HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-08 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of May 8, 1997
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order at 5: 34pm by Chairman Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Maintenance Facility.
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Gomes, Neyer, Christie, Waggoner, Markwood, Chapman, Black, ex
officio
Armstrong , Gerlick, Heller
Gary Hultberg, Recreation Service Manager
Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space
Tom Vandermee, Division Chief, Department of Safety Services
Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of April 10, 1997 .
There were none. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The
motion passed unanimously.
Black introduced Tom Vandermee, Division Chief for the Department of Safety Services. Tom
had been invited to speak to the Parks and Recreation Commission in reference to safety and vandalism
issues within the City of Englewood parks. Dave Lee and Vandermee distributed statistics relating to
incidents in the parks during 1995 and 1996 . Lee explained that the Parks Department starting keeping
records of incidents in late 1995, when graffiti started to become a problem. Belleview Park showed the
highest number of incidents. Vandermee responded that Belleview Park also has the highest number of
activities.
In response to the increase in graffiti, Black informed Commission members that last year the
Department of Parks and Recreation purchased a graffiti trailer with a power wash. The trailer is used
throughout the City of Englewood to remove graffiti. Black explained that the Department has found that
the sooner the graffiti is removed, the longer it stays away.
Commission member Markwood arrived at 5 :44pm .
The Commission compared 1996 calls for service. There was a substantial increase in calls for
Belleview Park. Suspicious person/event, traffic contact and other accounted for the increase. Romans
Park also showed a significant increase in criminal mischief. Commission members remarked that they
have noticed more youth and park users in the area . Vandermee reported that the increase in calls could
also be related to the neighbors being more willing to get involved.
A number of questions were submitted to Vandermee prior to the Parks and Recreation meeting.
Vandermee responded to those questions. Regarding bicycle patrols , Vandermee explained that officers
will do bicycle patrols as often as possible, especially during the summer months and along the bike path.
Vandermee reported that there is not a designated bicycle patrol due to staffing.
It was asked if officers drove the bike paths during patrols. V andermee informed Commission that
since it is not feasible to take a patrol car on a path, officers do not drive the paths very often. An officer
may possibly drive up and down a path at night, but again, it frequently is not justified.
Concerning the recording and tracking of graffiti , Vandermee stated the Department of Safety
Services has a good reporting system to record, identify and track graffiti. Safety Services does make an
effort to identify who is responsible for the graffiti.
Commission Member Neyer asked if there is a good response with the courts and restitution.
Vandermee reported yes , that the courts are aggressively going after individuals . Black responded that he
has seen the restitution come through the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Neyer also asked Vandermee if there is a state law restricting the sale of paint to youth.
Vandermee said he was not aware of a City Ordinance but would check into it and respond back.
Vandermee was asked about park patrols . The Commission was informed that the City of
Englewood, Safety Services Division has a Reserved Police Officer Program (RPOP). Vandermee
explained that an individual will be placed in the program upon completion of his/her training. All City of
Englewood full-time positions are filled from this program . The City of Englewood uses the officers from
RPOP to patrol the parks. The City of Englewood, Safety Services Division has not used fixed patrols in a
number of years. Vandermee suggested that the calls for service do not justify fixed patrols .
In regards to citizen patrols , Vandermee reported that the Department of Safety Services does not
oppose citizen patrols and would be happy to work with the City of Englewood and it's Boards and
Commissions to initiate the program.
Vandermee spoke in reference to the "Protect Our Parks" handout. The handouts were distributed
approximately two years ago throughout the City of Englewood facilities as an opportunity for interested
citizens to report graffiti and other suspicious activity .
Neyer asked how the numbers relate to per capita numbers. Vandermee replied that Safety
Services handles 35 ,000 calls per year; and when evaluating the statistics, he saw no real alarm .
Markwood asked how Cornerstone Park fits in. Vandermee stated that as Cornerstone grows, the
number of calls is expected to increase . There was a question as to whether the increase in number of calls
for Belleview Park wa s affected by Cornerstone Park . Vandermee said he would take a look in to it.
Hultberg discussed a Field Use Survey, recently conducted by the Parks and Recreation staff per
Parks and Recreation Commission 's recommendation . A handout was distributed to Commission members.
Hultberg made note that Englewood's fees for youth sports are considerably lower; and only Englewood ,
besides Westminster, does not issue permits for practices . The Commission then reviewed athletic field
usage by the Department of Parks and Recreation , Englewood High School and other organizations. The
information did not include any requests received by the Parks and Recreation Department for field usage.
Hultberg recommended the Parks and Recreation Commission organize a special committee to
discuss the survey and determine if any changes need to be made . Commission members concurred . Black
suggested representatives from Englewood Soccer Association and Englewood Youth Sports Association
also be included on the committee . Steve Neyer and Steve Markwood volunteered to be on the committee.
Black informed Commission members that the Clayton Soccer Field Committee met and will be
moving forward with recommendations . Hultberg will head the committee. Black apprised Commission
members that according to GOCO, any organization applying for funding must own the land to be
developed, or have at least a 25 year lease, prior to applying for the grant. Hultberg will check into it
further .
Black indicated that during a recent conversation with Jim Woodward, Englewood Soccer
Association representative, the State Soccer Association has assessed an additional fee to be added onto
Youth Organization soccer fees. The additional fee will go towards state completion on fields.
Commission members discussed practice facilities at Englewood Public Schools .
Black announced Safe Summer '96 will be receiving funds again through Fey Productions. Staff is
putting together the schedule for 1996 .
Black updated Commission members ofrecent developments on the Clay Street Drainage. Black
stated that the City of Englewood had an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Sheridan. The
agreem ent addressed drainage along Clay Street. Staff has worked with Public Works to design a drainage
plan. A number of alternatives have been researched . The most current plan consists of a line running
down Clay Street and overflowing across the golf course before flooding occurs on the west side of Clay
Street. Cost would be $60,000. Black informed Commission that once a design is in place, the plans would
be brought to the Parks and Recreation Commission for their recommendation prior to taking to City
Council.
Black apprised Commission on the progress of the Belleview Airplane. Black reported that only
one complete bid for the work was received. That bid being from a Sign company . The earliest the
company can begin work is six weeks. There is a possibility that work will be completed by July 4, 1997
for the dedication ceremony with Council Member Vormittag .
Black informed Commission that he had been approached by Bob Leonard Sr., long-time
Englewood resident, in regards to the closure of Sinclair Pool and the placement of a new pool on the Home
Lumber site . Black invited Mr. Leonard to come and speak to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
It was announced a Tent Talk meeting will be held , in conjunction with the Citizen of the Year
celebration , on Monday, May 19th. Black invited the Parks and Recreation Commission to attend and have
a table if interested at this and/or upcoming Tent Talk meetings.
Lee reported that a neighborhood meeting was held in regards to the Duncan Park restrooms .
Council member Clapp, along with eight neighbors, attended . After discussion , the neighbors decided they
did not want a restroom in the park. Staff will monitor the situation , and review it again in a year.
In regards to the Parks and Recreation Feasibility Study, Council Member Waggoner passed on a
request from City Co uncil. Waggoner stated that large costs were associated with the facilities, and council
has requested that priorities be given to those projects . Black agreed. Black stated there were a number of
things that could be done on short-term, which can be tied in with lottery funds . The larger items will be
looked into, prioritized, and brought back to the Commission .
Commission member Neyer asked when donati m~s were being accepted for the Malley Recreation
Center Garage Sale. Donations were currently being accepted during the hours of 9am-3pm, Monday
through Friday. The Garage Sale and pancake breakfast will be held on Saturday, May 17, 1997.
In regards to the Summer of Service (S.O.S.) program discussed at April's meeting, Neyer
expressed disappointment that he had contacted Arapahoe County and was told there were 30-40 openings,
and his son would be 1251h on the list. Commission Member Christie stated she would check into it.
Discussion ensued regarding the need for a program in the community.
Chri stie announced Englewood High School Girl 's Soccer was at Quarter Finals .
Christie asked if Frisbee Golf had been considered in the parks. Black was not aware but would
check in to it further. Hultberg stated that there are three 18-hole courses in the state . Hultberg indicated
that Frisbee Golf units are very expensive. Neyer asked if the units could be made in-house. Hultberg
replied that specifics need to be met and a remote area needs to be selected for the course. Black reported
that staff will research and bring information back to the Commission.
Markwood reported that he had received a call from Englewood Soccer Association concerning a
rumor that they were going to be charged for practices . Markwood asked that if there are going to be any
changes , Englewood Soccer Association needs to be made aware of them. Markwood also stated that he
was concerned with rumors, and Commission members need to let people know that they are there for their
interest. Black indicated he had talked to Jim Woodward of Englewood Soccer Association. Black offered
that he or staff would be happy to attend a board meeting and talk to it's members. Black would keep
Commission apprised .
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm.
Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary