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Home My WebLink About2006 08.02 PRC MinutesCITY OF APACHE JUNCTION Parks & Recreation Commission 1001 N. Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on August 2, 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 Aaron Bradley John Kantowski Absent Sandra Schenone Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Keith Graves, Parks Supervisor Mary D. March, Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:05 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 June 7, 2006, regular meeting as presented. Mona Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that the Multi- Generational Center did received the APRA Outstanding Facility Award but, Liz Langenbach did not received the Young Professional Award. Mr. Bell provided summer program numbers as follows: 1,527 swim lessons were provided, 26 pool rentals for Saturday & Sunday evenings have been taken and 75 children participated in swim team. We currently have 13 teams playing in the Men's Softball League, averaging 15 player per team for 195 individuals. 110 Kids participated in various sports camps like cheer leading, soccer, basketball, volleyball and football. The six week, Summer open gym program had 520 children participating on a daily basis, with an additional 524 signed up to drop -in.Special interest classes had 419 participants and we had 70 participants in our second, July4th Skate Competition, up from 40 last year.975 Individuals participated in 112 fitness classes offered at the Multi -Generational Center, these classes range from yoga, to karate, to Tai chi. Mr. Bell asked how many of the commissioners were able tosee the July 4th Celebration this year, we feel we provided a great event this year.John Kantowski, Conrad Pisinski and Vincent Barr all received good comments and positive feedback on the celebration. Mr. Bell also relayed to the Commission that the Quail on Phelps Drive had been removed for a while due to vandalism it had become very loose. The Quail has been reset and hopefully, vandal resistant. Chairman Nesser, suggested when we develop the Rodeo Grounds we should consider having a life-size horse statute for people to sit and take pictures on or with. John Kantowski inquired, based on the program #'s provided, if we are able to keep up and accommodate the demand/need? Mr. Bell relayed, that currently we still have lee -way, at such time this should become a concern, we would be discussing implementing such things as a residency requirement, which we do not have in place right now. This is also why the update of the five year plan is necessary. Mr. Bell introduced Keith Graves, Parks Supervisor to the Commission. Keith Graves informed the Commission that he started with the City 10 years ago as a part-time park attendant and is currently the Parks Supervisor for the South Team. His team is responsible for the maintenance of the Focal Point, Little League Complex, Superstition Shadows Park and the newly completed Desert Bible Church Trail, they are also heavily involved in all City special events.Keith is responsible for overseeing the contracted maintenance of Renaissance Point, Arroyo Verde, Phelps Drive and Ironwood Cove, which is very challenging at times. Keith also teaches martial arts with the City and has for about eight years. Keith originally hales from Flagstaff. Mr. Bell commented that Keith is a shining star, very loyal and dedicated.He is very conscientious when it comes to making sure the city's money is well spent. OLD BUSINESS: Update and Discussion on Rodeo Park Event Center Master Plan. Mr. Bell relayed that the master plan was well the City Council. With the million dollars budgeted this year we able to accomplish the covered bleachers and restroom/concession building.Mr. Bell further commission that he just found out today that it per seat for covered bleachers, for 2,000 seats received by should be informed the costs $200 this will cost $400,000.00.construction is scheduled to start right after Lost Dutchman Days. Update and Discussion on Park Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2006/07. Mr. Bell wanted to initiate discussion on park projects budgeted for this year besides the Rodeo Park Improvements. Superstition Shadows Park designs were completed last year, for the area behind the skate park and along side the ball field, where there is not landscaping at all, the completion of this will tie everything together, leaving only the improvement associated with the development of the new elementary school. Cost estimate for this project is $100,000.00. Finishing touches to Multi -Generational Center tying in Library and City Hall to include walkway and landscaping improvements and replacement of telephone pole wall around playground with a masonry type wall. We will be installing a Surveillance System at Superstition Shadows Park Skate Park, which was scheduled for last year but with vandalism at Prospector Park, it was installed there instead. Chairman Nesser inquired about types of activity we are experiencing at the skate park. Mr. Bell relayed mostly fighting, glass breaking, grafitti, & the restroom seems to see a lot of activity. Update and discussion on Commissioner's attendance at Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Annual Conference. Mr. Bell provided copy of schedule for APRA Conference Boards and Commission day and Awards Banquet.Mr. Bell wanted to make sure everyone was set. John Kantowski, Conrad Pisinski and Vincent Barr will make carpooling/ transportation arrangements with each other. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on "community events" proposed by AJ Main Street Program. Mr. Bell distributed a list of ideas, new Main Street Director, Ferrin McGee provided of interest to add to community events. This listing is probably already out dated as they met over a month ago but believes it is important for the Commission to be aware of what is being considered and talked about in the community.There can never be to many community events, Main Street relies heavily on volunteers which can be challenging.Partnering with the City on some special events like the Halloween Carnival, etc_ may prove to be more productive. Aaron Bradley affirmed that the list is indeed outdated and Main Street's aim is to compliment already existing programs, their focus is going to be mainly on teenager and adult programs where there is a greater need. Aaron also relayed to Jeff that confirmation was received from the City to conduct the Art Festival at the New City Hall Parking Lot on Saturday, November 18th. Mr. Bell relayed that Scott Taylor who is partnering with Main Street on the Art Festival has been great to work with. Chairman Nesser, asked if Jeff knew what S.A.C.A. is and what they are doing? S.A.C.A. stands for Superstition Area Cultural Alliance and it purpose is to promote cultural/artistic growth with community growth. A directory advertising artistic talents with contact information is to be developed as well as a free, on line calendar of events for the community.The goal is to do fundraising to eventually be able to offer scholarships to artists. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. Rodeo Park Master Plan; Dog Park Grant Practicum/Heritage Fund; Trail Master Plan; End of Season Pool Report; Park Project Update; Master Plan/Five Year Plan. Selection of next meeting date. September 6, 2006 CALL TO PUBLIC: NONE ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourca-Li the meeting at 7:05 p.m. iiilIVliiJ!4 /. Theresa A.''"1\14 -L-..er, 'Chain /cii-00-717 Conrad PiSiriski, Vice Chairman