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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-08-09 PRC MINUTES• • • I. City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 9, 2001 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5 :34pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Maintenance Facility at 4001 S. Clay Street. Present: Austin Gomes , Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Kathy Christie , Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward , Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Tara Holmes, Youth Commission Member (left at 6:30pm) Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Carolyn Armstrong , Commission Member Kendra Grazulis , Youth Commission Member Also present: Dave Lee , Open Space Manager Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager Wayne Niles , Leadworker Janet Moore, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Chairperson Gomes asked commission members to stand in a moment of silence in respect of the September 11th tragedy. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or corrections to the minutes of August 9, 2001. There were none. The minutes were accepted as presented. The motion passed unanimously. III. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Director Black introduced Janet Moore , liaison from the Cultural Arts Commission. Black told the Commission that Ms. Moore was an artist and a former instructor with the Department of Parks and Recreation . IV . SCHEDULED VISITORS v. VI. There were no scheduled visitors. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS There were no unscheduled visitors . OLDE TYME FAIR WRAP-UP Discussion began on the Olde Tyme Fair Wrap-Up. Director Black reported that it was another successful Fair with approx imately 6,000 people in attendance. Black explained that there were a number of new activities at this year's event. Black also noted that for the first time , the Department received a SCFD grant in the amount of $4,000 for the Fair. VII. LEASH LAW UPDATE Commission members were updated on developments for a leash law . Manager of Open Space, Dave Lee , stated that the item went to Public Hearing on September 4th where 34 citizens spoke before City Council , 16 of which were in favor of the 1 ~ash law . Lee reported that City Council decided to send the item back to the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee for modifications . Director Black noted that Lee has been researching dog parks and has obtained some beneficial information through the National Recreation and Park Association. Lee stated that he has learned that there are a number of factors to take into consideration concerning a dog park including parking, noise, odor and ground cover. City Council Liaison Garrett commented that a joint meeting with the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee is scheduled for October 1 st and that the item will be brought back to City Council for formal consideration on October 15th. Garrett noted that the items of concern are barking and tethered dogs. In regards to a dog park, Commission Member Woodward asked if there was a recommendation. Lee responded that he is still gathering information to make a decision. Lee stated that from the information received , he has determined that the best recommendation is to start with a new piece of land. Black told commission members that he expects there will be a session related to dog parks at the upcoming NRP A Congress. VIII. TREE PROGRAM SOUTHWEST GREENBELT • Discussion moved to Tree Program in the Southwest Greenbelt. Dave Lee, Manager of Open • Space , told commission members that parks staff has started an arboretum in the green belt near Stanford A venue between Cherokee and Huron Streets that will include 22 trees, fifteen of which are already planted and tagged . Lee noted that the trees would be realistic type trees that will survive in this climate. Commission members were told that an arboretum will allow residents the opportunity to come look at trees and gather information regarding height, growth rate , etc. Lee reported that the arboretum would eventually be included with the Community Forestry Program. Photos of the fifteen trees currently at the greenbelt were distributed among commission members. IX. CENTENNIAL PARK UPDATE Director Black gave an update on the Centennial Park Expansion/Rockies Field. Black informed the Commission that the project is in the construction phase with the contractor on site . Commission members were told that the first phase would be 95% complete for the dedication , which has been scheduled for Saturday, October 27th. Black noted that the Colorado Rockies would be flying Brent Mayne in for the event. In regards to the phase II of the project, Black explained that funding for the phase was put in to the budget but that there is a possibility it might be delayed . Black went on to explain that the electrical and I-Beams were added to the first phase so it would be ready for the installation of lights at a later date . Black told commission members that the contractor is coordinating with the environmental group . Commission members were told that the Community Development department was successful in gett ing a $700 ,000 Brownsfield grant in which they received a national award. Black stated that he has been very pleased and thankful for Community Development's efforts with the project. • • • • x . XI. XI. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Cultural Arts Commission Liaison, Janet Moore, updated the Commission on Cultural Arts Commission projects. Moore reported that the Commission would be judging the children's artwork for the 2002 City Calendar. Moore also stated that the Commission would be entering a float into the Holiday Parade and a photo grant for the General Ironworks in which photos will be chosen and hung in the Civic Center. CITY CENTER UPDATE City Council Liaison Garrett briefed commission members regarding developments with City Center. Garrett reported that Baily's is ready to pour cement and the retail strip along Englewood Parkway will include Game Force , IHOP and Q'Doba's for tenants. Garrett told the Commission that ne gotiations are taking place for the old City Hall site. Discussion followed regarding Gart Sports. Chairperson Gomes asked in regards to the former Office Depot building . Garrett replied that they are looking at redevelopment of the site with a keen interest by Gart Sports regarding who moves in. Garrett pointed out that they are looking at a number of possibilities. Lastly , Garrett announced that the new elevator in City Hall should be operational in October. In regards to the old City Hall building, Director Black informed the Commission that the building has been turned over to the Englewood Environmental Foundation, who will proceed with demolition of the building. Black told commission members that the Department of Parks and Recreation has always stored their program supplies upstairs at the old City Hall and that the supplies would need to be moved to a temporary location until a permanent facility is located or built. Black explained that staff has coordinated with the Cultural Arts Commission to temporarily store the supplies in the unfinished cultural arts space at the Civic Center building. Commission members were told that money had been requested in the Public Improvement Fund to finish the space but due to budget constraints, the project may not get funded. Black reported that there is a possibility that the Museum of Outdoor Arts may be interested in reversing the contract where they will finish the space and provide uses to the City. Black did note that there is money in the budget to find storage. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black had no items for Director's Choice. XII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Discussion turned to Commission Member 's Choice. Commission Member and Englewood School District Liaison Christie stated that the school accountability reports come out tomorrow. Christie reported that Englewood High School has a new principal and that the sport season is going well. Commission Member Waldman added that the Englewood High School Girl's Softball team is 4 and 1. City Council Liaison Garrett notified commission members that due to sales tax revenues going flat, there have been budgetary issues resulting in the City Manager's Office prioritizing needs in regards to capital improvement projects . Bob Spada, Golf Course Manager, informed the Commission that the Department is renegotiating the lease for the Golf Course concessionaire. Spada explained that the changes to the lease would include reducing the amount paid to the City based off of revenues received from 10% to 8% of gross sales or a minimum of $30,00 annually. Spada went on to explain that revenues brought in by the restaurant remains higher than the previous concessionaire. Spada accounts for the increased revenue due to improvements in service, menu, etc. The item will be • taken to City Council October 151 • Spada announced that for the second year in a row, the Englewood Golf Course was voted "Best of the Best" by the Colorado Community Newspapers. Manager of Open Space, Dave Lee, introduced Wayne Niles, Leadworker for the Englewood Golf Course Maintenance Division. · Discussion returned back to Commission Member Waldman. Waldman asked in regards to a warning system at the Englewood Golf Course in the case of lightning. Golf Course Manager Spada responded no. Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space, explained that there are pros and cons in having a warning system. Lee noted that there has been discussion regarding a system but that it has not been researched completely. Lee continued, updating commission members in regards to the Englewood High School providing lighted tennis courts. Lee commented that he has had two calls concerning the lights not working. Lee stated that he notified the high school and that they were very responsive. Lee noted that it has been working well, overall. Commission members were told that it was agreed the lighted courts would be offered through August to allow the high school tennis team time for practice and matches. Commission Member and Englewood School District Liaison Christie told Director Black that at a recent School Board meeting, discussion was brought up in regards to what the roles would be for the School District and City in regards to re-doing the school grounds if Sinclair Pool was • closed. Black explained that the School District owns the property while the City owns the fixtures. Black went on to explain that the Feasibility Study recommended a new aquatic facility and in doing so, recommended new athletic to replace Sinclair Pool. Black stated that it is the City's intent to work with the School District when the site is abandoned. Black iterated that nothing would be decided without discussion with the School District. Chairperson Gomes discussed the Recreation Bond project. Gomes distributed a sign-up sheet for volunteers to go around on October 11th to distribute literature and ask to put up a yard sign. Gomes also discussed an initial mailing that will be sent out to all citizens who voted in the last election. Volunteers were also asked for October 61h to go door-to-door with a packet of information to those who voted in the last election. Gomes commented that it is an important issue and that there is a need for volunteers and contributions to off-set the campaign. XII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:54pm. /t_t/U ,tLlc_ a. 1,vfpLl__rZJc/1 Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary •