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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-09 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of October 9, 1997 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:35pm by Chairman Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Gomes, Waggoner, Christie, Black, ex officio Neyer, Gerlick, Markwood, Armstrong Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Tom Burnes, Mayor Alex Habenicht, Mayor Pro Tern Clyde Wiggins, City Council Member Dan Brotzman, City Attorney Tom Munds, Englewood Herald Chairman Gomes welcomed Englewood City Council members. Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council members introduced themselves. A quorum was not present. The minutes of September 11, 1997 would be approved at the November meeting . Director of Parks and Recreation , Jerrell Black, introduced Sally Woodward from Q's Tee II Green restaurant. Black commended Sally and the restaurant on this evening 's meal. Chairman Gomes stated that due to the candidate forum later this evening, some of the agenda items would be rearranged so that particular items could be discussed with the City Council members. Director Black opened discussion on resident fees for Englewood residents at South Suburban's Cornerstone Park. Black reported that in July 1997 , the issue was discussed among the Parks and Recreation Commission . The Commission then forwarded a recommendation to City Council to contact South Suburban' s Board of Directors in order to negotiate resident fees for City of Englewood residents at current and new facilities at Cornerstone Park. Englewood City Council will be meeting with South Suburban Parks and Recreation Executive Board on Monday, October 13 , 1997 . Black spoke briefly regarding payment in lieu of taxes. Council member Habenicht stated that the majority of City Council supports the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission. She added that it is an important issue for the citizens of Englewood. Council member Wiggins agreed with Habenicht. Director Black updated Commission and City Council members on the progress of the Home Lumber property. The Department of Parks and Recreation had applied for a GOCO Grant for matching funds in the amount of $100,000. The cost for the acquisition of Home Lumber is $385,000. Black noted that it is difficult to receive grants for the acquisition of land and that the City of Englewood is already in the process of purchasing the land . Council member Wiggins asked if the grant was denied, would the Department reapply. Black replied yes. The Department could apply for a development grant in future years . Black reported that $65 ,000 has been added for clean-up , bringing the total cost to $450,000. The City is hoping to close on the property by the end of the month. In regards to future use of the property, Recreation Manager Hultberg explained that it was recommended to move the outd oor aquatic facility at Sinclair Pool to the Home Lumber site. A drawing of the proposed facility was shown. Sinclair Pool would be filled and developed into soccer fields. Of the five acres at the Home Lumber site, 4.7 would be used for the aquatic facility. Black was hoping more acreage would have been available for additional park shelters. South Suburban has indicated that they are interested in using all or some of the property for additional parking to accommodate the construction of a fourth field at Cornerstone (north) Park. Black felt the City of Englewood will have use for all of the property. It was explained that the facility at the Home Lumber site would be different from the Sinclair facility in that there would be lights for rentals at night. Council member Habenicht spoke in concern of the neighborhood and the impact on parking, and whether there would be adequate parking. Black responded, stating they have worked with the consultant to assure ample parking would be provided. If any portion of the property would be given to South Suburban, then there would not be enough space for parking. In regards to the lights at the aquatic facility, Black explained that the lights do not compare to the existing lights at the ballfields . The lights would shine down and kept inside in order to eliminate any glare. Council member Habenicht was concerned about the amount of noise to be generated from the new facility. Black agreed that there would be noise, but that it would not be excessive due to the facility being fenced in. Black assured that the issue would be addressed and a plan will be developed prior to the facility going in . Chairman Gomes opined that the facility would be surrounded more by parks and not residents. Council member Wiggins stated that he did not see it as any great problem. The only problem that he foresaw was South Suburban 's ballplayers using the parking facility. Mayor Burns asked a question in regards to parking at Cornerstone (north) Park. Black explained that the PUD requires so many parking spaces per user. Black informed members that South Suburban wants a fourth ballfield , but there currently is not enough space for parking. In order for the PUD to be approved for the fourth field , South Suburban would need an additional one and a half to two acres . Mayor Burns asked about the future of Arapahoe Rental. Black indicated that there has not been any formal discussion , but that he has talked to the manager about the City's interest in the site and requested that if there is any intent of leaving, to make the City of Englewood. Burns asked if the proprietor owns or leases the property . Council member Wiggins stated that he is the owner, and that he had also talked to the owner and stated the same to him . Wiggins suspected the owner will move within the next three years. The question was asked in regards to a timeline for the aquatic facility. Black explained the project is estimated to cost approximately $2 .3 million, with some of the projects being phased in . Items are open for debate . Council member Habenicht commented on the facility being an income producer. Black responded that there was no question it would be a revenue producing facility. Council member Wiggins commented that it is in the perfect location being across from Cornerstone Park. Habenicht requested that the neighborhood be buffered as much as possible from the noise so that residents do not suffer. Discussion ensued in regards to the PUD and Monday night 's meeting with South Suburban . '' Director Black moved forward on the agenda. A handout was distributed in regards to prioritization from the Recreation Feasibility recommendations. The recommendations had been divided into two categories . The first category consists of projects in excess of $300,000 and second category consists of projects less than $300,000. "Category I" items will require substantial financial commitments and may require long term planning and implementation. Category I items include : Malley Center Expansion, Englewood Recreation Center Expansion, Sinclair Soccer Fields, Outdoor Aquatic Facility and Centennial Skateboard Park. "Category II" items may be defined as short term projects and can possibly be addressed through the ann ual budget process. Category II items include: ERC -Cardio Vascular move to racquetball courts, ERC -small waterslide in pool area, In-Line Hockey at Flood Middle School, Expand Cushing Skate Park and the Expan sio n of Belleview Children's Farm. Black stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission, Malley Center Trust Fund and Malley Senior Advisory Committee discussed the recommendations and concluded that the Outdoor Aquatic Facility and the Malley Center Expansion had top priority and equal importance in terms of need . Due to the candidate forum, Mayor Burn s and Council members Wiggins and left the meeting at 6 :40pm. Chairman Gomes thanked City Council for attending the meeting. Black continued on to the next agenda item, Cushing Skate Park Expansion. Black explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended to City Council to move forward with the minor expansion of the Skate Park. The recommendation involves expandi ng into the east parking lot, spreading out the existing equipment and also allowing room for new equipment. Hultberg , Recreation Manager, announced the Department of Parks and Recreation, Safe Summer Program, had received the CPRA Columbine Award. The award was presented to staff last month at the CPRA Fall Conference. Hultberg explained that o nly one Columbine Award for programming is given annually, and is a very prestigious award given for new and innovative programs. Black added that Commission member Steve Neyer and his wife had also attended the presentation of the award . Commission members were updated on the progress of th e Belleview West parking lot and bike path. Manager of Open Space, Dave Lee, reported that the bike path through Belleview Park is completed, with only a few items left to be addressed . The City of Littleton is composing a letter to inform Englewood when they will be assuming responsibilities for the bike path. Lee reported that the parking lot is completed . Trees will be planted this fall. Chairman Gomes asked in regards to the problems with the sod this past summ er. Lee stated that it is coming in, though a little thin. Black discussed Lottery Re-Authorization. The lottery is up for re-authorization, which the State Legislature will be looking into this year. Black explained that a sunset clause is currently included. There is consideration to remove the clause. If a decision is made not to, it will go to vote . Black noted that Carolyn Armstrong will have more information at the next meeting. Discussion moved on to Director 's and Commissioner's Choice. Concerning the new aquatic facility, Council member Waggoner asked if there had been any consideration for a diving facility . Hultberg responded that plans call for slides, water features and shallow water. Waggoner questioned if there was a need . Black stated that it did not come up as a need in the Feasibility Study. Waggoner was asked if he would like to see the issue revisited. Waggoner replied yes. Black announced that City Council voted to contribute $500.00 towards the Blue Ribbon celebration for Flood Middle School. Commission and Englewood School Board member Kathy Christie thanked City Council and Director Black. Chairman Gomes remarked on the Charles Hay tennis courts which had recently been refinished . Gomes reported that he had been contacted by a citizen concerned with the amount of roller bladers on the courts and of a missing pole . Council member Waggoner reported that the same problem exists at Romans Park. It was suggested that crews revisit the signs posted at the courts stating no skateboarders or roller bladers were allowed. Staff will follow-up. Chairman Gomes asked what could be done in regards to a group of individuals hanging out in Romans Park, smoking marijuana and fighting. Gomes reported that the neighbors were scared and would not go into the park. Lee responded that he had been made aware of the problem by park staff. Gomes was told that if he saw any problems, to call the police immediately. Waggoner commented on a recent incident involving a drug deal in Roman's Park and the length of time it took for the police to respond. By the time the police arrived, the individuals were gone . Black stated that Safety Services would be contacted, and patrols would be increased in that area . An Englewood Herald article announcing Carolyn Armstrong being inducted as president of Colorado Parks and Recreation Association was distributed . The meeting was adjourned at 7 :01pm. Deborah A . Severa, Recording Secretary '. ~