GO Bond program at 26% on time, and the District 5 park gets a number: $675,000

If you read nothing else

• Held via Zoom webinar. Five of seven members attended; the At Large and District 3 seats were absent.
• Public Works reported the GO Bond parks program at 26% on time and 32% on cash, with actual expenses above planned expenses, partly toward lighting.
• The new District 5 park has approximately $675,000 to purchase land and equip it, confirmed on the record as coming from the Philippou lawsuit.
• The FY22 Parks and Recreation general fund request totals $14.7M — $9.6M personnel, $4.7M operating, $444,000 capital.
• Engle, Thompson and McClure each reported back from their City Councilors: all three described the District 5 park resolution as a one-off, and Councilor Bencomo said she would weigh future resolutions against the department's ability to sustain maintenance.
• No public participation and no action items.

Who was in the room

7.1 GO Bond projects update — Public Works

Ms. Jennifer Morrow gave a PowerPoint presentation on the GO Bond program.

Hadley Recreation Complex is 52% complete with an estimated completion date of February 23, 2021. Morrow reviewed items pending completion and items completed at Maag Ball Field and Harty Ball Field. Maag is ahead of schedule, Hardy is on schedule, Paz and Ron Galla lighting is planned for later, and irrigation is on schedule. Actual expenses are above planned expenses, which is partly toward the lighting.

Parks and Sports Courts: Lion's Park tennis courts are complete, and the pickleball community is using two of the courts while the courts at Apodaca are being worked on. Fencing, trees, and light pole installations and removals at Apodaca have started, with estimated completion May 2021. Desert Trails has been completed pending final punch list and the park is open to the public. Demolition at Young Park has started. The Desert Trails walking trail is ahead of schedule. Klein Park, Hillrise Park, Fourhills Park, Papen Community Center and Benavidez Community Center are scheduled for later this year. Status is at 26% on time and 32% on cash.

Unidad Park is scheduled to deliver 90% in a week. The plan went from a splash pad without circulation to one with a recirculation system in it, which will require additional design and additional time from NMED for review, so the schedule has been updated accordingly. Staff are hoping to advertise the RFP in the middle of June 2021.

The East Mesa Public Rec Complex is at 95% design, and staff are looking to get it out to bid in a week.

The RFPs for the two dog parks — one at Rinconada & Bataan Memorial and the other at Burn Lake — were opened and the SAC committee selected the highest scored contractor. Public Works is currently in negotiations with the contractor; if negotiations are successful, the next step is to seek Council approval.

There are 95% construction documents under review on the Walking, Jogging, Biking Trails. Staff have most of the EBID permits and are working with EBID to review the trails and give their input.

Morrow said they are in good shape with the overall schedule: still in design of East Mesa Complex and Unidad Playground, one third of the way into construction on E. Hadley and Parks and Sports Courts, starting construction on the Recreation Trails, and in negotiations from the bidding on dog parks.

Morrow displayed the program budget and noted the amounts shown for East Hadley Recreation Center, Park and Sports Courts, and Walking, Jogging, Biking are actual numbers from a contractor, while East Mesa Public Recreation Center, Unidad Playground and the dog park are the engineer's estimate.

7.2 Keep Las Cruces Beautiful / Youth Conservation Corp mural project

Mr. Robert Nunez presented on the Youth Conservation Corp mural project, summarizing the process from receiving the grant, to hiring crew members and a facilitator, trainings covered, identifying and choosing a location, creating a design concept, presenting to the Las Cruces Art Board and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for review and approval, and finally starting and finishing the mural.

Nunez reported it was a six-week project with crew salaries totaling $27,648, supplies $2,788, and City match of $12,193.

Mr. James Woods acknowledged his staff, Francisco Ontiveros and Luis Vasquez, for their help in preparing the tunnel for paint, and said he also hired an NMSU work-study, Breanna Yazzie, who assisted the youth crew members.

Woods informed the board the Youth Conservation Corps crew members consisted of Stephanie Villegas, Remy McDowell, Christian Cruz, Josef Buckingham, Kimberly Esparza, Kimberly Riley and Marina Vasconcellos, with facilitator Laramie Medina leading the project.

Before, during and after pictures of the Triviz Multi-Use Path Access Tunnel were provided in the presentation. Woods noted there was one frame of the mural — a mantel with sports equipment on it and jerseys hanging — which the YCC head office wants to use on their website, as it symbolizes what the youth went through this past year not being able to play sports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Thompson said he had a chance to see the finished project, that it is spectacular, and that the crew should be proud — it was well done. Mr. Engle said the mural looks great and thanked Mr. Woods and the students who did the hard work.

Chair McClure said the mural looks great and use of the picture on the website is awesome. She hopes more projects like this can be done, especially now because youth need more social interaction; the project was done in a very responsible way and it is a benefit for the community. She thanked Mr. Woods for guiding the project along.

7.3 Keep Las Cruces Beautiful update

Mr. Woods informed the board a lot of KLCB programming has been at a standstill. Supplies were offered to the community so people could do cleanups on their own; some groups cleaned the river and the desert area in Doña Ana.

