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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-13 PRC MINUTESEnglewood Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of February 13, 1997 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:40pm by Commission member Waggoner at the Englewood Recreation Center , Conference Room . Members present: Members absent: Also present: Waggoner , Gerlick, Armstrong, Christie , Black , ex officio Gomes, Neyer, Markwood, Chapman , Heller Gary Hultberg, Recreation Service Manager Waggoner asked if there were any changes o r correcti ons to the minutes of January 8, 1997 . There were none . A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously . Black announced that two youth members had been appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Tyler Chapman and Jennifer Heller. Hultberg reported that there has been a gym schedule change at the Englewood Recreation Center due to consistent problems with fights and altercations. The gymnasium will no longer be available for drop-in usage on Sundays from 2:00-6:00pm. During that time, half of the gymnasium will be available for youth 14 years and younger for a gym and swim program. Youths will have the opportunity to play supervised drop-in basketball/volleyball , walleyball and swimming at a reduced fee . Hultberg reported that 55 youth participated the first Sunday. Hultberg added that the other half of the gymnasium will be used for rental. It was noted that a number of alternatives were looked at by staff before coming to the decision to close the gymnasium . The City Manager was advised of the situation, and agreed with zero tolerance . Black commented that patrons had also called concerned about the situation . Black reminded Commission members that a few years ago the front counter collected photo ID's from patrons during the hours of 4- lOpm . Black reported that he recently attended a seminar, "Benefits of Parks and Recreation ". The seminar discussed the value of Parks and Recreation, and how the quality of life is impacted by the di ffe rent industries . A video, "Fitting the Pieces Togeth er, Benefits of Parks and Recreation" was also shown. Black explained that the video is being promoted nationally through Parks and Recreation Department and felt it would be beneficial for the Parks and Recreation Commission to also view the video. The Commission viewed the video. Black informed Commission that BBC would be at the March meeting. The Recreation Feasibility Study , along with the Space Utilization Study, will be presented to City Council on April 14, 1997. It was announced that the Office of Neighborhood and Business Department will be hosting neighborhood meetings throughout 1997 . The first of the "Tent Talk" meetings will take place on February 26 , 1997 at the Englewood Recreation Center from 7-9pm . The meetings will include information on water issues, RTD Light Rail Station , Englewood 's Home Page and Friends of the Library . The other meetings will take place at the Malley Senior Center, schools and parks. Black noted that Dave Lee will present information regarding the field/park survey at the March meeting. Black informed Commission that the Cultural Arts Commission had postponed the art auction until April 26, 1997. Commission member Ger!ick, liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission, responded that the Commission felt there was not enough time to prepare for the auction. The Commission reviewed the Larry Scott property update that was distributed in the packet. Revenue for 1996 was $12 ,000, with a net income of $7,800. The amount owed to the City will paid off in the next 2-3 years . Commissioner Waggoner apprised the Commission that the City of Englewood had been contacted by the Museum of Outdoor Art (MOA) for a new location for their museum. The City of Englewood is one of three locations being considered. Waggoner explained that MOA is looking at 5-10 acres for the site for their 50,000 square foot building. Commission member Christie asked if Englewood had a piece of land big enough. Waggoner thought the land behind Cinderella City. Commission member Armstrong reported that she recently attended a seminar where the y talked of Therapeutic Recreation Specialists in the state of Colorado. Armstrong commented that she was fascinated by the number of Parks and Recreation Districts hiring the Specialists , and that it is a reasonable accommodation for programs . Black responded that a few years ago the City of Englewood worked with South Suburban in offering programs for people with special needs . The City of Englewood advertised the program, and South Suburban picked up and transported the individual to their facility . There was very little interest. Armstrong commented on the concern with the increase in crime, and asked if Commission was interested in inviting a staff member from Safety Services to discuss public safety and what should be done in parks and recreation facilities. Armstrong reminded Commission that CPRA is hosting "Day at the Capitol " on February 27 , 1997. Christie spoke in regards to GOCO funding . Christie reported that a majority of school boards are afraid of the perception that they are asking for it. Christie stated that the Englewood School Board is not supporting it. Christie updated Commission regarding the Duncan forum held recently . Christie reported that a large number of people attended the meeting . The school board was surprised to hear that the concerns from neighbors had more to do with All Souls than the School District. The majority of concerns dealt with All Souls not taking care of issues in the past, and traffic control. Christie stated that the Englewood School Board is not supportive of selling the property due to the possibility of future growth and the need for additional schools. Armstrong asked how the change would impact Parks and Recreation programs. Black stated that there would be slight impact with the outside restrooms and park area but the issue could be resolved. The fence would not infringe upon parks and recreation programs. Regarding the traffic control situation at Duncan, Christie had a no parking sign for the hours of 7am to 4pm. The School District was concerned if the hours would infringe upon Englewood Soccer Association's schedule. The Department would get in touch with Englewood Soccer Association . Christie stated there would be a final vote regarding Bishop going to an alternative calendar at the next School Board meeting. Christie asked Black if there was a possibility the Department would offer a full day program during the three week breaks. Black said he had talked to Gary Price, Bishop Principal. Black told Price that the Department would be open to looking at it but that it would require additional staff and money. Armstrong asked how the alternative calendar would affect summer sports, drama production , etc. Christie replied that it is a concern but that there are a fair number of breaks during the summer. Christie suggested a study group be set up among the schools and department to develop a potential list of projects to go for with GOCO funding. Black thought it was a good idea and would support it, tying it in with long-range goals on the feasibility study. Gerlick commented on a letter included in the packet. The letter was from an Englewood citizen offering his help on a new skateboard facility and equipment. The Commission agreed there was a need to look at it in the next month or two . Black noted that a skateboard facility was being looked at in the feasibility study. Hultberg would respond with a letter informing the individual about the feasibility study and offering him to contact Hultberg for more information. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50pm . Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary