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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-09 PRC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of November 9, 2000 I. CALL TO ORDER II. The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:30pm by Chairperson Gomes at the Englewood Golf Course Clubhouse , 2101 W. Oxford Avenue. Present: Austin Gomes, Chairperson Steve Neyer, Vice Chairperson Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Kathy Christie, Commission Member Mitch Waldman , Commission Member Jim Woodward, Commission Membe r Kendra Grazulis , Youth Commission Member Tara Holmes , Youth Commission Member Martha Warner, Cultural Arts Commission Liaison Absent: Doug Garrett, City Council Liaison Also present: Gary Hultberg, Recreation Manager Bob Spada, Manager of Golf Course Michael Pickens , Golf Operations Coordinator APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Gomes asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of October 12, 2000 . There were none. A motion was made to accept the minutes of October 12, 2000 as presented. The motion passed unanimously. ill. SCHEDULED VISITORS There were no scheduled visitors. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS There were no unscheduled visitors . V. TENNIS COURT LIGHTING VI. As discussed at previous meetings, Commission members were informed that Don Tomasini , Athletic Program Coordinator at the Englewood High School , has agreed to signage being posted at City of Englewood tennis courts informing the public that lighted courts are available at Englewood High School. Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space , told Commission members that Mr. Tomasini is amenable to having the public utilize the high school courts . Commission Member Waldman asked in regards to the lights being turned on and off. Lee explained that those are some of the details that will need to be worked out. FLOOD INLINE HOCKEY LIGHTING Discussion moved to lighting of the Flood In-Line Hockey rink. Recreation Manager Hultberg explained that a couple of years ago, the tennis courts at Flood Middle School were converted to an In-Line Hockey rink. Hultberg reported that the Department recently received a petition requesting lighting at the rink. Commission members were told that Recreation staff is looking into the feasibility and has initiated discussion with the school district. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked of the approximate age of the petitioners. neighborhood across the street from the rink. Hultberg replied that there would be restricted hours of use and that staff would work with the neighbors. Chairperson Gomes concurred with Vice Chairperson Neyer in that the neighbors need to be involved. Commission Member Christie asked about a request by Flood Middle School students in regards to skate parks. Hultberg explained that some Flood Middle School students who were interested in information on skate parks had contacted him. Hultberg continued, saying that he was not sure of the reason for the information but that it had been forwarded on to the students with his name and phone number if there were any further questions or additional information needed. Commission members were told that as of now, he has not heard back from them. VII. RESIDENT ELIGIBILITY Discussion was turned over to Director Black and resident eligibility for parks and recreation facilities and programs for property owners that do not reside in Englewood City limits. Commission members received a copy of a memorandum from the City Attorney along with a copy of the Ordinance from 1991 establishing resident privileges for business owners. Black reminded the Commission that several months ago the issue had been brought up whether property owners that do not reside in Englewood City limits should be eligible for resident rates and privileges. Black stated that the residential policy reads that any person that resides in the City limits of Englewood is considered a resident and is eligible for resident rates and privileges. Black continued, explaining that City Council passed an Ordinance in 1991 extending resident privileges to business owners that own or operate a business within the City of Englewood but do not reside in the corporate boundaries of the City. Commission members were told that the issue of whether a landlord should be eligible for resident privileges has been an on-going issue over the past decade. Black commented that the issue primarily centers on the Golf Course and fees. Black stated that he has met with the City Attorney to discuss this issue and to ask him to review the Ordinance. According to the City Attorney, it would appear that a landlord/tenant situation would not give rise to resident status, which has been the practice of Recreation facilities over the past decade. The City Attorney also stated that although the Ordinance does not allow an absentee landlord to qualify for resident privileges, the Ordinance is less than crystal clear. Black explained that it is the recommendation of the City Attorney that the issue be addressed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and then taken forward to City Council to clarify whether a landlords should be given the same status as other businesses. Discussion followed regarding the clarity of the Ordinance. Director Black told Commission • • members that he had spoken with City Council Liaison Garrett regarding the issue. Garrett •. had asked that the issue be brought back to City Council. Garrett felt that the intent of the Ordinance needed to be kept the same but just needed to be clarified. Recreation Manager Hultberg made reference. to a phone survey, per request of the Commission, comparing metro area municipalities and districts on whether a landlord was • • • considered a resident. Hultberg commented that 11 out of 14 considered the landlord a resident. Vice Chairperson Neyer asked what is considered a privilege and what it pertains to usage of facilities. Director Black explained that it allows a person to use a recreation facility or program at a discounted rate. As for tee times , Black noted that it would be impossible to monitor. Chairperson Gomes questioned resident privileges for businesses. Black responded that only the owner or general manager and their families are eligible for resident privileges. Commission members were told that the Recreation Center offers Corporate passes to Englewood business and those employees that do not fall under the aforementioned. The question was asked as to the impact on the Golf Course. Black explained that when the Ordinance passed in 1991 , revenue decreased by 5-7%, although the number of rounds played stayed the same. The comment was made that the impact could be even greater if this passed . Following further discussion , A motion was made by Commission Member Waldman that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the City Attorney redraft Resolution no. 46 to clarify that only the tenants of the a residential property receive · resident rates for parks and recreation programs and facilities, and not the property owner. Vice Chairman Neyer seconded the motion with the addition that the resolution be clarified as to whom is a resident and if a resident and corporate owner received the same privileges. Commission Member Waldman accepted the amendment. The motion passed unanimously. VIII. CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Youth Commission Member Holmes told the Commission that discussion still involves the inclusion of Open Space in Englewood. Holmes also reported that goals are being set of what the Committee would like to see in Englewood by the year 2020. Director Black added that he would have Lauri Dannemiller bring the information to the Commission when the Committee finishes. IX. CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE x. Cultural Arts Liaison Warner reported that the Exploratory Committee , a sub-group of the Cultural Arts Commission , is pursuing the feasibility of a Cultural Arts Center in Englewood . Warner stated that she would bring more information, plus a drawing, to the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. CITYCENTER UPDATE Commission members were updated on recent developments with CityCenter. Director Black announced that Trammel Crow has started construction with the first units expected to be available in 12-18 months . Discussion followed regarding improvements to the Piazza and fountain for next summer. Chairperson Gomes asked if the 2001 Summ~r Concerts would be held at CityCenter. Black responded that it has not been decided and would be looked into a little deeper the next few months. Black noted that factors include sunlight and parking. In regards to tenants, Black reported that tenants so far include Office Depot and Baily's with a number of smaller tenants being lined up including Bennigans. Youth Commission Member Holmes asked in regards to David Taylor. Black explained that the City is still trying to bring David Taylor to CityCenter but that there are money issues that need to be worked out. X. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE After brief discussion , it was consensus of Commission members to cancel the December meeting if there were no agenda items scheduled. A meeting would be called if agenda items come up. Director Black thanked the Commission members for their efforts, time and support to the Department and noted how much City Council respects and appreciates it. Black wished Commission members a nice and safe holiday season. Chairperson Gomes concurred. XII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Commission Member Christie reported that there is a proposal into the School Board for the Middle School sports program to return. Christie noted that it has not yet been discussed . • Christie asked who has jurisdiction at the Oxford Light Rail Station. Recreation Manager • Hultberg that the station is in Englewood , but that it is the City of Sheridan 's station. Christie discussed the lack of a walkway along Windermere and how dangerous it is. Director Black replied that he would pass the information on to the City of Englewood , Sheridan and also RTD. Black also commented on the parking situation at the Oxford station and that businesses along Windermere have met with Public Works. Christie added that there are no windbreaks at the CityCenter station. Youth Commission Member Holmes announced the Englewood Drama Club would be presenting Tartuffe , December 7-9. Youth Commission Member Grazulis also announced that the holiday concert would be held December 14th. Commission Member Waldman asked in regards to the Centennial Park Expansion/Rockies Field and City Council 's acceptance. Director Black reported that City Council took the proposal very seriously at the budget workshop and insisted that the City of Englewood make the project priority . Development on the project is moving forward. Black explained the phases to the project. Black went on to explain that staff has met with the Rockies and that the environmental clean-up and moving of dirt is progressing. Commission Member Waldman passed on compliments he had received on the Golf Course. Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space , presented renditions of renovations to Hole #4. Lee explained changes to the Green including the attempt to draw the green off of the back slope • and allowing more putting room. Director Black added that when the Par 3 was designed, improvements to the front greens were also recommended . Black explained that those improvements are being phased in including the changes Lee just presented. • • • Recreation Manager Hultberg distributed the Winter Activity Guides. Hultberg announced that the Halloween Carnival and Holiday Bazaar were very successful. Commission Member Woodward asked in regards to the letter from the Malley Advisory Board that was included in the packet. Director Black explained that the Board was reemphasizing their support and commitment to the expansion of the Malley Senior Recreation Center and pool. Black went on to explain that with other projects coming up , the Boards was trying to re-state their support. Lastly, Black noted that City Council is committed to the bonding project for the expansion and aquatic facility and that bond vote will be on the ballot next year. XIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:3 lpm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary