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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-13 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of November 13, 1997 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:40pm by Vice Chairman Neyer at Englewood City Hall, Conference Room A. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Neyer, Gerlick, Markwood, Christie, Waggoner, Black, ex officio Gomes, Armstrong Dav e Lee, Manager of Open Space G ary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Bob Burgener, Recreation Manager, Golf Operations Jack Poole , Golf Operations Coordinator Michael Pickens, Golf Operations Coordinator Gary Sears, City Manager Vice Chairman Neyer asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of September 11, 1997 and October 9 , 1997 . There were none. A motion was made to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion opened on the Spikeless Golf Shoe Program. Director Black reported that the policy of a spikeless golf shoe program at the Englewood Municipal Golf Course has been discussed for a number of years. Black noted that Dave Lee , Bob Burgener, Jack Poole and Michael Pickens were attending tonight's Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to discuss the recommendation of a spike less golf shoe program at the Englewood Golf Course. Staff would be asking for a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission after discussion . Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space, stated that during the past several years, staff has monitored and surveyed public golf courses in the front range metro area regarding the use of spikeless golf shoes. It was determined that essentially all golf courses, public and private , have implemented policies banning the use of metal golf shoe s . The Englewood Golf Course is the only major course in the metro area to still allow metal golf spikes . Since 1996, continuing to present, staff has implemented a "recommend spikeless" policy . Staff feels there will not be a big inconvenience to the customers of the Englewood Golf Course since most golfers already have spikeless golf shoes from playing other golf courses in the area. It was explained that metal spikes are detrimental to the turf, asphalt, clubhouse and carts. As for replacements, Golf Course Manager Bob Burgener stated that the replacements are as good or better than the metal . Although the Englewood Golf Course has benefited from the decreased usage of metal spikes, damage to the turf, clubhouse and carts still exists. Staff is therefore recommending to implement a spikeless policy and program of its own . The Parks and Recreation Commission watched a ten minute video tape on spikeless spikes, explaini ng the benefits to courses and clubhouses . The tape also showed the process of changing over metal spikes to spikeless spikes . After viewing the tape, the question was asked in regards to convenience and costs associated with the changeover to golfers . Staff explained that the clubhouse wouid be offering three choices of spikes . Costs for the spikes would range from $6.25 to $15 .95 per set. Staff would be available to assist the golfer in changing their shoes to spikeless . Commission discussed marketing of the program and how patrons would be notified of the program. Plans are to initiate the program January 1, 1998, giving the public two months notice . A motion was made by Council member Waggoner and seconded by Commission member Gerlick to adopt the Spikeless Golf Shoe Policy at the Englewood Golf Course. The motion passed unanimously. Commission member Neyer asked if the program would potentially decrease costs . Lee stated that it was hard to pinpoint, but that there would be savings on such items as carpet replacement, wooden steps, concrete and carts. Poole commented that the restroom floors also need to be replaced after only two years due to damage from metal spikes. Director Black introduced the City of Englewood's new City Manager, Gary Sears. Black explained that Mr. Sears has been meeting with City employees and is also making a point to meet with the Boards and Commissions . Commission members were invited to a reception tomorrow in order to meet and talk with Mr. Sears. Mr. Sears complimented Englewood on what a great community it is and noted what a good team Englewood has and that he was looking forward to being part of that team. Golf Course Manager Bob Burgener announced that he is retiring from the City of Englewood effective December 31 ,1997. Bob thanked the Commission for its support over the years and said what a pleasant experience it has been working with the members . The Commission wished Bob well in his retirement. Recreation Manager Gary Hultberg discussed a proposal to incorporate non-resident businesses into the Englewood Recreation Center 's corporate punch card fee structure. Hultberg explained that currently, only residents and resident businesses can purchase admissions in reduced fee allotments . The proposed resident/non-resident fee structure would still have the non-resident corporation paying a higher fee than the resident and resident corporations . Black spoke in regards to the proposal , stating that the Department would ensure Englewood residents would not be inconvenienced by the increased usage . Black explained that when the resident corporation fee structure was incorporated, there was very little competition among residents and resident corporate members. Commission member Neyer asked how many corporate pass holders there were. Hultberg was not sure . It was mentioned that usage at the Englewood Recreation Center is comprised of 80% residents, a high number among recreation centers . Commission member Neyer wanted to ensure that Englewood residents would not be jeopardized by the increased usage . Council member Waggoner asked if there was a basis to determine the differential. Hultberg replied that there was no percentage or real basis but that Non-resident fees are usually 20-25% higher than resident fees. A motion was made by Council member Waggoner and seconded by Commission member Gerlick to adopt staffs recommendation to incorporate non-resident businesses into the Recreation