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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-12 PRC MINUTES• • City of Englewood PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes of August 12, 1999 I. CALI, TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 5:40pm by Chairman Gomes at Sinclair Pool, 355 W. Grand Avenue . Present: Austin Gomes, Chairman Steve Neyer, Vice Chairman Carolyn Armstrong, Commission Member Kathy Christie, Commission Member Steven Markwood, Commission Member (arrived at 5:45pm) Mitch Waldman, Commission Member Kells Waggoner, City Council Liaison Jerrell Black, ex officio Also present: Gary Hultberg, Manager of Recreation Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space Bob Simpson, Director of Neighborhood and Business Development (left at 6:30pm) Marilee Utter, Citiventures (left at 6:30pm) Alex Habenicht, City Council Member Joe Sack, Facility Supervisor for Malley Senior Recreation Center Brad Anderson, Program Administrator for Aquatics Carol McGuigan , Program Administrator for Cultural Arts II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Gomes asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of July 8, 1999. There were none. A motion was made to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. ill. SCHEDULED VISITORS Carol McGuigan, Program Administrator for the City of Englewood , presented a plaque to Steve Neyer in recognition for his support of the Englewood Summer Drama program. IV. UNSCHEDULED VISITORS v. There were no unscheduled visitors . MOA AND DAVID TAYLOR PROPOSAL Director Black introduced Bob Simpson from Neighborhood and Business Development and Marilee Utter, Consultant with Citiventures. Black explained that Mr. Simpson has been coordinating efforts of the CityCenter Englewood development. Due to discussion that took place at the July meeting, Black invited Mr. Simpson and Ms. Utter to tonight's meeting to give an overview regarding the Museum of Outdoor Arts and David Taylor proposals. Discussion was turned over to Mr. Simpson . Mr. Simpson gave a brief overview of the redevelopment, explaining that the developed site will focus on transit , along with open space, residential , retail, entertainment and cultural uses. Mr. Simpson talked about the project including amenities that would draw people to the site. Mr. Simpson went on to explain why cultural uses are being pursued for CityCenter Englewood. Commission members were told how the City of Englewood came in contact with the Museum of Outdoor Arts and later David Taylor Dance Theater, creating a collaboration of culture and dance. Commission members received information prepared by City staff regarding facts, figures and frequently asked questions about cultural arts at CityCenter Englewood. Mr. Simpson reviewed the information with the Commission, starting with the Museum of Outdoor Arts. Ms. Utter commented in regards to Simpson's comments. Ms. Utter stated that what is being done at CityCenter is unprecedented in relation to civic development. Ms. Utter added that most developments start with new organizations. Ms. Utter went on to explain that the City of Englewood is fortunate to have the opportunity to have an established organization. Discussion followed regarding the return of investment to the City of Englewood. Vice-Chairman Neyer asked if the demographics in Englewood would support such a project. Mr. Simpson replied yes, explaining that it would be a destination point for people. Ms. Utter added that the sales tax brought in from the outside would help support the project. Mr. Simpson discussed the Wal-Mart Art-Wall. • Chairman Gomes stated that his concern was that the City of Englewood is giving $130,000 • annually to MOA, and wanted to know what the City would be getting in return. Gomes asked where the revenue would be coming from. Mr. Simpson responded that revenue would be generated from a variety of sources, primarily Wal-Mart. Commission member Armstrong asked what David Taylor would be paying sales tax on. Ms. Utter stated that David Taylor is not a revenue generator but an amenity to residents. Mr. Simpson remarked that he was not able to argue the fact. based off of a return of dollar, but on a return of value. ·• · Commission member Waldman spoke in regards to the MOA and David Taylor's operating budgets and the fact that they would be receiving free rent. Waldman expressed his concern that all resources are going towards the two organizations and not local community organizations. Commission members agreed with Waldman. Commission member Armstrong remarked as to the cost of the programs offered by the organizations. Ms. Utter replied that maybe it should be a charge to the Cultural Arts Commission to see that the costs of the programs are affordable to Englewood residents. Armstrong went on to discuss the value of the art being brought in by MOA and cost to the City over the twenty years. Armstrong noted that in the end, the City would not own any of the art. Mr. Simpson responded that he could not guarantee anything, but firmly believed that additional cultural resources would be brought to the site. Discussion followed. Discussion moved on to the proposal for David Taylor Dance Theater. Mr. Simpson that the City requested that David Taylor come up with a new program since all old programs were already funded. Discussion ensued. • • • Commission member Christie stated that she did not see anything specific regarding how many programs were to be offered. Ms. Utter reported that after discussion, it was determined quantifying was not meaningful and requested that programming be increased. Christie then asked in regards to programming for youth. Simpson stated that he would obtain that information. Commission member Neyer asked if the deal was final. Director Black replied no, that further Council action is required. Council Member Habenicht, liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission, addressed the Commission regarding MOA and David Taylor's presence in the City of Englewood. VI. MALLEY SENIOR COMPUTER LAB VII. Discussion was turned over to Joe Sack, Facility Supervisor for the Malley Senior Recreation Center. Prior to discussing the computer lab, Mr. Sack invited Commission members to the Malley Center Trust Fund picnic scheduled for Thursday, August 191h at 5:00pm. Discussion began on the computer lab for the Malley Center. Mr. Sack explained the need for a computer lab and for fundraising for the lab since it was not a planned budget item. Sack went on to explain that a Rock-a-Thon was held in 1998, which raised $10,000 to meet the goal. Mr. Sack reported that staff is also doing a cookbook, available in early Fall. Discussion followed regarding breakdown of the lab and contributions from seniors, Information Technology , etc. Commission members congratulated Mr. Sack and staff for their accomplishment. LEASH LAW Per Commission's request for staff to research information pertaining to a leash law in the City of Englewood, Dave Lee, Manager of Open Space, informed Commission that there is nothing in the City Ordinance regarding a leash law. Lee explained the current regulation is that an animal must be under reasonable control in order to be off of a leash . Lee suggested that the Commission invite a staff person from Code Enforcement to discuss the issue . Discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of a leash law and how to move forward, possibly with a better-defined ordinance. Council member Waggoner reported that several years ago the City of Englewood proposed a leash law. The new law did not pass due to lack of support. Black indicated that staff would follow up . VIII. FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PLAN Commission members received the five year capital plan for 2000. Director Black gave an overview. Black explained that the for the year 2000, $115,000 had been allocated for pool design for the aquatic facility at Home Lumber but was not listed. Black added that staff is looking into putting $2 .2 million under Public Improvement Fund for the year 2001 for development of the aquatic facility. Commission member Waldman asked in regards to Arapahoe Rental. Director Black reported that the appraisal is completed and both staff and the owner are reviewing the document. Black noted that the appraisal addressed the issue that the owner wants value of the business , not just the land. Both parties will be meeting in the near future. Discussion went back to FYCP . Black reviewed items for the Golf Course, noting that part of the expansion project included committing $50,000 a year. Black spoke in regards to 1999 's improvements to the course , including irrigation and sod work. Black stated that it is a goal to build up the reserve fund in case there are any problems. Discussion followed. Director Black explained that due to the budget process being moved back , Commission needed to give their approval. Black stated that if necessary , a special meeting could be called . A motion was made by Commission member Armstrong and seconded by Vice- Chairperson Neyer to approve the basis to the FYCP for the year 2000, with review of additional items at a later time. The motion passed unanimously. IX. PARK STAFFING IN COORDINATION WITH WATER DEPARTMENT AND WEED MOWING FOR CITY Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space , reminded Commission members that at last month 's meeting , Don Coatman from Utilities was present to request assistance from the Parks Division for trimming along City ditches and right-of-ways. During discussion , Commission member 's were informed that Lee had also received requests from Public Works and Code Enforcement for assistance. Per Commission 's request, Lee researched a possible solution. • Lee indicated that a new program will be requested for next year , under a new budget. Cost • for the program is expected to be approximately $30,000 per year, which will provide for a contractor to weed , trim and do special projects . IX. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Director Black informed Commission members that the Cultural Arts Commission had moved forward with placement of artwork along Little Dry Creek . Black indicated that there have been some problems. Vice Chairman Neyer spoke in regards to the Parks and Recreation Commission having approval or sem i-approv al of the artwork that went in. Black replied that the approva1 from the Parks and Recreation Commission had to do with the location for the artwork . Discussion ensued regarding Commission members ' understanding of their position on placement of a rtwork in open space and the artwork along Little Dry Creek. Pamphlets for the Society for the Preservation of Humanity w ere distributed to Commission members. The pamphlets sho w ed s imilar pieces of artwork that are being placed along Little Dry Creek. Commission members were reminded that John Gerlick had been the liaison , but with his resignation , the Commission did not re-appoint a replacement. Director Black encouraged the Commission to appoint a liaison to the Cultural Arts Commission. Council Member Waggoner addressed safety issues with the artwork. Discussion follo wed. Vice Chairman Ne y er stated that with the Cultural Arts Commission being an off-shoot of the • Parks and Recreation Commission , it was his understanding that the Parks and Recreation Commission had input as to the content of the artwork, not just location. Neyer asked if past minutes could be researched . Black replied yes . • • X. CITYCENTER ENGLEWOOD UPDATE Commission members were updated as to developments with CityCenter Englewood. Black reported that the City of Englewood is moving forward with details as to the closing with Walmart that is scheduled for September. Director Black reported that there is still no theater. Discussion followed regarding deadlines for the project. X. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE XI. Recreation Manager Hultberg informed Commission members of problems that arose with the Before and After School program and the possibility of having to close some of the sites due to staffing shortages. Hultberg remarked that staff developed an aggressive plan including increased salaries, recruitment, etc. Hultberg continued , stating that the program is at the point where all sites will be opened , but that Charles Hay and Clayton will be limited to twenty children instead of the normal forty. Additional children will be added as more staff is hired. Discussion followed regarding cost of the before and after school program. Hultberg added that the YMCA has cancelled their before and after school programs, and the City of Aurora, pioneer to the B&A program, has eliminated all twenty-one of their sites , primarily due to a funding issue . Hultberg announced that the Olde Tyme Fair/Funfest will be held on August 28 and 29, 1999 , at Miller Field . COMMISSION MEMBER'S CHOICE Commission member Christie complimented staff on the Clayton Athletic Field. Christie addressed improvements that will be taking place on the corner of Flood Middle School along Broadway and additions to Sinclair Middle School. Commission member Armstrong commented on the Summer Drama program "Fiddler on the Roof' and how welcomed she felt as an adult participant. Commission member Markwood asked if any information was received regarding this year's park patrol. Dave Lee , Manager of Open Space , responded that JJiis ye'a"r ' s patrol consisted of one roving officer in a car and one officer stationed at Belleview Park five nights out of the week. Lee added that Safety Services is dealing with the same staffing issues as the other City departments. Markwood commented that it needs to be made a priority. Markwood announced that he will be resigning from the Parks and Recreation Commission now that he is a Denver re sident. Commission members thanked Markwood for his service. Vice Chairman Neyer addressed concerns he had with recognition of sponsors for the youth sport programs . Ne y er stated that he attended this year 's summer drama production and what a great performance it was . Neyer asked in regards to criteria for the Adopt-a-Garden program. Dave Lee replied that there is no criteria in place . Neyer suggested that some kind of criteria needs to be developed; and asked that it be brought before the Commission for approval. Commission member Waldman announced that the Englewood Girl's Softball league recently hosted a regional tournament at Miller Field: Waldman spoke in regards to the outcome of the Englewood teams. Waldman commented on the location of a memorial bench that was placed near the restrooms by #10 fairway at the Golf Course. Commission members were informed that the memorial bench was the result of a request by Swedish Hospital employees. Lee explained that Swedish representatives were given several options for placement of the bench and chose the location near the #10 fairway. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:46pm. Deborah A. Severa, Recording Secretary •