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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 10.03 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 October 3, 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 Nick Black, Parks Superintendent Kelly Martin, Park Ranger Supervisor Mary D. March, Secretary Others Present: Dean Chamber, J2 Engineering and Design Kurt Montei, J2 Engineering and Design Robert Brinton, Mesa's Parks and Recreation Foundation. CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chairman Pisinski called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Nesser had called and was to arrive 15 minutes late. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Sandra Schenone motioned to accept the agenda as presented. John Kantowski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINTES: John Kantowski motioned to accept the minutes of September 5, 2007, regular meeting as presented.Mona Barton seconded this motion passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell relayed that the Commissioners will find in their packet upcoming volunteer opportunities and further relayed that Jamie Sullivan, Multi -generational Center Facility Manager, asked him to encourage strongly their participation with the Wellness Event scheduled for October 13th.This is our second annual and participation has doubled, so any assists will be appreciated. Mr. Bell also shared with the Commission a video from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Conference Awards Banquet, where Liz Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent was awarded the "Young Professional of the Year". OLD BUSINESS: Presentation by and discussion with Mr. Robert Brinton regarding the role and responsibilities of Mesa's Parks and Recreation Foundation. Commissioner Wayne Standage introduced Mr. Robert Brinton who has been involved with Mesa's Parks and Recreation Foundation. Mr. Brinton explained that he just completed 7 years of service on the Mesa's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Prior to that he had been asked to be founding president of the Foundation, Mesa Parks and Recreation and Cultural, which involved both the arts and parks and recreation. The foundation was formed for two main reasons first being, entities that would like to have a tax deductible of a 501C3 non profit charity, to have tax write offs in terms of donations. The other being, donations were already being accepted for learn to swim programs, arbor days, etc_ and were going into the general fund.When funds are deposited into the general fund you can not designated for specific programs etc_The foundation was established with the involvement of the Parks and Recreation Board and staff, an attorney set up non profit status and was started with 11 different accounts. Shortly after its beginnings the foundation was used to start the efforts for the Mesa Arts Center.As the arts division grew and it was getting close to making a push for the Arts Center, the Arts and Entertainment Alliance was formed and the Association was renamed the Foundation for Mesa Parks.Which continues to operate and has about 22 accounts at this time. John Kantowski asked how much money you could realistically anticipate being donated annually. Mr. Brinton relayed that the norm is many small accounts but, if you have a cause like the Arts Center, that's where most of the money is raised. Todd Olear asked how closely do you work with City staff? Mr. Brinton replied very closely, staff does a lot of the leg work, they attend meetings and have written grants that the foundation has received. It's a good partnership. Marta Saint -James expressed her support for any avenue in which funds could be raised for development of a Dog Park. Judy and Jack Donovan, Shirley Quist and James Haire expressed the same support as Marta and Joy McNulty offered her assistance as she is familiar with 501C3 requirements. Discussion and public hearing on Silly Mountain Park Master Plan. Mr. Bell provided background information as follows Central Arizona College originally held the lease for 200 acres at Silly Mountain for a campus, which they relinquished.The City successfully, applied to BLM for RPP Lease and have contracted with J2 Engineering and Design to lead us through the master planning process.SALT has expressed interest in working cooperatively to revegetate the scar up the front of the mountain. The master plan process includes 3 months of public hearing from which J2 will provided alternatives based on input received.Currently we have no funds available for development. Dean Chambers and Kurt Montei from J2 provided 3 index cards and markers and asked everyone to provide 3 ideas of what they would like to see at this site. Once done turn them in and they will be posted in categories on the board. The results are as follows: Trails (21); Revegetation of Scar (9); Dog Park (7); Picknicking (5); benches/viewing areas along trail (4) and traffic interface with highway (4); Model Aviation (3); Water play area (1), BMX (1), Ballfield (1). Rosemary Scherer expressed SALT's commitment in working closely with the City in repairing the scar and revegetation of the upper slopes. Interest was also expressed in defining and restoring existing trails and working with Jr. High & High School Science students to inventory vegetation to see what has come back over the last 13 years since fire. John Kantowski asked how much area is needed for a model airplane site. Dean Chamber replied a large cleared area and airspace is required taking into consideration the residents and power lines in the area. Todd Olear asked if the possible realignment of Highway 60 is being taken into consideration. Dean Chambers this will be looked at to incorporate the rest of the trails system. Wayne Standage expressed his concern with trails connectivity to the south as it relates to the Goldfield Florence Wagon Road. Dean Chambers suggested the trails master plan be updated, denoting crossings clearly so ADOT can address. Chris Stellhorn, resides next to park area and expressed concerns for no lights and no noise.Model airplanes would be okay on the other side of the freeway if that is going to be considered and suggested a wall or fence for dog park due to freeway. Mona Barton expressed that she would like to get input from community youth at next two hearings, so can we encourage them through the schools somehow. Todd Olear replied that he has been appointed to High School Site Council and he could encourage staff to put the word out. Discussion and possible action on Parks and Recreation Master Plan amendment. Mr. Bell presented final draft of Master Plan amendment to Commission for their recommendation to City Council. After some discussion in regards to location of Dog Park, Todd Olear motioned to recommend the Master Plan amendment to the City Council for approval.Conrad Pisinski seconded this motion which passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Discussion and possible action on establishing tours of facilities for Commissioners. John Kantowski asked for this item to be continued until January meeting after the holidays. Discussion and possible action on pursuing youth advisors to the Commission. Conrad Pisinski expressed that he feels it would be a good idea to get input from the youth of our community on what they would like to see at our parks. Tess Nesser mentioned that the Library has TAB a teen advisor board,maybe we could have them give us input on how to set up a youth group. Mr.Bell informed the Commission that we had a Youth Advisory Board established by city code, it consisted of 15 members.We worked with the school district,they would recommend members usually,student council,athletes, popular kids who could only make about every other meeting and they asked for a whole lot of things they thought they were going to get and Mr.Bell feels we built up expectations and let a whole lot of kids down. Mr.Bell further relayed that Councilman Dietz has requested staff to work with the school,he is interested in a youth leadership program, or some way of getting kids to City Council meetings,etc_So staff is pursuing getting in front of a student council meeting to get input from the kids on a youth leadership program,mock elections, ride alongs, etc_ Chairman Nesser asked Mr.Bell to keep the Commission informed on how things are progressing. Discussion on possible action on the Trails Master Plan and Open Space Task Force report. Wayne Standage asked if costs of trails master plan could be amended to allow us to do some maintenance and revegetation of trails as outlined in the master plan.BLM also has funding for rejuvenation of grasslands that maybe could be taking advantage of.Wayne suggested maybe revegetating an experimental area,for example,the weeks wash area. Mr.Bell explained that we have a proposed plan with BLM and if we are going to add things we need to get those approved by BLM. Mr.Bell also explained that as he has been directed by amending the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and once approved he will move forward with incorporating historical trails and ensure local access and connectivity.If changes are to be made to the master plan that process can be pursued. John Kantowski asked if Commission could have some time to review the Trails Master Plan before further discussing or making any decisions. Todd Olear expressed that he has read the Trails Master Plan and he is hooked he loves it and wishes it was already done.When he read it he thought is was a very well thought out proposal.He is not against prioritizing projects to get this started. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. Public Hearing Silly Mountain Park Master Plan;Discussion and possible recommendation on Park Pals Foundation; Discussion and possible action on the Trails Master Plan. Selection of Next Meeting Date. November 7,6:00 p.m.at the Parks &Recreation Meeting Hall. CALL TO PUBLIC: ADJOURNMENT: Their being no further business and hearing no objection Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Conrad PYsinski, Vice Cairman