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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-10 PRC MINUTES• • I. City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of April 10, 2003 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5 :32pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse, 2101 W. Oxford A venue. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member (left at 6:45pm) Kathy Christie, Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Kendra Grazulis, Youth Commission Member (left at 5:50pm) Christopher Jones, Youth Commission Member Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager (arrived at 5:41pm) Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Michael Pickens, Golf Operations Coordinator Michael Flaherty, Assistant City Manager (arrived at 5:37pm/left at 6: 18pm) Il. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of March 13, 2003. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. Ill. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS There were no unscheduled visitors. V. CITY FINANCIAL UPDATE VI. The City Financial Update would be deferred until later in the meeting when Assistant City Manager, Michael Flaherty, arrives. SINCLAIR POOL Director Black informed the Commission that Sinclair Pool would close upon the opening of the Family Aquatic Center. Black told the Commission that staff has been made aware of some citizens who wish to see Sinclair Pool remain open. Black noted that the individuals have been asking for information in regard to operational costs, expenses, etc. Black stated that it is the City's intent to work with the School District to· do whatever the school wishes for the area. Discussion moved back to City Financial Update. City Council Member Garrett spoke in regard to the City's current financial situation due to declining sales tax revenues. Commission members were told that the City is looking at three means to increase revenues: an occupational • privilege tax, creation of a service tax and an increase in the mill levy. Garrett told the Commission that City Council will be having a budget retreat to discuss the revenue increase options but also wanted to get feedback from City Boards and Commissions. Garrett noted that all three items would need to be ballot issues. Discussion ensued. Black reported that the Department of Parks and Recreation has already made some substantial cuts due to declining budget including elimination of the Community Forestry Program, the Volunteer Flower Garden Program and mowing and weed crews. Upon arrival, Assistant City Manager, Michael Flaherty, reviewed the City's financial situation; explaining that 2002 revenues were below expectations and that current sales tax revenues are $650,000 below revenue levels for this time of year. Mr. Flaherty stated that there is no indication that there will be a major tum-around in the near future. Discussion followed regarding measures the City has taken to reduce the budget including a hiring freeze, delaying the purchase of fleet vehicles, fee increases and the transfer of capital funds to the general fund. Mr. Flaherty continued, explaining that City officials are looking at additional cuts at a minimum of two million for 2004. Mr. Flaherty discussed the need to diversify the City's revenue base and not letting the City's reserve fall below ten percent. Discussion ensued. Commission Member Armstrong iterated the need to educate the public. Armstrong spoke in regard to perception with the improvements being made to Recreation facilities and the building of the aquatic facility. Commission Member and Englewood School District Liaison Christie noted that the financial situation is very similar for the school district. VII. FAMILY AQUATICCENTERNAMINGCONTEST Recreation Manager Hultberg announced that the Department of Parks and Recreation has been named a Gold Medal Finalist for the second year in a row. The award will be presented at the October NRP A Congress in St. Louis, Missouri. Hultberg noted that the City of Grand Junction is also a finalist. In regard to the Family Aquatic Center Naming Contest, Hultberg reported that presentations have been made to all Englewood Schools and the deadline of Friday, April 18th is soon approaching. Hultberg discussed the special committee, comprised of two individuals from City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission and one from the Cultural Arts Commission. Hultberg asked for two volunteers. Commission Members Woodward and Waldman volunteered. VIII. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE x. Cultural Arts Liaison Moore gave an update on the Cultural Arts Commission. Moore spoke in regard to the artwork selected for the round-a-bout; noting that funds from the one percent Public Art Fund will purchase the piece, leaving a remaining balance of approximately $15,000. Moore announced upcoming events. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black turned discussion to Englewood businesses receiving resident rates at parks and recreation facilities. Black explained that in 1991, City Council passed a resolution allowing • • • Englewood business owners and immediate family members the use of Parks and Recreation facilities at resident rates. Black informed the Commission that staff has tracked business application and use and have had some concerns, primarily at the Golf Course. Copies of the resolution were distributed to commission members. Black went on to explain that the Recreation Center sells corporate passes which allows employees of businesses that are not owners or family members to use the Recreation Center at a discount. The Commission was told that staff would be working on the issue in the next couple of months. Recreation Manager Hultberg announced the Big Dry Creek Trail Celebration and Bridge Dedication on Saturday, May 3. Hultberg explained that the bridge connects the Mary Carter Greenway with the Big Dry Creek Trail. Black spoke of the benefits to the citizens and the access that will be available with the new aquatic center. XI. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Commission Member Armstrong congratulated Mayor Bradshaw on receiving the NRP A Regional Award. Director Black commented that it was well-deserved. Commission Member and Englewood School District Liaison Christie complimented the new Big Dry Creek Bridge and Entry Port Monumentation at Broadway and Yale. Commission Member Woodward commented on the good condition of the fields. Woodward spoke to Open Space Manager Lee regarding some problems with signage. City Council Member Garrett announced that Coldstone Creamery and Payless Shoes are now open. Commission Member Waldman asked in regard to the mulch program. Lee stated that parks is mulching but that quantities are low due to the chipper being out of order but that mulch is still available. Commission members were told that the City did not collect limbs due to the recent storm. Discussion moved on to last month's discussion in regard to Bates/Logan Park and the dog park. Lee informed the Commission that he has received two more calls. One call was from a neighbor to the park that was concerned with child safety and the dog park growing "exponentially". Lee explained that the neighbor spoke of the urine smell and large amount of dog feces in the park. Lee stated that the second contact he had was through an e-mail to the City by a person who was concerned over children in strollers at face level with the dogs and the dog feces and urine in the park. Garrett added his comments, stating that he had also spoken to the neighbor to the park and told her that City Council is aware of the issues pertaining to Bates/Logan Park. In regard to last month's visitor, Linda Counterman, Chairperson Gomes told the Commission that a letter was sent to her. A copy of the letter was included in the packet. Gomes informed the Commission that the June Commission meeting is a Public Open Forum meeting and that he had suggested holding it at Bates/Logan Park. Discussion followed regarding the format for the meeting. Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that he received a call from a parent who was concerned with dogs running through the children's soccer practices. Hultberg noted that the parent suggested that parks with athletic fields not have dog parks. City Council Member Garrett noted that Jason Park is the most successful dog park and that it has an athletic field. Lee commented that Bates/Logan continues to be the biggest issue with more dogs at that park than anyone ever anticipated; noting whether being close to Denver was a factor. Black reminded commission members that City Council was told that a review would be done on the dog parks every six months. Black announced that Jason Park Social Club would be hosting a clean-up on Sunday at Jason Park. Discussion followed. Lee reported that in June, Denver would be considering • turning nine of their parks into dog parks. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm. i!JOJ4L a. ~ Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary •