HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 06.01 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 June 1, 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
John Mahony
Sandra Schenone
Wayne Standage
Absent
Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Parks and Recreation Director
Mary D. March, Secretary
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:
Wayne Standage accepted the agenda, Conrad Pisinski seconded
this motion which passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Conrad Pisinski motioned to accept the minutes of February
2, 2011, regular meeting. Wayne Standage seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell reported department is in middle of summer program
registration. Open Gym registration is going slow, numbers are
down, learn to swim registration also down a little, special
interest classes seem to be more popular this summer. Evaluations
done at the end of the program will provide more information.
Pool opened this weekend, met capacity on first day.Lost
Dutchman Marathon committee conducted post survey report and
provided economic data to the City Council. 3,000 runners from 47
states and several countries participated this event continues to
grow. This year we received a very generous donation of $22,000
from Lost Dutchman Marathon.We also received $3,000 to
scholarship children's participation and $5,000 towards the
Halloween & Holiday Event from the Superstition Mountain
Promotional Corporation for Annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo.
Friends of A.J. held a benefit concert of which we received a
$3500 donation. Mediacom is sponsoring the current Concert in the
Parks through August and Allied Waste donated $20,000 for this
years 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
Mr. Bell relayed that Stephen Amrhien has resigned, and John
Mahony and Sandra Schenone's terms expire this October, please
advise staff of interest in renewing terms or not.
Staff has a meeting scheduled at the Chamber in regards to
coordinating annual November events. Chamber has express interest
in scheduling their Festival of the Superstitions to immediately
follow Veteran's Day Events, enhancing both events.Superstition
Horseman's Association, Goldfield Ghostriders and S.A.C.A also
have events in November, discussion will be on how best to
coordinate and enhance all events without duplicating efforts for
a well rounded, complimentary and cooperative event.
Staff periodically receives requests from film companies for use
in Apache Junction, these requests have increased.We have no
set policy, requests have been handled case by case with
coordination involving several departments (DPS, City Clerk's
Ofc, Public Works, Planning and Zoning). Due to this increase we
are surveying communities where filming is established to find
out how they manage. In the past use by the public has been
coordinated by our department while private use requests, like
Superstition Harley have been handled by the City Clerk's office.
Mr. Bell finished his report by advising the Commission about a
park patron who utilizes our tennis courts at Prospector Park,
which are in desperate need of repair, who donated $5,000 towards
resurfacing the courts, in return a sign is posted at the courts
that reads resurfacing with help by Hunter & friends.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on FY2011/12 budget.
Mr. Bell relayed that we have 1.6 million dollars less than last
year, 900,000 less in HURF and 700,000 less in general fund.
Department Directors are going to be notified how much to cut,
in our department it will be people.Our budget has gone from 5
million to 3 million, some department have not taken as big of a
hit as we have, so we are fairly confident we may not be asked
to deduct so much, currently are proposed budget is comparable
to last years.Health insurance increased by 29% and Arizona
State Retirement contribution changed from 50/50 to 47 city/53
employee.
The idea of a 4/10 work schedule is being considered, should be
announce by next week and Mr. Bell advised the Commission that
he will be taking retirement and will be coming back to work a
reduced schedule.
Update and discussion on Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
Mr. Bell informed the Commission the Median Improvements on Old
West Highway between Phelps & Idaho Road are almost complete.
Decomposed granite is being spread, and artwork proposals for
the pedestals are being received and will be reviewed by
S.A.C.A. members and city staff. S.A.C.A. is a nonprofit
organization and has been working with city management as
art/cultural work advisor.
S.A.C.A. has been in contact with Westcor to express interest in
acquiring the Jacob Waltz artwork moved from the courtyard to
the parking lot at Superstition Shadows Mall for our City.
Electronic Marquee landscape plans are done.
Mountain Health and Wellness had its grand opening the roadway
design is a pilot of the how downtown roadways will look.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion on incentives for volunteers.
Mr. Bell relayed that we currently have a youth volunteer
program in place were youth earn credit on account for every
hour volunteered, which can be use for programs payable to parks
and recreation. To successfully expand this program would
require a person to coordinate, most likely volunteer, plus
costs of fingerprinting.
Request by the Commission for placement of items for future
agenda.
Downtown Development Plan Updates; FY11/12 Budget; 4th of July
Celebration
Selection of Next Meeting Date.
August 3, 2011
CALL TO PUBLIC:
None
AJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the
meeting at 7:10pm.
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