HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 10.05 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 October 5, 2011 at the Apache
Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
Present Absent
Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Mona Barton (excused)
Conrad Pisinski, Vice Chairman Sandra Schenone
John Mahony
Wayne Standage Jr.
Staff Present:Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent
Mary D. March, Secretary
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:12 pm and
led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Conrad Pisinski accepted the agenda, Wayne Standage seconded
this motion which passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Wayne Standage motioned to accept the minutes of June 1,
2011, regular meeting. Conrad Pisinski seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent advised commissioner's on
commission appointments and resignations.Sandra Schenone has
resigned her position allowing for a second vacancy.John Mahony
was reappointed for another 3 years.Jeff Struble was appointed
filling Sandra's seat.One vacancy still remains created by
Stephen Amrhien's resignation.
Mr. Blake updated the commission on department activity as
follows:
The Miner and Burro statutes that Chairman Nesser was
instrumental in obtaining from the Superstition Springs Mall
(Westcor) have been placed at entrance into city offices and has
been well received by the public.
Department continues to work on intergovernmental agreement with
school district which is challenging.
Upcoming downtown improvements include installation of electronic
messaging marquee west of focal point and associated landscaping.
The next section of median improvements should be from Phelps to
Rennick Drive, this may or may not happen.
Implementation of on-line registration and facility reservation
capabilities, is also in the works.
Department continues to assess department organization, to
improve and restructure, continuing in effort to do more with
less.
Nick Blake relayed that Commissioner Standage has been working
with Pinal Partnership Regional Committee, Friends of Apache
Junction and interested community individuals for a March clean
up of all open space and trail systems. Designating worst areas
for clean-up is currently being decided.
As part of departments restructuring Nick distributed a list of
ten areas the department is involved in and asked the commission
to take a moment to review and prioritize, as they feel they are
important to our community from 1-10.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update and discussion on FY2011/12 budget.
Nick Blake relayed that budget numbers are similar to last
years. Department will continue to maintain existing levels.
Department personnel has seen a decrease, six individuals opted
for severance package ending their employment in August.Two
Parks Workers filled positions with the water company and with
the possibility of losing a few to the city's public works
department.
Update and discussion on Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
Nick Blake relayed:
This year's Holiday Event activities will be held at the Basha's
Plaza with the parade following the same route as previous
years. Eventually, plans are for activities like this to take
place on North Apache Trail as downtown development allows.
Electronic Marquee installation will start immediately following
the Holiday Event hoping to be completed by the end of December.
Related landscaping project should start beginning of January.
The manager office is working on policy related to the marquee.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation and discussion on department awards from the
Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.
Nick Blake along with the Parks and Recreation Department is
proud to relay to the Commission the receipt of APRA Partnership
Award for S.A.L.T. and the City's Parks and Recreation
Department cooperative effort in development of Silly Mountain
Park and Young Professional Award to Jamie Sullivan, MGC
Facilities Coordinator.These awards and nominations are
received from peers and are presented at annual conference held
at end of August.
Video presentation from APRA Conference Awards Banquet was
presented to Commission.
Request by the Commission for placement of items for future
agenda.
City/AJUSD Intergovernmental Agreement; On-line Registration;
Open Space Update; Department Restructuring; Downtown:
Electronic Marquee Project.
Selection of Next Meeting Date.
As needed
CALL TO PUBLIC:
None
AJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the
meeting at 7:09pm.
APPROVED:
ChairIrlan
Vice-Chaiman