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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-14 PRC MINUTES• • • I. II. III. CALL TO ORDER City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 14, 2008 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:32pm by Chairperson Gomes at Centennial Park Pavilion #2, 4630 S . Decatur Street. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Mitch Waldman, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Karen Miller, Commission Member (arrived at 6: l Opm) Bob Mccaslin, City Council Liaison Jim Woodward, Commission Member Christina Kruk , Youth Commission Member (arrived at 6:24pm) Rebecca Laughlin, Youth Commission Member JeITell Black, ex officio Absent: Douglas Garrett, Commission Member Donna Schnitzer, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Also Present: Bob Spada, Golf Operations Manager Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of July 10, 2008. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There was no one present for scheduled comment. IV . UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There was no one present for unscheduled comment. V. SHOW WAGON USAGE VI. Discussion turned to last month's request by the Commission for staff to provide a recommendation regarding show wagon usage . Black informed the Commission that staff is recommending on waiting until after the budget workshop to discuss show wagon usage due to possible staff reductions in the parks division . Commission members concurred with Black. 2009 PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL BUDGET Black informed the Commission that by Charter, the Parks and Recreation Commission is required to make its recommendation to the City Manager on the Capital Budget. Black distributed copies of the 2009 Parks and Recreation Capital Budget to commission members and told the Commission that the City Manager will be presenting his budget to City Council. Black reviewed with the Commission the 2009 Capital Projects Budget that included the Open Space Fund and the Conservation Trust Fund . Black explained that the Public Improvement Fund has $6 to $8 million in requests with only $2.3 million available in funding so a number of Parks and Recreation requests have been shifted over to the Conservation Trust Fund and Open Space Fund to be funded. In regard to the Open Space Fund, Black reminded commission members that when Duncan Park was • purchased, Open Space Funds and grants were used to make the purchase . Black reported that there are three payments remaining for Duncan Park with the final payment in 2010 that will be for the remaining six lots including the building that All Souls is currently leasing. Black spoke in regard to a Parks Maintenance Employee Compensation that is covered under Open Space funds . Black explained that Arapahoe County Open Space allows ten percent of the funds to be used for maintenance . Black went on to explain that without the Open Space funds, the position would have been cut from the parks division due to budget shortfall. Discussion turned to the Conservation Trust Fund . Black reported that an account has been created under CTF for an expansion project at Pirates Cove. Black stated that the Department is requesting $200,000 in 2009 with plans to request additional funds in the future. Black told the Commission that the Department will be applying for a GOCO planning grant in 2009 and then for GOCO development funds in 2010 and 2011. Vice Chairperson Waldman asked what the Pirates Cove expansion involves . Black explained that the expansion will be on the northern side of Pirates Cove and include a family ride for two, four or six people, and then possibly a shelter and additional green space . Black stated that the lack of green space has been the most common complaint about Pirates Cove. Other items Black discussed were skate park equipment and ERC ultra violet pool system. In regard to skate park equipment for Cushing Park, Black reminded commission members that when the Commission had met with neighbors to Cushing Park, the Commission had made the commitment to the neighbors that the Depaitment would look into new equipment that would help improve the noise level from the park. Black noted that it would be a two to three year process . In regard to the ultra-violet pool system for the Englewood Rec Center, Black told the Commission • that an ultra-violet system had already been installed at Pirates Co v e in hopes of improving water sanitation and cla1ity ; noting that between the UV system and new filters , had worked . Black stated that the state ofNew York has mandated that all public pools be equipped with the UV system and went on to say that the Department is convinced that the nation is mo v ing in the same direction. Commission Member Woodward noted that a UV system is included in the Waste Water Treatment Plant expansion . Waldman referre d to Black 's comment that there is only $733 ,000 available in funding for Open Space but that there is $946 ,955 in requests. Black explained that there is some additional funding in the unappropriated fund balance that can be used to make up the difference . A motion was made by Vice Chairperson \-Valdman and seconded by Commission Member Armstrong recommending the 2009 Parks and Recreation Capital Budget be presented to the City Manager as presented to the Commission tonight and for him to ask City Council to fund the requests for Parks and Recreation as presented. Ayes: Nayes: Gomes, Waldman, Armstrong, Woodward, McCaslin, Laughlin None Motion Carried. With reference to the parks maintenance employee position being funded through the Open Space Fund, Commission Member Woodward explained that Arapahoe County agreed that ten percent of shareback funds could be used for maintenance due to complaints that there was not money to maintain . Woodward asked what land the City has acquired since the Arapahoe County Open Space program started . Black replied that the onl y acquisition has been Duncan Park; adding that the bike • • • • bridge at Dartmouth will soon be added . Lee noted that the bike path through Cushing Park has also been acquired through Open Space funds. Discussion followed . Woodward commented that open space funds need to be banked for possible property acquisitions that may come up in the future; noting that the parks maintenance position also needs to be funded . Commission member Armstrong told the Commission that when the tax passed, it was mandated that ten percent of the funds could be used for maintenance of property not bought with Open Space funds in addition to help maintain property purchased through Open Space . Armstrong stated that ten percent is a huge concession and that she would like to see the City not go too far. Black told the Commission that there has also been a number of discussion regarding medians. Black explained that funding has been set aside for the medians but that more funds could be used; noting that it is City Council 's decision in what they want to do . Lee stated that the median fund is in the operating budget. Woodward commented that he understands Public Works takes care of the medians . Lee reported that it is a joint effort between Public Works and Parks and Recreation. Woodward said that he feels that it is clearly a Public Works issue , using the example of changing light bulbs along Broadway. City Council Liaison Mccaslin asked how it became a Parks and Rec responsibility. Lee told Mccaslin that years ago the Parks Division was under Public Works and Parks was given the responsibility . McCaslin asked how long ago. Lee replied in the 1980 's. Lee noted that Parks has to borrow equipment from Public Works when they do work on downtown lighting . McCaslin asked Woodward if it can be changed . Woodward stated that it can be brought up . Black commented that he will do whatever City Council feels is appropriate . Armstrong brought up the possibility of losing a position in Parks if the responsibility is transferred to Public Works . Black replied that it is a possibility and one that the Parks Division can 't afford . McCaslin asked Lee how much time Parks spends on the medians and South Broadway. Lee explained that crews go out on a monthly basis to do a light check and then will borrow equipment to change the lights so approximately 8 to l 0 hours per month. Woodward noted that it is something City Council needs to discuss . Black reiterated that he is open to any decision City Council feels is appropriate but that eight to ten hours is not significant and certainly not enough to justify losing staff McCaslin told Black that he would pass on his comments and concerns . Woodward asked in regard to the Open Space Land Bank. Black reported that when the Open Space funds were created, he had requested that there be a land bank. Black stated that he was adamant that some funds be available when land becomes available . VII. B RO KEN TEE UPDATE Spada announced that Broken Tee Englewood is open . Spada told the Commission that comparing rounds of golf played in July of 2008 to July in 2006 , 2008 is up 6 ,600 rounds or 22%. Spada reported that rounds played on the Par 3 course was up four percent and play on the driving range was down twenty-five percent. Spada stated that staff feels play was down on the driving range due to hitting off of mats and not the grass . Spada told the Commission that he is very pleased with the numbers which show the public knows the course is open . In regard s to comments received by the public, Spada stated that comments have been very positive . Woodward asked ifthe Fox 31 's "Fox on Your Block" that featured the City of Englewood resulted in any additional players. Spada replied that it may have brought in some new players for the Par 3 but that the main course was already booked. Discussion followed regarding the Lion 's Club Tournament scheduled for tomorrow and the upcoming Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce Tournament. Waldman commented that he has heard positive comments regarding the practice area and the only negative comments have been in regards to issues with holes 3 , 4 , 8 and 9 . Lee told Waldman that some concessions were made during construction that staff may be changing in the future . Black added that once the City finalizes things with Miller Weingarten and "closes out'', the City will again have control over the course and can go in and change what it wants to . Waldman asked in regard to green fees and if staff will be addressing the Commission in the upcoming months in regard to a fee increase. Waldman went on to say that he knows staff usually presents on a • bi-annual basis a breakdown of play and that it is his hope that the City will keep a more reasonable fee for residents of Englewood and Sheridan. Black told Waldman and the other commission members that staff will have data available at next month 's meeting for a recommendation to City Council that will then be presented and discussed at the upcoming Budget Workshop . Spada informed the Commission that there has not been a fee increase since 2004 . Waldman noted that fees were actually reduced during the closure. VIII. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Commission members were given an update on the August Cultural Arts Commission meeting . Black reported that the Commission has purchased its second piece of artwork for its permanent Hampden Hall art collection. Black stated that the artwork purchased was the "Best in Show" piece from the Department's Annual Art Exhibit. Black discussed the upcoming Artabout Englewood scheduled for September 27 th and 28 th. IX. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Black encouraged commission members to attend the Malley Trust Fund Advisory Board picnic on Wednesday, August 20 th. Black reported that the Summer Youth Baseball program was a huge success with a total of 315 participants, resulting in twenty-six teams , two more teams than last year. Black discussed the success of Parks and Recreation programs , noting that while the enrollment for Englewood Schools is declining, participation in Parks and Rec programs continues to increase . Black noted the success to • marketing, facilities and quality of programming . Black also reported that the summer day camp was also successful this summer with an average of 72 participants compared to 60 for 2007 . X. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Woodward spoke in regard to the Department 's production of Fiddler on the Roof; noting that it was an exceptional performance that really impressed him . Woodward also noted that he has heard positive things regarding the Babe Ruth Tournament including what the City did for the participants such as Pirates Cove passes . Miller referred to last months comment in regard to the School Board receiving twelve prospectives for the Flood Middle School property . Miller stated that the Board has only received two prospectives of which did not offer what the Board was looking for . Miller told the Commission that the School Board will be looking at other options for the property such as renting or leasing . Miller reported that Englewood Schools will be offe1ing a 7th and gth grade basketball program but are needing something for the 6th graders. Black told Miller that staff has been trying to gather information on the program for the last three months and that he finally contacted Peg LaPlante who told him that Englewood Schools were taking over the Middle School sport program . Miller explained that the other middle schools that the District will be competing against do not have a program for 6th graders . Black told Miller that staff would be amenable to talking to the School District. Miller stated that the School Dist1ict will also try to figure something out, noting how important it is for the students to understand that grades count and the student will be held accountable . • • • • Woodward asked who will be replacing Chris Gramstorff in the School District. Miller reported that there will not be a replacement for Gramstorff and that the new Superintendent, Sean McDaniels, will be taking over and Peg LaPlante will be the Assistant Superintendent. Miller noted that the Board could not justify anymore administrative positions with the declining enrollment. In regard to the Board, Commission and Authority Appreciation event held at Pirates Cove mid- August , McCaslin stated that if the event is held outdoors, there needs to be a better microphone . McCaslin also discussed the time for the event being later in the evening that does not interfere with work . Black explained that staffing was a key issue with the timing of the event. Waldman asked Black if the shower heads in the locker room will be changed out over the week of closure at the Rec Center. Black told Waldman no, that new floors will be installed in the locker rooms. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6 :32pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary