MINUTES
ORO VALLEY PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR SESSION
ORO VALLEY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11000 N. LA CANADA DRIVE
ORO VALLEY, ARIZONA 85737
 
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
 
CALL TO ORDER:   At 6:34 p.m.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT:
Lyra Done, Chair
Bob DeLaney, Vice-Chair
Karen Chatterton, Member
Greg Roberts, Member
John Scheuring, Member

EXCUSED: Susannah Myerson, Member
Ali Boelts, Member

ALSO PRESENT:              Ainsley Legner, Parks Recreation Library &
                                          Cultural Resources Director
                                          Barry Gillaspie, Town Councilmember

CALL TO AUDIENCE

No speakers.

2.

UPCOMING MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS


~ Town Council meeting on October 6, 2010 to include discussion regarding Naranja Park Options
~ Next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting on October 19, 2010
~ Trips for Kids Mountain Bike Race (Tentative) on October 23, 2010
~ Town Council Work Session on September 22, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the boards and commissions.

1.

APPROVAL OF JULY 20, 2010 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES


MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Scheuring to approve the July 20, 2010 minutes as written.

MOTION carried, 5-0.

3.

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD LIAISON COUNCILMEMBER REPORT


The Town Council held a study session this afternoon (September 21, 2010) and will hold a study session tomorrow (September 22, 2010) to discuss various boards and commissions. Mayor Hiremath, Council Member Gillaspie and Council Member Snider have been assigned to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and they will meet to discuss the purpose and function of this board.

4.

PRESENTATION ON POTENTIAL DISC GOLF COURSE BY IAN PAULOW- DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION


Oro Valley Resident Ian Paulow presented the following:
~ The first disc golf course was established in 1978 in the Santa Cruz River Parkway.
~ It is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States with more than 3,000 courses.
~ Most courses are free to play and the discs cost $10-15 dollars.
~ Mr. Paulow circulated three types of disks and he explained the play rules.
~ It is inexpensive to play, easy to learn and family oriented.
~ It is low impact and offers both upper and lower body workout.
~ Landscape is not altered like a traditional golf course.
~ It is played year round.
~ Seniors are the fastest growing demographic of this sport.
~ What’s needed:
     - Unused land (1 acre per hole)
     - Baskets (18 + practice) - cost is $5,700
     - Concrete tee pads - cost is $3,600
     - Yardage signs - cost is $720
     - Benches - cost is $4,470
     - Bulletin board - cost is $618
     - Rules signs - cost is $125
     - Total cost is $15,233
~ The proposal is for a family-orientated nine hole course to increase in increments of nine.
~ The disc golf group has 100 members and there are also additional recreational users.
~ Suggested sites are Naranja Park and West Lambert Lane Park.

Member Scheuring discussed the following issues:
 ~ The Sam Lena Park does not have people using the disc golf course. Mr. Paulow stated that this is due to the lack of players in the area and the baskets do not work properly.
~ The Town needs opportunities for youth. Mr. Paulow stated that the primary demographic is early teens to people in their thirties. There is an education program to help children learn to play.
~ An 18 hole course would require 18 acres. Mr. Paulow stated that it would be nine acres to start. 

Member Scheuring recommended against adding this course to West Lambert Lane Park due to the natural dry riparian area. He recommended Naranja Park instead. 

Parks Recreation Library and Cultural Resources Director Ainsley Legner explained that the area of interest is the southwest corner of the property. Mr. Paulow has met with staff and reviewed maps of the parks. This item has been brought to the board to review the idea prior to exploring the details.

Member Chatterton inquired about funding and a need for infrastructure. Ms. Legner said that this sport would not require infrastructure. It would cost $7,500 with no maintenance or park management. The club may be asked to take responsibility for maintenance. 

The board asked the following questions:
~ If the disc golf club would be stewards of the area much like the Sonoran Desert Flyers. Mr. Paulow indicated that they would.
~ If it can be done without a concrete pad. Mr. Paulow said that it can.
~ If the club would do fundraising to help incur the costs. Mr. Paulow said that they would.
~ If it would interfere with trails. Mr. Paulow stated that it would not.
~ If there is a main pathway to the basket. Mr. Paulow stated that there is a designated path between each one which has less vegetation.

Ms. Legner requested feedback from the board:
~ Member Roberts stated that he was in favor of it but he would hesitate to put concrete at the park not knowing what the future holds.
~ Vice Chair DeLaney stated that he was mostly in favor of it but he would like to research it and review other examples and how it affects the landscape. 
~ Member Scheuring stated that he was in favor of the proposal, especially if it will gain teenage players but he has concern that it may not get the critical mass to sustain growth in the Town. 
~ Member Chatterton stated that she was in favor of the proposal but not at West Lambert Lane because that park serves the trail users.

5.

RECREATIONAL CODE UPDATE - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION


Senior Planner Matt Michels presented information on the amendment to Section 26.5 on recreational standards. He discussed the six scope areas:
1. How In-lieu fees are calculated and utilized
2. Location parameters of recreational acres
3. Definition of specific active and passive amenities
4. More specific requirements for recreational amenities
5. Crime Prevention through environmental design
6. Changes to the amount of land required

Mr. Michels discussed the options and amenities.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) includes the following:
~ Natural surveillance
~ Access control
~ Lighting
~ Signage
   
Where we stand:
~ The Town currently asks for 1 acre per 85 units
~ Marana is at 1 acre per 235.5 units
~ Pima County is at 1 acre per 100 units
~ Chandler has no requirement for single family residential
~ Gilbert is dependent on general plan goals at pre-app

A tiered idea would be for properties with hard zoning which would keep the 1 acre per 85 units. Tier two would be to have a higher standard if they are coming in for rezoning.

In-Lieu Fee Requirements:
~ <1 acre (85 units)
    - Within 1 mile of public park with physical and legal access
~ Fee based on fair market value
    - Prove sufficient for new development or project
    - Funds designated for specific development or project
    - Is equal or better to facility that would have been required within subdivision

Discussion followed regarding: 
~ Mr. Michels explained that the Town could not use these areas for events because open space is overlaid with a conservation easement so no disturbance is permitted.
~ Member Scheuring requested that the wording be altered in Section D, number 1, letter c; regarding the restriction of recreation areas because it may be allowing recreation in riparian areas with the current verbiage.
~ Member Scheuring expressed that he would like to work with Mr. Michels to find imaginative ways to encourage developers to build areas for kids to skateboard and do other activities. 
~ Member Chatterton asked if a tot lot is a requirement. Mr. Michels stated that it is recommended for subdivisions with a large anticipated number of young children. Member Chatterton suggested more basketball courts. Mr. Michels proposed to add a section for a post-adolescent/teen demographic that is not included.
~ Chair Done discussed the amount of parking spots allotted considering that many of the subdivisions are within walking distance. Some parking spots could be used for additional recreational space.
~ Chair Done recommended that the board hold a special meeting to go over this topic and after the builders come in. Mr. Michels stated that for that reason, staff has made sure that the board is part of the next subsequent review which goes out next week and includes comments from developers. This issue will represent a body of input when it goes to Town Council on October 5, 2010.
~ Ms. Legner clarified that Mr. Michels will send staff the information to forward to the board for comments.
~ Chair Done recommended that the board members attend the October 5, 2010 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

Mr. Michels discussed the following:
~ Staff will reevaluate the concept of a greater land donation.
~ An environmentally sensitive land ordinance will be considered for adoption.
~ Suggestions are welcome.
~ Guidance will be taken from the General Plan. 
~ Recreational areas enhance value but the extent needs to be reviewed.
~ As the code exists, it is for all residential subdivisions.

When the next draft is ready, the board may meet and formalize a recommendation.

6.

SKATE PARK - DISCUSSION


There is a proposed skate park in the county.

7.

BOARD MEMBER TOUR OF PARK FACILITIES - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION


The board decided to hold the tour on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. The group will meet at James D. Kriegh Park at the north parking lot off Linda Vista and Eggleston and will carpool to the sites.

8.

BOARD AND COMMISSION LIAISON REPORTS


a. CHAIR DONE - FINANCE AND BOND COMMITTEE

There was no meeting in July or April.

b. VICE-CHAIR DELANEY - TOWN COUNCIL

Vice-Chair DeLaney stated that the main issue last month was that the Town Council will study this board.

c. SUSANNAH MYERSON - PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

No report.

d. GREG ROBERTS - HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

There is a conference coming to the area next summer and the Historic Preservation Commission is planning to be involved.

e. KAREN CHATTERTON - DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

The following items were discussed at the last meeting:
~ A tier two minor wireless communication facility may be built at La Canada and Red Creek Drive to aid in the Town’s wireless coverage. The issue that they are looking into is the displacement of water that the building will cause. This area is used for open space and stormwater retention.
~ They are looking to replace a wooden Tucson Electric Power pole with a structurally enhanced pole and build a wall around it landscaped with ocotillo and prickly pear. The Development Review Board prefers to use trees but the neighbors are concerned about views. The motion failed 2-2 so the board will review this item at the next meeting.
~ A skilled nursing facility at Ranch Vistoso will be adding more beds and they are required to provide recreation.

9.

UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS - DISCUSSION


No report.

10.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT


Ms. Legner discussed the following:
~ Packet materials will be provided in a link on email as a green effort. Board members who would like printed copies may request them from staff.
~ There was a five percent budget cut this year. One of the areas of concern at the last Town Council budget retreat was the swimming pool so cuts were made to the winter and spring seasons (five hours per day, mid-day). The consequence is that staff has received a lot of feedback from swimmers.
~ The Pima County Bond Advisory Committee is not sure if there will be a 2011 bond election. It may be bumped to 2012.
~ Copies of the naming and branding policy were provided to the board.
~ A committee of Town Council members will review the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The committee includes Mayor Hiremath, Councilmember Gillaspie and Councilmember Snider. As soon as the meeting schedule is developed, that information will be forwarded to the board.

11.

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR REPORT


Chair Done recommended to the board members try to attend the October 5, 2010 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

12.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS


~ Additional interpretive signage for Oro Valley parks
~ Sign monitoring Honeybee Village archeological site
~ Uniform approach and entrance signs for Oro Valley parks
~ Dogs off leash

13.

APRA BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS DAY - DISCUSSION


Ms. Legner expressed her appreciation to the board members who attended the conference. Member Scheuring stated that he enjoyed it and was delighted to hear the enthusiasm and innovation throughout the state regardless of low budgets. Member Roberts stated that the conference was more interactive than in the past. Ms. Legner thanked Member Roberts for participating in one of the discussion panels. Ms. Legner stated that at the conference she spoke with Marana’s Parks and Recreation Director Tom Ellis and he invited this board to meet the Marana Parks and Recreation board next year.

14.

SCHEDULING NEXT PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010 - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION


The next regular Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting will be on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: A motion was made by Vice-Chair DeLaney and seconded by Member Chatterton to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

Prepared by:


Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist