HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 09.02 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 September 2, 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
Mary D. March, Administrative Assistant
Others Present: Dean Chambers, J2 Engineering & Environmental
Design
Kurt Montei, J2 Engineering & Environmental
Deign
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:
Jesse Gage motioned to accept the agenda as presented. Mona
Barton seconded this motion, which passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Jesse Gage motioned to accept the minutes of August 5,
2015, regular meeting.Judy Borey seconded the motion,
which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell reminded commission members of the IGA with the AJUSD
discussion for next regular meeting and advised terms for
Chairman Nesser, Commissioners McGraw and Standage are up for
reappointment.
Mr. Bell further advised the Commission, that Chrystal Sawyer,
Special Events Coordinator and DeeDee Goodson nighttime
supervisor at the MGC have left our employment, leaving us with
a total of 3 vacancies in the Recreation Division.The third
vacancy is from when Jay Reynolds resigned.We are currently
working with Human Resources hoping to provide some internal
promotional opportunities.
The MGC will kick off their 10 year anniversary celebration by
offering 15% discount on memberships from September 5th through
the 12th.
Mr. Bell was proud to announce to the Commission that Liz
Langenbach, Recreation Superintendent was nominated by her peers
and was honored as this year's recipient of Arizona Parks and
Recreation Association's President's Award at their Annual
Conference. Liz could not be present tonight she is at her sons
school he is in National Honors Society.The video presentation
from conference was shared.
OLD BUSINESS:
Presentation, discussion and possible action on proposed
conceptual plans for "downtown park" (public hearing).
Nick Blake reviewed, at last month's meeting J2 Engineering &
Environmental Design presented two conceptual plans on a
downtown park and distributed comment forms soliciting input on
the two plans. A total of 51 comment forms were received. J2 has
30 pages of compiled information, Dean Chambers and Kurt Montei
are present tonight to present results of the survey.
Dean Chambers reviewed the two concepts Tierra Forma as having 1
lawn and a modern linear design and Sky Flower having 2 lawns
with an organic incorporation. Of all the areas surveyed Sky
Flower did not rank more than 50% preference in any and Tierra
Forma's lowest ranking was 65% and highest was 80% preference.
Five major concerns were expressed repeatedly.Concerns with
parking during events; street closure during events; watering of
lawn; interactive feature water use; and the potential for the
sky flower design to become out dated.
Mr. Chambers presented information on downtown parks very
similar to our in regards to parking.Prescott has no parking
lots within the downtown square mostly on street parking. In
Gilbert parking is within a 5 to 10 minute walk to the downtown
event center.
The effect on businesses surrounding downtown park/square areas
is generally a significant increase. Joe's BBQ and Liberty
Market's business grew after the downtown development in
Gilbert. Chandler's tax revenues were up 10% from previous year.
Downtown parks, gathering areas have a profoundly positive
effect on downtown businesses.
Mona Barton asked if the old Bayless/Bashas plaza was privately
owned.
Jeff Bell responded that he believes so.
Shawn Capozzi Sr. Pastor at New Christian Community Center
inquired if the park could accommodate a large concert of 1,000-
3,000 people.
Dean Chambers and Jeff Bell both answered yes.
David Day 5424 Singletree expressed that he likes Tierra Forma
and asked what kind of effect will this have On the Hardware
Store across the street.
Michele 1327 W. Mesquite expressed her excitement with a water
play area/splash pad locally for mommy groups to meet and
' further expressed concern with no playground/play Structures.
Shawn Capozzi asked the cost to develop Tierra Forma.
Jeff Bell and Dean Chambers advised between 3-5 million dollars.
Jeff Bell further advised that Economic Development staff have
reached out to businesses across the Street, keeping them
informed.
Mona Barton asked if there was room for growth around the park?
Jeff Bell replied, the land arbund the park is privately owned.
Jesse Gage would like to review comments before making a
decision and requested recommendation be put off until next
month's meeting,.
Judy Borey opposed and believes the percentage represents
preference.
The commission voted 5-1: to review comments and wait until next
meeting for recommendation...
NEW BUSINESS:
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future
agenda.
IGA with School District; Downtown Park
Selection of next meeting date.
October 7, 2015
CALL TO PUBLIC:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the
meeting at 7:01 p.m.
Wa
Vice-CMairman