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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 11/13/2017PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE ADULT CENTER - ROOM 104 5970 W BROWN ST GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85302 NOVEMBER 13, 2017 6:OOP.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cole called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Cole took roll call and noted that all Commissioners were present except for Commissioner McAffee. Present: Barbara Cole, Chair Alicia Rubio, Vice Chair Dan Huston, Commissioner Pattie Johnston, Commissioner Sam McConnell III, Commissioner Gale Schiavone, Commissioner Jessica Edgar, Commissioner Absent: Ethan McAffee, Commissioner Also Present: Erik Strunk, Director Public Facilities, Recreation & Special Events Tim Barnard, Assistant Director Mike Gregory, Deputy Director Stephanie Miller, Program Manager Paul King, Recreation Administrator Kim Larson, Communications & Marketing Program Manager Bryan Wagner, Park Superintendent 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS None. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston to approve the October 9, 2017 Commission meeting minutes as written. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) 5. NEW BUSINESS a. UPDATE: DRAFT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR POSSIBLE FLAG PLACEMENT IN THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK Mr. Strunk noted that at the August 1, 2017 City Council workshop, direction was provided by Council to move forward with research on the possible permanent construction of a flagpole at Arrowhead Point in the Thunderbird Conservation Park. Mr. Strunk and Mr. Barnard provided a brief background of the agenda item as discussed at previous Commission meetings. Mr. Strunk's presentation included the following: • Overview • Initial request made 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) • Map • A map of the general location at Arrowhead Point was displayed • Staff Direction • Research • U.S. Flag Code • City Dark Sky Ordinance • Develop Cost Estimates • Review Thunderbird Conservation Park (TCP) Master Plan • Review Deed Restrictions of TCP • Determine if any Conflict with Aircraft • Options . 20-25' Lighted Flagpole atop Arrowhead Point . 20-25' Lighted Flagpole in Parking Lot Area . Ordinance Allowing Current Flag to Remain at Arrowhead Point . Status Quo — Remove All Flags Ms. Larson presented the following: • Public Participation Plan • Conduct public outreach campaign; return to Council Workshop in 2018 with formal recommendation on Option #1 • November 13, December 11, January 15, 2018: Parks and Recreation Commission Briefings • December 1 — January 1: Publicity and survey dissemination via the following methods: • News Release to all local TV, radio, and newspaper outlets • Website: A survey tool will be posted on the City's home page, Parks and Recreation Page and TCP web page. • Social Media: The survey will be distributed via the City's various social media channels, (main City, Parks and Recreation — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Nextdoor) • Weekend Intercept Surveys at TCP and other locations (outlined below) • Direct e-mail: Parks and Recreation email database • City Council Messaging — newsletters, meetings, if applicable • Chamber Sub -Committee on Veteran's Affairs • Interactive Display/Outreach Table with background materials at City facilities • December 2: Jingle Bell Hike Event at TCP — Intercept Surveys (a.m.) • December 11: Parks and Recreation Commission Briefing • January 6: Intercept Survey with hikers at TCP (a.m.) • January 15: Input phase endsMr. Strunk continued: • January 29: Special Meeting and Presentation of Draft Report to Commission • February 20: Presentation of Report and Findings to City Council at Workshop • Commission Input • Review and comment on Plan • Possible Questions for Survey Tool — Commissioners are asked for suggestions on survey questions Mr. Strunk stated that there is a group, a Chamber of Commerce subcommittee, which is willing to take on the main role of funding and maintaining the proposed flagpole. Mr. Strunk stated that the purpose of the item is for the Commission to review and approve the process and proposed timeline for a formal citizen input phase. Chair Cole asked if Council approval was needed to start the survey process. Mr. Strunk replied in the negative and stated that it is part of the public outreach process. Chair Cole inquired about the flagpole in regard to safety under windy conditions and lighting. Mr. Strunk explained that the flagpole would have to be structurally sound and built in a safe, responsible fashion. If approved, there would be an engineering component to ensure that the flagpole was anchored properly. Mr. Barnard commented that solar is one lighting option. Chair Cole asked if the survey would include the fact that there is a group already committed to funding and maintaining the flagpole, as this could influence a person's opinion. Mr. Strunk stated that this could be included in the pre -amble of the survey: that the construction and maintenance of the flagpole would be at no cost to the City. Vice Chair Rubio inquired about the cost of the flagpole. Mr. Strunk replied that initial estimates were at approximately $57,000; however, there are volunteers and companies that have offered to do in-kind work. Vice Chair Rubio asked if there was any liability to the City if a private group was maintaining the flagpole and if the City Attorney was consulted for an opinion. Mr. Strunk replied that if the project were to move forward, the City would have a formal agreement with the interested group in regards to construction, operation, and maintenance. Mr. Strunk explained that this type of agreement is regularly required by the City in these types of instances. Commissioner Huston asked if there was a plan to weight survey responses by zip code or by park users. Mr. Strunk commented that the park is in Glendale proper; however, it is a regional park. Mr. Strunk stated that the survey will be segregated by zip code for analysis. Ms. Larson commented that the survey will ask if the respondent is a Glendale resident, along with the zip code request. Commissioner Huston asked if Commissioners could suggest questions for the survey after this evening and if staff could send the Commissioners the draft questions. Mr. Strunk replied in the positive. Commissioner Huston asked if other parks have flags or if staff thinks this request will encourage other requests. Mr. Barnard replied that Council is aware that this is the only location being considered. Ms. Miller commented that Scottsdale has a flagpole in a park, but it is near a building, not inside the park. Commissioner Edgar asked if opposition voices have been heard from. Ms. Miller stated that responses have been received in support and in opposition regarding installation at a conservation park. Ms. Miller commented that via the survey, feedback will be analyzed. Mr. Strunk clarified that currently, there is one, unlighted American flag at the site allowed to remain pending further research. Commissioner McConnell wondered what would happen if the flagpole was approved, but after a while, the group who agreed to maintain the flag, stopped doing so. Mr. Strunk replied that this would be a breach of the written agreement and would be dealt with via advice from the City Attorney. Commissioner McConnell requested a copy of the draft survey prior to finalizing. Mr. Strunk replied in the positive. Commissioner Schiavone asked if the survey would ask how often the person uses the park. Mr. Barnard replied in the positive. Commissioner Schiavone asked if Ranger, the dog, would be used to promote or be present during the surveys. Mr. Barnard replied in the positive and stated that social media would be used as well. Commissioner Johnston asked if the intercept would be done at all Thunderbird Conservation Park entrances and Ms. Larson replied in the positive. Mr. Barnard added that the survey will be done at alternating times of the day. Chair Cole requested a visual design drawing of the flagpole. Mr. Strunk will follow up. Vice Chair Rubio wondered about a Plan B if the public was in opposition. Mr. Strunk replied that the proposal will be well -vetted and the City has a very defined process for this type of situation. Commissioner Edgar commented that, with no disrespect to the flag, she would not support the request because of the proposed location in a conservation park. Mr. Strunk explained that the Public Participation Plan is in the first step in the process of exploring the concept, Mr. Strunk stated that all of the information gathered will be presented to the Commission to make a group recommendation and then Mayor and Council will make the final decision. Motioned by,Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Vice Chair Alicia Rubio to move forward with the Public Participation Plan as recommended by staff regarding the possible flagpole installation at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) b. REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF HISTORIC SAHUARO RANCH MASTER PLAN PROJECT Mr. Gregory announced that the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area Master Plan was last updated in. 1995. Since that time, there have been significant changes within the ranch, community, economy, resources available for historic preservation, and the parks and recreation industry. Mr. Gregory announced that the plan needs to be updated to ensure the relevance and viability of the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area and to provide a roadmap for the future. Mr. Gregory stated that staff engaged many consultants to provide proposals for conducting the Master Plan Project. Mr. Gregory announced that PLANet Communities, LLC was selected to develop the new plan. The proposal from PLANet was provided to the Commissioners. The consultant's primary focus will be to engage stakeholders through various methods and establish sound business perspectives that meet the needs of patrons and create functional strategies for current and future programs, services, and events while preserving the integrity of the facility. Mr. Gregory noted that the main goals of the Historic Sahuaro Ranch Master Plan Update are to: • Engage the public and stakeholders to solicit input on the vision of goal • Identify current and future facility priorities and needs • Update maintenance, safety, and care standards for existing/new amenities • Identify potential new revenue, funding sources, and partnerships • Identify operational efficiencies • Establish capital and operating cost estimates and potential funding sources • Ensure historic property is accessible and seamless • Conduct demographic and marketing analysis • Compare operational strategies with other facilities to determine best practices Mr. Gregory anticipated that the process would take seven to nine months for completion. Chair Cole asked for clarification of -cost for the update and actual area of the park. Mr. Gregory stated that it is approximately $49,000 and just covers the historic area, such as the barnyard, great lawn, fruit packing shed, and great house. Commissioner McConnell asked if the plan had to be followed once approved, or if there was flexibility. Mr. Gregory explained that it would be difficult to stray from the document because the plan sets the procedure for the future, however, changes could certainly be discussed. Mr. Strunk commented that the Historic Preservation Commission is also tasked with ensuring the facility remains on track historically. Vice Chair Rubio asked if the plan would include a section on revenue generation and Mr. Gregory replied in the positive. Commissioner McConnell commented that although staff is looking for Commission recommendation to Council regarding PLANet for the plan update, the Commission had not seen the other proposals and therefore could not fully recommend one consultant over the other. Mr. Barnard assured the Commission that the PLANet was fully vetted via the RFP process. Commissioner McConnell understood, but felt that since the Commission was not involved in the RFP process, it could only recommend that the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area Master Plan be updated. Motioned by Commissioner Dan Huston, seconded by Commissioner Sam McConnell III to move forward with the revision of the existing Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area Master Plan. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) C. UPDATE ON DRONES IN PUBLIC PARKS Mr. Barnard provided information on key federal and state statutes regarding drones and the need for the City to be compliant with the state statutes. Mr. Barnard explained that the State of Arizona passed legislation which took effect in August, defining the use of drones within municipal boundaries and requiring municipalities to provide at least one park for appropriate drone use. In response, staff conducted an initial discussion of the item at the June 2017 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. Mr. Barnard noted that the purpose of the item is to present information on the various legal requirements impacting the use of drones in city parks and to seek Commission comments as to the potential location of an area within our parks system for the recreational use of drones. Mr. Barnard introduced Sgt. Mark Lankford, who is a subject matter expert on drones. Mr. Barnard gave the following presentation on Drones in Public Parks: • Previous Discussion • Presented to the Commission June 12, 2017 for information and discussion • Provided federal and state regulations and guidelines to review • Additional meetings with City Departments • Met with drone enthusiasts in the community; conducted demonstration for the Commission • FAA Guidelines • Fly at or below 400 feet • Keep your drone (UAS) within sight at all times • Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports • Never fly over groups of people • Never fly over stadiums or sports events • Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires • Never fly under the influence • Be aware of airspace requirements • State Requirements for Drone Flying • 13-3729. Unlawful operation of model or unmanned aircraft; state preemption; classification; definitions • A. It is unlawful for a person to operate a model aircraft or a civil unmanned aircraft if the operation: .1. Is prohibited by a federal law or regulation that governs aeronautics, including Federal Aviation Administration regulations • 2. Interferes with a law enforcement, firefighter, or emergency services operation. . B. It is unlawful for a person to operate or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system to intentionally photograph or loiter over or near a critical facility in furtherance of any criminal offense. • ARS 13-3729 (August 2016) • State statute provided . Selection of Park for Drone Flying • In addition to federal and state requirements, items considered when identifying a park for recreational drone flying include: • Adequate parking • Restrooms available • Open space • Vehicle traffic impacts • Based on Criteria • The proposed location is Thunderbird Paseo Park at 67th Avenue • An aerial diagram was provided and street view pictures were displayed • Sgt. Mark Lankford is in support of the location • Next Steps • Glendale Police Department staff and the City Attorney's Office representative recommended developing new City