HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 05.02 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 May 2, 2007, 6:00
p.m. at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
Present Absent
Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman
Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman
John Kantowslci
Todd Olear
Sandra Schenone
Wayne Standage
Staff Present:Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent
Mary D. March, Secretary
Mona Barton (Excused)
Others Present:Kathy Mitchell, 2806 W. Gregory Apache Junction, Az. 85220 accompanied by David
Mitchell, Anthony Morales & Daniel Silva
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and led the Commission in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
John Kantowslci accepted the agenda as presented.Conrad Pisinslci seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Conrad Pisinslci motioned to accept the minutes of April 4, 2007, regular meeting as presented.
John Kantowslci seconded this motion which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent explained he will be filling in for Mr. Bell who is attending his
daughters High School Awards Ceremony.Mr. Blake welcomed new members Todd Olear and
Wayne Standage and requested Commissioners to give a little background information about
themselves.
Todd Olear has been a resident for 18 months moving here from Wisconsin, due to better climate
for his wife's health issues.Previously was in the Navy, six years and now works as an Analyst
for a telecommunications company in Scottsdale.He has always been very interested in
community involvement and has 3 children.
Wayne Standage is a fourth generation Arizonan, graduating from Westwood High School. His
ancestors settled in this area of the valley in the 1870's.His great grandfather use to freight the
Apache Trail and his grandfather was involved with the Highway Commission for the placement
of Highway 60 in the thirty's.Wayne worked for APS until he was diagnosed with cancer.He
moved to the east valley due to treatment at Banner Baywood for his heart condition.He became
very interested in trails and particularly finding what was left of the Apache Trail.This led him to
Jeff Bell and ultimately his interest in serving on the Commission.
Nick Blake added the Conrad Pisinski and Mona Barton were also reappointed for three years and
asked the Commission to keep in mind that next month's meeting will include "Election of
Officers".
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion on Park & Recreation Master Plan (Public Hearing)
Nick Blake distributed the prioritized list which is the only part of the plan to be updated at this
time awaiting the update of the general plan.This being the last hearing for public input the
meeting was opened for comment.
After some discuss with new commission members related to the importance of the master plan
and updating the prioritized project list and processes related to facility development Chairman
Nesser asked for public comment.
Kathy Mitchell, relayed to the Commission that she has heard a lot of comments that the Rodeo
Park Improvements are too commercialized.
David Mitchell asked if the BMX Park would have a better chance of being developed if a lot of
people were in attendance at the meetings.
Theresa Nesser explained that numbers do speak for themselves, as was the case in the
development of the Skate Park.
Update and discussion on FY 2007/08 Budget.
Mr. Blake relayed that the budget is under review by the City Manager's office.
Update and discussion of Rodeo Park Improvements.
Mr. Blake relayed to the Commission that we have a bid for $450,000.00 for 2000 seat bleachers
from Southern Bleacher who is currently in the design process for the bleachers.We hope to
have the initial design in a couple of weeks.
We have also been in negotiation with Valdez Construction for the Restroom/Concession
Building, we are hoping to have a contract for approval at the June 5th City Council meeting.
Theresa Nesser asked how close is the facility to the original concept.
Mr. Blake relayed that the number and size of stalls remains the same and the overall size of the
facility has not changed.The septic system is being looked at by Pinal County hopefully allowing
for significant savings.
Update and discussion on "Park Pals" concept.
Mr. Blake relayed to the Commission that Roger Hacker is working with the City Attorney to
develop the "Friends of Apache Junction" this nonprofit group would serve the City as a whole.
The basic idea is this group would work together on behalf of all City Departments which would
allow for better communication with less duplication of efforts.
John Kantowski asked if someone donates $specifically for a park project how will that be
managed.
Mr. Blake believes that is probably part of the mechanics being worked on.
Update and discussion on "pet issues" on City property.
Mr. Blake relayed we have arranged for signage informing pet owners to pick up after their pets,
they are currently being made up for installation at Arroyo Verde and possibly Renaissance Point.
We are in the process of selecting dispenser with receptacles and analyzing how many we are
going to need and related cost.We have also asked the Park Rangers to monitor this a little closer
and make a more visible presence is regards to this issue.
Sandra Schenone suggested maybe placing less expensive dispensers close to already existing
trash cans in order to save money.
Wayne Standage asked how many Rangers are on staff.
Nick Blake explained we have 2 full-time, 2 part-time Rangers and a Supervisor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan Discussion; FY 07/08 Budget; Rodeo Park Improvements;
Elections of Officers; Park Pal Update; Pet Issues
Selection of Next Meeting Date:
June 6, 2007
CALL TO PUBLIC:
Kathy Mitchell would like to say keep going strong on keeping the kids involved with the BMX
Bike Park.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting
at 7:05 pm
Vice Chairm