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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-10 PRC MINUTES• • • I. CALL TO ORDER City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION C O MMISSION Minutes of April 10, 2008 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5 :35pm by Chairperson Gomes at Broken Tee Englewood, Broken Tee Grill , 210 l W . Oxford A venue. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Mitch Waldman, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Karen Miller, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Bob Mccaslin, City Council Liaison Krista Niederjohn, Youth Commission Member Donna Schnitzer, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Jerrell Bl ack , ex officio Absent: Do ugla s Garrett , Commission Member Rebecca Laughlin, Youth Commission Member Also Present: Dave Lee , Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Operations Manager Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Randy Penn , City Council Member Wayne Niles , Golf Course Superintendent Jeni Rulon , Recreation Program Administrator Shannon Rhoades , Recreation Program Administrator Janet Moore , Cultural Arts Commission Member (arrived at 6:45pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of March 13, 2008. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. III. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There was no one present for scheduled comment. IV. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT V. There was no one present for unscheduled comment. ENGLEWOODYOUTHCOUNC~ Di scussion was turned over to Recreation Program Administrator Jeni Rulon and Youth Commission Member Krista Niederjohn who briefed the Commission on the Parks and Recreation Youth Council. Niederjohn reviewed acti v ities that the Youth Council has been doing over the last several months including a state-wide retreat , fundraising and community events involving Englewood Schools , House of Hope and Peace Jam. City Council Liaison Bob Mccaslin asked how many youth are on the Council. Rul on replied nine . Commission Member Miller asked what the limit is. Rulon explained that there are fourteen seats on the Council. Director Black asked in regard to the ages of the youth members. Rulon explained that the youth are in grades 61h through l t 11 • Miller stated that if she was provided with a copy of the projects discussed tonight, she could • put the information on the Englewood School's website to show what projects the youth have been doing . Niederjohn thanked Miller and told her that she would get her the information to post. Black introduced Jeni Rulon to the Commission. Recreation Manager Gary Hultberg told the Commission that in addition to the Youth Council , Ms . Rulon administers youth programs for the Parks and Recreation Department and oversees the Department 's special events . Ms . Rulon thanked the Commission and stated that it was nice to be here. Commission Member Armstrong stated that Niederjohn is also volunteering as one of the judges for the Night of the Stars Talent Show. Hultberg reported that the Night of the Stars Talent Show is another big accomplishment for M s. Rulon; noting that the program had been aw arded the 2007 Columbine Award and has expanded to a metro-wide event. Ms. Rulon invited commission members to the State Competition on May l 01h at 7pm at Place Middle School. Black informed the Commission that the Youth Council will also be present at Monday night 's City Council meeting to give an update. VI. UPDATE ON BOY SCOUT REQUEST TO USE BELLEVIEW PARK Discussion turned to last month's request by the Boy Scouts to use Belleview Park for an overnight camping excursion. Open Space Manager Dave Lee , informed the Commission that following the submittal of questions brought up by the Commission to Scout Master Phil Gilliam , Mr. Gilliam decided to withdraw his request to use Belleview Park. Lee said that Mr. Gilliam wanted to thank the Commission and that he looks forward to working with the City in the future but at this time they will be pursuing other options . Discussion followed. VII. RECOGNITION OF JANET MOORE The Commission was infonned that Janet Moore was unable to attend tonight's meeting to be recognized for her years of service as the Cultural Arts Commission Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Newly appointed Liaison Donna Schnitzer was introduced. VIII. BROKEN TEE ENGLE"VOOD UPDATE Black to ld commission members that staff will be attending Monday night 's City Council meeting to gi ve an update on Broken Tee Englewood and discuss plans for the grand opening celebration. Golf Operations Manager Bob Spada reported that City Council appro ved on First Reading the McGetrick Golf Academy contract so McGetrick should be ready to operate sometime in early May. Spada stated that the golf course has started taking registration for the Hole -in-One Jr. Golf Program and based off of the number of registrations received so far , staff is expecting a record year with over 500 participants. Spada announced that the tentati ve date for the grand opening celebration is July 11 , 2008. Commission members were told that a representative from the USGA will be inspecting the condition of the course on May ih. Black explained that as part of the development agreement with Miller Weingarten, a neutral pat1y, being the USGA, will evaluate the course and given an opinion if the course is ready to open on May 241h . Black went on to explain that the USGA may • sa y that the course is ready to open but staff may feel otherwise and decide to postpone the • opening. Black stated that when the decision is made to open the course, staff wants to make sure the course is ready and that there will not be any concerns for the long-term use of the course . • • • Commission Member Woodward asked in regard to the possibility of the course being ready to open before May 24 1h. Black reported that there is no possibility that the course will open before May 24th because of issues with the turf and Miller Weingarten' s coordination with American Civic Constructors (ACC) in overseeding and fertilizing. Waldman asked in regard to last month's comment that the City has taken over maintenance of the golf course and asked why ACC would be responsible for overseeding and fertilizing. Lee clarified that the City has taken over the maintenance of the course that includes mowing and irrigation while ACC remains responsible for overseeding. Black noted that there are still a few issues with the development of the course which certainly includes the turf and that is why the City is making sure these additional things such as overseeding and fertilizing are done now to assure the course will be in the best possible condition. Spada went on to report that restrictions on cart paths will continue through 2008 into 2009. Commission members were informed that over one hundred trees will be planted on the course prior to the opening with more in the fall. In regard to McGetrick Golf Academy, Spada reported that staff is working closely with McGetrick to offer a lesson program for resident youth. Black discussed his conversation with Peg LaPlante who felt that the Schools may be able to provide transportation to the golf course for a program designed specifically for the Schools by McGetrick Golf Academy. Staff announced that the issue of flier distribution in Englewood Schools has been resolved and fliers will be delivered for distribution starting this week. Black thanked the School District for working with the City to resolve the issue. Spada announced that the sculpture "Impact" will be installed at the golf course the first week in May and invited anyone who was interested in viewing the installation. Spada explained that the sculpture will be located between the first tee boxes for the regulation course and Par 3 course. In regard to the new golf course bridge, Spada reported that it should be constructed by this fall. Discussion followed in regard to the new parking lot at the golf course. Commission members were told that the parking lot is the last thing to be done at the golf course. Black explained that staff in adamant that the construction of the parking lot will not interfere with the Hole-in-One program this summer; noting that the temporary golf area was constructed for that reason. Black discussed the parking lot lights greatly increasing the cost of the parking lot and how work will proceed once the cost is determined and worked out with Miller Weingarten. Spada told the Commission about a former Hole-in-One golf program instructor, Danny Harvanek, who was the PGA National Jr. Golf Leader Award recipient. Spada told the Commission that when Harvanek received the award , he had recognized and credited the Hole-in-One golf program for getting him to where he is now. Spada gave a report of funding received for the Junior Golf Program including $625 from the Men's Club, $1,500 from the Bank of Choice, $1,500 from Citywide Bank and $1,500 from Anthony's Pizza. Black informed the Commission that in 2006 , a contingency fund was appropriated by City Council from the funds received by Miller Weingarten. Black reported that $100,000 was placed in the fund to be used for projects at the golf course that would be needed and help to enhance the new course. Black explained that as part of the negotiations , staff is required to discuss the project with City Council before the money was spent. Discussion followed regarding projects that staff is requesting the money from the contingency funds to be spent on including entry sign, tee signs and road work in the entrance area to the golf course . Black went on to explain that staff knows there will more items to come up so staff will be asking City Council to allow some flexibility in how the remaining money will be spent. In regard to the entry sign that Black had referred to , Spada showed a drawing of the sign. Spada announced that there will be a tour of the new course for City Council and the Parks and • Recreation Commission on Saturday, Ma y 10 1h at 1 O:OOam. Spada encouraged members to stay afterwards and enjoy lunch at the restaurant. With the arri v al of Janet Moore , Black recognized and thanked Moore for her years of service as Cultural Arts Commission Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission . Moore thanked the Commission. Gomes told Moore that it w as a pleasure having her serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission. IX. CULTURAL ARTS C O MMISS IO N x. Discussion turned to an update on the Cultural Arts Commission. Schnitzer announced that the National Juried Art Show is now open in Hamdpen Hall and the Englewood Schools District Art Show is open for viewing in the Library. Schnitzer reported that Englewood Arts has nominated the City of Englewood for the Governor's Art Award and the Collaborati ve Community Planning Process by the Colorado Citizens for Culture, an Arts for Colorado affiliate. Schnitzer discussed Michael Morton, Executi ve Director the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, being at the meeting to discuss the Chamber's idea