Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-08-08 PRC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 8, 2002 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:3 lpm by Chairperson Gomes at the Colorado Rockies/Brent Mayne Field, 2501 W. Union A venue . Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Kathy Christie, Commission Member Kendra Grazulis, Youth Commission Member Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Dave Lee, Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager (arrived at 5:50pm) Rodney Lontine, Museum of Outdoor Arts (left at 5:56pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of July 11, 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. LEASH LAW Manager of Open Space, Dave Lee, presented a six-month dog park review. Lee reported that the program started on February 10, 2002, the same month that five parks (Jason, Bates/Logan, Centennial, Duncan and Northwest Greenbelt) were designated as off-leash parks for dogs. In regards to violations, Lee explained that Code Enforcement continued to give warnings for the first three months, after which violators were given notice of violation for a first offense and summonses for repeat offenses. In regard to leash law violations, Lee reported that there continues to be a decline from month to month, partially due to more urgent demands being placed on Code Enforcement officers . Lee also noted that the Department of Parks and Recreation has received 12 contacts regarding the off-leash program; 7 negative and 5 positive . In light of the above statistics, Lee reported that the off-leash dog park pilot program appears to be a resounding success with very few complaints and overall satisfaction from dog owners. • Chairperson Gomes commented on Romans Park and signage. Commission Member Waldman spoke in regard to Duncan Park and comments he has received in support of the off- leash park; in addition to the improvement in the park due to the implementation of the ordinance requiring dog owners to clean up after their pet. VI. CULTURAL SPACE Director Black introduced Rodney Lontine, Executive Director for the Museum of Outdoor Arts. Black briefed the Commission in regard to the cultural space at the CityCenter building, explaining that at this time there is no money within the City budget to complete the cultural space. Black went on to explain that the Museum of Outdoor Arts is proposing to finish the space and in doing so, reversing the contract. Commission members were told that Mr. Lontine was at tonight's meeting to present their plan and to get a recommendation from the Commission in regard to their plan. Discussion was turned over to Mr. Lontine. Mr. Lontine distributed a floor plan for the 4,000 square feet of space, explaining that the space will be dedicated as cultural space for classes and performances. Mr. Lontine reviewed the plans with the Commission. Discussion moved on to the agreement and number of uses for the City. As previously discussed, commission members were told that the contract would be reversed, giving the City ninety uses, noting that anything ab ove the ninety uses would be assessed a fee. Commission Member Armstrong asked in regard to cost to finish the space. Mr. Lontine replied that the cost would be in excess of $400,000. Black commented that the City's cost for completion of the space was in the same range. Commission Member Woodward asked about seating. Mr. Lontine explained that it would be part of the MOA budget. Commission Member Waldman asked in regards to terms of the agreement. Mr. Lontine responded that it would be a twenty-year contract with some options . Black informed the Commission that Mr. Lontine spoke to the Cultural Arts Commission last week and will be making a presentation to City Council the beginning of September. If approved, the City will sit down with MOA to discuss the contract. Mr. Lontine also commented that MOA would be providing the maintenance. Armstrong asked if more uses would be made available to the City if they provided the maintenance. Mr. Lontine replied that it has not been decided yet. Armstrong asked in regard to the Community Room. Black replied that the Community Room is heavily used. Armstrong asked Black if the space would meet the City's needs. Black explained that the space would be set-up as cultural space and that it could be used for meetings. A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Commission Member Woodward to recommend to City Council to enter into negotiations with the Museum of Outdoor Arts in completing the cultural space on the second floor of the CityCenter building. The motion passed unanimously. Black spoke in regard to the plan presented to them tonight, noting that it is very similar to the • City's plan they were looking at for completing the space. Mr. Lontine thanked the • Commission and left. • • • VII. CAPITAL PROJECTS Director Black told the Commission that it was his intent to present information on the Capital Improvement Fund at tonight's meeting but that it was not finalized. Black stated that he would have the information available to them at the September meeting. VIII. FIELD AND GOLF COURSE USAGE IN REGARD TO DROUGHT CONDITIONS IX. Manager of Open Space , Dave Lee, informed the Commission that the department had received a request from Colorado Coed, the adult soccer association that utilizes the Detention Pond in the spring and fall, for an extra sixteen games in addition to their regular schedule. Lee told the Commission that due to drought conditions, municipalities are cutting back field use, which in tum is making availability of fields worse than normal. Commission Member Woodward asked if the fields already get maximum use. Lee responded that the department uses the summer for a resod/regrowth period and if additional play were allowed on the field, the problem conditions on the field would continue to elevate. In regard to the drought conditions, Lee told the Commission that water use has been cut back by 30% in the parks but that there has been no reduction in watering the fields in order to keep them in the best possible condition to avoid any problems in the coming season. Commission members concurred that there sho~ld be no additional play on the fields. Discussion was turned over to Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager. Spada told the Commission that the Golf Course has implemented a new policy to ease the impact of the drought to the course . Spada explained that for Monday through Thursday, golf carts are only allowed on the cart paths and not on the fairway or roughs. For Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a ninety degree rule has been implemented where golf carts must stay on the cart path until the player comes adjacent to their ball, where they then are allowed to tum ninety degrees right or left to reach their ball, hit it and return to the cart path to proceed in the same manner. Discussion followed regarding league use and exceptions to the rule for special requests. Wayne Niles, Leadworker for the Englewood Golf Course, spoke in regard to the condition of the course. Niles told the Commission that there are many areas of the course that will require an extensive amount of sodding in the fall but noted that staff is trying to be proactive for present and future. In regard to the restriction of carts on the course, Niles told commission members that he noticed an immediate difference to the condition of the course with golfcarts not being allowed off of the paths. Director Black commented in regards to the impact to the course, noting that golf carts are a high revenue item. Lee added that this is not a unique situation, that many courses are doing the same. