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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 11.07 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 November 7, 2012 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman (Late) Conrad Pisinski, Vice Chairman Mona Barton Jesse Gage Jennifer McGraw (Late) Wayne Standage Jeff Struble Absent Staff Present:Jeff Bell, Parks and Recreation Director Roger Hacker, Grant Specialist Mary D. March, Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chairman Pisinski called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Mona Barton motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Wayne Standage seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Wayne Standage motioned to accept the minutes of October 1, 2012, special meeting. Mona Barton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Bell requested New Business Item 1, which is a presentation by Mr. Hacker be moved up to follow the Director's Report to accommodate Mr. Hacker's schedule he has another meeting to get to immediately following this one. Wayne Standage made a motion to move New Business Item 1 up on the agenda after the Director's report and before Old Business, as requested.Jeff Struble seconded and the motion passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell introduced new Commissioner Jesse Gage. Newly appointed Commissioner Jesse Gage advised the Comission he has lived in the area 10 years this December and is a Mining Engineer by training.He decided to get involved, and participated in the Citizen's Leadership Institute. Mr. Bell relayed, also appointed to the Commission was Jennifer McGraw who is a coordinator at Camelback Resort and also serves on the City's Wellness Committee with Mountain Health and Wellness. Mr. Bell advised the Commission that staff has been busy hiring new staff, for the following positions approved with the budget, Customer Service Representative II in Administration front office, Recreation Leader at MGC and part time, 19 hours a week, Parks Maintenance Worker.In the Parks Division we are also realigning duties with jobs and reallocating existing positions. For example currently we have two park attendants, which perform maintenance under the Park Rangers, we are moving them to Park Maintenance for consistency in performance of duties. The Little League Complex Renovations were also approved in the budget and Parks Division is busy with the improvements to include renovation of irrigation system, elimination of grass outside of ballfield areas and along fence line and installation of sod.The project is budgeted at $25,000.00. Nick Blake, Parks Maintenance Superintendent and Landscape Architect is busy designing the next phase of the median improvements on the Apache Trail from Phelps to Rennick Dr. The first phase of the median improvement from Idaho to Phelps still needs art for two of the three art pedestals.The middle pedestal has the metalwork structure of Javelina's.The City Manager has setup a Committee for Art, which has two goals, the short term goal is to take care of the existing pedestals, with the AJ Logo at the entry pedestal.The second goal is to research other communities and what they have put together related to public right a way artwork, lending some insight into developing guidelines moving forward. Mr. Bell advised the Commission that staff has been very busy with and planning special events.October 31st was the annual Halloween Carnival at Prospector Park, followed by the Annual Wellness Event this last weekend, the Festival of the Superstitions is coming up this weekend and then the Light Parade/Holiday Event December 1st. Earthheart Park and Community Garden located in front of Mountain Health and Wellness is completed and had its grand opening this last weekend.Jennifer McGraw led activities. All the trees and vegetation at the park are either edible or medicinal. Hopefully some gardening classes will be held. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation, discussion and possible action relating to Brownfields Grant application and letter of support. Roger Hacker, Grant Specialist for the City presented information explaining what is the purpose of Brownfields Grant and what is required.A brownfields is any property damaged or perceived to be damaged by petroleum products, whether it be from the type of business that may have operated on the site or from dumping.The grant would assist with assessments, Level 1 is a paper assessment researching the history of property owners and usage of property.Level 2 would be testing if warranted once Level 1 assessment is completed.Banks are now requiring assessments before financing Level 1 assessment costs about $400 and Level 2 is about $50,000.With this grant the city can help alleviate the burden from the property owners to help generate movement and investment in the downtown area. Community participation is a requirement of this grant.Mr. Hacker is requesting permission from the commission for Chairman Nesser to sign a letter that the commission supports this project and pledges to provide a member to the citizen's advisory committee, receive updates on the project and talk to other citizen's about the pojects benefits.We are asking for $400,000. Commissioner Gage asked, in regards to cleanup by property owner once identified by level 2 assessment. Mr. Hacker responded there is no mandatory compliance, the purpose is to help with movement of property. Wayne Standage motioned the letter to be signed in support of the Brownfields Grant project if funded and commitment by commission to serve on citizen's advisory committee, receiving updates on projects, working with community on educating and help mitigating sites, talking with citizens about benefits of the project.Conrad Pisinki seconded the motion, Chairman Nesser called for roll call vote. 6 Commissioners voted in favor 1 commissioner was not present for vote. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation, discussion and possible action relating to modifying the Park Naming Policy. Mr. Bell presented draft of Park Naming Policy with adjustments as requested for the Commission's review and possible action. The draft includes sizes of dedication plaques consistent with existing plaques at city facilities and specifying that volunteer time does not translate monetarily for park naming purposes. Mona Barton made a motion to accept the Park Naming Policy and forward the recommendation to the City Council for approval. Jeff Struble seconded the motion.All present were in favor of this motion (6-0). NEW BUSINESS: Request by the Commission for placement of items for future agenda. Intergovernmental Agreement with AJUSD; Open Meeting Laws and Conflict of Interest presentation by City Attorney; Teen Programs (7th &bi•-•th grade). Selection of Next Meeting Date. December 5th, 2012 CALL TO PUBLIC: None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m.