PRESENT:

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

EXCUSED:

Dennis Ottley, Member

Member Chatterton arrived at 7:05 p.m.

No speakers.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Myerson to approve the March 10, 2009 regular session minutes as written.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

Upcoming Meeting Announcements:
 ~ Town of Oro Valley 35th Anniversary Celebration will be April 17, 2009 and April 18, 2009.
 ~ Budget Study Session on April 20, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
 ~ Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Town Facilities Tour on April 25, 2009.
 ~ GOVAC Concert Series at CDO Riverfront Park on April 25, 2009 and May 30, 2009.   
 ~ Pitch, Hit & Run on April 26, 2009.  Sectionals on May 17, 2009.
 ~ Budget Study Session on April 29, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
 ~ Next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting on May 12, 2009.

In January after the bond issue failed, the Town Council began discussing options for the Naranja Town Site.  Several alternatives were suggested and the item was tabled.  The following suggestions were discussed:
 ~ Add the item back on the ballot.
 ~ No action.
 ~ Complete a statistical survey to find out why the bond failed.
 ~ Form a blue ribbon committee. 

Council Member Abbott asked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board if they were interested in discussing this item and presenting a recommendation to the Town Council.  The Town Council majority decided to table this item for six months.  Council Member Abbott suggested that this item be placed on the May Parks and Recreation Advisory Board agenda.  

Due to the deficit, all Departments were asked to bring forward operating cost reductions and offer reduction in force information.  The Parks and Recreation Department has been asked to review their portion of the budget and offer a way to retain the position up for elimination.  It is important to the Town Council to make every effort to save jobs.  The Town Council also recommended increasing user fees for the pool.  They requested information regarding recovering fees at a rate closer to 100%.  Council Member Abbott stated that the rates should be reasonable to promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Mindy Stomel with Animal Welfare Alliance of Southern Arizona (AWASA) discussed holding a Mutt Show in Oro Valley.
Ms. Stomel presented the following information:
 ~ AWASA promotes animal rescue adoption.
 ~ Benefits of having a companion animal.
 ~ Canine companions are encouraged to attend the event.
 ~ AWASA Strategic Plan 
     - Increase spays/neuters.
     - Placement of animals in suitable homes. 
     - Reduce euthanasia.  
     - Be a united voice with like organizations.
     - Work with legislatures to end pet homelessness.
 ~ Mutt Show will feature adoptable animals.  
 ~ The event would be a venue where people and pets participate in activities.
 ~ The event would build awareness and enthusiasm. 
 ~ It would benefit Oro Valley and homeless animals. 
 ~ Dog ownership changes the way people relate to neighbors. 
 ~ It will be a safe event.
 ~ There will be canine sporting events which provide revenue for Oro Valley. 
 ~ It will benefit local trainers, groomers, and veterinarians.  

Further discussion followed regarding:
 ~ Adoptable animals and rescuers are from Arizona and neighboring states. 
 ~ Adoption portion of the event would be held behind the pool area.  A large and flat area would be needed for the competitions.  Events and games may be held around the pool.  The field area in the back may be needed for fly ball.
 ~ Vendors and adoption agencies will have tents and tables set up.  
 ~ AWASA anticipates 3,000 attendees over the two days of the event.
 ~ These events are very popular and the closest one is in Phoenix.  
 ~ The event could take place in October 2009.  
 ~ The biggest challenge is that this event missed the deadline for the community funding process this year and will exceed the $1,000 cost to the Town that would preclude any in-kind services provided by the Town.  AWASA would need to pay for services such as Police.  Next year the group may be able to go through the community funding process. 
 ~ Council Member Abbott discussed the idea of funding options.  
 ~ The event may stimulate the economy in Oro Valley. 
 ~ AWASA may accept private donations for the event.  
 ~ Ms. Legner needs a written proposal for the project plan including a cost estimate.  The proposal will be forwarded to the Manager’s Office. 
 ~ This could be a signature event to put Oro Valley on the map.
 ~ There will be 30 adoption groups with 3-5 adoptable dogs each. 
 ~ AWASA is an umbrella organization.  21 non-profits are preparing this event.   
 ~ Coordination will need to be made with Canyon Del Oro High School to use the parking lot.  
 ~ The event will be presented to the Town Council as an informational item.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Roberts to move forward on the Mutt Show proposal.  

MOTION carried, 6-0.

Ms. Legner explained that at every meeting, there is an agenda item called "Future Agenda Items".  During this item, topics may be discussed for future agendas.  Generally, items are simply added to the next agenda unless there are any complications with the topic.  Chair Done or Ainsley Legner may also be contacted to request that an item be added to an agenda. 

Ms. Legner distributed maps of the trail and a written proposal from the Parks and Recreation Department.  Parks Manager James Gardner, Multimodal Planner Nancy Ellis, and Parks and Recreation Director Ainsley Legner met and reviewed the situation developed a plan for closing the trail.  There are still many trails on the property.  Three fencing barriers may be installed at the top of the property with one near Montero Vista Drive which will extend to the drop off.  Signage at all three barriers is recommended with language about the trail being closed and directions.  The cost estimate is $2,000 to include the signage, staffing and fencing.  

Member Chatterton presented a video she created which illustrates the trail, exposed back yards, and erosion.  

Further discussion followed regarding:
 ~ Funding for resolving the issue could come from this year’s budget.  In lieu fees may be available for this project because it is to repair an existing problem.  
 ~ When the staff considered moving the trail down, it was decided that it would not be a quality experience due to the large dirt mounds. 
 ~ Member Chatterton discussed the dogs off leash on one side of the property.  If the trail is closed, it may lead the off leash public to hike in the other area. 
 ~ Ms. Legner stated that she spoke with Chief Sharp and he indicated that the leash law enforcement would be increased.  
 ~ The Board Members recommended Police volunteers to patrol the area and asked about park enforcement volunteers.
 ~ Closing the trail may cause more problems than it solves by setting a precedent.  
 ~ Building a higher fence or screening structure.  
 ~ There is a similar issue at the Canada Del Oro Linear Park with views from the path into back yards.  
 ~ A vegetative barrier which is not invasive and would grow fast may work.  
 ~ An article or notation could be included in the Vista reminding the public that it is illegal to walk dogs off leash.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Roberts to move forward with enforcing the leash law through correspondence with the Town Manager and the Chief of Police to possibly include advertising regarding strict enforcement of this issue.   

MOTION carried, 6-0.

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Myerson and seconded by Member Roberts to not close the trail and that the Board and staff investigate a natural screen or fence screen for just the homes affected.

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Chatterton and seconded by Vice-Chair DeLaney to Amend the motion and delay any action until after the Town park facilities tour on April 25, 2009.

MOTION failed, 2-4 with Chair Done, Member Myerson, Member Roberts, and Member Scheuring opposed.

MOTION carried, 6-0.

Ms. Legner will inform the homeowners affected of the status of this issue.

Member Scheuring gave an update on this project:
 ~ There will be a final presentation at the next Board meeting. 
 ~ Member Scheuring is working with staff to create an information packet for developers in Oro Valley.  The purpose is to clarify how to deal with an abundance of trees in a lot with an awareness of rainwater harvesting.  

Member Scheuring has upcoming interviews with representatives from Oracle Crossings, Oracle Vista, Oro Valley Public Works, and Oro Valley Parks.  Vistoso Partners and Oro Valley Parks will take excess trees.  

Member Scheuring will ask the Board for an endorsement following his final presentation May.  This is beneficial for the Parks Division because they are working on tree replacement programs.

Member Scheuring announced that this research is complete and he is seeking a recommendation from the Board regarding this project.  He reviewed the following project points:
 ~ Items that need interpreting.
 ~ Educational advantages.
 ~ Enriching and differentiating the parks.
 ~ Reasons why now is a good time to invest.
 ~ Target parks.
 ~ What large signs, small signs, and 3-D figures look like. 
 ~ Costs/proposed budget.
 ~ Project team/outside resources.
 ~ Project plan outline.  

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Roberts to endorse the interpretive signage project and use in lieu fees for funding.  

MOTION: A motion was made by Chair Done and seconded by Member Chatterton to Amend the motion to add the Multimodal Planner to the project team.

MOTION carried, 6-0.

Ms. Legner distributed a listing of the Board Member tenure dates.  She asked Member Myerson and Member Roberts to provide her with an email requesting to be considered for reappointment if they are interested in serving another term.  Member Ottley’s term expires at the end of June and he is not eligible for reappointment.

No reports.

a.	CHAIR DONE - FINANCE AND BOND COMMITTEE

The next Finance and Bond Committee meeting will be on Monday, April 27, 2009.  Chair Done invited the Board members to attend.

b.	VICE-CHAIR DELANEY - TOWN COUNCIL

The Town Council is holding Budget Study Sessions and discussing the possibility of a reduction in force.

c.	SUSANNAH MYERSON - PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

No report.

d.	SUSANNAH MYERSON - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

No report.

e.	GREG ROBERTS - HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

The Historic Preservation Commission meets on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

The Town Manager has asked the Department to wait on hiring Summer Fun Camp staff until the Town Council is certain that we will proceed with the camps.  It is possible that the Council will direct staff to recapture 100% cost recovery for summer camp.  Staff is currently suggesting a fee of $110 per week for resident which is a 45% cost recovery rate.  It would be about $250 per child per week for full recovery.  The pool is 16% self supporting and the Town Council discussed the possibility of the pool becoming 100% self supporting.

Ms. Legner made a request through the Town Manager’s office to have the remote control model airplane item agendized for the May 20, 2009 Town Council meeting. 

In March, the Department reached 48% of registrations completed online.

The Multimodal Planner is the position in the Department which is up for possible elimination.

No report.

 ~ Use of Wal-Mart Donations - Discussion and Possible Action.
 ~ Naranja Town Site.
 ~ Budgetary Items and User Fees.
 ~ Raising Funds for the Parks.
 ~ Mutt Show.

Member Chatterton suggested discussion regarding having areas in parks slated for dog parks with non-profit funding assistance on the June agenda.

The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hopi conference room.

Being that there was no further business before the Board, Chair Done adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m.