HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 09.03 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 September 3, 2008 at the City
Hall Council Chambers pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
PRESENT
Theresa A. Nesser - Chairman
Conrad Pisinski - Vice -Chairman
Mona Barton
Wayne Standage
ABSENT
Sandra Schenone (Excused)
Staff Present:Jeff Bell,Director of Parks & Recreation
Mary March, Secretary
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
and Led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Wayne Standage motioned to accept the agenda as presented.
Conrad Pisinski seconded this motion which passED
unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of April 9,
2008 regular meeting as presented.Mona Barton seconded
and the motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Jeff Bell opened by thanking Commission members on behalf of
himself and Mary March, for allowing staff a break over the last
months to deal with personal issues, your understanding is very
appreciated. He further relayed to the Commission the following;
The Annual APRA Conference was held last week in Scottsdale and
for the fourth consecutive year we have been recognized by our
peers With an award. We were the recipients of The OutstandingSports Program for our July 4th Skateboard Competition.
Facilities Manager Jamie Sullivan served on the committee but
was not allowed to vote.
Two Commission members have resigned Todd Olear, who moved out
of the City limits and John Kantowski siting health issues and
since feels his health is improving and has expressed interest
in being reappointed by the City Council.
The VFW post#7968 has contacted the City for use of Prospector
Park for the purpose of displaying the Traveling Tribute which
is a replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Wall. The tribute will be
displayed March 12-16, 2009, 24 hours per day, they will set up
on the 11th and security will be provided around the clock until
they depart on the 17th. We feel this is a wonderful opportunity
for our community and the VFW has worked very hard in securing
this honor for our community.
We have received approval from the City Council to work with the
Antique Tractor Association for development of a Museum at the
Rodeo Park
As of July 1st Parks and Recreation has assumed responsibility
for Royal Palm Median and the Rockart at U.S. Hgwy 360, Idaho
Road exits, due to our parks divisions landscaping expertise.
Mr. Bell further relayed, at Chairman Nesser coaxing, that the
City Manager, gave props to our MGC Center and Park Ranger
Program in the city's pursuit of being best in class.The MGC
Center & City Hall have received many requests for tours by
other cities, like Casa Grande and Chandler. Our own MGC Center
has been contacted for a tour by Long Island, New York.Our
Park Supervisor, Kelly Martin was invited to Gilbert's City
Council retreat to make a presentation, so they can model their
Ranger Program after ours.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on establishing non-profit foundation.
Mr. Bell relayed that Roger Hacker recently met with Joel Stern.
City Attorney and an outside attorney for 501C3 non profit
status.Mr. Hacker will be requesting the City Council's
approval the 1st meeting in October.Once the is received the
next step will be to fill Board/officers positions.
Update and discussion on fiscal year 2008/09 budget.
Mr. Bell distributed approved budget and explained to the
Commission due to the downward turn in the economy the City as a
whole cut the budget by 2 million dollars, the Parks and
Recreation budget assumed about 25% of that responsibility.
There will be no new positions or programs and vacancies will
not be filled, the City is attempting to avoid layoffs and
maintain until the economy picks back up.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation and discussion on proposed off -leash facility and
phase IV development of Prospector Park.
Mr. Bell reminded the Commission that J2 Engineering had
previously provided a design estimated at 4 million dollars and
were asked to rework the design and cut costs.
Mr. Bell presented the new design which includes multiple grass
areas/pods, which are preferred for separation of smaller,
larger and more aggressive dogs.The pods have rock between the
grass area and perimeter fencing for maintenance purposes. There
is also an inclusion of a water feature with a grass area, which
could be use for special event vendor set .up.A restroom
building is also included and is sorely needed on the Northeast
side of Prospector Park.
Chairman Nesser asked if a recommendation to ,the City Council, is
needed at this tiMe-'Mr. Bell will place it on the next agenda
for action. Mr. Bell also -relayed that the Police Department has
about ,$8000.00 worth of obstacles for canine -training they need
a ,place for.
Presentation and discussion on Commission terms & vacancies.
Mr. Bell relayed that the City Clerk's office is taking an
ordinance to the City Council for approval to move appointment
dates from July to October.This will effect our two vacancies
and one expiring term, requesting reappointment.Once the
ordinance is approved then the interview process will start and
appointments will be made.
Request by the. Commission for placement of items on future
agenda.
BLM Land -reapply for Lease; Non -Profit Foundation Update;
Fy08/09 Budget; Off -Leash Facility; Silly Mountain Trails,
Facility Tour.
Selection of Next Meeting Date:
October 1, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers.
CALL:TO PUBLIC:None
ADJOURNMENT:
Theresa A. Nes
Their being no further business and hearing no objections
Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVED:
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Conrad Pislhski, Vice Chairman