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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 03.04 PRC AgendaParks & Recreation Commission City of Apache Junction, Arizona Agenda Meeting Location: City Council Chambers at City Hall 300 E Superstition Blvd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 apachejunctionaz.gov P: (480) 983-2181 City Council Chambers6:00 PMWednesday, March 4, 2026 1.Call to Order 2.Pledge of Allegiance 3.Roll Call 4.Consent Agenda The commission may, at this time, take single action on any or all items listed as consent agenda items. These include acceptance of agenda and acceptance of minutes. Any member of the commission may remove any item from the consent agenda for discussion and cause a separate vote on the matter later in the agenda. 26-52 Consideration of approval of agenda. 26-53 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of February 4, 2026. Meeting Minutes 2.4.26Attachments: 5.Information and Reports The chair at this time may announce information regarding activities involving Parks and Recreation matters, such as, but not limited to attendance of commission members at community meetings or events, seminars or conferences, or upcoming events or conferences 6.Staff Report The Director or those individuals designated by the Director may present information pertinent to items under consideration or information related to the operation of the department. 26-54 Presentation and update on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Sponsors:Dave Butler 26-55 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan 7.Old Business Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 March 4, 2026Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda 26-73 Presentation and Discussion on the Parks and Recreation Fee Study. Sponsors:Riley King 8.New Business 26-74 Discussion and review of memorial dedication process. Sponsors:Liz Langenbach Park Naming PolicyAttachments: 9.Call to Public Arizona Open Meeting Law allows individuals to address Commission on any issue within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Commission may not answer your questions or discuss your comments at this time. However, at the conclusion of Call to the Public, Commission may do any of the following: 1) respond to criticism made by any individual who addresses the Commission; 2) ask staff to review a matter; 3) ask staff to place the matter on a future agenda. Commission shall not discuss or take legal action on matters raised at Call to the Public unless the matters have been properly noticed for discussion and legal action. Please stand, approach the podium microphone and state your name and address after being called to speak. There is a three (3) minute time limit per speaker. 10.Call for Future Agenda Items At this time Parks and Recreation commissioners or Parks and Recreation staff members are given the opportunity to suggest a topic or topics to be added to the next or any subsequent agenda of the Parks and Recreation Commission. No discussion of the topics suggested are to take place at this time 11.Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose 26-56 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. 12.Adjournment The City of Apache Junction invites and welcomes people of all abilities to use our programs, sites and facilities. Specific requests may be made by contacting the Human Resources Office at (480) 474-2617 or TDD (480) 983-0095. Page 2 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-52 Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Consideration of approval of agenda. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-53 Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of February 4, 2026. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 Meeting Location: City Council Chambers at City Hall 300 E Superstition Blvd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 apachejunctionaz.gov P: (480) 983-2181 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting Minutes Parks & Recreation Commission 6:00 PM City Council ChambersWednesday, February 4, 2026 Call to Order1. Chair Heather Moeller called the regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance2. Chair Heather Moeller led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call3. Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, Vice Chair Madrid, Commissioner Klepper, Chairperson Moeller, and Commissioner Vega Present 7 - Staff present: Liz Langenbach, Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent Dave Butler, Parks Superintendent Christi Hamm, Senior Administrative Assistant Consent Agenda4. Commissioner Lamont Klepper moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission accept the agenda as presented and approve the minutes from the December 3, 2025 regular meeting. Commissioner Judy Borey seconded the motion. This was approved. Yes:Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, Vice Chair Madrid, Commissioner Klepper, Chairperson Moeller and Commissioner Vega 7 - No:0 26-14 Consideration of approval of agenda. 26-15 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of December 3, 2025. Meeting Minutes 12.3.2025Attachments: Information and Reports5. Several commissioners commented on great experiences they had participating in Parks and Recreation events and activities as well as attending local City of Apache Junction events and local organization meetings. Page 1City of Apache Junction, Arizona February 4, 2026Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Staff Report6. 26-16 Presentation and update on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Superintendent Dave Butler provided updates on multiple projects completed since the previous meeting. He presented a photo slideshow highlighting the newly installed shade structures at Superstition Shadows and Prospector Park as well as the ball field irrigation system. He also shared photos of improvements at the MultiGenerational Center, including new counters, and reported that sewer line repairs have been completed. Additionally, Superintendent Butler presented an aerial drone video showcasing current major projects underway, including the new pickleball courts at Prospector Park, ADA sidewalk improvements at the Rodeo Grounds along with Phase 1A updates. Also shown were various pool enhancements such as the new slide colors, cool deck paint, and shade structures. Commissioners commented on their satisfaction with the aerial video footage. All questions from the commissioners were answered. 26-17 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities. Recreation Superintendent Jamie Sullivan provided an update on events and program participation since the previous meeting. She reported strong attendance at recent activities, noting that both Full Moon Hikes and Friday Fishing programs reached full capacity. She also shared that the Santa Paws event at Painted Sky Park received coverage from a local news station and the month of January recorded approximately 200 participants. Superintendent Sullivan announced several upcoming events, including Prospector Play Day, a two-mile fun run on Valentine’s Day, Wellness Event, the Lost Dutchman Marathon, Movies in the Park, and Lost Dutchman Days. She concluded by updating the Commission on lifeguard recruitments for the upcoming pool season and invited Commissioners to volunteer at upcoming events. Old Business7. New Business8. 26-23 Presentation and Discussion on the upcoming Parks and Recreation Fee Study. Recreation Superintendent Jamie Sullivan informed the Commission that it is time to conduct the department’s fee study, and shared City Code Articles 4-1. She noted that the department’s were last updated in 2021 and per state law, must be evaluated every five years. Superintendent Sullivan explained that the Parks and Recreation fees will be compared with those of neighboring market cities, and that fees for new amenities will also be reviewed. She requested that Commissioners review the current fees as homework and come prepared to provide feedback at the next meeting. 26-24 Discussion on the Parks and Recreation Department's CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) proposed budget. Director Liz Langenbach provided an overview of the budget process and informed the Commission that the department is currently preparing next year’s budget. She explained that the budget includes three components: personnel, operating, and capital funds for major projects, and referenced the 2026 Strategic Plan to highlight anticipated funding priorities. Parks Superintendent Dave Butler presented an overview of major projects planned for the coming year, including proposed budget items for the Rodeo Grounds, Prospector Park, and Page 2City of Apache Junction, Arizona February 4, 2026Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Flat Iron Park. Staff and the Commission also discussed walkability to nearby and future projects, such as Superstition Basin Park, in relation to downtown growth, traffic, future amenities, and addressed questions from commissioners regarding anticipated changes in the area. 26-25 Discussion on memorial dedications in parks including a site for former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Wayne Standage. Director Liz Langenbach provided a brief overview of the memorial dedication process and the department’s procedures for handling requests for memorial trees, benches, and bricks. She discussed with the Commissioners potential locations and appropriate methods to commemorate former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Wayne Standage, who has also served as Chair and made significant contributions to mapping and trail systems. Director Langenbach also updated the Commission on the dedication honoring former Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell at the Prospector Park ball fields. She presented several possible locations for the placement of commemorative signage. All of the commissioner feedback, comments, and suggestions were duly noted. Call to Public9. None. Call for Future Agenda Items10. Commissioner Diele Kyhn requested a copy of the memorial brochure when it is completed. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose11. 26-26 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on March 4, 2026 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Commissioner Diele Kyhn moved, seconded by Vice Chair Felicia Madrid that the regular session of the Parks and Recreation Commission be held March 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the city council chambers located at 300 E Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction. This was approved. Yes:Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, Vice Chair Madrid, Commissioner Klepper, Chairperson Moeller and Commissioner Vega 7 - No:0 Adjournment12. Chair Heather Moeller adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Page 3City of Apache Junction, Arizona Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-54 Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: Dave Butler In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation and update on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-55 Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: Jamie Sullivan In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-73 Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: Riley King In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation and Discussion on the Parks and Recreation Fee Study. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-74 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: Liz Langenbach In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Discussion and review of memorial dedication process. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026 PARKS, AREAS AND FACILITIES NAMING/DEDICATION POLICY PURPOSE:The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and facilities. OBJECTIVES: Ensure that parks, recreational areas and facilities are easily identified and located. Ensure that names and dedications are consistent with the value and character of the area or neighborhood served. Encourage public participation in the naming, renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and facilities. Encourage the dedication of lands,facilities, or donations by individuals and/or groups. DEFINITION: Parks, recreation areas and facilities—means and includes all city parks,trails, swimming pools, buildings, playgrounds, skate parks and/or any other public property under management and control of the Parks and Recreation Department,owned or leased by the city for the public benefit. RESPONSIBILITY: It is the responsibiiity of the Parks and Recreation Director to ensure the parks, recreation areas and facilities naming and dedication process takes place in compliance with the intent of this policy. NAMING CRITERIA: The policy of the Parks and Recreation Department is to name parks, recreation areas and facilities through an adopted process utilizing established criteria emphasizing community values and character, local history, geography and the environment. Naming may also be based on a financial contribution made by an individual,family or group. 1. Acceptable criteria for names of parks, recreation areas and facilities are as follows: A. The proposed name describes the geographical area where the facility is located. B. The proposed name describes something specifically unique to the Apache Junction area (flora, fauna,geology, historical or cultural descriptive termino!ogy). C. The proposed name acknowledges significant financial support received from individuals or groups that pays for or donates park land,donates an amount that would provide for 51% or more of the parks development, and/or donates an amount that would cover the on- going operating and maintenance needs of the park.The value of volunteer time does not apply to this criterion. 2. Parks, recreation areas and facilities should be named prior to the beginning of the design for development so that the area takes on an early identification and allows for proper tracking during development. 3. The naming of a parks, recreation areas and facilities may be done in conjunction with the community or neighborhood that will be served.This may be accomplished through various means as determined by staff and may include naming contest or recommendations made by recognized community groups. 4. Although not encouraged, names may be changed if properly justified and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. DEDICATION CRITERIA:The policy of the Parks and Recreation Department is to utilize a dedication program to recognize and honor individuals or groups contributing to the park system but not qualifying under the naming criteria. Parks, recreation areas,facilities or portions thereof, may be dedicated in memory,or honor of, individuals or groups by the placement of a dedication or memorial plaque that describes the contribution.The plaque must be made of quality material, rated for outdoor use and shall be no larger than 8"x 10"for minor amenities and 28"x 32" for major amenities. 1. Acceptable criteria for dedications of parks, recreation areas and facilities areas follows: A. Dedications are encouraged to be in the form of facility improvements or enhancements. B. Dedications may be in recognition of outstanding service that benefits the City, substantial donations or significant contribution to the facility or Parks and Recreation Department. C. Dedications may be in memory of deceased individuals who have significantly contributed to the facility or Parks and Recreation Department. D. Individuals or groups sponsoring (nominating)a dedication must provide sufficient funds to purchase and install the dedication or memorial plaque.The City will make every effort to maintain and preserve installed plaques but will not be responsible to replace and/or repair damaged or stolen ones. E. Dedications of minor amenities(trees, benches, etc.)shall be handled administratively by the Parks and Recreation Department. Dedications of major amenities(buildings, sports fields,etc.)shall be approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council.The wording, placement and/or mounting of plaque is subject to approval by the Parks and Recreation Department. PROCEDURE:The procedure for naming/dedicating parks, recreation areas and facilities is as follows: 1. Public initiated request to name or dedicate a park, recreation area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Director. 2. Those submitting a naming/dedication request shall show how the proposed name/dedication is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy.When naming/dedicating after a person,the request must describe the contributions to the facility or Parks and Recreation Department. Written documentation of approval by next of kin (if available) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to stated criteria and authentication of statements of contributions before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming/dedication. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. 5. The Parks and Recreation Director and/or Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming/dedication process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the City. 6. In the absence of any naming/dedication request,the Parks and Recreation Commission shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of name/dedication. Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 26-56 Agenda Date: 3/4/2026 Sponsor: In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 7/13/2026