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Home My WebLink About2007 06.06 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 June 6, 2007, 6:00 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation Meeting Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Conrad Pisinslci, Vice -Chairman Mona Barton John Kantowski Sandra Schenone Todd Olear Wayne Standage Absent Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Sherri McGahan, Customer Service Representative Others Present:R. Joel Stern, City Attorney CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: John Kantowski motioned to accept the agenda as presented.Mona Barton seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of May 2, 2007, regular meeting as presented. Todd Olear seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell welcomed new commissioners as he was absent from the last meeting. He appreciated their interest and involvement in our community.He informed the commission that preparations are underway for our summer programs, which is why room is in disarray.Recreation Superintendent, Liz Langenbach has provided the commission with a letter regarding volunteer opportunities for the next couple of months. The biggest one is our July 4th celebration; event plans are now finalized. Police Department is providing security at football stadium.There will be a large fireworks show and returning this year, due to popular demand, will be Chuck E Baby band to perform.Our summer programs are gearing up; Open Gym starts next week and swim lessons just began. Swim lessons fill up rapidly so we opened additional evening sessions. The pool opened Memorial Day and in the first 6 days we averaged 750 people per day.Mr. Bell will provide more accurate numbers at the next meeting. Mr. Bell reviewed the new commissioner packets.The front section contains current information, i.e. agenda, minutes, staff reports, etc. The back section contains working material, i.e. Parks & Recreation Master plan, etc. Mr. Bell advised that the request for business cards is not a normal practice of the City. Options were to use City name tags which would serve the same purpose as business card to identify you.Wayne Standage explained why he had requested them. After some discussion, Mr. Bell said he would move forward to get generic Parks and Recreation cards and commissioners can write their name and phone number on them. Request was made to move New Business Agenda Item 1 prior to Old Business.Joel Stern, City Attorney made a presentation on "Open Meeting and Conflict" laws. He reviewed the handouts with commissioners. Mr. Stem will provide a copy of the Riggins Rules to Mr. Bell to distribute to commissioners, per requested by John Kantowslci. OLD BUSINESS: Discussion on Parks and Recreation Master Plan Amendment. To bring the new commissioners up-to-date, Mr. Bell presented a brief history of the Master Plan and the public process used to update the plan. At this point we are still waiting for the final report from a "needs assessment" survey conducted by the Recreation Division. Once the commission receives this data they will be asked to formulate a recommendation on amending the Master Plan and forward to the City Council. Commissioner Nesser referred to last meetings minutes regarding Kathy Mitchell's comments about the rodeo ground improvements being too commercialized.Should we address her concerns? Mr. Bell stated he would have been in direct contact with her had he been available at the time.Todd Olear felt she wanted to see the rodeo improvements be more rustic in nature, not a metal commercial building. John Kantowski inquired whether we had any initial plans for the landfill.Mr. Bell advised that it has been identified already on the Master Plan as a potential recreational resource.Commissioner Nesser asked when the Master Plan is going to be updated.Mr. Bell said that all items are included in the new one and it was up to the commission when they are ready to finalize it — no time line. This item can be kept on the agenda for updates; however the only additional item missing is the needs survey results. Todd Olear inquired about mini parks and maintenance of medians.The City does not have the resources to maintain mini -parks; they are maintained by HOA's after the developer builds them.We currently maintain open space and recreational amenities in the Arroyo Verde, Renaissance Point and Ironwood Cove subdivisions. We work with economic development and transportation planners to see how median areas can be best utilized, such as the concept we currently have on Phelps Drive. As the City grows we get allocated areas, i.e. rights -of -ways to maintain.We also contract out some of our landscape maintenance. Wayne Standage expressed interest in a cover for the rodeo arena and Sandra Schenone asked about a list of items to be incorporated that were discussed at previous meeting. Mr. Bell said they were all incorporated in the new document. Additional items brought up for discussion included: A second aquatics location.Mr. Bell explained how we try to work in conjunction with the schools since they share in the costs for maintenance.Possibly add on to existing MGC facility (many variables to consider).Possibly looking at the South area for another one. Commissioner Nesser inquired about the feasibility of an archeological park.There are 9 or 10 sites along the trail in the BLM land on the East side. BLM says we have to mitigate before developing to use as an on -going educational dig, tourist attraction, etc. Explore money available for T21 trail system.Roger Hacker is very familiar with Grants for this purpose. Review newly submitted Master Plan and bring back thoughts and ideas to the next meeting. Update and discussion on Rodeo Park Improvements. Mr. Bell informed commissioners that City Council approved contract with Valdez & Son Construction for the restroom/concession facility and grandstands contract was awarded previously.These two main components should be completed over the next 6 months.Sewer issues were brought up.It costs $50K for septic for restrooms.Various ideas were suggested, however, cost is main issue. The new City Council members had expressed an interest in getting an update on the Master Plan; Mr. Hoffman is putting on the June 18th work session. Covered Arena — incorporate in master plan.It was brought up that a couple years ago Mr. Mulholland found it to be too costly.Wayne felt we could possibly get more activities if shaded. Majority of input was that covered grandstands more important. Maintain an open arena, rustic in nature to differentiate itself from a Westworld. Bring in exhibit building for indoor shows; should be priority. Amphitheatre — bring in funds now to help build on. Is there potential for this to be a revenue builder? Jeff Bell said we need the funds upfront in order to build it first. John Kantowski questioned the cost of the restroom/concession improvement of $600,000.Mr. Bell explained this is a manager -at -risk project and we will know exactly what the costs are. Update and Discussion on establishing "Park Pals". Mr. Bell reviewed background on John Kantowski's concept.Roger Hacker is suggesting we do one pilot foundation; a catchall with different organizations, i.e. Animal Control, etc. John Kantowski added that Roger is in the process of creating a 501-C3 Citywide Foundation, hopefully ready within the year.We will have our own Park Pals (volunteers) with separate funds.The foundation would function like an umbrella effect with different entities under it. There will be a separate commission established. Jeff Bell said PD Wants to create their own foundation. NEW BUSINESS: Election of Officers for FY 2007/08. Nominations for Chairman were opened up. John Kantowski nominated Commissioner Nesser, seconded by Conrad Pisinski. John Kantowski motioned to accept the appointment; Mona Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously. Nominations for Vice Chairman were opened up. John Kantowski nominated Conrad Pisinski, seconded by Mona Barton. John Kantowski motioned to accept the appointment; Mona Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Discussion; Rodeo Park Improvements; Park Pal Update; Roger Hacker, City Grant Specialist; Commission meeting at MGC; Special Teen activities at the Multi- Generational Center; FY 07/08 Budget Update Selection of next meeting date. July 9, 2007 at 6p.m. CALL TO PUBLIC: None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:57p.m. „ _ Theresa A. Ntsger, CUlailjran YE deei.4 Conrad Fismskil ice Chairman