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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-11 PRC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of April 11, 2002 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 Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse, 2101 W. Oxford A venue. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson (left at 6:40pm) Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Kathy Christie, Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Kendra Grazulis, Youth Commission Member Tara Holmes , Youth Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Shannon Rhoades, Golf Operations Coordinator Wayne Niles, Golf Course Leadworker Lauri Dannemiller, Planning Analyst, Community Development (left at 7:04pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of March 14, 2002. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. III. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS v. There were no unscheduled visitors. SOUTH PLATTE RIVER PLAN STATUS UPDATE Lauri Dannemiller, Planning Analyst for Community Development, began discussion on the South Platte River Plan . An update was distributed to commission members. Ms. Dannemiller reviewed the update, explaining that the steering committee has been meeting for the last six months and has completed the first three phases of the work with two final phases remaining. Ms Dannemiller stated that the boundary for the Plan consists of a quarter-mile radius of the South Platte River. Discussion followed regarding the four goals of the Plan and the three options being considered for the improvement to the corridor by means of parks and open space and various levels ofredevelopment. Ms . Dannemiller also reviewed the utilization of trails and connections in the Plan. Questions and comments followed. Commission Member Armstrong told the Commission that she and Dave Lee both serve on the Steering Committee and are available for any comments that they may have or if they feel that the open space aspect in the • Plan is not strong enough. VI. RIVERSIDE MINIATURE GOLF In regard to last month's discussion of Mr. Simpson selling Riverside Miniature Golf/Go Kart, Director Black told the Commission that staff would meet with City Council Monday night in Executive Session in regard to Riverside Miniature Golf/Go Kart and options available to the City. Discussion was turned over to Bob Spada, Golf Manager. Spada told the Commission that Mr. Simpson has put the business up for sale and has an interested buyer, contingent upon the City agreeing on a lower term contract. Spada discussed options available to the City including the aforementioned where the business continues to run, the City purchasing the business and redeveloping into other uses in conjunction with the Platte River Open Space Plan, or the City purchasing the business, expand the restaurant to include a banquet facility and increase parking. Commission Member Waldman asked ifthe interested buyer has proposed any changes or enhancements to the business. Spada replied that it is his understanding the buyer would clean- up the business and make it what it is now with no proposals in regard to changes to the business. Black told the Commission that the interested buyer is asking for changes to the contract in regard to percentage paid back to the City for revenue. Black explained that the City currently receives 15% ofrevenue from Riverside and that the interested buyer is asking for a lower percentage, where the estimated net to the City would be $4,000-$8,000 per year for the next eight years . Black also explained that the current contract expires in 201 O; which would be changed to a five-year contract with possible two additional five-year extensions. Discussion ensued . Staff was asked if they considered taking over the business as operating as a City-owned • business. Black responded that it had been discussed with staff and did not feel that it would be in the best interest of the City. Black explained to commission members that the Mr. Simpson owns the business and the City owns the land and entrance. Black went on to explain that as previously discussed, staff is looking for a storage facility for department supplies and feel that with $20,000 to fix up the building and add heat, the building on the property would suffice until something permanent is built. After considerable discussion, A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by Commission Member Christie to recommend as a Board that the City of Englewood not renegotiate the contract to lower terms, and instead, take responsibility of the land and operation and redevelop in the best interest of the City of Englewood. The motion passed unanimously. VII. LEADERS CHALLENGE PROGRAM Discussion was turned over to City Council Member Garrett who spoke in regard to a letter in the packet for the Leaders Challenge Program, a company providing leadership training to high school students. The letter was from five Englewood High School students that, for their final challenge, want to lead a community service project. Garrett stated that the five students, along with elementary, middle and high school students, are asking for a beautification project. Dave Lee explained that this type of request is not unusual and that in the past, the parks department • has worked with scout and church groups for projects that have included beautification, painting, graffiti removal, tree planting and flower gardening. In regards to the group, Lee stated that he would come up with an idea and meet with the group and their staff to discuss the project further. • • • VIII. OFF LEASH PARK PILOT PROGRAM UPDATE IX. x. XI. Dave Lee told commission members that included in the packet was some literature from the Jason Park Social Club, a group of dog owners that are quite concerned and conscientious for the park. Lee spoke in regard to a Sunday park clean up the group held. City Council Member Garrett noted that at a City Council meeting, the group seemed quite excited and willing to take responsibility for Jason Park and helping to educate the public. In regards to the off-leash program, Lee reported that he has received four calls, two in favor and two against. Lee added that Code Enforcement continues to give warnings. MALLEY CENTER AND RECREATION CENTER BOND PROJECT UPDATE In regards to the Recreation bond projects, Hultberg told commission members that there would be a presentation next month. Discussion followed regarding architect for the facilities. In regard to the aquatic facility, Hultberg stated that bids are going out next week. Plans are for the facility to be open for the 2004 season. City Council Member Garrett commented in regard to rumors that there are cutbacks to the project due to over-budgeting of the plans presented to voters . Hultberg responded that the project is on budget and changes are insignificant, the biggest change being in the reconfiguration of a classroom at Malley in regard to the way it faces. CENTENNIAL PARK UPDATE Hultberg announced the Rockies Field is open and being played on with great feedback. Commission members were told that the trails were being heavily used. As previously discussed, Hultberg stated that plans are to budget for lights and have them up next year . Director Black added that the Colorado Rockies would be using the Brent Mayne Field as a showcase field for major league baseball teams interested in similar projects . CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Moore gave an update . Moore informed the Commission that Lauri Dannemiller, along with artist Lawrence Argents, was present at the April meeting to present the artwork for the BroadwayNale entry port monument. Moore described the artwork. Moore told commission members that the Commission is working with Community Development in regard to the addition of a cultural art component in the Comprehensive Plan . XII. CITY CENTER UPDATE The April 11th Project Update was distributed to commission members. City Council Member Garrett spoke in regard to the light rail on the Colorado Rockies opening game and parking. In regard to the stores being built at City Center along Hampden, Commission Member Waldman commented on the lack of landscape along Hampden and the buildings being built so close to the street. Garrett stated that he would check on requirements for landscaping. In regard to the buildings being built so close to Hampden, Garrett explained that the concept is to bring people inside of the development. XIII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black informed the Commission that Mike Flaherty, Assistant City Manager, is heading the Centennial Celebration Committee and is looking for volunteers to assist in this exciting event. Black noted that Bob Spada and Amy Doe-Torres will be serving on the committee and will be bringing updates back to the Commission. Commission members were also told that City Council is forming a seven-member committee to • plan and organize the 2002 Englewood Holiday Parade, headed by City Council Member Wolosyn. Black told commission members that it is the hope of the City to have a volunteer from each Board or Commission assist with the parade and were asked to contact him if interested. XIV. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Commission Member Armstrong thanked Parks and Recreation staff for their support for the Englewood High School Silent Band Auction . Armstrong noted that the event was very successful. Commission Member and Englewood School District Liaison Christie stated that wrong information has been put out in regards to budget cuts . Christie noted that some significant cuts were made . Commission members were told to feel free to contact her if any questions or comments come up regarding the cuts. Youth Commission Member Holmes commented in regard to her positive visit to the Englewood Recreation Center. Chairperson Gomes asked in regard to a replacement for when she graduates. Holmes replied that she is working on finding one. Commission Member Armstrong suggested placing youth member applications in the high school counselor's office . Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space, informed the Commission of upcoming Arbor Day Celebration events sponsored by the Department in conjunction with Keep Englewood Beautiful. • Events include the annual tree give-away on Saturday, April 20 1h at Cushing Park and tree plantings at three Englewood elementary schools. Lee reported that he was contacted late today in regard to a memorial tree at Jason Park. Lee reminded the Commission of the memorial tree policy where memorial trees can be planted in a park but that plaques would no longer be allowed. Lee noted that a plaque is available at City Center for those wanting identification to the memorial tree . Lee explained that today 's request was different because the individual is requesting a tree and plaque at Jason Park to be placed to a relative 's tree and plaque that was put in a number of years ago . Commission members were asked for their feelings in regard to over-riding the policy and allowing the plaque to be placed in the park. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by Commission Member Waldman to make an exception to the Memorial Tree Policy and allow the plaque to be placed alongside the memorial tree at Jason Park next to the relatives tree and plaque. The motion passed unanimously. "Tum off TV -Tum on Life!" flyers were distributed to the Commission . XV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. l{JJJL M.JL L 0 J,w..~ Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary •