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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-07 PRC MINUTES• • • I. City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of February 7, 2002 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 Malley Senior Recreation Center, 3380 S. Lincoln. Present: Austin Gomes , Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Kathy Christie , Commission Member (left at 6:33pm) Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward , Commission Member (arrived at 5:43pm) Kendra Grazul is, Youth Commission Member Tara Holmes, Youth Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Janet Moore , Cultural Arts Liaison Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Joe Sack, Recreation Facility Supervisor Eric Ritter (arrived at 6:26pm , left at 6:45pm) Selwyn Hewitt (left at 6:46pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of January 10, 2002. There were none. The minutes were approved as presented. III. SCHEDULED VISITORS Scheduled visitor, Dan Dullaney, was unable to attend tonight's meeting. Mr. Dullaney would be put on the March agenda . IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS There were no unscheduled visitors. V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Director Black congratulated the three reappointed members , Gomes, Neyer and Waldman . Black entertained a motion for the nomination of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the Parks and Recreation Commission . A motion was made by City Council Member Garrett and seconded by Commission Member Waldman nominating Austi.n Gomes as Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by City Council Member Garrett nominating Steve Neyer as Vice Chairperson of the Parks • and Recreation Commission. The motions passed unanimously. VI. USE OF RECREATION FACILITIES BY LANDLORDS Recreation Manager Hultberg informed the Commission that the Department has once again been contacted in regards to landlords using the golf course and recreation center at resident rates. Hultberg reminded commission members that the issue had been discussed in November of 2000. At that time , the Commission determined the resolution was unclear and recommended that the City Attorney clarify it. Hultberg reported that the City Attorney reworded the resolution to read that landlords or owners of rental property were not eligible for resident rates. The new resolution was adopted in April 2001 , a copy of which had been included in the packet. Director Black stated that staff was notified that the individual would be writing a letter to the Commission but that as of today, a letter had not been received. Black went on to say that he was aware the gentleman had also spoken to a few members of City Council. Hultberg explained that the gentleman 's point is that a property owner pays City taxes and should therefore receive resident privileges. Hultberg went on to explain that the resolution excludes landlords due to their living outside Englewood 's boundaries, adding that the tenants are the ones to receive resident privileges. Commission Member Armstrong commented that the landlord already receives resident privileges from the district he /she resides in . Armstrong asked in regards to business owners. Black explained that the new resolution states that business owners and immediate family members that reside at the same address are eligible for resident privileges. Vice Chairperson Neyer suggested that the City consider using a tax form to distinguish between a landlord and a business owner. Hultberg noted that the gentleman was invited to attend tonight's meeting but that he chose not to. City Council Member Garrett stated that the issue would be handled through a City Council request. VII. PARKS AND RECREATION STORAGE Discussion turned to the storage for Parks and Recreation. Director Black told the Commission that while the old City Hall was in existence , the Department had storage upstairs. Since the move to City Center, the Department has been using the unfinished Cultural Space on a short- term basis. Commission members were told that City Council had approved in the 2002 budget funding to build a storage unit for the Department. Black stated that the site being considered is the golf course. Black explained that the old clubhouse building off of Clay Street currently houses golf maintenance offices and meeting space. Black went on to explain that golf course maintenance has money to build some new offices and meeting space but is not sure if the existing building is suited for additions due to it being old and in need of repair; noting that it would probably take more to repair than to take it down and rebuild. Black stated that his concern is of the historical value and how it may be perceived ifthe building is razed. Commission members were asked how they felt regarding the issue. Discussion ensued regarding whether it is economically feasible to repair the building. Commission members concurred that staff needed to get costs of both options. Black commented that taking down the • facility would be more functional in regards to building adequate offices and a meeting/training • facility, adding that a nicer facility could be built by combing money from golf course maintenance for office space and the money allocated for a storage facility. • • • VIII. PARKS AND RECREATION BOND PROJECTS UPDATE Director Black announced that interviews for architects for the Recreation bond projects were held on Monday and that staff was pleased with what was presented. Black reported that a decision will be made by the first of next week. Chairperson Gomes asked at which facility the work would begin first. Black explained that the proposal that had been presented had the work beginning at both the Englewood Recreation Center and Malley Senior Recreation Center at the same time, with expectations that the Englewood Recreation Center would be finished first due to the work at Malley being more extensive. Commission Member Armstrong asked ifthe bonds have all been sold. Black replied that the bonds for the Recreation Center and Malley Center have been sold but that the bonds for the aquatic center will not be sold until the end of next year. IX. FUNFEST/OLDE TYME FAIR x. XI. Commission members were informed that this year's Olde Tyme Fair will be held on August 24 and 25, 2002. Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that there have been discussions with the Chamber of Commerce in regards to Englewood businesses being involved in this year's event. Hultberg told the Commission that the Chamber would like to host a beer tent at this year's Fair. Hultberg went on to say that the Fair Committee has discussed the idea and unanimously feel that the Olde Tyme Fair is a family entertainment and that it is not the right time to introduce alcohol. Hultberg asked the Commission for their feedback. After a brief discussion, commission members concurred that there should not be alcohol at the Olde Tyme Fair. ENGLEWOOD ALCOHOL TASK FORCE Vice Chairperson Neyer briefed the Commission in regards to the Englewood Alcohol Task Force. Neyer commented that he foresees the inclusion of the Parks and Recreation due to comments that there is not enough to do. Neyer added that the meetings are open to the public and invited commission members to attend. YOUTH SPORTS DISCIPLINARY POLICY Director Black introduced Eric Ritter, Youth Sports Program Administrator. Ritter spoke regarding the up rise of violence in youth sports, including the recent event at a South Suburban ice rink. A letter addressed to parents of Sr. American Basketball participants and a Youth Sports Parent Manual were distributed to commission members. Ritter explained that the Manual includes a Parent's Code of Ethics that is required to be signed and on file prior to the child playing. Discussion followed regarding the Department's philosophies and rules related to youth sports. Ritter noted that it is the Department's goal to be proactive in addressing issues related to violence. Commission members were asked for their feedback. Commission member Armstrong stated that the Englewood School District also has a policy relating to inappropriate behavior at school events and suggested that the City coordinate its policy with the school districts. Vice Chairperson Neyer suggested that if a parent is ejected, the child of that parent should not be allowed to continue to play. Ritter replied that the issue had been discussed but questioned whether the child should be punished for the parent's behavior. Neyer commented that it is a good deterrent. Ritter asked Commission Member Woodward in regards to Englewood Soccer Association's policy. Woodward reported that ESA has a number of policies that were instituted in the last couple of seasons. Ritter stated that he would be gathering information from the Youth Sports Associations in regards to their policies. XII. OFF LEASH PARK PILOT PROGRAM UPDATE Director Black gave an update in regards to the off leash park pilot program. Black reported that • Department staff has received five comments in regards to the new program, both negative and positive. Commission members were told that Code Enforcement would be providing monthly reports , which will be included in their commission packets. City Council Member Garrett noted that the program is going into effect within the next couple of days. Black responded that the new signage would be placed in the parks tomorrow. Commission Member Woodward asked in regards to the flyer that was included in the packet. Black explained that the flyer is being handed out by Code Enforcement Officers to inform the public of the new leash law. Chairperson Gomes suggested including the flyer in the Englewood citizen. XIII. CENTENNIAL PARK UPDATE In regards to the Centennial Park expansion/Rockies Field, Recreation Manager Hultberg informed the Commission that things are being finalized. Hultberg reported that it is staffs hope to have All Souls School , the first user, on the fields by early March. XIV. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Director Black gave an update on the Cultural Arts Commission , including the approval of photos for the General Iron Photo Project. Commission members were told that two photographers were paid to take artistic , non-representational photographs of the General Iron site. Ten of those photographs were selected to be placed on the third floor of the Civic Center building. XV. CITY CENTER UPDATE The most recent City Center project update was distributed to commission members and reviewed . City Council Member Garrett told the Commission that City Council recently toured the new Gart headquarters at the old Home Base site and commented on the good job they did. Director Black noted that Garts is sponsoring the Department of Parks and Recreation on the National Recreation and Parks Association 's Gold Medal Award application. XVI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black stated that Austin Gomes ' term on the Malley Center Trust Fund expired as of 2/1/02 and that the Board needed to make a reappointment. A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by Commission Member Waldman that Austin Gomes be reappointed as a representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission to the Malley Center Trust Fund. The motion passed unanimously. Black expressed his appreciation to commission members for their thoughts during his recent illness. Black also recognized Department staff for their hard work and dedication during the time he was away from the office and other times. XVII. COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Youth Commission Members Grazulis and Holmes discussed the upcoming play, "Anything Goes ". Discussion followed regarding finding ·a replacement for Holmes due to her graduating in June. • • • • Recreation Manager Hultberg distributed the new Spring Activity Guides. Commission members were told that the Department held its third Annual Health Expo, which pulled in more than 500 people. Hultberg announced that the Department of Parks and Recreation would be hosting "The Art of Chinese Opera" on Sunday, February 10 at Sinclair Middle School. Hultberg distributed complimentary tickets to the commission members. Commission members were told that a grant from SCFD was used to bring the performers to Englewood. XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary