — no staff time or down time required • Integrated surveys to better gauge customer experiences • Customer outreach by both email and text • Social networking platform • Mobile friendly • Online user interface is easy to use • Online facility rentals • Next Steps • October 10th Council Meeting • After Council approval, the migration process would take approximately 12-16 weeks • The desire to have the new software in place and fully operating by March 1, 2018 Commissioner Huston wondered if the City gives up any system flexibility via the linking agreement with the City of Surprise and Mr. Strunk replied in the negative. Mr. Strunk explained that via the linking agreement, the City of Surprise has already gone out to market for other bids and by law, the City of Glendale can link onto their agreement process. Commissioner Johnston inquired if the department has the funds for the software and Mr. Dewaele replied in the positive, adding that the funds are already in the budget. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed h. POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS TO THE PARK LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM -10 MINUTES Due to the age of the City's current park irrigation system, the previous technology used to manage irrigation has become outdated and obsolete. Staff will provide a summary of the proposed intelligent irrigation system and if approved, will discuss next steps. Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston Mr. Barnard explained that due to the age of the City's current parks' irrigation system, the previous technology.used to manage irrigation has become outdated and obsolete. Mr. Barnard provided the following presentation: • Parks Irrigation Management System • Parks irrigation currently manually operated and zero "telemetry" • On average, the system is 10 to 30 years of age (varies) • Water use and monitoring is essential, but no capital funds • Council was briefed on August 2016 • Conducted RFP: Intelligent Irrigation System (IIS) • IIS will invest approximately $1 million to develop a telemetry system for Parks, train staff, and be required to monitor the system • IIS assumes risk for the infrastructure • The City will own all infrastructure once installed — which includes the software and "real-time" monitoring (cloud -based) • Over a 5 -year period, the City agrees to pay a percentage of "saved" water to IIS .Creation of Irrigation Crew • The City will contract with the vendor for irrigation maintenance ($113,400 for the contract and $65,000 for the parts) • The contract with the current vendor is now month to month — it expired in March 2017 • RFP 18-13 conducted: new bid for the same LOS is $245,864 (labor only) • The lowest bid was $180,000 from the same contractor that walked off the job last year, in October 2016 • Now cost effective to convert contract funds and add two full-time employees and two part-time crew for irrigation at a cost of $245,905. The new staff members would be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the system. The current contractor will train and mentor the staff members. • Budget figures were provided for review • Next Steps • October 3rd Council Workshop • If directed, contracts, recruitment, and hiring by January 1, 2018 Mr. Barnard stressed that "real time" response prevents prolonged water leakage and waste, thus enhancing the efficiency of the irrigation system and significantly improving the management of valuable water resources. Mr. Barnard explained that 71 new controllers would be installed at 51 parks and 20 retention basins. Mr. Barnard stated that the current controllers are manually controlled and not as efficient. Mr. Barnard stated that the vendor will develop precise watering schedules for maximum water savings. The vendor will recoup its initial investment via a paid percentage/incentive of water savings. Commissioner McConnell inquired if the proposal was primarily just for the electronic system to operate the irrigation system and Mr. Barnard replied in the positive. Commissioner McConnell wondered if staff could negotiate with SRP for free repair of the irrigation system. Mr. Barnard explained that the irrigation system as discussed is the City water system. Mr. Barnard commented that this new watering system is a great opportunity for the department. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed 6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT -10 MINUTES Mr. Strunk provided a brief report on upcoming department activities. Highlights were as follows: • Kudos to Mr. Barnard and Parks staff for the parks looking great after the heat of the summer and for Mr. Gregory and his team for a safe aquatics and parks summer. No major incidents were reported. • In October, a presentation will be made regarding the Glen Lakes Municipal Golf Course. • Staff is in the final steps of interviewing consultants for the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Master Plan. • SRP will re-route non -potable water to the Bonsall Park fishing pond for cost savings with no harm to the fish. Ms. Miller announced that on October 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., a district meeting will be held at Manistee Ranch. The Vice Mayor asked for staff to attend and for the Commissioners to host a booth at the meeting. Chair Cole volunteered. Ms. Miller will send an email to all Commissioners for review and response. Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Failed 7. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS -10 MINUTES The Commissioners were provided with the opportunity for open comment. No additional comments were made. 8. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., at Glendale Community Center North, 14075 N. 59th Avenue in Glendale, Arizona. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Jessica Edgar AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) Passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. AYE: Chair Barbara Cole, Commissioner Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Jessica Edgar Passed The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of September 11, 2017 were submitted and approved this 9th day of October, 2017. Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary