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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSAC.2020.0203.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION February 3, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ruppert called the meeting of Monday, February 3, 2020, to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, located at 16705 East Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, Arizona. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Ron Ruppert; Vice Chairperson Amy Arnold; Commissioner Sharron Grzybowski; Commissioner Natalie Varela; Youth Commissioner Hayden Arnold Absent: Commissioner Don Doty; Commissioner Jerry Gorrell Staff Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Executive Assistant Jamie Present: Salentine; Parks Superintendent Kevin Snipes; Recreation Manager Linda Ayres 3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Hernando Cifuentes, a Fountain Hills resident, stated that the group was started by him by playing some soccer at the park and has evolved over time, where he now represents 12-13 children and teaches them basic soccer skills. He added that the parents are grateful for what he does and clarified that he is doing this all for free. He commented that the reason they are here is due to the $15 charge for field usage in addition to light fees that costs$50 each time. He expressed the opinion that the cost to use the field is not feasible for residents that want to play at the park. He pointed out that Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin did for a short time only charge them $10 per hour (2-hour minimum) which he felt was reasonable and added that by March they will no longer need lights. He requested that the Commission understand that they are trying to do a positive thing for the children and our community and to vote against the fee charges. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Grzybowski, Ms. Goodwin clarified that the fee policy needed to be reviewed by staff and until the review was complete and policy brought to the Commission for a decision, the department honored the current charge that Mr. Cifuentes was paying which was $10 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. 4. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Field Rental Policy Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting of February 3,2020 2 of 4 Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin explained that staff worked for six weeks on research to determine where the Town fees are in terms of standards with other communities that are similar in size and demand and if prices and policies are consistent. She noted that all five communities have a similar policy where lights are associated with field rental and that lights are not allowed unless the field is rented. Discussion ensued relative to field rentals, with and without lights, waiving of fees, and costs of lights. Ms. Goodwin clarified that lights are set to turn on by a timer and turn off at the 2-hour limit there is no way to turn off sooner. Commissioner Grzybowski commented that the Town needs the revenue to cover the expenses. Ms. Goodwin acknowledged that drop in play is free and only available when the field is not rented and that the lights are typically applicable during winter months. Additional discussion ensued relating to policy error, correction by staff, and addressing in an appropriate manner. In response to a question posed by Youth Commissioner Arnold, Ms. Goodwin replied that the Commission is deciding what the policy is from this point forward. She clarified that if changes are made to the current policy the Commission would recommend the change and then brought to Council for decision. Commissioner Grzybowski stated that the Town should adhere to the current fees and policies as written and approved by Council. Commissioner Varela cautioned the Commissioners on approving for one group and not others. Youth Commissioner Arnold recognized the volunteers and/or groups that provide lessons for free is something to be commended. Chairman Ruppert stated that consistency is needed. Bradley Splittorff, a Fountain Hills resident, commented that he has two children that play on Mr. Cifuentes team. He thanked Youth Commissioner Arnold for standing up for an organization that is doing things for free for the children. He asked the Commission who pays for the Dog Park lights which is inclusive with the park lights. He stated the opinion that the Dog Park users are getting a free ride for those lights. He added that as a taxpayer he is paying for those lights too. He asked the Commission to recommend a separate set of rules for non-profit or people doing this for free with no monetary value. He added that his family does not participate with clubs that infringe on the Sabbath and this is their alternative where they are able to participate. He requested for leeway. Ms. Goodwin clarified that the Town pays for the Dog Park lights. She pointed out that a Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting of February 3,2020 3 of 4 separate set of rules do apply for non-profit, however, documentation is required. In response to a question from Commissioner Valera, Ms. Goodwin reported that the non-profit policy reads fees for residents/organizations, however, if the non-profit places a request with Council to waive fees, Council would possibly consider with proper documentation. Commissioner Varela suggested that the group see if they could apply as a non-profit organization. Yasmine Moller, a Goldfield Ranch resident, commented that several families within the group could not afford the payments for their games and practices due to not having the financial means. She added that a couple of children are above the 13-year-old age limit for the Fountain Hills Soccer Club and that their group would not be taking away any students in those means. Moved by Commissioner Natalie Varela,seconded by Vice Chairperson Amy Arnold to maintain the current policy and fees as set by Council on the Field Rental Policy. Vote: 5 -0- Unanimously 5. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Youth Commissioner Hayden Arnold, seconded by Commissioner Natalie Varela to adjourn. Vote: 5 -0- Unanimously The Community Services Advisory Commission adjourned at 5:31 p.m. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVIS• 'Y COMMISSION •on ' Wert, ' 'air an ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: t�XYI.IQ��` Q 1, utQ Jam Salentine, Executive Assistant CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held by the Fountain Hills Community Services Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 3rd day of February, 2020. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting of February 3,2020 4 of 4 quorum was present. DATED this 22nd day of June, 2020. Jamie Salentine, Executive Assistant