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Home My WebLink About2011 02.02 PRC MinutesCity of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission 300 E. Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, Az. 85119 A regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction, Parks and Recreation Commission was held February 2, 2011 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Conrad Pisinski, Vice Chairman Mona Barton Sandra Schenone Wayne Standage Absent John Mahony (Excused) Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Parks and Recreation Director Mary D. March, Secretary Others Present:Robin Barker and Chip Wilson, City Councilpersons Donna Meinerts, Finance Director Steve Filipowicz, Economic Development Specialist Cindi Ruehl, S.A.L.T. 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: Sandra Schenone accepted the agenda, requesting the first Item of New Business: Presentation and discussion of challenges facing the Tonto National Forest be place before Old Business, to accommodate our guest speaker. Mona Barton seconded this motion which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of November 3, 2010, regular meeting. Wayne Standage seconded the motion which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell distributed the January -April issue of the Citizen brochure and updated the Commission on department activity as follows: recently held special event, Itty Bitty Olympics was well attended by 129 preschool aged Olympians, that's up over 80 from last year, 16 staff members and 11 volunteers were utilized at this event.Arizona Carriage Society has horse carriage trials February 5th and 6th at the Rodeo Grounds. February 12 Salt River Brass will be performing at the Apache Junction Performing Arts Center, this is a benefit concert for Parks and Recreation and coordinated by the Friends of Apache Junction. February 19 is the annual Lost Dutchman Marathon, half marathon is already full. Annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo and associated activities are schedule for February 25, 26, and 27th, followed by Superstition Sleepover and Antique Tractor Show in March and Easter Egg Hunt in April. Arizona State Land, Desert Wells OHV multi -use area is having issues with PM10 dealing with air -quality related to dust/dirt, we have met with Arizona Game and Fish to come -up with solution to patrol to improve air quality. City Managers office directed staff to propose budget with 5% reduction.HURF funds have taken a bit of a hit, but not general fund. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on challenges facing the Tonto National Forest by Art Wirtz of the Mesa Ranger District. Mr. Bell introduce Mr. Wirtz who was in their break out group, during the Open Space Conference put on by Final County Partnership, where he shared some of the issues they are faced with. Mr. Wirtz advised the Commission that there are 156 National Forests the heaviest used is the Tonto, Mesa Ranger District is the heaviest used and Mesa/Apache Junction is the heaviest area used in the Nation. The Urban National Forest Coalition works to solve National Forest problems which effect adjoining areas. Such as deaths, forest land close to urban areas suffer and average of 23 deaths per one million acres a year.Individuals who have purchased property up against the Tonto National Forest believe they have unlimited access to these areas as informed by realtors, so they cut fences, etc_During treasure hunting season the request for a tram to the top of Superstitions, which would take changing congressional guidelines governing how wilderness is managed. Peralta Trail and First Water are heavily used trailheads, at the current growth rate, in 8-10 years a regulatory system will need to be put in place.Wilderness law is unique, in that it manages the wilderness systems and man is a visitor. On the positive side work is being done with horse outfitters protecting the wilderness.Opportunities for a stage coach run to Tortilla Flats, allowed by permit with the National Forest. OHV Impact has seen an improvement due to controlled gated access at Bulldog and plans for a new gate at Wolverine Pass. The Rolls at Saguaro is not access controlled they experience double the usage, users have made trails so, access control is being implemented. Serious OHV'rs like access gates, it enforces accountability.Gates are put in with grant money and run $10- 12,000 per gate.Also working to offer kayaking and rafting program in tubing off-season. Working with developers from the ground floor up is the best solution to urban impact on forest lands.A good example of this would be "Las Sendas" Mr. Wirtz would be more than happy to work with the City in future development. OLD BUSINESS: Update and discussion on Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The downtown development plan has 156 objectives defined. One objective of the Parks and Recreation is to bring events to downtown area. This year's Holiday Event was more than in keeping with this objective and Was very successful. Chrystal Sawyer, Special Event Coordinator has an article on the event in APRA' magazine. Median Improvements on Old West Highway between Phelps & Idaho Road began after the Holiday Event, estimated project cost is a $300,000.00. A march completion date is projected. Electronic Marquee project is on hold until issues related to TIF funds are resolved with Pinal County. Sandra Schenone inquired if we have been working with Mesa, they have also been doing some median improvements. Mr. Bell responded no theme/collaboration has taken place at this time. Chairman Nesser asked if downtown improvements included sidewalks? Mr. Bell, responded not related to median improvements but development goal is for downtown to be more pedestrian friendly. Update and discussion on Silly Mountain Park Improvements. Mr. Bell informed the commission drinking fountain has been installed at Silly Mountain.We have not experience any problems with litter but, pet potty has become a problem so we have installed pet potty bag stations. Don Wells oversaw community service badge project planting vegetation.In the process a solution of filling claypots with water from irrigation system, encouraging critters to drink from pots rather than chewing on emitters was devised and seems to be working. NEW BUSINESS: Request by the Commission for placement of items for future agenda. Downtown Development Plan Updates; Silly Mountain Updates; FY11/12 Budget; Upcoming Events Selection of Next Meeting Date. March 12, 2011 (if necessary) CALL TO PUBLIC: Robin Barker, 860 S. Saguaro Apache Junction, Az. 85120, expressed appreciation for putting City together with Art Wirtz, this will help the open space get the attention needed to be developed properly. She further thanked the Parks & Recreation Department for all good things done for the community. AJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 6:55pm. APPROVED: Vice-ChaTrma /77