CITY OF SURPRISE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP
12425 West
Bell Road, Suite D-100
Surprise, Arizona 85374
March 4, 2008
MINUTES
Call to Order:
Chair Jan
Blair called the Planning and Zoning Commission workshop meeting to order at 5
p.m. in the Surprise City Hall, 12425 West Bell Road, Suite D100, Surprise, Arizona 85374, on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.
In attendance with Chair Blair
were Commissioners Matthew Bieniek, Ken Chapman, John Hallin, Robert Rein, and Steve
Somers. Commissioner Fred Watts was absent.
Planner Bart Wingard presented a brief overview of the Parks
and Trails Master Plan, specifically noting that the 2001 General Plan adopted
the recreation element directive directing the Planning Department to prepare
this plan.
Planner Wingard pointed out that parks and trails improve:
·
Economics
·
Traffic
·
Environment
·
Wellness
·
Crime Prevention
He commented that parks and trails could provide safer paths
for children to school. Statistics show that 25% of the morning traffic is
attributed to taking children to school.
Commissioner Hallin questioned the reduction of crime by the
installation of parks and trails. Acting Director Kathy Rice explained that Florida has surveys that show residents feel safer because of their lighted parks and
trails. Planner Wingard added that a well-designed, well-lighted trail does
assist in improving the crime rate.
Planner Wingard talked about the various National Recreation
and Parks Association (NRPA) Standards for Parks which includes the following:
·
Pocket Parks – Less than 5 acres (1/4 mile service area)
·
Neighborhood Parks – 5 to 25 acres (1/2 mile service area)
·
Community Parks – 25 to 100 acres (3 mile service area)
·
Regional Parks – 100 acres (10 mile service area)
Charts were displayed that showed the existing parks in the
city, as well as information indicating the comparisons of the numbers of parks
in surrounding local cities and some nationwide cities of similar size.
Responding to questions regarding the various acres each
developer should dedicate for a park, Planner Wingard noted that some creative
solutions will be needed for the developers designing smaller parcels. This is
a working document and will be updated annually to accommodate the changing
times.
Planner Wingard mentioned that the key factor of this plan
that ties into the village concept is the trails portion.
When discussing the trails plan, the following was noted:
·
Regional Trails – 89 miles
·
Signature Trails – 50 miles
·
Community Trails – 136 miles
·
Local Trails – 114 miles
Planner Wingard commented that they have worked with the
various surrounding jurisdictions to connect with trails through the
communities. He mentioned that we are actively looking at funding sources for
trails, noting that there is an abundance of monies available for motorized
trails. He showed a map of the 50-mile signature trail which will encompass
the entire planning area for Surprise.
He pointed out the various standards established:
·
Provide standards to developers to supply parks and trails.
·
Standardize maintenance.
·
Standardize equipment to cut maintenance costs.
In response to questions, Planner Wingard explained that the
master plan for parks and trails will be evaluated each year, asking residents
for input. Acting Director Rice stated that Code Enforcement is responsible
for monitoring parks for inappropriate signs. Community Recreation is
responsible for maintaining the parks. This new master plan should assist the White Tanks Park in controlling the misuses at their park.
Planner Wingard wrapped up with summarizing the items
discussed.
Pursuant to A.R.S. §
38-431.03(A)(3), the Planning and Zoning Commission may go into executive
session with the City Attorney for legal advice on any item listed on the
agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
Hearing no further business, the Planning and Zoning
Commission workshop meeting was adjourned on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at 5:35 p.m.
STAFF
PRESENT:
