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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 1, 2023
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Madam Chair Dykstra called the meeting to order on Tuesday, August 1, at 5:00
p.m.
Roll Call
Members in Attendance:
Madam Chair Melanie Dykstra
Vice-Chair Tim Johnson
Board Member Shawn Hsu
Board Member James Montgomery
Board Member John David
Board Member Jegadesan Krishnamurthy
Members Absent:
Board Member Sue McInturf
Staff Members Present:
John Sefton, Community Services Director
Jeff Larsen, Parks Operations and Maintenance Senior Manager
Erika Berry, Recreation Superintendent
Rebecca Kuiper, Recreation Superintendent
Mickey Ohland, Parks Development & Operations Senior Manager
SCHEDULED/UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Brook Beall (Community Member) raised concerns about the use of motorized
vehicles on the Paseo Vista Trail Loop. He highlighted worries about the safety of
animals like ducks, quail, and horses, as well as the safety of people with special
needs on the trails. Mr. Beall also suggested considering more of a Chandler Park
Ranger presence to enhance safety.
Madam Chair Dykstra clarified that staff will look into the matter further and
provide an update.
John Sefton Suggested that Mr. Beall continue contacting Chandler Non-Emergency
to report these incidents. He pointed out that these reports are valuable as they help
in documenting and addressing areas of concern. Additionally, Mr. Sefton
recommended following up with staff to ensure these issues are being addressed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Madam Chair Melanie Dykstra asked for a motion to approve the minutes from
the May 2, 2023 Parks and Recreation Board meeting. Board Member
Montgomery made a motion to approve. Board Member Hsu seconded the
motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
BRIEFING
Park Ranger Follow-Up from February 7, 2023
Erika Berry Provided information from park ranger Timberly Matson. This included
details about the types of calls Rangers receive during patrols and the overall call
volume. Notable, a comparison report up to June 30, 2023, indicated a decrease in
dispatched park visits compared to the same period in 2021-2022.
Erika Berry clarified the reason for the park ranger program falling under the
Chandler Police Department, rather than Community Services. It was highlighted
that in 1994, the shift to police oversight occurred in response to the criminal
activity within the parks. This transition involved additional training for rangers to
effectively handle such issues, including citations and specialized equipment.
Erika Berry clarified that there was no requirement to post a new position for FY
2023-2024, as they are fully staffed.
Madam Chair Dykstra requested additional follow up information.
John Sefton provided insights based on his prior experience with the City of Peoria,
where rangers transitioned from police to Community Services, allowing them to
develop and incorporate an education-focused program rather than primary
enforcement. This approach was aligned with outdoor education and programmatic
strategies like those of national park rangers rather than law enforcement park
rangers. Mr. Sefton expressed the need or certain aspects of the ranger program to
be clarified to enhance overall awareness. He advocated for a more active role for
the rangers in designated areas, provide supplement supervision, and increase
interaction with the public. Mr. Sefton will be requesting more information from PD
for follow-up.
Community Services Capital Improvement Plan
Micky Ohland introduced the 10-year capital improvement program, which outlines
the development projects planned for the upcoming decade. Mr. Ohland highlighted
that this blueprint is subject to annual review based on requirements and available
funding. The program encompasses funding allocations for recreation, parks, and
libraries overseen by Mr. Ohland. Mr. Ohland presented the 2024-2033 CIP, which
now totals over 213 million, reflecting a 14 million dollar increase attributed to rising
design and construction expenses.
Discussion Ensued
Budget Overview
John Sefton highlighted the following:
• $6.4 million Operations for Parks and Recreation
• General Fund – Parks and Recreation Funding
• $121,000 Trust Fund (Donation Account)
• $40,000 Grant from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire
Management
• Decision Packages
o Additional Programs with Kyrene School District
o Additional Funding for Overtime Prep of Field Maintenance
o StarGuard Aquatics Program Staff Training
o Irrigation Contract Funding
o Urban Forestry Program Funding
o Chemical Increase Funding
o Administrative Support Funding
• Budget Amendments
o “Water You Doing?” Program
o Additional Funding for the “For our Parks” Program
o Veterans Oasis Signage
o Certified Autism City Designation
o Shade Structure - Pima Park
o Field Playability Assessment
www.chandleraz.gov/budget
DISCUSSION
Future Agenda Items
Madam Chair Dykstra led a discussion for future agenda items to include for
upcoming meetings. Items identified were:
• Overview of IGA’s and Facility Agreements
• Tumbleweed Expansion
• Aquatics Operations Summer Wrap-Up
• Mesquite Groves Park
MEMBERS COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR
• RAD Bowl-a-thon, Saturday, August 05, 2023, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. AMF
Chandler Lanes, 1900 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225
• Storytime at the Pool, Saturday, August 26, 2023, 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Nozomi Aquatic Center, 250 S. Kyrene Road, Chandler, AZ, 85226
• Tennis Social - Monsoon Madness, Saturday, September 09, 2023, 4
p.m. – 7 p.m. Chandler Tennis Center, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler,
AZ 85286
Next Board Meeting - September 5, 2023 at Mesquite Grove Aquatic Center - 5901
S. Hillcrest Drive, Chandler, AZ 85249
ADJOURNMENT With no further items, Madam Chair Dykstra requested a motion to
adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Board member James Montgomery made the
motion to adjourn the meeting. Board member Shawn Hsu seconded the motion. The
motion was approved unanimously.