HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 02.06 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 Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on February 6,
2002, 6:00 p.m. at the City of Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
PRESENT
Nick McVicker, Chairman
Pat Richmond, Vice -Chairman
Richard Anderson
Theresa A. Nesser
Conrad Pisinski
ABSENT
STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mary March, Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:Dan Wilson, Recreation Assistant
Cherie Downey & Kris Sippel,Commission Applicants
CALL TO ORDER:Chairman McVicker called the meeting to order and led the Commission in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
STAFF COMMENTS:
Pat Richmond made a motion to accept the agenda as
presented and Conrand ,Pisinski seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
Theresa A. Nesser made motion to accept the minutes
of November 7, 2001 and January 2, 2002 as
presented.Richard Anderson seconded the motion
and it passed unanimously.
Jeff Bell informed the Commission that the second
Supervisor position in the Parks Division was filled
by Joe Ornellas,who has worked his Way up through
the Parks Division. The position was recruited for
both internally and externally and Joe was the best
candidate for the position.We now have a South
Parks District with Keith Graves as Supervisor and•
Joe Ornellas supervising the North Parks District.
The Lost Dutchman Marathon was very successful,
with over 1,000 runner.The committee in charge
should be commended on a very well run event.
Lost Dutchman Days is to be held the weekend of
February 22, 23 & 24.The Parks and Recreation
Department is going to get back into some associated
events like sports tournaments, etc...
We have received our proposed program from
Fireworks Production International for our July 4th
celebration. We have credit from last year due to rain,
B. Dog Park Presentation:
C. Fees Schedule Review:
D. Open Space Preservation Discussion:
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Request for Upcoming Agenda Items:
Mr. Bell distributed dog park information packet to
Commissioners and with the assistance of Dan
Wilson presented information, pictures of dog parks
they visited and photographed in Chandler, Gilbert,
and Mesa.
All facilities provided tools for cleanup. Double
gated entries were recommended.Gilbert strongly
recommended designating separate areas for larger
more active dogs and smaller dogs.Also
recommended locating drinking fountains away from
entry ways. Chandler developed a park utilizing grant
money through the Police Department where they
provide K-9 training.These kind of facilities also
provides a place for people who own dogs to
socialize with other dog owners.
Cost to develop dog park estimated $110,000.00, we
do not currently have this facility included in Park
Development Program.Staff will make presentation
to City Council and suggest that the Parks and
Recreation Commission receive direction to include
this in Parks Development Program for future
development
Mr. Bell distributed information on current fees
schedule and recommended changes to fees schedule
for Parks and Recreation Commission review and
recommendation. After review and minimal
discussion Conrad Pisinski made a motion
recommending the City Council approve proposed
changes to fee schedule. Pat Richmond seconded this
motioned which passed unanimously.•
Mr. Bell distributed memorandum provided to staff
and City Council by Roger Hacker, Grants
Coordinator, who has done an excellent job in
spearheading this process of identifying the open
space we want to acquire in the future. We have
requested people apply for task force to look at open
space in our community and recommend to this body
what they would like for us to acquire. Arizona
League of Women's Voters performed the interview
and selection of these members. Mr. Bell distributed
list of people selected and those who applied and
were not selected.The group will be busy for the
next 8-10 months formulating options to present to
the Parks and Recreation Commission for
recommendation to the City Council.
Park Project Update; Open Space Preservation
Discussion; BMX Bike Facility Discussion;Golden
Ages Softball Discussion.
B. Establish Next Meeting Date:March 6, 2002
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Park Project Update:
we have $11,000 to $12,000 to work with thi year.
We are excited, especially since 9-11 event this year
means more to folks and we will see a larger turnout..
We are going to try and get a group that can provide
a variety of music for all age groups and tastes.
Conrad Pisinski suggested inviting the school
musical groups to perform.
Mr. Bell updated the Commission on several park
projects:
On February 27 th the City has five project
management firms to interview to help us oversee
construction of the Multigenerational Center and City
Hall.They will also help us select architects,
construction engineers, etc..
Status of the acquisition of the county park land as
development site for the multigenerational center.
The land is controlled by BLM.BLM can not get to
transfer for 2-3 years.City will need to enter into
and intergovernmental agreement with the county in
the interim.
The Skatepark ribbon cutting & opening ceremony is
schedule for March 1, 2002 at 3:30 p.m.Mayor and
School Board President are to say a few words
followed by a skate demonstration and then we will
open the park to the kids and provide some music for
them to skate to.Program should last about an hour
to an hour and a half.
We have been having a problems with kids on the
facility.Pat Richmond relayed that she has been
asked if bikes are allowed.
Bike will not be allowed, the facility is not designed
for use by bikes. In -line skates, skateboards and
razors will be allowed.The bikes mar up the
concrete, we already have damage to the facility, and
our insurance carrier will not cover a bike accident at
this facility. We are currently very concerned about
this issue and you can anticipate that we will be
taking a proactive roll in the development of a BMX
(bike) facility.
The Swimming Pool Renovations and Improvements
are right on schedule, project to be completed by
Memorial Day weekend.
The archaeological investigation to meet grant
requirements has been completed the site is clear of
any historical value and we can proceed with the
development of the second phase of Superstition
Shadows Park.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
APPROVED:
Don Davidson 400 N Plaza Space 265 Apache
Junction, Az. Lost Dutchman RV Park Golden Ages
Softball team.Mr. Davidson presented his concerns
in regards to the conditions of the softball fields at
Prospector Park — field are like concrete, someone is
going to get hurt.Scoreboards don't work. Dogs on
fields and people don't clean up. Senior are not
happy with open league want park league back.
Mr. McVicker informed Mr. Davidson that we can
put this on a future agenda for discussion,open
meeting laws prohibit any discussion or action until
being on as agenda.
Their being no further business Pat Richmond made a
motion to adjourn and Conrad Pisinski seconded this
motion which passed unanimously.
Vice -Chairman