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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 11.06 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 November 6, 2013 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A. Nesser (Chairman)Wayne Standage (Excused) Mona Barton Judy Borey Jesse Gage Jennifer McGraw Jeff Struble Staff Present: Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent Heather Patel, Grants Coordinator Mary D. March, Administrative Assistant CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Nesser called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Mona Barton motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Jesse Gage seconded this motion, which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Mona motioned to accept the minutes of August 7, 2013 regular meeting.Jesse Gage seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Nick Blake advised the Commission that Mr. Bell was unable to be present at tonight's meeting due to a prior commitment and he had been asked to conducting the meeting in his absence. Nick advised commission member Mona Barton has been reappointed to the commission in October and introduced and welcomed Judy Borey our newly appointed commission member.Nick also asked Judy to share a little information about herself. Judy advised the commission that she has been with the Boys & Girls Club for over 20 years starting out in Nogales on the founding board and though she has retired she continues to volunteer as needed. She also volunteers with the Chamber of Commerce, Winter Visitors Center and Pinal County Volunteer Center. Nick updated the commission on Parks and Recreation department activity as follows: Our first Fit Family Fun Run was held October 19th and was a huge success with nearly 200 participants.The department's parks division created all of the obstacles out on the multi -use trail and families/kids had a great time. For this year's Halloween Carnival, held on October 31, we partnered with the AJ Police Department to combine the GAIN event, an event where neighborhoods can talk to Police, Fire and Department heads about their issues and getting block watch events started.We also worked with AJPD and Paws & Claws hosting our first annual Doggie Costume Contest, which was a big hit. The 8th Annual Wellness Event was hosted this last Saturday at the Multi -Generational Center with over 70 vendors participating, numerous free classes were offered and a 2 mile trail run was conducted by our fitness team. Jamie Sullivan, MGC Facility Manager reported over $9000 in sales, mostly memberships -100 memberships sold, we are pretty confident that this is the most memberships sold and most dollars generated in one day ever at the MGC and tops last year's event by $5500. Staff is busy planning the Holiday Event & Light Parade coming up on Saturday, December 7th, this will be our fourth year conducting this event. Events will be held all day in the downtown area, we will be in the same location as last year, Old West Highway will be blocked off in front of Fry's.The Walk-a- thon will being at noon, Santa, snow and entertainment will be from 3-6 pm and the Light Parade will end the day on the trail between Phelps and Thunderbird. Staff is currently working on Prospector Park Improvement Project for ADA accessible walkways between the 4 softball fields with a bridge over the wash to the soccer fields and resurfacing the tennis courts. This is to be ready for bid by the first of the year to be completed before the end of the fiscal year, utilizing impact fees.We will also be purchasing a mobile stage and this will also bid at the first of the year. Nick Blake advised that Keith Graves our long time Parks Supervisor has taken the position of Facility Maintenance Supervisor in the Public Works Department, and his position has been filled with David Butler, newly recruited.William Lant, Parks Worker II retired, and his position has been filled by Dan Buckingham, part-time Parks Worker I and we are currently in the hiring process for two part-time Parks Worker I's. OLD BUSINESS: Update and discussion on intergovernmental agreement with Apache Junction Unified School District. Nick Blake advised the Commission that negotiates between the City Manager's Office and School Superintendent's office have not been productive. The City Council as asked if the School Board would ask if a couple of board members would be willing to meet with a couple of city council members to discuss.The first meeting was schedule for October 30 between city council members Wilson and Waldron and school board members Moore and Weaver, this was a get to know each other meeting.Their next meeting is scheduled for November 7 at 4:30 pm. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on awards received at Arizona Parks and Recreation Association annual awards dinner. Nick Blake was pleased to relay to the commission that two of our staff members were recognized at this year's APRA Conference. Jay Reynolds, Facilities and Marketing Coordinator, received the Presidential Award for his dedication, design work and publishing of annual conference programs, for the last 5 years.Chrystal Sawyer, Special Events Coordinator, was recognized for the Holiday Event and Light Parade. Commission watched video presentation of award by APRA. Chairman Nesser advised that Jay also designed the artwork for Old West Highway median pedestals, the Javelina that is currently displayed and the next two, one being the AJ Logo and the other an Indian. Consideration of request to support the City's Brownfield's grant application and projects. Heather Patel, Grants Coordinator advised the commission that last year's City application for an Environmental Protection Agency Brownsfield' grant to conduct community wide assessment targeted within the downtown of Apache Junction along Apache Trail, was unsuccessful.The grant is expected to be released again this year and the city is intending to submit an application that has addressed the concerns of the EPA. If successful this grant would provide for the assessment of properties for contaminants, required prior to sale of property. The City would like to complete 29 Phase I - petroleum contaminant assessments. Phase II consists of environment soil sampling, as deemed necessary. Phase I must be completed before financing and protects the property owner from liability once property is sold. This would stimulate movement in properties downtown. Heather further asked if we would provide a letter in support of this grant as part of the application process. Commissioners read letter of support provided and Mona Barton motioned that the letter be signed by the Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman in support of the EPA Brownsfield's grant. Judy Borey seconded and the motioned passed unanimously. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agenda. Intergovernmental Agreement with Apache Junction School District, Election of Officers Selection of next meeting date. February 5, 2014 or as needed CALL TO PUBLIC: None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 6:41 p.m. Vice -Chairman