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Home My WebLink About2005 11.02 PRC MinutesCITY OF APACHE JUNCTION Parks & Recreation Commission 300 E. Superstition Blvd. Apache Junction, Az. 85219 A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on November 2, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Patricia Richmond (Excused) Conrad Pisinski, Vice Chairman Sandra Schenone Vincent Barr Mona Barton John Kantowski Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Mary D. March, Secretary Others Present:Ray DelZotto, Pinnacle One; Gary Mullholland, Carl C. Anderson SMPC; Larry Stafford, Phil Frandsen, Ray Gatz, Arizona Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association;Nancy Koerner,Darla Cheves SHA;Pamela Jo Kantowski. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: John Kantowski made a motion to accept the agenda as presented.Conrad Pisinski seconded,the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of October 5, 2005 regular meeting as presented.Mona Barton seconded and the motion passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: A. Update on Operational Issues: Mr. Bell thanked Commission members for their participation at the Grand Open of the Multi -generational Center and Halloween Carnival. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that our Park Rangers are now equipped with batons and handcuffs.Upon occasion the use of this type of equipment would have been beneficial for the protection of individuals and rangers.Our Rangers received training through the Phoenix Park Ranger Academy and local DPS Agencies. B. Introduction of Staff: Mr. Bell informed the Commission that Park Ranger staff were just called out on a water break and will need to be reschedule for next month. C. Discussion of Volunteer Opportunities: Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission on December 6th we will be having our annual X- Mas program at the Gazebo from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. We also will be needing volunteers to make Santa calls mid December, and Mondays, November 14th & December 5th from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. are the next two AM Red/ late start dates scheduled. OLD BUSINESS: A.Rodeo Park Development Discussion: Mr. Bell advised tonight is second opportunity for input on Rodeo Ground Development and turned the meeting over to Ray Del Zotto, Project Manger. Mr. Del Zotto relayed that he took input from last meeting and broke it into three categories to further refine and define exactly what is needed. Mr. Mulholland expressed concerns with need for additional parking and use of adjacent state land and inquired if Parks & Recreation has money budgeted FY05/06 for improvements of bleachers; water; electric. Expressing these improvement will use the amount budgeted for the project and maybe contractors in the community could volunteer services, so we get more bang for the buck. Mr. Del Zotto asked for input on number of parking spaces recommended, whether one or two locations for restrooms was better, what size and type of a facility would the tractor museum need to be and the need for a separate warm-up arena? Most felt the restrooms should be centrally located and could be incorporated with the concession like at all the City's park facilities.It was also expressed that restrooms and concession facilities are sometimes found under the bleachers making good use of space. Great importance was also placed on covered bleachers and picnic ramadas with barbecue grills, shade is considered a high priority, most comments received from patrons are related to shaded areas. Tractor museum would need to be a secure facility due to the value of equipment stored, the dimension of 40'x 60' was mentioned with the look of an old barn from the 30's or 40's. A second small arena that could be used for a warm up arena would be nice.We currently can not attract a Junior Rodeo or High School Rodeo because we do not meet the requirements, more than one arena is required. B.Park Project Update: Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that Nick Blake and park staff have spent a lot of time and effort on landscape issues associated with the Phelps Drive project.Public Works has also helped with paving, all this is in an attempt to keep this project within budget. C.Heritage Fund Report: Mr. Bell, AORCC Chairman recently learned that back in 1985 a sunset clause was put on this Commission, which means this year it is set to go away.This status needs to be extended or modified by the State Legislature. Mr. Bell should have status by next months meeting. D: Multi -Generational Center Update: Mr. Bell informed the Commission that staff has been working on monthly reports for the Multi -generational Center.Approximately $80,000.00 has been generated to date and a total of 875 passes have been registered.In September the Center received 6100 visits and in October there were 7500 visits. Conrad Pisinski relayed that most people are very impressed with the facility and amenities. Theresa Nesser expressed the extra cost of the stone was well worth it and has not heard one negative comment only positive. Mr. Bell relayed he has not received one complaint in regards to the opening this facility, which is the only time he has every had this experience and greatly credits the staff with this pleasure. • NEW BUSINESS: A.Discussion on Goldminers Park: Mr. Bell relayed that the LDS Church has decided not to renew the lease for Goldminers Park, which we have held for more than thirteen years.There had been concerns expressed with traffic and security, that we addressed with signage and Park Ranger patrols.We do not know what their plans are.We have heard they need more parking. We have offered everything we can to renew the lease, but we will no longer have use of the facility as of the first of the year. B.Request for Upcoming Agenda Items: Heritage Fund; Park Project Update; Multi -Generational Center;Open Space; Rodeo Park Development Discussion; Volunteer Opportunities; Staff Introduction; Update on Operational Issues C. Next Meeting Date:December 7, 2005 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, John Kantowski motioned to adjourn. Mona Barton seconded and the motion passed unanimously. APPROVED: