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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-09 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of February 9, 1995 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:31 p .m. by Chairman Gomes at the Miller Building meeting room. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Armstrong, Christie, Gomes, Markwood, Neyer, Waggoner, Black, ex officio Dreiling, Gerlick Chuck Esterly, Director of Public Works Bob Stephenson, Parks Mtc. Tech. II Sarah Van Seiver, Englewood High School Art Club Student Tony Del Rio, Englewood High School Art Club Student Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of January 12, 1995. There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented . The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Markwood entered the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Parks Mtc. Tech. II Stephenson was introduced to the Commission along with Englewood High School Art Club students Sarah Van Seiver and Tony Del Rio. Stephenson explained that Art Club students approached the Parks Division requesting permission to apply their talents at some of Englewood's park facilities in the form of murals as a means of helping to reduce graffiti in Englewood. Stephenson stated that Parks staff proposes, as a test site for the program, the concrete drop structure at the Northwest Greenbelt between Tejon and Zuni Streets, and Vassar and Yale A venues. Van Seiver passed around a Van Gogh replica they are considering painting as their pilot project. Stephenson stated that Denver and Pueblo report graffiti seems to be minimized in areas where artwork is applied . He stated that Art Club students, with the assistance of Parks staff, will monitor their work and touch up areas where graffiti has been applied. Stephenson stated he is investigating a top coat product that claims to protect paintings from vandalism such as graffiti, thus minimizing required maintenance time. It was noted that a program of this type could provide an opportunity to enlist students for community services work, which would apply to a requirement, beginning next year, for graduating seniors. Commissioner Armstrong suggested that the Englewood Herald be notified to publicize the program. Commissioner Armstrong made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Neyer, to request that a letter of understanding be presented to City Council requesting approval for the Englewood High School Art Club to provide a mural painting program at designated sites in Englewood as a means for reducing graffiti. Armstrong specified that location, art work and City time involved be approved prior to initiation of the program. The motion passed. The Commission commended the students for their initiative and creativity. Commissioner Waggoner entered the meeting at 5:43 p.m . Commissioner Neyer reviewed the Commission 's 1994 Goals and Objectives, discussing those items completed and those determined to be ongoing for 1995. Regarding Goal No. SU), the Commission reviewed the success of the Before and After School Program being offered by the Recreation Department at most elementary schools and St. Louis School. Commissioner Christie stated that the School Board full y supports the pro gram and requested that the Board be advised should problems arise . Commissioner Neyer stated that the situation of recruiting youth members (Goal N o . 6) is an ongoing concern . Director Black advised that City Council has proposed holding a meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Board. Black suggested, in that event, Goal No . 7 w ill then be achieved . Commissioner Armstrong stated she will provide a 1995 schedule of meetings pertaining to other parks and recreation districts. Some fund raising po ssibilities (Goal No . 8) were discussed for providing supp ort to children financially unable to participate in recreation programs. Commissioner Neyer stated that Commissioner Gerlick will pre pare a draft of the 1995 Goal s and Objectives, reflecting tonight's discussion , for Commission 's review and approval at the March Commission meeting. With regard to the fi nancial report pertaining to the Larry Scott property, discussed at the January Comm ission meeting, Dire ctor Black clarified that water and sewer charges are paid by the City, and gas and electric charges are, in fact, paid by the renter . To further clarify the financial statement pertaining to the Larry Scott property, B lack offered to provide additional explanation or invite the City 's Chief Accountant to a Commiss ion meeting should the Commission deem necessary. For Commission's information, Black advise d that the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund cannot carry a 501C status for fund raising . Director Black reported that construction on the Golf Course expansion project is progressing, and with the mild weather thi s season, play has been high . The maintenance division is scheduled to activate the sprinkler system , and gre ens flags have been moved through four designated areas to preserve the greens. Temporary greens will be utilized, as well as other measures being taken to preserve the course. Black noted that the Par 3 course is not scheduled to open until early Fall. With regard to construction of bounce walls for soccer practice at Jason and Bates/Logan Parks, Commissioner Markwood advised that he and Parks Administrator Korba have determined the project to be unfeasible because of cost and limited space. Markwood added that in order to utilize the backs of shelters as bounce walls , it would be necessary to eliminate a number of trees. That possibility, too, was eliminated. 2 Markwood reiterated the growing need for soccer facilities, and reviewed future options he discussed with Parks Administrator Korba. There was brief discussion regarding Sinclair Middle School as a potential site for use by the Soccer Association. Chairman Gomes asked Commissioner Christie to follow up and advise Commissioner Markwood on that possibility . Markwood discussed a recent incident wherein the home of Commissioner Gerlick was damaged by stray soccer balls, from Jason Park, belonging to individuals claiming to be members of the Englewood Soccer Association . Markwood stated that the Police Department should be called and a report filed in cases of this type so that the Soccer Association can take appropriate action. Commiss ioner Armstrong advised that she and Parks Administrator Korba have concluded that RBI is not going to provide the master plan for Centennial Park development as they agreed a number of years ago, and she will not pursue RBI's offer any further. Armstrong stated that Korba plans to contract out the master planning process using grant application monies. Commissioner Armstrong stated she has heard that a number of complaints have been made by neighbors of Cushing Park regarding the skateboard facility located at the park. Director Esterly stated he is not aware of any complaints and , in fact , was also so advised by the Police Department. Esterly stated, however, that complaints of graffiti have been handled continuously . Esterly added that the current skateboard structures, which were originally intended as temporary structures, are now in need of replacement and the Commission will need to consider funding a permanent facility in the near future. It was agreed that discussion for facility replacement will be included in discussion of the Public Improvement Fund for 1996 . Commissioner Christie inquired if there has been any consideration given to an Internet program being installed at Malley Center. Director Black advised he has been in contact with the Director of Library Services regarding a remote Library hook up , and it was determined that funding is not available to expand to the Malley Center. Black stated he will check further into the Internet system. Commissioner Waggoner inquired about the status of the Englewood Commercial Industrial Center (ECIC) property on South Santa Fe Drive, which was included in the Paving District in 1992. Director Esterly advised that he has not been directly involved in discussions of the current foreclosure situation with the property owner. Waggoner suggested the ECIC site , along with the Cedar Mountain site, may warrant consideration as possible soccer facility sites should they become available. There was some discussion regarding acquiring mountain property and eastern plains property for recreational opportunities. 3 Commissioner Armstrong suggested that the March Commission meeting would be an appropriate time to invite City Manager Doug Clark to attend the Commission meeting, in light of scheduled discussion and approval of the Commission's 1995 Goals and Objectives. The Commission agreed . Commissioner Waggoner inquired about the schedule for tennis court resurfacing. Director Esterly advised that resurfacing of all courts is based on a 5 year rotating schedule . The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. 4 ...