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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 04.02 PRC Minutes City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting Location: y 0� City Council Chambers Meeting Minutes at City Hall f> 300 E Superstition Blvd 124 - Apache Junction,AZ Parks & Recreation Commission 85119 apachej unctionaz.gov P:(480)983-2181 Wednesday,April 2,2025 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order Chair Heather Moeller called the regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission to order at 6:10 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Chair Heather Moeller led in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll Call Present 5- Chairperson Moeller,Commissioner Bigelow,Commissioner Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, and Commissioner Madrid Excused 1 - Vice Chair Kyhn Staff Present: Liz Langenbach, Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent Jody Dutra,Youth and Senior Services Coordinator Elliott Anuta, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Lauren Powell, Parks and Recreation Intern Christi Hamm, Senior Administrative Assistant Commissioner Sheryl Bigelow arrived at 6:16 p.m. 4. Consent Agenda Commissioner Felicia Madrid moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission accept the agenda as presented and approve the minutes from the March 5,2025 meeting.Commissioner Frank Schoenbeck seconded the motion.This was approved. 25-103 Consideration of approval of agenda. 25-104 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of March 5, 2025. Attachments: Meeting Minutes 3.5.25 5. Information and Reports Commissioners shared many positive comments about the recent events and activities they participated in and volunteered for. 6. Staff Report City of Apache Junction,Arizona Pagel Parks&Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 2,2025 25-105 Presentation and update on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Director Liz Langenbach gave a brief update on the status of the Pickleball Courts project for Prospector Park. She noted that the designs are finalized and have been submitted for permitting. She also shared pictures of the Apache Junction Little League's opening ceremony and many field upgrades that the South Team worked on such as stenciling and field logos. She concluded by announcing that the Little League fields won the 2024 Fields of Excellence award. 25-107 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities. Superintendent Jamie Sullivan provided the commission with an update on recent events, including Dino Days, Bubbles and Brews, and the Senior Prom. She also highlighted upcoming events on the April calendar, such as Focal Point Flowers,the Earth Day celebration, the Easter Egg Hunt, and April Pool's Day and more.She also shared important details about changes to parking for the Easter Egg Hunt, announcing that shuttle services will be available from the Rodeo Grounds to the event this year. She wrapped up her update by inviting the commissioners to volunteer for any of the upcoming events and activities. 7. Old Business 25-134 Update on invasive plants management. Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Elliott Anuta presented to the commission on the management of invasive plants at Silly Mountain, following the department's receipt of the Department of Forestry& Fire Management Invasive Plants Grant. He noted the three target species: buffelgrass, stinknet, and fountain grass, all of which are highly flammable and displace native plants. He emphasized the importance of volunteer hours, not only for plant removal efforts but also to unlock additional grant funds. He also shared how contractors are assisting with plant removal and drone-targeted sprays. To wrap up, he discussed the various communication efforts aimed at educating the community on invasive plants, including flyers, postcards, door hangers, and videos. 8. New Business 25-135 Presentation and introduction of the Youth Advisory Council. The Youth and Senior Services Coordinator Jody Dutra presented an overview of the Youth Advisory Council. She introduced three members, all of whom attend Apache Junction High School. She explained the council's role in volunteering within the community, participating in events, and engaging in learning opportunities. She noted that YAC is open to any student in grades 8 through 12 who lives or attends school in Apache Junction. Each YAC member had the opportunity to address the commissioners, introduce themselves, and share their personal experiences. They expressed how much they enjoy being part of the group, learning more about the city, meeting new people, and experiencing a sense of community in Apache Junction. 25-137 Presentation and discussion on Painted Sky Park's lake and fishing programs. Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Elliott Anuta presented the commission with an update on lake programming at Painted Sky Park. He provided a brief overview of the lake's history, key facts, and the types of fish it contains. He explained that fishing education sessions are held on the third Friday and Saturday of each month, offering patrons information on fishing rules, tutorials, City of Apache Junction,Arizona page 2 Parks&Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 2,2025 hook swapping, and guidance on how to purchase a fishing license. Elliott also shared future plans for the lake, which include introducing new fish species and fish habitats to ensure the health of both the lake and its fish. He concluded by discussing upcoming programming planned for summer. 25-148 Intern, Lauren Powell, will present and discuss adaptive recreation programming. Recreation Superintendent Jamie Sullivan introduced ASU student intern Lauren Powell to the commission. Lauren took the opportunity to introduce herself and share her background,which included previous experience working with Parks and Recreation for the City of Mesa. She presented her research on adaptive recreation, emphasizing the importance of offering specific types of accommodations for individuals with special needs during events and activities. Lauren highlighted the success of the sensory booth she helped manage at the Dino Days Event and how it benefited attendees with sensory needs. She also offered several tools and recommendations for expanding adaptive programming across all areas of recreation in the future. 9. Call to Public None. 10. Call for Future Agenda Items 11. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose Commissioner Frank Schoenbeck moved,seconded by Commissioner Sheryl Bigelow that the regular session of the Parks and Recreation Commission be held May 7,2025 at 6:00 p.m.in the city council chambers located at 300 E Superstition Blvd,Apache Junction.This was approved. Yes: 5- Chairperson Moeller, Commissioner Bigelow, Commissioner Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey and Commissioner Madrid No: 0 Excused: 1 - Vice Chair Kyhn 25-138 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 7, 2025 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. 12. Adjournment Chair Heather Moeller adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m. I✓I Signed This4� ayof ,2025 /YPUC&I He ther Moeller Chairperson City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 3