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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-11 PRC MINUTES• • • I. City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of January 11, 2001 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Englewood Recreation Center, 1155 W . Oxford A venue. Present: Austin Gomes , Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong , Commission Member Kathy Christie , Commission Member Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Member Tara Holmes , Youth Commission Member Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Absent: Kendra Grazulis , Youth Commission Member Martha Warner, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Also present: Gary Hultberg , Recreation Manager Bob Spada, Manager of Gol f Course (arrived at 5:39pm) Bob Leonard, Englewood Recreation Center Facility Supervisor (left at 6 :45pm) Steve Lasley, Parks Supervisor Olga Wolosyn, City Council Member and Liaison to Cultural Arts Commission (left at 6:10pm) Eric Bertoluzzi , Chairperson , Cultural Arts Commission (arrived at 5:38pm, left at 6: 1 Opm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of November 9, 2000 and December 14, 2000. There were none. A motion was made to accept the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. ill. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS v . There were no unscheduled visitors. CULTURAL ARTS CENTER PRESENTATION At the last meeting, Martha Warner, Cultural Arts Liaison reported that she would give an update on the Cultural Arts Center. Due to Ms. Warner not being able to attend tonight's meeting, Director Black told Commission members that she had asked Olga Wolosyn , City Council Member and Liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission, to give an update on the project. Black turned the discussion over to City Council Member Wolosyn. Wolosyn explained that in 1999, the Cultural Arts Commission created the Exploratory Committee, a special committee to pursue a cultural arts center in Englewood. Wolosyn stated that as part of the process, a business plan was developed. Discussion followed regarding the encompassment of the plan. Conceptual drawings of the Center were distributed among the Commission. Discussion was turned over to Eric Bertoluzzi, Chairperson of the Cultural Arts Commission. Bertoluzzi commented that the committee realizes the challenge and ambitiousness of the project. Bertoluzzi reported that the plan would emphasize art education with a partnership with the Englewood School District, the City of Englewood, Parks and Recreation Department and the Museum of Outdoor Arts. Bertoluzzi commented that no formal agreement has been made with the partners-to-be. Commission members were told that the art education program will enhance the curriculum in the Englewood School District and that the school district has embraced the idea. Discussion followed regarding a curriculum and the use by art organizations. Lastly, Bertoluzzi commented that by having a major art component such as this in Englewood, the community would benefit just as it has from the presence of parks and recreation. Bertoluzzi asked for questions. Commission Member Waldman asked as to the financial plan. Bertoluzzi replied that the project is estimated at $30 million, which does not include the purchase of land or a parking structure. Director Black explained that funds are in the budget to do a feasibility study and that requests are being sought for a fundraising campaign study. Black added that the next twelve months would give a better idea as far as a financial plan. City Council Member Wolosyn responded that BBC recently completed a feasibility study for the Cultural Art Center, which was based off of the Arvada Center of Performing Arts. Wolosyn noted that the study came back very favorably. Armstrong asked in regards to the smallest piece of land that would be suitable. Wolosyn explained that the smallest possible site could be three acres but that it would not allow for a parking structure. Chairperson Gomes asked in regards to a location that is being sought. Wolosyn went on to explain that it was their hope to be along the Central Corridor and within walking distance of City Center; but noted that there is no site as of now. In regards to the cost, Bertoluzzi commented that the Exploratory Committee has committed to raising $15 million towards the project. Discussion followed regarding raising funds and SCFD funding. Commission Members were told that there would be a free concert on Tuesday, January 30 111 at 7:30pm at the Civic Center, 211 ct floor. Bertoluzzi explained that the concert is a special appearance by the Up Close and Musical Ensemble, an organization affiliated with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and sponsored by MOA, City Council, and the Parks and Recreation Department. Commission Member Armstrong asked what the Parks and Recreation Commission could do in support of the project. City Council Member Wolosyn stated that both the Parks and Recreation and Cultural Arts have projects needing public funding. Wolosyn said that it was • • their hope that both groups could work together. The question was asked ifthe Committee • has looked into broadening the scope of funding, and include other districts in the project. Wolosyn explained that the company hired to do the fundraising campaign would pursue all opportunities. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked if Center would be a "money-maker". • • • VI. Wolosyn responded that although rooms would be available for rent and income would be coming in, overall, there would not be profit. City Council Member Wolosyn and Mr. Bertoluzzi thanked the Commission for their time. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Discussion was turned over to Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager. Hultberg told Commission members that the Department of Parks and Recreation took over the Summer Concert Series from EDDA in 2000; which proved to be very successful. Commission members were told that once CityCenter was completed, the concerts would be moved over to there. Hultberg informed Commission that some potential problems now exist with moving the concert series. Discussion followed regarding problems including the audience in the amphitheater facing west and having to look into the sun at sunset, large share of the audience being elderly and poor accessibility to the amphitheater, and no band shell. Hultberg explained that other events are planned at the site for 2001. Discussion followed. Commission Member Christie asked if there was any opposition in keeping the concerts at the Plaza. Black replied no but that the issue lies in that expectations were the concert series would be moved when CityCenter was being built. Christie also asked how much space was needed to hold a concert. Black explained that approximately one acre. Discussion followed regarding the maneuvering of the Show Wagon anq the difficulty of bringing the Show Wagon into the City Center site . After brief discussion, it was consensus of the Parks and Recreation Commission to leave the Summer Concert Series at the Little Dry Creek Plaza. Black told Commission members that he would also be speaking to City Council. Commission Member Christie told Commission members that she is still in contact with the gentleman offering to build a bandstand and provide $100 ,000 per year towards performances. Christie reported that the gentleman only requires that he has input into the programming for the bandstand. Commission suggested staff speak with the gentleman. VII. REC TRAC Recreation Manager Hultberg introduced Bob Leonard , Facility Supervisor for the Englewood Recreation Center. Leonard reported that Rec Trac was installed the first of November and the last few months have been spent training and working out the bugs. Leonard said the four components of Rec Trac were activity registration, pass management, point-of-sale and facility reservations. Leonard noted that the Malley Recreation Center and Golf Course are also on Rec Trac which will allow the purchase of photo ID's at all facilities and not just the Rec Center as in the past. The Commission was told that it is the hopes of the Department to eventually have the capability of Internet and phone-in registration . Discussion followed regarding pass management. Director Black recognized Mr. Leonard and Joe Sack, Facility Supervisor for the Malley Senior Recreation Center, for their time and effort with Rec Trac. VIII. CITYCENTER UPDATE City Council Liaison Doug Garrett gave an update on CityCenter. Garrett informed the Commission that construction for the residential development has started and that the foundation for Office Depot has been laid , with expectations of an opening in May. Discussion followed regarding possible tenants for retail/office space. Commission members were informed that 8,900 square feet of space is currently being held while the City continues negotiations with David Taylor. • In regards to the General Iron site, Garrett reported that the deadline for requests for proposals was today. IX. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Discussion moved to Director's Choice. Director Black told Commission members that the Department of Parks and Recreation offers a Community Forestry Program which provides subsidies to Englewood residents for the removal, trimming or replacement of trees. Black stated that the City received a request for subsidy from a property management company working for Kent Village. Commission members were told that the property manager submitted an invoice and is requesting reimbursement back to him . Black did note that in the past, the City has reimbursed a property owner from Kent Village for work that was done on his trees. Commission was informed that the Department was reluctant to reimburse the property manager for reasons including that Kent Village already receives a homeowners due from its residents to pay landscape costs; which would also mean that the property manager could receive additional funding to offset the same cost. Black reported that staff wanted to bring the issue to the Commission and get their opinion on the matter. Commission Member Armstrong asked in regards to the amount of subsidy that is given. Steve Lasley , Parks Supervisor, explained that the City reimburses 25% up to $200 .00 per year to residents of Englewood. Lasley went on to explain that $10 ,000 is budgeted annually • for the program and by reimbursing Kent Village, the fund would be depleted. Discussion followed . A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Commission Member Woodward to reject the application for subsidy by Kent Village for the City of Englewood's Community Forestry Program. The motion passed unanimously. Director Black noted that the forestry applications would be reviewed to make sure the information clearly states the program is available to property owners/residents only. Director Black turned discussion to the use of Parks and Recreation facilities by Boards and Commission members. Black informed the Commission that he had been approached by a Board and Commission member of the City of Englewood in regards to using the Englewood Recreation Center at no charge . Black estimated that there are approximately 120-130 individuals that serve on boards and commission throughout the City of Englewood. Commission members were told that currently only City of Englewood employees are allowed use of the Recreation Center as part of the City of Englewood's Wellness Program. Commission Member Waldman recommended deferring the decision to City Council. Black commented that City Council is looking to the Parks and Recreation Commission for its recommendation. A motion was made by Commission Member Armstrong and seconded by Commission Member Waldman that at this time, admission to the Parks and • Recreation facilities not be a consideration as a perk for Board or Commission members of the City of Englewood .. The motion passed unanimously. • • x. • Black told Commission members that election for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to the Parks and Recreation Commission is approaching and will be put on the February agenda . Discussion was turned over to Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager. Hultberg informed Commission members that the Centennial Park Expansion/Rockies Field is progressing. Hultberg announced that the City received a $710 ,000 Brownsfield Loan for environmental clean-up, which was the first in Colorado and sixth in the nation to be received by a coalition of grant recipients. Darren Hollingsworth of Community Development was recognized for his work in receiving the grant. Hultberg reported that the City would be going before the City of Sheridan Planning Commission for approval of the PUD. If all goes according to schedule, groundbreaking will be in the spring and a grand opening in the Fall, and play starting in Spring of 2002 . Discussion followed regarding phasing of the project. Hultberg continued , updating Commission on the bonding of Recreation Facilities. Hultberg reported that the project is moving forward . Staff had met with Barker, Rinker, Seacat, the original architect firm of the Englewood Recreation Center, for initial design and operational cost. Commission was informed that the Department will be asking for $10 -$12 million for the projects , consisting of expansion of the Englewood Recreation Center and Malley Senior Recreation Center and the replacement of the Sinclair Outdoor Pool with a family aquatic center at the Home Lumber site. Director Black pointed out that the bonds for the Englewood Recreation Center will be paid off in 2002 and that the debt service on the loan could be extended to the property owner with very little increase. Black also explained that once City Council votes formally to put the bond issue on the November ballot, the Department of Parks and Recreation will be limited in how they provide information for the project. Black commented that he hoped that Commission members would help with the bonding project. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Commission Member Christie asked in regards to the future of the old City Hall site . City Council Liaison Garrett reported that the City is currently requesting Requests for Proposals to see what interests are for the site . Garrett noted that the procedure is not as far along as the General Iron project. Commission Member Woodward spoke regarding the Flood Hockey Rink and the poor condition of the surface and netting on the goals. Woodward also reported that the gates are locked on weekends and the snow is not removed. In regards to the surface , Recreation Manager Hultberg responded that although a concrete sHrface was preferred, an asphalt overlay was recently put down. Hultberg noted that the goals are left out which may contribute to the condition of the netting. Hultberg stated that he would follow up on the nets and the gates being locked. Commission Member Waldman complimented staff on the elevator at the Englewood Recreation Center, and noted how unobtrusive it appears. Waldman discussed use of the Englewood Recreation Center gym by the Englewood Youth Sports Association. Youth Commission Member Holmes updated commission members on the Comprehensive Plan Committee. Holmes reported that the Committee viewed visuals of plans for future projects. The information will then be forwarded on to City Council. Holmes stated that the owner of Bikes and Berries approached the Committee in regards to the inclusion of lights and emergency phones along bike trails. Black informed Commission members that he would invite Community Development to a Commission meeting to make a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan. Commission members were informed that renovations are taking place in the restaurant and pro-shop at the Englewood Golf Course. • Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that the 3rd Annual Open House and Health Expo was held last Saturday at the Englewood Recreation Center. The Commission was told that several hundred people attended the event and that a drawing was held for a bike donated by Bikes and Berries. Recreation Manager Hultberg invited Youth Commission Member Holmes and Grazulis to the February 81h Youth Council meeting. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:39pm . Deborah A . Severa, Recording Secretary • • • • • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of January 3, 2001 The Cultural Arts Commission members were polled . The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Cultural Arts Commission was cancelled due to no agenda items. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary