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Home My WebLink About2008 03.05 PRC MinutesCity of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission 300 E. Superstition Blvd. Apache Junction, Az. A regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held on March 5, 2008 at the City Council Chambers pursuant to notice a prescribed by law. PRESENT Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman Mona Barton John Kantowski Todd Olear Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Staff Present: ABSENT Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent Kelly Martin, Parks Ranger Supervisor Mary March, Secretary Others Present:Dean Chambers, J2 Engineering and Design CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Chairman Nesser asked for a motion to accept the agenda with correction to the date for acceptance of minutes to reflect February 6, 2008 rather than 2007. John Kantowski motioned to accept the agenda with correction noted by Chairman Nesser.Wayne Standage seconded the motion which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Conrad Pisinski made a motion to accept the minutes of February 6, 2008 as,presented.Sandra Schenone seconded the motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell informed the Commission that the Council Chambers will be the permanent location for future meetings, allowing us to utilize the many amenities available. You will find an article on Dutch's visit to last months meeting and the latest issue of the Citizen Brochure provided for your information.Mr. Bell thanked Commission members Pisinski, Standage and Kantowski for their attendance at S.A.L.T. ribbon cutting at Silly Mountain this past weekend.Mr. Bell further relayed we have begun FY08/09 budget process. Our department's first meeting is scheduled for 3/18/08, so should be able to update the Commission at next months meeting, along with an update on the reorganization of the recreation division. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation, discussion, public hearing and possible action on Silly Mountain Park Master Plan. Dean Chambers, consultant with J2 Engineering, presented the "Preferred Preliminary Master Plan", which consisted of Option "A", which was the favored of the two options presented at February meeting, with suggestion incorporated as follows: two upper loops more defined for picnicking with addition of associated restroom; grass around play area; division of entry road with median; trail heads proposed as future development at the neighborhoods request with no action to 16 acres on west side, pending future development around that area. John Kantowski expressed concern with distance from entrance to equestrian staging area. Dean advised road width is more than adequate for comfortable travel. Mona Barton asked about the size of children's playground area and are sports courts included. Dean replied play area is 6,000 square feet of sand and rubberized surface, for children's playground only. Sandra Schenone inquired about limited light use. Dean relayed this plan only allows for the use of low level lighting with nothing taller the 18-20 ft.He also provided some pictures from Zahara Park at the 202 and Lindsey, where the same lighting recommended is being utilized, and pictures as Silly Mountain exists presently.Zahara Park pictures actually had darker skies. Marta St. James 6646 S. Sinagua Ct. Gold Canyon, Az. 85218 expressed her strong support for off -leash facility. Judy Novalsky 5239 E. 32' Avenue Apache Junction, Az. 85219 expressed concerns with coyotes & scorpions in relation to playgrounds and is there to be an officer on duty during operation. Don Schaefer 10198 E. Rugged Mountain Drive, Mesa, Az.pro plan. Betty Swanson 5274 E.3 2 'Avenue Apache Junction, Az. thanked all involved for the public input that has been solicited during this process and feels this project is very workable. John Kantowski made a' motion to recommending to the City Council the "Preferred Preliminary Master Plan" for Silly Mountain. Conrad Pisinski seconded this motion which passed unanimously. Update and discussion on establishing non-profit foundation. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that Roger Hacker is working on legal paperwork with City Attorney, Joel Stern for presentation to the City Council in May.Mr. Bell will keep the commission advised of any new developments. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on skate park operations and supervision. Mr. Bell explained that the commission had inquired on why we don't have on site supervisors at the skate park. Mr. Bell relayed that our liability carrier recommended having the facility open to the public for use at will like all other park facilities, if staffed liability increases.Our Park Rangers do an excellent job of monitoring activity and making sure park rules are being adhered to at this facility. Chairman Nesser asked if the City could close if the facility became a nuisance.Mr. Bell replied yes and have done on occasion when rules for use have not been adhered to. City Attorney explained that we have had some issues with agroup exercising their 15t amendment rights inside the skate park.We have come to a workable solution, where they can handout literature and talk to willing participants, outside of the skate park, in the park area. Discussion on roles and responsibilities of Board and Commission members. Mr. Bell explained that due to this Commission being very active, a few things have come up that he feels the Commission as a body and staff need guidance on.So he has asked the City Attorney to clarify for instance should a commission member provide a response/correction to a newspaper article.How or should contact information be provided to Commissioners of individuals present at Commission meetings. Joel Stern explained the City Code provides for the Director of Parks and Recreation to advise the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission and community organizations on expenditure of public funds for recreation and parks; acquisition, design and development of recreation facilities and areas;_ City Code 2-8-8 defines Parks and Recreation Commission Duties as: The Commission through the Director shall recommend regulations and policy related to operation and improvement of public parks_ It is the responsibility of the commission to listen to testimony and working in the best interest of the community, considering all input received, to formulate recommendationsto City Council. An individual, wanting to further an individual interest, should consider volunteering with groups of like interests rather than assigned the task of looking out for.the best interest of the city. It is also strongly urged, to be very sensitive when expressing one self as a Commissioner that you keep:in mind you represent a body of seven and your views, especially since in your capacity you make recommendations to ;the City Council, are -viewed as the body's. Todd Olear asked if he would -as an individual like to voice his support for a project, to theCity councilThow_would that best be done. Joel Stern, emphasized that it i your,right_tofreedom of speech by no means. is anyone say otherwise.You .could do this as a.private citizen through the City Council's call to public or.provide a written comment and ask for:this.tO be entered into the record. Request .by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. FY08/0913udget;Reorganization of RecreationiDivision; Tour of Park Facilities; Silly Mountain Park Update Selection .of next meeting date. April , 2008 ;@ 6:00 p.m.. CALL TO PUBLIC.:None ADJOURNMENT: Their being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm. APPROVED: Conrad PianAi, Vice Chairman