HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 01.03 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 January 3, 2007, 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
Mona Barton
John Kantowski
Sandra Schenone
Staff Present:
Absent
Aaron Bradley (Excused)
Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jay Reynolds, Facility Coordinator
Mary D. March, Secretary
Sherri McGahan, Customer Service Clerk
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm and
led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Conrad Pisinski accepted the agenda as presented.Mona
Barton seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
John Kantowski motioned to accept the minutes of September
6, 2006, regular meeting as presented.Conrad Pisinski
seconded this motion which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell relayed that Vincent Barr has moved to North
Carolina and provided staff with a resignation letter
several months back.The Talent Bank Applications on file
with the City Clerk's office are not very current.A
gentleman who is in attendance at the Citizen Leadership
Institute, has contacted Mr. Bell and has set up a meeting
for next week.Typically at the completion of the
Leadership Institute Talent Bank Applications are
completed.So within the next 30 to 60 days we should have
several avenues to pursue.
Mr. Bell introduced Jay Reynolds, Facility Coordinator.
Jay Reynolds informed the Commission that he has lived in
the community since 1971 attended Four Peaks Elementary and
graduated from Apache Junction High School.He grew up
participating in sports programs, volunteering at special
events and took at part-time field supervisor position
supervising adult sports.In 1996 he applied for the
position of Adult Sports Coordinator and assisted in
special events and the summer program.As the department
grew, more coordinators were hired and positions
streamlined and divided into areas to better serve the
public.He now is in charge of facility reservations,
department marketing, web design, special projects
requiring graphic design not only for our department but
for all the City Department and works with Coordinators to
produce the department's Citizen Brochure.He enjoys his
job and feels he works for the best department with the
best people and the best boss.It's like one big family he
enjoys coming to work.
Mr. Bell added that Jay is relied on heavily for his design
skills and his workload is increasing weekly.Mr. Bell
really appreciates that Jay can take his junk and turn it
into a professional looking project.
Mr. Bell distributed a listing of upcoming volunteer
opportunities, provided by Liz Langenbach, Recreation
Superintendent
OLD BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on comprehensive Park & Recreation
Master Plan.
Mr. Bell relayed, that he has had an opportunity to discuss
the update of the master plan with upper management staff.
The City is in the process of hiring a Development Services
Director and with all the growth down south, once this
position is filled, the update of the General Plan will be
a priority.Mr. Bell recommends to hold off until we can
be apart of the whole planning process and suggests
reviewing the prioritize list from the existing master plan
for update and submission to the council for approval, so
we are current and can pursue grant opportunities.
While reviewing and updating, things for inclusion
discussed were, a Dog Park Facility, BMX Facility, lighted
ballfields as requested by Little League after the loss of
Goldminers Park. The need for larger parks like Prospector
Park to the East and South, trail connectivity from the
north to the south and to Pinal County's Trail System, Open
Space needs to include all the work and recommendations
made by the Open Space Task Force, and the Landfill.
Chairman Nesser requested staff to provide current
inventory of park facilities to Commission.
John Kantowski asked, if the City has capabilities of
setting up an account to accept donations, towards a
facility like the Dog Park.Jeff explained, that City has
set up accounts where donations are earmarked for a
specific project.
Chairman Nesser explained, that she believes you have to be
designated as 501C3 to accept funds from an organization
like Bashas.
NEW BUSINESS:
Report and discussion on Off -Road Racing proposal.
Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that City Management was
not in favor of this type of use in the area requested and
suggested offering an alternative.Mr. Moore was sent a
letter recommending his group pursue the use of Desert
Wells the area to the Southeast designated for off road use
by the State.
Review of discussion on Park Naming Policy.
Mr. Bell provided to the Commission a letter penned by
County Supervisor Sandi Smith on behalf of the Honorary
Dutchman Society requesting the Rodeo Grounds Arena be
named after Mr. Mulholland.This requests is presented
with several challenges, first it doesn't meet the City's
Park Naming Policy criteria, copy provided. They are also
asking that this request be kept confidential, so Gary is
not aware this is being worked on, which as a public body
makes this very difficult and they would also like to have
this accomplished by Lost Dutchman Days of this year.
This item is listed as a discussion item, Mr. Bell wanted
to make the Commission aware that this request is out
there, he is sure members of this group are going to be
lobbying City Council members to get this accomplished.He
has asked the City Attorney to put a cover letter on this
and forward to the City Council so they have a heads up.
Chairman Nesser in reading the Park Naming Policy expressed
that she felt it depended on interpretation "An individual
who is accepted by the public as being a local, state or
national hero or has some historical significance."When
you think Rodeo you think Gary Mulholland we would not have
the Rodeo we have without this man's dedication.
John Kantowski asked for a little background on Mr.
Mulholland.
Mr. Bell, relayed that Gary Mulholland for 26 years has
promoted Rodeos, Lost Dutchman Days and facilities in our
community.Mr. Bell further relayed that several years
ago he received and anonymous letter making •the same
request and outlining some of Mr. Mulholland history.
Sandra Schenone asked if they are only requesting the arena
be named after Mr. Mulholland does the Park Naming. Policy
necessarily apply.Considering his contribution and that
they are only asking for the Arena to be name after him,
maybe it could be considered.
John Kantowski mentioned that with 26 years of time and
effort dedicated that should be considered under donations.
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future
agendas.
Rodeo Arena/Park Naming Policy; Update and discussion on
comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Selection of Next Meeting Date:
February 5, 2007
CALL TO PUBLIC:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business and hearing no objections
Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting .at 7:20 p.m.
Vice-Chairma