ordinance language to revise the City Code similar to what the City of Phoenix recently approved for the flying of recreational drones in a City park. • Staff will be working with the City Attorney's Office to draft a resolution to revise Chapter 27 of the City Code to reflect the regulations/requirements for the FAA and the new state statute. • Staff will discuss with City Council to get feedback on the possible ordinance change and the proposed location. • Once approved by City Council, staff will develop a communications plan to inform citizens. Commissioner Huston asked if the Thunderbird Paseo location was the only proposed location. Mr. Barnard explained that the state statute requires that the City identify at least only one site. Commissioner Huston asked if a recreational pilot would be in violation if they were to fly a drone elsewhere. Sgt. Lankford replied not necessarily and explained the difference between commercial and recreational drone usage. Motioned by Chair Barbara Cole, seconded by Commissioner Pattie Johnston to approve and recommend that the section along 67th Avenue between Greenway and Thunderbird Roads in the Thunderbird Paseo Park be designated as the city park area to fly drones during daylight hours. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed Other: Commissioner Ethan McAffee (ABSENT) d. 2017-2018 FESTIVAL SEASON UPDATES Ms. Miller provided an overview of plans for the 2017-2018 Festival Season, which included the following: • Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend • Glendale Glitters Holiday Weekends • Glendale Glitter & Glow • Glendale Chocolate Affaire • New Holiday Lighting Displays • 1.6 million lights covering 16 blocks in the downtown • Grand Avenue Entry Lights and new "Welcome to Downtown Glendale" light display at 57th Dr. and US 60 • Enhanced Downtown Lights • Bank of America Building • Velma Teague Library • City Hall parking garage • Council Chambers building • Merchant buildings surrounding Murphy Park • White LED lights in the downtown, with the exception of Murphy Park • Glendale Glitters Enhancements • Fewer Barricades • Beverage tent will be moved to Glenn Dr. from 58th Avenue • Fewer Vendors *Approximately 20 in the park and approximately 15 relocated to Catlin Court • Uniform Tents • Approximately 20 in the park and approximately 15 relocated to Catlin Court • 2017-18 Special Features • Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend Guest of Honor: Officer Badr Elkhannoussi • Special Events Hotline Number: 623-930-2299 • Festival Information featured on Visit Glendale App • Complimentary WIFI in Murphy Park during festival event operating hours • Partnerships • Hometown Christmas Parade — December 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Swire Coca-Cola USA is the Soft Drink supplier for 2017-18 festivals • Donated 168 cases of water and 50 cases of soda • On Advertising Partnership • Media coverage Channel 3, Channel 5, and social media • Festival Entertainment at the Civic Center • "Party on the Patio" • November 25, 2017 and January 6, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. • Sunday -Wednesday Programming (New Initiative) • Free Community Programming • Opportunities for Murphy Park merchants and Glendale -based vendors to sell their wares in Murphy Park — four vendors per evening. This opportunity is free for qualified vendors/merchants. • Community performances at the E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheatre • Another opportunity to enjoy the lights • Visitor Surveys • Visitor surveys will be available at the Visit Glendale Booth at various Glendale festivals • Participants will be entered to win a Cerreta's gift basket Chair Cole requested a list of open slots for the Sunday -Wednesday Programming. Vice Chair Rubio asked if the Murphy Park visitor surveys and flagpole surveys would be bilingual and Ms. Miller replied in the positive. Ms. Miller stated that staff is looking for Commissioner volunteers to fill the booths at the Murphy Park events and will send out an email with details. 6. STAFF UPDATES Mr. Strunk announced that the Intelligent Irrigation System will be on the November 28th Council agenda for approval and staff will provide an update on the Department Master Plan at the December Commission meeting. 7. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Huston inquired about plans for Glen Lakes Golf Course. Mr. Strunk commented that staff would discuss the issue on a future agenda. Commissioner McConnell requested notice of Parks and Recreation events and a copy of the- final hefinal minutes earlier than previously delivered. Ms. Miller explained the process of summary and draft minutes. Vice Chair Rubio inquired about the newly extended Commissioner terms. Mr. Strunk suggested putting the topic on the next Commission meeting agenda. 8. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on December 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., at Heroes Regional Park — Wheels in Motion, located at 6101 West 83rd Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85303. 9. ADJOURNMENT Chair Cole adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. with Commission consensus.