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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-09 PRC MINUTES. ) • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of January 9, 2003 I. CALL TO ORDER 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 the Civic Center building. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Kathy Christie, Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Kendra Grazulis, Youth Commission Member (arrived at 5:36pm) Christopher Jones, Youth Commission Member Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager e ~ II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of November 14, 2002, and December 12, 2002. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. III. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS There were no unscheduled visitors. V. DOG PARKS Director Black spoke to the Commission regarding the dog parks pilot program. Black explained that when City Council put the program in place, it was their recommendation to review it at the end of one year; at which time, a decision would be made in how to proceed. Commission members were told that February would mark the end of the one-year program . Black asked the Commission for their comments and recommendation pertaining to continuation of the program. Discussion ensued . A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Commission Member Woodward recommending that City Council make the Dog Park Pilot Program a permane.nt feature of the Leash Law. Ayes: Nays: The motion carried. Commission Members Gomes, Armstrong, Christie, Waldman, Woodward, Garrett, Grazulis and Jones Commission Member Neyer Vice Chairperson Neyer spoke in regards to his opposition, explaining that he preferred that the program not be made permanent so that it could be evaluated again in one year. Neyer added that he recalls discussions at the NRP A Congress pertaining to dog parks and wear and tear to parks. Black stated that he would suggest that the dog parks continue to be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. ' VI. SHOW WAGON USE AND FEES Discussion moved on to Show Wagon use and fees. Director Black informed the Commission that included in the packet was a memorandum from Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space, in regards to staff's recommendation for usage and fees for the new Show Wagon. Commission members were reminded that upon delivery of the new Show Wagon, it was the Board's recommendation that it not be rented to outside agencies with the exception of those agencies that the Department has maintained a long-term commitment with ; including: Englewood High School, Western Welcome Week and Sheridan Celebrates . Black reported that the decision is mainly based off of budget and that reduction in the 2003 budget has meant reduction in staffing. Black explained that ifthe Show Wagon were to be rented out for evening and weekend rentals, full-time staff would be required to work over-time; which would result in staff burnout and increased personnel costs. The Commission was told that the majority of groups that rent the Show Wagon are non-profit, which results in reduced fees and rental costs not being covered . Commission members were also told that the fees proposed by staff do not include wear and tear. Discussion ensued. A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Moore that the Show Wagon not be rented to outside agencies with the exception of those agencies that the Department has maintained a long-term commitment with (Englewood High School, Western Welcome Week and Sheridan Celebrates). If an agency wishes to rent the Show Wagon, then that agency may submit a request to City Council. The motion was unanimous. VII. RECREATION BOND PROJECT UPDATE Recreation Manager Hultberg gave an update on the recreation bond projects. Hultberg reported that all projects are on schedule with a completion date in June for the Englewood Recreation Center and August for the Malley Senior Recreation Center. Hultberg spoke in regards to closure of the Englewood Recreation Center for sealing the new gym floor. In regards to the Family Aquatic Center, Hultberg announced that staff met today with the ( . • architect and aquatic consultant. The latest conceptual drawing was distributed to commission • members. The Commission was told that plans include a presentation to City Council sometime in February. • • The question was asked in regards to parking at the new aquatic center. Hultberg replied that there would be approximately 300 spaces at the aquatic facility in addition to the existing 80 to 90 for Belleview Park. Hultberg noted that staff is currently working with South Suburban in regards to a signal on Belleview. Director Black informed the Commission that the Malley Center Trust Fund has agreed to contribute $200,000 for items above and beyond what the bond project can cover. VIII. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Discussion moved on to an update of the Cultural Arts Commission . Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Moore discussed a proposal that was brought to the Commission by the Museum of Outdoor Arts for a sculpture in the round-a-bout. Moore discussed the proposal and explained that the information has gone to the Public Art Committee for their recommendation. Moore spoke in regard to the success of the Strings Attached program . IX. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE x. Director Black congratulated Vice Chairperson Neyer on being named one of the fifteen individuals nominated for Englewood's "Citizen of the Century". Black turned discussion to the drought and its impact on fields and golf courses in the metro area. Black discussed local municipalities and districts that have closed fields including Denver and Foothills Parks and Recreation. Black spoke to the Commission in regard to the condition of the fields in Englewood and staff's concerns for the 2003 season. Black told the Commission that it is staff's recommendation that play remains status quo for 2003. A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by Commission Member Waldman that the Department of Parks and Recreation's field usage remains status quo for the 2003 season with no new play so that the City can continue to support community groups. The motion was unanimous. Commission Member Armstrong discussed the drought and involvement by CPRA including the formation of a committee comprised ofrepresentatives from Colorado parks and recreation agencies. Black noted that Dave Lee is serving on the committee . Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager, discussed effects of the drought at the Englewood Golf Course including reduction in watering the course . Spada reported that Denver is considering closing some of their courses on a short-term basis and that Pinehurst has closed their course. Discussion followed regarding opportunity at the Englewood Golf Course for increased revenue along with concern of over-use if near-by courses close. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE City Council Member Garrett spoke in regards to issues before City Council including the plans for a medical facility at the former City Hall site and a proposal to change the speed limit for residential streets from 30 to 25. Discussion followed . XI. Commission Member and Englewood School District Liaison Christie discussed renovation of Washington School. Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Moore and Director Black anriounced that the City of Englewood received the Colorado Business for Arts Council Community Leadership Award. Black explained that David Taylor had nominated the City. Commission Member Waldman asked in regards to revenues being received by the new City Center businesses. Garrett explained that for 2002, revenues were below what was estimated. Black spoke in regard to the formation of a budget committee to look at means of reducing the budget. Black told commission members that the City is currently on a hiring freeze. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:58pm. &/JMJLL U .~ Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary .. • •