HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-04-11 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of April 11, 1991
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation
Commission was called to order at 5:32 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood
Recreation Center.
Members present: Armstrong, Clayton, Daugherty, Gomes, Neyer, White,
Wiggins, Black, ex officio
Members absent: Dounay, Gerlick
Also present: Charles Esterly, Director of Publ i c Wo r ks
Jim Kavinsky, Op erations Man ager
Alexandra Habenicht, Mayor Pro Tern
Dave Lorenz, Exec. Dir., South Suburban Rec. & Parks
Jim Priddy, Par ks Mgr., South Suburban Rec. & Parks
Jeff Woods, Planner for Fairg r ounds Property Project
Jim Taylor, Elected Boa r d Member, South Suburban
Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the
minutes of March 14, 1991. There were none. A motion was made and seconded
that the minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
The Commission joined in wishing Com missioner Wiggins a Happy Birthday.
Commissioner Armstrong distributed copies of the revised Goals and
Objectives for Commission's review. Armstrong called attention to revisions
in the Mission Statement, and Commission member names that were assigned to
each goal and objective as requested during discussion at the March Commission
meeting. Armstrong stated t hat Commissioner Clayton requested that item #8 be
added to the list of goals and objectives addressing redesign of Centennial
Lake. Clayton stated that a landscape architect firm has offered to provide,
f r ee of charge, a redesign plan for the lake area with the stipulation that
the work be performed by volunteers. Armstrong stated that the list of 1991
goals and objectives will be voted on at the May Commission meeting if there
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are no further changes. Also, for comparison, Armstrong distributed copies
of Aurora Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Goals and Objectives.
Council Member Habenicht was present to speak to the Commission regarding
her concerns involving the implementation of recreation fees for Englewood
business owners. She asked that the Commission consider, when making a
recommendation to Council, three or four fee options to simplify the fee
structure: a resident, a business, a non-resident, and a corporate structure.
Commissioner qaugherty entered the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Director Black introduced Recreation Supervisor Robert Leonard to the
Commission. Black stated that Leonard is in charge of athletics, and sports,
and is coordinator of the recreation center.
Director Black introduced South Suburban Metropolitan Recreation and Park
District Executive Director Dave Lorenz, who was asked to attend the
Commission meeting and address the issue of the Fairgrounds property
development. Lorenz introduced Jim Taylor, South Sub urban Elected Board
Member; Jim Priddy, Parks Manager; and Jeff Woods, Planner for Fairgrounds
Development Project. Lorenz explored the possibilities of cooperative program
and facil i ty planning with the City of Englewood for this area, projected
costs, sale of the South Drive-in land (possibly to the City of Englewood),
joint facility maintenance, etc. There was some discussion regarding
Englewood's level of involvement in the development project. With regard to
Englewood 's concerns surrounding possible construction of a miniature golf
facility in the area, Lorenz stated that further discussion has been put on
hold pending citizen input on facility needs.
Jeff Woods discussed some ideas that have been offered for discussion in
the planning stages of the regional park. He stated that in the interim,
temporary trail facilities, basketball facilities, fencing, signage, etc.,
will be made available for use. Woods invit ed anyone interested in co mmittee
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membership for the regional park development to contact him. Commissioner
Wiggins stated that Hickory Street will remain through the park as an access
road for housing south of the park in Littleton. Commissioner Armstrong
requested that a summer Commission meeting be scheduled for Belleview Park so
that the Commission can tour the Fairgrounds property. There was some
discussion regarding the involvement of the State Highway Department in
planning pedestrian and vehicle access to the park areas both north and south
of Belleview Avenue.
Commissioner Clayton reviewed questions he raised regarding recreation
residency rates. Following extensive discussion regarding the angles and
implications concerning recreation rates for Englewood business/property
owners, the Commission agreed on Council's clarification which reads as
follows: "Shall officers and directors (of a corporation) or all individual
owners/partners who own any real property (land and/or buildings) or operate a
business of any kind in the City of Englewood as evidenced by having an
identifiable business address in Englewood and their immediate family living
at their residence receive resident rates?" Commissioner Armstrong suggested
that an item be printed in the recreation brochure explaining resi dent rates
vs. resident privileges. Armstrong also suggested that Commission's response
to Council Member Habenicht should reflect the Commission's position being
that the Englewood residents remain t he primary focus and resident privileges
remain unchanged.
Operations Manager Kavinsky reported that skateboard equipment is
currently under construction at the Servicenter. The parking lot at Cushing
Park will be overlaid and fencing installed within the next couple of weeks.
The Commission discussed the equipment size, and with Kavinsky's description
(''huge"), agreed that Director Black will take a look at the progress before
construction continues.
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Commissioner Armstrong left the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Director Black distributed copies of a memo containing several items of
information for Commission's review.
Director Black reported that Recreation Services Manager Mark Kindahl is
no longer with the City, and his assistant, Bob Burgener, is currently the
Acting Golf Operations Manager. Black stated that he will be evaluating the
golf operations over the next several months and filling the Recreation
Services Manager position.
Director Black pointed out that item #7 of the Commission Goals and
Objectives indicated that Youth Members White and Dounay will head the
recruitment process for Youth Commission Members. Black stated that the
current terms expire June 1 and new youth members should be ready to step in
at that time. Black stated that he and Secretary Wilks will be available to
assist in any way.
Director Black reported that a meeting is scheduled for May 14, 7:00 p.m.
at the Sinclair Middle School auditorium regarding the South Suburban property
development. Black will work with Community Development Director Rich Wanush
to notify the public.
Commissioner Clayton suggested mailing the recreation brochure in
conjunction with the Englewood Citizen to save on postage expenses and to
provide a broader range of information distributed. Clayton also mentioned
advertising with larger companies in the publication to defray costs.
There was brief discussion regarding a location to hold the summer Drama
Program, including possibilities of a park production.
Commissioner Daugherty reported that some racquetball players at the
Englewood Recreation Center have suggested a net of some type be installed
over the racquetball courts to eliminate the possibility of track users being
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struck by balls. She also suggested a hand stamp for racquetball players to
eliminate those using the courts without paying.
Commissioner Clayton discussed a revenue policy that he and Council
Member Koltay have introduced for Council's considerati.on, wherein it is
recommended that there be a 100% recovery rate of all costs associated with
adult recreation programs, and 50% recovery rates of all costs associated with
children programs. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Wiggins reported, in conjunction with item #6 of the
Commission Goals and Objectives, that at a recent School/City Committee
meeting, there was brief discussion regarding re-establishing School Board
representation on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Commissioner Wiggins discussed the maintenance of the pop machine at the
Children's Farm at Belleview Park during the summer. It was suggested having
two machines -one for Pepsi products and one for Coke products.
There was some discussion regarding the fencing surrounding the Belleview
Park airplane.
Commissioner Clayton suggested planting some trees at Sinclair Pool so
.that when the need arises to cut down the existing large cottonwood in a few
years, shade will still exist. Director Black stated that he and Kavinsky
budgeted for trees at Sinclair for 1991, but were forced, because of budget
reductions, to eliminate the request. Clayton stated that, to help defray
costs, he will provide the labor needed on a volunteer basis. Kavinsky stated
he will provide five trees.
The Commission discussed possible acquisition of the former South
Drive-in land. Commissioner Clayton stated that ecological problems may exist
in that area.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. / .J •
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