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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-08 PRC MINUTES• I I City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of March 8, 2001 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular monthl y meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:37pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Englewood Service Center, Training Room , 2800 S. Platte River Drive. Present: Austin Gomes , Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commiss ion Member (arrived at 5 :58pm) Kath y Christie , Commission Member Mitch Waldman , Commission Member (left at 7 :14pm) Jim Woodward, Commission Member (arrived at 6 :48pm) Kendra Grazulis , Youth Commission Member Tara Holmes , Youth Commission Member Martha Warner, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio . Absent : Dou g Garrett, City Council Liaison Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Dave Lee , Open Space Manager Steve Lasley , Parks Superv isor David L ynn , Code Enforcement Field Supervisor (left at 6:05pm) Lauri Dannemiller, Community Development Planning Analyst (left at 6 :45pm) II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of February 8, 2001. There were none. A motion was made to accept the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. III. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS v. There were no unscheduled visitors . LEASH LAW Discussion was turned over to Dave Lynn, Field Supervisor for Code Enforcement. Mr. Lynn distributed the 2000 Annual Activity Report, which included information regarding the number of calls relating to animal issues (animals at large , dog bites /attacks , etc.). Commission members were told that a proposal is currentl y with the City Attorne y requesting that the En g lewood City Ord inance be changed to include a leash law. Mr . Lynn explained that as discussed and agreed to at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in 2000 , Englewood City Ordinance currently states that animals must be on a leash or under reasonable voice command . Mr. Lynn explained that Code Enforcement has decided to pursue a leash law due to the parks and streets no longer being safe. Mr. Lynn commented that Englewood has more bites/attacks per capita than any other city. Commission members were informed that once the City Attorney reviews the proposal, the next step will be going •. before City Council for its approval. Discussion followed regarding the impact of a leash law and the implementation of "dog permits". Director Black asked if Safety Services has looked at the impact to Code Enforcement in regards to staffing and enforcing a leash law. Mr. Lynn responded that there is a concern that there may not be adequate staffing, and that adjustment in hours may be necessary in order to enforce the law. Mr. Lynn explained that a new code enforcement officer would be hired to specifically handle parking issues and hopefully animal issues. Commission members also discussed the possibility of providing a "dog park" where owners could let their animal run loose. VI. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PRESENTATION Lauri Dannemiller, Planning Analyst for Community Development, was introduced. Ms. Dannemiller explained that per request of City Council, Community Development has been responsible for the update of the City of Englewood Comprehensive Plan, or Master Plan. Ms. Dannemiller explained that a Comprehensive Plan is an official document adopted by City Council as a policy guide to decision making about the development of the community. Ms. Dannemiller noted that the last time the City 's Comprehensive Plan was updated was 1979. Commission members were told that the updated plan would take the City through 2020. Discussion followed regarding the three elements to the Plan, including Parks and Recreation , Business and Employment and Housing, with an additional element of Transportation being done by Public Works. Ms . Dannemiller noted that a memorandum pertaining to goals, objectives and strategies was included in the read-ahead packet . Commission members were told that the plan at this time is to look at the goals but not implement them, primarily due to the way funds are distributed in the City. Ms. Dannemiller explained that by having a Master Plan, goals would be used as tools in the acquiring of land, etc. when it becomes available. Discussion followed regarding Parks and Recreation needs. Ms. Dannemiller explained that goals and objectives for Parks and Recreation includes: • A balanced and connected system of open space lands, natural areas, recreation facilities and parks, including trails and greenbelts. • To develop a full range of programs for the preservation of open space and park development including purchase, dedication, zoning, acquisition of easements and other rights. • To preserve, utilize or improve key natural resources of the City, such as the South Platte River, in permanent open space . • To provide sufficient parks and recreation facilities to meet the needs of the citizens of Englewood. • To provide recreational opportunities that are consistent with the City's role in the regional park and open space preservation goals as well as the regional goal of sustainable growth, as stated in Metro Vision 2020. • To encourage the use of a combination of all private and public options available for effective provision and maintenance of parks, trails, open space and recreational services. • To provide for the development of a parks and open space system that fully integrates parks in the land use, housing , transportation, environmental, economic and cultural plans of the City. • To fully consider parks, trails, open space and recreational service issues in the review of individual development plans. • • • ' ' VII. Ms. Dannemiller noted that the timeline for approval of the Comprehensive Plan included going to the public in June and July, to the Planning and Zoning Commission in August and then to City Council in September for a public hearing. Commission was told that it is the expected that the Plan will be completed by October. In regards to the Open Space Plan and improvements along the South Platte River, Commission members were told that the City of Englewood received a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) in the amount of $16 ,000. The grant would be used to develop a plan for upgrades to recreational opportunities and a river link between urban and natural resources. A representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission will be asked to participate on the committee for the project. Director Black stated that it is critical that as part of the process, the issue of land acquisition is addressed. Black continued , saying that Englewood is landlocked and if the opportunity arose for the acquisition of land, it would be beneficial if the Department could move forward with the acquisition through the needs of the Plan. Commission members were told that the lack of athletic fields was also addressed in the Plan . CPRA AGENCY MEMBERSHIP Commission members were told that Colorado Parks and Recreation Association has created an agency membership category . Director Black stated that he , if the Board concurs, would like to move forward with registering of the Parks and Recreation Commission . Black spoke regarding the benefits to the members. Commission members told staff to proceed with the Parks and Recreation Commission becoming a member of the CPRA Agency membership. VIII. ROCKIES FIELD UPDATE Recreation Manager Hultberg reported that the volunteer clean up , and the site capping and venting of methane has been completed at Centennial Park. Hultberg reported that twenty feet of the lake has been reclaimed in order to allow the field to be extended and to avoid construction of a retaining wall. A visual of the field was displayed. IX. BONDING UPDATE x. Commission members were informed that staff has been working with George K. Baum, bonding consultants for the Englewood Recreation Center and Malley Center expansions in addition to an aquatic facility at the former Home Lumber site . Director Black reported that the City of Englewood has approved the contract with Barker, Rinker and Seacat, the original architect for the Englewood Recreation Center and Malley Senior Recreation Center; and that staff has been meeting with them along with Water Technology regarding design for the projects . Black added that a resolution regarding the bonding is being created to go before City Council for their approval. In regards to the design process, Recreation Manager Hultberg explained that it should take about two months. Commission members were told that the plans would be brought back to them for their approval prior to going before City Council. FEES FOR YOUTH SPORTS Recreation Manager Hultberg briefed Commission members on fees for youth sports associations. Hultberg explained that the City· of Englewood only permits and charges the youth sports associations for games. Commission members were told that in the past, Englewood Soccer Association was the only organization requesting games; in which they were charged $3 .00 per game. Hultberg went on to explain that the Department recently started receiving requests from the Englewood Youth Sports Association for games, and if the Commission agrees , the same $3 .00 per game fee would also be assessed to them. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Vice Chairperson Neyer that all Englewood youth sports associations be assessed the same fee for games on like fields, regardless of sport, to be determined by staff. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Gomes commented that the $3.00 fee has been in place for over ten years and made the suggestion that the fee should be changed. Vice Chairperson Neyer explained that the fee was a "token fee". Director Black replied that he would have staff look into the change. In the meantime, Black told Commission members that the Department would inform Englewood Youth Sports Association of the fee but that it will not go into effect until fall so that they have time to do any fee adjustments. XI. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE Discussion was turned over to Cultural Arts Liaison Warner. Warner told Commission members that that 2001 Summer Concert schedule has been set and that the concerts will remain at the Little Dry Creek Plaza at 7:00pm. In regards to the Little Dry Creek Sculpture Garden, Warner told Commission members that the show is nearing its two year lease and that the Cultural Arts Commission will be deciding whether to bring in another show or to pursue another option such as purchase . Warner asked the Commission for their comments . Commission member Waldman asked how the decision would impact MOA . Director Black explained that the contract for MOA is for the Civic Center site only. Warner stated that the Wal-Mart Art Wall is complete. Commission members were informed that the Cultural Arts Commission was approached by a group from Charles Hay Elementary in regards to help in funding a memorial for a former volunteer. Director Black explained that in 2000 , the Cultural Arts Commission established guidelines for public art. Black went on to explain that if the memorial is placed on school property , it would not fall within the criteria of the art in public places guidelines. Black stated that although the Department would be amenable to placing it in a public park, it would be considered a memorial , and would not fall within the memorial policy guidelines. Recreation Manager Hultberg spoke in regards to the possibility that the Cultural Arts Commission could change the Art in Public Places policy to allow assistance in funding the memorial; although the consensus of the sub-committee is reluctance since the policy has been established. Commission members concurred that the project did not fall within the memorial policy guidelines. Discussion followed regarding possible options that could be available to the group. IX. CITY CENTER UPDATE I Director Black reported that the housing section at CityCenter is going up and that I construction on Office Depot is moving forward. In regards to Baily 's, Black stated that plans have been submitted but are waiting approval. Discussion followed regarding possible retail and restaurants for the site . I • x. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Director Black presented the revised Resolution establishing rates of parks and recreation services for Englewood business owners. Black stated that the City Attorney had requested the Board review the changes before going to City Council for final approval. A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman and seconded by Vice Chairperson Neyer to accept the revisions to the Resolution establishing rates of parks and recreation services for Englewood business owners and to move forward with approval from City Council as soon as possible. X. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Commission member Christie reported that the Englewood School Board has approved the Middle School sports program; which will initially consist of one program each for boys and girls . Christie announced that the Englewood School District Art Show is at the Englewood Public Library. Commission member Armstrong informed the Commission that Englewood hosted the February CPRA Director's Section. Armstrong explained that at the meeting , discussion took place in regards to the GOCO Executi ve Board and the end of term for Ray Printz, a long time supporter for local parks and recreation agencies. Armstrong told commission members that she had suggested a letter in support of re-appointment of Mr. Printz be sent. Armstrong read a draft of the letter to the Commission. A motion was made by Commission member Armstrong and seconded by Commission member Christie to send the letter to the State of Colorado on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission in support of reappointment of Mr. Printz. Recreation Manager Hultberg distributed pictures of the new Cushing Skate Park equipment. Hultberg explained that the new equipment is metal , replacing all wooden structures . Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space , reported that he has been working with MOA and artist Amy Laugesen on the Design and Build project, temporary public sculptures designed by high school students. Lee stated that the sculptures will be placed among the City of Englewood, including some parks. Commission members were told that Ms . Laugesen will be attending next month 's Commission meeting to discuss the project. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:28pm. /Q l fu(LcL {L duu f~ Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary