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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 09.05 PRC MinutesCITY OF APACHE JUNCTION Parks & Recreation Commission 1035 N. Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on September 5, 2007, 6:00 p.m. in Room 117 of the Multigenerational Center pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman John Kantowski Todd Olear Wayne Standage Jr. Absent ,1 Mona Barton, Excused Sandra Schenone, Excused Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Mary D. March, Secretary Others Present: Marci Belzner, Apache Junction Friends of the Library CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: John Kantowski motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Conrad Pisinski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINTES: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of August 1, 2007, regular meeting as presented.Todd Olear seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell thanked Commissioner's Kantowski and Pisinski for their attendance at the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, Boards and Commission Day and Awards Banquet, where our Recreation Superintendent, Liz Langenbach was awarded the "Young Professional of the Year" and Dan Wilson was recognized and awarded for his efforts as the Basketball Bonanza State Coordinator. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation by and Discussion with Apache Junction Friends of the Library. Mr. Bell relayed, as a follow up to the Commission's discussion in creating a non-profit organization to help with fund raising and volunteers on behalf of Parks and Recreation we have invited Marci Belzner from the Friends of the Library to share with us what it is they do for the Library. Marci Belzner relayed to the Commission that she has been with the Friends of the Library for about 15 years. The Friends is a non-profit, volunteer group of approximately 30-40 members, 8 of which are very active, which is an ongoing problem.They raise funds through the sales of donated books and the gift shop currently, this may change with the Library expansion.The Friends charter is solely to support the Library and Literacy Program by providing needs for programs and operations outside of the City budget. They serve as an umbrella providing one account with different ledgers for several Library related programs. Marci provided handouts on steps to take to create a non- profit group. Steps included assembling a group of volunteers not to include Parks & Recreation Commission members due to conflict of interest.Election of officers; establishing goals; drafting mission statement and by laws; creating bank account; applying for incorporation as tax exempt organization; applying for 501c3 status; obtaining Federal Id Number and filing with IRS; registering with Secretary of State as a charitable organization; obtaining Az transaction privilege tax exemption. It is also strongly advised to work with a Lawyer. John Kantowski remarked that he would like to see something in place by the end of the year in order to take advantage of some of the fund raising opportunities already in place like the Halloween Carnival. Todd Olear was curious on how much money the Friends raise annually? Marci Belzner replied 15 years ago the Friends put $5,000 toward Home Rule and that wiped them out currently they are filing with the IRS because they are raising over $25,000 yearly. Discussion and possible action on Parks and Recreation Master Plan amendment. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that the minor adjustments requested at last months meeting have been completed.Also Mr. Bell has included for consideration under special use parks, splashpads/spraygrounds as a cheaper more attainable solution to the need for more water park/aquatic facilities.They are becoming very popular and they do not require lifeguards to operate. If the Commission feels the Master Plan prioritized list update is complete a recommendation for approval to the City Council is in order. John Kantowski asked if a recommendation could be continued to next months meeting pending final review. There being no objections recommendation for approval will be scheduled for the next, regular meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on public participation in the planning process of Silly Mountain Park. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that we have entered into a contract with J2 Engineering, who we contracted to master plan the Rodeo Park,to perform the same function for planning on Silly Mountain Park.We will hold three public hearings,seeking input and then J2 will bring back some alternatives to the Commission for consideration.The Superstition Area Land Trust is very interested in being involved Mr.Bell has a meeting schedule with them and J2 to outline what role they are going to play in this process,they are very interested in repairing the scar up the front of the mountain.Mr. Bell advised the commission that he will be contacting the local media in order to initiate this process for next months meeting. John Kantowski asked if Commissioners especially new members could schedule staff time to visit park facilities as to better address needs. Mr. Bell replied a tour a facilities could be arranged. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. Recommendation on Parks and Recreation Master Plan Amendment;Discussion on Trails Master Plan and Open Space Task Force;Discussion on Youth Advisor/Commission;Silly Mountain Park;Presentation by Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation. Selection of Next Meeting Date. October 3,2007 at 6:00 p.m.at the Parks &Recreation Meeting Hall. CALL TO PUBLIC: Pamela Kantowski expressed her wishes of there being more interest by the public in Commission meetings. ADJOURNMENT: Their being no further business and hearing no objection Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Conrad Pisdnki, Vice Chairman