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked ifthere was an impact as to the rate of play. Spada replied that the impact is not significant. Black stated that staff would continue to monitor the changes. Neyer asked where revenue goes. Black stated into the enterprise fund. Spada explained that he would be able to determine the financial impact to the golf course at the end of the month when the August figures are in. PARK SIGNAGE Discussion turned to park signage. Dave Lee distributed renditions of the park signage selected for the City's parks and asked commission members for their feedback. Lee told the Commission that there is a chance the project would be put on hold due to budget restraints . After a brief discussion, it was consensus of the Commission for the rendering on page three . Director Black told the Commission that he would forward the Commission's comments to City Council but reiterated that due to funding, the project could be put on hold or phased . X. RECREATION BOND PROJECT UPDATE Commission Members were updated on the recreation bond projects. Recreation Manager Hultberg told the Commission that the Malley Senior Recreation Center and Englewood Recreation Center is on schedule and that the RFQ for the construction contractor will be going out next week. In regard to the Family Aquatic Center, Hultberg reported negotiations are in process with the architectural firm and aquatic consultant, once finalized, will proceed to City Council for its approval. Hultberg stated that staff would be bringing more information to the board when available . XI. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Cultural Arts Liaison Moore briefed the Commission on happenings with the Cultural Arts Commission including Mr. Lontine being present at their August meeting in regard to the cultural space, completion of the goals and objectives for the Comprehensive Plan and the decision to enter a float in the 2002 Englewood Holiday Parade. Moore also noted that the Englewood Cultural Arts Center Association is holding a fundraiser that involves members of the community decorating weather vanes, which will be auctioned off at the Olde Tyme Fair. Smaller versions of weather vanes will also be available at the Fair for children to make. XII. CITY CENTER UPDATE • Director Black gave an update on the CityCenter development. Black reported that Garts • Sports is open and that Ross is close to opening. In regards to the old city hall site, Black stated that Community Development continues to have discussions with possible buyers. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked if the units are all leased along the piazza . Black responded that he is not sure. XIII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black invited commission members to the Annual City Picnic tomorrow at Cushing Park and the Board and Commission Appreciation Night on Monday, August 26 1h. Black spoke in regard to the annual meeting with City Council, scheduled for Monday, September 9th at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse at 5:30pm. Discussion followed regarding items for discussion for the meeting with City Council. The Commission asked about the Administrative Fee for the golf course . Black informed the Commission that City Council Liaison Garrett had stated that he would talk to City Council as to where the Board stands in regard to the Administrative Fee. Commission members were told that the item would be discussed at the September 9th meeting with City Council. If implemented, Black discussed the possibility of using the Golf Course Reserve Fund. Black went on to explain that there is approximately $600,000 in the fund but that there are a couple of critical items to the golf course that staff hopes to use a portion of the fund for without depleting it with the administrative fee; critical items being a deep well, a storage facility and the demolition of Riverside Miniature Golf7Go Kart . In regard to a deep well, Black told the • Commission that as part of the 1994 golf course expansion, it was recommended that a deep well be drilled. Black noted that the deep well recommendation was a major reason the reserve fund was built up due to an estimated .cost of $200,000 to $300,000. In regard to a storage facility, Black reported that the department is in need of storage for its department • • • supplies and the golf course is in need of additional office space so it was decided to combine funds and build a facility at the golf course to meet both needs. As to the Riverside facility, Black explained that an auction is being planned for everything at the site, including the two buildings, rocks, landscaping, and the old show wagon . Information was distributed regarding cost estimates for three options for a storage/office facility including renovating existing office, demolishing existing office and constructing a steel building and demolishing existing office and constructing a concrete building. Black noted that staff feels that option #2 is the most beneficial. Discussion ensued. A motion was made by Commission Member Woodward and seconded by Commission Member Waldman to recommend option #2 for a recreation storage facility and office space at the golf course, consisting of demolishing the existing office and constructing one steel building to include 2000 SF of storage and 1600 SF of office/conference for the cost of $262,000. The motion passed unanimously. XIV. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Dave Lee distributed a request from the Jason Park Social Club in regard to an event for next year that they would like to hold at Jason . Lee told the Commission that he has a concern that the event is too large for the park. Commission Member Armstrong spoke in regard to the large number of attendees at dog events. Discussion followed. Director Black suggested that Lee write a letter to the organization that the Board discussed the item and due to the following reasons, Jason Park was not conducive for such an event. Commission members concurred with Black . Commission members were informed that the golf course is looking into leasing out the indoor teaching facility to a vendor, similar to the restaurant. Bob Spada stated that it should help bring in additional use while decreasing cost to the golf course. Negotiations are taking place in regard to a contract. Recreation Manager Hultberg distributed flyers on the Olde Tyme Fair for August 24th and 25th. Discussion followed regarding the recent tour of the City of Golden 's Aquatic Facility. Black thanked the members for their comments and suggestions. XVI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7 :30pm . . &t !uw a '1-ufJL-, Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary