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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 10/9/2017PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE COMMUNITY CENTER NORTH 14075 N. 59TH AVENUE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85306 OCTOBER 9, 2017 6:OOP.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Barbara Cole, Chair Dan Huston, Commissioner Gayle Schiavone, Commissioner Ethan McAffee, Commissioner Jessica Edgar, Commissioner Absent: Alicia Rubio, Vice Chair Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Also Present: Erik Strunk, Director Public Facilities, Recreation & Special Events Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Paul King, Recreation Administrator Cameron Dewaele, Administrative Support Supervisor Kim Larson, Communications & Marketing Program Manager Chris Kurtzhals, Park Ranger Supervisor Bryan Wagner, Park Superintendent Kyle White, Recreation Coordinator Sean McGary, Senior Recreation Coordinator Attendees: Martin Wesolowski 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS The floor was opened for citizen comments. Mr. Jordan Yard, a resident of Peoria, stated that the cities of Goodyear and Scottsdale are the only two valley cities with pump tracks. Mr. Yard would like to see a pump track in the City of Glendale and wondered how the city process of funding worked as far as this type of project. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES a. Motion to approve the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of September 11, 2017 as written. Motioned by Commissioner Gayle Schiavone, seconded by Commissioner Jessica Edgar Vote: 5 - 0 Passed 5. NEW BUSINESS a. TOUR OF GLENDALE COMMUNITY CENTER NORTH Mr. Wesolowski gave a brief background of his experience and of the Martin Art Center/STEAM Program at the Community Center North. The Commissioners were given a tour of the various activity stations in the Center. b. 2017 AQUATICS SEASON Mr. White and Mr. McGary presented an overview of the aquatics swim season for Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center and Rose Lane Aquatics Center. The presentation also included upcoming projects and program plans. • Summer 2017 Aquatics Program • Glendale owns and operates two public aquatics facilities and two splash pads • 49,762 participants in summer swim • 1,346 participated in group swim lessons . $32,806 in gross rental revenue • 1,073 attended water aerobics classes — one of the most popular programs • The average age is in the 50s • The registration age will be dropped to 13 years old because some kids may want to come with their parents • 331 participants in private swim and dive lessons • $14,292.50 in gross Rose Lane Concessions revenue • This is run by City staff. There is approximately $2,000 in net revenue. • Completed Projects in 2017 • Rose Lane Aquatic Center • Plaque honoring the late Councilmember Phil Lieberman • Permanent ADA lifts installed • Deck repairs at both Rose Lane and Foothills • Stairs had no -slip base coat added • New IT equipment for effective service as well as safety • Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center • Expansion joint repairs in the Lazy River • Deck repairs • Upcoming Projects in 2018 — To be Completed Prior to the 2018 Season • ADA improvements to Restrooms, Managers Office, First Aid, and the volleyball courts at Rose Lane Aquatic Center (audit related) • Adding additional service windows to reduce the entrance time to Rose Lane Aquatic Center • Relocate entrance gates to the outside of the entry windows for enhanced security • National Trends • Functional aquatic centers — experiences • Leisure Swim — Learn to Swim — Lap Swim • Municipal swim leagues — grass roots • Hosting major events • Partnerships • Staff preparedness and training • Included a two-hour joint training with fire and police: CPR, emergency training, hostile patron practice, calling 911 98 on staff Summer 2017; 116 Summer 2016 — Reason for decline: competition due to minimum wage increase plus $200.00 certification cost paid by applicants • Future Vision of Glendale Aquatics • Seek differential fee structure for Rose Lane & patron discounts • Re -purpose volleyball court area at Rose Lane • New interactive play equipment for both facilities • Explore new IGA's with school districts and non -profits • Work to develop a long-term growth strategy (patronage and revenue) • Engage Special Olympics of Arizona to expand aquatic program • Seek out sponsorships and funding partners to make swim instruction more affordable • Refine and implement sustainable strategies that continue to make Glendale aquatics relevant Commissioner Schiavone complimented staffs partnership with Special Olympics. Commissioner Schiavone asked if staff has reached out to Michael Phelps for possible promotions, as he now resides in the valley. Mr. White stated that it would be great to have a partnership with Mr. Phelps, however, it is a challenge to connect with him as he is in high demand. Commissioner McAffee suggested asking the Mayor if he would reach out to Mr. Phelps. Mr. McGary will follow up on the suggestion. Commissioner McAffee inquired about summer staff benefits. Mr. White replied that he sets up a lot of recreational, bonding staff events and also encourages personal growth and development. Mr. McGary praised Mr. White for his excellent leadership, camaraderie, and scheduling management of the staff. Chair Cole asked if there were opportunities for college interns. Ms. Miller replied that there is a rotating internship program for local universities as well as out of state applicants within the recreation, general management, and special events areas. Commissioner Huston inquired about the life guard certification renewal. Mr. White explained that the renewal is required every two years. Mr. White relayed that the employee pays for the initial certification; however, the City will pay for the renewal cost as long as the employee is working for the City. Mr. White noted that most of the life guards are teenagers; however, there are life guards on staff up to the age of 70. C. PARK RANGER COMMUNITY DOG OUTREACH PROGRAM Mr. Kurtzhals provided information on department plans to introduce a new Park Ranger Community Outreach Dog Program in the coming months, as an innovative way to engage residents and increase awareness for the City of Glendale's Parks and Recreation programs. Mr. Kurtzhals was accompanied by Ranger, the chocolate Labrador Retriever who is the first dog in the pilot program. Mr. Kurtzhals noted that he has not found another Parks and Recreation Department in the nation with this type of program. Mr. Kurtzhals gave a presentation, which included the following information: • Introduction: The Glendale Park Rangers propose to create a Canine Community Outreach Program that will be a key component to increasing community engagement. The end goal is increasing awareness and participation in Glendale's Parks & Recreation programs and fostering goodwill in the community. • Mission: The purpose for the canine will be to serve as a community outreach tool to enhance Parks & Recreation programs and events. A secondary purpose will be as a support for public safety and community groups that request assistance for residents that have experienced traumatic events. The dog may be utilized for its calming and distraction effect and to aid in bridging communication. • Public Interaction • Events • Touch A Truck • GAIN Night • Family Bike Ride • Stand Up for Veterans • Jingle Bell Hike • Glendale Glitters • Glendale Day at Camelback Ranch • Dog Days of Glendale • Many more • Facilities and Programs • Glendale Adult Center • Out -of -School Programs at Community Centers • Senior and Assisted Living Facilities • Glendale Libraries • Foothills 360 Program at FRAC • Upcoming Programs in Development that will Feature Canine Prominently • Junior Ranger Program • Park Safety Campaign • Thunderbird Park Docent Program • Working Dogs in Glendale: • Police K9's • Topaz: The Fire Department Crisis Response Dog • Focus: Unlike public safety dogs and some other working dogs, the Ranger Dog will not: • Be used for search and rescue operations • Search for bombs or narcotics • Be trained to attack, track, or be aggressive in any way • Logistics: • The canine will be managed by one Park Ranger primary handier who will be responsible for the canine's 24-hour care and feeding. • The canine will be maintained at the handler's residence and respond along with the handier during regularly scheduled shifts. • The primary handler of Ranger is Mr. Kurtzhals. • A secondary handler can be available to manage the canine in the same manner during any of the primary handler's vacations or an extended medical leave, etc. • The Bond Between Dogs and Humans • Quotes and information regarding the physical and mental benefits of a relationship with canines was provided. • Funding: • No City funds used — possible options: • Online funding accounts • Fundraising campaigns or events • Sponsorships and donations • Grants • Next Steps: • Final review and approval • Obtain a dog: Labrador Retriever breed • Train and certify • Therapy Dog International • AACR Basic - Advanced • Respond to crisis calls • Assist community members and first responders Mr. Kurtzhals opened the floor for questions. Chair Cole inquired if the Ranger has been neutered. Mr. Kurtzhals explained that he will be neutered at the appropriate time and there is a veterinarian who has volunteered her services. Mr. Kurtzhals noted that the policy dictates that the dog cannot be bred. Mr. Kurtzhals stated that Rangers is already micro -chipped. Commissioner Edgar inquired if the City has laws to prevent people from hiking with dogs in extreme heat. Mr. Kurtzhals replied that the City of the Glendale does not have such a law, but the conversation is beginning. Commissioner Edgar supported the passing of such as law. Commissioner McAffee asked if Ranger would be promoted on social media and Ms. Larson replied in the positive. Chair Cole wondered if Ranger would be at GAIN night and Ms. Larson replied in the positive. Mr. Kurtzhals noted that people have expressed following Ranger on Instagram and so that will be set up as well. Mr. Barnard relayed that all new staff members are subject to a six-month review and Ranger will be no exception. Chair Cole thanked Mr. Kurtzhals for the presentation and for bringing Ranger to the meeting. 6. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Strunk provided a brief report on achievements and upcoming department activities, which included the following: • There was an arson incident at Historic Sahuaro Ranch and staff has been working with police and fire regarding the incident. Plans are underway for clean-up and reconstruction. The guest house was unharmed; however, the milk barn, blacksmith shop, and granary were burned. • Next Tuesday, staff will present the Intelligence Irrigation System and the Park Discount Fees recommendation to Council for approval. • Ms. Larson is creating the next edition of Glendale @ Play. • Skunk Creek is becoming overgrown and is in need of maintenance. Mr. Strunk will ask Council for some funding for clean-up via the budget process. • The City Clerk's Office is now responsible for all Boards and Commissions appointments. The Office has enacted an annual appointment date for Board Members and Commissioners for efficiency and consistency in term expirations. The City Clerk's Office will contact all Commissioners regarding new terms. • During October, November, and December, there are many great events and volunteer opportunities. The Commissioners will be sent a list of opportunities for which to attend and/or volunteer. Commissioner Huston asked if Council has voted on the flag pole issue as he has been asked by a few people who would like to attend the voting Council meeting in support of the flag pole. Mr. Strunk stated that there has not been a vote yet and staff is compiling more information for Council. Mr. Strunk will keep the Commission apprised of the Council agenda date for the vote. 7. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Schiavone inquired as to how the Commissioners were to report back to staff regarding park inspections. Mr. Barnard explained that the Commissioners should complete and return the inspection form. Staff will then follow up on items requiring attention. Chair Cole requested a fax number and Mr. Strunk stated that staff will provide the number. Mr. Barnard noted that an email or bringing the inspection report to a meeting is fine too. Commissioner Huston thanked Mr. Wesolowski for an excellent demonstration. Commissioner Edgar was very impressed with the Martin Art Center and thanked Mr. Wesolowski for all he has done for the community. Mr. Wesolowski announced that he is working with Pastor Emmanuel of the Roots Program at another City community center to find mutually beneficial partnerships and/or sharing opportunities. Commissioner McAffee enjoyed the visit to the Martin Art Center and stated that he enjoys having Commission meetings at different locations. Chair Cole thanked staff for honoring the request to have a meeting at this location and volunteered to work a Commission booth at the upcoming Cactus District meeting. 8. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on November 13, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the Glendale Adult Center, room 104, located at 5970 W. Brown Street, Glendale, AZ 85302. S. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Jessica Edgar Vote: 5 - 0 Passed The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes of October 9, 2017 were submitted and approved this 13th day of November, 2017. Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary