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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 06.05 PRC MinutesCity of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission 300 E. Superstition Blvd. Apache Junction, Az. 85119 A regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction, Parks and Recreation Commission as held June 5, 2013 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Theresa A. Nesser (Chairman) Conrad Pisinski (Vice -Chairman) Mona Barton Jesse Gage Wayne Standage Jeff Stuble Absent Jennifer McGraw (Excused) Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Director of Parks & Recreation Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent Liz Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent Chrystal Sawyer, Recreation Coordinator Mary D. March, Administrative Assistant CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Wayne Standage motioned to accept the agenda with New Business Item #1 being moved up to follow the Director's Report. Mona Barton seconded this motion, which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Conrad Pisinksi motioned to accept the minutes of April 3, 2013 regular meeting.Mona Barton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Director Bell informed the Commission that there is some forward movement in the renegotiates related to our I.G.A. with the School District.We are scheduled to meet, this Friday with the school's energy consultant for and assessment of pool operation to see if we can find some energy savings by installing some variable frequency drives on the motor and pumps. The swimming pool opened Memorial Day weekend with 4200 visitors the first week, this equals about 600 participants a day.The first session of Learn To Swim classes started this last Monday and has 440 participants registered. The remainder of the summer programs start next week. A couple months ago Mr. Bell had informed the commission of the city's plans to go to a granicus/legistar software program, for agenda and minute taken, in an attempt to make the process easier and more efficient and provide transparency with the public.We have been receiving some training and we are audio taping tonight's meeting with the opportunity to video meetings moving forward. The target date is July 1 so we will see with July's City Council meeting how this works and go from there. At last night's City Council meeting Mayor Insalaco and re- elected Councilmembers Gail Evans, Dave Waldron and newly elected Councilmember Christa Rizzi and Vice -Mayor Robin Barker were sworn in. Mr. Bell asked Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent to introduce individuals we would like to appreciate for their efforts related to open space cleanup, and asked Chairman Nesser if she would come forward an assist with the presentation of certificates. Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to individuals and groups assisting with open space clean-up projects. Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent explained that the majority of the clean ups have taken place on our multi -use trail system, also known as the sheep drive trail. We have had clean ups in the past but, more recently we have experience more organized clean ups, involving several organizations. One person that has stood out front and led the attack is Leslie Bennett.Leslie has also involved herself with other individuals and groups who have the same interest and passion for preserving and protecting our open space areas, like Cyndi Ruehl with Northern Pinal Partnership Open Space Initiative, which we will be hearing from later tonight, and other such groups. This group of individuals have performed three organized cleanups in the last year and a half, the first one was on March 24, 2012 just east of the rodeo grounds were they removed 60 tires and two 40 yard dumpsters of trash the next one was held October 27 2012 at Prospector Park and the last one was held March 2, 2013 north of Lost Dutchman Blvd, east of Meridian Rd., removing another 92 tires and enough trash to fill another 40 yard dumpster. Nick further expressed his and our department's appreciation to these individuals and organizations for the efforts in improving the quality of our parks and open space trails system, which in turn improves the quality of life to all the citizens in our community. Awards were presented to Leslie Bennett, and representatives from the Northern Pinal Partnership Open Space Initiative, S.A.L.T., Goldfield Ghost Riders, Superstition Mountain Promotional Corporation, Superstition Horsemen's Association, New Season Christian Fellowship, Church of Latter Day Saints Gold Canyon Ward, Friends of Apache Junction, Church of Latter Day Saints Goldfield Ward. Mr. Bell expressed his appreciation to each of these groups for everything they have done and continue to do, especially during these economic times, we would not be able to be as far along as we are in these areas without great partnerships like this. The effort and time volunteered by these groups and individuals, is greatly appreciated. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation an discussion on open space preservation efforts in northern pinal county by Cyndi Ruehl, chairperson for the Pinal Partnership Parks, Trails, Open Space and Public Lands Committee and Northern Pinal County Region. Cyndi Ruehl thanked the commission for giving her the opportunity to talk about what's happening in our county in relation to open space and trails.The mission of Pinal Partnership and particularly the Northern Pinal County Region Committee is to educate, inform and create involvement on what is going on with open space. Ms Ruehl is a desert ecologist, and relayed that the Sonoran Desert, of the 22 deserts in the entire world, is the most bio- diverse, and in Pinal County we have some of the last un- fragmented pieces of this most important desert, which behooves us to be good stewards of this open space. This group is very much about economic development and bringing sustainable business and development into our county. The Open Space and Trails Committee is a part of Pinal County Partnership Committee, which is a nonprofit organization and there tag line is uniting the vision. She will provide information related to what the county wide committee and more specifically what the northern committee is doing. Cyndi provided a recent aerial view of Pinal County, which looks like we have lots of open space and asked or is it? Actually 26% is private 20% in tribal and 18% national forest land. State land department is the largest land owner in our county, which means this land is not parks it is up for sale to the highest bidder. There are five state parks in our county and they remain open largely due to volunteer efforts.9.3 million acres in Arizona are owned by the State Land Department which is not preserved land but land mandated to be sold by the constitution. There have been several citizen initiates to change the constitution, trying to set some of this land aside for preservation or at least allow preservation groups the opportunity to buy it, these initiatives have continued to fail. Pinal County was the fastest growing county in the nation and we are starting up again which is okay as long as we do it in a sustainable way. The Sun corridor is a proposed mega-opolis that runs through Pinal County and a projected 10 million people are expected to reside along this strip, it's considered high density. Population projections keep going up and up, Maricopa and Pima are both growing so where do you think they are going. We need to create/designate large open space, regional parks and preservation areas. Maricopa County has 120,000 acres in regional parks, Pima County has 233,000 acres in regional parks and preservation lands, Pinal County has 295 acres.The county does not have a parks or open space & trails department, this is one of the main problems. How do we achieve this, partnering is very important, in getting this accomplished. Conservation is a huge issue nationwide and people are very passionate about open space conservation, for their kids and their kids, kids.Nationwide in 2012, 57 conservation funding measures were on ballots and 47 passed with a 92% passage. When Sandi Smith was County Supervisor a lot of effort was put into an Open Space and Trails Master Plan that was approved in 2007, it took a lot of research and a year of public input. In the plan 6 regional parks are proposed these are 20,000 to 30,000 acre parks that are to be mostly undeveloped, this is what is meant by county regional parks. So in the plan nearly 1.4 million acres of open space and 315 miles of trails is proposed, some of which is laid over state or private lands which cannot be develop without purchasing them. The Trust for Public Lands is a nonprofit national organization, Pinal County won a grant from them for the purpose of conducting a study into the economic benefits of parks, open space and trails in Pinal County. The benefits include a 20% increase in property value, it's and economic driver to bring in high quality business and well educated workers, it is a mitigator for the urban heat island, it allows for national recharge of ground water.Annually 36.5 million dollars comes into this county from tourism and recreation, generating .5 million dollars in sales tax, 20 million in hunting and fishing and 51 million in watchable wildlife. The Arizona Game and Fish Department in April 2013 completed a wildlife plan assessment for Pinal County. This shows where wildlife corridors are and is important to know for future development, where to put roads, trails, solar fields, housing development etc_ Pinal Partnership Open Space and Trails Committee is a cross section of individuals from horsemen to housewives to agency representatives and county supervisors.We have broken up into regional areas by Supervisor Districts, our area being the Pinal County Northern Open Space and Trails Group which meets every 2"d Wednesday in Apache Junction at Mountain Health and Wellness Center on Plaza we are in District #5, Supervisor House's area. Our Committee had been doing research, having guest speakers come in, we were working real hard gathering information on how to improve open space areas already designated in our area. In 2012 we decided to come up with a report for the county on what to do with all this information we had gathered, to move this plan forward. The first thing is that the county needs to have a parks department or at least an individual designated as a contact person, BLM will no longer talk with our group, they need to talk with who has ownership of the property.Secondly, management of our own watershed and drainage corridors needs to be a priority. Washes being disturbed by development within and surrounding our community is damaging our watershed and ecosystem more than we can even know.Third, identifying funding opportunities and grant writing, currently the OHV Coalition with State Parks has 1.7 million dollars available to repair damage to trails as a result of illegal OHV activity, just to name one. Also the inclusion of the Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Plan Assessment into county development plans and finally the county needs to get involved in conservation issues, like the San Pedro River area. Our group is going to continue with increasing awareness for open space and trails, form a stewardship program, continue to push for the county to have an open space and trail development department and work with OHV groups on trails. County Supervisor Todd House commented on the importance of contacting your supervisor on issues, this group is at every meeting reminding us of the importance of open space and trails issues.He also relayed that a position for an Open Space and Trails Director was tentatively passed with the budget today. Sandie Smith, President of Pinal County Trails and CEO, would like to applaud Cyndi and her group's efforts, they are the most active group in the county. OLD BUSINESS: Update and discussion on recreational opportunities for the teen population. Jeff Bell introduced Liz Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent, who summarized what has transpired to date as follows. Liz advised that we have received a lot of interest in our community on what is going on for teens. We have found that we have a lot going on in our community, the issue is getting the word out and and getting everyone engaged.We had a youth forum last October asking youth what would make a healthier, happier place for youth to live, how could we enhance our community.They felt strongly about more community involvement for themselves and community leaders getting involved with them, coming to their schools and/or providing for representation by them on boards and committees that exist or are forming.They also believe, getting the word out, communication on what is going on is a problem and lastly they would also like to see more things happening in their community and at their schools. Liz relayed, Chrystal Sawyer, Recreation Coordinator Special Interest/Event, has been working on issues outlined above and will be bringing us up to date on what has transpired since our last meeting. Chrystal advised the commission that we had a follow up Spring Youth Forum on April 27th, our desired outcome was to increase awareness by youth leaders of what makes our community a positive place to live and grow and the value of Apache Junction becoming the "Healthiest and Happiest community in Arizona", brainstorm ideas for summer -time events geared for teens and promotion and education on upcoming activities, events, jobs, and volunteer opportunities. We had a total of 25 participants, we utilized various marketing tools to get the word out and CAC provided volunteers that helped with the facilitation of the event. The teens were split into 2 group and brainstormed on teen events they would like to see offered. After 20-25 minutes we reconvened to discuss and split again and brainstormed marketing and activities. We reconvened again and discussed, then each teen voted for their top 3 in each category. Results are as follows MGC Activities and Special Event Ideas: Lock In, Tournaments (dodge ball, capture the flag, rock wall, etc_) Movie; Activities and Pool Event Ideas: BBQ, Water War (squirt guns, water balloons, etc—) Band; Other Future Ideas: Field trip to the Lake, Zombie Event, Paintball Event, Hikes;Marketing Ideas: Facebook, Booth at Lunch, Wristbands at Pool, School Announcements.After their hard work it was time to wrap up with some fun games. So What's Next? On June 2' Teen Night at the MGC from 6-10 pm for teens 13 and up only, free to those who have memberships and a $4 for non-members, dodge -ball, climbing wall, gaming contests and other cool activities are planned. July 26th - "The Neon is On" for Glow Teen Night at the Superstition Shadows Pool from 7-9 pm, for teens 13-17 years admission is $3 per teen and includes swimming, games, music, pizza and refreshments. And finally check out www.ajcity.net/teens for updated information on what is available and going on with and for teens in our area, follow us on facebook or check us out on twitter. Update and discussion on proposed changes to Park Naming Policy. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that the City Council approved the Park Naming Policy in May and we now have a good tool in place for this process. Update and discussion on "Impact Fee" study and utilization. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission that he and Nick Blake have been working with consultants related to development costs for parks and trails, for a report to the City Manager, for use of impact fees.We have .5 million that needs to be expended by this time next year and a million in the kitty.The City Manager will meet with the City Council to identify which projects to pursue. These are all projects that have been approved in the Master Plan developed by Commission. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on parks and recreation proposed budget for fiscal year 2013/14. Mr. Bell relayed that the first open hearing, for the FY13/14 proposed budget, will take place at the June 16th City Council Meeting.Included in our department budget request is funding to replace cardio equipment at MGC, this would be a lease arrangement, the addition of a part-time Parks Maintenance Worker and Park Ranger, replacement pickup truck for parks, construction of ADA compliant walkways at park facilities, upgrading of pool pumps with variable frequency drives for electrical savings and a 3% base wage adjustment for employees. Chairman Nesser, inquired when the MGC would receive the new equipment. Mr. Bell advised mostly likely in the first quarter but not later than the end of the year. Commissioner Struble inquired if increasing fees has been considered. Mr. Bell responded no but, if the Commission is interested in looking into, we most certainly can. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agenda. FY 13/14 Budget; IGA; Impact Fee Study Selection of next meeting date. August 7, 2013 CALL TO PUBLIC: Cyndi Ruehl, 2650 Prospector Road Apache Junction, Az. 85119 Expressed she would like to bring teens into open space & trails process and proposed we have that conversation. Todd House 5027 E. Hildago Apache Junction, Az. 85119 Expressed his thanks for doing what we are doing. He is also a Kiwanis Club Member and the Kiwanis have enjoyed working with the Parks and Recreation Department in the past. Dave Janecek 1480 W. Chaparral Apache Junction, Az. 85119. Advised he belongs to 3 hiking groups if someone is looking for a group hiking they can go to meetup.com and find a hike. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Chairman