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Home My WebLink About2009 11.04 PRC MinutesCity of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission 300 E. Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, Arizona 85119 A regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission was held November 4, 2009 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman (arrived 6:20 Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman Stephen Amrhien Mona Barton John Mahony Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage pm) Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Parks & Recreation Director Mary D. March, Secretary Others Present: Judy Borey, Branch Executive of the Apache Junction -Boys & Girls Club John Kantowski CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chairman Pisinski called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Wayne Standage motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Mona Barton seconded the motion which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Sandra Schenone motioned to accept the minutes of October 7, 2009, regular meeting as presented.Wayne Standage seconded the motion which passed unanimously., DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell congratulated Theresa Nesser, Stephen Amrhein and Wayne Standage on their reappointment to the Commission. Mr. Bell further relayed that this is a busy time of year for our department, beginning with the Halloween Carnival this last weekend, that served between 400-500 participants and benefitted 13 non-profit groups. Coming up this weekend is the Wellness Event at the Multi -generational Center, Ben Johnson Days at the Rodeo Park Event Center and Powerline Mountain Bike Race that has been programmed with Martin Loftis, the gentleman that came before the Commission expressing a need for bike races in our area, 40 to 50 racers are anticipated. Upcoming events we have involvement in include The Veterans Day Parade Wednesday, November 11th; the Capitol Christmas Tree hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Friday, November 13th at 9:00 am; Little Buckaroo's Rodeo November 14th which receives support from the Superstition Horsemen's Association, the Art Festival at Central Arizona College anticipating 4-5,000 people and the AJ Mounted Ranger are having their 1st Annual Fall Festival at the Rodeo Park Event Center.On November 21st, our 1st Outdoor Expo is scheduled at the Rodeo Park Event Center, outdoor recreation opportunities in our area will be explored. The Adult Flag Football Turkey Bowl will be held on November 21st also at Prospector Park. The Holiday Classic Senior Softball Tournament will be December 3 & 4th at Prospector Park and the Annual Holiday Program will be held with Santa and Snow at the gazebo and the Light Parade the evening of December 4th.The following weekend December 12 th at the Rodeo Park Event Center, Apache Junction Horse Rescue is hosting a Cowboy Christmas event. Mr. Bell also relayed to the Commission that we are gearing up to develop the interpretive trail at Silly Mountain Park, utilizing the $30,000 grant S.A.L.T. received and volunteers returning for the winter season. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on the Apache Junction Boys and Girls Club services and new location. Judy Borey, Branch Executive presented information on the newly acquired & remodeled location of the Apache Junction Boys & Girls Club in the old Four Peaks Elementary School Building. The Boys and Girls Club entered into a lease/agreement with the AJUSD on the facility in June and started renovation to be operational by the start of the school year. Daily Average attendance has been 111-130 children per day. The Club has a Kids Track Program, the new location has had 10,182 visits since opening until now. Fee for the school year was $20.00 but now includes an additional fee of $2.00 per day.The Club competes in sports leagues against other East Valley Girls & Boys Clubs.Outings are scheduled to the Library, Multi- generational Center and Public Pool.Tutoring is provided and life skills are instilled. The Boys & Girls Club and Parks and Recreation Department have enjoyed a relationship where the emphasis has been placed on complimenting each others programming. Enough of these types of programs cannot be offered, in our common goal to have a positive impact on the youth of our community. Mr. Bell asked if the daily fees can be paid in advanced. Judy replied, can be paid a month at a time and there is also scholarships available.Currently they have 45 families on scholarship. Mr. Bell asked about the length of the lease with the school and what does the agreement consist of.Judy responded the Boys & Girls Club is responsible for the upkeep and operation cost for use of the facility at no cost to the School District, for a term of 3 years with option for an additional 3 years. Chairman Nesser, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club, relayed the Commission that the club relies heavily on volunteers to teach kids something constructive, so if you know anyone, who has something to share, please make them aware of this volunteer opportunity. Also, is their a link to the B&G Club on the P&R Website? Mr. Bell was unsure but will check as will Mrs. Borey check to see if the Boys & Girls Club has a link for the City's Parks & Recreation information. Presentation and discussion on updating the City's General Plan Mr. Bell provided updated information, related to the review conducted with Development Services Director Brad Steinke on the Parks & Recreation Chapter of the General Plan and asked the Commission to review. Mr. Bell reminded the Commission this review is only a portion of the chapter.Maps, park inventory and implementation plan will also be included. Chairman Nesser suggested the Commission review and prepare comments for next months meeting unless action is needed tonight. Mr. Bell replied no formal action is required tonight and asked the Commission to review existing P&R Master Plan- Implementation Plan also. NEW BUSINESS: Request by Commission for placement of items on future agenda. Update of Parks & Recreation Chapter of the City's General Plan. Selection of Next Meeting.Date: December 2, 2009 Public Comment: John Kantowski invited and relayed information to the Commission on this year's Veterans Day Parade, November 11, 2009.The route has been extended starting at the Focal Point at 9:30 am and going to Valley Drive. The Elks Club is this year's sponsor and will have a gathering at their location at Route 88 and Lost Dutchman Blvd. after the parade. Adjournment: There being no further business or objection, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 6:50 pm. 7 Vice-ChairMan