Center punch card fee structure . The motion passed unanimously . Discussion moved on to the recommendation to convert two racquetball courts to a cybex area. Hultberg informed Commission that the Feasibility Study recommended retrofitting the Englewood Recreation Center in order to provide more space. One suggestion was to remove the wall between racquetball courts 1 and 2. The area would be remodeled for the eleven cybex machines from upstairs . The north wall of the fr ee weight room would also be lowered to three feet, allowing the cybex area to be viewed from the weight room and hallway . By spreading out the existing equipment, room would be provided for new pieces of equipment and a larger stretch area . Commission memb er Neyer asked if the Feasibility Study also suggested other uses for the racquetball courts. Hultberg replied that the study recommended using a court for a family changing facility . Black indicated that this project is one of the smaller projects using CTF money. Director Black informed Commission that he and Bob Burgener had met with Susan Van Dyke and Tricia Langdon from the Clean, Green and Proud Commission to discuss their Shotgun Tournament. Black was pleased to announce that the Clean, Green and Proud Commission would be returning to the Englewood Golf Course for their annual tournament. The tournament would be held on Monday, June 8, 1998 . Director Black spoke in regards to Bob Burgener's retirement. Black said what a pleasure it had been working with Bob and that he would be greatly missed by the Department and the City of Englewood. The Commission was informed that the annual Halloween Carnival, scheduled for Saturday , October 25 , was canceled due to the snow storm . The Carnival was unable to be rescheduled due to the unavailability of facilities and vendors. Recreation Manager Hultberg updated Commi ssion on the progress of the Clayton Athletic Field. A partnership has been form ed with the City of Englewood , Englewood School Di strict , Englewood Soccer Association and Englewood Youth Sports Association. A neighborhood meeting was held to inform neighbors of the plans and to allow discussion of any is sues that they may have . Hultberg felt the meeting went well. There was a concern regarding parking . Hultberg explained that prior to the meeting, an in- depth study was conducted to determine if there was adequate parking . Althou gh the study showed that there was adequate parking, the City of Englewood is working with the School District on additional parking. The other concern fr om the neighbors was restrooms . The Committee stated that they would build the facility and then determine if a restroom is needed . If so , accommodations would be made . Hultberg informed the C ommission that the City would apply for a GOCO grant next year. Hultberg was pleased to announce that an intergovernmental agreement is being worked out with the Englewood School District. Due to the holidays, Commission members discussed whether to cancel the December Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Black indicated that in past years, the Commission would determined if there was a need , and if so, a meeting would be held. If not, the meeting would be canceled. Due to no new business being foreseen , the Commission agreed to cancel the December meeting . If new business arose , a meeting would be called. C ommission member Gerlick spoke of an unpleasant experience he had at the Golf Course re staurant , Q 's Tee II Green. Burgener thanked Gerlick for the input , and indicated he would discuss the incident with the owner of the restaurant. Gerlick then expressed his gratitude toward s the Malley Senior Center staff for their help during Englewood Theater!'s recent performance. Gerlick announced Brigadoon has been selected for the 1998 Summer drama production. Commission member Christie announced that Flood Middle School 's Blue Ribbon Celebration would be Friday, November 14th. Christie indicated that the Early Childhood program had also received an award for its programming . Council member Waggoner informed Commission members on progress with South Suburban in regards to the City of Englewood's request for resident rates at Cornerstone Park. Waggoner reported that City Council and South Suburban have met a couple of times to discuss the PUD and request for resident rates. A final reading on Cornerstone Park was to take place. City Council unanimously agreed to postpone the reading until January 19 , 1998 , when South Suburban and the City of Englewood could agree on a Payment in Lieu of Taxes and a resident fee structure for Englewood residents at Cornerstone Park. Waggoner reported that a meeting was held to discuss alternatives for Cinderella City. Alternatives included : 1) move forward with development for all retail space, 2) utilize the Foley's building for City facilities with the remaining space for retail, or 3) decrease the amount of retail space and bring in 100+ multi-family units along Floyd Avenue. Waggoner indicated that City Council is strongly looking at using the Foley's building for a City Hall, Public Library and Municipal Courts . Council is also considering some multi-family housing units. Commission member Neyer asked if there were problems with the current City Hall facility . Waggoner replied yes and explained that the facility is continually requiring work and very difficult to get around in. Waggoner opined that it has outlived its usefulness . Neyer then asked what would happen to the facility. Waggoner indicated that it would be included in with the whole cost of Cinderella City . Concerning multi-family housing units, Commission member Christie asked if it would be for the elderly. Waggoner indicated the Compass/CRNA study recommended a mixed development per need . Gerlick asked in regards to the deed being handed over to the City of Englewood . Waggoner said the deed would be handed over on December 10, 1997 . Plans are that Montgomery Wards would be out by December 1 '\with an extension of December 19th . Remediation would then take place. Discussion ensued regarding the development plans for Cinderella City. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary ~ ..