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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-09-09 PRC MINUTES• • • Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 9, 1988 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commis- sion was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse. Members present: Clayton, Gomes, Hathaway, Neyer, Vanderleest, Wiggins, Kuhn, ex officio Members absent: Armstrong, Braucht, Kozacek Also present: Jim Kavinsky, Parks Supt. Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of August 31, 1988. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Director Kuhn discussed and reviewed three proposals for parking area relocations at Cushing Park which is a result of the reconstruction of the Dartmouth and Santa Fe intersection. Copies of those proposals were included in the Commission's packets. Kuhn stated that the State Highway Department will be funding the relocation of the parking area, a hike and bike trail which will follow the Little Ory Creek channel, and will plant 130 trees in this area. Kuhn stated that Council is concerned with truck traffic in this neighborhood to Cinderella City and is attempting to determine a plan to less- en the problem. One plan being discussed to divert trucks from the neighbor- hood streets would be to create a roadway for trucks in a widened alleyway using 16 ft. of Cushing Park land to widen the alley on the East side of the park. Kuhn stated that the City must notify the State Highway Department no later than September 16 as to their decision for the relocation of the parking lot. Director Kuhn reported on the Parks and Recreation proposed 1989 budget in comparison to 1988. He stated that the 1988 budget for Parks and Recre- ation is $2,937,177, and actual expenditure estimate for 1988 is $2,855,952. In 1989, an additional $220,000 is included to cover maintenance of Little Ory Creek. Kuhn stated that within the Department over the past two years there has been a budget decrease of $230,000 because of the current economy. He stated that the added maintenance responsibilities of the new Downtown Area, the Detention Pond, and Little Ory Creek have demanded additional manpower. Kuhn then reviewed all proposed capital expenditures for all divisions. Parks Supt. Kavinsky reported that over the past two years, there has been a decrease in budget requests due to reorganization of the Parks Division and reduction in manpower. He stated that with the steady increase in the workload, i.e., the Downtown Area, Detention Pond and Little Dry Creek, he is requesting for 1989 an addition of four full time staff which will come to approximately $120,000 in salaries annually. He stated that the Parks Divi- sion has become responsible for the maintenance of an additional 26 acres while decreasing manpower. He stated that some park areas are beginning to show the results of the unavailability of manpower to maintain them. He stated there has been a concentrated effort, however, to maintain playground equipment safety and a recent inspection by a CIRCA representative indicated -1 - • • • that in all the Englewood parks, there was not one problem cited. Commissioner Clayton asked about the possibility of using a volunteer program or community service program to help maintain the park areas. Kavin- sky stated that the City Attorney informed him that the City liability in- surance would prevent such a program. Director Kuhn stated he feels it would be worthwhile for City Council to investigate this matter further. Kuhn stated that the City frequently receives inquiries for doing community service work. Director Kuhn reported on the golf course budget and stated that 1988 actual operations was estimated to be $723,761, and 1989 is projected to be approximately $742,000. These figures exclude PIF funds for course improve- ments derived from the golf course reserve fund as well as bond payments for the clubhouse . He stated that as of September, 1988 revenue deposits are about $58,000 over 1987. Kuhn stated that requested capital items for the golf course in 1989 include lighting the driving range for $50,000, and mis- cellaneous equipment purchases and replacements for about $9,000. He stated that golf car replacement is not a necessity at this time although they have requested to replace 20 cars to keep in line with the golf car replacement program. Discussion ensued concerning putting tops on the golf cars. Director Kuhn reported that the City recently received a check from the Colorado lottery in the amount of $122,400 for 1988. He stated that these funds will help pay for reroofing of the Recreation Center (approximately $75,000), floor work in the kitchen and exercise room at Malley Center ($10,000), and new flooring in the exercise room at the Recreation Center ($10,000). Commissioner Clayton reported that the sub-committee for determining free golf and free use of the Recreation Center by City employees has not yet met but will do so soon and report back to the Commission. Discussion ensued. Director Kuhn reported that a survey will be conducted to determine the necessity for possible recreation program fee increases or changes. Concerning an Alternate Youth Commission Member, Director Kuhn stated that the ordinance does not provide for this position on the Commission and recommended that if the Commission wants to continue this practice, a change in the ordinance is necessary. Discussion ensued concerning obtaining a reference from school officials with regard to the applicants' attendance records and attitude at school . The Commission determined that at this time they don't think it will be necessary for this type of reference since there has only been one incident over the years where a youth member didn't attend meetings . Following discussion, Youth Commissioner Hathaway made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gomes, to recommend to City Council that there not be an Alternate Youth Member appointed in the future. The motion passed unanimously. Director Kuhn reported that at Commiss i oner Kozacek's request, he will be doing a survey with regard to fees being charged at water world type facilities. Youth Commissioner Vanderleest reported that she has discussed the paint- ing of murals under the bridges along Little Dry Creek with Tim Mispagel, also a student at Englewood High School . She passed around a sketch of Tim's as an example of the water theme they have been discussing. Director Kuhn stated he - 2 - • • • will check with the City Attorney to determine if there could be a liability problem regarding the youth who will be painting the murals. The Commission agreed that it would be appropriate for Vanderleest to proceed with arrange- ments to get the murals painted. Kuhn suggested that the final sketches should be approved by City Council. With the Fall season approaching, the Commission felt it may not be possible to complete the entire project until Spring. Youth Commissioner Hathaway inquired about the current level of vandalism in Englewood parks. Parks Supt. Kavinsky stated the dollar amount is current- ly double the figure for 1987. Commissioner Clayton asked that staff check with Commissioner Armstrong who works at Cherry Creek Reservoir about an ex- panded wire mesh table that has been dipped in enamel. The table is located at the Reservoir. Clayton stated that he feels it would be very durable, per- haps to replace the aluminum tables that have been stolen from Englewood parks. It was suggested that the increase in vandalism may require additional police patrol on weekends. Director Kuhn reported that bids are being received to replace the cur- rent golf course concessionaire, who has advised the City in writing that they wish to terminate their contract effective September 30. Youth Commissioner Hathaway stated that it may be necessary, therefore , to make alternate ar- rangements for the October Commission meeting. Commissioner Clayton explained the importance of snow removal on Little Dry Creek since the path is used heavily by students going to and from school. Commissioner Clayton inquired about the grass clippings being washed down Little Dry Creek from Cherry Hills residents who use the creek for dumping. After discussion, Commissioner Gomes made a motion , seconded by Youth Commis- sioner Hathaway, to recommend to City Council that Mayor Van Dyke write a let- ter to the mayor of Cherry Hills asking that Cherry Hills residents be notified not to dump grass clippings in Little Dry Creek. The motion passed unanimously . Commissioner Clayton asked if there are some projects that could be done by Englewood Boy Scout Troop volunteers, which would help them earn their badges as well as benefit the City. Park Supt. Kavinsky stated he will put together a list of projects for these groups. There was discussion concerning the dead trees along Little Dry Creek. Park Supt . Kavinsky stated that the trees are under warranty and will be replaced. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary - 3 -