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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-10 PRC MINUTES• I. • II. CALL TO ORDER City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of March 10, 2005 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Malley Senior Recreation Center, 3380 S. Lincoln Street. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Karen Miller, Englewood School District Liaison Beverly Bradshaw , City Council Liaison Rebecca Laughlin, Yo uth Commission Member Krista Niederjohn, Youth Commission Member Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Also present: Dave Lee , Open Space Manager Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Alice Hanna, Englewood Unleashed (arrived at 5:35pm, left at 6:00pm) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of February 10, 2005. In regard to the Englewood Unleashed Proposal, Commission Member Armstrong asked for clarification concerning Englewood resident and former City Council Member Wiggins comment that there had once been discussion to extend the train back into the native grass area but that it had upset a Council Member. City Council Member Bradshaw clarified that it was not former Council Member Wiggins that was upset and that it had to do with the native grass area being taken away. The minutes were approved as amended. III. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There were no visitors present for scheduled public comment. IV . UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT • v. There were no visitors present for unscheduled public comment. Director Black welcomed new Youth Commission Member Krista Niederjohn. Black noted that Niederjohn was also president of the Parks and Recreation Youth Council. Commission Members introduced themselves. Niederjohn told the Comm ission that she was a freshman at Englewood High School and is involved in drama and choir . ENGLEWOOD UNLEASHED PROPOSAL Per request of the Commission at the February meeting, Black reviewed information provided by Stu Fonda, Utilities Director, and Bob Simpson, Community Development Director and Flood Plain Administrator in regard to studies for the proposed dog park at Belleview native grass area. Black informed the Commission that Mr. Simpson required a plan to be submitted. Staff prepared two possible scenarios in regard to fencing for the proposed dog park. The two plans were reviewed with the Commission. Black discussed the possibility of using breakaway fencing. • Armstrong discussed how breakaway fencing could cause more problems due to the possibility of it breaking off during a flood and causing back up of floodwaters. Black went on to explain that at Monday night's City Council meeting, the City Manager will be discussing with City Council the proposals and a recommendation on moving forward with the studies. Black explained that the City would be contracting out both studies. Bradshaw discussed the possibility of using berms on the east and west end of the proposed site. Bradshaw asked in regard to amount of flooding Big Dry Creek gets. Open Space Manager, Dave Lee, explained that it gets no more than the other creeks. Black reported that the flood plain study should take 4-6 weeks and 6-8 weeks for the utility study. Bradshaw asked Black if he knew what department would be paying for the FEMA study. Black replied that he did not know. As requested by the Commission, Lee reviewed data that he collected in regard to other potential costs associated with the dog park. For irrigation, Lee explained that American Civic Contractors reviewed the site and determined that there is the capability to tap into the existing irrigation system, providing non-potable water. Lee reported the following costs: Non-Potable: Add'l Potable: Tap and water meter 4' Fencing with one gate, 4' Fencing with two gates Wooden stairs (from Chenango lot) Metal stairs (from Chenango lot) Area Light w/ Installations $21,900 (Irrigation system) 5,000 8,500 16,800 17,793 1,820 2,250 3,000 In regard to fencing, Chairperson Gomes asked if 4 foot fencing would be adequate. Lee explained that 4 foot fencing is standard. Bradshaw noted that it would depend on how close it was to the bike path. Bradshaw commented that no meter or tap is required if a tap exists. Lee replied that she was correct. Armstrong asked why it would cost $5,000 for potable water. Lee stated that it would require going under the road, thus requiring roadwork and flagman. Gomes asked in regard to future water use for Pirates Cove. Black explained that when Pirates Cove was built, accommodations were made in regard to future expansion. Armstrong asked in regard to funding the dog park and Englewood Unleashed sharing in the costs. Black reported that $50,000 has been allocated through the open space funds for the dog park that would cover costs associated with fencing and lighting. Discussion followed. Armstrong spoke in regard to limitations and futures costs if it was decided to not go with potable water in the beginning. Lee agreed with Armstrong, noting that potable water is necessary for restrooms, dog fountains, etc. Hanna told tpe Commission that with Jason Park restroom and water fountains closed for the winter, dog owners have been amenable in bringing in their own water. Hanna also said that when users were asked to rate priorities for a dog park, water stations were almost last. • Recreation Manager Gary Hultberg discussed the potential danger concerning the creek shoreline • due to it not being protected from erosion. Hultberg noted that there is 8' drops in some areas. Bradshaw stated that the north bank has been stabilized but that nothing has been done with the south bank. • • • VI. Waldman asked what was needed to proceed. Black explained that if City Council gives its approval to move forward with the studies, then nothing can be done until the studies are completed, at which time a recommendation would be made to City Council. Commission Member Woodward suggested that the Board make a recommendation to City Council to move forward with the studies, adding that the studies will cost approximately $40,000. A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Englewood School Board Liaison Miller to recommend to City Council to move forward with the utilities and flood plain studies to determine if it would be feasible for the City to proceed with the dog park at the Belleview native grass area. Ayes: Nays: Gomes, Armstrong, Waldman, Woodward, Miller, Bradshaw, Laughlin, Neiderjohn None The motion passed unanimously FIELD USAGE AND DROUGHT CONDITION UPDATE Lee gave an update on field usage and drought condition. The Commission was reminded that two years ago, they had placed a moratorium on limiting field usage to current users in addition to no outside special events. In March of 2004, the Commission extended the moratorium for two more years due to continued drought implicat;ons, with a request that it be reviewed in one year. Lee reported that although it has been a better year, the state is not out of a drought and that current snow pack levels are below average. Lee told the Commission that it is staffs recommendation that the moratorium be continued for one more year as recommended with another review in 2006. Commission members were told that even with the current moratorium in place, all Englewood sports associations are being accommodated. Discussion followed. The Commission concurred that the moratorium continues for one more year with a review in March of 2006. Woodward asked for clarification in regard to start of season for Englewood Soccer Association. Discussion followed. Lee explained that it is better ifthe start of the season is delayed as much as possible due to grass still being dormant. Black stated that staff would gather information for discussion at the April meeting. VII. REVIEW OF PARK POLICIES Discussion moved on to review of the revised park policies including a new policy regarding special events and large groups. Lee stated that staff is looking for feedback or a recommendation on the revised policies. Discussion followed. The question was asked in regard to inflatables being allowed in the parks. Lee explained that the department receives a large number of requests for inflatables, which was primarily the reason staff revised the policies; even though there have been relatively few problems related to the use of them in the parks. Black suggested leaving the revised policies as is with a review prior to next summer. Commission members concurred. VIII. SHERIDAN REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE Black reported that Lee and Spada attended the latest Sheridan Redevelopment meeting but that nothing new came of the meeting. Black informed the Commission that the City has received a proposal from Miller Weingarten, which is being reviewed in detail. Black told the Commission that the City is committed in doing what is best for the community both short-term and long-term. Black explained that most discussions have been in Executive Session so that he is unable to provide much detail but that conversations have been in regard to shifting of the golf course, not taking the golf course. Black deferred comments to Council Members Bradshaw and Woodward. Bradshaw told the Commission that City Council is taking the interest of the whole area into consideration. IX. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE An update on the Cultural Arts Commission followed. Gomes asked in regard to the art shuttle. Bradshaw reported that rider ship is almost 200% of expectations. Waldman asked in regard to funding for the shuttle. Bradshaw explained that funding was allocated for three years. Gomes asked who runs it. Bradshaw replied that both RTD and the City oversee it. X. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE There were no items for Director's Choice. XI. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Waldman announced that the Englewood Men's Club season opened on Sunday with a tournament and buffet at Caddie Shack. Discussion followed in regard to issues with the buffet. Englewood School Board Liaison Miller announced that Dr. McCabe has been selected as the new Superintendent for Englewood Schools. Miller distributed information on an open house in honor of Dr. McCabe. Miller thanked Bob Spada for his assistance in arranging a golf tournament for the Englewood boy's golf team; noting that she would soon have information available on the tournament. Miller told the Commission that the district is extremely close to finalizing a deal for synthetic turf for the high school stadium. In regard to the American Cancer Walk that has been scheduled for Belleview Park baseball field for August 20-21, 2005, Bradshaw forwarded on comments from the representative from the American Cancer Society that it has been a pleasure working with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Lee announced that Mark Kottwitz has been selected for the Parks Supervisor position . Lee reported that Kottwitz will be starting April 12 1h and comes from the City and County of Kansas City, Kansas. Lee informed the Commission that in addition to the American Cancer Walk, staff has been working with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in regard to a walk scheduled for June 26th. Lee explained that the walk will be along the Mary Carter Greenway and will be stopping at Centennial and Cushing parks. Commission members were informed of a $50.00 donation for the flower garden program from a Englewood resident. Lee explained that the resident read the article in the Englewood Herald and asked if she could donate money since she was unable to go out and plant. Lee noted that a $100 donation was also received from Walmart through staff for the flower program. XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:39pm. Deborah A Severa, Recording Secretary • • •