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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-11 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of April 11, 1996 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:32pm by Chairman Gomes at the Englewood Public Library, Perrin Room . Members present: Also present: Gomes , Neyer, Christie, Gerlick , Waggoner, Markwood , Armstrong, McKay, Samuelson and Black, ex officio LuAnne Mickelson , Manager of General Operations Chris Korba, Parks Administrator Chairman Gomes asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of March 14 , 1996 meeting . There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented . The motfon passed unanimously . Commissioner Neyer stated he was contacted by a group planning to attend the Parks and Recreation meeting that evening. Neyer asked if the group could speak under unscheduled visitors later that evening when they arrived . Chairman Gomes consented. Commissioner Gerlick arrived at 5 :40pm. Chairman Gomes introduced LuAnne Mickelson, Manager, Parks and Recreation . LuAnne distributed information pertaining to feasibility studies . The Department of Parks and Recreation is having feasibility studies done in order to determine which items to move forward with, and which ones are not feasible due to financial implications. Through the Conservation Trust Fund, $70,000 was budgeted for 1996 and $30,000 was budgeted through the Malley Center Trust Fund. Mickelson stated the Department does not intend to do each item listed. The feasibility study will help determine what the feasibility is for each facility. Commissioner Markwood arrived at 5:50pm. Malley Senior Recreation Expansion : The expansion has been in the planning for a number of years since the purchase of land from St. Louis . Mickelson felt it was time to determine what is the feasibility. It is known that the era of Senior Recreation Center is rapidly changing and now dealing with an age range of 50 years. Sinclair Pool Replacement: The Parks and Recreation Department is experiencing increasing problems with Sinclair Pool. Problems include cracking and chalking walls . Mickelson stated there are concerns if the Sinclair Pool problems are not looked at now, the department will be confronted in the future with high repair costs. Water Theme Park: This facility would possibly be tied in with the Sinclair Pool replacement. Plans include something for the community and small children. The facility would produce some revenue to help support an outdoor facility. A year-round facility is also being considered, in which the water park would be covered with an ice skating rink during winter months , to allow the facility to be utilized longer than 2-3 months per year. Again, Mickelson stated, plans depend on the feasibil ity study . Englewood Recreation Center Expansion: Mickelson reported there are areas in the Englewood Recreation Center that need to be expanded, but usage has changed since the center was designed and built. Interest in racquetball has declined, which opens the possibility of expansion to the north . Inline Skating and Skateboard Complex : Mickelson stated the Five Year Capital Plan is based in reference to a permanent facility at Centennial Park for the Parks division. Inline skating is the upcoming trend and it was deemed appropriate to include it in the plans since the needs , users and staff are similar to skateboarding. Belleview Children 's Farm: This new facility would replace and relocate the existing facility. The current building will need a new roof within the next few years. Also , the building does not have running water inside, a telephone in the office area, or adequate insulation which limits the type of animals that can be housed in the building. A year-round facility is also being considered , similar to a nature center. Softball Field Complex : The Parks and Recreation is looking into a complex to help reduce maintenance costs by having fields in one location rather than throughout the city. Mickelson added it would take Belleview Field out of the neighborhood . Mickelson expects the study to determine a number of things including demand for services, level of quality expected and what is currently available in the metro area. Demographics will determine current and future needs. The clientele in Englewood has changed . Age population is becoming younger. The study will look into site capabilities and existing structures and whether the facilities are currently being fully utilized . Commissioner Waggoner asked why the Community Arts Center was not included in the study . Mickelson responded it was identified when the study was initiated. Waggoner asked if it should be added to the study. Director Black stated that it was feasible to add . However, additional funds would need to be added to include a cultural facility in the existing scope. Also, Black felt that the scope of services required for a Cultural Arts Facility would require a separate study. Black thought that Neighborhood and Business Development was researching this issue . Mickelson added the cultural facility that is being considered through the department would be a smaller facility. Commissioner Neyer asked how often a feasibility study is done. Mickelson replied this was the first study done, to the best of her knowledge . Neyer questioned if a study should be done every 5-6 years depending on cost. It was reported that the cost of a study is $100,00q.oo. Black felt 10 years would be more appropriate since the facilities in the existing study would probably not be completed within 5 years . Discussion ensued. Neyer questioned the process of a feasibility study. Mickelson explained a Reque st for Proposal is issued. A selection committee will then choose from the submitted proposals . The deadline for Request for Proposals is April 25, 1996 . All processes should be completed by September, 1996. In reference to soccer fields, Black stated that the department is aware of the need for soccer fields. The study is based on facilities, but fields will be considered when looking at open space. Waggoner asked how this study ties in with Englewood Focusing on Tomorrow and the study of the Comprehensive Plan. Black was not aware of the comprehensive plan . Mickelson had attended an EFOT meeting several months ago . Black stated it should be included in the comprehensive plan, but originating from the Department of Parks and Recreation and then tying in with them as a part of the long- term plan. Chairman Gomes introduced Chris Korba, Parks Administrator. Korba introduced the Community Forestry Program which is similar to the past program in 1995. The program would pay 25% up to $100.0o per address for the removal, trimming or replacement (upon the removal of a tree) costs . The replacement tree would need to cost a minimum of $50.00. Packets would be available at city facilities . Applicants would need to fill out an application provided in the packet. All work needs to be done by a licensed arborist. Korba added the $100.00 maximum allowance would allow a larger number of citizens to participate in the program. Commissioner Neyer questioned why it was the City's responsibility to keep trees trimmed when in fact it was the property owner's responsibility . Neyer felt that the funds would be better spent if it would help with the planting of new trees . Black reported when the 1996 program was created, the entire urban forest was looked at including trimming and upkeep. It was felt trees would last longer with proper trimming . Usage would be tracked during the 1996 program to determine where the funds were spent. The program is allowing property owners the opportunity to trim and replace trees damaged by the September, 1995 storm, and possibly save some trees . In reference to the list of arborists provided in the packet, Commissioner Waggoner asked if the City could take bids and provide a list of the more reasonable arborists. The question arose during a past program and the City Attorney advised it was not possible. It would be looked into again. Commissioner Armstrong arrived at 6: 15pm. Armstrong informed Commission that she contacted the remainder of City Council in reference to 1996 Goals and Objectives . Council Member Vormittag requested an update on the Belleview airplane. Armstrong left at 6:30pm. Director Black stated the department is looking at options for the airplane at Belleview Park. During the Commission meeting at Belleview Park (see attached memo), Black would have the Commission discuss these options . Commissioner Markwood reported soccer season was in full swing . Markwood met with Black and Korba in regards to requests for field usage from the Youth Football League. Englewood Soccer requested the option of putting in a field at the Alternative High School. Englewood Soccer could finish their games by 2:00pm, allowing the Youth Football League use in the afternoon. In regards to the Summer Camp , the organization is locked into the dates and unable to change to an earlier date . Englewood Soccer has volunteered to organize a program to help the City regenerate fields at the end of each season by paying or supplying services . Youth Commissioner Samuelson announced the Spring Fest will be Saturday at Cushing Park. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Flood Middle School. Youth Commissioner McKay congratulated Shawn Samuelson on being elected Student Body President. Commissioner Gerlick expressed concern from a neighbor that soccer players at Jason Park were kicking balls into the yards. Markwood would follow up. In reference to ordinance 5, Ordinance creating a Cultural Arts Commission, Commissioner Neyer asked about the option of having a revision made. Articles E .M.C. 2-9-2 and 2-9-3 states the Commission shall be composed of seven (7) members who shall be appointed ..... be drawn from active participants in various aspects of the;: arts community. Neyer felt the definition was too selective in stating the members would be pulled from the Cultural Arts Community. The Cultural Arts Community (E.M.C . 2-9-2) rs defined as persons who create art or who have served on arts organization boards, either advising or governing, or who are involved in arts education or arts administration and shall include representatives or businesses or other organizations with an interest in promoting the arts . Neyer felt the definition is too selective and precluded other individuals. Black understood the Commission was open to any interested individual and would follow up with the City Attorney. Commissioner Waggoner informed Commission on the City Council meeting, concerning Cinderella City . Two resolutions passed -Light Rail Station and to pursue the development of retail and entertainment space up to 400,000 square feet. Waggoner felt the process was to move ahead with agreements with Equitable, Mechantile, and Joslins and to move forward in choosing a developer. There has been no development agreement at this time. Miller Kitchell was selected by the City to assist in creating a developing agreement, and as the developer most likely to want to develop Cinderella City. The development agreement has been through several iterations, and is near completion with the exception of a few items pending. Commissioner Gomes asked who was responsible for the cost of removing the asbestos . Waggoner remarked it was a combination of the owner, the City and the developer of Cinderella City. Mickelson informed Commission that Summer Playground and Adventure Camp registration will begin on Saturday, April13, 1996 at the Malley Senior Center. Based on requests from parents, registration will begin a month early . Meeting was adjourned at 6:48pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary