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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 07.09 PRC MinutesCITY OF APACHE JUNCTION Parks & Recreation Commission 1001 N. Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. A special meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on July 9, 2007, 6:00 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Meeting Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman Mona Barton John Kantowski Todd Olear Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Jr. Absent Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Roger Hacker, Grant Specialist Liz Langenbach, Recreation Supervisor Jamie Sullivan, MGC Facility Manager Mary D. March, Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:19 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance-. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Sandra Schenone motioned to accept the agenda as presented. John Kantowski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINTES: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of June 6, 2007, regular meeting as presented.Mona Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell apologized for being late due to City Council , budget meeting running :a little longer than anticipated but would like to report he is real happy with the budget that was approved for the operation of our department. The Council meeting went a little long because of concerns by other employees in the organization in respect to equity in pay due to increases approved for officers, corporal and sergeants in the Police Department. Mr. Bell relayed that we received a lot of compliments on our 4th of July celebration.John Kantowski came out and volunteered which is very appreciated.Liz Langenbach also wanted to thank Mona Barton for helping out with new staff in the arts and crafts area it was a great help. Conrad Pisinski inquired about the cost of the fireworks display and the possibility of pursuing sponsorships or donations? Mr. Bell relayed the display cost $12,500.00 and we have not pursued sponsorships partly due to advertising concerns. Mr. Bell also mentioned that Chuck Baker had written an article in the AJ News naming our show the best in the Valley from his roof top. Mr. Bell advised the Commission that they should have some generic business cards inside their packets as requested. He further advised the Commission of the upcoming APRA conference in Tucson, and in particular the Boards and Commission Day on Thursday, August 30th if anyone is interest please contact the office.We have been nominated for a few awards this year but have not been advised if we are a recipient as of yet. OLD BUSINESS: Update and discussion on AJ Foundation concept. Mr. Bell recapped that for several months the idea of a park pals program or friends of parks to assist with parks & recreation needs be formed. Last month it was relayed to you that Roger Hacker had been working on a similar idea that would assist in serving a variety of department needs. Mr. Bell introduced Roger Hacker to advise the Commission of the concept and answer any questions the Commission may have. Mr. Hacker wanted to take a moment to relay to the Commission, that prior to working for the City he was the Executive Director of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association and in one of his first years Jeff Bell was the recipient of the "Young Professional of the Year Award" and it is really an honor, later in his career to be able to work with Jeff on things like the MGC, Skate Park and Rodeo Grounds.Jeff is really a gem that has been recognized by the rest of the state professionals. Mr. Hacker asked the Commission how they wanted to proceed do they have questions or what would they like? Chairman Nesser asked if he could explain what it is that he has been doing? Mr. Hacker explained that he is in the research stage right now.He distributed a packet which included information from other City's like Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale and how they are using this concept successfully. As a municipality there are many grant opportunities that cannot be taken advantage of, like grants for operating funds. The idea is to give the City another tool for revenue development. A Friends of Apache Junction Foundation would be able to obtain non-profit status from the IRS as an organization reducing dependence on public funds. The City Clerk feels efforts being expended collectively would be very beneficial and successful. The new Development Services Director, Brad Steinke is very interested he has seen this work and is excited.The City Attorney has reviewed and is very comfortable with the concept.Several things need to happen, registration with Arizona Corporation Commission, an Employer Identification Number needs to be obtained, papers need to be filed with the IRS, and by-laws and Articles of Incorporation need to be developed. John Kantowski asked how the relationship works between the foundation and the City. Roger explained there has to be a distinction separation between the municipality and foundation as a separate corporation.City staff would lend support as technical consult.Would need to be started with volunteers and depending on its popularity, staff could be hired at a later date. John Kantowski asked how dollars would be tracked and distributed. Roger explained the account would be separate from any City account. The Foundation would have a board consisting of equal members that would work as each area advocate. Funds raised for Parks and Recreation would be put towards Parks and Recreation projects as decided by the board with input on needs. After lengthy discussion in these areas it was suggested we seek input from foundations or groups like this and get the pros and cons of entering into this type of venture. Todd Olear requested New Business #2 be moved up at this time for other staff present to make there presentation. NEW BUSINESS: Discussion on establishing Teen Nights at the Multi- Generational Recreation Center. Mr. Bell explained that Commissioner Olear asked this item be placed on the agenda, Jamie Sullivan, MGC Facility Manager and Liz Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent are available to discuss his ideas.Mr. Olear explained that he knows they have Open Mike Night he has nothing in particular in mind but, feels there is little available and wondered if we could open the doors specifically for teens. Jamie Sullivan explained to open the doors to teens 13-17 years of age on a Saturday night for 4 hours (6-10 pm) would require 7 staff members including a ranger and cost approximately $500.00.One issue would be getting parent signatures on waivers. Several Commissioners asked about limiting the event to a dance in the gymnasium.Jamie explained you are then limiting what the facility was built for and would still need staff to secure areas not being used and justify why the center is closed to public for a dance. Mona Barton explained Food Service has a fundraiser Dance at Thunder Mountain Middle School and there are huge security issues. Liz Langenbach explained we feel the idea is excellent and would like to relay a few things we are currently offering to teens. We offer Teen Night at the Pool it is very popular the MGC offers 3 on 3 Basketball on Fridays nights which is also very popular and Open Mike Nights which is an on going program.One thing we do know is that teens want something new and fresh and need variety. So we can try and offer a couple of things and see what the response is. Jamie suggested we plan for something after the first of year and schedule around school activities and other teen activities going on in the community. Staff can work on some ideas and bring back a progress report to the Commission. Jamie relayed that the MGC will be having their annual Wellness Event on Saturday, October 13 th from 9am to 3pm and could use some volunteers. OLD BUSINESS:(cont'd) Discussion on Parks and Recreation Master Plan Amendment. Commission unanimously requested this item be continued to the next regular meeting. Update and discussion on Rodeo Park improvements. Mr.Bell relayed the footers have been poured for the restroom facility and the bleachers are being fabricated in Texas.The City Council had put this on the agenda for discussion because their had been some interest in advancing the development of the amphitheater or the exhibit hall to generate revenues,the discussion ended up being to save money for the next few years and wait for capital facilities program II. NEW BUSINESS:(cont'd) Discussion on location of future Commission meetings. Mr. Bell put this on the agenda because interest has been expressed in changing the location to get more public attendance. The Commission did express interest in trying different locations over the next few months. Presentation of historical trail concept by Commissioner Standage. The Commission requested this be continued to the next regular meeting. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. The Commission unanimously agreed to limit the next meeting agenda to the two continued items."Discussion on Parks and Recreation Master Plan Amendment" and "Presentation of historical trail concept by Commissioner Standage". The Commission further requested the "Friends of the Library" be invited to the September meeting and "Mesa P&R or Arts Center" invited for October & November. Mr. Bell asked the Commission to keep in mind we have some money for master planning of Silly Mountain and SALT is interested in partnering with us to repair the scar on the face of the mountain. Selection of Next Meeting Date. August 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. CALL TO PUBLIC: None ADJOURNMENT: Their being no further business and hearing no objection Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. APPROVED: Codi.acrPfginski, Vice Chairman