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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 03.03 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 March 3, 2010 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser Chairman Conrad Pisinski, Vice -Chairman Stephen Amrhien Mona Barton John Mahony Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Parks and Recreation Director Mary D. March, Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chairman Pisinski called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Mona Barton motioned to accept the agenda as presented.WayneStandage seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Wayne Standage motioned to accept the minutes of February 3, 2010 regular meeting as presented.John Mahony seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell advised the Commission, City Council agreed to continue the two/tenths percent sales tax, for six more years, due to down turn in economy and state budget cuts.This sales tax was originally passed 10 years ago for capital facility improvements. Fourth of July ffindraising efforts include firecracker containers at city businesses, for public donation this is a volunteer group effort coordinated with city staff, collections are done on a monthly basis.Interest in corporate sponsorship is being handled by the City Manager's office. Sponsorships start at $500 and go up from there.Frontier Ace is donating $500 and County Supervisor Martyn has donated $1,000 from his campaign fund. We have approximately $3000 raised currently. The Fireworks cost $14,000 and the entire event is estimated to cost $20,000. Silly Mountain improvements are nearing completion, currently planting plants and putting in signage for the interpretive trail, which is handicap accessible all the way from the parking lot. Lost Dutchman Days went well, it only rained on Sunday, causing lower attendance on the final day. Lost Dutchman Marathon had approximately 3000 participants, half marathon was closed off this event is attended by people from all over the world.The feedback on the website is excellent and the City Manager shared this information with the City Council, emphasizing the economic benefits to our community. Upcoming events include the Superstition Sleepover this weekend and the Antique Tractor Show next weekend. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on updating the Parks and Recreation Chapter of the City's General Plan. Mr. Bell relayed the draft of the general plan has been presented to the City Council. Next step is public open house for input.Input will then be brought back to the Commission for consideration and approval prior to vote. Update and discussion on the status of the intergovernmental agreement between the City of Apache Junction and Unified School District. Mr. Bell relayed the School District has formally given notice to end City/School Agreement.The School would like to renegotiate the agreement.School Board members do not have a clear understanding of City/School history and benefits/services involved.Staff believes it would be beneficial to have conversation on and individual bases.The City Manager has expressed interest in pulling all services together in one agreement. NEW BUSINESS: Discussion on updating and modifying the Multi -Use Trail Master Plan (Commissioner Standage). Commissioner Standage expressed the need to review and bring up to date the Multi -Use Trail Master Plan to coincide with the general plan update process. After some discussion, which included process required, public hearings, agreements with BLM and SRP, direction by City Council and allocation of funds, it was recommended that Mr. Bell bring back a list of accomplishments to date and some of the smaller projects that can be accomplished within the guidelines set out in the existing master plan. Update and discussion on status of Lost Dutchman State Park Mr. Bell relayed that the City has communicated to state parks what an asset Lost Dutchman is to our community.The City was requested to come to the next State Parks Board meeting in support of motion to utilize heritage funds for improvements to restrooms and showers and to run electricity to 38 campsites at the Park, so they can charge more money.This was passed by the State Parks Board but, is still conditional depending on whether the State Legislature sweeps heritage funds to balance budget.State Parks has several bills dealing with vehicle renewal to sustain parks, one goes to the voters and they other would go straight to the Governor for approval.The City has also provided a memorandum for additional support to the State Parks by allowing them an option on vehicles prior to auction and Public Safety patrols to deter vandalism. Request by Commission for placement of items on future agenda. Lost Dutchman State Park; School Intergovernmental Agreement; General Plan Update; Multi -Use Trail Master Plan; Budget Selection of Next Meeting Date: April 7, 2010 Public Comment: None Adjournment: There being no further business nor objection, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:10 pm. Vice-ChairAan "