MINUTES
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS
PARKS, ARTS, RECREATION AND CULTURE ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
January 12, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
5:05 PM, City Hall, Council Chambers, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North,
North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
(Virtual Meeting)
ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Branch
Vice Chairwoman Ward
Member Gerlach
Member Maxwell (at 5:12 PM)
Member McKenzie
Member Pollock
Member Zawarus
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Member Cook
Member Van Orden
STAFF PRESENT
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Neighborhood and Leisure Services Director Palmer Recreation Supervisor Johnson City Clerk Raynor Recording Secretary Hongthong-Moodie
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Member McKenzie
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There was no participation.
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AGENDA |
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1. |
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Approve Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board Regular Meeting Agenda of January 12, 2021. (For Possible Action)
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2. |
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Approve Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2020. (For Possible Action)
HON
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3. |
Overview of Construction of Special Event Fields at Craig Ranch Regional Park. (For Discussion Only) |
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Neighborhood and Leisure Services Director Palmer gave summary on the grant received from Clark County regarding the construction of the multi-use fields and the railroad being constructed at Craig Ranch Regional Park. He informed board members that since their last discussion a landscape architect vendor was hired to develop this project. The project would take about six months to design and 15 to 18 months to build. Mr. Palmer said that about 40 percent of the design has been completed which includes a perimeter road in parking lots, six multi-use fields, and the railroad. Mr. Palmer reminded members that the County deadline is within the next two years. Director Palmer stated that the City is officially ready to get started as the City Council has already approved the project. He asked the board if there were any questions. Member McKenzie asked if members were able to look at the drawings as the project progresses. Director Palmer said that as the designers share the progress with the City, he would let board members know the status. He stated updates would come at 40, 60 and 90 percent completion to be ensure that the designers are capturing the City’s vision. Chairman Branch said he is excited about this project. He said he would like to be see what is going on but does not want to change anything. He also said there is a lot of construction going on around Craig Ranch Park such as a gas station, and would like an update. Director Palmer said he would meet with board members once the project is 2/3 of the way completed. He also explained that a portion of the area near Craig Ranch would be commercial and residential.
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4. |
Update on Arts Council Grant and Program. (For Discussion Only) |
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Recreation Supervisor Johnson informed board members that the Utility Art Project has been given a new name, “Electrifying Art.” She stated that currently there are five schools that will be participating: Mojave High School, Canyon Springs High School, Legacy High School, Desert Rose High School and Cheyenne High School. She shared that a $20,000 matching grant was received which requires a $10,000 City match and that each school would receive $2,000 per project. Supervisor Johnson stated the City is looking to add more schools, with a grand total of 10 schools. Member Ward asked what the date is to have slots filled. Supervisor Johnson said she is having difficulty getting schools involved while the schools are closed, and that teachers would get back to her once schools resume again. Chairman Branch asked if goals would be met, filling all 10 spots. Supervisor Johnson said she believes the slots would be filled, because students are showing interest. She also thought having a community meeting would be a good idea for the schools to show the City their top three designs. She said once finalists are chosen, then the City could move forward from there. Director Palmer said he has had conversations with the grantor and things are in great shape. Member Pollock asked if Ms. Johnson is waiting to fill spots or if she is actively looking. Supervisor Johnson said she is waiting for responses from schools and named the schools she had contacted. She noted she included all high schools, but could include junior high schools, but that she would like to keep the schools in North Las Vegas. Member Pollock added that some North Las Vegas students go to schools in Las Vegas. Ms. Johnson said she is reaching out to schools in North Las Vegas first and then planning to reach out to local artists if there is not enough response. Member Zawarus asked if there is a particular area to install the boxes or would boxes be in close proximity to the specific school. Ms. Johnson stated close proximity to the school and close to major streets would be the preferred criteria. Later during the meeting, Member Pollock stated she would like staff to reach out to Shadow Ridge and give children in Las Vegas an opportunity to participate in this art project. Director Palmer stated it should not be a problem but he would have to check with the funder because this grant was specifically designed for North Las Vegas.
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5. |
Additional Youth Sports Opportunities to Support Area Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic Presentation. (For Discussion Only) |
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Neighborhood and Leisure Services Director Palmer would like to have children in a safe environment to get them socially engaged and out of the house. Due to the pandemic children are not physically active. He suggested creation of a Fun Zone, which provides park activities. The idea is to have staff at two parks per ward, a total of eight parks, to host activities from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday, starting in February or March. The Fun Zone also include Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM to have parents interact with their children. Other ideas are that children could also learn a new sport or game. Mr. Palmer named two different parks in each ward that would host activities. He added children in the area could have free structured fun throughout North Las Vegas. The idea would include two staff members at each park. He asked for Committee member’s thoughts. Member McKenzie supported the idea, but stated he was concerned about Eldorado Park because there are no restrooms. Mr. Palmer said children readily do not utilize the bathrooms for 2 hours and should be ok. He stated he is currently trying to find somewhere else in the neighborhood of Eldorado Park due to the restroom situation. Chairman Branch supported the idea as it allows kids to get out. He expressed his concern for social distancing and asked what would be the protocols. Mr. Palmer assured him that they would abide by the Governor’s directives, citing wearing of masks, social distancing, and would not let groups get too large. Member Ward asked if there would be pre-registration and what are the age groups. Director Palmer stated that any age could participate but was uncertain how many would use the Fun Zone. He said once the City gets a feel on potential usage, then different parks would be assigned particular activities.
Member Ward asked if reservations would help or hinder the program. Director Palmer stated his staff are unable to handle additional tasks because they are occupied with schooling and activities at their recreation centers. Member Maxwell added that he loves this idea and voiced his concerns about the Governor’s directives. He would like marketing created to urge parents to get their kids outside doing some type of activity. He suggested the City create flyers with something that says outdoor activities, with social distancing required, and that chances of COVID-19 are low. Director Palmer supported that statement and said that in advertising it is paramount to state they would be in a safe environment. Member McKenzie asked if the program were not full in the beginning, would it be canceled later. Director Palmer stated that this a new program; it would either be full or there might be a few in the beginning. He stressed it is all about the advertising. Chairman Branch said he agrees with everyone that the program will succeed depending on how the City would market the program. Director Palmer stated the budget includes 18 week’s worth of activities, staff, miscellaneous sports equipment, rentals, snacks for kids, fuel to get staff to parks, and $20,000 budget for advertising.
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None.
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BOARD ITEMS |
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6. |
Receive Traffic Circle Ideas from PARCAB Members. (For Discussion Only) |
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Director Palmer updated members on their last discussion on Seastrand Park and Carey traffic circles. He reminded the Board that, there are cars that drive around the circles all the time. He said that Member McKenzie sent him a picture of a large boulder at Seastrand Park that could be moved to that traffic circle. He said that art could be put around it. He asked for board member opinions. Board members discussed the project and gave ideas such as something similar to Seven Magic Mountains, Fly Geyser, boulders, public art, and low maintenance landscaping. They agreed that they would like something that will draw attention to North Las Vegas.
Director Palmer stated that it sounded like more discussion is needed on this project and would like everyone to drive by the circles and come up with one idea they would like to see at the circles.
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7. |
The Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting is February 9, 2021. (For Possible Action) |
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There was no participation. |
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Chairman Branch adjourned the meeting at 5:59 PM. |
APPROVED:
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/s/ Aubrey Branch |
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Aubrey Branch, Chair
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/s/ Shawna Hongthong-Moodie |
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Shawna Hongthong-Moodie, Recording Secretary
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