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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 09.04 PRC MinutesAPACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION CONFERENCE ROOM 1001 North Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. 85219 A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on September. 4, 2002, 6:00 p.m. at the City of Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT ABSENT Nick McVicker, Chairman Richard Anderson Shane Phillips Conrad Pisinski Kris Sippel Theresa A. Nesser Patricia Richmond STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Mary March, Secretary CALL TO ORDER:Chairman McVicker call the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: STAFF COMMENTS: Conrad Pisinski made a motion to accept the agenda as presented.Kris Sippel seconded the motion passed unanimously. Richard Anderson made a motion to accept the minutes of May 1, 2002 and August 7, 2002 a•-• presented.Conrad Pisinski seconded, the mui,on passed unanimously. Jeff Bell distributed copies of the departments approved budget.Highlighting the addition of 5 new positions this year due to the continued development of the Capital Facilities Plan, and $250,000.00 in matching funds for grant to continue development at Superstition Shadows Park. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission comparison attendance figures on a few summer programs.The Open Gym program last year was attended by 1,083 children this year 1,151 children participated. Fishing program had 135 last year and 204 this year. Swimming lessons accomodated 749 children last year in four daytime sessions and this year we had 8031n 3 daytime sessions and 55 participants in Saturday lessons. Mr. Bell also relayed to the Commission that we have submitted application to the State Department of Commerce nominating Superstition Shadows Park for a rural development award. Awards will be presented the end of October at a conference in OLD BUSINESS: A.Park Project Update: B. Open Space Preservation Update: C. Heritage Fund Report: D. Master Plan Discussion: Yuma.We will also be submitting this same project to the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association in their next award cycle. Mr. Bell relayed that we continue to address landscape and other issues with contractor on Superstition Shadows Park.The practice football field is in poor condition.Contractor put in winter grass did not take very well.Contractor is going to resod the field next spring. City is in the process of accepting qualification statements from design engineers for the multigenerational center and city hall facilities. City Hall is to be developed first to allow for the Multigenerational Center to be built on the City's existing site.This change in location from the County Park to City Complex will allow for over a million dollar savings in offsite improvements. Multi -use Trail fencing project continues utilizing volunteers.We continue to install gates at the public's request. Nick Blake is in the process of designing the second phase of Superstition Shadows Park.The development includes sidewalk extension, playground, picnic ramadas and grass areas. The City Council has asked for staff to design a dog park inclusive at Prospector Park to present to the Commission for recommendation to the City Council. This will be the next project after design of Superstition Shadows Park. Mr. Bell distributed information prepared by Roger Hacker, Grant Coordinator and Open Space Task Force Coordinator, updating Commission on what's going on. Mr. Bell relayed that this fund is critical to the success of Parks and Recreation.With the election coming up, it is important to keep the lottery in place to support facility development, so staff encourages everyone to vote in favor of this proposition. The Heritage Fund requires we provide quarterly progress reports, archaeological surveys, etc... we are happy to report we have stayed in compliance and have a excellent record which reflects favorably upon us in future applications. Mr. Bell distributed goal sheets to the commission and relayed the recommended goals take into consideration critical issues of open space, land preservation and environmental protection.The NEW BUSINESS: A.Advertising Signage Discussion: B. Prospector Park Lighting Discussion: C. Park Ranger Program Discussion: D. Request for Upcoming Agenda Items: goals are meant to be broad as a first step, and will become more specific when identifying objectives, further into the process. Kris Sippel made a motion to accept the suggested goals for the Master Plan and Conrad Pisinski seconded.The motion passed unanimously. Richard Anderson , relayed that Mr. Davidson had inquired about raising money to improve softball fields at Prospector Park by selling advertisement for signs at Prospector Park similar to Little League. Mr. Bell advised he would contact BLM and City staff for clarification on permitted /non permitted uses, money issues, etc... Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that we had received a complaint in regards to sport lighting at Prospector Park in June from Mr. & Mrs. Bohlman. Mr. Bell provided the Commission with a copy of the letter he had written and sent in June.The Bohlman's were advised that the lights were inspected and were not out of alignment.They were advised of Commission meeting dates and invited to last months meeting.No further contact has been made. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that the skatepark has not run as well as we would like. City Council and management staff have expressed management concerns.The problems we are experience are not unique and in comparison are not unusual or extreme.The City has budgeted money for security, not just for skatepark, but city wide.The City has been experiencing an increase in vandalism and break ins resulting in property loss. Originally it was thought that a police officer could be assigned to Parks and Recreation for this purpose. The further we looked into this possibility the more impossible it became and putting a Park Ranger Program in place became a more viable alternative. The Park Ranger Program was proposed to the City Council and approved.We are going to hire a Parks Ranger Supervisor and two Park Rangers. Election of Officers; Park Project Update; Open Space Preservation Report; Heritage Fund Report; Master Plan Discussion E. Establish Next Meeting Date:October 2, 2002 PUBLIC COMMENT:None ADJOURNMENT: APPROVED: Chairman Vice -Chairman Their being no further business Conrad Pisinski motioned to adjourn.Kris Sippel seconded and the motion passed unanimously.