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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 02.03 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 February 3,2010 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A.Nesser John Mahony Conrad Pisinski,Vice -Chairman Stephen Amrhien Mona Barton Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Staff Present:Jeff Bell.Parks and Recreation Director CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:03pm and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Vice -Chairman Pisinski moved to accept the minutes a presented. Commissioner Standage seconded the motion,which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Commissioner Barton moved to accept the minutes of December 2, 2009,regular meeting as presented.Commissioner Standage seconded the motion,which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr.Bell shared a powerpoint presentation on the use of volunteers in the Parks and Recreation Department.The department received 12,277 hours of volunteer support in 2009. Mr.Bell advised the Commission that the Superstition Mountain Promotional Corporation presented a check to the department,in the amount of $10.500 to support the Holiday Events,Halloween Festival,Easter Egg Hunt and Superstition Sleepover. The Commission was provided a copy of budget comments presented by the City Manager at the February 2,2010,City Council meeting. The City Manager is asking the City Council to consider maintaining a .2%sales tax scheduled to sunset September 1,2010. Mr.Bell provided an update on Lost Dutchman State Park.He informed the Commission the City is interested in the viability of the park and is working with Arizona State Parks on exploring options to avoid park closure,scheduled for June 3,2010.There has been no formal City Council policy direction on this issue,is being explored at the City Manager's request.Mr.Bell reported additional meetings with State Parks are scheduled the following week and he should have more to report at the Commission's next meeting. In closing,Mr.Bell informed the Commission the School District has put the City on notice the need to renegotiate the intergovernmental agreement relating to joint use of facilities. The City and School district administration will converse in a few months,after each entities revenue stream is more clear,to discuss further. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on updating the Parks and Recreation Chapter of the City's General Plan. Mr.Bell distributed copies of the final preliminary draft of proposed Chapter 9:Parks,Recreation and Open: Space Element of the General Plan.He relayed to the Commission this draft - captures all of their comments made during the several months the Commission has been working on it.Mr:Bell presented the draft to the Planning and Zoning Commission on January 26,2010 to address any issues.they may have.The entire draft General Plan will be presented to the Community,through open, house meeting, over the next few months.Following adequate time for public review and comment,the General Plan will go to the voters for •approval. Commissioner Standage inquired on the ability to modify the 1993 multi -use trail plan.Mr.Bell referenced the objectives outlined for trails would. allow that type of update or modification. The Commission was encouraged to conduct a final review and bring any questions to the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on bike lanes,bike routes,sidewalks and equestrian trails planning efforts. Mr.Bell distributed maps,developed by the Public Works Department,outlining proposed improvement to the network of sidewalks,bike routes and equestrian trails in the community.He informed the Commission the Park and Recreation and Public works Department have teamed up to address this planning effort,as directed by the City Council.Mr.Bell acknowledged the work of Commissioner Standage towards this project. Commissioner Standage offered explanation of various aspects of the plan to assist the Commission with understanding the maps. Chairman Nesser asked about the ability to broaden the equestrian trail network into downtown,perhaps along Apache Trail. Commissioner Standage commented on the safety concerns of being on horseback in high volume traffic areas. Mr.Bell reported that the maps and proposed additions will be on display as part of the City's General Plan public workshops in hopes of receiving residents feedback.Once finalized, improvement will be based on available funding. Request by Commission for placement of items on future agenda. The Commission requested an update •on Lost Dutchman State Parks and the General Plan process be included.Commissioner Standage requested an opportunity to discuss updating the Multi -use Trail Master Plan. Selection of Next Meeting Date: March 3,2010 Public Comment: Christa Rizzi addressed the Commission on fireworks fundraising and the potential of a laser show instead of fireworks.She also suggested we consider partnering with other communities to share the expense of the event.Ms.Rizzi also commented on insurance requirements and liability concern by allowing horses in the downtown. James Salisbury addressed liability of horse owners and commented on the need to us the Apache Trail Median as a pedestrian and bicycle corridor. Adjournment: There being no further business,Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:05 pm:•• Approved: