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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 01.27 PRC MinutesCITY OF APACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 1001 North Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. 85219 REGULAR MEETING January 27, 1992 A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on January 27, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT ABSENT Nick McVicker-Chairman Lois Broman Paul Miller Gary Mulholland Judd Williams (Excused) Loyd Lynch STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks & Recreation Mary D. March, Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: Councilwoman Barker, City Council Liaison CALL TO ORDER:Nick McVicker,Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and led PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: STAFF COMMENTS: Lois Broman made a motion to accept the Agenda for January 27, 1992, regular meeting as presented.Gary Mulholland seconded this motion which passed unanimously. Paul Miller made a motion to accept the minutes from October 28 and November 25, 1992, regular meetings as presented. Lois Broman seconded this motion which passed unanimously. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that we accepted and approved construction of a 24' x 36' metal, park maintenance, building at Prospector Park.Parks Division is installing fencing to enclose an area 75'x 100'for maintenance yard and is working on getting water and electrical to the facility. The Department's Operating & Procedures Manual was approved by the City Council, November 19, 1991.Fees became effec- tive January 1, 1992. The City Council approved a request from the Little League for the expendi- ture of 10,000 to jointly develop a concession/restroom building at the Jr. High School Ballfield.The Little League will be requesting an additional $5,000 at the February 4,1992 City Council meeting. Commission member, Paul Miller is resign- ing to move out of state, we have appreci- ated and valued his years of service & input. OLD BUSINESS: A. Update on Sister Cities Program:Mr.Bell relayed to the Commission that on January 28, the Apache Junction Sister Cities Association hosted the State Workshop at Gold Canyon Resort 55 people from all over the State parti- cipated.We had an opportunity to talk with Dick Neuhiesel and Rick Gerrard of Sister Cities International about our problems in getting a sister city. Basically, our local organization needs to be more aggressive and rely less on the international organization, we have received some contact names for South American Cities and will be contacting them ourselves. B. Update on Multi -Use Trail Master Plan: C. Five Year Parks Plan Discussion: NEW BUSINESS: A. Discussion on Meeting Dates: The W.L.B.Group has finalized base sheets for display at our first public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Notification will be sent to related public organizations,B.L.M.,Pinal County, Horsemen's Association, etc... Jeff Bell,relayed to the Commission that a news release soliciting input was submitted and run in the local paper with no response received.The most current priority list was distri- buted for reprioritization.After lengthy discussion a prioritize list as follows was agreed upon: 1) Prospector Park; 2) Multi -Use Trail; 3) Rodeo Park; 4) Land Acquisition; 5) Neighborhood Parks; 6) Veterans' Memorial Park; 7) City Hall/ Library Park; 8) Superstition Park; 9) City/ School Complex; 10) Weeks Wash Park; 11) Senior Center Addition; 12) Golf Course; 13) Community Center. Mr. Bell will provide prioritized list with appropriated figures at next regular meeting. Jeff Bell, asked for input on the idea of having quarterly meetings with an option of calling special meetings as needed. After some discussion Gary Mulholland made a motion to hold quarterly meetings with the inclusion of special meetings to be held on the fourth Monday of the month on an as needed basis.Lois Broman seconded this motion wich passed unanimously. Lois Broman suggested contacting A.S.U. to see if any A.J. residents taking leisure service oriented classes are enrolled and may be interested in serving on the Commission. B. Request for Upcoming Agenda Items:Five Year Parks Plan; Update on Multi Use Trail Master Plan. PUBLIC COMMENT:NONE BOARD DISCUSSION:Paul Miller expressed his enjoyment with working with everyone on the Commission. ADJOURNMENT: APPROVED: Secretary Paul Miller made a motion to adjourn.Lois Broman seconded this motion which passed unanimously. CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 1001 North Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. 85219 A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on March 28, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT Nick McVicker (Chairman) Lois Broman Kristi Moyle Gary Mulholland STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER: ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: ABSENT Judd Williams (Excused) Loyd Lynch (Excused) J.R. Palmer Jeff Bell, Director of Parks & Recreation Mary D. March, Secretary Mayor, Jean Perkins; City Council Liaison, Pat Richmond;Carol Doty,Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chairman McVicker called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lois Broman made a motion to accept the agenda a presented.Gary Mulholland seconded this motion which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:Lois Broman made a motion to accept the minutes from January 24,1994,regular meeting as presented.Kristi Moyle seconded this motion which passed unanimously. STAFF COMMENTS:Jeff Bell informed the Commission that preliminary budget has been submitted, but have not had a meeting yet, due to City Managers accident,and suggested budget discussion be continued to next meeting agenda. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that the Parks Maintenance Coordinator,Tom Deegan has been with us for 3 weeks now. He has already exhibited good signs of a more efficient operation, he has lessened vehicle usage by utilizing maintenance teams, which will also provide for better P&R Commission Meeting March 28, 1994 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS: A. Rodeo Park Update: maintained facilities or areas and will lessen wear and tear on equipment.Due to the heavy workload, our current Parks Superintendent has, he was not able to be out in the field, the Parks Maintenance Coordinator provides for this necessity. Mr.Bell further explained that he is very comfortable with the Parks Division organization at this time. The Division's operating level is more productive, efficient and effective than ever and the organization allows for future growth. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that he had attended a Trails Workshop on Friday, January 21, 1994.Topics covered included creative ways of funding trails, creative ways to obtain grant funding, how to match that with volunteer in -kind type services from the community, there was some interesting and beneficial information provided. Another Workshop for the Heritage Grant Fund is scheduled for April 12th.Parks Superintendent,Nick Blake will attend this workshop along with Mr.Bell. Workshop sessions are scheduled concurrently, on local, regional parks, neighborhood and community parks and at the same time one on trails. Points are received for attendance, by attending the sessions scheduled at the same time, we will receive an extra point on our grant application. Mr.Bell relayed that we will be utilizing the Summer Youth Training Program through CAAG again this year.We requested 4 positions be filled two parks maintenance trainees and two recreation leader trainees, three positions will be filled. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that the arena has been constructed and the Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo sponsored by the Superstition Mountain Promotional Commission and Chamber of Commerce was held at the new facility and was very successful. P&R Commission Meeting March 28, 1994 Page 3 B:Heritage Grant Update: We squeezed the development in just under the deadline and there are few items that need modified or changed. Engineering has a punchlist which includes the modification of all the gates so the work properly and we are still awaiting some of the portable panels for the bucking shoots. Mr.Bell elaborated that a lot of positive comments were received at the rodeo, like first class facility, best in the valley and so on.Mr. Bell went on to point out,the time,effort and knowledge given by Mr. Mulholland during the design, development and utilization of this facility as key to its success. Mr.Mulholland felt that it was very important that during the rush of getting this facility construction for the rodeo that we did not lose site of what the first impression would be. So things like having the dirt for the arena specially mixed and thoroughly worked in were attended to.This effort worked people leaving this facility not only were impressed with the facility as a whole but considered it a safe facility not only for participants but for the horses also. Mr. Bell added that the electrical design is to be received this week,for our review.We were also able to purchase bleachers seating 1,600 from the Arizona Ski Springs in Gilbert, which is going out of business at $3.00 per seat, for this facility. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that we have entered into a participation agreement with Arizona State Parks Board and the money is available. Prospector Park Plans are essentially ready for bid, we may have one hold up, with the development of the new Police Department building, and retention area at the county park we are trying to coordinate relocation of the vegetation P&R Commission Meeting March 28, 1994 Page 4 C.Five Year Parks Plan Discussion: from Prospector Park to these areas and also medians along the Trail, this may delay things a couple of months. Mr. Bell distributed 5 Year prioritized project list and summary.Mr. McVicker opened discussion for public input. Carolyn Clay from the royal palm area asked about development of parks in her area, concerned about children playing in the desert, on the prioritized list she doesn't see anything for a neighborhood park in her area. Jeff Bell explained that on the prioritized list there are two item one called neighborhood parks which is for the acquisition of land for this purpose and then there is Weekes Wash which is a 14 acre strip of land that the City has acquired,that could be used for this purpose. Grace from Superstition Villa expressed same concern for a park in there area so the children have something keep them occupied.She also expressed that a youth center is needed and should have a higher priority. Mayor Perkins suggested if residents find parcel of property for City to acquire in there area, then the neighborhoods could do fundraisers to develop the facilities. Gary Mulholland agrees these parks are needed but property costs money.Mr. Mulholland believes the City is growing and will continue to grow and as part of this development we need to consider having the developer designate a area for this purpose. Nancy Koerner asked about the status of grant money for development of the Multi- use Trail. P&R Commission Meeting March 28, 1994 Page 5 Mr. Bell replied it is still available to request for when we have budgeted funds to match. Carol Doty asked when we finalize the priority list. Mr. Bell replied approximately May after the Commission has had time to consider all public input, a make a recommendation based on this along with budget considerations.It is then forwarded to the City Council for their approval. Chairman McVicker asked if anyone had anymore comments or concerns.Thanked everyone for their input, acknowledging the strong interest voiced for neighborhood parks as something the commission will be considered when developing the new prioritized list. D.Operating & Procedures Manual Review:Mr.Bell and the Commission reviewed concerns and suggestions for revisions to the operating and procedures manual: Gary Mulholland expressed concerns with Ordinance 731;Article 15-1-2; prohibiting spirituous liquors in municipal parks.He would like to see this changed to with the exception of a special event liquor license which is approved by the City Manager and the State Liquor Commission. Article 15-1-3; C Horseback Riding needs to be changed since the rodeo grounds has been developed and was incorporated into the BLM Lease as part of Prospector Park, it should read something along the lines that horsebacking Riding is permitted in areas or facilities designated or designed for equestrian use. Gary Mulholland expressed that under permit use - prioritized uses, that if a youth group or non profit organization is using the facility for practice (casual uses) this could be done at no charge, as it is now. But if youth group or non P&R Commission Meeting March 28, 1994 Page 6 profit organization are having a fundraiser a fee should be established either a percentage of funds raised or equal amount of in -kind services provided. Mr. Bell explained, if we are going to assess fees to youth serving groups we need to invite them to meetings to get their input. Gary Mulholland pointed out Page 9; Rules of Conduct; K:No Material, Banner or signs of any kind...,this needs to be changed, rodeo traditionally sells signs and displays them during events. Mr. Bell relayed to the commission that fees for the use of the rodeo grounds will need to be established defining uses;day -time,weekend,fundraising, type of event, hourly,casual,lights, etc... Staff has done some research daily fees range from $75.00 to $600.00 per day more research needs to be done before a recommendation can be made. Gary Mulholland made a motion directing staff to contact the City Finance Director to discuss the feasibility of all funds generated from the rodeo ground being put back into the the Parks and Recreation Department budget.Kristi Moyle seconded this motion which passed unanimously Mr.Bell suggested pool fees be increased,ours are the lowest in the Valley and most community have done away with individual season passes only offering family passes. Under picnic package we need to break out tables and chairs as a separate package. Mr.Bell also informed the commission that our liability carrier has required we have a loss control policy which would be included in this manual. Also, there is a Policy on Blood Born Pathogen that P&R Commission Meeting March 28, 1994 Page 7 NEW BUSINESS: A.Request for Future Agenda Items: needs to be included and the Park Attendant position needs to be added to the parttime classification schedule. Budget Update;Five Year Parks Plan; Operating and Procedures Manual Review. B.Selection of Next Meeting Date:April 25, 1994 PUBLIC COMMENT:NONE BOARD DISCUSSION:NONE ADJOURNMENT:Their being no further business Gary Mulholland made a motion to adjourn. Lois Broman seconded this motion which passed unanimously. APPROVED: Secretary