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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-09-12 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 12, 1991 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Miller Building, 3600 S. Elati St. Members present: Armstrong, Belt, D. Clayton, Daugherty, Gerlick, Gomes, Neyer, C. Wiggins, M. Wiggins, Black, ex officio Members absent: None Also present: Charles Esterly, Director of Public Works Jim Kavinsky, Operations Manager Carol McGuigan, Recreation Leader Larry George, Englewood Soccer Association Linda Slater, Englewood Soccer Association Chairman Neyer introduced and welcomed Carol Belt to the Commission. Belt is a member of the Englewood School Board and was appointed to fill the Commission vacancy created by the resignation of Bill Clayton. At the July Commission meeting, the Commission recommended to City Council that the vacancy be filled by a School Board member, and a resolution was adopted in August by Council. Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of August 8, 1991. 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 5:33 p.m. Youth Commissioner Clayton entered the meeting at 5:37 p.m. Commissioner Daugherty entered the meeting at 5:44 p.m. Chairman Neyer introduced pre-scheduled visitor Larry George, representing the Englewood Soccer Association, a non-profit organization . Mr. George reported on the current growth rate of the Soccer Association stating that approximately 500 participants (approximately 95% Englewood residents) are signed up for the season, creating 38 teams. The fee charged to participants is $16 per season. George - 1 - stated that in order to continue offering this program for Englewood youth, they need a long term agreement for field use. Discussion ensued regarding field use priority, field maintenance requirements, rental fees, the possibility of developing additional fields within the park system, etc. The Commission recommended that other field use contenders, namely the Colorado Coed Soccer Association, be contacted to determine their need for Detention Pond field use and the number of Englewood residents playing in their league, prior to determining whether or not to recommend to City Council that Englewood Soccer Association be listed as third priority under Englewood Schools and Englewood Parks and Recreation. Chairman Neyer thanked Larry George and Linda Slater for speaking to the Commission on this issue and stated that they will be contacted by Jim Kavinsky and the Commission. Director Black briefly reviewed the soccer program offered by the Englewood Parks and Recreation Department a number of years ago, and that enrollment declined at a time when Southwest Denver Soccer Association was formed. Englewood eventually formed its own association, separate from Southwest Denver, and Englewood Parks and Recreation dissolved its soccer program. The Commission agreed that a priority use listing for the Englewood Soccer Association could be accomplished through agreement with Englewood Schools and that affiliation with the City would not be necessary. In addition to field use, the Soccer Association is in need of a meeting facility for approximately 40 people two to three times per year. The Commission discussed meeting locations in the city that are available to non-profit groups at no charge, i.e., churches, banks, companies, etc. Director Esterly discussed replacement of the bridge that crosses the flume at Belleview Park. He stated that City staff will construct the bridge according a design being prepared by a consulting engineer, with completion before the end of the year. Director Esterly reported that he has been in contact with an attorney for Arapahoe County concerning acquisition of the south shore property at Centennial - 2 - Park lake. He stated that it was called to his attention that a requirement exists that a water court augmentation plan is necessary to cover the evaporation off the gravel pond. Esterly was advised by Director of Utilities Stu Fonda that he can use his attorneys, consultants and water rights to cover the loss and, in turn, in the event of an extreme drought, Centennial Lake could be used as a water source. Esterly stated that he has been in contact with RBI, a consulting firm recommended by City Council Member Clayton that has offered to provide a landscape architecture conceptual plan for Centennial Lake. Esterly explained that the purpose of the contact was to determine the services that would be provided by this firm. Director Black asked Commission Members to return copies of a pamphlet they received recently, "How to Survive as a Park and Recreation Board Member", when they have reviewed it. The supply is limited. Director Black stated that he will be arranging an orientation and facilities tour for new Commission members, and all other interested Members are welcome. Director Black informed the Commission that he has, thus far, been unable to contact Apache League Baseball representative, Bill Hartwell, to set up a meeting, as directed by the Commission at the June 13 meeting, to form a committee to discuss the possibility of cooperatively constructing a 4 diamond ballfield complex. Commissioner Wiggins discussed existing conditions at the Belleview Park skateboard facility. He described various methods used by skaters to gain entrance into the facility after hours, and suggested that, since the tennis court lights are on until 11:00 p.m., the skateboard facility should remain open until 11:00 p.m. instead of being closed at 9:00 p.m. The Commission agreed that this might alleviate some of the vandalism problem. Commissioner Belt commented that the younger users are not comfortable using the facility when older teenage skaters are present. -3 - .. Operations Manager Kavinsky discussed vandalism that has taken place at the skateboard parks. He stated that the skateboard equipment will have to be rebuilt for next spring. Director Black introduced Recreation Leader Carol McGuigan to the Commission. McGuigan has been with the Recreation Department for 10 years and is in charge of adult programs, cultural and general programs. McGuigan stated that she is now also in charge of arts and crafts for seniors, and is· happy to see the feature article coverage being received in the Englewood Herald on some of the City's Recreation Program instructors. Commissioner Gomes inquired about the progress of acquiring the land north of Malley Center from St. Louis School. Director Black reported that there are no new developments. Commissioner Wiggins reported that there is a malfunction in the canopy light near the train at Belleview Park. Operations Manager Kavinsky stated he will check into it. Commissioner Wiggins stated that the one year lease with the Englewood Lions Club to operate the train at Belleview Park will be forthcoming for signatures. Wiggins stated that the train car~ied 51,800 passengers during the 1991 season. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. - 4 -