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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 11.23 PRC Minutes255 CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 1001 North Idaho Road Apache Junction, Arizona 85220 REGULAR MEETING September 23, 1985 A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on September 23,1985 at 7:00 P.M. at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT ABSENT John Granillo Jr. - Chairman Lois Broman - Secretary James Appler Janice Palson Deanene Weber Michael Carden - Vice Chairman Chuck Heermans Judd Williams STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Community Services Superintendent CALL TO ORDER:John Granillo Jr., chairman called the meeting, to order at 7:06 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:John Granillo Jr. led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:Janice Palson moved to accept the agenda as presented. James Appler seconded the motion which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: SUPERINTENDENTS COMMENTS: Janice Palson moved to accept the minutes of September 9, 1985, Special Meeting as presented.James Appler seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Jeff Bell updated the Commission on the status of several programs in- cluding softball, cultural arts, volleyball, pre-school and firearms safety program. Mr. Bell also informed the Commission of a request by several citizens to investigate the possibilities of heat- ing the community swimming pool.It has been suggested as an agenda item at the next regular meeting. Finally, the Commission was informed of the planning meeting currently taking place in preparation of the upcoming Lost Dutchman Days. The Community Services Department will sponsor tournaments for tennis, rac- ketball and softball. 257 P & R Commission Regular Meeting 9/23/85 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS: A. Cycle Track Discussion: B. Prospector Park Update: Chairman John Granillo Jr. informed the Commission of a meeting that was held with Bill Ruddick of the Bureau of Land Management to discuss the possibility of the Jay Cee Park, when transferred to the City, to be used as a site for the cycle track as re- quested by Robyn Hopkins. Mr. Granillo reported that the B.L.M. was not in favor of the idea, since it is not compatible with the types of uses the original lease called for. As an alternative, Mr. Granillo identified the lands in section 2 as a feasible location for these types of activities. The B.L.M. is in the process of vali- dating mining claims on these lands and does not expect many of these claims to be valid.Upon determina- tion of these claims, much of this land will be leased to the City for recreation purposes. Mr. Bell added the B.L.M. expects to have all this work done within six months, and that there is approximate- ly 500 acres already available. It was suggested that Mrs. Hopkins and the Commission investigate the site to identify a location suitable for her request, and determine other types of activities that these lands can handle. Community Services Staff will keep communication open with Mrs. Hopkins and report any new findings to the Commission. The architect selection process for the design of the restrooms/conces- sions building has been completed with McClung and Associates of Apache Junc- tion being awarded the bid in the amount of $1200.00 The design and complete set of working drawings will be furnished to the City within a month. Other improvements at the park are proceeding as anticipated with some minor problems, due to trenching being turned down by Salt River Project, causing a delay in the electrical in- spection. Mr. Bell stated that the Contractor is still way within the time frame for construction and does not see any problems. 259 P & R Commission Regular Meeting 9/23/85 Page 3 C. Fitness Track Discussion: D. Hohokam Site Improvements: E. Community Services Bus Status: F. Five -Year Parks Improvements Program: After a lengthy discussion concerning the request by Dr. William Gerchick to enter into a cooperative working arrangement with the City in provid- ing a Physical Fitness Track on his property .a motion was made by Janice Palson and seconded by Lois Broman directing staff to inform Dr. Gerchick that his request has been denied. The reasons for denial include: 1) Concerns on liability 2) location 3) and the fact that the school district is pursuing a grant oppor- tunity to locate these type of acti- vities at each one of the local schools. It was suggested that Dr. Gerchick be provided the opportunity to donate his equipment to be used on City oper- ated land if his project is not feas- ible to complete on his own. Mr. Granillo informed the Commission that discussion was held with B.L.M. on the best way to expend the budget- ed funds for Hohokam Site Improvements The possibility exist of placing our funds in a B.L.M. account and having them proceed with the archaeological work that would satisfy B.L.M. re- quirements.By doing this the City would not be burdened with the admini- stration and coordination of this work Both the City and B.L.M. will researc1 this possibility further. Mr. Granillo brought up the idea of in the future having a perpetual dig operation. A lengthy discussion followed, ending with direction to Mr. Bell to keep the Commission informed on the status of the Hohokam Site. Mr. Bell told the Commission that the City Council authorized the Community Services Department to proceed with the purchase of an used bus to replac( the existing one. The process will take approximately a month and Mr. Bell will report back at the next meeting. Chairman Granillo updated the Com- mission on what was discussed in the previous meeting. Discussion followed dealing with breaking the swimming pool out of year five's Prospector Park allot- ment and titling it Prospector Park Swimming Pool. 261 P & R Commission Regular Meeting 9/23/85 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS: A. Halloween Carnival: B. Neighborhood Parks: Mr. Bell reminded the Commission that we will need to develop ideas for year five, based on what is accomp- lished this year depending on the amount of grant monies received. It was decided to wait until the a- ward of grant money notification be- fore making any final decisions. Mr. Bell informed the Commission of the Halloween planning meeting on October 2.Notices have been mailed out to all civic organizations and clubs soliciting their support and interest in this annual event. Chairman Granillo told the Commission of the request by the Community Foundation and Epicenter for the City to donate the 10 acres of B.L.M. land on Starr Road for the purpose of developing a Social Service Center utilizing construction grant money _ from the Kresge Foundation. It was suggested that we consider incorporating a park adjacent to or surrounding this center if the pro- ject is approved. Mr. Granillo expressed his concerns on the several options available in providing this land to the Community Foundation or Epicenter. Mr. Bell suggested waiting until a formal request comes across before any action be taken on this item. Ms. Palson suggested calling a Special Meeting if time becomes a factor. Under the same item Mr. Granillo initiated discussion on the 5 acre section of land off of Superstition. He suggested the Commission consider the types of uses this land can pro- vide since the site is located in a flood area. After lengthy discussion on the types of uses and the characteristics of this park it was suggested that the Commission think about not only this particular site, but how all neigh- borhood parks should be developed. Mr. Bell expressed his concerns on the need to look at each particular park site individually and develop according to the characteristics of the neighborhood and surrounding area Mr. Granillo mentioned the need to solicit community input on the 263 P & R Commission Regular. Meeting 9/23/85 Page 5 C. Facility Reservation Policy: D. Request for Upcoming Agenda Items: types of facilities they would like to see. Mr. Bell updated the Commission on the status of the Park Ordinance which has been completed in rough draft form and will be presented to the Commission in a complete package along with the facility policies we develop. Mr. Bell explained that the ordinance is a general guideline for park rules and regulations and that the policy we develop for each facility will be more specific. Mr. Bell recommended the Commission initiate this process by establishing classifications for the various park users, similiar to the City of Chand- ler. It was suggested that the following items be included in next months agenda:Five -Year Parks Program, Community Services Bus, Prospector Park, B.L.M. Lands, Swimming Pool, Halloween Carnival, Facility Policy and Hohokam Site. PUBLIC COMMENT:NONE BOARD DISCUSSION:NONE ADJOURNMENT:There being no further business Janice Palson made a motion to adjourn and James Appler seconded the motion which passed unanimously. APPROVED: mor SECRETARY