HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 02.05 PRC MinutesCITY 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 February 5, 2003
at 6:00 p.m., at the City of Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
PRESENT ABSENT
Nick McVicker, Chairman
Pat Richmond, Vice -Chairman
Richard Anderson
Theresa A. Nesser
Conrad Pisinski
Shane Philips
Kris Sippel
STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mary March, Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:Open Space Task Force Members: Don Gabrielsen, Aubrey Mills, Janet Conway
Annabelle Richards, Priscilla Wade and Chip Wilson.Roger Hacker, City
Grants Coordinator and Cate Bradley, National Parks Service.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:Chairman McVicker called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led
the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:Theresa A. Nesser made a motion to accept the agenda as presented.
Kris Sippel seconded this motion which passed unanimously.
STAFF COMMENTS:Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that three members terms expire
this June, Theresa A. Nesser, Patricia Richmond and Kris Sippel.We
will inform the City Clerk's office of Theresa and Pat's continued
interest.Kris is vying for a City Council position and we will await
that outcome before proceeding.
The Park Ranger Supervisor and one part time park ranger are already
on board with another part time and one full time ranger to start soon.
We lost our Aquatic/School Program Coordinator and are currently
recruiting for the position.
Mr. Bell requested the Commission consider vandalism as a future
agenda item.Last year we incurred approximately $20,000 in damage
to park facilities.Recently a stolen backhoe was used to break into the
concession stand at Prospector Park.This item warrants discussion.
The City's budget process is on hold, awaiting the outcome of the State
budget.The best we can hope for is a flat line budget, in which case
our department will be very challenged, due to expanding programs and
facility development, this also made need to be considered for a future
agenda item.
OLD BUSINESS:
A.Open Space Preservation
Update/Discussion:Mr. Gabrielsen and Mr. Mills made a presentation to the Parks and
Recreation Commission on what the Open Space Task Force has been
doing to date and outlined what was involved in accomplishing this
task, likening the process to rounding a baseball diamond.First base is
to defme community wants and why or what benefit would be served
by conserving these lands.This is what the open space task force has
been trying to get accomplish.On December 11 th Maria Beyers with
Trust for Public Lands, a non-profit organization, funded to protect
lands made a presentation to the Task Force basically offering to do a
feasibility study at no cost.In order to do the study they need to be
invited by the City Council to do so.The task force is asking for the
Commission's support in asking the City Council invite Trust for
Public Lands to do the feasibility study if for nothing more than a
reality check.
Patricia Richmond motioned that the Parks and Recreation Commission
request the City Council to invite Trust for Public Land to Council
meeting for presentation.Conrad Pisinski seconded this motion which
passed unanimously.
B.Park Development Update:Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission the Nick Blake is 90% complete
with the design of Superstition Shadows Park Phase II and expressed
his hesitancy in proceeding with the project, as positions for
maintenance of the facility from the initial development have not been
filled yet.
C.Heritage Fund Report:
D.Master Plan Discussion:
E.Advertising Signage
He also relayed that the Heritage Grant Program has always required
completion dates on funded projects.They are now requiring a start up
date, which is to be before April 15th, we have the option of applying
for and extension, and will.
The fencing of the multi -use trail continues.Sections 14, 23, 7, 8, 9 are
completed, Section 10 is 90% complete and Section 26 is 75%
complete.
Theresa Nesser mentioned that an individual brought up the fencing of
section 26 at the council meeting.The were unhappy about it
obstructing the route the children who ride bikes take to get to Thunder
Mountain Middle School.
Members of the Renaissance Homeowners Association and Parks
employees will be spreading rock in the open space area at Renaissance
Point this Saturday.
The City Hall and Multi -generational Center Architects are working
together on a concept for the entire 40 acre site, to be developed
simultaneously.
Good news the State has not used these fund to balance budget, yet.
Mr. Bell reassigned homework for next meeting.
Discussion:
NEW BUSINESS:
A.Request for Upcoming
Agenda Items:
Mr. Bell relayed that he contacted the Chamber of Commerce and the
Economic Development Specialist in regards to advertising signage as
a revenue generator.They both advised that administrative cost are
prohibitive. Plus, the fact that we would be competing with our local
Little League Organization.
Budget, Master Plan, Vandalism, Heritage Fund Report, Park
Development Update
B.Establish Next Meeting Date:March 5, 2003
PUBLIC COMMENT:NONE
ADJOURNMENT:
APPROVED:
Their being no further business Pat Richmond made a motion to
adjourn Theresa Nesser seconded this motion and the motion passed
unanimously.
Chairman
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Vice Chairtnan