Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 01.07 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 January 7,2009,6:00 p.m.at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A.Nesser,Chairman (Late) Conrad Pisinski,Vice -Chairman Stephen Amrhein Mona Barton John Mahony Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Staff Present: Jeff Bell.Director of Parks and Recreation Kelly Martin,Park Ranger Supervisor Mary D.March,Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chairman Pisinki 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 asking that New Business Item 1.be moved up to accommodating the City Attorney's attendance.Sandra Schenone seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Sandra Schenone motioned to accept the minutes of November 5.2008,meeting as presented.Wayne Standage seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr.Bell relayed to the Commission bids were opened on Focal Point Project 1/6/09 and ranged from $30,000 to $100.000.We received a grant for $20.000 from the Yavapai Indian Community to be used towards this project.TIF funds will be utilized for the balance,approved project cost is $50,000. Mr.Bell further informed the Commission the scar on Silly Mountain has been hydro- seeded,thanks to S.A.L.T.they paid for the hydro -seeding and have donated countless hours improving and defining trails.Recently they have added a lower,easy trail that will be turned into an interpretative trail. Mr.Bell advised that the City Manager has asked staff to put together short presentations highlighting department services to share at City Council meetings.The Park Ranger Program was highlighted at the last Council meeting and Kelly Martin.Park Ranger was on hand to share the presentation with the Commission. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on "Open Meeting"and "Conflict"laws. City Attorney Joel Stern reviewed the open meeting and conflict laws with Commission, to insure knowledge of updates since their last review and for the benefit of new Commission members. OLD BUSINESS: Update and discussion on Friends of Apache Junction non-profit organization. Mr.Bell relayed to the Commission that Commissioner Standage is one of 5 members currently appointed to Friends of Apache Junction Mr.Standage advised the Commission they are in the very beginning stages.Board members are Lucy Young,AJ School District Board President,she has been appointed President,Maureen Gregan, Attorney,has been appointed Treasurer,Laura Dean -Lytle with Pinal County has been appointed Secretary and L.J.Trevillyan,teacher has been appointed Vice -President with 2 vacancy remaining.Current members will begin addressing what next steps need to be. Presentation and discussion on 2009 Home Rule election. Mr.Bell distributed information on the Home Rule and asked all commissioners to read through so they have a clear understanding of Home Rule,that it allows us to spend dollars that we are generating.If Home Rule is not passed,the City will not be allowed to utilize nine million dollars of generated revenues. This is not a tax,but voter approval is required every four years.We have received 22 arguments in favor of Home Rule and zero against for the publicity phamplet. Approval is essential for the continuation of services in our community. Update on discussion on fiscal year 2008/09 budget shortfall . Mr.Bell,brought the commission up to date in regards to anticipated shortfall of 4 million dollars and steps being taken within the Parks & Recreation Department as follows:half the parks maintenance crew are now performing maintenance to public right of ways,this would include alleys,medians and street rights of ways so they are paid by HURF funds,this is a temporary assignment saving city tax dollars. Recreation has lost 2 employees at the MGC and seven 28 hour position have been reduced to 20 hours.Hours of operation at the MGC have been reduced,identifying 12 day for holiday hours from 8am -2pm rather than 5am-9pm.Administration CSRI &II positions have been trained and are filling in as needed at MGC.Spring and Fall Break Open Gym Programs have been eliminated and will be reducing the Summer Program from 4 to 2 sites. The City has offered a voluntary separation package to employees,14 employees city wide took advantage of this opportunity,2 from our department,1 Part-time position at the MGC and 1 full time Park attendant. Staff is compiling research information and options and will be bringing revenue generating ideas to the Commission for discussion. Conrad Pisinksi asked if we have seen a change in participant numbers. Mr.Bell replied participant numbers at the MGC are up.New Years the parks were very busy,even though we had no reservations,people are utilizing the inexpensive opportunities available. NEW BUSINESS: Discussion on scheduling staff introductions at Commission meetings. Mr.Bell relayed that Parks and Recreation Superintendents have asked if it would suitable to the Commission if division introductions could be made by Parks Division at one months meeting and Recreation at the following months meetings,rather than individual introductions over a longer period of time. Chairman Nesser,commented to keep from causing any overtime,with budget issues i f staff would like to for go at this time or schedule whenever convenient for staff. Mr.Bell does not see a problem and suggested we start with the Parks division for next meeting as they are presenting to the City Council also. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas. Fiscal Budget 08/09:Staff Introductions (parks) Selection of Next Meeting Date: February 4,2009 CALL TO PUBLIC: Martin Loftus of 1057 E.Scenic Avenue,Apache Junction,Az.Expressed his interest in seeing more fitness oriented activities offered.He has volunteered with the Lost Dutchman Marathon for 10 years and feels the addition of some shorter 5K and 10K races and bicycling events throughout the year would add to and help in preparation for the Marathon.He has lived in Apache Junction since 1996 and has seen and up turn in people running and bicycling.In and effort to combat child obesity he feels these activities that families can participate in together,would be beneficial and would gladly volunteer his time toward this effort. Chairman Nesser asked staff to research and get in contact with Mr.Loftus. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:10 pm Chairman Vice Chairman