HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 02.01 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 February
1,2006,6:00 p.m.at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
Present
Theresa A.Nesser,Chairman
Conrad Pisinski,Vice -Chairman
Vincent Barr
Mona Barton
John Kantowski
Sandra Schenone
Absent
Patricia Richmond-Excused
Staff Present: Jeff Bell,Director of Parks and Recreation
Gary Gartner,Recreation Coordinator II Sports Programs
Jeff Kopp,Recreation Assistant Sports Programs
Mary D.March,Secretary
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 accepted the agenda as presented.Conrad Pisinski seconded and the
motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of December 7,2005,regular meeting as
presented.Mona Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
A.Update on Operational Issues:
Mr.Bell relayed to the Commission that we have been preparing for Governor
Napolitano's arrival this Friday at our Multi -Generational Center where she will stop
and talk to our Senior's as part of her Pinal County Tour.She should be arriving at
about 11:00 a.m.
Mr.Bell also relayed that staff has been dealing with issues related to freedom of
expression rights and use of park facilities for art shows by local artists.Our
policy prohibits use of groups for profit making purposes.If we have no reservation
we cannot manage conflicting reservation.The City Attorney is handling and is
awaiting the outcome of an Appellate Court Case on this issue.
And finally Mr.Bell informed the Commission that we have received budget forms and
feels it would be wise to add Budget Discussion to next months agenda.
B.Introduction of Staff:
Mr.Bell introduced the sports guys Gary Gartner,Recreation Coordinator II and Jeff
Kopp,Recreation Assistant.
Gary Gartner,explained that he came to Apache Junction Parks and Recreation
Department a year ago from Phoenix where he was a Recreation Coordinator for 9.5
years.Gary distributed a flyer on the Adult Sports,Youth Sports,Sport Clinics and
Jeff Kopp,informed the Commission that he grew up and participated in
programs in Apache Junction.He started working with the City part time
when he was 16 years old,refereeing,volunteer coaching,field
supervising and as a recreation leader for open gym programs.He began
his full time responsibilities with the City December 2004.
Mona Barton added she has known Jeff Kopp forever,and as a parent &
grandparent she appreciates what a good job he does with the kids.
Vincent Barr,commented that he has noticed that several employeesstartedasparticipantsinprogramsandlaterbecameemployeesand
expressed that he thinks that's great.
Theresa A.Nesser mentioned that she thought the flyer they distributed
would make a nice placement at local restaurants to promote programs.
C.Discussion on Volunteer Opportunities:
Mr.Bell distributed list of upcoming volunteer opportunities which
included AM Rec -February 6",Itty Bitty Olympics -February 11",
Basketball Bonanza -February 18"and 4&5 year old Soccer LeagueOfficials.
OLD BUSINESS:
A.Park Project Update:
Mr.Bell informed the Commission that we have forwarded contracts to the
City Attorney's Office for:
1.Rodeo Ground Design
2.Superstition Shadows Park Landscape Improvements (behind the
ballfield)
3.Design to trail easement at Desert Bible Church,16"&Ironwood and,
4.Downtown Monument Sign in the median at Broadway &Phelps.
We are taking advantage of our firm selection,to contract these
services.We should have some options on the Rodeo Grounds by the April
meeting.
Parks staff has been busy constructing a wall in an attempt to make the
recycle bin area more eye appealing.
Nick Blake,has been working on a design for expansion of the existing
maintenance yard at Prospector Park.
Mr.Bell spoke with BLM about Silly Mountain Lease and was assured that
he would have lease in hand by next week for the Mayor's signature.
Park staff has submitted cost comparisons for alarm/video surveillance
system for Superstition Shadows Skate Park.Mr.Bell needs to get inputforSchoolDistrict,City Attorney,City Manager,Mayor &Council andliabilityinsurancecarrier,in regards to this issue.
B.Heritage Fund Report-Dog Park Application:
Mr.Bell relayed to the Commission that Theresa Nesser and John
Kantowski have been participating in the grant practicum led by Roger
Hacker,Grants Coordinator and could better update the Commission.
Theresa Nesser relayed to the Commission that they were given general
information to prepare a grant for an off -leash dog facility to be 3-5
acres and possibly located at Prospector Park away from active areas.
They were divided into three work groups and addressed issues of
community interest and support,amenities,large and small dog needs,
etc_The last meeting is this Tuesday.They will then be making apresentationtotheCommissioninMarch,as they would for award of
grant.
C.Multi -Generational Center Update:
Mr.Bell distributed information related to daily attendance and
membership passes issued for November,December and January at the
Multi -generational Center.Mr.Bell relayed that i t is common to seeparticipationslowdowninDecemberduetoholidaysandpickupin
January.He also pointed out that the Silver Sneakers program began the
1“of January and 230 members have utilized the facility 907 times.
Vince Barr asked i f we resolved the odor situation.
Mr.Bell replied at the center yes but,we now are experiencing a
similar situation at the Administration and Parks Division offices.
NEW BUSINESS:
A.Request for Upcoming Agenda Items:
Update on Operational Issues;Introduction to Staff;Discussion on
Volunteer Opportunities;Park Project Update;Heritage Fund Report;
Multi -Generational Center Update;Budget Discussion.
B.Establish Next Meeting Date:March 1,2006
PUBLIC COMMENT:None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,John Kantowski motioned to adjourn.
Conrad Pisinski seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
APPROVED:
. .•vice-unairman