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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 08.05 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 was held August 5, 2015 at the Apache Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law. Present Absent Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman Wayne Standage Jr.(Excused) Mona Barton Judy Borey Jesse Gage Jennifer McGraw Marit Runyon Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Director Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent Liz Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent 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: Mona Barton motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Jesse Gage seconded this motion, which passed unanimously. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Jesse Gage motioned to accept the minutes of April 1, 2015, regular meeting.Mona Barton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bell updated the Commission on summer participation numbers. Our community pool had approximately 30,000 entries this summer and 1465 individuals participated in the Learn to Swim program, summer open gym had 350 participants and our Fitness Center (MGC) had 5000 visits of youth and/or family during June and July, this represents a 30% increase. The School District has gone to a four day school week.Our department has a TGIF, Friday program providing our community with an opportunity for their children on Friday's since they have no school. We are also please to relay that through donations from our community we will be able to offer lunch during this program. OLD BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on update to the Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule. Mr. Bell advised that the City Council approved the updated Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule in June, the major update being the inclusion of the mobile stage policy. Presentation and discussion on the status of the intergovernmental agreement with the Apache Junction Unified School District. Mr. Bell highly encouraged this item to be placed on a future agenda. The school district has agreed to pay $25,000.00 annually towards operation and maintenance and will take over some responsibilities. The agreement was made very hurriedly, should discuss what transpired leading up to the agreement at a future meeting. NEW BUSINESS: Presentation and discussion on the establishment of an Apache Junction Youth Council. Mr. Bell relayed to the Commission the City Council gave our department direction to proceed with establishing and Apache Junction Youth Council it has been a desire of the City Council for a long time to encourage youth involvement. Mr. Bell also advised our department previously oversaw a Youth Advisory Board in the late 1980's.This youth council will be ran as a program rather than City Council appointed members, allowing for more flexibility. We are planning for the council to consist of 15 members who reside within the City and are enrolled in an Apache Junction School whether it be the unified school district or a charter school and are in 8th through 12th grade. The purpose will be to encourage and allow youth to have a voice in the community, to education youth on local government and develop leadership skills. We have about six months to get this up and running. Presentation, discussion and possible action on proposed conceptual; plans of the "downtown park". Nick Blake provided background on proposed concepts, provided by the City's contracted Landscape Architecture firm, J2 Engineering, for a downtown park/event center located on a three acre parcel of property on North Apache Trail acquired by the City at no cost. Parks and Recreation and other city staff have worked with and provided input regarding the need for a downtown gathering area for special events and community events to J2 Engineering during this conceptual design period.Nick also asked everyone to keep in mind these our conceptual drawings only and serve the purpose of getting community input as part of the design process. Nick introduced Dean Chamber with J2 Engineering for presentation and discussion of the two concepts. Dean Chamber introduced Landscape Architect Kurt Montei and Intern Cormack Diggins of the design team, which developed two concepts with feedback from staff and will explain the function of each park concept. They have both been named "Terra Forma" and "Sky Flower" the focal point of "Terra Forma" is the great lawn which will accommodate over 3,000 individuals the East Pavilion /Stage will accommodate an additional 1,000 individual and the West Pavilion will accommodate an additional 1900 individuals. A Restroom facility, pavilion - entry gate, play lawn, shaded splash area with water wall are located to the south of the great lawn with parking on the west end of the park facility. Along North Apache Trail the park has three entry ways and an Observation Deck/Gateway over the road providing that picture moment.The catwalk provides a panoramic view of the the Goldfields & Superstition Mountains as well as Four Peaks. "Sky Flower" has a north lawn and a south lawn incorporating a Plaza through the middle with restroom facility, and rain feature rather than a splash pad.Pavilions/stage areas as well as observation deck are made of an acrylic material used to play with light and can be constructed with print of choice.The observation deck has a spiral walkway which juts out over the road. The north lawn accommodates almost 900 individuals and the south lawn will accommodate almost 2200 individuals. The parking is on the west end of the facility and all entry ways are along North Apache Trail and are covered by acrylic shade structures. Restrooms facilities for both concepts are designed with 3 men's and 3 women's, for larger events portables would be necessary. Mona Barton expressed concern with water features not being secured. Dean Chambers advised most likely, would not be utilized on a daily basis, more for special events, mostly to conserve water. Chairman Nesser inquired if we water Prospector Park?Jeff Bell replied yes and also Little League Complex. Jesse Gage inquired in regards to the spiral deck if there were others around, he can see this being a liability?Dean Chambers explained that it is a gentle spiral. You cannot design liability out, during design process stadium access ways were looked at, they felt the City has awesome views and the intent was to capture that. Chairman Nesser asked if the parks would be lit at night? Jeff Bell responded yes with general lighting. Judy Borey inquired about handicap access? Dean Chambers explained the standard everywhere in universal access. Everything is designed for accessibility. Jennifer McGraw inquire between the two plan is there a difference in the longevity of ramada materials and whats the cost difference of the two plans and was water conservation a consideration?Dean Chambers advised both ramada materials are constructed to last.Cost difference between two plans is 1-2 million dollars with Sky Flower being more expensive but also offers more coverage. Both concepts designed with water conservation in mind and solar power integration. Chairman Nesser asked if materials could be use on either design? Dean Chamber replied materials can be exchanged or intermixed. Dean Chambers advised everyone that comment forms need to be return by August 21st. Chairman Nesser opened the meeting up for comment and input. Larry Johnson, President of the Chamber of Commerce expressed both concepts very nice but has concerns with parking and the impact on the businesses to the south and the east of the park. Has already had conversation with business owners and would be happy to assist with business owner interviews. Nancy Johnson 116 S. Burgess Road.Commented good job on centralized restroom on Terra Forma and would like to see a dog area. Chairman Nesser advised the Councilman Serdy had to leave but he has suggested adding a staircase of the gateway on the other side of the road to Terra Forma. David Stumphanzer 424 Singletree St. expressed concerns with parking and the addition of traffic. Chairman Nesser relayed street and speed limit designed with those concerns in mind. Diane Haskins 304 S. Southern Ave. Mesa, expressed likes Terra Forma more together and open for families, would like to see a fountain instead of water thing and something for dogs, also thinks parking is an issue.Also expressed concerns with tiles on Sky Flower during monsoons. Dean Chambers explained pavilion materials are big sheets that are formed and well exceed building codes. Chairman Nesser advised we have a design on the shelves for a 3 acre dog park at Prospector. Mary Jo Schlechty 185 N. Apache Trail expressed issue with parking, puts hardship on business in area. They go through this for Lost Dutchman Days and Light Parade shutting down road businesses have to close up and send employees home. Jennifer McGraw inquired if food trucks being allowed would impact her business? Dean Chamber explained downtown plan and park is adopted and designed for walkways and gathering areas to intermingle parks, activities and events with businesses. Annette Speigel 1145 N. Cortez Road expressed business will grow because people will utilize rather than detour from the businesses. Patti Johanson 4987 Mining Camp Rd. suggested having activities that feature local businesses. Also would like to see a park feature designed for local artists to display their work. If not in this plan need to include in future plan. Also suggested selling brick or tiles to support the local effort. Chairman Nesser advised the program is already in place city contact is Roger Hacker. Janet Stumphanzer 424 Singletree St. suggested providing shuttle for people during larger special events. Jennifer inquired what is the primary purpose of the facility? Jeff Bell replied to accommodate a variety of events. Jennifer explained that bringing people into the area would maybe help businesses.She was unaware until someone mention to her that there was a sandwich shop in that area as she never goes that way. Chairman Nesser reminded everyone to complete and turn in comment form by August 21st and we will look forward to feed back at next month's meeting. Request by the Commission for placement of items on future agenda. IGA with School District; Downtown Park Selection of next meeting date. September 2, 2015 CALL TO PUBLIC: None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. k)(-NcLi, Vice-C1%1irman