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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-06 PRC MINUTESI. CALL TO ORDER City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of March 9, 2006 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at Englewood Civic Center, Community Development Conference Room, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Douglas Garrett, Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Bob Mccaslin, City Council Liaison Karen Miller, Englewood School District Liaison Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Krista Niederjohn, Youth Commission Member Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Rebecca Laughlin, Youth Commission Member Also present: Dave Lee, Open Space Manager Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager (left at 6:47pm) Mary Ellen Sullivan, Englewood Resident (left at 6: 13pm) Peggy White, Englewood Resident (left at 6: 13pm) Gary Stimson, Denver Resident, Braveheart Youth Rugby Team (left at 5:47pm) Andrew Rendell, Denver Resident, Braveheart Youth Rugby Team (left at 5:47pm) Joseph Salazar, Englewood Resident (left at 6: 13pm) Robert Heller, Littleton Resident (left at 6: 13pm) Karen Brumage, Englewood Resident (left at 6: 13pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of February 9, 2006. Commission Member Waldman noted the misspelling of eminent domain under Sheridan Redevelopment Update. The minutes were approved as amended. Ayes: Nayes: Abstained: Motion passed Gomes, Armstrong, Waldman, Woodward, Miller, Niederjohn, Garrett, Mccaslin None Moore III. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT Gomes turned discussion over to Gary Stimson and Andrew Rendell with Braveheart Youth Rugby Team . Mr. Stimson told the Commission that he was here tonight to request field usage for their youth rugby team. Mr. Stimson explained that Colorado youth rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. Mr. Stimson stated that their organization currently has over sixteen teams which they are trying to find a home to actively recruit youth from Englewood. Discussion followed in regard to the difficulty in getting fields due to the popularity of soccer. Commission Member Armstrong asked in regard to the season for rugby. Mr. Stimson responded that rugby is played in the spring. Mr. Stimson discussed rugby being a misunderstood sport . Commission Member Waldman asked where the youth are from. Mr. Stimson replied Littleton, Arapahoe and Heritage High Schools; adding that they are waiting for the outcome of tonight's meeting to speak with Englewood High School. Director Black asked in regard to the ages of the youth. Mr. Stimson explained that the youth range in age from 13-19 years old. Commission Member Woodward suggested that Mr. Stimson contact Englewood Schools or South Suburban . Discussion followed. Gomes thanked Mr. Stimson and told him that staff would be in touch . Mr. Stimson and Mr. Rendell left the meeting. Discussion turned to Robert Heller who was present to speak in regard to the Southwest Greenbelt horseshoe pits. Mr. Heller explained that the area has fallen into neglect and disrepair and has become an eyesore to a great neighborhood. Mr. Heller went on to explain that there are three horseshoe pits that are dirt with no sand or grass growing on the inside , and the ground is so hard that it is unable to retain moisture. Mr. Heller told the Commission that there is a wooden bench next to the pits that would fall and injure someone if it was sat on . In addition, Mr. Heller said that the wood planking to the pits has paint peeling off and the chain link fence is unattractive . Mr. Heller stated that the horseshoe pits butt up to an alley which makes it difficult for the police to patrol and has become a gathering place for alcohol consumption, smoking, foul language, public urination and domestic abuse. Mr. Heller explained that the people who play horseshoes are predominately people who don't live in the neighborhood but who drive there, filling up the cul-de-sacs on either side with cars and causing problems for the neighbors with their own parking needs . Mr. Heller went on to discuss that users of the horseshoe pits stay past the posted hours, drinking and urinating in public, causing safety concerns including the possibility of an errant horseshoe coming into their yard where their son plays. The Commission was told that there is a street light over the pits, which provides a way for the users to stay late. Mr. Heller discussed an incident on March 4th where, for three hours, he watched two men and a woman drink at the horseshoe pits, swearing and fighting. Mr. Heller discussed how the individuals had urinated on a fence of a neighbor and got into a domestics dispute, at which point he called the police. Mr. Heller stated that his utmost concern is for the safety and well being of his son and his ex-wife, Ms. Brumage. Mr. Heller told the Commission that he strongly urges the dismantling of the horseshoe pits and suggested that they either be relocated away from houses or removed with a sign as to where other horseshoe pits are located. The Commission was told that the pits are a drain on the City, the police force, the maintenance crews and possible revenue to the City. Armstrong asked of an estimate of how often the horseshoe pits are used. Joe Salazar, neighbor to the greenbelt who would also like to see the horseshoe pits removed, replied that they are used one to two nights per week, more as the weather warms up . Mr. Salazar noted that it is always the same people using the pits. Mary Sullivan introduced herself and stated that she has a different opinion as to the horseshoe pits. Gomes noted that while Ms . Sullivan is an unscheduled visitor, she is here on the same matter and would be given time to speak. Ms. Sullivan told the Commission that she lives on the other side of the horseshoe pits and that she does not know Ms. Brumage due to Ms. Brumage being new to the neighborhood . Ms. Sullivan reported that there was indeed an incident at the horseshoe pits on March 4th which ended with the police being called and three users being asked to leave. Ms. Sullivan spoke to the police and explained that two of the people had been playing horseshoes almost daily for about two weeks and had not caused any trouble. Ms. Sullivan told the Commission that to her knowledge , this is the only time the police have been called to the area while she has lived there . Ms. Sullivan went on to explain that on March 6th, she was approached by Ms . Brumage who asked if she had any problems in regard to the horseshoe pits. Ms. Sullivan told Ms. Brumage of two incidents that had occurred over the last two to e three years involving high school age individuals using drugs and acting promiscuously. Ms . Sullivan discussed a picnic table that used to sit next to the horseshoe pits that was a magnet for the kids and once she had requested the removal of the table, the kids stopped hanging out there . Ms . Sullivan explained that it was her fence that was urinated on and while she was upset, she does not want to see the horseshoe pits removed. Ms . Sullivan stated that the horseshoe pits are used by a lot of people in the neighborhood and that they, along with her, enjoy having the horseshoe pits there . The Commission was told of a neighbor who has lived behind the horseshoe pits for fifty-five years and has never had an occasion to call the police for any activity, while she has lived next to them for seven years and has also never had an occasion to call the police. Ms. Sullivan went on to tell the Commission that if there should be any problem at the horseshoe pits in the future , there are resources available. Ms. Sullivan stated that it is her understanding that Ms. Brumage is planning on putting up a fence which she believes will resolve her concerns . Ms. Sullivan commented that she knows from personal experience that both the Englewood police and Code Enforcement respond promptly and professionally to any issues in the neighborhood . Ms. Sullivan stated that asking to remove the horseshoe pits is simply making a mountain out of a molehill. Ms. Sullivan reported that she has spoken to twelve Englewood residents and neighbors who were flabbergasted that the horseshoe pits were even an issue and would be happy to sign a petition in support of them remaining, and if given more t ime , could certainly get more names. Ms . Sullivan stated that one of the reasons she bought the house was because of the horseshoe pits and that they have anchored the greenbelt for over twenty-five years and enjoyed extensively by Englewood residents and their neighbors in particular. Ms . Sullivan thanked the Commission . Waldman asked Dave Lee, Open Space Manager, what it would take to make the horseshoe pits functional. Lee explained that the horseshoe pits at the southwest greenbelt are in the same condition as the horseshoe pits at Belleview and Cushing where they get attention at the beginning of the year and then as the season progresses, they received limited maintenance. Mr. Salazar stated that he has lived next to the greenbelt for thirty-six years and that it is a great place and people will play and fix up the horseshoe pits now and then but now they are starting to attract a younger crowd who drink, swear and stay late. Mr. Salazar told the Commission that he has asked them to keep it down and the police have been called quite a few times regarding the people being there late into the evening and drinking. Woodward asked if the park light could be set on a timer to tum off at a designated time . Ms. Sullivan replied that she does not want the light to tum off, commenting that there are quite a few kids who walk through the greenbelt to go to and from 7 Eleven. Armstrong asked if the light was put in due to a request by the neighborhood. Ms. Sullivan stated that it has been there all of the time she has lived there . Ms . Brumage asked if she could speak. Ms . Brumage stated that she moved into the neighborhood in September when it was still warm enough for people to stay late in the evening to play horseshoes. Ms . Brumage explained that with the horseshoe pits being so close to her backyard, she feels uncomfortable when there are people at the horseshoe pits and she is in her backyard so she always ends up going inside; adding that it is unacceptable. Ms . Brumage told the Commission that she has spoken to eight neighbors who have the same concerns as she in regard to the horseshoe pits. Ms. Brumage stated that it is not a proper to have the horseshoe pits located so close to a house. Mr. Heller encouraged the Commission that it would be better to relocate the horseshoe pits away from homes where they can be better patrolled, noting that it is not his ex-wife's or Mr. Salazar's responsibility to