HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 04/03/2010 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED
Special Called Meeting
April 3, 2010, 9:00 a.m. APR 3 0 2010
Council Chambers, City Hall
1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Members Present Members Absent Staff Present
Rene Gutierrez Came Robertson Stacie Talbert
Carlos Haney K Chute
Jinsun Kim
Art Norman
Rita Padron
Sylvia Samaniego
Huxley Smith
Lisa Torres
Ron Woods
Call to Order
Chair, Rene Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 9:03 am.
II. Roll Call of Members
The recording secretary called roll and announced a quorum was present.
III. Business
1. Select New Member Applicants to address the Committee on April 13, 2010.
Clarification was requested regarding absentee nominations due to previous ruling that members
could not officially attend via computer camera, etc.
(Carlos Haney arrived at 9:10 am)
(Jinsun Kim arrived at 9:12 am)
Each member nominated two candidates and voted to select 5 applicants.
Art Norman made a motion to invite the following five applicants to address the committee at their
regular April 13, 2010 meeting; Dorina Ramirez, Rick Barrera, Jordan Michael, Kim Rottet and
Rodney Buckwalter. Sylvia Samaniego seconded. Motion was approved without opposition.
2. Council Presentation Update
As a possible component in the presentation, the Volunteer Program was discussed. Concern was
expressed regarding how the project was handled by staff.
Due to the recent budget reductions and those anticipated for the near future, the Sub-Committee
was tasked with designing/developing a volunteer program to assist or supplement staff with their
already scheduled projects and tasks. Research was completed and information was provided to
staff. Thereafter, the sub-committee was not kept in close contact or consulted by staff regarding
final development of the program. The current model has been expanded to include several areas
including office work. Additionally, the Adopt A Park program is being confused with the Volunteer
Program. The Sub-Committee is questioning their need to continue work on this project.
Stacie Talbert was asked to reply. Ms. Talbert offered the following explanations:
Several departments use volunteers. Parks & Rec has many volunteer programs already in place.
This program will mainly be involved with parks upkeep such as trash collection and light
maintenance on an occasional basis. This Volunteer Program being offered for parks assistance is
still being developed but will include multiple opportunities for volunteers.
SCANNED
The Adopt A Park Program is a separate program offering groups the opportunity to fund the
maintenance and park improvements of a specific site by committing to a specified schedule and
projects.
All calls relating to the departments volunteer opportunities are routed to Becky Perrin. Ms. Perrin
speaks to the caller to carefully determine their request and provides program explanation to assist
with the decision.
Additional concerns were expressed regarding the City's Hold Harmless Clause and how the
volunteers will be educated regarding possible hazardous work conditions, like landfill gasses, or
beach washed-up trash contamination. Ms. Talbert stated the Hold Harmless Clause was reviewed
and approved by the City's Legal Department for current use. However, the document can be
modified or changed to suit the expanded situations as they arise.
It was agreed that communication between staff and committee needs to improve. Also agreed
upon is the need for rescheduling the sub-committee meetings to allow for more time between their
meetings and the regular PRAC meetings is needed. Sub-committee will discuss and bring their
recommendations to the committee.
The presentation task force needed the committee's decision to include the Volunteer Program
information or not. The committee recommended including the information on an introductory basis
emphasizing the supplement staff not replace staff component. Also, to include information
distinguishing Adopt A Park as an already active program and the Volunteer Program as being
developed. Details of these programs should be given in a separate presentation.
Carlos Haney representing the presentation task force reviewed the presentation. Members
suggested only slight changes. Staff will assist with final detail information.
Additional comments suggested to be added include a request for council's financial commitment
for the Parks & Recreation facilities (such as the recreation centers/gyms) to remain open so the
volunteers will have a place to provide their service. The statement regarding B% of the sales tax is
provided for the Parks & Recreation Department who touch 100% of the community.
It was noted, the annual report of the City's sales tax spending could offer additional information for
a future report or presentation.
The presentation task force was commended for their work. The entire committee was commended
for their preparation and dedication to supporting the department.
IV. Public Comment- none
V. Adjournment
As there was no further business or need for formal comments, Lisa Torres made a motion to adjoum
the meeting. Carlos Haney seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 10:50 am.
Stacie Talbert, Interim Director
Parks& Recreation Department