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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-20 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of February 20, 1992 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse. Members present: Armstrong, Bannick, Christie, D. Clayton, Gerlick, Gomes, Neyer, Waggoner, M. Wiggins Members absent: Black, ex officio Also present: Jim Kavinsky, Operations Manager LuAnne Mickelson, Recreation Services Manager Larry George, Englewood Soccer Association Gary Bunner, Englewood Soccer Association Dave Counterman, Englewood Soccer Association Scott Simpson, Riverside Miniature Golf/Go Kart Jim Herdener, Riverside Miniature Golf/Go Kart Chairman Neyer introduced and welcomed Gregg Bannick to the Commission and explained that he is replacing Kristi Daugherty. Neyer also welcomed back Carolyn Armstrong, who was appointed for a second term on the Commission. Chairman Neyer stated that, in the absence of Directors Black and Esterly, Recreation Services Manager LuAnne Mickelson, and Operations Manager Jim Kavinsky are in attendance tonight. Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of January 9, 1992. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Neyer introduced scheduled visitors Larry George, Gary Bunner, and Dave Counterman of the Englewood Soccer Association. The Commission determined that their presentation would not be limited to the 10 minutes allotted time. Mr. George stated that because of the practice needs of the Englewood Soccer Association during the week,. they are requesting that Englewood soccer fields not be rented to outside 1 agencies and that the fields be available on a first come first served basis, allowing all agencies access to the fields. Mr. Bunner explained that they are unable to present their game schedules to the Public Works Department for field reservations in a more timely manner since they are required to follow the scheduling timetable of the State Soccer Association. There was discussion regarding constructing a soccer field at Jason Park and concerns were expressed that this would eliminate a much needed practice area for approximately 15 teams. There was considerable discussion regarding field sizes, use needs of the Soccer Association, fees charged , etc. Commissioner Waggoner made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Armstrong, that the park fields be made available for practice Monday through Friday on a first come first served basis unless it is observed that there is a lack of use, at which time it may be determined to rent the fields to other leagues to maximize field use. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Christie entered the meeting at 7:25 p.m. and was introduced to the Commission. She will serve on the Commission as a representative of the Englewood School Board replacing Carol Belt. Chairman Neyer introduced Scott Simpson and Jim Herdener to the Commission and it was explained that they are present to offer additional information requested by the Commission at the January meeting concerning the Riverside Miniature Golf/Go Kart contract with the City. Mr. Simpson briefly reviewed financial information that was included in the Commission packet. Mr. Simpson reported that, in an attempt to generate some early business this year, they have put together a small advertising package with Denver Cable Advertising and added an additional $1,000 to their advertising budget for that purpose. He stated that future capital expenses may include a kiddie track and a batting cage. Commissioner Waggoner reminded the Commission that a motion was made at the December 12 Commission meeting to recommend to City Council that the 15% of gross 2 sales to the City be extended for one year instead of increasing to 20% as the contract stipulated. Following further discussion, Commissioner Gomes made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Armstrong, to reverse the motion made at the Dec. 12, 1991 meeting and recommend to City Council that the City's contract with Riverside Miniature Golf and Go Kart be amended to stipulate that 10% of gross sales will be paid to the City through 1995. The motion passed with one abstention from Youth Commissioner Wiggins, who declared a conflict of interest since he is an employee of Riverside. Secretary's Note: Newly appointed Commissioner Christie is a non-voting member of the Commission until such time that her appointment is made official by City Council, probably at the regular Council meeting on March 2, 1992. Commissioner Gerlick left the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Utilities Manager Mike Woika was introduced to the Commission. Mr. Woika reviewed a set of handouts and discussed three projects that his department has planned that will affect some Englewood parks: 1) the deep well project; 2) shallow wells use; and, 3) alum sludge disposal. Mr. Woika described the deep well concept. He stated that in 1985, a law was passed wherein cities could claim the ground water from the aquifers under their cities. The City of Englewood claimed the water and is now proceeding to access that water. That first phase of the process will involve drilling well clusters (4 wells for 4 aquifers at each location) at McLellan Reservoir, Union Avenue near river intake, Allen Plant, Miller Baseball Field, Jason and Bates/Logan Parks, with McLellan being the first sight to be drilled. Water will be taken from these wells only during extreme draught. It will take a minimum of one year to prepare for the construction process. Considerable discussion ensued regarding affects on park neighbors during and after construction, affect on the City budget, using the City ditch for water carriage from the wells, etc. 3 Shallow wells were briefly discussed. Mr. Woika stated that staff has recently committed to maximize the amount of raw water that is used for irrigation. Centennial, Cushing and Jason Parks, and Miller Field are currently irrigated with well water. Mr. Woika explained the alum sludge production and current storage processes referred to in the handouts, clarifying that alum sludge is quite different from sewer sludge in that it is clay material with no nutrients and only a musty odor. He stated that there is currently 150,000 cubic feet of alum sludge material in the Allen Plant Reservoirs, and the Utilities staff is looking to create a burial storage area for this material. Three areas at or near Belleview Park are being considered: 1) the nature/picnic area; 2) the nature area "lowlands"; and, 3) an area long Windermere where a parking lot may be constructed when the State Highway Department improves Windermere during the upcoming Santa Fe reconstruction project. There was some discussion regarding radio activity. Woika stated that there has been no increased radio activity in the reservoir over the past 10 years. The radio activity currently is at an acceptable level. Alternate uses for the alum sludge were discussed, i.e., a base course for concrete, crusher fines for trail construction, and filler material for construction of the Santa Fe Corridor. The process is expected to take approximately two years. Operations Manager Kavinsky discussed a flower bed competition program that the Parks Section would like to offer this Spring wherein various groups in the City could volunteer to plant and care for a flower bed at Romans Park and compete for a prize at the end of the season. The flowers would be provided by the Parks Section. Kavinsky asked if there would interest from the Commission in serving as judges in the competition, and several Commission members responded yes. Kavinsky stated that if this year's program is successful, they would like to expand it next year to 4 include other parks. Commissioner Armstrong suggested the Englewood Garden Club be contacted to join in the judging. Commissioner Armstrong distributed copies of the Commission's 1991 Goals and Objectives listing the final outcome for each. She also distributed 1992 Goals and Objectives for Commission's consideration. The Commission agreed to table discussion until the next meeting to allow members the opportunity to give consideration to the Goals and Objectives she presented for 1992. Armstrong asked anyone with changes to the Goals and Objectives to contact her prior to the March meeting. Recreation Services Manager Mickelson updated the Commission on some recent staff changes within the Recreation Services Department. She stated that Bob Burgener is no longer acting manager of the Golf Course but has now been appointed Golf Course Manager. Also, the Fitness/Dance position has been filled with a "job share" situation. At Commissioner Waggoner's inquiry, Mickelson stated that an evaluation process of the Mens and Womens Golf Clubs has been initiated regarding use of the golf course concessionaire. Operations Manager Kavinsky, referring to an attachment in the packet, mentioned that tennis court resurfacing will not be done at Belleview, Sinclair and Flood courts but existing cracks will be filled. He stated that lottery funds in the amount of $27,000, not $11,000 as stated in the attachment, have been set aside as the City's contribution to repair Englewood High School courts. He explained that the School is dealing with other repair concerns that they feel is causing deterioration of the courts, after which the court repairs can be made when School funds are available. Commissioner Gerlick re-entered the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Commissioner Armstrong announced that she has been asked to serve on the CPRA Foundation Board of Directors. She stated that, as a member of the Parks and 5 Recreation Commission, she expressed a concern of conflict of interest and was advised by the CPRA attorney that a conflict of interest would not exist as long as it is listed that she is a Commission member, and as long as a personal gain situation did not exist. She stated that she requested that her name be listed on the Foundation letterhead as both Park Manager at Cherry Creek and as a member of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Armstrong credited a Golf Course employee (name unknown) for being so attentive when working with her children recently in buying a gift for their father. Commissioner Armstrong also commended Jeff Jones and other Recreation Services staff members for their involvement in handling a potentially dangerous situation at the Recreation Center recently involving a confrontation between parents at a youth basketball game. Commissioner Armstrong stated that there seems to be a situation developing regarding scheduling 6th grade boys and games being cancelled within the "C" basketball team at Sinclair wherein parents may want to pull their kids out of the program. Discussion ensued. For Director Black, Chairman Neyer reported that Director Black has been in touch with South Suburban regarding the 1992 fireworks display and received confirmation that the South Drive-in property will be available again this year for the display. The South Suburban Board is requesting that a $2.00 fee per car be charged to spectators, the method of which can be discussed at the initial Steering Committee meeting. Director Esterly will head the Staff Committee, and Commissioner Gomes has been requested to serve on the Steering Committee. Chairman Neyer passed around some photos of the Larry Scott property that was willed to the Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that liquidation of 6 . . household items should occur before April and final disposition of all property should occur in June or July. Operations Manager Kavinsky reported that the Englewood Recreation Center racquetball courts are scheduled for repainting and resurfacing when the Center will be closed the end of July. Chairman Neyer announced that there will be an election of Commission officers at the March meeting. Commissioner Waggoner asked if costs for replacing the islands in the Golf Course parking lot have been determined. Recreation Services Manager Mickelson stated that if the information was requested, she was sure it is being prepared by Golf Course Supt. Dave Lee or Director Black. The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Lindsay J. Wilks, Recording Secretary 7