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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-09 PRC MINUTES• I. CALL TO ORDER City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of September 9, 2004 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at the City Council Conference Room at CityCenter Englewood, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Rebecca Laughlin, Youth Commission Member (arrived at 5:35pm) Beverly Bradshaw, City Council Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Karen Miller, Englewood School District Liaison Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Dave Lee, Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Alice Hanna , Englewood Unleashed (left at 6: 15pm) • II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of August 12, 2004. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. III. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There were no visitors present for scheduled public comment. IV. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT There were no visitors present for unscheduled public comment. V. CAPITAL BUDGET Director Black began discussion on the 2005 Capital Budget, telling commission members that a copy of the preliminary budget had been included in their packet. In regard to CTF Capital Projects, Black explained that the Parks and Recreation's list is for 2005 through 2009 and is based on 2004's current needs; however, the list will be adjusted over the coming years based on those year's needs. Concerning the Public Improvement Fund, Black stated that the items in blue are the Department of Parks and Recreation 's recommendations to City Council. These items include irrigation system upgrades, tennis/basketball court renovations, parks landscape improvement and carpet replacement for Englewood Recreation Center Administrative offices . Black turned discussion over to 2005 Open Space Fund recommendations. Commission members were told that the City will receive approximately $1.1 million per year in open space funds of which a portion of the funds can be used for operational costs, averaging about $105,000 per year. Black reported that in 2004, that money was used in saving two park positions that would have been eliminated and that it will be used for the same in 2005 . Discussion followed regarding requests for 2005 Open Space funds. Black explained that the off-leash dog park is estimated to cost $100,000, which $50,000 from open space funds will be requested with the remaining balance coming from users and fees. Other requests for open space funds include $100,000 for ballfield lighting at Belleview and Spencer and $100,000 for the Sinclair School in-line hockey court. Black explained that the total cost of the hockey rink will be $200,000 but will be done in two phases. Discussion ensued in regard to development of the Sinclair Pool property. Commission members were told that Parks and Recreation is also requesting that $50,000 of open space funding be allocated towards an open space fund that will be built up over time for the purchase ofland when it comes available. Other open space fund requests include Park Shelter Renovation, Cushing Park Skate Park concrete surface and Parks and Open Space Master Plan. Black spoke in regard to the $350,000 that is being requested for the implementation of the South Platte River Open Space Plan. Black stated that Parks and Recreation has been working with Community Development in looking at the park system, current needs and needs twenty to thirty years down the line. Black explained that the $350,000 is to provide a matching fund bank for grant projects . Discussion followed. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked in regard to vehicle-related expenses . Black stated that it is in CERF (Capital Equipment Replacement Fund), which includes money to replace the bus and upgrade a van. A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Neyer and seconded by Commission Member • Waldman to recommend to the City Manager to accept recommendations by the • Department of Parks and Recreation for the 2005 Conservation Trust Fund Capital Projects, Public Improvement Fund and Open Space funding as presented. Vote Results: Ayes: Nayes: Motion Carried. Gomes, Neyer, Armstrong, Waldman, Woodward, Bradshaw, Laughlin none Discussion moved to 2003 Innovations, which showed a savings of approximately $225,000 to the Department by use of volunteers and business involvement in facility and program areas. Black credited staff for the significant cost savings. Black introduced Alice Hanna with Englewood Unleashed, a non-profit organization dedicated to public education for off-leash dog recreation -site selection, park maintenance and fund raising . Ms . Hanna stated that she is the Vice President of the non-profit organization, which was started in July and consists of seven board members. Ms. Hanna told the Commission that the board is currently working on fund-raising, building membership and gathering information on dog parks. Discussion followed. VI. HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELD ISSUE Black informed the Commission that Brent Getchel, Athletic Director for Englewood High • School, had contacted him in regard to a request for a girl's softball field on the high school campus. Black explained that there would be only two possible locations for the field, either on the Harry Wise baseball field or the athletic fields. Black stated that adding a softball field on the • • Wise baseball field would involve extensive time and labor for skinning and resodding. Black went on to explain the concerns in regard to skinning the field including not enough time for the sod to take between seasons and CHASA's comment that it could jeopardize what high school activities are held at the school. In regard to taking the athletic field area, Commission members were told that the City will not allow an athletic field to be taken due to the heavy demand for the fields in addition to them being a revenue source. Black explained that currently the girls use Miller Field and have been offered use at the Brent Mayne Field, which they have declined. Black stated that the City would be sending a letter to Brent Getchel and Acting Superintendent, Larry Nisbet, regarding the request. VII. GOLF COURSE CONCESSIONAIRE Golf Course Manager, Bob Spada, announced that four bids were received for golf course concessionaire of which Caddyshack was selected. Spada and Black discussed Caddyshack's extensive restaurant experience. Expected opening date for the new restaurant would be early October. Neyer asked what prompted going out for bid. Black explained that there were a number of issues with the current vendor in addition to the City feeling it was appropriate to test the market. The question was asked ifthe current vendor applied. Spada replied no. Discussion ensued. VIII. SHERIDAN REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE x. Black gave an update in regard to the City of Sheridan Redevelopment project. Black reported that Miller Weingarten has been selected as developer, who has presented three plans to Sheridan City Council, one taking quite a bit of the golf course, another taking only a portion and a third taking no golf course property at all. Black went on to explain that the plan submitted to the City of Sheridan was the plan that took the majority of the golf course property. Commission members were told that Miller Weingarten has sent a letter to the City requesting a meeting . FUNFEST UPDATE Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager, gave an update on the Funfest/Old Tyme Fair, describing it as a success with positive comments in moving the event to Belleview Park. Hultberg turned discussion over to Commission Member Woodward to speak in regard to the Keep Englewood Beautiful 5K Fun Run that was held prior to Funfest. Woodward reported that the 5K Fun Run was very successful with approximately 100 entries and almost 70 participants. Youth Commission Member Laughlin told the Commission that when she discussed the event with her karate class, they were not familiar with Englewood activities and suggested more promotion for Englewood activities to attract bigger crowds. Black suggested a meeting with Ms. Laughlin. XI. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE The Commission was told that the Cultural Arts Commission has been working with Community Development on the new shuttle "art" in erms of getting artists and selecting artwork that was placed at some of the shuttle stops. Discussion followed . • XII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE There were no items for Director's Choice. XIII. COMMISSION MEMBERS' CHOICE Commission Member Waldman commented in regard to Water World's revenues being down for the 2004 season in addition to South Suburban seeing a decline in participation for their athletic programs. Hultberg noted that participation in athletics is down statewide. In regard to the status of the four existing off-leash dog parks now that a site has been selected for a formal dog park, Council Member Bradshaw reported that City Council discussed the issue and determined the off-leash parks will be left as status quo due to it not being a drought issue. Commission Member Woodward informed the Commission that City Council also discussed the request by Mr. Bill Benton to rename Belleview Park after Englewood resident Mr. Ed Scott. Woodward reported that Mr. Scott, along with other Citizen of the Century nominees, would be recognized on a plaque at City Center which City Council felt would be more appropriate than renaming a park. A letter from Mayor Garrett would be sent to Mr. Benton informing him of City Council's decision. XIV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:19pm. l!hi~wL ()_ · ~~ Deborah A Severa, Recording Secretary • • •