PRAC Minutes 11.13.2023
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1 DRAFT MINUTES City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Glendale Civic Center 5750 W. Glenn Dr. Glendale, Arizona 85301 Monday, November 13, 2023 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Reginald Martinez, Jr., Chair Helena Johnson-Bodine, Vice Chair Kathryn Mawby, Commissioner Marie Nesfield, Commissioner Tom Traw, Commissioner Bud Zomok, Commissioner ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: James Burke, Director Heidi Barriga, Deputy Director John Kennedy, Assistant Director Brad Giesbrecht, Recreation Supervisor Tara Sloan, Recreation Coordinator Diane Williams, Program Manager Fred Sanchez, CIP Project Manager 1. Call to Order Chair Martinez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Chair Martinez conducted roll call. 3. Citizen Comments None. 4. Approval of the Minutes Motion by Commissioner Nesfield, second by Vice Chair Johnson-Bodine, to approve the October 9, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 6 – 0. 5. New Staff Introductions Mr. Giesbrecht introduced Ms. Sloan, a new Recreation Coordinator at the Glendale Adult Center. A brief background was shared. Ms. Barriga introduced Mr. Sanchez, the new CIP Project Manager. A brief background was shared. 6. New Business a. Information: Commission Reports Commissioner Nesfield reported that she visited Sahuaro Ranch Park and it was nicely maintained, the trash cans were emptied, and all looked clean. She said there were a few homeless people sleeping on the ground near a building. She said she went to Foothills Park and there was a sign indicating part of the dog park would be 2 closed due to the new lighting project. She asked if the dog park would be opened after dark with lighting or if there would just be lights on the walkway. Vice Chair Johnson-Bodine reported that Oasis Park was looking good, and the grass was coming in better. She said she was receiving increasing comments from residents requesting a dog park at Oasis. She surmised there was enough space at the park and said some people already let their dogs run off-leash at the park. Commissioner Traw said a lot of people were using Heroes Park and it was a great asset for Glendale. Commissioner Zomok visited Myrtle Park and said it was spotless. He reported that he went to Bonsall Park and said the amount of people at the park playing pickleball was tremendous. He said the park was beginning to come back to life and complimented all staff making the changes at the park. He said he hoped the homeless issue would not come back to the park and that more families will come to the park. b. Information: Arts and Culture Master Plan Community Engagement Survey Mr. Burke shared information on the Arts and Culture Master Plan Community Engagement Survey and encouraged the Commissioners to complete the survey and to spread the word to others. c. Information: Fire Break at Thunderbird Conservation Park Mr. Kennedy gave a briefing on the Fire Break at Thunderbird Conservation Park, which included the following information: • A diagram of the mapping levels of the park perimeter was presented. • The Glendale Fire Department will work with homeowners on a 15-foot fire break for their side of the perimeter. Parks and Recreation staff will create a 15-foot fire break on the City’s side of the perimeter. • Labor will include clearing of dead and falling vegetation. Staff is obtaining bids from contractors for the projects. Commissioner Nesfield asked if the homeowners were more on the west side of 59th Avenue. Mr. Kennedy said that was correct, however, there were some homeowners on the east side. Commissioner Nesfield noted that her mother lives on the east side of the park. She said her mother has been commenting on all of the weeds and vegetation that grew in the spring and expressed concern about a fire. Commissioner Zomok asked for clarification of the 15-foot zone. Mr. Kennedy said it would be 15 feet on both sides of the perimeter for a total of a 30-foot fire break. Mr. Burke announced the project was not in the budget and the bids will need to be reviewed. d. Information: Naming of New Park Formerly Known as Glen Lakes Golf Course Mr. Kennedy provided an update on the Naming of New Park Formerly Known as Glen Lakes Golf Course, which included the following information: • A 10.4-acre park is included in the new development at the site. • At the October 24, 2023, Council Workshop, staff presented options to Council to obtain consensus for naming the new park. • Option 1: Council to provide direction on the name. • Option 2: Staff to facilitate the process of community outreach to gather names to present to Council. • Council gave staff direction to move forward with Option 2. 3 Chair Martinez asked if there would still be a golf course at the site. Mr. Kennedy said the property was sold and the site was developed for housing. Commissioner Zomok requested information on naming criteria before the next meeting. Mr. Kennedy will send information to the Commission. Vice Chair Johnson-Bodine asked if there were still lakes on the property. Mr. Kennedy said that the lakes were gone. 7. Staff Updates Ms. Barriga gave the Staff Update, which included information on the following: • Sunset Palms Irrigation Project • Work has begun with completion estimated for the end of December. • Staff anticipates all amenities will be kept open during the project. • Heroes Splash Pad Renovations • The project is near completion and should be finished by the beginning of December. • The splash pad will be open for Summer 2024. • Sahuaro Ranch Historic Area Foreman’s House Roof Project • There will be a new wood shingle roof installed on the Packing Shed. • This is a like-for-like project. • FY24 Park Lighting Projects • In Progress: Heroes Park – Phase 1, New World Park, Carmel Park, Sunset Park • Nearly Complete: Mission Park • Sahuaro Ranch Park: Will begin March 2024 • Rose Lane Park and the Ball Fields: Blue staking began this week. Commissioner Mawby inquired about the timeline for the new playground at Sunset Park. Ms. Barriga said the playground was scheduled to be done in January 2024. Mr. Kennedy gave an update on Parks and Recreation Code, Chapter 27, which included the following information: • Staff is working on an update to Chapter 27 of the Parks and Recreation Code. • The updates will be brought to Council at the December 12, 2023 Workshop. • Proposed revisions include definition changes, language updates, and an update regarding drones. • More information will be brought to the Commission after the Workshop. Commissioner Zomok asked why the changes to Chapter 27 of the Code were going to Council first and then to the Commission. Mr. Burke explained that historically, certain items have been taken to Council first for direction. He said if Council requested additional review by Commission, the item will be brought back to the Commission for recommendation, and then back to Council. 8. Commission Comments and Suggestions Chair Martinez reported that he went to Bonsall Park in the evening, and it was very well lit. He said the pickleball court area seemed safer than the rest of the park. 9. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Glendale Civic Center, located at 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, Arizona, 85301. 4 11. Adjournment Motion by Vice Chair Johnson-Bodine, second by Commissioner Nesfield, to adjourn the meeting at 6:33 p.m. Motion carried 6 – 0.