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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 09/22/1981FORT COLLINS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES: Regular meeting - September 22, 1981 The meeting was called to order at 6:35 P.M. by Chairman Mike ImMasche. The first order of business was a special presentation of a plaque to Ed Hilgenberg, recently retired Water and Sewer Superintendent for the City of Fort Collins. Ed has been a super help to Parks and Recreation over the years, and a true friend and supporter. Present tonight was Ed's wife, Freida, and his long time friend, Neil Johnson, Superintendent of Collindale Golf Course. Ed made an acceptance speech and was given a well -deserved ovation by all those present. The minutes of the regular meeting of June 30, 1981, were unanimously approved, as presented, on a motion by Mary Elson, seconded by Bob Aukerman. Board member, Ken Nelson, informed us that he would be unable to attend tonight's meeting. Andersonville Mini Park Director of Parks and Recreation, H. R. Phillips, reviewed this item which was mailed to Board members on August 19, 1981. At that time staff recommended purchase of a specific site for $9,000, plus closing costs, from the Romero family using CDBG funding. The price is the appraised market value which is required when utilizing Federal funds. Staff also recommended naming the park site "John B. Romero Park" in honor of Mr. Romero who owned and lived on the site and was an active leader in his community and a proponent of children's welfare. - On a motion by Wes Sargent, seconded by Frances J. Bujack, the Board voted 6:1 (Ann Schroeder "no") to affirm the staff recommendation, which was mailed 8/19/81. Tennis Surveys/Master Plan Modification H. R. Phillips reviewed this item which was mailed to Board members on August 19, 1981. At that time staff recommended modification to the Moore Park Tennis Complex Master Plan reducing the number of regulation size tennis courts from 12 to 8, and instead, constructing 2 platform (paddle) tennis courts, and 3 outdoor Handball/Racquetball courts. This modification is being requested as a result of the tennis surveys, and strong interest shown in this community for varied types of tennis activities. - On a motion by Jan Sheppard, seconded by Wes Sargent, the Board voted unanimously to affirm the staff recommendation, which was mailed 8/19/81. New Community Park Site H. R. Phillips reported on the negotiations for a potential new Community Park site with the Huntington Mews developers. Funding of $660,000 is available from the Parks Bond issue. This site would be located adjacent to the Portner Reservoir, which would mean a water active park setting. Flat facilities, such as ballfields, tennis courts, etc., would not be conducive at this site. H.R. feels it could be a good Community Park, and the general concensus of the Board members at this time is to 0 i pursue this potential location. New Neighborhood Park Site H.R. reported on negotiations for a potential new Neighborhood Park site with the Everitt Company, south of Harmony Road, east of Lemay and west of the railroad tracks. The new bus garage and Service Center may or may not be involved on or near this site. Parkland funds and potential debt financing similar to the Westfield Park site purchase could be used for acquisition funding. At this time negotiations are in progress. Board member, Mary Elson, had to leave the meeting due to a prior committment. Beer in the Parks/Prohibiting Glass Containers H.R. reported on a meeting between the Police, City Attorney's office, City Manager's office, and Parks and Recreation. The concept of 'legalizing' beer and receiving some revenues was raised this time by several City Council members. The Police Department only enforces the "No Beer" law when it is necessary. Basically there are five options available. 1.) Strict enforcement of 'No Beer'; 2.) Continue to operate as in the past; 3.) Authorize a Class I license allowing consumption off the premises (allowing our concession stands to be the premises and changing the law authorizing drinking of beer in parks); 4.) Authorizing a Class II license with consumption on the premises; or 5.) Authorizing a Class III license allowing for consumption on or off the premises. The control factors of a Class II or III license would be very difficult in the opinion of the City Attorney, with the Class I being the most appropriate for our operation. The Police argued for Option #2, which means no change in the law, recognizing that good people will not abuse drinking beer in the parks. They will only enforce the law when needed. Board members and staff thoroughly discussed this issue, reviewing the various options. Several Board members don't necessarily disagree with the Police position, but re- ported specific cases of "Selective and Discriminatory Enforcement" of the law at softball games and the July 4th City Park special event. All Board members agreed That it would be a good idea to outlaw glass containers in parks, except those directly associated with picnics, such as pickle jars, mustard, ketchup bottles, etc. On a motion by Wes Sargent, seconded by Ann Schroeder, the Board voted 4:2 (Chuck Solano and Jan Sheppard "No") to continue with the present policy, but that no "Selective or Discriminatory Enforcement" should occur, and the law should only be enforced when another offence occurs; and that glass containers should be prohibited in the parks except those directly associated with picnic food items. Board member, Bob Aukerman, had to leave the meeting due to a prior committment. Resolution for Approval of Park Master Plans The Board reviewed this revised Resolution which was prepared by staff and approved by the City Attorney's office and the Planning and Development Department. The Planning and Development Department 'pulled' the original version of this Resolution, -2- (which was approved by the Board on June 30, 1981) off the City Council Agenda because of potential conflicts with the Capital Project Management Control System; and because they felt the Planning and Zoning Board was being circumvented in certain cases. Staff negotiated with Planning and Development and revised the Resolution to the form presented tonight. Assistant to the Director, Jerry P. Brown, explained the differences between the original Resolution and the revised version. - On a motion by Frances J. Bujack, seconded by Jan Sheppard, the Board unanimously voted to recommend approval to the City Council to adopt this revised Resolution authorizing the Parks and Recreation Board as the Approval Authority for Parks Master Plans. 1982 Budget Status Jerry P. Brown explained the budget changes; the additional supplementals added, the subtraction of pension costs, and the deferment of the Indoor Pool Renovation from the 1982 Budget. Ice Rink Status H.R. explained the status of negotiations Skating Association. Basically there has last Board meeting. Community Parks Bond Issue Status with developer Steve Robinson and the Ice been no important differences since the H.R. updated the Board. The final design contract at Moore Park has been awarded to Z.V.F.K. for $55,000, with probable construction bids to be let late this year or early next year. At Lee Martinez Park we are now doing 9 acres in irrigation with the grass due next spring. The Farm element won't start until after other projects are underway or completed. At Edora Park, Cox -Parker and Associates are preparing the final bid package at a cost of $17,000, with construction set for spring. The City Park renovation project final design is being handled by Engineering Professionals. 1982 Parkland Fee Staff recommended a 10% increase in the 1982 Parkland Fee, going from $500 to $550, basically for inflationary purposes. The Board previously agreed to the 1982 Parkland Budget, which was based on this increased fee proposal. Discussion ensued regarding the 'hardships' placed on developers and home buyers, but the Board generally agreed that inflation also hits Parks Acquisition and Development costs, and we need to attempt to keep pace, as we stated in the Parkland Fee Policy as part of Resolution 80-49. Therefore, on a motion by Frances J. Bujack, seconded by Wes Sargent, the Board voted 5:1 (Ann Schroeder "No") to increase the Parkland Fee to $550 in 1982 for inflationary reasons. 1982 Recreation Fees and Charges Recreation Superintendent, Jean Helburg, explained the basic policy and philosophy used in developing 1982 fees and charges. The net across -the -Board increase is approximately 6%, and the approximate recovery will be 55% of expenses in 1982. The 5% buffer is very important to us as expenses continue to go up. Staff would like to see the Recreation Fee Policy revised for the 1983 Budget year as it will be very difficult to operate in the future using this policy. The Board then -3- discussed some specific fee increases, including softball and swimming lessons. Eventually, after further discussion and explanation by staff, the Board voted unanimously on a motion by Wes Sargent, seconded by Chuck Solano, to accept the staff recommendation for 1982 Recreation Fees and Charges. Other Business - Boards and Commissions Manuals were distributed. - Handicapped restrooms in City Park were discussed, including the tough situation on the 4th of July. - City Park playground equipment needs to be repaired. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted JERRY P. BROWN, Assistant to the Director MEETING ATTENDANCE Board Members Staff Mike ImMasche H. R. Phillips Ed Hilgenberg Frances J. Bujack Jerry P. Brown Freida Hilgenberg Chuck Solano Jean Helburg Neil Johnson Ann Schroeder Jan Sheppard Wes Sargent Mary Elson Bob Aukerman Ron McClary (Poudre School District Ex-Officio Member) -4-