HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-18 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commissio
Minutes of November 18, 1993
Note: The November Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was changed to the third
Thursday of the month because of the Veterans Day Holiday on Thursday, November 11.
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood Servicenter Training Room.
Members present: Armstrong, Christie, Gerlick, Gomes, Neyer, Waggoner,
Black, ex officio
Members absent: Markwood
Also present: Charles Esterly, Director of Public Works
Chuck Reid, Assistant City Manager
Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of October
14, 1993. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as
presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Director Black introduced Assistant City Manager Chuck Reid to the Commission. Mr. Reid
discussed the "Englewood By Design" video produced by the City to use as a tool to communicate
with the citizens of Englewood in conjunction with 38 neighborhood· meetings that were scheduled
over the summer at the homes of Englewood residents. The intention of the meetings was to give
residents an opportunity to learn more about our government process; programs and services
offered through the City; and to have their questions answered.
The "Englewood By Design" video was then presented for Commission's viewing.
At Chairman Neyer's inquiry, Mr. Reid discussed the current status of the sale of Cinderella
City, and explained the contract arrangement between the current owners of the shopping mall,
Kravec and Equitable. Considerable discussion ensued regarding Cinderella City vs. Broadway
merchants as tax revenue sources, and limited merchandising at Cinderella City stores.
With regard to Trolley Square, Mr. Reid explained that the shopping structure is controlled
by the FDIC, which has postponed several foreclosure dates this past year. Mr. Reid advised that
Mayor Wiggins and members of the City Manager's office and Community Development met with
Representative Dan Schaefer with the hope that he could influence securing a date with the FDIC
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to complete the foreclosure process of Trolley Square. Mr. Reid added that an organization has
made a bona fide offer to purchase Trolley Square, however negotiations cannot proceed until the
foreclosure is finalized by FDIC.
Mr. Reid advised the Commission that the Community Development Department has formed
the "Englewood By Design" Committee, consisting of approximately 40 Englewood residents. The
Committee will be working to develop a new Englewood Comprehensive Plan.
At Commissioner Armstrong's inquiry, Director Esterly explained the results of the recent
election pertaining to the paving and concrete districts. Esterly stated that the outcome of the
election dictates that bonding for the districts failed, not that the districts failed. City Council will
determine whether or not construction of the concrete and paving districts will go forward. Esterly
stated that without the bond support, property owners within the districts will not have the option
to pay for the improvements over a 10 year period and will be required to pay the charges in a
lump sum. Commissioner Armstrong noted that, from discussion she has had with some
Englewood residents, she believes residents thought they were actually voting on tax increases to
fund the districts. Considerable discussion ensued regarding wording of the ballot issues. There
was also brief discussion regarding the election return to keep Police Dispatchers in Englewood
rather than turning the operation over to Arapahoe County.
Director Esterly reviewed items approved for the 1994 Conservation Trust Fund, copies of
which were included in the Commission's packets. The Commission discussed funding for bike
and hike paths within the Englewood parks system, and funding for sand volleyball courts for
Baker Park. Esterly responded that a survey of Baker Park neighbors indicated their preference for
basketball courts, and stated that staff is attempting to work with Englewood Schools regarding
use of the Alternative High School courts in conjunction with Baker Park facilities. The City would
resurface the court and provide hoops.
Commissioner Armstrong reviewed the inspection compliance reports that were completed
as required by the Land and Water Conservation Fund for assistance they provided for various
Englewood park improvements. Copies of the reports were included in the Commission's packets.
Armstrong explained that these inspections are performed on a five year cycle.
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Director Black reported that the Colorado Department of Energy sponsored a tour of the
Englewood Recreation Center pool facility for a number of pool designers, architects, and vendors
to view the solar heating system and pool covers. The Englewood Recreation Center is the only
facility in the metro area to offer these energy saving features.
Director Black advised the Commission that the City is working with the Alternative High
School in providing a City internship program for students in conjunction with a class wherein
students are "designing a city" with the use of computers. Black expressed that he feels this
program will provide students with knowledge that will be beneficial to them throughout their adult
lives.
Director Black reported that the Englewood Golf Course food concessionaire contract will
expire on December 31, 1993. Black explained that the contract includes two two-year extension
opportunities for the concessionaire, and should they wish to extend the contract, the City can
make adjustments regarding the monthly rental payment and the monthly percentage of gross paid
the City. Black stated he is seeking Council's direction regarding possible changes to the
concession operation. Black stated that in the event an agreement with the concessionaire is not
reached within 30 days prior to the expiration of the contract, the concession operation will be
opened for bid. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Armstrong reported that, as assigned in the Commission's Goals and
Objectives, she and Parks Administrator Chris Korba met with representatives of Randall and
Blake, Inc. to follow up on their agreement with former Commission Member Bill Clayton to
provide a site plan in conjunction with the Parks Department's master plan for Centennial Park.
Armstrong commended Korba for his professionalism in facilitating this meeting, and also Dan
Almond of RBI for his eagerness to carry through with their commitment to provide the site plan at
no charge to the City. Armstrong distributed copies of her report outlining the results of this
meeting.
At Commissioner Waggoner's inquiry, Director Esterly stated he will meet with Recreation
Services Manager Bob Burgener regarding signage and restroom facility availability at Oxford Park .
Brief discussion ensued regarding a boat launching facility from Oxford Park.
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Director Black reported that he has asked Golf Course Superintendent David Lee to
investigate Go Colorado grant possibilities for recreation and park facilities and programs.
Commissioner Gerlick advised that he was invited by the Greater Englewood Chamber of
Commerce to serve on their Cultural Committee, which will study and facilitate cultural activities in
Englewood. Gerlick also noted that he is a cast member of the South Suburban Theater Company
play which will open Thursday, November 25 at the Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton.
Commissioner Christie commended the Recreation Department's After School Program at
Charles Hay Elementary for its efforts to incorporate a time period in the program for students to
work on their school homework. Christie suggested working with each school to develop a
program incorporating computer time for After School Program students using the schools'
computers .
Commissioner Gerlick left the meeting at 7: 10 p.m.
Chairman Neyer acknowledged the picnic shelter at Rotolo Park recently installed with
funds received from the John Rotolo estate.
Chairman Neyer introduced for discussion the topic of gang related activity in Englewood.
Neyer stated that Englewood Police Department personnel are conducting informational meetings
for Englewood citizens regarding this subject, and discussion at these meetings seems to suggest
the need to offer varied recreational programs for youth as an alternative to taking part in gang
activity. Considerable discussion ensued. The Commission agreed to include in the 1994 Goals
and Objectives the process of determining what is possible and reasonable for the Recreation and
Parks Departments to contribute in an effort to help solve this community problem.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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