MCDUFFIE-TWIN PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BOARD MEETING – JUNE 19, 2013 – 6:30 PM
St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place, NE
MINUTES

(Approved at 07.10.13 Board Meeting)
Board Members Attending: Barry Simon, Laurie Moyer, Carol Morris, Mark Hyland
Board Members Absent: Larry Seebinger, Bill Hoch, Carla Kugler, Maggie Peterson
Invited Guests: Ms. Judith Wong, Parks & Recreation Department, City of Albuquerque

1.) The meeting was called to order at 6:36 PM.

2.) Minutes from the May 15, 2013 Board Meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.

3.) Treasurer Carla Kugler was not present so there was no Treasurer’s Report.

4. ) Old Business:
a. Hidden Park:
Ms. Judith Wong, from the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Albuquerque, was introduced. Ms. Wong stated that she had recently revisited Hidden Park and added that Hidden Park “was a gem.” Ms. Wong provided conceptual ideas of multi-use park options from other cities. Ms. Wong explained that full-time dog parks require special drainage systems. Ms. Wong also stated that Hidden Park has seven (7) entrances and could use more Mutt Mitts (bags for dog waste) at those entrances and better use of signs stating dog leash requirements. Ms. Wong stated a Tot Lot could be added to the center of Hidden Park for small children. She suggested an exercise path around the exterior edge. Ms. Wong provided printed examples of these various park design options. Ms. Wong
stressed these were only examples but the users of Hidden Park will have the final decision if there will be any changes to Hidden Park. Ms. Wong also stated that a partial timed-use policy for off-leash dogs has been used at Roosevelt Park for many years. The neighborhood could agree on a set of hours for both morning and/or evening off-leash dog policy. The Roosevelt Park example is only Monday-Friday mornings and excludes weekends and holidays. Many of the residents and dog owners present stated they think this is a strong possibility for Hidden Park. Ms. Wong was unfamiliar about the procedure to change the City park’s off-leash dog policy. Discussion included contacting the City Counsel-person Janice Arnold-Jones and/or the Mayor’s Office for guidance. There was discussion about the recent seeding and fertilization at Hidden Park, and this improvement was noted. Some attendees stated that they no longer use Hidden Park due to off-leash dogs. The City Animal Welfare Officers had conducted a five (5) day patrol and issued warnings and ticketed some dog owners. Resident Ms. Susan Beard provided a letter to the MTPNA Board regarding her opinions regarding dog policy in Hidden Park.
Ms. Trish Wagner asked about how Hidden Park could become American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Ms. Wagner considered Hidden Park to be in violation of the ADA. Ms. Wong stated that an established park, such as Hidden Park, was not required to meet ADA standards. During the May 2013 meeting, Parks and Recreation employee Mr. David Flores had stated that he would look into the ADA issue for Hidden Park. Ms. Wong was not informed by David Flores regarding the ADA issue. Ms. Wong added that there would have to be considerable public input if Hidden Park were to become ADA complaint. Ms. Wong also stated that the nearest ADA compliant park was Bataan Park. There would also have to be secured funding through our Councilperson’s office.
Ms. Wong stated concerns and/or complaints regarding any city park were best directed by citizens through the 3-1-1 System. This system has to log in calls and provides for greater accountability. It was suggested that the MPTPNA add to our website an e-survey/survey monkey regarding the potential change in off-leash dog policy and the interest in making Hidden Park ADA compliant. It was also suggested that there be a Dog Advocate if the survey is conducted. Ms. Wong also stated that currently there are no city monies available for any park improvements such as new trees or ADA compliance.
After Ms. Wong left, discussion continued about off-leash dog policy and Hidden Park.
Suggestion of off-leash dog hours at Hidden Park were 6:00-9:00 AM and 7:00-9:00 PM. Several dog owners stated they assist in keeping the park clean of trash, vagrants and junkies needing medical assistance. Albuquerque Police Department Bike Cops have been seen in Hidden Park since the May 2013 Board meeting.
b. Movie-in-the-Park Committee Report
On Saturday, July 6, 2013, there will be a dessert potluck at 6:30 PM in Hidden Park, followed by the movie UP at 7:00 PM.
c. Block Representatives
The MTPNA is currently exploring this idea. Input from Board Member Carla Kugler is
anticipated at the July 2013 Board Meeting.3

5. New Business
a. National Night Out Working Group

Looking for Chairperson to coordinate flyers, dessert potluck and tents.
b. Present Business
The last vacant lot on Twin Parks will see the construction of a two-story house. The architects have contacted MTPNA. A City of Albuquerque Variance Board listed a residence at 1101 Montclaire Drive, NE, within MTPNA. The Project Number is 1009702.

6. Adjournment
The MTPNA Board Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Hyland
Acting Secretary