HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-02-08 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of February 8, 1990
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood Pub l ic Library Conference
Room.
Members present: Armstrong, Daugherty, Gerlick, Dounay, Gomes , Neyer, Wiggins
Members absent: Clayton, White, Winkle, ex officio
Also present: Kells Waggoner, Director of Public Works
Jerrell · Black, Recreation Supervisor
Ken Ballard, Recreation Supervisor
Ronald Christie, Scheduled Visitor
Walt Tomooka, Scheduled Visitor
Steve Knowlton, Scheduled Visitor
John Quirin, Unscheduled Visitor
Newly reappointed Commission Member, and former Commission Chairman, Steve Neyer,
informed the Commission that Director Winkle requested that he chair the meeting tonight
until the election of officers later in the meeting.
Chairman Neyer introduced the newly appointed Commission Members, Kristi Daugherty,
completing the term of Clyde Wiggins, who is now a Council representative; and John
Gerlick (not yet present), who is replacing Joanne Braucht . Neyer stated that he and
Austin Gomes have been reappointed for four year terms.
Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of
January 11, 1990: There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be
approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously .
Commissioner Gerlick entered the meeting at 5 :39 p .m. and was introduced by Chairm an
Neyer.
Chairman Neyer reviewed ground rules pertaining to scheduled and unscheduled
visitors.
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Scheduled visitor, Ronald Christie, was introduced by Chairman Neyer. Mr. Christie
spoke to the Commission regarding current enrollment procedures for youth programs; his
concerns regarding attrition in different age level programs; program diversification; and
questioned the City's practice of recruiting program staff under the age of 25 and not
involving more mature citizens. Christie stated that he, personally, has applied for
coaching positions and has never been contacted. Recreation Center Supv. Ballard stated
that staff is aware of, and is concerned about the drop in program participation and plans
are under way to create outside competition to motivate enrollment in Englewood's youth
sports programs. There was some discussion regarding enrollment procedures, and staff
recruitment procedures. Chairman Neyer stated he will review these concerns with staff
and contact Mr. Christie in the near future.
Chairman Neyer introduced scheduled visitor .Walt Tomooka. Mr. Tomooka addressed the
Commission concerning youth baseball programs, specifically the competitive Apache program
he co-founded 25 years ago in Littleton. He stated that he felt Englewood's program is
lacking in competitive play and in skilled instruction geared toward youth capabilities.
Chairman Neyer stated that the philosophies in the · Apache and Englewood programs are
different and that Mr. Tomooka will be contacted for further information and discussion
regarding the Apache program.
Chairman Neyer introduced scheduled visitor Steve Knowlton. Mr. Knowlton discussed
his association with the Colorado World of Golf. He stated that it is endorsed by the
State of Colorado Tourism Board. A directory will be published and distributed nationally
and internationally, which will list all of the memberships in the Colorado World of Golf
to promote the Colorado golfing industry. He stated that the membership fee is 0.1 % of
the past year's revenues, but the fee may be negotiable .
Unscheduled visitor, John Quirin, spoke to the Commission concerning youth sports
programs organization. He reviewed some recent experiences regarding the youth basketball
program. Recreation Supv. Ballard stated he will check this out and contact Mr. Quirin in
the near future. There was some discussion regarding team composition and player abil i ty.
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Mr. Quirin suggested that a more detailed philosophy publication of the youth sports
programs might be helpful to parents who don't fully understand the program objectives.
Chairman Neyer called for the election of officers for Chairman and Vice-Chairman of
the Parks and Recreation Commission, each serving terms of two years. Commissioner Gomes
nominated Steve Neyer for the office of Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Wiggins; and
Commissioner Neyer moved that Austin Gomes be named Vice-Chairman by acclamation.
Commissioner Wiggins seconded. A call for a vote of the Commission indicated that Steve
Neyer will serve as Chairman for a term of two years, and Austin Gomes will serve as
Vice-Chairman for a term of two years.
Recreation Supv. Black reviewed a memo contained in the Commission packets regarding
the Before and After School Daycare Program at Charles Hay. Black stated that the pro~ram
enrollment is approaching the maximum an9 discussion is taking place to upgrade the
program assistant to p~ogram supervisor, for a total of two site supervisors. Black
stated that this can be accomplished while remaining within budget. Black stated that
plans are being made to implement a second Before and After School Daycare Program in the
Fall, possibly to be located at Clayton Elementary. Black stated that an evaluation form
will be sent out to the Charles Hay Day Care parents at the completion of the school year
to determine levels of program satisfaction and gather their input.
Chairman Neyer reported that Agenda Item No. 8, Proposal for the Use of Centennial
Lake, will be presented at the March Commission meeting by Commissioner Clayton.
Under Director's Choice, Director Waggoner reported that 140 globes on Broadway,
which had turned yellow, have been replaced at a cost of $47 each. These new globes are
made of acrylic and are expected to last approximately 10-15 years.
Waggoner reported that the lights at Romans Park have been replaced by Public Service
Company due to deteriorating wood poles.
Waggoner reported that lights have been installed along the Little Dry Creek pathway.
Waggoner reported that verbal test results have been received from the State Health
Department regarding hazardous materials tests that were conducted on the Englewood Golf
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Course last year. It was reported that no contaminants were found in the test holes along
the South Platte River; however, solvents were found at the East side test site, which
will predominantly affect the property to the East of the Golf Course. A written report
should be forwarded to the City soon. Waggoner stated that it is probable that periodic
testing will be done to track the migration of the solvent.
Director Waggoner passed out copies of the final tabulations of park usage by shelter
reservation for 1989. There was brief discussion concerning the addition of shelters to
some park areas, and removal of graffiti on shelter walls.
Recreation Supervisors Black and Ballard reported that the Recreation Center will be
celebrating it's 5th anniversary on March 12. Ballard stated that public activities will
include all admissions for the day being 50 cents, free lockers on that day, drawings for
punch cards, and a grand prize drawing of an annual pass complete with fitness and .
racquetball riders. Ballard stated that plans are being made for a more formal ceremony
and activities for members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, City Council, Community
Center Steering Committee, Lions Club members, etc.
Recreation Supv. Black reported that with regard to Attachment D in the Commission
packets, referring to alcoholic beverages in City parks and facilities, Council will
review this matter in the near future. Copies of a memo to City Manager Fraser from
Director Winkle were passed out to the Commission. Director Waggoner reiterated that the
Commission, at a prior meeting, passed a motion to allow consumption of alcohol by permit
at the Malley Center and Recreation Center, but not at City parks.
Youth Commissioner Dounay left the meeting at 6:43 p.m.
Recreation Supv. Black reported that J. J. Lay was contracted to correct a grease
trap ventilation problem at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse. He stated that a broken
vent line was discovered under the building and repairs should be complete by the end of
this week.
Recreation Supv. Black reported that on January 22, he and Director Winkle attended a
Council Study Session to discuss water park possibilities. Black stated that on the same
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day of the Study Session, he learned that there is a private developer looking into
building a $12 million water park on the south side of Denver, and this was discussed by
Council. The City staff was directed by Council to look at alternatives and to talk with
David French, who is looking at developing the park, and other developers.· He stated that
the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department is in charge of
this project at the present time. There was some discussion regarding a location for this
facility.
Under Commissioner's Choice, Commissioner Armstrong asked about the status of the
Fireworks Committee and plans for the 4th of July display. Commiss i oner Gomes stated that
former Commission Member Braucht will continue to serve on the Fireworks Committee. He
stated that a meeting will be held at the golf coutse on March 22 wi th the company
supplying the fireworks. Gomes stated that the golf course has been chosen . as the primary
site for the display. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Armstrong discussed a workshop she attended regarding Urban Drainage and
Urban Wildlife working together in the planning and construction of drainage projects.
Discussion ensued. Director Waggoner stated that drainages in Englewood are complete or
near completion.
Commissioner Gomes reported that the lights over the flags on the Plaza have been
inoperative for a long period of time .
Commissioner Gomes reported that Elsie Malley is proceeding with the purchase of the
land north of Malley Center from St. Louis School, which will then be deeded to the City
for construction of an addition to the Malley Center facility . Gomes reported that
another donation to the Malley Center Trust Fund was received recently from Elsie Mall ey
in the amount of $5,000.
Commissioner Gomes expressed his view, that instead of a 50 cent admission day fo r
the Recreation Center's 5th Anniversary, a free admission day would, in the long run, be
more beneficial to the City by encouraging people to use the Center. Recreation Supv.
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Ballard stated that an "open house" free day would work well during the summer, when the
possibility of over-crowding is not so great.
Commissioner Wiggins reiterated concerns expressed by scheduled visitors this evening
regarding youth sports programs. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Daugherty inquired about the odor coming from the fountain at Broadway
and Little Dry Creek. Director Waggoner stated he will check it out.
Commissioner Daugherty also inquired about future racquetball programs at the
Recreation Center. Recreation Supv. Ballard . stated that past success with racquetball
tournaments, etc., has not been good, but at one time, an individual coordinated a
tournament that proved successful. Daugherty stated that Wednesday night racquetball
league members have expressed interest in tournaments. Ballard requested that those
people talk to him at the Recreation Center.
There was further discussion regarding youth sports programs. Recreation Supv.
Ballard stated that he will follow up ..
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Lindaw:lks, Recording Secretary
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