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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997.0107.TCWSM.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF JOINT WORK/STUDY SESSION OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL AND THE klior PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AND SPECIAL & EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL JANUARY 7, 1997 A public meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council was convened and called to order by Mayor Miles at 6:30 P.M., Tuesday, January 7, 1997, in the Fountain Hills Town Hall Council Chambers, located at 16836 E. Palisades Blvd., Building B, Fountain Hills, Arizona. Present for the meeting were: Mayor Jerry Miles, Vice Mayor Don Lawrence, Councilmen Pen Mower, Sid Apps, Al Poma and Bill O'Brien (7:00) and Councilwoman Marianne Wiggishoff. Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission Rick Lantz, Commissioners Peter Klein, Al Lorenz, Joseph Polese and John Kavanagh were in attendance as well as Town Manager Paul Nordin, Town Engineer Randy Harrel, Assistant to Town Attorney Andrew McGuire,Town Clerk Cassie Hansen and Director of Parks&Recreation Robin Goodman. Commissioners Noreen Kurdzialek and Larry Soehlig were absent. AGENDA ITEM#2-DISCUSSION ON THE FOUNTAIN AND FOUNTAIN PARK INCLUDING,BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ACQUISITION, MAINTENANCE, SCHEDULING, AND FUTURE PLANNING. Mayor Miles started the meeting with a summarization of the chronology of events leading to the assumption of ownership of the fountain and Fountain Park which had resulted in three agreements as one negotiated package. He explained that although the Council had formally approved the agreements along with arrangements for phased-in maintenance expenses at their first meeting in December, the legal documents had still not been signed. He stated that a Phase I environmental study had been completed but a Phase II study for contaminate testing was not scheduled to be completed for another two to three weeks. At the Executive Session, which was scheduled at the conclusion of this meeting, the Council would be considering the status of operations for Fountain Park. Chairman Rick Lantz said the Commission was soliciting public input as to what amenities Fountain Park should contain. Several ideas included an amphitheater,covered picnic areas and larger play areas. Vice Mayor Lawrence said the completion of a sidewalk around the perimeter of Fountain Park should be considered as one of the first projects. Councilwoman Wiggishoff suggested the Parks&Recreation Commission prioritize recommendations for long term projects for all town parks. Mayor Miles indicated donations could be accepted from individuals and organizations for such amenities as picnic tables, benches, etc. Commissioner Kavanagh suggested a random telephone survey conducted by Town employees be implemented to gather public opinions. Councilman Poma pointed out a sand volleyball area could be considered for Fountain Park as one of the amenities. Commissioner Lantz said the amenities for Fountain Park would be included on the agenda for discussion as well as methods for soliciting public input and information gathering sessions at future Parks & Recreation Commission meetings. AGENDA ITEM #3 - REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE FIVE YEAR PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (FY 1996/97 THROUGH 2000/01). Chairman Rick Lantz reviewed the five-year plan which he explained was approximately six months old. He stated Golden Eagle Park was the Parks & Recreation Commission's top priority and that their preferences to complete Phase 5 and 6 together would permit an earlier completion date. He pointed out that Phase 4 construction would begin in January 1997 rather than November 1996 as projected. The High School basketball lights were scheduled to be completed by February 1, 1997. The Four Peaks Neighborhood Park plans had been amended to include a Minutes of the Joint Work/Study Session of the Town Council& Parks&Recreation Commission 1/7/97 Page 1 of 4 soccer field rather than six more tennis courts as the tennis courts were planned to be constructed at the High School. Vice Mayor Lawrence asked why a two and one-half year construction period was required for Four Peaks Neighborhood Park. Director of Parks & Recreation Goodman stated that considerable time would be needed for negotiations with the School District for the transfer of land via a third party. She predicted the takeover date to be around September/October in 1997 and after a participation agreement for Heritage funds was signed, the Town could assume title. Mayor Miles suggested negotiations be commenced immediately. Director Goodman proposed if negotiations with the School District were expedited and funds were appropriated within 6-8 months, the soccer field could be completed as early as the Fall of 1988. Chairman Lantz stated a parcel in Sunridge Canyon subdivision would be used as a neighborhood park. He stated a parcel west of Hampstead could be developed as a soccer field and additionally used by the High School for other purposes. Mayor Miles emphasized that the needs of the community dictated the completion of all phases of Golden Eagle Park as soon as possible. AGENDA ITEM #4 - DISCUSSION OF GOALS AND FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR THE FY 1997-98 BUDGET SUBMITTAL. Mayor Miles suggested a budgeting plan for the next fiscal year be implemented to grant a lump sum amount over the net user fees collected for programs and that the Parks&Recreation Commission and staff schedule the programs while evaluating expenses for programs compared to user fees. He stated this would relieve the Council from second-guessing which programs to implement and which to cut. Councilman O'Brien said he thought the rate of increase in the P&R's budget could be attributed to the rate of population growth in the town. Commissioner Lorenz said the Commission had already discussed looking into programs and fees to determine which programs were economically feasible, desirable or necessary. AGENDA ITEM #5 - DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES INCLUDING: car IGA WITH FOUNTAIN HILLS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Mayor Miles said the recently approved financial support to the School District by the Council had enhanced the relationship between the schools and the Town. Chairman Lantz stated the P&R Department had experienced difficulty in scheduling activities due to limited availability of facilities, staff problems, clean-up arrangements, etc. He said he felt that if the schools weren't using their facilities, the Town should be allowed to arrange for use of them. Commissioner Lorenz stated he thought the scheduling problems were minimal and could be worked out. He suggested the scheduling software could be coordinated with the School District to eliminate conflicts. Vice Mayor Lawrence said he viewed a breakdown between the School Board members and their staff and that future meetings with the School Board could help to improve relations. MISSION AND FUTURE VISION OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE Mayor Miles said he didn't believe in rate guidelines regulating how many acres of park land were needed when compared to population figures. He supported the idea that the McDowell Mountain Park should have a trailhead in the future. Chairman Lantz suggested the concept of neighborhood parks be considered when developers plat new subdivisions. Mayor Miles suggested that gated communities should be assessed fees for park development donations and that he approved of pocket parks within various areas of the Town. Locations for land for future parks was discussed by Commissioner Lorenz. Vice Mayor Lawrence said he thought as a result of the delay in approving a Master Plan for Open Space and Trails, land for pocket parks could prove difficult to obtain. He said he supported a plan which would identify the needs and numbers of pocket parks in the Town and then resolve how to acquire them. Commissioner Kavanagh suggested an immediate completion to the plan process for location of future parks to allow developers of vacant land to inform Minutes of the Joint Work/Study Session of the Town Council& Parks&Recreation Commission 1/7/97 Page 2 of 4 prospective buyers where future park sites were planned. Mayor Miles opined that most of the areas where parks were needed were in fully subdivided areas in the town. L RECREATION PROGRAM FEES AND FACILITY RENTAL FEES Mayor Miles commented that the Town would likely consider charges for usage of Fountain Park once the Town assumed ownership to make it a user-friendly park. Commissioner Lorenz said the Parks&Recreation Commission had reviewed the program types, ability to pay arrangements,appeal factors for programs and net costs to administer future programs. Commissioner Kavanagh asked if fees should be charged for some programs to enable others to be subsidized. He suggested residents and property owners be awarded a special fee schedule and priority for usage of the park. Councilwoman Wiggishoff suggested the Commission should try to balance the expenses of programs with user fees to avoid exceeding budgeted funds. PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS/DISCOURAGE YOUTH CRIME Commissioner Lorenz stated that a survey asking which new programs the public conceived to best keep youth off the streets had been put in the local newspaper. Mayor Miles suggested outside groups become involved in sponsoring programs for youth activities. Commissioner Polese stated he had been in contact with the YMCA program director who was willing to help with projects in cooperation with other organizations. Commissioner Kavanagh suggested more indoor activities be implemented. Councilman Poma suggested more arts and crafts programs be organized not only for youths but also for senior citizens. Councilman Apps stated the recent drug testing program identified ring leaders and suggested they be contacted to identify which type programs they would like to participate in to lessen their involvement in crime activities. Commissioner Klein stated his experience with youth activities showed involvement in wrestling and boxing programs deterred youth from gang activities,vandalism and other delinquent actions. He stated the success of programs depended upon the leadership of the person in charge, not the facility. USE AND DESIGN OF TOWN CIVIC CENTER Mayor Miles reviewed the history regarding acquisition of property for the proposed civic center at the approved site. Walt Franklin,Chairman of the Community Center Advisory Commission,said there were 14 members from various groups and organizations in the Town which had formed for the purpose of planning which services and amenities would be included in the Civic Center building. The selection of an architect will take place through an RFP process. Mr. Franklin said the Commission had emphasized that the important factor concerning the Civic Center building was to make it a multi-generational facility to serve all citizens with classrooms,lounges,and shared spaces. As a result of public opinions collected, he stated the community had indicated a desire for an auditorium-type facility to promote the performing arts activities in the town. He pointed out that the largest area in the civic center was planned to be about 5500 to 6000 square feet. Commissioner Kavanagh asked about space provided for active sports activities. Mr. Franklin replied by answering that a dance area was provided for exercise classes but that basketball courts and similar activities were not considered in planning the usage of open spaces because there were already six gyms located in the town that could be used for those purposes. Vice Mayor Lawrence suggested a representative from the Parks & Recreation Commission be added to the Community Center Advisory Commission. Mr. Franklin welcomed the idea of a representative. The Parks & Recreation Commission will notify Mr. Franklin which member would be appointed to the CCAC. Commissioner Lorenz suggested that the Council prioritize the sidewalk plan to improve areas in conjunction with a recreation plan first,such as Golden Eagle Park,Four Peaks Neighborhood Park, and the downtown area, and then complete the other sidewalks in the town. Minutes of the Joint Work/Study Session of the Town Council& Parks&Recreation Commission 1/7/97 Page 3 of 4 AGENDA ITEM #6 - ADJOURNMENT OF JOINT SESSION. Mayor Miles suggested joint session meetings be held at least twice a year. Mayor Miles adjourned the Joint Session at 8:10 p.m. AGENDA ITEM#7-SPECIAL SESSION CALLED TO ORDER;PLEDGE TO THE FLAG;INVOCATION; AND ROLL CALL. Mayor Miles reconvened the Special Session of the Town Council at 8:20 p.m. Present for Roll Call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Miles,Vice Mayor Lawrence,Councilmen O'Brien,Mower,Apps, Poma and Councilwoman Wiggishoff. Also in attendance were Town Manager Paul Nordin, Town Clerk Cassie Hansen and Town Attorney Bill Farrell. AGENDA ITEM#8-PURSUANT TO A.R.S.38-431.03.A.7.AND A.R.S.38-431.03.A.3.;VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OR CONSULTATION WITH DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PUBLIC BODY IN ORDER TO CONSIDER ITS POSITION AND INSTRUCT ITS REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY; AND FOR DISCUSSIONS OR CONSULTATION FOR LEGAL ADVICE WITH THE ATTORNEY OR ATTORNEYS OF THE PUBLIC BODY REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS WITH MCO PROPERTIES FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT. Councilman Poma MOVED to go into Executive Session. Councilman Mower SECONDED the motion which CARRIED unanimously. Mayor Miles recessed the Special Session at 8:21 p.m. AGENDA ITEM #9 - RETURN TO SPECIAL SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT. Mayor Miles reconvened the Special Session of the Town Council at 8:47 p.m. Councilman Poma MOVED to adjourn the meeting. Vice Mayor Lawrence SECONDED the motion which CARRIED unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS By: Je M' s, Mayor A TTEST: C_.t/,' . J3 Cassie B. Hansen, Town Clerk PREPARED BY: .31 i �'•( �.���� Linda D. Le en, Administrative Assistant CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Session Meeting held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills on the 7th day of January, 1997. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 6th day of February, 1997. Cassie B. Hansen, Town Clerk Minutes of the Joint Work/Study Session of the Town Council& Lfo Parks&Recreation Commission 1/7/97 Page 4 of 4