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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 12.05 PRC MinutesCity of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission 1001 North Idaho Road Apache Junction, Az. A regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on December 5, 2007 at the Parks and Recreation Meeting Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. PRESENT Theresa A. Nesser Conrad Pisinski - Todd Olear Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Staff Present: ABSENT - Chairman Mona Barton (Excused) Vice -Chairman John Kantowski (Excused) Jeff Bell,Director of Parks & Recreation Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent Mary March, Secretary Others Present:Dean Chambers, J2 Engineering and Design Kurt Montei, J2 Engineering and Design CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Todd Olear seconded this motion which passed unanimously. ACCPETANCE OF MINUTES: Sandra Schenone motioned to accept the minutes of November 7, 2007 regular meeting as presented.Conrad Pisinski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Jeff Bell informed the Commission the Recreation Division has completed an assessment, and programming areas have been reorganized and expanded to include outdoor recreation, and fitness and health areas. We have also filled the vacant coordinator position with is taking a cut in pay to work environment and what a coordinator out of Queen Creek, who come to work with us because of our we are getting done. Mr. Bell also invited everyone to come and enjoy The Annual Holiday Event with Santa and snow being held on December 7th starting at 5:00 p.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park Gazebo, followed by the Holiday Light Parade on the Trail at 7:00 p.m. OLD BUSINESS: Discussion and public hearing on Silly Mountain Master Plan. Mr. Bell briefly explained the City aquired a R&PP Lease from BLM for 200 Acres of Silly Mountain, to be developed for recreation and public purposes.We are in the process of gathering public interest in recreational activities for this area and have engaged the services of J2 Engineering and Design. Dean Chambers of J2 Engineering and Design explained that currently we are in the initial step of gathering information, which consists of three public hearings, of which tonight's meeting is the third.The first hearing was October 3rd, trails was the number one topic of that hearing followed by dog park, picnicking and restoration of the scar. November 7th was the second hearing where ball fields were a high priority, followed by trails, sports fields and dog park. Everyone present was provided a list of all items to date ranked in order of interest received. Everyone was asked to rank each as a high or low priority and add anything they feel has not been address. Dean further explained, from this final meeting J2 will take all the information received and develop several alternative development plans. Scheduled to be presented at the next, regular Parks and Recreation Commission for review and eventually resulting in a plan that the Commission would recommend to the City Council for approval as a Master Plan for future development. Chairman Nesser opened the meeting for public input. After lengthy discussion and input, the major concern was for preservation of the area in it's natural state. Lighting of any kind was very unpopular, the residents moved there for the more remote, quiet, natural, dark sky area and would like to keep it that way.Trails and revegetating/restoring the scar were still very popular. The consideration of a dog park met with little resistance and Little League parents still expressed an interest in the 16 acres across the highway for ballfields/sportfields. A representative from the Gold Canyon's MOMS club expressed interest in a splashpad, playground with climbing boulders, sports fields, bike trails, and activity areas for children. Chairman Nesser explained that this was the third of three hearings, she further explained these hearings are solely for information gathering so J2 can come up with some alternative designs for review and consideration, input and recommendation. Chairman Nesser further clarified several issues including, the City of Apache Junction does not receive any property tax those are paid to the County, the City relies on sales tax.Also, design of Silly Mountain Park, does not come to a public vote, the commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, public can comment to City Council just as comment and interest was received tonight and interest received for ball fields was represented at the November meeting. Chairman Nesser asked Mr. Bell for input on the City's relationship with the School District.Mr. Bell relayed that the City has a wonderful relationship with the School District, we have developed the Little League Park behind Superstition Elementary School and Superstition Shadows Park with the School District.We utilize their facilities for summer programs and run a cooperative afterschool sports and activity program with them. Mr. Bell further relayed that there are a lot of things in the works, we just received approval for design of a dog park for Prospector Park, Flood Control has contacted us to see if we would be interested in developing a park on 80 acres at Syphon Draw.We have worked with the Open Space Task Force for the preservation of 2700 acres and implementation of trails. These are all long range plans, but prepare us for when funds become available. Chairman Nesser further relayed that J2 Engineering and Design will be bringing back alternatives to the Commission at the February 6, 2008 meeting for all who are interested. At this time Chairman Nesser asked that all remaining items on the agenda be continued to a future meeting.All Commissioners were in favor, none were opposed. NEW BUSINESS: Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agenda. Silly Mountain Park Master Plan Alternatives.(February 6th) Presentation and discussion on skate park operation and supervision.(future) Presentation and discussion on roles and responsibilities of Board and Commission members.(future) Update and discussion on establishing non-profit foundation. (future) Selection of Next Meeting Date: February 6, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. CALL TO PUBLIC: ADJOURNMENT: None Their being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. APPROVED: / Conrad Pisiriski,' Vice—Chaiingn