HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 08.01 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 1, 2007, 6:00 p.m. at the Parks
and Recreation Meeting Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by
law.
Present Absent
Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman None
Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman
Mona Barton
John Kantowski
Todd Olear
Sandra Schenone
Wayne Standage Jr.
Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation
Sherri McGahan, Customer Service Representative
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Nesser was running late, Vice -Chairman Pisinski
called the meeting to order at 6:00 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:
John Kantowski motioned to accept the minutes of July 9,
2007, special meeting as presented.Sandra Schenone
seconded this motion which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell informed the commission that Liz Langenbach has
been selected to receive the "Young Professional of the
Year" award from Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.
Our Parks & Recreation Department has received an award
three out of the last four years.Liz will be recognized
August 30th at the APRA Annual Award Dinner, in Tucson.
John Kantowski will be driving down if anyone is interested
in attending.
Mr. Bell advised the Commission that a listing of upcoming
volunteer opportunities has been provided in their binders.
He also informed Commissioners Olear and Standage that
their shirts were on order.
Mr. Bell requested that in order to accommodate the
recording of minutes, Commissioners wanting to speak should
be recognized by the Chairperson.
Mr. Bell reported that the grandstands for Rodeo Park
Improvements are currently being manufactured in Texas, and
we are still about 30 days from footers being installed.
The restroom/concession exterior, masonry walls are about
40% complete.
Mr. Bell addressed Teen Nights at the Multi -Generational
Center.Recreation Superintendent, Liz Langenbach, met
with the High School Principal, Marla Zimmerman.Liz asked
her if she could get input from the kids at student council
meetings and/or classrooms; Mrs. Zimmerman is very open to
assisting us with this request.City Council is interested
in a Youth leadership program and this input could be
beneficial for them as well.A meeting will be scheduled
in September.
Next months meeting will be held at the Multi -Generational
Center, we have invited the Friends of the Library to make
a presentation.Mr. Bell advised the Commission there are
City processes when making changes to meetings, which need
to be reviewed to ensure compliance with advertisement
requirements.October's meeting will be at the Parks &
Recreation Meeting Hall.
OLD BUSINESS:
Presentation of historical trail concept by Commissioner
Standage.
Commissioner Standage expressed a desire to expand the
lineal park planning and improvement efforts as part of the
update to the comprehensive "master plan".He has a
considerable amount of time into researching historical
trails and routes in the area and feels the preservation of
these routes is beneficial for recreational and historical
purposes.
Mr.Standage distributed maps depiciting proposed trail
locations.He has identified three significant routes from
the past;1)Original Apache Trail,2)Sheep Drive Trail
and 3)Goldfield -Florence Road.A small portion of the
Apache Trail runs through Section 8 and 9 on city
controlled property.The larger sections are on State Land
and/or private property.A majority of Sheep Drive Trail
and Goldfield -Florence Road fall within city controlled
property.
Connectivity to regional trails and open spaces is
emphasized with the concept,along with access routes into
existing parts of the city.A considerable amount of
discussion took place on how Sheep Drive Trail got its
name.Mr.Bell informed the commission that the name was
approved by the City Council based on a recommendation from
the Superstition Horseman's Association.Additional
discussion related to operations,maintenance and
development costs took place.
Discussion and possible action on Parks and Recreation
Master Plan Amendment.
Discussion whether Parks & Recreation would be committed to
items placed on the Master Plan; Mr.Bell said if an item
is listed as a high priority we would be committed.
Mr.Bell reiterated that this document has captured items
received from the public and staff over the past 7 years.
Those items that are completed have been eliminated and
this is the updated version.Mr.Bell will present these
updates to .the City Council for approval,advising them
that,the General Plan update by Development Services will
be conducted within the next 2 years and we will be
involved in an overall update at that time.The
prioritization update is essential in positioning us to
obtain grant funding.It also allows staff to know what
we're working on, etc.
Chairperson Nesser suggested that we review each item
listed and discuss.Mr.Bell clarified descriptions as
questions arose from commissioners. Commissioners expressed
their opinionsand made suggestions on various items.
The following suggestions were made to the Parks &
Recreation Master Plan, all other items remained unchanged.
Existing Sites:
- Remove "at Prospector Park" for BMX facility.
- Add Expand on facilities at Rodeo Park to 1-3 year term.
Theresa A.
Lineal Parks:
-New verbage for 1-3 yr.trail linkage changed to update
the multi -use trail plan to incorporate historical trails
(Sheep Drive Trail,Apache Trail,and Goldfield/Florence)
and link to regional connectors.
Staff will update and provide to the Commission at their
next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future
agendas.
1.Update on Parks & Recreation Master Plan
2.Discussion on Silly Mountain Park
Selection of Next Meeting Date.
September 5, 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 8:08 p.m.
APPROVED:
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Conrad Pis'ifiski/, Vice Chairman•