Woods said that in going to yellow status, staff should be able to get some small groups to do cleanups and try to get back to rescheduling some district cleanups — Team Up to Clean Up. Staff has been able to continue to take care of graffiti abatements. As Doña Ana moves into yellow status, staff should be able to do more organized cleanups and offer more resources for the community to get involved.

Ms. McClure asked whether KLCB is working with the Picacho Arts District, as she saw a graffiti sign saying Keep Las Cruces Beautiful. Mr. Woods said he has not, but will reach out to them to see what they are all about.

7.4 New park resolution — District 5

Ms. Delgado updated the board on the new park for District 5. Parks and Recreation has a funding source to purchase land and equip the new park, approximately $675,000.00.

A few parcels have been found and staff is working with Land Management to reach out to owners to see if they are interested in selling. Staff is working with Community Engagement to put together a plan to make outreach to neighbors where the park will be located, to get feedback on amenities and things the community is looking for in the park.

Delgado said items that need to be considered to make sure a property fits the department's needs are access to the park, lighting, security, whether there is on-street parking and if not whether a parking lot could be added, and making sure the park is not on a major road or one that is going to be expanded. Staff also work closely with Public Works.

The minutes state: "Park is due to be in its completion by January 2021." See the record note — the January 21, 2021 minutes state January 2022.

Ms. Schuller asked what the average acreage is for the park. Ms. Delgado said two acres. Mr. Engle asked whether the funding source is from the Philippou lawsuit. Ms. Delgado said yes.

7.5 FY22 budget requests

Ms. Delgado presented the Parks and Recreation Fiscal Year 22 proposed budget requests, tied to PEAK goals. The minutes introduce the figures with the line "Budget is under $2 million" and then list a total of 14.7M — see the record note.

Personnel dollars requested are for a Parks District Manager, Project Manager, personnel for the new 50 Meter Pool, Youth Program Monitors, Youth Program Specialists (increased hours), Park Maintenance workers for a Trail Crew and for South District, and a Deputy Director.

Operating dollars requested are for special projects, an increase in utilities, KLCB graffiti abatement, park amenities replacement, 50 Meter Pool operations, and park supplies.

Capital dollars requested are for a shade structure, Water Smart Grant match, Regional Aquatic Center dehumidifier, Juvenile Citation Program exterior repair/replacement, Meerscheidt Recreation Center bathroom/locker room floor replacement, and Safe Haven exterior/renovation. Delgado noted these are General Fund requests only.

Mr. Thompson asked what the projected offset revenue would be for the 50-meter pool. Ms. Delgado said at this point no, but per the Fees and Charges policy the aim is to reach 33% recovery. She said this is not hit with the current aquatic center and outdoor facilities, the reason being the fees are very low.

Ms. Schuller asked whether cost for new projects and the need for additional park maintenance staff was captured in this budget. Ms. Delgado said yes.

Ms. McClure asked for information on Youth Monitors. Ms. Delgado said they are part-time, currently at 20 hours per person, and need to be moved up to 30 hours — benefits kick in at 30 hours. She said this will help because many of these Youth Monitors start as students, and Parks and Recreation would like to give them a place where they can start thinking about benefits and choosing Parks and Recreation as a career. The increase in hours will also give Youth Monitors an opportunity to earn some annual leave.

8. Staff comments — what the department already maintains

Ms. Delgado informed the board staff is working on the budget, and once the final budget is approved it will be brought back to the board. Staff is also looking for land for the new park.

Mr. Granillo said he will report to the board at the next meeting on the maintenance impact to the department — to staff and budget — when a new facility is received. He gave a rundown of what is already maintained:

Over 300 miles of medians and rights of way; 299 alleys and all the highway interchanges; 100 parks.

37 city building landscapes, for which staff manages the contract — three directly for Parks and Recreation: Frank O'Brien Papen Community Center, Regional Aquatic Center, and Meerscheidt Recreation Center — plus zone management for downtown: Plaza de Las Cruces, City Hall and Young Park.

Athletic fields section — will take care of 45 to 50 miles of trails once GO Bond is implemented, currently under 40; five baseball and softball complexes; two multiuse complexes, Soldados and Provencio Van Dame; two soccer complexes, Burn and High Noon Soccer, which is not the City's yet but is maintained by the City; five specialty ranges.

Community Forestry Program, responsible for planting 300 trees annually, removing hazardous trees, and advising the community on planting of trees and shrubbery.

Construction crew, which supports the special projects team, athletics, parks, community forestry, medians and rights of way, and maintains sports courts.

Staff also assist with events in different departments of the city, Keep Las Cruces Beautiful cleanups, and recreation movies and music.

8. Staff comments — top ten project updates

Skatepark renovation — the request for proposals for design build has been advertised; staff anticipate having it under contract in the next two months.

In process of receiving the grant for the Apodaca Park splash pad aquatic playground and multiuse trail. The cultural resources study has been completed.

Parks security and lighting at Veterans Memorial Park — the electrical upgrades to ensure the project is successful have been completed, and light fixtures have been selected.

In negotiations with the consultant to do the design portion for the Recreation Trails Program grant for the Las Cruces Lateral Trail project; should be under contract soon.

Smart Controllers project with the Water Smart Project — staff have a quote for booster pumps for the irrigation systems at Apodaca Park and Soldados multiuse fields and are confirming scope of work.

Lighting upgrades for the Women's Veteran Monument — the contractor discovered an out-of-code condition with grounding wires, so staff are working on a change order.

City Bond median landscapes are continuing — the Phase 1 portion is near completion as far as construction goes, with still quite a bit of work to be done on a few of the medians and punch list items to be addressed on a number of them.

Highland Park is getting ready to move into construction.

Lohman Avenue and Roadrunner medians — funding is in hand for the design and staff are writing the request for proposal.

AARP FitLot — staff have met with the supplier of the equipment, reviewed site conditions, and went over installation requirements. The supplier is providing a quote to AARP. Installation should start in March and be completed before August.

8. Staff comments — programs, aquatics and recreation

Mr. Nunez said the Out of School Program is offering tutoring sessions for kindergarten through 5th grade and 6th through 12th grade. Teen tutoring sessions are about 90% full. Las Cruces Public Schools will be going to a hybrid offering beginning with high school, so staff will be collecting data to see if there will be any vacancies. K-5 has seen some increases. Staff is looking at offering a fun-filled traditional spring break recreational program, communicating with the Department of Health and City Management, and is preparing for summer programs, coordinating activities and outings with various non-profits and preparing to set up agreements with those organizations.

Nunez said the Juvenile Citation Program is still virtual; staff are offering classes and working with a subcontractor to identify alternative programming to expend grant funds.

Nunez said the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful program has received the green light to offer some additional programming, so over the next four months staff will be getting out to various districts and offering opportunities for the community to assist in beautifying the community.

Mr. Catanach said the league gym wooden floor is being replaced at Meerscheidt Recreation Center. Athletic staff are looking at how they can move forward with sports in the near future and are currently working on active movement and sport skills activities that can be offered outdoors; the schedule should be out by mid-March.

Catanach said recreation staff have been working on ideas for activities as Doña Ana moves into yellow status under COVID-19, and that videos are posted on Facebook of sports skills, crocheting, arts and crafts skills, nutrition, and the Parks and Recreation two-step video from last summer.

Catanach said aquatic staff were able to fix the broken filtration system and open the Regional Aquatic Center for lap swim and channel walk by appointment. Frenger Pool has been open for lap swim with the pool temperature maintained between 78 and 80 degrees. The fitness area at the Regional Aquatic Center is open for ten or fewer people a session by appointment. Safety protocols are followed, and by the end of the month the City will have reached 10,000 patrons attending Frenger Pool and the Regional Aquatic Center during the COVID-19 period.

Catanach said the City Employee Wellness Program offers Stick to It Challenges, where one walks a certain number of minutes or sets daily fitness goals, with over 30 participants, and 150 participants in the Ziggy Challenge — employees walking and exercising to earn points for incentives.

Catanach said staff are also looking at what they can do to continue virtual music in the park, and to see what the 4th of July will look like.

Ms. Delgado said she sent an email to the State of New Mexico to ask what kinds of programming and activities can be done in yellow status, to make sure staff understands how certain spaces are defined.

Ms. Delgado said there will be a presentation on how splash pad water is filtered and cleaned at the next board meeting, per Mr. Montgomery's inquiry.

9. Board member comments — what the Councilors said

Chair McClure acknowledged she has seen the Parks and Recreation videos on Facebook.

Mr. Engle reported he reached out to his Councilor regarding the District 5 new park, letting her know the board's concern that the resolution would set a precedent and that other Councilors would want Parks and Recreation to add more parks than they can sustain. He said Councilor Bencomo's response was that she recognized the urgency of the park in District 5, which is why the rest of the Council went along with it, and she would consider any future resolutions of that kind within the context of Parks and Recreation being able to sustain the development and maintenance. Engle said for everyone to stay healthy and get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Mr. Thompson said he also reached out to his Councilor, and Councilor Abeyta-Stuve thought it was a one-off situation and would be more cognizant moving forward with other requests.

Mr. Montgomery apologized for arriving a little bit late to the meeting. He said he appreciates the comments on the splash pad water and looks forward to hearing more on this at the next meeting, and wished everyone a wonderful February.

Ms. Schuller thanked the board and staff for everything.

Chair McClure said she also reached out to Councilor Gandara and, like the other Councilors, received a similar response — a one-off, recognizing the issue. McClure got a sense it was the prerogative of City Councilors to do due diligence. She said for the next meeting the board will hear from Mr. Granillo what a new park adds to workload, and that there was discussion with Councilor Gandara that they are not quite aware of the effects of a new park, or a median, and would like through the board to see more detail. McClure said Councilor Gandara would also like to know how other programs — for example Mano y Mano — could aid Parks and Recreation. She thanked the board and staff for all they do.

Recorded votes

Left open at the gavel