PRESENT:

Lyra Done, Chair Bob DeLaney, Vice-Chair Karen Chatterton, Member Susannah Myerson, Member Dennis Ottley, Member Greg Roberts, Member John Scheuring, Member

ALSO PRESENT:                 Ainsley Legner, Parks and Recreation Director
                                             Paula Abbott, Town Council Member

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Ottley to approve the October 14, 2008 regular session minutes as written.

MOTION carried, 7-0.

No speakers.

Town Council Member Paula Abbott explained that she attends this meeting to answer questions from the Board and not to influence decisions.  

The Naranja Town Site bond issue failed.  The Town is looking for all possible revenues due to the economic forecast.  One option is to eliminate 4% of the 6% bed tax funds which were to be designated for Naranja Town Site.  She opposes moving all of the money into the Highway Fund and feels that some of it should be retained.  The Town Council will be looking at what direction to take in the next few months. 

The Board Members introduced themselves and discussed their backgrounds. 

• El Tour de Tucson will be on Saturday, November 22, 2008.
• Town offices are closed for Thanksgiving on November 27th and 28th.  
• Parks & Recreation holiday photo shoot is on December 3, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. 
• Arizona Department of Commerce Annual Boards & Commissions Conference will be on December 5, 2008. 
• Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for December 5, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
• Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony is scheduled for December 11, 2008.
• Holiday Parade is scheduled for December 13, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. 
• Town offices are closed for Christmas holiday on December 25, 2008.
• Town offices are closed for New Year’s on January 1, 2009. 
• Next PRAB meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Ottley and seconded by Vice-Chair DeLaney to nominate Susannah Myerson to the CIP Technical Advisory Committee.

MOTION carried, 7-0.

The Town Council will discuss the General Plan Amendments on November 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.  The discussion will include the Arroyo Grande issue. 

Chair Done opened the floor for discussion.

Resident and Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commissioner Bill Adler encouraged the Board to become involved in the General Plan Amendments.  He explained that Neighborhood 5 in Rancho Vistoso includes a linear recreation space created to soften the edge of the development next to a conservation area.  This Board’s input is needed to designate the space.

Parks and Recreation staff has been working with Planning and Zoning staff on one of the Stone Canyon General Plan amendment issue.  Staff has received several phone calls from trail advocates who are concerned that the General Plan amendment may go through without the Town receiving the easement access to the trailhead near Stone Canyon.  The configuration of the land does not lend well to installing a trailhead so a different piece of land is needed.  The Town does not have the legal easements to access the trailhead because much of the land is private property.  Staff is working to assist with this issue and the Town Council plans to discuss this item. 

Vice-Chair DeLaney asked if the Board could have input regarding parks which are controlled by Home Owner’s Associations (HOA).  Chair Done explained that this issue goes before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Development Review Board and that is where this Board may have input.

Further discussion followed regarding the following:

• Member Ottley explained the original and current plans for Neighborhood 5.
• Member Scheuring expressed interest in working with Bill Adler to minimize the vandalism at the archeological ruin site in Arroyo Grande.
• Vice-Chair DeLaney inquired about the Parks and Recreation Department having input regarding what goes into the HOA parks.  Ms. Legner explained that the Department has representation at the Development Review Committee.  A Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Subcommittee existed in the past and their comments were included in the Town Council’s report.
• One way to decide which amenities are included in parks is to research the target market in the subdivision.

No update.

The Town Council is looking into this item.  Council Member Abbott indicated that she would like this area to remain recreation space due to a shortage in park space compared to the population size of Oro Valley. 

The Tucson Museum of Art has expressed interest in having a location at the Naranja Town Site.  They would need 5 acres for the building and 20 acres for a sculptured garden.

Bob DeLaney encouraged the Board Members to try to attend the Town Council Study Sessions whenever possible.

Chair Done stated that she is the liaison to the Finance and Bond Committee.  She encouraged the new Board Members to review the different Boards and Commissions for future opportunities to become involved.

Ms. Legner discussed the following:

• Holiday photo shoot will be at 8:00 a.m. on December 3, 2008.  
• Volunteer Appreciation Dinner will be on December 11, 2008. 
• The pool is closing on Friday, November 14th until January 12th for maintenance and holidays.   
• The pool will be drained and new drain covers will be installed per law.  
• The Sonoran Desert Flyers will use the pool for radio controlled boats.    
• The pool chemicals will change from bromine to chlorine because it is easier to service and more economical. 

Chair Done encouraged the Board Members to visit the Sonoran Desert Flyers at Naranja Town Site.  

Ms. Legner explained that the Parks and Recreation Department will have a float in the Holiday Parade.  She invited the Board Members and requested that they inform the office if they plan to walk or ride with the float. 

Member Ottley recommended that the new Board Members be given a tour of the Oro Valley parks and Town properties after January. 

Vice-Chair DeLaney discussed the issue of the Sonoran Desert Flyer’s allotted flying time at Naranja Town Site.  The Flyers will speak with the Town Council in January and request extended hours so that they may add youth programs. 

The assignment of liaisons to Boards and Commissions will be on the January Town Council agenda.

The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.