PRESENT:

Susannah Myerson, Vice Chair Ali Boelts, Member Karen Chatterton, Member Greg Roberts, Member John Scheuring, Member

ALSO PRESENT: Ainsley Legner, PRL&CR Director

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Chatterton and seconded by Member Boelts to approve the minutes as written.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

No speakers.

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Chatterton and seconded by Member Scheuring to elect Susannah Myerson as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board chair.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Myerson and seconded by Member Scheuring to elect Karen Chatterton as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board vice-chair.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

Chair Myerson suggested that the board member's terms be reviewed. Parks Recreation Library & Cultural Resources Director Ainsley Legner stated that staff will send out the terms to the board. Member Scheuring stated that corrections need to be made to the term listing on the website.

Chair Myerson reviewed the upcoming meeting announcements.

No report.

Vice Chair Chatterton asked if it was the same field that she used to play on. Ms. Legner explained that all fields at James D. Kriegh are used by CDO Little League and she played on all of the fields. This field to be renamed would be the standalone baseball field near the pool. The family has submitted a letter to the Town in support of the field and Chair Myerson will also receive the letter. Ms. Legner has received 35 emails in support of the field naming.

Ms. Legner stated that Coach Clyde Turpin worked with the teams and with her and assuming that this board supports the idea, the concept will go to Town Council on March 2, 2011 and if approved, it will go to CDO Little League for unveiling at their opening ceremonies on April 1, 2011.

Member Scheuring explained that in the extension of that same field going north, there is a gap in the tree line on other side of field. He suggested that a mesquite be planted in that area and called the "Christina-Taylor Green tree" because it is bare in that area, it is where the Vermillion Fly Catcher’s choose to nest and it is part of the same field. Member Chatterton stated that Judge Roll grew up in Oro Valley. Chair Myerson suggested that it be dedicated to all of the victims. Ms. Legner offered to add this item on the next agenda.

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Boelts and seconded by Member Roberts to recommend Town Council approval of the naming of the ball field for Christina-Taylor Green.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

Ms. Legner stated that an invitation will be sent to the board for the CDO Little League Opening Ceremonies.

Ms. Legner stated that it is budget time and she wanted to converse about the board’s priorities. There is a deficit in the current year and it has been indicated that there will be a deficit next year. Ms. Legner discussed the following ways the department is trying to help reduce the deficit:
~ Hosting aquatics focused programs for children at James D. Kriegh Park this summer.
~ The basketball program has been scaled back and it is at the park.
~ The library is making adjustments to compensate for this year’s shortfall.

Ms. Legner indicated that there are overages in the department and savings for this year which need to balance by the end of the year. Additional savings will be needed for next year. She explained that the Capital Improvement Program is a 5-year plan for items costing $50,000 or more. She reviewed the items on the program:
~ Replacement of old restroom east of Harris fields at James D. Kriegh Park.
~ The racquetball courts need significant maintenance.
~ A ramada will be added south of the pool with solar panels (not on the plan).
~ For small equipment worth less than $50,000, items include replacing the gators in the parks possibly next year.

Ms. Legner stated that we have the information from Member Scheuring on signage requests. She asked if the board has any additional ideas to recommend.
Vice Chair Chatterton asked about the dog park at Riverfront Park. Ms. Legner stated that it is the 5-year plan. Ms. Chatterton asked if solar will help heat the pool. Ms Legner confirmed that it will reduce heating costs at the pool by approximately 30%. 

Chair Myerson asked about summer camp costs. Ms. Legner explained that the best cost recovery has been 60-65%. A couple of years ago, the Town Council increased camp program fees and the program has never recovered.

Vice Chair Chatterton asked if it will impact the pool to have children's programs at the pool. Ms. Legner explained that it is not peak time so it should not affect the revenues for the pool. It could even bring new customers to the pool.

Chair Myerson asked about summer camp enrollments. Ms. Legner stated that in the past, the program had 200 participants a week and last year the range was 40 - 60 participants. The price increased to over $100 per week and it was set at $65 per week previously. The board members expressed that the current rate is inexpensive comparatively.

Discussion ensued regarding:
~ Chair Myerson requested that the board discuss at a future meeting if it is worth offering summer camp. 
~ Member Scheuring suggested getting feedback from prior customers.
~ Ms. Legner stated that the majority of the cost is staff. It costs $10,000 - $20,000 for renting the location for eight weeks.
~ Member Roberts asked if any security investments need to be reviewed. Ms. Legner stated that the Town Manager’s office and the police department are evaluating safety town wide.
~ Member Scheuring suggested sharing programs with Marana.
~ Chair Myerson asked about outsourcing programs and offering discounts for Oro Valley residents. 
~ Vice Chair Chatterton discussed having an agreement with local schools since they use our parks and we use their facilities but the schools are in several jurisdictions. 
~ Ms. Legner asked the board to email her with any additional ideas.
~ Member Boelts asked about summer camp attendance required in order to break even and suggested conducting a survey to see if the summer program can achieve that number of participants.
~ Member Scheuring suggested customizing the program features for the users. 
~ Chair Myerson stated that there may be a break-even point for the hours. 
~ Member Boelts suggested creating budget projections from those surveys. Ms. Legner will see if there are some economies of scale.

Member Scheuring reported on the nature and bird walk programs:
~ There are four Oro Valley resident Tohono Chul docents hosting the walks every first week of the month.
~ Attendance only occurs if the walks are advertised in the Northwest newspaper or the Explorer.
~ Attendance is received from our presence at the farmer's markets.
~ Attendance is typically from 1-6 people but everyone is enthusiastic.
~ It is hard to get the word out and increase attendance.

Member Scheuring reported on park awareness:
~ There is a dismal awareness of Oro Valley parks, especially James D. Kriegh. 
~ The farmer's markets are valuable to get information to the public.
~ He suggested that workloads be readjusted in order to have staff attend the farmer’s market each week.
~ Member Boelts asked about collecting public comments.
~ Ms. Legner stated that an email sign up sheet will be created.
~ Member Boelts suggested giving out hyperlinks instead of copies of the newsletter.

Member Scheuring reviewed his ideas to build awareness of the parks:
~ Speak to Bob Oro and see if he will take a tour of the parks and include information about the parks in his editorial.
~ Go to the Northwest newspaper and the Explorer and invite them to tour and ask them to write an editorial on the parks. 

Member Myerson offered to approach the Oro’s and speak with them about it.

Member Scheuring stated that the signs are defined and he handed out additional identification and panel sign information. He indicated that he has been given the responsibility at AZ Botany to come up with an Arizona state grass. The grass of his choice is located throughout West Lambert Lane Park. He suggested that a sign be posted at the park describing the grass.

Chair Myerson suggested that the nature walks be promoted at elementary schools. Member Scheuring responded that this may involve more commitment. Ms. Legner stated that it can be difficult getting schools involved in programs but it could be explored. She stated that it is easier to get programs into private schools. Member Scheuring suggested training teachers to lead the walks. Vice Chair Chatterton suggested using social networking to promote the walks.

Member Scheuring stated that at the last meeting, the board agreed that signs affecting public safety should be a priority. He suggested that speed limit signs be another priority. There are no speed limit signs posted at Naranja Park and he witnessed speeding on the property by Town vehicles. He spoke with Development & Infrastructure Services Operations Division Manager Phil Trenary about this issue. He suggested posting a speed limit sign within the park. He asked that the sign be added to the signs that pertain to the safety category under the main priority. Ms. Legner offered to speak with Mr. Trenary and see if they have a sign which can be installed. 

Vice Chair Chatterton asked where the sign is at Riverfront Park for the equestrian entrance. Ms. Legner clarified that it is on the right of way.

Ms. Legner shared that she had meeting with Town Attorney Tobin Rosen and a representative from the Police Department about the issue of prosecuting those with their dogs off leash. Mr. Rosen stated that they can be prosecuted but the police must witness it. The Police Department does not encourage video taping this action due to potential risks. The Police often give warnings so it is difficult to track the offenses. The Police Department would like to be called anytime a patron witnesses this action.

Ms. Legner stated that it was emphasized at that meeting that patrons should be diligent in calling. The police suggested putting up stand alone signs. Vice Chair Chatterton suggested that a sign be installed by the sidewalk in front of the amphitheatre at Riverfront Park.

These signs could be added to the signage request list.

Chair Myerson suggested that the Vista include a reminder about the park rules or that inserts be included in the water bills. 

Member Scheuring stated that the Town should make examples of people by prosecuting them. He requested a follow up meeting with the Chief of Police. He believes that it will stop once someone is fined.

Member Boelts stated that her concern is that we do not have the money or facilities to do this project now. Naranja Park has the space but no infrastructure. She stated that the area at James D. Kriegh Park is not suitable due to the shape. Until things improve financially, this project should be on hold. 

Ms. Legner suggested that the board members see what Davis Monthan has which is a modular skate park. It is permanent and inexpensive with a cost of approximately $300,000. 

The board discussed the following:
~ Ms. Boelts stated that there is no space for something small because skaters need to gain momentum.
~ Vice Chair Chatterton asked about a half pipe perhaps where the horseshoe pit is at Riverfront Park. 
~ Member Scheuring suggested placing it next to dog park at James D. Kriegh Park.
~ Member Boelts suggested that we wait until we have the means for a full skate park.
~ Member Boelts stated that skate parks are used by skaters and bikers and there would need to be a plan for use management. 
~ Ms. Legner stated that they can be constructed for multi use. 

Chair Myerson polled the board for interest in researching a half pipe and no member expressed interest. Ms. Legner stated that we will keep aware of opportunities.

Ms. Legner stated that the archery and disc golf groups spoke with the board previously. The Town Council reviewed the ideas and requested more information and then they decided that they wanted to review the Naranja Town Site Master Plan. The Council wanted to talk about whether or not the master plan was defeated in the 2008 election or if the bond was defeated. Last week, the Council decided to review information about disc golf and archery at same time. Ms. Legner sent the Town Council the 2007 programming and concept design for Naranja and the cursory information from the archery and disc golf groups.

Ms. Legner commented that staff does not have endorsement from this board regarding archery or disc golf. The archery group has requested to be on the site for five years. The disc golf groupdoes not need a timeframe from but wants the Town to ensure that when they are asked to move, that they have a definite alternate location. She will share concerns with the Town Council at their March 2, 2011 meeting, to include one staff concern which is that staff wants all new uses in a property to be successful so when it is unsure how long they will be able to utilize the land, it is difficult for them to be successful. 

Vice Chair Chatterton stated that the model airplane group began with 15 members and it has grown to approximately 60. They will need a new location once the plan has begun.  

Member Scheuring stated that there needs to be short term direction for the land use due to the layout of the landscape in that park. To west of Naranja Road is undisturbed landscape and to the east of the road is disturbed land. In the short run, the undisturbed land needs to remain undisturbed. The archery and disc golf programs could harm the natural habitat in the west which needs to be kept undisturbed. If usage is established, it should be done on the disturbed area only. Ms. Legner stated that the archery group is interested in the west side.

Member Boelts stated that the board's recommendation needs to wait until the Town Council decides what they would like to do with the park, unless we only endorse that the park be left as it is until funding is available or that we approve that certain areas of the park be opened up for short term usage. 

MOTION: A motion was made by Member Boelts and seconded by Member Scheuring to recommend to the Town Council to continue to reserve the land west of the main road in Naranja Park as undisturbed per the original master plan for the park; even in such case that they consider temporary short-term usages for the land east of the main road.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

Ms. Legner stated that she spoke with Pima County Director of Cultural Resources Linda Mayro’s office last week and she was informed that the site stewards for Honeybee are ready and will start in the next couple of weeks. Pima County will send letters to the surrounding homeowners regarding the process. Site monitoring will be done twice a month until the summer months and it will then be done once a month.

She explained that the board received an email regarding food at the meetings. Town wide, there has been a question about why some boards and commissions get food while others do not, so staff was asked to survey boards and commissions to make sure we are providing everything needed. Every time there is a change in membership, this survey will be done again. This board had responded to this inquiry implicating that water was all that is desired unless it is a special occasion.

Chair Myerson expressed gratitude to Lyra Done for being chair for so many years and doing such a good job.

~ Member Boelts stated that the Town Council will continue discussion regarding the ESL plan at their meeting tomorrow evening. Chair Myerson suggested that this should be a future agenda item.
~ Fees

The board will hold a special meeting on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

The next Parks & Recreation Advisory Board regular meeting on May 17, 2011 will be rescheduled to June 14, 2011.

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Myerson and seconded by Member Roberts to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

Prepared by:


Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist