HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-09 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of March 9, 1995
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order at 5:32 p.m . by Chairman Gomes at the Englewood City Hall, Conference Room A.
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Armstrong, Christie, Dreiling, Gerlick, Gomes, Markwood, Neyer,
Waggoner, Black, ex officio
None
Chuck Esterly, Director of Public Works
Doug Clark, City Manager
Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of February 9,
1995. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The
motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Doug Clark joined the meeting and was introduced to Commission members.
Commissioner Gerlick entered the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Director Black reported that a new pool toy, approved in the 1995 budget, has been added to the
Englewood Recreation Center swimming pool. Pool attendance has increased significantly with the
installation of this 2 ton frog. Black stated that three I 0-foot floating alligators have also been purchased
and will be transported between the Recreation Center pool and the Sinclair pool during the summer
months . Black noted that a contest will be offered to the public to name the frog, similar to the contest held
last year to name the dog!
Director Black invited the Commission to stop in to see the progress of construction of the Golf
Course expansion project during an open house scheduled for March 17, 1995, from 12 :00 noon to 1 :30 p.m.
Black also extended an invitation to interested Commission members to take part in a round of golf
beginning at I :30 p.m., following the open house.
Director Black followed up on an inquiry made by Commissioner Christie at the February
Commission meeting regarding installation of an Internet program at the Malley Center. Black advised that
a new member will be added to the Malley Center staff in the near future, and this position will assist in the
review oflnternet possibilities. Black will keep the Commission posted.
Director Esterly referred to a handout listing a number of grant applications submitted by City staff
to various agencies for park improvements. Esterly stated that, should the grants be awarded, the required
matching funds are available in the Conservation Trust Fund.
With regard to the mural painting program proposed by the Englewood High School Art Club,
Director Esterly distributed copies of a draft agreement for Commission's approval. It was suggested that
approval of mural content be more clearly stipulated in the agreement. The agreement will then be
submitted to City Council for consideration.
Director Esterly discussed a proposal, made to the Englewood Historical Society by Swedish
Hospital, to sponsor reconstruction of a pagoda previously situated on Hospital grounds. The pagoda was
removed from that location during the Swedish Hospital expansion project; and all original construction
materials were stored. Swedish Hospital has made a proposal to the Historical Society to reconstruct the
pagoda at no cost to the City, and at a location in Englewood chosen by the Historical Society. Possible
locations were discussed, and the general consensus of the Commission was that the pagoda would be best
utilized as a rest stop structure in conjunction with one of Englewood's bike paths. Esterly will contact the
Historical Society and relay the locations suggested by Commission.
Commissioner Gerlick distributed copies of the draft 1995 Commission Goals and Objectives . Each
item was reviewed, and members were assigned to each item to oversee its completion.
With regard to item no. 3, Hold a fourth of July celebration ... , City Manager Clark stated that
Business and Community Outreach Coordinator Dana Glazier will be working with the Fireworks
Committee; however, it is the City's intent that the program be turned over to the private sector for
coordination and funding.
Gerlick noted the addition of item no. 9 to the Goals and Objectives which concerns establishing a
program for art in the parks and cultural arts facility within the City. The art in the parks program would
entail consulting with local artists and determining appropriate art, locations, vandalism protection, etc.
Gerlick stated that several Englewood organizations feel there is a push for development of a cultural arts
facility in Englewood. He stated that development of a cultural arts division has become common in several
communities in the metro area.
Commissioner Neyer discussed comments relayed to him regarding the Youth Basketball Program.
He stated that program participants are in favor of expanding the league to include other jurisdictions rather
than Sinclair and Flood Middle Schools playing their own teams exclusively. Neyer added, however, that
comments regarding the program were generally favorable.
Commissioner Armstrong reiterated that she will contact Recreation Services Manager LuAnne
Mickelson regarding scheduling a meeting to discuss holding recreation programs at Englewood elementary
school facilities.
In keeping with Commission Goal and Objective no. 7, Commissioner Armstrong distributed copies
of a list of board and commission meetings of various metro area parks and recreation districts, and briefly
discussed pertinent information regarding each district.
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Commissioner Christie noted a Denver Post article regarding a variation in the After School
Program concept. Christie stated she will provide copies of the article at the April Commission meeting.
Commissioner Markwood announced that the Englewood Soccer Association Spring Season will
begin on March 11 .
Commissioner Gerlick advised of the opening of Theater Englewood's production of three one-act
plays on March 17, 1995 at the Malley Center.
Commissioner Gomes informed the Commission that construction of the cabinet for display of the
Hummel collection, donated by Elsie Malley to the Malley Center, is now complete. The ceremony for
unveiling the cabinet is scheduled for March 13, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. at the Malley Center. Commission
members are invited to attend .
Youth Commissioner Dreiling advised of a peer counseling program called Stop and Think that is
being offered to students at Englewood High School to steer students in the direction of constructive
behavior and problem solving techniques. There was brief discussion regarding security guards stationed at
the High School to which Commissioner Christie requested Dreiling to notify appropriate personnel when
inactive security officers are observed.
There was brief discussion regarding use of the Recreation Center for the After Prom Party. It was
reported that the After Prom Party Committee is considering holding the party at the High School.
Commissioner Neyer inquired about progress of Cinderella City development. City Manager Clark
advised that negotiations are under way for acquisition of Cinderella City from the current owner, Equitable
Life Insurance Company. Clark state that some issues yet to be resolved prior to acquisition from Equitable
include determining whether or not environmental contaminants exist on the site; finalizing negotiations
specifying that Equitable will demolish and grate the site; finalizing negotiations with the remaining
businesses at Cinderella City for termination of their leases.
At Commissioner Armstrong's inquiry regarding Commission's possible involvement in long term
goals or issues facing the City, City Manager Clark advised that he has been discussing with Director Black
looking into "latch key" programs for youth whose parents both work outside the home. Clark stated that
citizens tend to seek before and after school opportunities from the local governments. Englewood's Before
and After School Program has received favorable public response , creating concern for facility space. Clark
reiterated the importance of cooperation from the School District for space utilization for community
programs . Clark expressed concern for the possible effects of Amendment 1 on parks and recreation
programs , as well as other City programs.
City Manager Clark, at Chairman Gomes inquiry, reviewed progress of the sale of Trolley Square to
King Soopers . Clark stated that King Soopers currently has an option to buy the property, subject to
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finalizing details with the current owner and the FDIC . Upon completing the purchase, King Soopers
intends to demolish the current structure along Broadway, with the exception of Kaufman 's Tall Men Shop ,
to increase their parking potential and access from Broadway . Expansion possibilities for the King Soopers
facility itself will be determined by future growth in business . Discussion ensued with regard to occupancy
of the Cinderella City site; and accommodation of a light rail facility in conjunction with redevelopment of
Cinderella City.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p .m .
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