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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-10 PRC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of May 10, 2001 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:32pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse , Bogey's Restaurant, 1201 W. Oxford Avenue. Present: Absent: Also present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Kathy Christie , Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member (left at 7 :50pm) Jim Woodward , Commission Member Kendra Grazulis, Youth Commission Member Tara Holmes, Youth Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Martha Warner, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Dave Lee , Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Dave Hammel, Barker, Rinker and Seacat (left at 6:45pm) John Hostager, Barker, Rinker and Seacat (left at 6:45pm) Bob Leonard , Recreation Facility Supervisor, Englewood Recreation Center Joe Sack, Recreation Facility Supervisor, Malley Senior Recreation Center Brad Anderson , Aquatics Program Administrator Mike Flaherty (arrived at 5:50pm , left at 7:30pm) Margie Payne (arrived at 6 :30pm, left at 7:30pm) Bill McCahill, Vice Chairperson of Code Enforcement Advisory Committee (left at 7:30pm) Ruth Hansen, Code Enforcement Advisory Committee Member (left at 7 :30pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES III . Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of April 12, 2001. Chairperson Gomes noted that he was absent from the April meeting, but that he was quoted as asking for the approval of the minutes. The minutes would be changed to reflect Vice Chairperson Neyer asking if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of March 8, 2001. The minutes were accepted as amended. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors . IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS There were no unscheduled visitors. V. PARKS AND RECREATION BOND PROJECT Director Black briefed commission members in regards to the bonding project for the Parks and Recreation facilities . Black explained that in 1996 , a feasibility study was completed by BBC that recommended three major components : 1) expansion of the Englewood Recreation Center, 2) expansion of the Malley Senior Recreation Center, and 3) an aquatic facility . Black introduced Dave Hammel with Barker, Rinker and Seacat, the original architects for the Englewood Recreation Center and Malley Senior Recreation Center. Black told commission members that plans for the bonding project would be presented to City Council. Commission members were also told that City Council has passed a resolution giving priority to the bonding projects showing City Council's commitment. In regards to the designs , Black reported that the plans are not elaborate but are rather functional where they will meet the needs of the community. Information regarding the project was distributed to commission members. • Recreation Manager Hultberg introduced Recreation staff Joe Sack, Bob Leonard and Brad Anderson. Discussion was turned over to Mr. Hammel. Mr. Hammel introduced John Hostager with Barker, Rinker and Seacat. Mr. Hammel began discussion on the Englewood Recreation Center expansion. Commission members were told that the Englewood Recreation Center expansion is the smallest of the three projects , with an estimated cost less that $2 million. Mr. Hammel explained that there are six major components to the ERC • expansion including the addition of a weight/aerobic room at the back of the building both upstairs and downstairs. City Council Liaison Garrett asked if all of the weight equipment would be moved to the new weight room. Mr. Hammel stated that the free weight equipment would be moved into the new area and the circuit equipment from upstairs would be moved into the existing free weight room and near the new stairway. Garrett asked in regards to disruption to the facility during construction . Mr. Hammel explained that the area that would provide the most disruption to the facility would also be the most isolated with little impact to the public. Mr. Hammel noted that some downtime during the construction would be unavoidable. Black commented that staff would do everything possible to lessen the impact to the public , including having the work done in the evenings, if possible. Mr. Hammel continued, explaining the other components to the Englewood Recreation Center expansion. In regards to the new aerobic area being built upstairs above the newly expanded weight room, Mr . Hammel spoke in regards to the floor and the noise from the existing fitness room. Mr. Hammel explained that by moving the aerobic/fitness area, the Center would then be able to accommodate a much-needed Youth/Teen Center that would include games , computers, refreshment area and a casual area with a TV and stereo. Discussion followed regarding the remaining components, including the conversion of a racquetball court to a family locker room and storage area, the addition of a recreation water slide and a program/training room . In regards to the feasibility study done in 1997 and recommendations from that study, commission members were told that some projects have already been done. • • • • Commission Member Waldman spoke in regards to a racquetball court being taken away for a family locker room and the need for a family locker room. Waldman noted that it is difficult to reserve a court at the Englewood Recreation Center at night and that it will become even more so when another court is taken away. Black told Waldman that there is a decline in racquetball use and that staff has received numerous complaints in regards to the lack of a family locker room. Mr. Hammel explained that most new recreation facilities have family locker rooms with either no or very few racquetball courts. Mr. Hammel went on , stating that the Englewood Recreation Center has had the largest array of racquetball courts per demographics. Mr. Hammel also noted that family locker rooms are well used areas and that they have been told that there is usually a need for more . Vice Chairperson Neyer asked in regards to time for completion of the work. Mr. Hammel replied that an assessment has not been done but that work would be contracted to initiate any down time or closure. Black noted that the work would also be done during off-peak time in regards to facility usage. In regards to priority of the three projects, Black told commission members that the Malley Senior Center would have priority . Mr. Hammel moved discussion on to the expansion of the Malley Senior Recreation Center. Commission members were told the scope of Malley's expansion would be an addition to the north of the existing building, nearl y doubling the size of the facility, with minor remodeling to the existing facility. Commission members were told that by expanding the facilit y to the north, green space and parking spaces would be lost. Discussion followed in regards to the picnic area that would replace the lost green space and the minimal impact concerning parking due to the over-abundance of parking spaces. Mr. Hammel explained that due to the trend of more active recreation areas in senior centers , the new addition would accommodate a gymnasium half the size of the Englewood Recreation Center and a fitness area with locker room. Other components to the Malley Center expansion include the addition of a multi- purpose room/meeting room, a kiln room, a vending alcove , office area and the addition of a computer lab. Commission members were told that a presentation of the bonding project was made to the Malley Center Advisory Board and Trust Fund in which it was highly recei v ed. Cost for the Malley Senior Center expansion would be approximately $3 .5 million. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked why the pool at the Senior Center was taken out of the plans. Black spoke in regards to the use of the Englewood Recreation Center pool and the use by the seniors during down times. Neyer asked if the plans could be retrofitted so that it could be added at a later time if the need arises due to the abundance of parking spaces. Mr. Hammel reported that it could if there is not a need for additional parking. Discussion moved on to the family aquatic center . Commission members were told that the aquatic facility would cost approximately $6.6 million, being the most expensive of the three projects. Mr. Hammel explained that the aquatic center would be built on the former Home Lumber and Arapahoe Rental sites and would consist of recreation components to draw family and children. Mr. Hammel stated that an additional 210 parking spaces would be added to accommodate visitors to the aquatic facility in addition to the existing Belleview Park 100 spaces. A new main entrance onto Belleview would be included which would include accelerate and decelerate lanes to allow better site distance for entering and exiting onto Belleview A venue. Mr. Hammel discussed the facility. Commission members were told the facility would include different elements to meet the needs of families; including a 6 lane lap pool, a one meter diving board, a drop slide, a wet sand area, interactive play structures, 2 play slides and a lazy river with an adventure canal. Discussion followed regarding a cement beach verses a sand beach and the high maintenance cost for sand beaches. Mr. Hammel noted that all areas will include ADA accessibility. Vice Chairperson Neyer commented in regards to having a shallow area for the younger children situated off of the main pool area. Mr. Hammel explained that most new pools are similar to the designs of this one with very little need for an isolated "kiddy pool". Mr. Hammel noted that there will be shallow areas to meet all the needs. Discussion followed regarding shaded areas. Hultberg told commission members that shade was a concern of staff and explained that large, expansive shade structures would be provided, more than other pools provide. In regards to capacity , Mr. Hammel told commission members that the aquatics facility would hold 1,000 to 1,200 people, compared to 268 for Sinclair. Discussion followed regarding the intergovernmental agreement with South Suburban . Black explained that the agreement is non-binding, allowing Englewood residents to use the South Suburban facilities at Cornerstone Park at resident rates in addition to an $8,000 payment in lieu of tax. Black went on to explain that as part of the agreement, the City of Englewood would try to allow parking for an additional ball field for South Suburban. Commission members were told that the additional parking did not meet the City 's needs due to it eliminating approximately 50% of parking for the aquatic facility. Black commented that as a trade-off, South Suburban residents would receive resident rates at the aquatic facility. Commission Member Woodward asked in regards to admission fees for the facility. Black explained that projected admission fees are on the conservative side, ranging from $3.00 for • resident youth to $4.00 for resident adult. Discussion followed regarding revenue verses • capital expenditure. Black told commission members that staff would be presenting information to the public throughout the summer including a presentation at the upcoming Tent Talk on June 14th . Black explained that City Council would be making a formal vote around August to put the project on the ballot for November. Commission members thanked Mr. Hammel , Mr. Hostager and Parks and Recreation staff for the presentation. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Due to the presence of Mike Flaherty, Assistant City Manager, members of the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee and Code Enforcement staff, Director Black stated that the agenda would be altered to accommodate discussion on the leash law. Black reported that at last Monday night's City Council meeting, Code Enforcement presented to City Council a draft ordinance for a leash law. Black noted that a copy of the draft ordinance was included in the packet. Commission members were told that Ordinance is scheduled to go before City Council in July for its approval. Discussion was turned over to Mr. Flaherty. Bill McCahill and Ruth Hansen of the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee were introduced along with Margie Payne, Code Enforcement Officer. Flaherty spoke in regards to the proposed leash law and the inclusion of additional elements to the Ordinance including animal treatment and care. Mr. Flaherty • reported that the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee has been discussing a leash law for over a year. Mr. Flaherty stated that the Committee unanimously recommended moving forward the leash law. • • VII. • Mr. Flaherty turned discussion over to Bill McCahill. Mr. McCahill spoke in support of a leash law and explained his concerns of not not having a leash law stem from safety of the elderly and youth and that all surrounding communities have leash laws. Discussion followed regarding end-of-year statistics for 2000 for animal attacks/bites and animal at large calls. Commission members were reminded that the current City Code does not require a leash law if an animal is under reasonable voice command. Mr. McCahill reported that the current Code can be subjective, leaving the Code Enforcement Officer to make the determination. Ms. Hansen spoke regarding the need for a leash law and her experiences of animals off of leashes when she walks. Margie Payne , Code Enforcement Officer discussed her experience as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Englewood for 21 years regarding a leash law. Ms. Payne explained that by having signage in the parks enforcing a leash law, Code Enforcement Officers would be able to enforce animals being on a leash , and added that she foresees no problem in enforcing a leash law . Ms. Payne discussed ways to notify the public of the leash law , including an education program and distribution of information in the parks. Commission Member Armstrong asked if the leash law dealt with other animals besides dogs . Ms. Payne replied that it would be for dogs only. Vice Chairperson Neyer commented in regards to resistance to the law. Ms. Payne discussed using the media to promote the law. Neyer asked if an alternative park would be available for owners to take their dogs to run off of a leash. Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space , responded that currently there is not a viable place. Discussion followed. Mr. Flaherty explained that the Ordinance would be going to City Council on June 4th for first reading. Mr. Flaherty commented that he was expecting some discussion due to a number of questions from City Council last Monday evening. Mr. Flaherty thanked the Commission for their time and left with Mr. McCahill , Ms. Hansen and Ms. Payne. Commission members continued discussion on the leash law . Black told the Commission that the last time a request for a leash law went before City Council , there was not a consensus. Black discussed a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission . Discussion followed. City Council Liaison Garrett spoke in regards to concerns of City Council, commenting that there are many issues to the Ordinance that is being presented. After considerable discussion , commission members came to the conclusion that more information was needed before making a recommendation . Garrett suggested that City Council hold off on discussion pertaining to a leash law in order to provide the Commission an opportunity to see more information regarding a leash law. Black stated that he would invite Dave Lynn , Code Enforcement Field Supervisor to the June meeting to discuss the leash law further and to provide statistics . Neyer asked that the information be included in the packet. SENIOR ADMISSION FEE REQUEST FOR RECREATION CENTER Discussion began on request for a senior admission fee at the Englewood Recreation Center . Recreation Facility Supervisor, Joe Sack, distributed the Summer Activity Guides for the Englewood Recreation Center. Sack explained to commission members that a senior discount is offered on the Annual Pass and 6 Month Annual Pass to the Englewood Recreation Center but that there is not a senior discount offered in regards to daily admission and punch cards. Sack noted that a discount use to be offered on these admissions but had been taken off approximately ten year ago. Bob Leonard, Recreation Facility Supervisor for • the Englewood Recreation Center, explained that the discount was taken away due to the belief that the senior citizen had more discretionary income. Discussion followed. Commission Member Armstrong moved to make a senior rate available at the Englewood Recreation Center since one had been available in previous years and so that it is consistent with offering senior fees at the golf course, effective the first of next year. Sack commented on making the discount available prior to the first of 2002. Black reported that admission fee increases are traditionally implemented the first of the year and suggested applying the discount at that time. Leonard also asked if the discount would follow the same criteria as the youth rates. Hultberg suggested the discount fall within the same percentage of the annual pass discount for seniors. Commission member Woodward seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VIII. BELLEVIEW PETTING ZOO Recreation Manager Hultberg informed commission members that the media recently reported a couple of incidents relating to children zoos and the transmittance of E-Coli by the animals. Hultberg stated that knowing the possibility is out there, staff is being proactive and have met with Tri-County Health and the USDA to prevent any occurrence at the Belleview Children's Farm. Hultberg explained that the Farm already provides ample hand washing • stations with antibacterial soap but that an additional station would also be provided at the exit along with informational signage. Hultberg noted that the Health Department is happy with the situation. IX. PARKING, CUSHING PARK x. Director Black stated that due to an overflow of RTD riders into the outlying neighborhood of CityCenter, Commission member were told that a petition was taken to City Council requesting permit parking for the neighborhood. Black explained that parking has also become an issue at Cushing Park and that Code Enforcement has been giving tickets to non- park users. Commission members were told that there has been discussion in relation to ways to alleviate the problem. Black stated that he wanted to make the Commission aware of the problem at Cushing Park and suggested that there be additional discussion at the next Commission meeting. Commission members concurred. In regards to the overflow of RTD riders , City Council Liaison Garrett commented that the City of Englewood contracted with RTD to provide 1,500 spaces at CityCenter. Garrett reported that the City approached RTD in regards to the need for additional parking but was told by RTD that their money is going towards the Southeast Corridor project. Commission members were told that the same issue is happening at the Oxford station, also requiring stricter enforcement. CENTENNIAL PARK UPDATE Commission members were told that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Brent Mayne Rockies Field/Centennial Park Expansion was very successful, with approximately 130-150 • • • • people in attendance. Black spoke in regards to those in attendance including Brent Mayne, representatives from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Gale Owens, Governor Owens Head of Health, Englewood City Council, Sheridan City Council and Littleton City Council. In regards to the project, Black reported that the final design is nearing completion. Black stated that he had spoken to City Council at the budget workshop in regards to the elimination of the trail system due Sheridan's City Council requesting that a restroom facility be in place by the grand opening. Black continued, stating that the Colorado Rockies have suppliers that could provide reduced competitive bids which may allow for the possibility of the trail system will be included in the first phase of the project. XI. CITY CENTER UPDATE IX. City Council Liaison Garrett updated Commission members on CityCenter. Garrett reported that the residential units for Trammell Crow are now up and that the parking garage is expected to be completed in June. In regards to Office Depot, Garrett stated that the new store should be opened in late July. Discussion followed regarding development along the parkway and possible tenants. Garrett told the Commission that Request for Proposals have been received for the old City Hall site and that three proposals had been received , The selection process would begin in June. Garrett announced that that the Home Base store is closing and that the CEO of Gart Bros . had approached City Council in regards to them moving their headquarters to the Home Base location. Discussion followed . DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black had no further items for Director's Choice. X. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Youth Commission Member Holmes announced that the Englewood High School Drama production will be You Can't Take it With You and will be playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Youth Commission Member Grazulis reported that a survey was done among Englewood High School students and that one item mentioned was that there were no water slides in Englewood. Grazulis stated that the students will be excited to learn of the aquatics center that is being planned. City Council Liaison Garrett announced that the Wal-Mart Art Wall dedication would be Monday, May 141h at 6:30pm. In regards to a request made at last month 's commission meeting on the impact on recreation programs due to the short summer, Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that there is very little impact to programs other than the programs starting later and being shorter . Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space relayed kudos from Bishop Elementary School for the planting of a tree on their property for Arbor Day. Golf Manager, Bob Spada, distributed Junior Golf Program flyers. XI. ADJOURNMENT • The meeting was adjourned at 8:24pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary . ~ .. ·-. • •