Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Parks and Recreation Board - 2006 - 07/10 - RegularMINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING JULY 10, 2006 PARB MEMBERS PRESENT Ben Ferguson, Chair Cheryl Lawson, Vice -Chair John Kelley Mary Fritsche Gary Alan Moore MEMBERS ABSENT Vicki Wester, Secretary Todd McIntosh STAFFPRESENT Lori Smeby, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Townsend, Park Services Manager Jeff Holt, Golf Services Manager Carrie Cessna, Recreation Services Manager Sue Witkowski, Senior Administrative Assistant GUESTS Residents CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCE A QUORUM IS PRESENT Chair Ben Ferguson called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm and announced a quorum was present. 2. CITIZENS COMMENTS One comment was received about the success of Allen USA 2006. 1 3. APPROVE MINUTES FROM JUNE 12, 2006 REGULAR MEETING Page 2 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting July 10, 2006 MOTION: Cheryl Lawson moved to accept the minutes from June 12, 2006 Regular Park Board Meeting as presented. John Kelley seconded, and the motion carried 5 for, 0 against. 4. ATHLETIC FACILITY USE FEES Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, Lori Smeby gave a brief background on the resolution passed by City Council in August, 2003 that set the fees for various field uses. Lori discussed some possible items that staff would be giving consideration to, and bringing back to the Board at a future date. Lori explained that initially, the plan was to ask for Board approval on new fees. In light of the serious drought conditions, staff has re-evaluated the proposal and determined that postponement would be most appropriate. Lori indicated staff would be returning to the Board at a future date for updates to the resolution. 5. DISCUSS YOUTH AFTER-SCHOOL (YAP) PROGRAM Lori reminded the Board that each year the Ordinance outlining our YAP program must be taken to City Council for approval. After re-evaluating the program, and meeting extensively with Allen Independent School District (AISD), staff has determined that with the expansion of "Kids Club" (AISD after-school program), there is no need to duplicate services. Therefore, staff is recommending the closure of the City operated Youth After - School Program. By agreement with AISD, all children currently enrolled in the City program will be guaranteed a spot in the AISD "Kids Club" after-school program. Staff informed the Board that should concerns arise, or the need present itself in the future, they would be glad to re-evaluate the program. 6. DROUGHT IMPACT TO CITY OF ALLEN PARK SERVICES Lori Smeby, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and Robert Townsend, Park Services Manager discussed the various impacts to City park services, based on the current drought Stage III and impeding further reduction in services based on anticipated Stage IV restrictions. Page 3 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting July 10, 2006 Some items mentioned were that Allen Sports Association (ASA) would no longer be allowing practices on game fields (beginning with the fall season). Staff clarified that the City will be honoring items currently on the books and asking ASA to re-evaluate their tournament schedule. Typically, staff plants rye grass each winter on the athletic fields — that will not be done this winter. Therefore, any play on dormant fields will take its toll. The spray ground hours will be re-evaluated if we move to Stage IV restrictions. Mowers have been instructed to raise the mowing height in all areas. Some of the projects that were scheduled for development in the new future such as the Allenwood Neighborhood Park will only be receiving hard-scape items (such as playgrounds, picnic tables, pavilions, etc). The items that require water (such as irrigation, ponds, etc) will be postponed. ITEMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS DISCUSSION A. Around the Horn — Board Members John Kelley — felt the watering of neighborhood parks was an issue for residents. John also asked about the replacement of a dead tree in Glendover Park. Mary Fritsche — asked if staff would be notifying the Allenwood residents regarding the postponement of some of the amenities in their neighborhood park. Cheryl Lawson — asked about reported vandalism at the hockey courts at The Edge, and projected date to reopen those facilities. Ben Ferguson — asked about the proposed dog park progress, as well as CDC funding projects form this year's list of projects. B. Subcommittee Reports No subcommittee reports were received. 8. OTHER BUSINESS Allen USA Wrap-up Lori provided a copy of the survey being conducted on-line showing responses of those who have completed it. While only 69 respondents have participated, staff has received many compliments on the event and how well it went this year. Lori Page 4 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting June l,2,2006 �d indicated Shannon Craft, Special Activities Coordinator for the City of Allen, had done a great job, and credited Shannon with a smooth event. Molsen Farm Lori reported that an agreement is being signed with a gentleman who has grazed cattle on this land in the past to allow him to continue. He will pay a nominal fee to the City of Allen for this privilege. Spring Meadow and Allenwood Parkland Development On June 20, 2006, one bid was received for the construction of Spring Meadow Park. Staff has recommended that City Council reject the bid for the construction of that facility based upon the bid being substantially over budget and incomplete. This will go to Council tomorrow evening on July 11, 2006. Staff is currently investigating options to restructure the bid for Spring Meadow in order to defer items that could be built in a later phase of construction. The Parks and Recreation Department staff plan on re -bidding the project in August 2006. Staff met with the Consultant for Allenwood Park on June 26, 2006 to discuss options of restructuring the bid items of the project in order to accommodate potential drought conditions during the construction phase of the project. Parks and Recreation staff plan on bidding this project in August 2006 and hope to start construction this fall. Staff is currently evaluating options and alternatives to moving the existing structures (which has to occur prior to construction.) Existing residents intend on completing their move by the end of July CIP and CDC Projects Status Board members were directed to their packet of information for the latest progress/status report filed by Brian Bristow on currently funded CIP and CDC projects. 4. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:lOpm. These minutes read and approved this 14" day 11of//August, 2006. �—o Ritmo Ben Ferguson, ehair Vicki Wester, Secretary