CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA PARKS & RECREATION BOARD Pine Conference Room November 16, 2006 A Special Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Peoria, Arizona was convened at 8401 W. Monroe Street in open and public session in City Hall at 7:02 p.m. Members Present: Chris Morice, Diana Bedient, Gregory Jones, Carol Ulshoeffer and Chuck Fitzgerald Members Absent: Carnell Murrell, Jon Sears Municipal Officials Present: J. P. de la Montaigne, Community Services Director; Kirk Haines, Parks Manager; Brenda Rehnke, Recreation Manager; Ana Lia Johnson, Management Analyst and Maria Traci, Executive Assistant Audience: 1 (Cecilia Chan, Arizona Republic) MINUTES: Carol Ulshoeffer made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of the September 28, 2006 meeting. Greg Jones seconded the motion, and, upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. Diana Bedient made a motion to approve the special meeting minutes of the October 28, 2006 tour and meeting. Chuck Fitzgerald seconded the motion, and, upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. DISPOSITION OF ABSENCES: Not applicable UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE PLAN FOR GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS OF DOG FRIENDLY AREAS Ana Lia Johnson explained to the Board that the idea was to gain ideas for what the Board Members would like to see, do, etc. at a grand opening for the dog friendly areas and to determine a date to hold the event. Chris Morice suggested that there be a celebration at one of the three new dog friendly areas and that a flyer containing a map of the others be distributed with important information such as hours, etc. It was suggested that a contest or Pets on Parade event be held at the celebration. Ana Lia Johnson indicated that she had planned to contact a local Kennel Club to have their presence at the event. Diana Bedient suggested that the Kanine Patrol or an adoption center be invited as well. Ana Lia Johnson suggested that dog bones or treats be available for attendees and their pets. J.P. de la Montaigne suggested that a sponsor be invited such as PetsMart or Pet Co. Kirk Haines suggested that there be a small giveaway bag which could even be a mutt mitt. Chuck Fitzgerald requested information about how the scheduled event would be disseminated to the public. Ana Lia Johnson explained that the information would be posted on the website and that a water bill insert could be added. Kirk Haines added that a media release would be issued through the PIO office. Chris Morice requested that information about the dog obedience class that is offered through the Special Interest Classes be given out at the event along with contact information, rules, etc. for the dog friendly areas. Ana Lia Johnson suggested 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. at Alta Vista Park. J.P. de la Montaigne suggested that staff could be posted at the other dog friendly areas with informational flyers and treats on the morning of the event. Chuck Fitzgerald made a motion to hold the grand opening celebration of the dog friendly areas on January 20 at 9 a.m. at Alta Vista Park. Carol Ulshoeffer seconded the motion and, upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE PLAN TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION REGARDING DOG FRIENDLY AREAS TO LOCAL RESIDENTS AND END USERS J.P. de la Montaigne explained to the Board that this agenda item was included due to the overwhelming response to the dog friendly areas once they were opened. It was intended to offer an opportunity for the residents to attend the meeting and discuss their issues and concerns with staff and the Board. Residents that had voiced complaints were told of the meeting schedule. The Board requested information regarding what types of complaints had been received. Ana Lia Johnson explained that concern had been expressed because the dog friendly areas were taking space from the children for animal use, the residents feared the areas would lower the value of their homes and that the fences were not attractive. Kirk Haines offered information about some of the comments that the rangers had heard and that the citizens were very appreciative of the new dog friendly areas. He explained that the only hurdle they had encountered was unlocking the areas in the morning since it was decided that locking them at night was safer. J.P. de la Montaigne explained that a broken water line had caused a problem with the fence at one area and a smaller dog had been able to escape. However, the only other issues were a request for water fountains which was being looked at for the upcoming budget year due to a lack of funds in the current budget. Kirk Haines explained that each park has its own benefits and separate needs at each location and that additional amenities at those locations needed them would be considered in the upcoming budget process. No action taken. REPORT FROM STAFF: None REPORT FROM DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR J.P. de la Montaigne informed the Board of the upcoming Grand Opening at the Rio Vista Phase II fields this weekend. Games would be played at both 8:30 and 10:30 on the new fields, participants would receive their medals as it was the final week of the fall season and at 10:00 a ground breaking/ribbon cutting ceremony would take place. Last Thursday, the ground breaking for the Veterans Memorial took place at Rio Vista Park and was very well attended. The Veterans Memorial would be built and opening on Memorial Day in 2007. J.P. de la Montaigne reminded the Board of the upcoming Terramar Grand Opening on December 2 at 10 a.m. and explained that a formal invitation would be forthcoming. Additionally, due to the holidays, there would be no meeting in December and the Board would resume with its regularly scheduled meeting on January 25. REPORT FROM BOARD MEMBERS Greg Jones updated the Board on his experience as a part of the Recycling Committee that was recently created. He explained that the Committee has proposed a different color, second can for recycling. This can would be picked up on alternating weeks with the schedule for regular collection. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Chris Morice, Chairperson Maria Traci, Secretary