HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-13 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 13, 1994
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Chairman Neyer at the Englewood Servicenter Training Room.
Members present: Armstrong, Christie, Gerlick, Gomes, Markwood,
Neyer, Waggoner, Black, ex officio
Members absent: None
Also present: Charles Esterly, Director of Public Works
Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of
December 9, 1993. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be
approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
There was brief discussion regarding the expiration on February 1, 1 ~94 of the terms of
Commissioners Neyer, Gomes and Gerlick. Interviews to fill the vacancies will be held on January
24, 1 994. It was noted that the Commission will elect a chairman and vice-chairman at the March
Commission meeting.
Commissioner Gerlick lead discussion regarding the Commission's Goals and Objectives for
1 994. The following discussion took place with amendments as noted. The Commission agreed
that continued rotation of meeting locations is important so that Members have the opportunity to
view and experience facilities f irst hand (2c).
The Commission felt that representation on the Fireworks Committee is worthwhile (3).
Director Black advised that South Suburban Parks and Recreation District acknowledged that the
grounds on the northeast corner of Belleview and Windermere will be available again this year for
the 4th of July fireworks display. City funds were not budgeted for this activity in 1994,
however, Director Black stated that Acting City Manager Hayes indicates funds for the project may
be approved by City Council so long as adequate sponsorship funds are also available. Fund
raising possibilities and increased parking fees were suggested to help offset costs for the display.
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Director Black stated he will inquire at next week's Department Head Staff Meeting regarding
proceeding with plans for the 1994 fireworks display.
With regard to development of Oxford Park {5b), Di rector Esterly indicated he will
investigate grant possibilities to fund construction of restroom facilities and landscaping at the
park, and will follow up with Urban Drainage concerning a boat ramp at this location.
Present and future soccer facil ity needs {5c) were discussed. Commissioner Markwood
requested being assigned to this project. There was considerable discussion addressing youth
sports and recreation programs, overall programming , funding and budget for programs ,
participation, and possibilit i es for privat izing some programs.
The Commission will continue their efforts to recruit Youth Commission Members (6) to
serve on the Commission. Director Black stated he will verify that a resolution has been prepared
as stipulated in a motion by the Commission at the June 10, 1993 meeting requesting that "Youth
Members be honorary voting members and that the quorum consist of four of the seven regular
members."
As an add itional goal, Director Black inquired if the Commission woul d be interested in
creating a fund raising program to provide financial support for an already existing Recreati on
Services Department policy allowing children , who are financially unable , to participate. Suggested
fund raising activities included selling 3-D glasses and holding a twilight golf tournament in
conjunction with the 4th of July celebration. Commissioner Christie discussed a fund raising
activity she attended involving the D.A.R.E Program officer using the high speed detector gun to
measure the soccer ball speed when kicked by the participant. A fee was paid by participants for
three kicks; donated prizes were awarded. Commissioner Armstrong recommended creating a goal
wherein the Commission would commit to sponsoring a fund ra ising activity in conjunction with
the 4th of July celebration to support the youth recreation program scholarship fund.
Commissioner Armstrong requested that a goal be included stipulating that Commission
members will attend a Board/Commission meeting of another Parks and Recreation district in
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e 1994. Armstrong stated she will provide members with a list of meeting locations and dates for
other districts.
Commissioner Gerlick will provide a draft of the 1994 list of Goals and Objectives for
Commission's approval at the February Commission meeting.
Director Black reported that a committee of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Board
has invited the City to take part in the naming process for the Regional Park. Acting City Manager
Hayes requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission represent the City at the meeting,
which will take place on Monday, January 17, at 4:45 p.m. at the Regional Park. Chairman Neyer
offered to represent the City.
Director Black distributed fliers promoting a new Recreation program, Genesis 1 "Kids
Power".
Director Black advised that the Englewood Safety Services Department has organized a
committee consisting of staff members from the School District, the Cities of Littleton and
e Sheridan, Safety Services, Recreation Services, and area churches to prepare for, and perhaps
counteract, possible future gang activity in the area.
With regard to future ownership of Riverside Miniature Golf and Go Cart, Director Black
advised that co-proprietor Scott Simpson hopes to acquire total ownership of the facility.
Director Black reported that he will be attending a meeting of Parks and Recreation directors
from Colorado to discuss the Great Outdoors Colorado yet-to-be-finalized grant process. Black
stated that once the process is finalized, possibilities for those grant funds might include
improvements to the vacant property at Kenyon and Galapago, and to Oxford Park. Black stated
he will extend an invitation to William Shafroth, Director of GO Colorado, to attend a Commission
meeting to discuss the grant program.
Director Black updated the Commission on the progress of the Golf Course expansion
project, advising that purchase of the Motor Crane property is now final and the City will take
possession on April 10, 1994. Purchase of the Family Camping property is close to finalization.
Bonds to fund the project should be sold on January 19, 1994. Black explained that since this
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property is on a landfill, EPA testing was conducted to define the required depth of fill. Staff is e
working with the Wastewater Treatment Plant to use the alum sludge, mixed with dirt, as a source
of fill material. Black also advised that fill dirt from several vendors is being stockpiled at the Golf
Course until construction begins.
Commissioner Armstrong inquired about the possibility of individuals buying bonds for the
Golf Course expansion project and land purchase. Director Black stated he will provide anyone
interested with information to proceed with that process.
Director Black advised that six bids for course construction and five bids for clubhouse
construction were received in response to Request for Proposals notices.
With rega rd to construction of the Big Dry Creek trail through Belleview Park, Director
Esterly reported that the draft report submitted by Bob Seams of Urban Edges will show the trail
on the east and west sides of Belleview Park, but until the actual design is determined and cost
figures calculated, there is no indication of which recommendation will be more cost effective.
Director Esterly reported that he was approached by an organization interested in securing a e
permanent location for their volleyball league, beginning in 1995. Esterly recommended Cushing
Park and an area at Centennial Park. He stated the organization has indicated they would be
willing to take part in development and maintenance of the designated area.
Commissioner Gomes expressed his appreciation that the tennis courts in Englewood parks
will no longer be lighted at night. Director Esterly noted that Englewood Schools will provide funds
to continue lighting the courts at Englewood High School.
Commissioner Gomes inquired about the parcels of land at Girard and Sherman recently
acquired by the City. Brief discussion ensued.
At Commissioner Christie's inquiry, there was brief discussed regarding the possibility of
funding being provided by outside entities to put the Bookmobile back in service.
At Commissioner Christie's inquiry, there was brief discussion regarding the feasibility of
installing pool covers at Englewood High School, similar to those at the Recreation Center, and
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e what heating and air-conditioning alterations might be required to maintain the covers'
effectiveness.
Commissioner Gerlick reported, at Commissioner Gomes inquiry, that an organization is
considering purchasing the Gothic Theater with plans to renovate the facility for family oriented
entertainment and musical groups. Parking limitations in that vicinity were discussed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
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