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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-13 PRC MINUTESI. II. City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of April 13, 2006 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Vice Chairperson Waldman at the Englewood Golf Course , Caddie Shack on the Platte 2101 W. Oxford Avenue. Present: Mitch Waldman, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member (left at 6:30pm) Douglas Garrett, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Bob Mccaslin, City Council Liaison Karen Miller, Englewood School District Liaison Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Rebecca Laughlin, Youth Commission Member Krista Niederjohn, Youth Commission Member Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Also present: Dave Lee, Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Wayne Niles, Golf Course Supervisor Shannon Rhoades, Golf Program Administrator APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chairperson Waldman asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of March 9, 2006. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. Ayes: Nayes: Abstained: Motion passed Armstrong, Waldman, Woodward, Miller, Niederjohn, Laughlin, Garrett, Mccaslin, Moore None Laughlin III. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There were no visitors present for scheduled comment IV . UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There were no vis itors present for unscheduled public comment. V. SOUTHWEST GREENBELT HORSESHOE PITS UPDATE Dave Lee, Open Space Manager, reported that he had met with an Xcel representative to look into the light at the Southwest Greenbelt. Lee told the Commission that there are a number of options available including installing a timer, installing a shield , putting in a lower wattage bulb or moving the light pole . In regard to a lower wattage bulb, Lee explained that cunently there is a 250 watt bulb which could be replaced with a 100 or 75 watt bulb that would emit enough light for the horseshoe pits. Lee went on to explain that moving the light pole would consist of it being moved 75 feet to the west next to the bike path; costing about $1,000 to $1,500 . There would be no cost to replace the bulb. Lee reported that as requested, Community Relations Police Officer Nancy Peterson pulled incident e reports for the Southwest Greenbelt horseshoe pits and found that through 2000, three complaints had been recorded. Commission members were told that Nancy Peterson has also spoken to both neighbors. In addition , Mary Sullivan has been talking to all users of the horseshoe pits informing them that alcohol is prohibited and nothing will be tolerated. Ms . Sullivan has stated that everyone has been courteous and amenable . Waldman asked if Ms. Brumage has put up a new fence. Lee replied that he is not aware of anything. Discussion followed in regard to the light at the Southwest Greenbelt and what the best option would be. Commission Member Garrett asked where the money would come from if the light was moved. Black reported that the department does not have money budgeted. Lee suggested that he move forward with having Xcel install a lower wattage bulb since there would be no cost involved . Garrett stated that he would like to hear what Safety Services would recommend and if any of the options should be considered. Lee told the Commission that he would bring back more information at the May meeting. Black informed the Commission that a meeting was recently held at Sinclair Middle School with school and City officials to discuss the school's concerns in regard to the handball courts and the surrounding area. The Commission was told that the school district is requesting the courts be locked during school hours and then opened at the end of the school day. Black explained that there is no signage related to hours of use . Black went on to explain the City thinks it is appropriate for such signage but that cost has not been determined or who would be responsible for it. Armstrong asked if there is a problem with people hanging out in the area during school hours. Black e said that he was told there are people playing basketball during the day who have been very receptive when asked to leave. Black explained that the parks department removed the gate to the basketball/tennis courts a number of years ago due to people using it as a dog park. Black reported that parks staff is unable to locate the gate or find one to replace it. Black went on to explain that in the fall, the department will begin construction at the tennis courts for the inline hockey rink; noting that it would probably not be appropriate to purchase a new gate if it would be taken down in a few months. Commission Member Woodward stated that when City Council met with the School Board, school board members spoke of their initial request to have the handball courts removed which was never addressed. Woodward noted that the school also has concerns that people from the apartments are approaching the middle school girls during school hours . Englewood School Board Liaison Karen Miller stated that the biggest problem is the tennis courts which will be removed in the fall and with only two months of school remaining; the simple solution i s to use signage. Waldman asked in regard to the handball courts and the structural problems. Lee replied that there ended up being some extra money in the budget which was used to lay asphalt in the courts along with bringing in some new fencing. Discussion followed. In regard to the inline hockey rink that will be installed in the fall, Black told the Commission that it too will be locked during the day and unlocked at the end of the school day. Woodward discussed how the field is used on the weekend as a park or for soccer practice and suggested extending a fence across the field to separate the school from the park area . Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Janet Moore asked if the school is wanting someone to clean up the courts . Black explained that the school's concern is the graffiti which Safety Services checked and found no reports of graffiti for the area. Black spoke in regard to City policy for graffiti where Safety Services is to be called immediately for them to come out and take photos, and then it is to be painted over immediately . Safety Services encouraged the school to report graffiti on school property. Black noted that there is always an increase in the graffiti and vandalism as the weather becomes nicer. Discussion followed . Waldman spoke in regard to his concerns if the handball courts are taken out and the popularity of demand returns . Black reported that the department will not do anything in regard to the courts until the parks master plan data comes back. Black told the Commission that if they agree, he will speak to Chris Gramstorff with the School District in coordinating signage to be posted at the four corners of the open space. Woodward suggested that both the City and school logos be on the signs . VI. CUSHING PARK BRIDGE As previously reported, Lee informed the Commission that the Cushing Park bridge was determined to have structural damage and after further engineering assessments, the conclusion was that the pond could not be filled until well into June in order to allow adequate time for the concrete to cure . Lee explained that the water in the pond is used to irrigate the turf in Cushing Park. Lee reported that it is his feeling that June is too late to start irrigating the park so he has decided to complete the construction of the bridge in the fall. Photos of the abutment were distributed for review . VII. VENDORS IN THE PARKS Black reported that over the last few years, the City has seen an increase in unlicensed vendors in the City of Englewood parks, particularly Belleview Park. Black explained that in order for a vendor to be licensed to sell in the park, they must go through an application process . Black told the Commission that Recreation Manager Gary Hultberg is coordinating with the City's Finance department, who oversees licensing, to develop a more aggressive policy in regard to vendors in the parks. City Council Liaison Mccaslin asked in regard to the type of vendor. Black replied it seems to be more of the push cart ice cream vendors. Waldman asked in regard to the Brent Mayne field and initial plans for a concession stand. Black explained that plans for a concession stand did not move forward due to lack of power, water and funding. VIII. RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Discussion on the recreation scholarship program would be postponed until the May meeting. IX. PARK MASTER PLAN REVIEW Commission members were told that a Parks Master Plan draft will be available for their review prior to next month's meeting. X. SHERIDAN REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE Garrett gave an update on the Sheridan redevelopment project, reporting that issues are starting to take concept for the development of the golf course , noting that the most challenging piece continues to be the west side of the river. Garrett told the Board that once the issues are resolved, the redevelopment agreement will be taken to City Council for review and approval. In regard to lease of the property, Garrett discussed the 1.3 million cubic yards oflandfill that will be required to be removed from the site. Waldman asked if the City has received a check for the project. Garrett explained that money the City will receive will be contingent upon closing. Waldman asked in regard to work that is being done west of the bridge . Lee explained that it is part of the Urban Drainage project and is not connected to the redevelopment project. XI. DOG PARK UPDATE Lee distributed an e-mail from Alice Hanna with Englewood Unleashed pertaining to naming of the dog park. Lee reported that the group will be collecting names for the dog park through May 1st. Englewood Unleashed will then make their selection for the top five names which will be forwarded on to the Commission the end of May for its recommendation to City Council. In regard to the dog park, Lee stated that native grass seed will be laid down around April 19th with fencing going up a week later. The question was asked in regard to what is the water quality pond. Lee explained that the water quality pond will collect run-off from the dog park, acting as a holding pond, releasing water slowly through a sand and gravel process that will function as a natural filter. XII. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Moore reported that the grand opening for Hampden Hall was successful and the Juried Art Show continues to have good traffic with it now being located inside Hampden Hall. Moore announced upcoming events including Musical Fairy Tales on April 22"d. Commission members were informed that the Cultural Arts Commission voted to purchase three of the sunflowers that are part of the Art at the Shuttles Stops project. Moore noted that it has not been determined where they will be placed. Black noted that the Cultural Arts Commission is pursuing a partnership with Community Development on the funding/purchase of the sunflowers. Moore informed the Commission that Community Development is discussing plans for an art day on August 5th that will include art walks and performances. Commission members were told that Mayor Wolosyn is working with SCFD on "blast facts" for Hampden Hall to help promote the new facility. XIII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE There were no items for Director's Choice. XIV. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Miller distributed flyers on the upcoming golf tournament benefiting the high school golf team. Miller announced that the Strategic Planning Committee is now accepting applications for the Action Planning Committee. Applications are available through the Englewood Public Schools website. Discussion followed regarding the budget process. Woodward acknowledged the Pirates Cove article that was written by Brad Anderson and featured in the World Waterpark magazine. Woodward asked if staff has heard from Dr. Jess Gerardi in regard to his request to use Bates/Logan for an all-high school band reunion in 2007. Black replied that he has spoken to Dr. Gerardi shortly after he had received the letter informing him of the board's recommendation. Black told the Commission that a temporary hold has been placed on the Hosanna Athletic Field as a back-up to their plans to use Clement Park. Woodward informed the Commission that the Malley Trust Fund is looking at a traffic calming project along Lincoln Street in front of the Malley Senior Center. Woodward discussed the details to the project. Commission members were told that the project will cost $24,000 of which the Malley Trust Fund has agreed to pay $11,000 and already paid $4,300 for the engineering study. Woodward went on to explain that the solar-power flashing lights will cost $13,000 which he will be asking City Council to pay for so the project could be done all at one time. Woodward asked the Commission for a letter of support for the project. Black reminded the Commission that e Gomes had also discussed the project at the February meeting. Garrett asked how the project will affect people being dropped off at the front of the building. Woodward explained that the area south of the bulb-out will stay the same; noting that Facility Supervisor Joe Sack has given his approval of the project. Discussion followed. The request for a motion in support of the project died due to lack of action. Golf Course Manager Bob Spada introduced Shannon Rhoades , Golf Program Administrator. Golf Course Supervisor Wayne Niles told the Commission that golf course staff is working hard to get the course ready for prime season. XV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7: 14pm. /((}dlYUlcfl~J Deborah A Severa, Recording Secretary