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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-08 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of February 8, 1996 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30p.m. by Chairman Gomes at Englewood City Hall, Conference Room A. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Gomes , Armstrong, Gerlick, Neyer, Waggoner, Markwood, McKay, Samuelson, Black, ex officio Neyer Dave Henderson, Public Works Rick Kahm, Public Works Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of January 11 , 1996 . Commissioner Gerlick had a correction on the name of the Theatre! E nglew ood production . The production t itl e should be The Foreigner. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as amended. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Gomes welcomed the new Youth Commission member, Shawn Samuelson . Shawn works for the City of Englewood Parks and Recreation Department as a youth sports coach. Gomes introduced Dave Henderson, Engineering Projects Coordinator from Public Works Department. Dave explained Public Works is coordinating two projects that received 80% federal funding of $500,000 (ISTEA Funds) each. One project is the Cushing Park Bike Path . The bike path will run between Cushing Park and the parking lot, and will tie in with a bike path that currently exists underneath Santa Fe . Construction is due to begin in April by Luna Construction. The second project, The Big Dry Creek Bike Path, Phase I, begins at progress park and currently dead-ends on the south side of Belleview. City of Littleton is administering the project, with City of Englewood as co-sponsor with South Suburban Parks and Recreation District. Phase II construction will begin in winter of 1996 , and will include a path running underneath Belleview through a concrete tunnel and continuing through Belleview Park between the ball diamond and train track, staying with the alignment of the existing asphalt path. The path will then cross the creek and go into the Nature Area where it will eventually cross at Windermere. Plans will require the train track to be relocated a couple of hundred feet south. Dave mentioned four to .five plans were presented and this plan was the only one to meet design standards in maintaining a 5% grade, and to stay within guidelines recommended by the Division of Wildlife . Original plans were to have the bike path connect with the Platte River trail system , but was not feasible due to lack of funds. It was also noted that although the plans are in the final design phase, they are not yet finalized. The Windermere crossing will be temporary until late 1996 , early 1997. At that time the State of Colorado will come in and construct a new bridge allowing the path to run underneath Windermere with no traffic impact. RBI, who recently purchased the Cedar Mountain property, is currently negotiating with City of Littleton on the alignment of the path. Due to shortage of funds, a temporary path has been designed from Santa Fe to the Platte River trail system . The proposed path will run north along the east side of Santa Fe to Union where a pedestrian crossing button will be installed. The path will then connect with the Platte River trail system. Estimated cost for completion from Santa Fe to Platte River is $1.2 million . Funding has been applied for. Commissioner Armstrong asked how a 5% grade was maintained through Belleview Park. Dave explained creative measures were taken in maintaining 5%. Armstrong inquired what was the standard width for bike paths . Dave responded eight feet was standard, but ten feet was preferred. Phase II bike path (through Belleview Park) will be ten feet. Dave noted he would check on the width of the Cushing Park bike path. All paths would be concrete. Commissioner Christie expressed concern on the danger of the bike path along Santa Fe. Dave remarked the desired crossing at Santa Fe costs approximately $80,000, and funds were limited. Phase III purchases the right of way through Don Cameron 's property in 1997. A trailhead facility will also be constructed at the Windermere crossing. In 1998, a trail will be constructed, completing a continuous trail system to the Platte River with the exception of the bridge over the Platte River which will be completed in 1999 . Long term goal is to connect the Platte River Trail System to the Highland Canal Trail System. Discussion ensued . In regards to moving the train track at Belleview Park, Director Black pointed out representatives from EDA W met with Lions Club members, Chuck Esterly and himself to discuss the bike path. Similar questions were asked by the Lions Club representatives. EDA W engineers agreed to work with the track representatives in assuring the right standards and slopes . Commissioner Armstrong reviewed the Commission 's 1995 goals and objectives, discussing those items completed and those on-going for 1996. Regarding Goal No. 5(c), Commissioner Markwood stated the Centennial Park soccer field is scheduled to be developed, after that, as need arises. Director Black interjected that future master plans will look at additional soccer fields. Commission agreed to remove Goal No . Sf due to it being a charter requirement for the commission. Director Black briefed Commission on the Cultural Arts Commission. The Cultural Arts Commission would be comprised of seven members, additional members could be added. Black suggested that once the new commission was established and guidelines were determined, that Goal No. 9 would be included. Commissioner Armstrong stated that she will prepare a draft of the 1996 Goals and Objectives, reflecting tonight's discussion, for Commission's review and approval at the March Commission meeting. Director Black informed Commission he has been working with Council Member Lauri Clapp in arranging a neighborhood meeting to discuss restroom facilities at Duncan Park. Issues arised last Fall when restroom were closed while soccer practices were going on . Many concerns were brought up when Port-o-Lets were brought in. With the help of citizens, Black is hoping the restrooms could remain opened during the day and have a citizen close it at night and reopen it in the morning. Black announced that Swedish Medical Group will be pulling out of Duncan Building the first of the summer. Englewood Public Schools contacted Black to see if there was any interest in the property. Commissioner Christie added that Swedish was leasing the Duncan Building for approximately $26,000/year and has decided to build a new Gerontology Facility. A couple of options are available for the property: 1) To demolish the building and lose the income, or 2) Lease to another tenant which means bringing up to code (cost of approximately $300,000 depending on the occupants needs). The Englewood School Board is very interested in keeping the land for future construction. If the building was demolished and the property was available, Christie questioned if possibly the City would be interested in leasing the land until the Englewood School needed the land. Regarding the new concessionaire at the Englewood Golf Course, Black informed Commission that JOQ was on the agenda with the City of Sheridan for the transfer of the liquor license on Tuesday, February 13. The liquor license would be transferred to the new concessionaire. Woody's Club is scheduled to be out by February 16 with JOQ coming in on February 17. Tri-County Health will be coming in for an inspection during that time. Full service facilities are due to be opened by the February 19 . Commissioner McKay asked what was being done to promote the Safe Summer program . Director Black responded at this time the City is currently not promoting the program because funding is not guaranteed for 1996. It was added the Safe Summer program is an annual event, and funding is not approved until the last minute. Commissioner Markwood reported that Cornerstone Park, located at Regional Park, will have seven (7) soccer fields, consequently allowing little room for parking. Games will be scheduled on all seven fields beginning on March 9, 1996 . A survey was distributed from Commissioner Christie on "why youth do not participate in youth programs". A copy of the survey is attached . Commissioner Christie also questioned on the location of the new In-Line Hockey League being offered through the Parks and Recreation Department. Black said he would check on the information. Chairman Gomes congratulated Commissioner Armstrong and Markwood on their reappointment to the Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary ...