RESOLUTION TO ADOPT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM AT BONSALL PARK
Staff Contact: Erik Strunk, Director, Community Services
Purpose and Recommended Action
Recommendation
This is a request for City Council to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a new, four-year intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to continue the Community Fishing Program at Bonsall Park.
Background
The "Arizona's Community Fishing Program" is recognized nationally as one of the best in the United States. Through this program, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks 21 designated urban lakes located in 11 different cities with trout, catfish and sunfish. The program is designed to introduce individuals to the joys of fishing, educate them on state laws and how to safely use bait and tackle equipment used for fishing. It does so in partnership with participating municipalities and volunteers who donate their time to educate. The program operates under the premise of "if people can't get out of town to fish, we will bring fish into town for the people" and is designed to provide convenient, affordable, accessible and fun fishing for anglers of all ages and abilities. The people who fish at these lakes are required to have an urban fishing license.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently notified the Glendale Community Services Department that it would like to continue its designation of the one-acre lake located at Bonsall Park as part of its "Arizona's Community Fishing Program" beyond the current June 30, 2015 program deadline. The new IGA agreement would continue the program for an additional four year period, until June 30, 2019.
Analysis
If approved by Council, Glendale Community Services Department would continue to be a member of this program and partner with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to intensively stock and manage the Bonsall Park Lake for recreational fishing. Specifically, catchable rainbow trout would be annually stocked in February and December and channel catfish from April, June and October (catfish stocking will cease from June 14 through September 15 due to heat stress factors). Sunfish would be stocked once annually, while other approved fish species will be stocked as necessary to: 1) establish a resident fish population, 2) augment existing fish populations, 3) maintain a balanced fishery, or 4) improve angler success rates.
In exchange, the City will agree to conduct an information program to inform park users of the Community Fishing Program and provide "Open to the Public" Sport Fishing Education programs at Bonsall Lake; install and maintain fishing information station (kiosk with bulletin board) to post current Community Fishing Program information for the public; and pay to the Arizona Game and Fish Department the sum of $3,364 over the four year term of this proposed IGA. Additionally, the city will continue to monitor and maintain the lake and water quality, regularly remove trash and debris from the lakes and actively control nuisance aquatic vegetation, excessive or harmful algae blooms, and any aquatic invasive species.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
Glendale residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and regularly stocked urban lake (catfish, trout, and sunfish) with enhanced lake maintenance protocols and participate in future educational and community events centered on fishing. In addition, Bonsall Park features a handicap-accessible fishing plaza, which enhances the program and provides an ideal location for families seeking enjoyable and economical fishing opportunities. This item was reviewed and approved in concept by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission at its March 9, 2015 meeting.
Budget and Financial Impacts
The only budget and financial impacts to the City will be $3,364 over the next four years in payments as specified in the IGA with the Arizona Department of Game and Fish.
Cost |
Fund-Department-Account |
$3,364 |
1000-13040-518200- Parks Maintenance |
Capital Expense? No
Budgeted? Yes
Requesting Budget or Appropriation Transfer? No
If yes, where will the transfer be taken from?