HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 03/22/1983f I � •
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES: Regular Meeting - March 22, 1983
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 P.M. by Chairman Mike ImMasche.
Three items were added during Agenda Review: City Park Batting Cages; Northside
Center Name Change Request; Park Maintenance Districts. - - No one spoke during
Citizen Participation.
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 22, 1983, were approved unanimously
as submitted, on a motion by Dave Adamson; seconded by Ann Schroeder.
Lotter
H. R. Phillips stated the City should receive between $175,000 to $225,000 this
year, in September, if the Lottery continues as it is now set-up. This money
should not be used for 0&M, but rather Capital development, renovation, land
acquisition, etc. The present law and distribution formula expires in four (4)
years, so if we commit the money to 0&M, there is a strong chance that we could
be in serious financial trouble, if the Legislature re -directs the money. Board
members are still considering potential uses for the funds, to be recommended to
City Council, when we get a better handle on actual revenues and priority needs.
The Trolley
H. R. reported the current status of the Trolley project. Jerry P. Brown read
exerpts from the minutes of March 25, 1980, as follows: "...The Fort Collins
Municipal Railway Society made a presentation on their proposal for restoration
and operation of one of the original trolley cars (on West Mountain Avenue). They
asked the Board to support their program. However, while the presentation and
proposal was impressive, the Board felt it did not have adequate enough time to
review its impact to Parks and Recreation, and, therefore, took no formal action...".
Jerry said that the Board has received no further input, nor were asked to provide
their advice to anyone.
Board members and staff then discussed the situation. Fran Bujack favors the
trolley on West Mountain, having lived in three locations where the original
trolley system operated. Other Board members feel the Downtown locations now
being discussed would be better. The Board then unanimously decided that they
would like to be included in Trolley matters, IF it pertains to Parks and Recreation
lands.
Hiqh School Park
Gazebo and improvement plans as approved by the Board at their last meeting, are
progressing. April 30th is the scheduled day for the building activities. H. R.
reported he has received no recommended suggestions for a name change, which must
be cleared through this Board and City Council before formal action can be taken.
Board members are encouraged to attend the building activities.
City Park Batting Cages
Two different individuals have approached us regarding the installation of 3 or 4
pay batting cages and machines in City Park, adjacent to the City Park south field,
near the new concession building. These could bring us additional revenues, as
well as provide a needed service to ball players, without City expenditures. The
city power lines may be a problem in the proposed location. Mike ImMasche was
concerned with the quality of different type of machines/cages that he is very
familiar with in Denver and elsewhere. H. R. stated we will follow the City
'bidding' procedure, and accept conceptual proposals from these two potential
vendors. We will evaluate everything, including quality and revenues, and will
choose the best vendor for at least a one -season experiment. If this is a success-
ful program, it could be expanded to other softball locations in the future.
Northside Community Center Name Change Request
A group of individuals, representing the area near Northside Community Center in
Riverside Park, have evidently gathered signatures on a petition asking the City
to change the names of Northside and Riverside to Aztlan. Aztlan is an Aztec
word generally meaning "Northern Area", and is apparently historically significant
to certain local residents. As we understand it, this group was planning on attend-
ing tonight's Board meeting, but had other obligations, according to their spokes-
man, Ausencio Perez. The group has requested that the City Clerk place them on
the City Council Agenda for April 5th. Mr. Ernie Miranda is scheduled to be their
spokesman that night.
Board members discussed this issue thoroughly. Chuck Solano and Cathy Mulcahy
stated that they didn't feel this change to Aztlan would be in the best interests
of the whole City. Board members seemed to concur that an ethnic name could imply
a turf -type ownership value, which is not what we desire. H. R. reported that this
same request was made to City Council in September of 1978, but was never decided.
City Manager Arnold, in a memorandum to Council at that time, recommended leaving
the name Northside for many reasons, but that maybe Riverside Park could be changed
to Aztlan. Chuck Solano said he didn't think this new group could accept a change
of the Park name only. Jerry also said that with the discussions of the Poudre
River Trust Project, taking any action at this time might not be fully appropriate.
Since no actual request has been made to staff or the Board, no action can be taken
at this time. If this group goes to City Council, Council can generally take one
of several options, as follows: 1.) Approve the request; 2.) deny the request;
or 3.) refer it to staff and/or Parks and Recreation Board.
Park Maintenance Districts
H.R. asked Board members for general comments about our Park Maintenance Districts
proposal. We would divide the City into three maintenance areas, and continue
our primary maintenance operation out of City Park, with satellite maintenance
locations at the Timberline Sub -station just east of Edora Park, and at the
Southside Service Center. Each District would service parks, medians, trails,
etc. within their area. Board members said the plans seem geographically sound
and logical, and should increase productivity and efficiency. H. R. will present
this proposal to the City Manager.
-2-
Other Business
Jerry reported on the status of the Gift Catalog, which should be available
around April 8th. Our posters are printed and will be distributed to local
merchants and businesses involved with Parks and Recreation. Approximately
325 letters were sent to lawyers, accountants, financial advisers, banks and
savings institutions, asking for their interest and support. The Gift Catalog
is looking good.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:46 P.M., on a motion by Frances
Bujack; seconded by Jan Sheppard; passed unanimously.
MEETING ATTENDANCE
Board Members
Mike ImMasche
Mary Elson
Bob Aukerman
Cathy Mulcahy
Ann Schroeder
Chuck Solano
Dave Adamson
Frances Bujack
Jan Sheppard
Staff
H. R. Phillips
Jerry P. Brown
Respectfully submitted,
MARY ELSON, Secretary