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Home My WebLink About2008 11.05 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 November 5, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman Stephen Amrhein John Mahony Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Mona Barton Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Director of Parks and Recreation Liz Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent Kelly Martin, Park Ranger Supervisor Mary D. March, Secretary Others Present:Vice -Mayor R.E. Eck CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Wayne Standage accepted the agenda as presented.Conrad Pisinski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of October 15, 2008, meeting as presented. Sandra Schenone seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission the APRA Award for Outstanding Sports Program, was awarded to our Parks and Recreation Department for our annual LI th of July SkateBoard Competition. This makes four awards in five years for our department. The City Attorney will attend our next regular meeting to discuss "Open Meeting" and "Conflict"laws. The Apache Junction Independent has been contacted again to make corrections to published meeting time for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Bell thanked Chairman Nesser for her assistance in judging our annual Halloween Costume Contest. Mr. Bell also distributed a list of potential dog park names Chairman Nesser had provided him. Mr. Bell relayed that staff has been very busy with community events, last weekend was the Phestival on Phelps, this Saturday is the Wellness Event at the Multi -Generational Center this is its's third year and has grown to 30 booths.The Art Show is upcoming November 15 & 16. Mr. Bell relayed that it is time for Home Rule to be voted on again.Submittals for publicity pamphlet are due by December 10th ata charge of $50.00.Home rule goes to a vote every four years allowing us to spend our money here.If it does not pass we will not be able to utilize nine million dollars.We need to put this on next month's agenda to discuss. Finally Mr. Bell relayed the non-profit foundation documents are prepared to go to the Internal Revenue Service. The next step is to set up the "Friends of Apache Junction" Board. We should have at least one representative to advocate for Parks and Recreation. OLD BUSINESS: Reminder of December 13, 2008 Commission tour of facilities. Mr. Bell confirmed with Commission December 13th Parks and Recreation facility tour, meeting at Parks and Recreation Admin office at 8:00 AM, beginning with a tour of the Multi -Generational Center and lasting approximately 2 hours. Update and discussion on FY 2008/09 budget and potential revenue ideas. Mr. Bell informed the Commission that revenues continue to slide, while expenditures are still constant, which is confusing since we are on a spending freeze.We really need to come up with potential revenue generators and are seeking feedback on several ideas.Liz Langebach, presented concepts & options asking for input on how to make happen and get pros and cons.Options included increasing program fees, charge for special events, charge resident/non resident fees, currently we do not charge facility use fees to youth serving groups, the Senior Center, or special events we partner with that support our scholarship program should we reevaluate and/or sell advertising/sponsorships. Chairman Nesser expressed the importance of the pool in the summer, this is one thing less privileged children/families can afford.She also asked if we charge for events like 4th of July will attendance drop and people be more likely to watch from outlying areas?How about big events w/carnivals and vendors, attracting tourists, like the Hot Air Balloon Events. Sandra Schenone suggested community involvement support like when Animal Control had an event with Walmart and they received a percentage of the days purchases. Wayne Standage suggested since property taxes are paid to the county rather than the city in regards to resident/non resident fees maybe a regional/non-regional fee would fit better. Update on discussion on possible action on acquisition of BLM land in Section 1 andl. Commissioner Standage provided the Commission maps depicting the area in Section 1 and 2 considering for possible acquisition.Mr. Standage further relayed that in speaking with a BLM representative, recently the City would have the same problem as was the reason lease was asked to be relinquish originally, active mining claims.BLM will not lease land due to active mining claims.We could get permission from claim owners to use Weekes Wash area allowing continuation of trails between Pinal and Maricopa County. Chairman Nesser asked what liability would the City assume by this course of action.Mr. Bell suggested further input from the City Attorney. Update and discussion on Rodeo Park/Event Center Improvements. Mr. Bell in response to request for update on rodeo park development provided the following: The end of last year the phase which included covered bleachers and a restroom/concession building were completed. The City has taken formal action allowing the Arizona Antique Tractor Association to do fundraising to improve the museum area. Councilman Serdy, having concerns with leasing versus ownership, has had staff write a letter signed by him and the Mayor, to the President of the United States, Secretary of the Interior and the head of BLM requesting BLM turn over the 20 acres to the City. Commissioner Pisinski asked about limitations in regards to making profit on events since we do not own facility. Mr. Bell explained he believes there are some misunderstandings.BLM has stipulations like profit must go back into the improvement of the facility, which is no problem.We can work within the guidelines BLM has set forth it is just how things are structured. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and Discussion on potential park site south of Pinal County Complex. Mr. Bell explained that he had hoped discussion on this project was further along by this meeting date but, instead it has been put on hold.So, briefly explained what has transpired to date. The site being discussed is the 17 acres of County land that sits across 88 South of the County Complex.Up until about six months ago County Supervisor Smith was working with CAAFA, Superstition Mountain Mental Health, the Health Dept and other Health and Human Service organizations to develop a complex for that purpose. Until some of the organizations became uncomfortable with investing in a building on property that did not belong to them. County Supervisor Smith has always been interested in putting a Boys & Girls Club on the site, and has asked if the City would be interested in partnering with the County and Boys & Girls Club to develop a Boys & Girls Club facility and park site. The City Manager asked for us to develop a concept to run through our development service department planning process to learn where the utilizes are and related development costs, to see what it is going to take to develop and get everyone on the same page. Mr. Bell shared with the Commission the conceptual plan for the site designed by Parks Superintendent Nick Blake.The plan includes a Boys & Girls Club facility, BMX Park, small amphitheater, large plaza area that could be use for an event like a farmers market, and turf areas that could be utilized for downtown type events. The cost to develop is at least 3 million dollars. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. FY 08/09 budget & potential revenue ideas; Home Rule; Pinal County Park; meet and greet with recreation staff. Selection of Next Meeting Date: December 3, 2008 CALL TO PUBLIC: None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:43 pm Vice Chairman