MINUTES OF THE GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES MEETING

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2006 AT 5:00 P.M.,

GILBERT MUNICIPAL CENTER,
CONFERENCE ROOM 300,
50 EAST CIVIC CENTER DRIVE,
GILBERT, ARIZONA

MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Presmyk (Chair), Skousen, and Urie

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Top Flight Youth Sports representatives Carla Miller, Tom Miller, Sherri Tubbs, and Bob Rutzen

STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Manager Skocypec, Clerk Templeton

1. CALL TO ORDER

Councilmember Presmyk called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.

2. PARKS & RECREATION – discussion with representatives from Top Flight Youth Sports regarding its program and the Sports Coalition criteria including but not limited to membership and field scheduling and use.

Councilmember Presmyk welcomed representatives of Top Flight Youth Sports. There is a need to understand what the group needs and how the Sports Coalition operates.

Tom Miller explained how he started developing the league after his daughter was told she could not participate in another football league. Mr. Miller said he does not feel others have invested the same in other programs and that he used his personal finances. Councilmember Presmyk said it is important to meet and discuss issues.

Carla Miller discussed Top Flight’s application to the Sports Coalition one and one-half years ago. Parks and Recreation staff asked for more information and she attended a meeting with four or five people. The Arizona Soccer Club was admitted to the Sports Coalition during that time. Ms. Miller was advised that everything looked fine. A few weeks later she received an e-mail from Parks and Recreation Director Ahlman saying the Sports Coalition was going a different route and Top Flight’s application was not approved.

Ms. Miller said that Top Flight went through hoops and then was not admitted. Everyone was asked to put in for fields but Top Flight was not permitted because it is not a member. Ms. Miller said she feels that Top Flight went through the process and then the Town pushed back. She hopes Mr. Miller’s comments were not taken wrong as he is frustrated and put in a lot of time.

Councilmember Presmyk said that Council heard there were a lot of issues. The Subcommittee is trying to development guidelines that are fair. Mr. Miller discussed another problem Top Flight experienced related to non-profit status. Ms. Miller said there is a need for everyone to play equally and fairly as Gilbert is growing. Councilmember Skousen briefly commented on Mr. Miller’s comments at a recent meeting with the Sports Coalition and said that he cannot act that way.

There was a perceived unfairness on how different groups are treated. Mr. Miller said it is difficult when one group is supported and others are excluded. Councilmember Urie briefly discussed the partnership with GYSA at Hetchler Park and contributions GYSA had made.

A brief discussion followed on existing agreements with GYSA, GALL, and GNLL. There is an opportunity to develop additional contracts with other groups. The Subcommittee is working with the School Districts on partnerships and there are opportunities for private-public partnerships. Right now there is a desire to see what is available and to discuss priorities.

Mr. Miller said that the Top Flight league is the third largest in the United States and was offered the championship games. There are no boundaries for the league. The only problem is getting the word out to Gilbert kids because of changes in school policies on distribution of flyers. Ms. Sherri Tubbs said there are Pop Warner kids that want to play in Top Flight in the spring. Discussion followed on the size of fields which is 30 yards by 70 yards and total space needed.

Councilmember Presmyk said that Gilbert is trying to concentrate on field scheduling so Parks and Recreation can schedule space. The Subcommittee has been working on policies and guidelines. Councilmember Presmyk said it appears that there were several groups that wanted to become members of the Sports Coalition and Top Flight got caught in the changes.

Mr. Bob Rutzen said it was important to have this talk. Councilmember Presmyk stressed the need to participate so Top Flight has a voice in the process.

There was a brief discussion on McQueen Park and Elliot District Park. Assistant Manager Skocypec advised there are 4.7 acres at Elliot District Park that are not retention areas. Councilmember Urie said there could be a future RFP for use of facilities and there will need to be give and take.

Mr. Miller thanked the Subcommittee for meeting with Top Flight representatives. Councilmember Presmyk said that the Subcommittee is moving forward and some issues will be discussed with the Sports Coalition and others will be policy decisions of Council. Councilmember Presmyk asked that Top Flight come to the next Sports Coalition meeting with its schedule and field requirements.

3. ADJOURN

Councilmember Presmyk adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m.

ATTEST:

Les Presmyk, Councilmember (Chair)

Catherine Templeton, CMC, Town Clerk

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