call the police every time there is an incident at the horseshoe pits. City Council Liaison McCaslin asked if the alley way was a through street. Ms. Sullivan explained that it is and that the police drive it to patrol the greenbelt, though not on a regular basis . Gomes thanked the visitors for coming tonight to speak to the Commission and told them that staff would be in touch with them. The visitors left. Waldman noted that the horseshoe pits are not a major investment and asked ifthere is an area to relocate them. Lee explained that the southwest greenbelt is surrounded by houses and there would not be a place to relocate them without neighbors getting upset. Armstrong noted that there are a number of issues including public urination , drinking, etc . that action can be taken on by increased patrol, signage and communication with the participants. Discussion followed. Black discussed with the Commission how this situation is no different than issues that have arisen at Belleview, Jason, and Bates/Logan; noting that the police have responded when called and while valid points were brought up tonight, the horseshoe pits have been there for over twenty-five years and this is the first complaint that he has been made aware of. Black said that staff would coordinate with Nancy Peterson in Safety Services in regard to making contact with the neighbors. Waldman asked as to why there was not a restroom at the greenbelt. Lee explained that a restroom could be added to the greenbelt but that it would increase annual maintenance expenses for the parks division. Discussion followed in regard to the area light at the horseshoe pits and whether it should be set on a timer, shut off for a few hours, shielded, etc . Lee commented that as long as he could remember it has always been there. Black told the Commission that staff would do some research as to the light. Garrett suggested that staff also have Safety Services research incident reports for the area. Black recapped that staff would investigate the light, request through Safety Services incident reports for the area and put a plan in place for parks to rehabilitate the horseshoe pits and with a follow-up to the Board in April. Woodward noted that he would submit a council request for additional patrols in the area until the issue is resolved . A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by Commission Member Waldman that due to both sides being heard in regard to the removal of the horseshoe pits, the Board recommends taking action in trying to resolve the issue through the designated plan before resorting to the removal of the horseshoe pits. Ayes: Gomes, Waldman, Woodward, Armstrong, McCaslin, Garrett, Moore, Miller, Neiderjohn Nayes: none The motion passed. The question was asked ifthere was a trash can at the horseshoe pits . Lee replied that there is. IV. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There were no more items for unscheduled public comment. V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Director Black informed the Commission that it is time to elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Black opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson. Commission Member Armstrong nominated Austin Gomes. Commission Member Waldman seconded the nomination. Black asked if there were any other nominations. There were none. The floor was closed. Gomes was declared Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Chairperson Gomes opened the floor for nomination of Vice Chairperson. Commission Member Waldman nominated Carolyn Armstrong. Armstrong declined due to personal reasons. Commission Member Armstrong nominated Mitch Waldman. Gomes asked if there were any other nominations. There were none. The floor was closed. Waldman was e declared Vice Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. VI. HAMPDEN HALL GRAND OPENING In regard to last month's discussion pertaining to the naming of Hampden Hall and the origination of Hampden A venue, Armstrong told the Commission that she had done some research . Armstrong reported that Hampden Avenue was originally named Sheridan due to it going to Fort Sheridan and then renamed Hampden Avenue when the City named streets after colleges . Armstrong explained that Hampden Avenue comes from Hampden Sydney College, the 10th oldest college in the U.S., and is located in Richmond, Virginia. Recreation Manager Hultberg discussed the Grand Opening celebration of Hampden Hall on March 18th and 19th. Discussion followed. VII. FIELD AND DROUGHT CONDITION UPDATE Discussion began on field and drought conditions. Lee reported that the City is in the same scenario as last year with continued drought conditions due to a dry, warm winter. Lee explained that in March of 2005, the Commission had recommended a one-year moratorium on field use with a review in March of 2006. Lee told the Commission that due to the condition of the fields and an increase in requests for field use, it is his recommendation to continue with the moratorium for another year with a review in March of 2007. A motion was made by Commission Member Woodward and seconded by Vice Chairperson Waldman that due to continued drought conditions, it is the Board's recommendation to continue with a moratorium not allowing any new teams use of Englewood fields for one year, with a re-evaluation in March of 2007. Ayes: Nayes: Gomes, Waldman, Woodward, Armstrong, McCaslin, Garrett, Moore, Miller, Neiderjohn