The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2009 03.04 PRC MinutesCity of Apache Junction Parks & Recreation Commission 300 E.Superstition Blvd. Apache Junction.Az.85219 A regular meeting of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held March 4. 2009,6:00 p.m.at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A.Nesser,Chairman Conrad Pisinski,Vice -Chairman Mona Barton John Mahony Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Absent Stephen Amrhein (Excused) Staff Present: Jeff Bell,Director of Parks and Recreation Liz Langenbach,Recreation Superintendent Jamie Sullivan,MGC Facility Manager Jay Reynolds,Recreation Coordinator (Facilities & Marketing) Dan Wilson,Recreation Coordinator (Outdoor & School Programs) Larry Binion.Recreation Coordinator (Aquatics & Fitness) Chrystal Sawyer.Recreation Coordinator (Special Interest & Events) Mary March,Secretary 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: Mr.Bell requested New Business Item #1 be move up right after F.Director's Report and #2 be continue to next regular meeting.Conrad Pisinski made a motion to accept the agenda with aforesaid mentioned changes.Mona Barton seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:Sandra Schenone motioned to accept the minutes of February 4th regular meeting as presented.Wayne Standage seconded this motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Jeff Bell informed the Commission that the last traveling tribute wall meeting is tonight at 7:00 pm and he will need to leave the meeting a little early to attend.He also reminded the Commission that the Wall will be arriving Wednesday it is being escorted by a large group of motorcycles down interstate 10 to the 60 where the Mayor. Apache Junction Police Officers and Park Rangers will escort it down Idaho Rd.to Prospector Park.It will be set up and ready for viewing by the public Thursday, Friday is a kid's day so schools can schedule field trips with Opening Ceremony around noon Saturday. Mr.Bell reminded everyone that next Tuesday is the election and encouraged everyone to get out and vote. This year Lost Dutchman Days Event was the biggest ever,weather was wonderful.We are already hearing from the committee on more parking,which.will require clearing of desert areas.Since we have a Master Plan in place.we will be looking at providing in accordance with the plan. Staff recently met with Public Works and City Engineering Department on preliminary plan for bike and equestrian trails within the City.Council member Robin Barker has expressed interest in moving forward in this area.Staff is reviewing and comparing to our plan documents to insure connectivity to existing trails,parks,and schools. etc_Staff will be bringing.this before the Commission in the future. Mr.Bell relayed update information from Roger Hacker on the Friends of Apache Junction.The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission and approved January 30,2009.The Board is working on obtaining and Employer Identification # and working with a law firm to submit documents to the IRS for non profit status.They probably have 3 more months of work ahead of them. S.A.L.T has been notified they have received a $35,000 grant to continue improvements to Silly Mountain Park.Staff will be meeting with Executive Director Rosemary Scherer.to see how we can assist with improvements.Anticipate applying stabilized granite in lower trails area and signage of plants on interpretive trail.Contract will not be signed until later this month. Wayne Standage distributed information related to magazine articles naming cities like Wickenberg.Cave Creek.and Florence as where best to live the west and would like this to be put on a future agenda to discuss getting Apache Junction included as where best to live the west. NEW BUSINESS: Introduction of key recreation division personnel and overview of responsibilities. Mr.Bell.at the request of the Commission,introduced the best group of recreation professional in state,our Recreation Division and turned the meeting over to their supervisor Recreation Superintendent.Liz Langenbach.Liz relayed to the Commission that all Coordinators except one are present and will let you e know a little of what they do and answer any questions the Commission may have.Liz relayed that Adult & Youth Sports Coordinator,Gary Gartner had planned to be present tonight but received a call which required him to officiate soccer tonight.Gary has been with us for a little over 4 years and previously worked for Phoenix's Parks and Recreation. Jamie Sullivan.MGC Facility Manager informed the Commission she has been with the City since 1993 and in her position at the Multi -Generational Center she is in charge of the day to day operations,membership,budget and purchasing,facility reservations and is the liaison with the Senior Center. Chairman Nesser asked what is the hardest challenge with current budget constraints.Jamie replied,staff at MGC is a great team good at utilizing resources,but she does foresee it becoming tougher in the future on staff,currently has not had an impact on patrons. Wayne Standage asked how is the relationship with the Senior Center?Jamie replied the it is one of the best partnerships she has ever been involved with.They have a common goal.The center is currently serving 175 - 200 meals daily. Larry Binion,Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics and Fitness,informed the Commission he has been with the City a little over 4 years.At this time of year his duties are a little more aquatics than fitness.He has been involved in all aspects of fitness for many years and is new to aquatics,last year was his first year.It is a challenge but a rewarding challenge. From working with youth at an ackward age to managing a facility that has something to offer to families and individuals of all ages. Chairman Nesser asked if the fitness equipment is getting worn out.Larry replied that cardio equipment is usually good with no major problems for 3-5 years.From the beginning we instituted a preventative maintenance program,that has bought us a couple more years. Wayne Standage asked if we have seen an increase in pool numbers.Larry relayed that research says there has been an influx in community/local pools usage rather than water parks.We hit capacity several times last year. Chairman Nesser inquired into age requirements for children at the pool.Larry answered anyone 8 years of age and older are allow without an adult,7 and under have to be supervised by an adult. Chrsytal Sawyer.Recreation Coordinator in charge of Special Interest and Special Events, informed the Commission she has been with the City a little over a year,coming from Queen Creek Parks and Recreation where she had 10 years of experience.Special Events include the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on April 11th.4" of July.Itty Bitty Olympics,Little Buckaroos, Halloween Carnival,etc..Most Special Interest classes are programmed to be held at the Multi -Generational Center and most instructors are contracted. Chairman Nesser asked what Chrystal foresees with budget constraints and has she seen program #'s decrease.Chrystal replied with Special Events we need to look for sponsors to maintain free event levels.Special Interest has seen a bit of a drop. Dan Wilson,Recreation Coordinator for Outdoor/School Programs,informed the Commission he has lived here all his life and started with Parks and Recreation when he was 16 years old. For the last 5 years he has been involved with afterschool programs,summer open gyms and field trips and has recently added the duties of outdoor recreation.Kicking off with a hike series,the first 3 hikes went pretty well,had good participation and have 4 more coming up. Currently working with Superstition Horsemen's Association in offering program for use of rodeo grounds to community,also have been involved with the upcoming Black Stallion Literacy Event for several years and working on getting a good plan in place for an outdoor expo. Jay Reynolds,Recreation Coordinator responsible for Facility Reservations and Marketing, informed the Commission he was born here and grew up participating,then volunteering,until he began part-time field supervising and took a full time position with the department in 1996.Current responsibilities include facility rentals,liaison with youth sports groups, marketing,graphic presentations.brochures,cable,website. Wayne Standage asked Mr.Bell if Jay was responsible for the Silly Mountain maps.Mr.Bell replied yes.Jay does a great job meeting all the department needs in his area. Wayne also inquired if we have been able to keep up with the needs of youth organizations. Jay replied we have but,space is getting tight this month and in June all our fields will be in use. Liz Langenbach added that it is her pleasure to supervise this group since she serves as the buffer between the big boss and the coordinators. Sandra Schenone commended Jeff on staff,noting they are positive,enthusiastic and professional and that speaks well of him as a Director. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on budget shortfall. Mr.Bell relayed that revenues being generated are still down and he has met with Bryant Powell in regards to spending levels,for approval to spend a little now to maintain levels,so we aren't trying to make it up in next years budget.The plan is to maintain current employee levels through this year's budget and look at reduction of hours,pay in next budget year.75% of the City's budget is people. Wayne Standage asked what our department would prefer.Jeff replied furloughs and holidays, one day per month.No one wants to see anyone laid off.That is also the City Managers feelings.The HR policies are not very friendly to lay offs. Presentation and discussion on proposed modifications to facility use and program participation fees. Recreation Superintendent,Liz Langenbach provided the commission information on Parks and Recreation Fee Study for review.Staff selected similar programs,to compare to market identified by City Council as closest to us in size and proximity.Our demographics were also taken into consideration.And our program fees are approved in a range -so we are not taking to council for approval when fees need to be adjusted allowing for some flexibility. Our research shows were are right in line with most City's Liz further relayed right now is not a good time to change fees but,is providing information for review and consideration at a later date. NEW BUSINESS: Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agenda. Budget Shortfall,Video Presentation,Publications promoting western culture,Fees Selection of Next Meeting Date April 1,2009 CALL TO PUBLIC None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p. hairman