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Home My WebLink About2003 03.05 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 March 5, 2003 at 6:00 p.m., at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT ABSENT Patricia Richmond, Vice Chairman Richard Anderson Theresa A. Nesser Shane Philips Conrad Pisinski Nick McVicker (Excused) Kris Sippel STAFF PRESENT:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Mary March, Secretary PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: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:Theresa A. Nesser made a motion to accept the agenda a presented. Richard Anderson seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:Theresa A. Nesser made a motion to accept the minutes from November 6, 2002 and February 5, 2003 as presented.Richard Anderson seconded and the motion passed unanimously. STAFF COMMENTS:Mr. Bell updated the Commission on department personnel as follows: Recreation has second interviews with top 3 candidates for the Recreation Coordinator (Aquatics) position this week and the Park Ranger program has all employees on board, currently awaiting legal advise on processing citations. Theresa Nesser inquired about the extent of their authority. Mr. Bell replied state law allows rangers to enforce local park ordinances. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that the Arizona Blue Grass and Old Time Music Association has expressed interest and received input from our department on use of the rodeo grounds for a blue grass festival next February.They will be back in contact with us after they meet with their board. Theresa A. Nesser suggested that January or April would be better time to schedule the festival, due to Lost Dutchman Days and Renaissance Festival already taking place in February.Mr. Bell believes only time they have available is February. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that our department received good news coverage from Channel 12 at our recent Silent Saturday event as part of our youth basketball program.During this event the parents, audience and coaches encourage participants with out speaking. OLD BUSINESS: A.Open Space Preservation Update:Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that Maria Beyers with Trust for Public Lands will be making presentation to City Council at March 31, 2003 work session.Staff will send commission members reminder closer to meeting date. B. Park Development Update: C. Heritage Fund Report: D. Master Plan Discussion: NEW BUSINESS: A.Fiscal Year 2003/2004: B.Report/Discussion on Vandalism: Mr. Bell presented to the Commission drawings on proposed City Hall and Multi -generational Center presented by architect to City Council last week.We have already made some changes in entrance to multi- generational center, but this will give you an idea of what the facility will house. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that he received a letter from the Director of Arizona State Parks.There our two budget proposals at the state level the Governor's and the State Legislators'.The State Legislators' proposes to sweep the Heritage Fund to help balance budget. The problem is they want to sweep 10 million dollars from this upcoming fiscal year and projected revenues are only 8 million. What can happen is they may have to take 2 million from the current year.We have a project funded and this could effect our project because ours is not yet underway. All we can do is wait and see, this is worst case scenario. Mr. Bell distributed current master plan information to review and add anything of interest or that public has expressed that not on this list. Commissioners expressed most commonly heard request is for bicycle/BMX Facility. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that regardless of what the State does to balance their budget, the City feels it can hold its own.City revenues and sales tax are doing well.We will be able to fill Parks Worker position currently on hold. We have been asked to wait until we begin new development at Superstition Shadows Park. Mr. Bell distributed information on vandalism costs to the Commission.Vandalism costs totaled $20,750.00 for the calendar year 2002.We hope the Parks Ranger program helps to slow this down. Park Superintendent, Nick Blake did a press release several months ago asking the community to let us know if they see anything. Vandalism is a misdemeanor offense which carries a fine of up to $3500 which is rarely enforced.Most vandalism involves juveniles who will be awarded community service work. Theresa A. Nesser believes the community needs to get involved and be aware of how much of tax payers money is being used on unnecessary repairs. Mr. Bell agrees community involvement would help but feels it needs to be done in a positive manner. Theresa A. Nesser made a motion for staff to contact City Manager and Public Relations Officer to formulate plan on how to make the community aware of vandalism expenses, we are facing, in a positive manner.Conrad Pisinski seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. C.Request for Upcoming Agenda Items:Park Development Update, Open Space Preservation Update, Heritage Fund, Master Plan Discussion, FY03/04 Budget. D.Establish Next Meeting Date:TPL presentation at City Council work session March 31' to take the place of April meeting, with next regularly scheduled meeting to take place May 7, 2003. PUBLIC COMMENT:None ADJOURNMENT: APPROVED: Their being no further business Pat Richmond motioned to adjourn the meeting.Theresa A. Nesser seconded and the motioned passed unanimously. Chairman Vice Chairman