none Motion passed. Discussion followed regarding field usage. Woodward commented in regard to Lacrosse being played at the Sinclair Middle School fields and what organization they were with. Hultberg told the Commission that the City has been approached by a high school coach in regard to starting a Lacrosse development program but that it has been difficult to find funding for the program. VIII. PARK MASTER PLAN REVIEW Lee reviewed the Parks Master Plan process from phase one to current. Commission members were told that EDAW is now working on a conceptual plan and that the second Open House will be on March 27th in Hampden Hall. IX. SHERIDAN REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE Black turned discussion over to Garrett for an update on the Sheridan redevelopment project. Garrett reported that there has been a series of meetings in regard to the reconfiguration of the golf course; noting that the City is now becoming more comfortable with where they are in regard to the redevelopment of the golf course. Garrett stated that the City is now reviewing the lease agreement. In regard to environmental clean-up of the property, Garrett reported that there has been a lot of progress while still making sure the City is protected. Garrett noted that it is not at the point for City Council to make a decision. Waldman asked ifthere has been a decision as to a start date for when work would begin on the golf course. Black explained that per the agreement, the developer could have access to the whole front side beginning September 12, 2006. Discussion followed regarding the public relations/media plan for the redevelopment project and Mike Flaherty, Deputy City Manager, being the City representative. Black told the Commission that the media plan will include coverage that the golf course will be open through the '06 summer season, with partial closing beginning in September. Waldman asked if signs are up. Black explained that signs are up along Santa Fe and US 285/Hampden A venue. X. DOG PARK UPDATE The Commission was told that progress is being made on the formal dog park, including completion of site grading and excavating for the erosion/water quality pond. Lee stated that bids for fencing have gone out and seeding will begin the week of March 201h. Lee reported that Englewood Unleashed is preparing for the start of their brick fundraiser. Woodward asked in regard to contributions through Englewood Unleashed. Black explained that Mike Flaherty has been coordinating with Englewood Unleashed on a formal agreement that will address contributions by the organization. The question was asked who would be paying for the fence. Lee explained that the City will be paying for the fence while Englewood Unleashed is still in the fundraising stage. Woodward asked as to the status of naming of the dog park. Lee responded that Englewood Unleashed was to bring to the Board recommended names for the dog park. Lee told the Commission that he would follow-up with them to see where they are at. XI. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Moore gave an update on upcoming events for the Cultural Arts Commission including the Englewood Schools District Art Show, Hamdpen Hall grand opening and the Juried Art Show. XII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Black turned discussion back to the Sheridan redevelopment project and the money the City will be receiving from Miller Weingarten for lease of the property. Black explained that he has asked the City of Englewood's Finance Director Frank Gryglewicz to see what the payoff would be for the revenue bonds for the golf course. Black stated that City Council has not discussed what the money will be used for but that he feels it is prudent that they have this information prior to making a decision. Black informed the Commission that Gomes and he will be having lunch with former Commission Member Steve Neyer in the next week or two; noting that the Commission will be giving him a gift certificate to Home Depot where he can select something fo r his new house. XIII. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Vice Chairperson Waldman spoke in regard to the Men's Club and communicating with them in regard to the golfredevelopment project. Black explained that a meeting will be scheduled with all groups to give them an update as the project moves forward. Black went on to explain that due to the golf course being partially closed for up to eighteen months, Bob Spada is working with metro area golf courses to research opportunities for groups who may have an interest. Englewood School District Liaison Karen Miller reported that the Strategic Planning Committee has begun meeting. Discussion followed regarding budget cuts for the school district. Miller noted that the Board is taking everyone's concerns into consideration but that they are having to reduce the budget by $1.2 million with the least amount of impact to the kids. Lee informed the Commission that at the last CPRA Director's Section meeting, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Longmont brought up his concerns with the State Soccer Association and e e XIV. scheduling, particularly in the spring. Lee reported that a committee has been formed which he will be serving on. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7 : lOpm . Afl~_iaza__t_ {I_ c!«~v2<__L .J Deborah A Severa, Recording Secretary