MINUTES
| PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MONDAY DECEMBER 18, 2023 |
HYBRID MEETING FLAGSTAFF AQUAPLEX AND MICROSOFT TEAMS 1702 N. FOURTH STREET 4:00 P.M. |
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:01.
The meeting was called to order at 4:01.
2.
ROLL CALL
| NOTE: One or more Commissioners may be in attendance through other technological means. |
| PRESENT Stephen Parsons (Co-Chair) Sandy Heath Austin Kerr Autumn Layden STAFF AND OTHERS Gino Leoni, Parks Manager Rebecca Sayers, Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events Division Director Koren Brown, Administrative Specialist Amy Hagin, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Dan Carrick, Recreation Supervisor Tyrone Johnson, Recreation Manager Rebecca Marlatt, citizen online |
NOT PRESENT Ryan Martin Micah Smith Josh Stackhouse Councilmember Deborah Harris - Council Liaison |
3.
Land Acknowledgment
The Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
The Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
4.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Kerr motioned to approve minutes; Commissioner Heath seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously.
5.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
There was no public comment.
6.
Pickleball Court Update
The pickleball design update was provided to City Council on December 12, 2023. The prior direction from Council was that the courts be installed as far north from residential properties and to remove as few trees as possible. Staff decided there should be 1:1 replacement for trees that are removed. In addition, the hours for parks were changed in November 2023, based on Council direction. An on-call landscape architecture firm has been contracted for design, with $58,465 expended (of $900,000 budgeted) on design services. Design diligence involves: Onsite visits with design team, communications of direction, bi-weekly meetings, survey of existing conditions. Ms. Hagin shared images of the concept design. The 6 new pickleball courts would be for dedicated play. The tennis/basketball courts would only be available for pickleball play by permit utilizing portable nets. This design could permit up to 16 pickleball courts. Next step is to submit design review. There has been no sound study.
7.
West Side Park Update
The update is over the undeveloped land between Woodlands Village Blvd and I-40 by the Staples Plaza on the west side in the Boulder Pointe neighborhood. The tract of approximately 5 acres of land is zoned as public facility and is city owned. An easement would be needed to access the park. This project has been on the Commissions’ strategic plan since 2018 to deliver but was paused during Covid. Outreach to the community is needed to learn what amenities they may want in the neighborhood park. Design concepts would be needed before soliciting for contractors.
8.
Recreation Supervisor Update - Jay Lively
Dan Carrick has been with the City for 10 years, and is currently working as the Jay Lively Activity Center Supervisor. Per his update: Jay Lively has two Zambonis and a tractor for ice maintenance and moving snow. The Recreation Center requires complex equipment that keeps the facility operational. Jay Lively provides public skate sessions, open hockey, stick and puck workshops, an adult hockey league, and adult skate. Many user groups use the facility for birthday parties, events and leagues. Some community partners are Flagstaff Avalanche, Just for Fun, Flagstaff Hockey League, Flag Figure Skating Club, NAU, as well as camps and tournaments year round. Some interesting November stats: 2,026 patrons served, $15,716 in public sessions, revenue from user groups $15,660. The adult hockey league totaled 10 teams, they played 21 games, and had 146 participants.
Preventative maintenance is scheduled for May. There is $40k projected budget to extend the ice equipment. One of two chillers will need replaced in the future.
Preventative maintenance is scheduled for May. There is $40k projected budget to extend the ice equipment. One of two chillers will need replaced in the future.
9.
5-Year Plan Refresher
Some 5-year budgetary items:
- $200k per year park deferred maintenance budgeted. There is a $150k per year budgeted for play structure replacement; with Ponderosa Trails Park prioritized, followed by Smokerise and Mobile Haven.
- The Heritage Square restroom project is budgeted at $250k.
- Ponderosa Park has budgeted $350k stormwater drainage reconstruction slated for 1-2 years out.
- Planned Hal Jensen Recreation Center HVAC for years 2024/2025, budgeted $100k.
- Thorpe Park Annex has budgeted $200k.
- Cheshire Park expansion has budgeted $1 million for 2025/2026
- Continental Park budgeted $1.5 million for years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 – this would be the Girls’ Softball Complex starter.
10.
City Council Liaison Report - Councilmember Deborah Harris
There was no report.
There was no report.
11.
Reports – Monthly highlights of Parks and Recreation, Open Space, and Events
There were over 500 snowplow name submissions. Some noteworthy plow names are: Rhinestone Plowboy, Darth Blader, Scoop Dog, Holy Sleet, Tater Tot, Panda, Dwight D Eisenplower.
12.
Informational Items to/from Staff
- February 26 joint meeting with Open Space
- Jan 29 alternative meeting date
13.
Agenda Items for next meeting
- Open space joint meeting agenda items
- Aquaplex supervisor update
- Chair/vice chair vote
14.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:13.
The meeting adjourned at 5:13.