HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 03.01 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 March 1,
2006,6:00 p.m.at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
Present
Theresa A.Messer,Chairman
Conrad Pisinski,Vice -Chairman
Vincent Barr
Mona Barton
John Kantowski
Patricia Richmond
Sandra Schenone
Absent
Staff Present: Jeff Bell,Director of Parks and Recreation
Roger Hacker,Grants Specialist
Joe Ornellas,Parks Supervisor
Mary D.March,Secretary
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice -Chairman Pisinski 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.Patricia Richmond seconded and the
motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Vincent Barr motioned to accept the minutes of February 1,2006 as presented.Mona
Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
A.Update on Operational Issues:
Mr.Bell reported the Governor's visit went very well,standing room only in the
multipurpose room atthe Multi -Generational Center.We received a nice thank you from
the Governor's office.
Mr.Bell relayed that he had an opportunity to present the City Council an update on
the Capital Facilities Program,in particular the success we are experiencing at the
Multi -Generational Center.We currently have over 1500 individual memberships,of
those an average of 300 attend on a daily basis.We-have 300 senior participants
daily in senior programs.We average 150 drop ins daily and another 200-250
participate in classes or related to facility rentals.We are approaching 1,000
participants daily.
Mr.Bell relayed that staff has been heavily involved the last couple of weekends with
the Lost Dutchman • Marathon and Lost Dutchman Day.We received a lot of positive
feedback from both groups.
B.Introduction of Staff:
Mr.Bell introduced Joe Ornellas,Parks Supervisor.
Joe informed the Commission that he is the Parks Supervisor for the North District.
which consists of SR 88 island,the Pinal County Retention Basin;the entire City
Complex which includes New City Hall.Old City Hall,Library and Multi -Generational
Center;the Rodeo Grounds and Prospector Park.He supervises a crew of seven
regularly and as many as thirteen parks worker,performing daily maintenance to
facilities and landscaping;improvements to facilities and support to community events
like Lost Dutchman Days and Lost Dutchman Marathon.He has been with the City for ten
years in September.
Mr.Bell added that Joe started as a Parks Worker and has worked his way right up the
ranks.Nobody puts more hours or effort in than Joe and we appreciate it.
B.Discussion on Volunteer Opportunities:
Mr.Bell relayed upcoming volunteer opportunities as follows:April Pools Day will be
held April 8°starting at 9am;April 15°is our Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Prospector
Park starting at 9am;and the Hershey Track Meet will be held April 22 at the H.S.
Track.If anyone is interest please feel free to call the office.
OLD BUSINESS:
A.Heritage Fund Report-Dog Park Application:
Mr.Bell informed the Commission that he has been re -appointed to the Arizona Outdoor
Recreation Coordinating Commission for a three year term and was also re-elected as
the Chairman.
Mr.Bell introduced Roger Hacker,Grant Specialist with the results of the Grant
Writing Practicum.
Mr.Hacker relayed to the Commission that a total of 8 people were involved in the
process to research,write and present an Arizona Heritage Grant application,to
assess the likelihood of receiving matching funds for an off -leash dog park.Don
Myers from Rural Consultant Services Grant Writing Systems came in to teach this
class.Don -used to administer the Heritage Fund Grant Program for Arizona State
Parks.
Participants were broke into work groups based on the criteria of the grant,to look
at specific planning for the project,overall planning by the Commission & City
Council,Parks & Recreation issues,identification of need and tentative design,
partnerships,low maintenance and environmental friendly aspects.To complete the
application assumptions needed were provided with assistance by Mr.Bell.
Mr.Hacker provided parts of the application with highlighted areas that need
improvement to make a better application/more points.Starting with inclusion in the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and documentation of need,public input and support,
City Council support,documentation of conservation tools and low maintenance
features,partnerships and community involvement.
The group rated the application generated through the practicum and it would not
receive funding with suggested improvements it would be a fundable project.
John Kantowski suggested everyone should do this i t is very educational and enjoyable.
Theresa A.Nesser relayed it is a very enlightening experience and truly gets down to
the research.
Mr.Hacker expressed that the intent of the class Was not to come up with a finished
project it was to get the experience of research,of working in a group.looking at
criteria,presenting your ideas,thinking like a grants evaluator and what's going to
get you points.This was accomplished and generated a great product.
B.Park Project Update:
Mr.Bell updated the Commission as follows:BLM has provided us an offer to enter into
25 year lease for Silly Mountain,the offer is to be signed by the City Manager and
returned within 30 days.
J2 our contracted landscape architect firm is drawing up the alternative conceptual
master plan of the rodeo park based on input received during public process to be
present at April meeting.
J2 is also designing the welcome to downtown Phelps Drive sign which is due first
NEW BUSINESS:
A.2006/07 Budget Discussion:
Mr.Bell relayed that he assumed we would be further along in the budget process,
requests are due Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Mr.Bell informed the Commission that if you took every department's current budget
and add Arizona State Retirement Increase.Step Increase and Health Insurance Increase
the City Council will have about 250.000 to work with.We will be proposing a flat
line budget.Requests will include funding of admin entry level position to journey
level,funds to utilize J2 to assist with Master Plan Update,addition of Park Ranger
position,replacement of backhoe and more cardio equipment for Multi -generational
Center.
B.Request for Upcoming Agenda Items:
Update on Operational Issues;Introduction of Staff;Pool Opening/Aquatics Programs;
Discussion of Volunteer Opportunities;Heritage Fund Report;Park Project Update;
2006/07 Budget Discussion:Discussion on Meeting Time:Request for Upcoming Agenda
Items.
C.Establish Next Meeting Date:April 5.2006
PUBLIC COMMENT:None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business Patricia Richmond motioned to adjourn.Conrad Pisinski
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPROVED:
/Y .
Vice -Chairman