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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 10.03 PRC MinutesAPACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION CONFERENCE ROOM 1001 N. Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. 85219 A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was held on October 3, 2001, 6:00 p.m. at the City of Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT ABSENT Pat Richmond, Vice -Chairman Richard Anderson Stephanie Fish Clyde Nelson Theresa A. Nesser Conrad Pisinski Nick McVicker STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Mary D. March, Secretary CALL TO ORDER:Vice Chairman Richmond called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:Conrad Pisinski made a motion to accept the agenda as presented and Clyde Nelson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:Theresa Nesser motioned to accept the minutes of September 4, 2001 as presented. Conrad Pisinski seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. STAFF COMMENTS:Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that staff has been looking at reorganizing the parks division, due to work load and the additional parks supervisor position authorized in this years budget. Consideration is being given whether to divide up responsibilities among two teams or if division should be geographical. Mr. Bell also relayed that use of facilities is on an up swing due to cooler weather.Staff is working with - the School District and others,on anew event this year the Lost Dutchman Days Marathon which is to take place on January 20, 2002, Civil Rights Day, this event will finish up at Prospector Park with awards and festivities.The Superstition Stampede, which is in it's fourth year ,will take place Thanksgiving weekend at the rodeo grounds. This event is co -hosted by the SMPC, AJ Mounted Rangers, and the Superstition Mountain Historical Society.We recently had special event called Little Buckaroos Rodeo, geared at preschool kids, which made channel 15 news. OLD BUSINESS: A. Renaissance Point Landscaping Discussion: B. Park Project Update: C. Multi -generational Center Discussion: NEW BUSINESS: A. Discussion of Fee Schedule Update: . Mr. Bell informed the Commission that the City Council approved contract for landscape maintenance of Arroyo Verde, Renaissance Point, Phelps Drive and Ironwood Cove, with TruGreen Landcare who maintained Arroyo Verde & Renaissance Point for the last 6 months. Mr. Bell informed the commission that staff put together cost estimate of $125,000.00 to bid project out to contractor, for improvements at Renaissance Point. Mr. Bell will contact the HOA with this information and invite them to next months meeting. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that Superstition Shadows Park development is right on schedule. Underground utilities are all in and the access road should be completed by the end of next week, alleviating the traffic problems which currently exist. Project should be done around the 20th of December. We recently received notice from Arizona State Parks that we were granted a $250,000.00 Heritage Fund grant for future development of Superstition Shadows Park.Second phase improvements would include picnic ramadas, playground, extension of sidewalk, etc.. Swimming Pool Renovation bid opening is tomorrow morning, we have $1.7 million budgeted.If all goes well we hope to have on October 16, 2001 Agenda with construction to begin the first of November. Finally, Council has directed staff to look into dog runs or dog parks.Staff will research and report to Parks and Recreation Commission for a recommendation to City Council. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that he met with County Supervisor Sandie Smith, in regards to City acquiring county park.Ms. Smith expressed that in Order for this to happen 2acres would have to be designated for the Boys & Gins Club.Mr. Bell has asked if it could all be given to the City with the stipulation that 2 acres would be reserved for the B&GC. Ms. Smith will discuss this with B&GC representatives. Mr. Bell also brought to the Commission's attention that the county park is not the only site to be considered.The existing City Hall Complex would be an ideal site once the new City Hall is built, east of current location. Mr. Bell distributed copies of Chapter 4 of the City Code dealing with Parks and Recreation Fees for revenue.We need to update, add new facilities and B. Open Space Discussion: C. Request for Upcoming Agenda Items: new services due to growth.Staff is soliciting information from other cities.Staff will provide the commission with additional information as we get it compiled.We will be discussing this at future meetings. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that through a grant the City is receiving services from the National Parks Service Planner.She works with the trails and green ways program, helping communities strategically plan for trails and open space, we have her services for the next year. Utilizing her we will be identifying user groups, lease holders on the state trust land, etc...We are going to create an ad hoc committee to look at these lands, develop criteria, natural resources, views, a variety of criteria on what we feel is important for these lands to be preserved.So when we go to the state we can let them know this is why we want to preserve these lands. The state has their criteria they have to meet also but the whole idea is to involve the public in this process.The Council has asked that the committee make its recommendation to the Commission for presentation to the City Council. Renaissance Point Discussion; Park Project Update; Dog Park; Fee Schedule Discussion; Multigenerational Center Discussion; Open Space Discussion.• D. Establish Next Meeting Date:November 7, 2001 ADJOURNMENT: APPROVED: Their being no further business Stephanie Fish motioned to adjourn.Theresa A. Nesser seconded this motion which passed unanimously. Vice -Chairman