HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 11.03 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 November 3, 2010 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 Amrhien
Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Parks and Recreation Director
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:
Wayne Standage motioned to accept the agenda as presented.
Conrad Pisinski seconded the motion which passed
unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of August 4,
2010, regular meeting.Wayne Standage seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell advised commission members they should be receiving e-
mail communications from Arizona Parks and Recreation
Association, commission member information was provided as part
of Department's membership renewal.
Mr. Bell congratulated Commissioners Mona Barton and Conrad
Pisinski on their reappointment.
The Multi -Generational Center is formally LEED Certified.
Mr. Bell relayed, with continuing efforts to manage budget
reductions the City Manager, has tasked DepartMent Directors to
create a better work environment to keep moral up; seek and
utilize more volunteers; share with City Council and public
actual day to day events, real life stories; investigate,
recommend and implement financial and organizational strategies
and focus on downtown redevelopment.
Public Information Officer, Patrick Brenner made presentation at
last night's City Council meeting on the Wellness Event to be
held at the MGC this Saturday, 80 vendors are scheduled to
participate, this event grows every year.
The Halloween Carnival had 15 agencies participate, an estimated
500-600 participants and 100 individuals were judged in the
costume contest. This annual event held at Prospector Park
offers a safe alternative for trick or treating while allowing
non-profit organization a fundraising opportunity.
Maricopa County Flood Control has some control units in poor
shape to the south of our community.A long range planning
task force is being established and will include Pinal County
and the City of Apache Junction to review and narrow options
related to what to do with these units, from 50-10 top options.
City to pick 4 - project is 20 years out and has impact on
portalis plan which is not public yet.This will be important
to future park/multipurpose areas.
The School override did not pass and state issues for balancing
state budget did not pass, both have a huge impact on the
City/School IGA and budgets.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on the proposed Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Element of the General Plan.
Mr. Bell updated the Commission that he had been contacted by
Brad Stienke in regards to changes that had been made at P&Z
meeting August 28, related to Chapter 9 of the general plan and
related maps that had been approved by the Commission, August 4,
2010, particularly page 70-74.The changes were minor enough
that a new motion was not necessitated, this information is
purely for commission members update.
Update and discussion on Silly Mountain Park Improvements.
Mr. Bell relayed that 50-60 individuals were in attendance at
the Ribbon Cutting for the Botanical/Interpretative Trail,
Saturday October 30.All S.A.L.T. volunteers were recognized
and a lot of positive feedback was received.Once this grant is
closed out S.A.L.T. intends to reapply, for a new phase which
would include some picnic ramadas.Dave Bang who we have
purchased parks equipment from for many years has unused
equipment that he cannot sell.Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent
found a drinking fountain with a dog bowl at the bottom that
would usually cost several thousand dollars that S.A.L.T. can
buy for $300, for installation a Silly Mt.On a not so good
note we have experience some vandalism to a couple of vehicles
at the park.
NEW BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on the Holiday Event and Light Parade.
Mr. Bell updated the Commission as follows: In the past the
parade has been sponsored by Main Street or the Chamber of
Commerce.City staff is now providing staffing and planning for
the Holiday Light Parade.The date has been changed to Saturday
and the Event will be all day in the downtown area, this is to
help generate revenues. The morning events will start off with a
Walk-a-thon for non-profit groups to earn monetary prizes for
their organization in the amounts of $1500 for 1st; $1000 for 2'd
& $500 for 3 rd awarded by Main Street, this event will take place
from 9am until noon on Old West Highway between Phelps and Idaho
Roads.From 3:00-6:00 pm Game, Food, Vendor booths will be set
up in the same location along with inflatables, 20 tons of snow
and Santa Claus.This will be followed by the tree lighting at
the focal point and the Light parade will follow, traveling west
to Thunderbird and back to Phelps.
Update and discussion on Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
Mr. Bell relayed Parks Superintendent, Nick Blake is finishing
up plans for Landscaping of median from Idaho to Old
West/Phelps. Design has been done in-house and development will
be done in-house, construction will begin right after the
Holiday Light Event.This project is funded by Tax Incremental
Financing (TIF) dollars generated downtown to be used downtown.
The installation of an Electronic Marquis message board at the
Northwest corner at Old West Highway and Apache Trail is the
next project in line.
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future
agenda.
Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Presentation by Tonto National
Forest.
Selection of next meeting date.
February 2, 2011
Public Comment:
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business our objections, Chairman Nesser
adjourned the meeting at 7:20 pm.
Approved:
Vice-Chairma'h