of bring art into an eight or nine block area along Broadway. Schnitzer explained that the Chamber is hoping to bring a cohesive look to Broadway and is looking for ideas from the Cultural Arts Commission. Moore announced the upcoming Englewood Arts performance "Wait Until Dark" on April 11 , 12, 13, 18 and 19. DIRECT OR'S CHO ICE Black reminded the Commission of the upcoming meeting with City Council on Monday, April 14111 at 6pm . A list of items for discussion with City Council was distributed to commission members. Woodward suggested that a list of awards that the Department has recei v ed ov er the last few years also be added to the list. Commission members concurred. Anustrong spoke in regard to the Department 's reputation across the State of Colorado and how it is held in high regard. Black di stributed information on an upcoming CML workshop , "Board and Commission Basics". Black encouraged members to attend if they were interested , adding that the $50 fee will be covered by the City. Black explained to the Commission that there generall y is not money budgeted for seminars and conferences unless staff knows of it ahead of time to budget for it. Black went on to explain that in this instance , the Department can make it work . Discussion followed in regard to the upcoming Board and Commission interview process and a minor changed made by City Council for those that are reapplying. Commission members were informed that there are now two deadlines for the interview process; the first deadline will be for those seeking reappointment and the second deadline for those that are new applicants and current board members seeking appointment to a new board. Woodward explained that there are times when the City has advertised a vacancy for a board and then with the reappointment , there not • being a vacanc y to fill and it not being fair to the citizen . City Council Member Randy Penn stated • that applicants are able to put down up to three choices for what boards they are interested in but that there is still times that a citizen has been disgruntled over the process. Penn discussed years of service for board members and if there needs to be term limits . XI. • • • COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Armstrong asked if the Department has been contacted by the Cushing Skate Park neighbors after receiving the letter from the Commission in regard to the Skate Park . Hultberg replied that the Department has not heard from anyone. Armstrong asked if a City Council member has been contacted. Woodward stated no. Discussion followed. Commission Member Miller reported that newly appointed Superintendent Sean McDaniel has started coming in on the weekends and has made arrangements to start earlier that originally planned in order to have some time to work with Dr. McCabe. Black extended an invitation to Mr. McDaniel to attend a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Woodward invited commission members to the Englewood Unleashed Chili-Cookoff on Saturday, April 12th at the Malley Center. Penn thanked the Board for allowing him to sit in on the meeting. Penn told commission members that their work is truly appreciated and to keep up the good work . Gomes invited Penn to come to a meeting whenever he is available. Shannon Rhoades, Recreation Program Administrator for Golf, reported that the Broken Tee logo for shirts and hats has been finali z ed and merchandise for the pro shop should be in by the end of the month . Rhoades announced that the Hole-in-One Junior Golf BBQ will be on June 25 1h from l lam to 3pm and that volunteers are needed. Armstrong spoke in regard to her experience in helping at last year 's BBQ . Rhoades noted that last year's BBQ had over 1,000 people in attendance . Lee gave an update on the Belleview Park improvements . Lee reported that the sidewalks, foundation for the restroom and seat walls have all been poured and progress continues to be made . Commission members were informed that the Department will be hosting an Appreciation Breakfast for its part-time seasonal employees on Saturday, April 3rd at the Malley Recreation Center. Hultberg stated that the part-time employees are the heart and soul of the Department's programs . Hultberg invited board members to the Breakfast. Niles informed the Commission that the Par 3 Course , driving range , tees , and holes 2, 3, 4 and 5 have all been overseeded and st a ff anticipates the grass will start to grow once soil temperatures increase. Niles reported that staff is also monitoring the pH level of the water at the course and adding water treatment that will help the grass to grow. Niles explained that the current pH level of the water at the golf course is in the high 40 's to low 50's and the seed will not germinate until the pH level is consistently in the high 50's. Gomes thanked Moore again for her time she has put toward the Board and wished her all the best in her new adventures. In regard to Lee 's report on the Belleview Park impro vements , Black reported that the Department had hoped hat the park would be ready by Memorial Day weekend but that it looks like the park will not open until mid-June due to a delay in the delivery of the shelter. Commission members were told that the restroom will be done in early May and will be opened to the public once it is completed. Black discussed holding a grand opening celebration at Belleview Park when the improvements are completed which will also be a kick-off to the implementation of the Parks Master Plan. XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary • • •