HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-08 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of September 8, 1994
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order at 6: 13 p.m. by Chairman Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse following a tour of the
construction site of the new driving range facility.
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Armstrong, Christie, Dreiling, Gerlick, Gomes, Markwood, Neyer,
Waggoner, Black, ex officio
None
Chuck Esterly, Director of Public Works
Bob Burgener, Recreation Services Manager/Golf Course
Dave Lee, Golf Course Superintendent
Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of August 11,
1994. There were none . A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The
motion passed unanimously.
Director Black reviewed the 1995 budget preparation process, and stated that the City initially
anticipated a shortfall of $1.3 million . City Manager Clark then directed each department to review and
adjust their budgets for 1995; it would then be recommended to Council that the general reserve fund cover
the remaining shortfall.
Director Black advised that staff is recommending increasing daily and annual golf fees, bringing
Englewood Golf Course fees within market. The fee increase will also help to meet the City's commitment
to pay 3 1/2% of green fees to the City of Sheridan in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement,
and to repay the City of Englewood for property purchased to expand the course.
Director Black stated his recommendation to City Council will also include a restructuring of
admission fees for the Recreation Center and sale of six month and multi-year passes will be added to the
fee structure. Black stated that the golf and Recreation Center fee adjustments should generate
approximately $27,000 per year for the General Fund .
Director Black reported that, as an additional means of reducing the Recreation budget, staff is
recommending that the Middle School football program be reorganized and offered as a flag football
program, beginning in the Fall of 1995. As an alternative , however, Black stated that staff has been in
contact with Tim Mitchell of the Englewood Police Department regarding possibilities of the Police Athletic
League (PAL) running the Middle School football program rather than restructuring as a flag football
program. In addition, it was suggested that perhaps Englewood could enter a number of teams into the
Littleton Young American Football League.
Director Black advised the Commission that staff is also recommending eliminating the Colorado
Baseball League (CBL) program from Englewood 's youth sports program. Black stated that there has been
low participation in this program for some time.
Director Black reiterated that staff feels strongly that every program provided by the Recreation
Department is of value to the community, and eliminating programs is only a result of the City-wide need to
reduce the 1995 budget. Black advised that a public hearing is scheduled for September 19, to address
citizen concerns regarding 1995 budget issues. Commissioner Armstrong expressed a concern that citizens
of Englewood and program participants will not be aware that program cuts are being considered until after
the process is finalized . It was agreed that, as representatives of the community, the Commission could not
make a recommendation to Council without first gathering citizen input regarding staff's recommendation.
Armstrong suggested that notification literature to citizens should include information regarding the public
forum, program alternatives, and recommended program changes and cuts. Commissioner Armstrong made
a motion, seconded by Commissioner Neyer, to notify City Council that the Commission does not support
staff's recommendation in cutting certain youth sports programs until the Commission can evaluate public
reaction, impact, and other alternatives to the cuts. The motion passed. Commissioner Gerlick requested
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that a letter be written to the editor of the Englewood Herald advising of the public forum , fee increases, and
all information pertaining to program adjustments due to the 1995 budget reductions.
Director Esterly observed that by continuing to offer these programs, the budget reduction goal will
not be satisfied, and, therefore, staff would be obligated to make budget reductions elsewhere. Brief
discussion ensued .
Director Black reported on the outcome of the Summer of Safety Program . Black stated that
approximately 2 ,4 00 youth took part in the program . Black projected that program expenditures will be less
than support funds received from Arapahoe County, Barry Fey Concerts and MCA Records . He stated that
the excess funds will be used for the 1995 program. Englewood was commended by Sheriff Sullivan for
efforts in establishing a successful program.
At Commissioner Gerlick's inquiry, Director Esterly advised that the bike path and box culvert
under Santa Fe at Dartmouth are currently under construction. In addition, details are being worked out
with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), through Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act (!STEA) funds , to hire a consultant to design a bike path that will follow a path through
Cushing Park and connect with Cinderella City.
Commissioner Gerlick reminded the Commission of its obligation, according to Goal and Objective
No. 5(h), to review Commission 's progress of accomplishing goals set for 1994.
Commissioner Gerlick advised that he was unable to attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting for
the Art in the Parks Committee but expects he will have information to convey at the October Commission
meeting .
Commissioner Gerlick noted that the Theater! Englewood! group is producing a play in October
which will be performed at the Malley Senior Recreation Center. Gerlick extended his appreciation to staff
for their encouragement and cooperation .
Commissioner Armstrong advised that a non-Englewood-resident contacted her to express gratitude
e for Englewood 's insight in providing the skateboarding facility at Cushing Park.
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Commissioner Armstrong commended South Suburban's efforts in providing a quality therapeutic
recreation program and appreciation that her daughter is included on their mailing list, even though they are
not residents of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District.
Youth Commissioner Dreiling invited the Commission to participate in a fund raising walk-a-thon,
sponsored by Planned Parenthood, at Englewood High School on September 24, to support the teen
pregnancy program at the High School.
Director Black reminded the Commission of its annual meeting with City Council, scheduled for
October 17.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p .m.
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