HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 10.07 PRC MinutesCity of Apace 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 October 7, 2015 at the Apache
Junction City Hall pursuant to notice as prescribed by law.
Present
Theresa A. Nesser, Chairman
Mona Barton
Judy Borey
Jesse Gage
Jennifer McGraw
Marit Runyon
Wayne Standage Jr.
Absent
Staff Present: Jeff Bell, Director
Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent
Mary D. March, Administrative Assistant
Others Present: Dean Chambers, J2 Engineering & Environmental
Design
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 as presented.
Jennifer McGraw seconded this motion, which passed
unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
Jesse Gage motioned to accept the minutes of September 2,
2015, regular meeting.Mona Barton seconded the motion,
which passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bell relayed the following, City has a new P.I.O., Al Bravo,
who started Monday was previous with U. of A for seven years,
was with the City of Mesa prior to U. of A. and has a background
in Radio.Staff adjustments within the P&R department include
Jeff Kopp, Recreation Assistant to Recreation Coordinator
responsibilities have changed to management of facilities &
special events.Justin Hewitt, Senior Recreation Assistant to
Recreation Coordinator will acquire some administrative
responsibilities due to changes in Jeff Kopp's duties, for
example seasonal employee. Riley King, who was a seasonal
employee at the MGC, is now our nighttime Supervisor at the MGC
replacing DeeDee Goodson.
Mr. Bell advised that on November 3 r d Pinal Partnership & Trails
Committee will be making and informational presentation on what
they are doing in the area.
Commissioner Standage relayed they plan on the presentation
being 20-25 minutes to heighten awareness of who they are and
what they are working on.
Mr. Bell advised the City Council renewed contract with East
Valley Active Adult Services for 10 years at our MGC, they
provide service for seniors and we provide facility.
City Council also reappointed Wayne Standage, Theresa Nesser and
appointed Willie Howard to replace Jennifer McGraw.
OLD BUSINESS:
Presentation, discussion and'possible action on proposed
conceptual plans for "downtown park".
Dean Chambers, J2 Engineering & Environmental Design reviewed
what has transpired to date and reviewed in depth survey
results, research data utilized in conceptual designs and minor
adjustment in water feature and additional west side parking.
After some discussion related to future design and park rule
issues Commissioner Gage expressed he appreciated comments and
moved to approve and forward "Tierra Forma" conceptual design to
the City Council for approval.Commissioner Standage seconded
the motion which was unanimously approved.
Presentation and discussion on inter -governmental agreement with
the Apache Junction Unified School District.
Mr. Bell updated the Commission in regards to the
Intergovernmental Agreement between the AJUSD and City of Apache
Junction as follows.In April 2015 the School Board placed on
the agenda shutting off the utilities by July to the facilities.
School District agreed to pay $25,000.00 annually Mr. Wilson
felt land was worth something.
Parks & Recreation absorbed $125,000.00 in utility costs.We
still have use of facilities at no charge to City and we have a
5 year agreement.
Commissioner Nesser inquired about the schools use of
facilities?
Mr. Bell advised they have use during school hours.
Commissioner Barton inquired what happens if override passes?
Mr. Bell responded we do not know.City is also offering
afterschool & TGIF programs to help our families with new school
schedule.
Mr. Bell could not help but express how unbelievable it is that
a strong partnership, that worked together cooperatively, for 35
years for the betterment of our community, has come to this.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation and discussion on the parks and recreation
department 2015/16 work plan.
Mr. Bell updated the Commission in regards to department work
plan as follows:
1.Downtown Park phase I to be completed this fiscal year.
2.Youth Council - staff is researching what other communities
are doing with plans to solicit interest at the beginning
of the year.
3.Dog Park at County Retention Basin - last week City had
discussion with County to find out where we are with this
so we can get things going.
4.ADA Transition Plan - contracting parking lot repaving to
correct slopes to be done within next couple of months
5.Safety Program - OSHA - Emergency Plans - Kelly Martin in
charge of department program from new employee orientation
to inspections.
6.Program Brochure - we stopped printing brochures to save
money 2008/2009.We have been working .with the Independent
Newspaper on program brochure the Independent sells ads to
offset printing costs brochure .comes out quarterly at no
cost to city 40% advertisement and.60% our programs.
7.IGA - live by new rules.
8.Constantly looking at more effective, efficient service
methods and organizational structure.' :
9.Will begin transition of leadership after the first of the
year.
10.Home Rule - critical
11.Kaboom playful city recognition Nick researching
12.New online safety training implemented and available to all
office staff.
Commissioner Gage inquired if the balance of our impact fees
would be used on the downtown park.
Mr. Bell affirmed.
Call to Public:
Chairman Nesser congratulated Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell on 35 years of service with the City.
Request by the Commission for placement of items on future
agenda.
Smoking in Parks (Park Rules);Youth Council; Dog Park with
County; Park Naming
Selection of next meeting date.
November 4, 2015
CALL TO PUBLIC:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Nesser adjourned the
meeting at 7:48 p.m.
\A
Vice -Chairman