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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 01/25/1983FOR COLLINS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY MINUTES: Regular Meeting, January 25, 1983 The meeting was called to order at 6:32 P.M. by Chairman Mike ImMasche. Member, Cathy Mulcahy, is absent due to illness. Chairman ImMasche introduced Councilman, Bill Elliott. Jerry P. Brown introduced Leaf Magnuson, departmental student intern from U.N.C. Agenda Review and Citizen Participation sections have been added to the Board Agenda, to help provide a more formal structure. The minutes of the last regular meeting of September 28, 1982, were approved unanimously, as submitted, on a motion by Frances Bujack; seconded by Bob Aukerman. Citizen Particination Councilman Elliott brought up two items for discussion. He asked about the possibility of a natural interpretation area/walk associated with Rolland Moore Community Park, and about the relationship of the Cemeteries with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. H. R. Phillips explained that the open space lands adjacent to Moore Park offer the opportunity for nature studies, but we had no plans for a 'walk' program or depart- mental interpretation efforts at this time. There are many open space lands available to the public for personal pursuit, but the start-up and on -going 0&M costs for a formal program are generally prohibitive. It is something that we were interested in several years ago, but budget cuts, etc., have changed our wants in this area. Regarding the Cemeteries, H. R. firmly stated that there is no need for a Cemetery Board, per se, but a short-term blue ribbon committee could advise City Council regarding issues such as privatization of the Cemeteries, expansion of Grandview, etc., that were addressed in the request from former Councilman Russell. The Ordinance that created the Parks and Recreation Board excluded Cemeteries because it was felt at that time that Cemeteries had been successfully operating for many, many years without a Board, and City Council had already approved all Cemetery operating rules, procedures and regulations. Status Updates on Projects/Programs H. R. Phillips updated the Board on the status of several projects/programs, including... the water slide has been withdrawn because there is not enough room in City Park, the percentage/money to the City was wrong, Edora Park could be a better site, but the developer would not consider it, and we should wait until we have a complete water recreation plan (pools, slides, etc.)... City Park renovation is completed... Edora Park BMX, horseshoe courts, parking, bridge, picnic area are essentially complete, except for some grass/landscape problems to be solved this spring... the 9 acre improvements and new restroom at Lee Martinez Park are complete and ready for use this spring. The Farm will be started late this year... At Moore Park, construction is ahead of schedule, but we are having expensive problems with the ditch companies... The trails are very busy, especially the new lower Poudre segment. C.S.U. to Hill Pond is in progress, and Edora Park to Lemay will be delayed until development, hopefully this year. Trail users must still use Welch Street... We are working with parents and students on High School Park, to hopefully improve the image... We need to replace the City Park Bathhouse/Concession, and the Health Department is requiring improvements... We hope to work on Landings Park this year... Land and Water Fund has allocated us $60,000 for a neighborhood park, but we are having problems with the Davis -Bacon provision. Parks and Recreation Gift Catalo Jerry P. Brown explained the Parks and Recreation Gift Catalog program, including our goals and objectives. The Catalog should be available in April, hopefully. 500 books will be printed and distributed. Items in the Catalog will range from $20 toys to a $4,000,000 Recreation Center. The book will be patterned after one from Detroit, Michigan. Discussion on 3/4Q Sales Tax Issue H. R. Phillips and Jerry P. Brown briefed the Board on the sales tax issue, which will be on the March 8th City election ballot. The City will provide a brochure explaining the uses for the money, with Pro and Con comments, maintaining an objective, information -oriented posture. Councilman Elliott also briefly addressed this topic. The Parks and Recreation interests include... $1.6 million in the next five years for 0&M costs associated with the new Community Parks... $1.2 million to renovate the Indoor Pool ($2.5 million for a new pool)... $100,000+ for the Outdoor Pool Bathhouse/Concession in City Park... $750,000 for a Parks and Recreation Administration Building in City Park... $600,000 to complete the 9.6 mile Foothills Trail segment... $550,000 to complete the 3.5 mile paved Strauss Cabin Trail. The Board and staff discussed the issue thoroughly. Not all Board members totally support the tax. It was agreed that Jan Sheppard meet with staff when the City literature becomes available, and that she prepare a draft statement relative to the various comments Board members made about the tax, and Parks and Recreation interests. The Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, February 8, 1983, at 6:30 P.M. to further discuss the issue, and determine potential actions. Other Business Chairman ImMasche received a letter from M. L. Johnson, Vice -President of the Fort Collins Children's Theater. They recommend that the City consider building an outdoor theater as a facility in "Phase II" of Moore Park (at this time there is no Phase II). Staff has thought about such a facility since 1974, but H. R. Phillips thinks Moore Park may not be an appropriate site for such a facility. The new Fossil Creek Community Park may be better. He and Mike ImMasche will respond by letter to Mr. Johnson, explaining the potential options, restrictions, and financial hurdles. Jerry P. Brown referred to the "Trees of City Park -A Walking Self -Guided Tree Tour" brochure produced by the Forestry Division. Board members provided several favorable comments. -2- - Staff provided Board with memorandums with the Proposed Schedule of Meetings in 1983, and Board Meeting Attendance during 1982. Mary Elson attended all eight meetings, and Cathy Mulcahy attended all three meetings after her appoint- ment to the Board in July. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 P.M. on a motion by Mary Elson; seconded by Mike ImMasche. Passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, MARY ELSON, Secretary MEETING ATTENDANCE Board Members Staff Mike ImMasche H. R. Phillips Chuck Solano Jerry P. Brown Mary Elson Leaf Magnuson Dave Adamson Bob Aukerman Frances Bujack Ann Schroeder Jan Sheppard Ron McClary (Poudre R-I) Guest Bill Elliott -3-