CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
	Point of View Conference Room
March 27, 2008

A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Peoria, Arizona was 
convened at 9875 N. 85th Ave in open and public session in the Development and 
Community Services Building at 7:02 p.m.

Members Present:	Gregory Jones, Chuck Fitzgerald, Jon Sears, Diana Bedient and Carol 
Ulshoeffer.

Members Absent:	Carnell Murrell and William Collett.

Municipal Officials Present: J.P. de la Montaigne, Community Services Director; Kirk 
Haines, Parks Manager; Heidi Gannuscio, Management Analyst and Heather Cammarata, 
Executive Assistant

Audience:  1 (Cecilia Chan, Arizona Republic)

CONSENT AGENDA: Chuck Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the consent agenda 
items including the absences and minutes of the February 28, 2008 meeting. Diana 
Bedient seconded the motion, and, upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2009

J.P. de la Montaigne indicated that this item was discussed at the Board Meeting on 
February 21, 2008 and was not voted on at that time.  Staff gave a brief overview of the 
PowerPoint that was previously shown on February 21, 2008 for those Board members 
that were not in attendance at the previous meeting.  This PowerPoint detailed the current 
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for FY2008 and upcoming CIP projects for FY2009.  

Jon Sears requested information as to the meaning of the symbols on the 99th Avenue and 
Olive Neighborhood Park.  Kirk Haines responded that they are various symbols for flood 
control areas, trail heads, large playfields, etc.  The park, however, has not yet been 
designed as we are still working to acquire the appropriate land.

Jon Sears questioned whether the Board was voting on projects or the monetary amount 
associated with these projects.  J.P. de la Montaigne responded that at this time the Board 
would be voting to approve projects only, not funding.

Diana Bedient made a motion to recommend the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal 
Year 2009.  Carol Ulshoeffer seconded the motion and, upon vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS: 

FLETCHER HEIGHTS PARK NORTH - TRAFFIC

Kirk Haines met with the City Traffic Engineer who is looking into new speed bump 
technology that could be used on Hillcrest Boulevard.

Chuck Fitzgerald quested why the existing speed bump technology would not work in this 
location.  Kirk Haines responded that Hillcrest is a main access point to the community for 
emergency vehicles and speed humps would affect the ability to serve this community.

Kirk Haines indicated that the residents’ concerns have been forwarded to the City Traffic 
Engineer.  J.P. de la Montaigne added that the speed limit has been lowered in the area.

FLETCHER HEIGHTS PARK NORTH - AMENITIES

J.P. de la Montaigne indicated that residents and the Board at the last meeting had asked 
staff to look further at additional amenities for the Fletcher Heights North Park.  Staff plans 
to wait until the end of the school year and then begin to discuss with the school what 
improvements they had in mind.  Originally the school had mentioned resurfacing of the 
basketball court and a shade structure over the playground.

Carol Ulshoeffer indicated that the Board and Staff should discuss with the school and 
make sure that the public doesn’t feel threatened and is included in the process.  

Chair, Gregory Jones inquired whether there is additional land next to the New River area 
that could be developed for a trail or open space.  This would give the community their 
own park that does not have to be shared.

J.P. de la Montaigne indicated staff will work on scheduling a meeting at the end of the 
school year with both the school and residents.  Additionally, staff will look at possibilities 
to acquire additional land.

Chuck Fitzgerald questioned why we would meet with the school.  J.P. de la Montaigne 
responded that the school had an interest in completing some of these improvements 
using their funds.  Greg Jones commented that the school is obligated to maintain the park 
and therefore must agree to park improvements.  Chuck Fitzgerald responded that the 
neighborhood feels we should be talking to them.  J.P. de la Montaigne responded that the 
original easement agreement states that the school must be involved in any improvements 
made to the park.

CALL TO THE PUBLIC: (NON-AGENDA ITEMS): None

REPORT FROM STAFF:  

Kirk Haines showcased the new City of Peoria Arizona Hiking Trails Website briefing the 
Board on how to get to the new website and what information is contained on the website.

REPORT FROM BOARD MEMBERS:  

Chair, Gregory Jones reported that he attended the City Council Meeting on 3/18/08 where 
the Meritas fence/easement agreement amendment was voted upon.  The Council 
rejected the amendment to the easement agreement.  The council noted the safety issue 
but voted against the policy issue.  Chair, Gregory Jones drafted a letter to send to the 
Council and welcomed other members to review and sign if they wish.  Chuck Fitzgerald 
questioned what would be the purpose of writing a letter.  Chair, Gregory Jones indicated 
he did not feel that the public in favor of the fence received fair consideration.

Chair, Gregory Jones would like consideration regarding lighting of the 91st Ave and 
Michelle retention basin.  There is activity in the area and security lighting may be 
appropriate.

Chair, Gregory Jones reminded the Board that the 2008 Boards and Commissions 
Recognition Event will take place in May.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, Jon Sears made a motion to 
adjourn.  Diana Bedient seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.



Gregory Jones, Chairperson			Heather Cammarata, Secretary