HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 08.05 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 August 5, 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
Wayne Standage
Absent
Stephen Amrhein (Excused)
Sandra Schenone
Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Director Parks and Recreation
Mary D. 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:
Commissioner Pisinski moved to accept the August 5, 2009 agenda as
presented.Commissioner Standage seconded the motion which passed
unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Standage motioned to accept the minutes of June 3, 2009,
regular meeting as presented.Commissioner Barton seconded this motion
which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell reported on a few community events that took place this past month.
July 4th celebration went off very well, possibly the largest crowd ever andNational Day of the Cowboy on July 25th we partnered with the Boys and Girls
Club to provide the Kids Corral. The event was very well attended by a couple
of thousand individuals, in spite of high temperatures.
Mr. Bell provided and update on a couple of items the City Council will be
taken action on in the next couple of weeks.Monday night staff presented a
draft ordinance related to the fee update the Commission assisted with. Staff
had met early in regards to the legality of offering early bird or priority
registration for local residents, related to pool reservations, reservation
of ramadas during peak periods like Easter and Learn to Swim classes during
the summer. Also presented ordinance related to the fingerprinting of all
volunteers with the Parks and Recreation and Library Departments and all new
City hires.We are one if not the only city in the valley that does not
already have this in place as part of the pre -employment process.
Both of these ordinances will go before the City Council for adoption, two
weeks from yesterday.
Mr. Bell relayed that Development Services Director Brad Steinke has started
the process of updating the general plan, most recently involving staff in a
meeting related to Chapter 5 which addresses circulation this includes
roadways, bike lanes, routes and trails.We will be involved later on in
relation to open space updates. Staff will keep Commission updated. The goal
is to have the plan updated for voter approval by March 2011.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on Parks and Recreation Department fiscal year 2009/10
budget.
Mr. Bell informed the commission a copy of the Parks and Recreation budget,
approved by City Council on August 4th, has been provided in their packet.We
still have some unknowns we still may be dealing with, resulting from the
States budget decisions.There is a very strong possibility we will need to
cut another $250,000.00 from the budget.We have lost some positions that
are still in the approved budget giving us a little head start.The City
Council did approve three additional paid days off for employees, showing
their appreciation in these trying times. Our department budget has gone from
4.8 million to 3.2 million in 2 years.
Mr. Bell provided the commission information related to the utilization of
volunteers. In our Aquatics program thirty-four 12-14 year olds provided 3300
hours of assistance by participating in the Junior Guard Program.Services
provided include wrist banding, check in and out bags, swim lesson
attendance, clean-up pool area, assisting instructors, reminding patrons of
pool rules, etc_ Fourteen participants in the Multi -Generational Center's
V.I.P.(Volunteers Impact Progress) program, provided 1,000 volunteer hours
this summer.We currently have 18 volunteer coaches in our youth basketball
league.In the park maintenance area approximately 400 hours of volunteer
time has been provided by the High School Football team helping with cleanup
at the football stadium after the July 4th event, the Master Gardner's program
at Silly Mountain Park and by Commissioner Mahony assisting the Parks Shop
Tech and Building Maintenance Worker at the MGC.All together about 5,000
volunteer hours have been provided this summer.
Commissioner Nesser, suggested considering offering a free pass to the MGC if
someone volunteers 500 hours.
Discussion on fundraising for 2010 Fireworks Show.
Mr. Bell relayed that staff has been directed by management due to interest
expressed by the City Council to solicit funds to offset or support the
$20,000 annual expenditure for the 4th of July Celebration.
Mr. Bell meet with Roger Hacker, Grants Coordinator, Janine Solley, Business
Advocate and Parks and Recreation staff to brainstorm fundraising ideas.
Roger Hacker has been working on a sponsorship package to solicit cooperate
sponsorship with a company out of the midwest called I.E.G. Due to funding
constraints this has been put on hold but, if we go out on our own for one
event we run the risk of compromising sponsorship opportunities for all
events in the future once we can proceed with I.E.G.'s sponsorship package.
Mr. Bell further relayed that he has had mixed feelings related to change
buckets at businesses from concern that is doesn't present well to put one in
our shop, I'll get donations. The managers office received interest from
Allied Waste, when article was in newspaper, asking us to let them know how
they can help out.Mr. Bell suggested maybe just soliciting donations by
letter to community businesses with mention of support for the celebration.
Mr. Bell asked for input.
Chairperson Nesser mentioned the placards like the Boys and Girls Club and
other organizations do. These are distributed with businesses around town and
individuals buy the placard for a dollar donation, to put there name on and
have posted at the business, showing their support of the organization or
cause. Also, suggested contacting the Chamber of Commerce.
Wayne Standage suggested contacting civic clubs specifically Veterans
Organization.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation and discussion on the Apache Junction Boys and Girls Club
services and new location.
This Item Postponed to a future agenda. Judy Borey, Director of Apache Branch
called this afternoon and is tied up with contractors this evening, preparing
for opening of new location, August 12, 2009.
Update and discussion on intergovernmental agreement between the City of
Apache Junction and Apache Junction Unified School District.
Mr. Bell expressed that the City and School have enjoyed 30 years of a
wonderful relationship.Due to budget issues the school has not been
providing some things in the agreement. Mr. Bell feels these issues have come
•to a point that should be better handled with School and City Boards &
Council.The agreement either needs to be amended or services need to be
provided as outlined.Up unto this point city has taken on responsibilities
outlined as schools in relationship to jointly developed facilities.The
City has a 5 million dollar investment to preserve and is also facing budget
shortfalls.We are already assuming chemical responsibilities for the pool.
School is to pay utility costs which they say they can no longer afford. This
effects our investment and obligations to State related to development grant
dollars.Superintendent Wilson is open to make things work but, school is
laying off employees. Staff will keep Commission updated.
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agendas.
FY 09/10 Budget Update; Boys & Girls Club, IGA with Unified School District;
Bike Paths & Trails; Fireworks Fundraising.
Selection of Next Meeting Date:
September 2, 2009
CALL TO PUBLIC:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business and hearing no objections Chairman Nesser
adjourned the meeting at 7:10 pm
Chairman Vice-Chairfnan