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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-05-10 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of May 10, 1990 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood Public Library Conference Room . This meeting was scheduled to commence at 6 :00 p.m. instead of the regular meeting time of 5:30 p.m. Members present: Clayton, Daugherty, Dounay, Gerlick, Gomes, Neyer, White, Wiggins, Winkle, ex officio Members absent: Armstrong Also present: Kells Waggoner, Director of Public Works Jerrell Black, Recreation Supervisor Ken Ballard, Recreation Center Supervisor Jeanne Cleveland, Malley Center Recreation Leader Mark Kindahl, Recreation Service Manager (Golf Course Operations) Jim Kavinsky, Parks Superintendent David Lee, Golf Course Superintendent Pam Pepper, Economic Development Coordinator Orris Saunders, Scheduled Visitor Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of April 12, 1990. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Scheduled visitor, Orris Saunders, Chairman of the Malley Senior Advisory Committee, 3139 S. Ogden St., was introduced. Mr. Saunders addressed the Commission concerning the proposed ordinance to allow, by permit, the consumption of alcohol in City parks and certain City facilities. Saunders stated that at a recent meeting of the Malley Advisory Committee, a permit system of any kind to allow alcohol consumption was unanimously opposed . He stated not everyone can consume alcohol in a responsible manner and it is the feeling of the Committee members that undue vandalism, etc. will be created by the passage of this ordinance. As a member of the Malley Center Trust Fund - 1 - Committee, Mr. Saunders stated that that Committee has also gone on record as being opposed to this ordinance. Speaking as a private citizen, Saunders stated that we tell our children and young people to say "no" to drugs and alcohol, but then to open our parks to an alcohol permit system is a contradiction. He stated that the City of Englewood does not have to adopt an alcohol permit system to follow suit with the surrounding communities that allow alcohol. Mr. Saunders stated that he spoke with all members of the Malley Center staff and none are in favor of alcohol consumption in City facilities. Due to a meeting schedule conflict, Commissioners Clayton and Gomes entered the meeting at 6:14 p.m. They each attended a meeting of the Fireworks Committee, to which they are representative members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Economic Development Coordinator, Pam Pepper, was present to speak to the Commission regarding Englewood demographics, economy and future scenarios. Pepper passed out copies of some background information which can be used in the planning process in the parks and recreation fields. Pepper stated she has been working with the Economic Development Coalition. She stated that the Coalition, which is representative of private citizens and the industrial and retail sectors, was asked by City Council to develop a strategic plan for economic development and will release a draft of their strategic plan after their May 15 meeting. Pepper also distributed copies of the draft strategies for the Commission's review. Discussion included assets and liabilities of the City, and the active roles that should be played by the citizens of Englewood to coincide with the roles of the businesses in the City to insure the City's future development. Commissioner Daugherty entered the meeting at 6:30 p.m. - 2 - Presentations were given by members of staff from the Recreation, Parks and Golf Course Divisions. Recreation Center Supv. Ken Ballard stated that he expects three basic events to occur over the next 5 to 10 years in the area of sports: 1) continued value placed on healthful lifestyles backed by a strong fitness orientation; 2) interest by business and industry to promote healthful lifestyles for their employees; 3) fitness industry experiencing continued significant changes in evolution over the next 10 years, i.e., changing ideas, concepts, equipment, and facilities on a yearly basis. Ballard stated that Colorado is nationally known as the leader in the "super center" concept. Ballard stated that adult softball has leveled off in participation over the last two years while adult volleyball is currently the fastest growing team sport in the country. Youth sports are being expanded in Englewood, particularly middle school sports to increase interest and excitement in the youth sports programs, and to encourage the youth to become physically active. Adult racquetball is declining but walleyball is very popular in Englewood. Golf lessons are filled to the maximum. Ballard stated that it is increasingly more difficult to find qualified part-time staff to operate the recreation center and programs that are offered in answer to public demand, and this issue will have to be addressed in the future. Recreation Supervisor Jerrell Black stated that in the areas under his supervision, i.e., Cultural Programs, Outdoor Recreation and Aquatics, he is aware of three major trends in the 1990's: 1) continuation of single parent households; 2) the necessity for special draw type equipment and facilities to recreation centers, and special event programs for teen age youth; 3) a 16% drop in population of ages 25 to 35 (referred to as "Baby Busters''), according to American Demographics Magazine. In response to a question from Commissioner Clayton, there was some discussion regarding the possibility of - 3 - offering recreation programs to such groups as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in conjunction with open program enrollment. Golf Professional Mark Kindahl distributed information for the Commission's review regarding the national golf industry. Kindahl stated that 58,000 rounds of golf were played at the Englewood Golf Course in 1988, and 64,500 rounds were played in 1989. Kindahl stated that all golf lesson classes offered through the Recreation Center are filled, however Englewood does not have a large participation in the Junior Golf Program. He stated, however, that there is a good Junior Metro League program where the participants go to different area courses and are instructed by the coaches at those areas. Kindahl stated that the new lighted driving range is being used to capacity. There was some discussion regarding installation of restrooms in the driving range vicinity. Malley Center Recreation Leader Jeanne Cleveland spoke to the Commission regarding future trends for senior citizens, i.e., increased life expectancy; senior citizens are becoming more, not less, diverse, which will increase Malley Center use in future years; the number of single seniors is continuing to grow due to divorce; the need to extend program and facility hours may be necessary due to seniors working past retirement age; adult children of seniors, and sometimes grandchildren, moving back home to live with their senior parents; adult children are requesting help from senior centers for their senior parents who are becoming frail. Cleveland stated that in future years, staff at Malley Center will be dealing with, and adjusting programs to serve the very young, active healthy senior, as well as the older more frail senior. There was some discussion regarding the heavy use of the existing vehicles that are available to the Recreation Division and the Malley Center for program scheduling, and the need for additional vehicles to meet the - 4 - demands of program enrollment. Also discussed was resident enrollment vs. non-resident enrollment. Parks Supt . Jim Kavinsky reported to the Commission on upgrading and maintenance of the City's parks. He stated that, to date, there have been six playground modules installed in area parks, parks are being geared for handicapped use, and water conservation and turf management are being addressed . Kavinsky emphasized that efforts are being made to protect the theme of each park established by former Parks and Recreation Director, Packy Romans, years ago. There was some discussion regarding vandalism problems. David Lee, Golf Course Supt., detailed some short and long term improvements to the golf course, including riprapping of the lakes on the front side to alleviate erosion; tree planting; installation of a practice bunker on the driving range; replacement of all irrigation controllers to enhance water conservation; enlargement of some T-boxes on the back side; reseeding of the driving range landing area on an ongoing basis; leveling the swale on number 3 green; landscaping along Oxford Avenue both inside and outside of the fence; and, currently, a new maintenance facility is being built as well as a new storage building. Chairman Neyer inquired about the outcome of the EPA testing of ground water that was done last year. Director Waggoner responded that a verbal report was received from EPA that no contaminants were found along the river but some solvents were found east of the golf course and EPA will continue to monitor the area. Waggoner stated that a final written report has not been received. Commissioner Gerlick and Youth Commissioner Dounay left the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Director Winkle distributed a packet of information regarding City Council's mission statement and goals and objectives. Commissioner Wiggins stated that Council made the decision to limit the number of goals to be set - 5 - to 5 or 6. Wiggins briefly reviewed each goal and explained that members of staff were also involved in developing the list of goals and will be working with Council to accomplish these goals. Commissioner Clayton reported that during the Fireworks Committee meeting, it was learned that Sheridan, Littleton and South Suburban are going to contribute to the expense of the fireworks display either monetarily or with in-kind services . Commissioners Wiggins and Clayton spoke on the benefits that could be derived by Englewood, Littleton and Sheridan, if all three entities work together on some common goals, i.e., the July 4th fireworks display, and the Santa Fe Corridor . Commissioner Wiggins stated that South Suburban will be purchasing the Arapahoe County Fairground property and has plans to use the area for softball fields. He stated that Englewood will be given the option to purchase the land on the northeast corner of Belleview and Windermere. Director Winkle discussed strategic directions for Englewood Recreat i on and Parks Services, and asked for the Commission's input on items they feel are important for the overall future development of parks and recreation in Englewood . Commissioner Wiggins stated that with the growing popularity of golf, the City should move forward to obtain the land east of the golf course for expansion of the golf course facility. Golf Course Supt. David Lee suggested that the land could be used to develop an additional nine holes or a par 3 to accommodate the working population whose schedules won't allow the time necessary to play 18 holes. There was some discussion regarding purchase of that land for golf course use or the feasibility of constructing centralized ball fields in that area. Commissioner Clayton stated he would like additional information regarding how the facilities and the services provided by Englewood Golf - 6 - Course and Recreation Services correlate to resident use and resident demands. Discussion ensued. Chairman Neyer stated he would like to see a volunteer program developed for Englewood Parks and Recreation programs and facilities by both interested individuals and civic organizations. Neyer stated that a volunteer program would help to increase civic pride, and would also benefit the City economically. Director Winkle reviewed items contained in a packet distributed to Commission members. Director Winkle reported that in response to Commissioner Wiggins' inquiry, staff requested that a representative of CIRSA examine the southwest Miller ball field site, and it was recommended by the CIRSA rep. that the existing fence be extended to the height of the backstop which would help to reduce the number of foul balls that might cause window breakage to nearby buildings and vehicles. Parks staff estimated that the fence extension will cost approximately $2,000. Winkle stated that City Manager Fraser recommended including the expenditure in the 1991 budget. Concerning Commission's request for staff's recommendation regarding CPRA study funding which was requested at a previous Commission meeting by Bob Bonacci, Chairman of the Quantitative Evaluation of Leisure Services Steering Committee, Director Winkle stated that the $2,000 requested was not budgeted for 1990. Winkle stated that City Manager Fraser informed her that this request would have to be included in the 1991 budget. Winkle stated that it is unlikely that the City will participate with a contribution of $2,000 but perhaps a lesser amount. Concerning previous Commission discussion with regard to program scheduling conflicts with Englewood Schools, Director Winkle reported that on May 4, another such incident occurred wherein the Recreation Division held a -7 - dance for middle school students, after first checking with School personnel for scheduling, and then learned that the School thereafter scheduled a dance for the same day. Winkle stated that staff has determined there is no longer a need for the Recreation Division to offer dance activities but will strive to offer a variety of activities for middle school age youth other than dances. Director Winkle reported that the Arapahoe County Cultural Council announced that the District Council has changed its cycle of grant awards,' which has resulted in a schedule change for grant proposal due dates. With the change, grant proposals for 1991 will be due June 19 of this year, instead of April, 1991 as originally scheduled. She stated that a proposal for funding of the Summer Drama Program will be submitted for 1991, but due to the new submittal schedule, other items that were planned for grant requests will be submitted for 1992 grants to be awarded in September, 1991. Commissioner Wiggins inquired as to the status of the letter that was received from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lindsay regarding non-resident golf memberships. Director Winkle stated that she responded to the Lindsay's inquiry and informed them that staff is evaluating information and will make a recommendation to the Commission at the June meeting. Commissioner Wiggins stated that the Lions Club has learned that there is discussion regarding use of Centennial Lake and has expressed interest in running a paddle boat concession. Commissioner Clayton reminded the Commission that there is a public meeting of the School Board 2002 Committee scheduled for May 14; and on May 15, the City has scheduled a Town Meeting, both to be held at Sinclair Middle School. Clayton also discussed a meeting he attended of the Baseball Commission. - 8 - ., ' .... Commissioner Clayton, again asked for Commission's support for establishing a permit system for use of Centennial Lake by established groups when providing proof of insurance. The City would establish rules that would limit the type of craft, specify equipment, limit the hours, etc. Parks Supt. Kavinsky stated he would be opposed to open permitting because of the control factor, conflict with fishermen on the shore, lack of proper facilities, possible wear and tear and damage to the park facility, etc. Director Waggoner suggested that, if the lake is opened for public use, rules and regulations be posted at the lake and let the people regulate themselves. Considerable discussion ensued. Commissioner Clayton made a motion that Centennial Lake be opened this year for organized groups according to established criteria. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Clayton inquired as to whether or not the Commission would be interested in meeting at different parks and recreation locations through the summer months as was done last year. Suggestions included Centennial Park, Belleview Park (shelter #3), Englewood Schools and Sheridan High School, Sinclair Pool, and the Old Golf Course Clubhouse. The Commission agreed on these meeting sites beginning with the June meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. }l;- Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary - 9 -