HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 04/14/2010 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED
Regular Meeting
April 14, 2010, 5:00 p.m. JUN 16 2010
Sixth Floor Conference Room, City Hall
1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 MY SECRETARY'S CFRCE
Members Present Members Absent Staff Present
Rene Gutierrez Stacie Talbert
Carlos Haney Reba George
Jinsun Kim Richard Thompson
Art Norman Becky Perrin
Rita Padron K Chute
Carrie Robertson
Sylvia Samaniego
Huxley Smith
Lisa Torres
Ron Woods
Call to Order
Chair, Rene Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 5:20 pm.
Meeting was delayed due to Interim Director, Stacie Talbert speaking to Manual Salinas family about the State
School Park Property naming item.
II. Roll Call of Members
The recording secretary called roll and announced a quorum was present.
Ill. Adoption of Minutes
Regular meeting of February 10, 2010—Secretary's Note:
Art Norman stated the meeting was held on February 13"' instead of the 10th. Art Norman then
made a motion to accept the minutes with that date correction. Huxley Smith seconded. Motion
passed. The secretary's review showed the meeting was posted and held on Wednesday,
February 10, 2010. Therefore the noted date change was not needed.
Art Norman updated his motion to accept the minutes as originally submitted. Huxley Smith so
updated his second. The committee approved the February 10'h minutes as submitted.
1. Special Called Meeting, April 3, 2010
Rita Padron made a motion to accept the minutes as submitted. Carlos Haney seconded. Motion
passed.
2. Regular meeting, March 10, 2010
Ron Woods made a motion to accept the minutes as submitted. Carlos Haney seconded. Motion
passed.
IV. Public Comment
Carolyn Moon of 4902 Calvin addressed the committee with information about the yellow bats. Locally
they live in the dead fronds of the palm trees and eat mosquitoes. Due to destroying their homes by
trimming these dead branches, the bats have become threatened. Ms. Moon proposes the City stop
trimming palm trees; not only to help the bats, but also to help with the City's funding of work.
Ms. Moon also suggested the City use the existing storm drain system as bridal paths. These paths
could be marketed as another tourist attraction for urban trail rides.
The committee thanks Ms. Moon for her suggestions. SCANNED
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A. Presentations J V i V I V r�
1. Address by invited New Member Applicants
The committee heard comments from Rick Barrera, Jordan Michael, Dorina Ramirez, and Kim
Rottet. Rodney Buckwalter was out of town.
2. Golf Study Presentation by TX A&M Students
Jillian Collins and Amy Sorensen read the power point presentation, Corpus Christi Golf Study,
Insights and Opportunities. The report identified current operational problems and offered
suggestions. Handouts were provided. Stacie Talbert noted this report will be used by staff
during budget planning.
The committee acknowledged all attending students with their teacher, and thanked them for
their work on this project.
B. Presentations for Discussion and Possible Action
1. Destination Bayfront
David Loeb and J.J. Hart gave a power point presentation, "Leveraging great public space to
grow Downtown Corpus Christi". They provided information on three similar projects from other
cities. In summary, this group of local citizens proposes connecting me open space and
parkland along the downtown Bayfront with various activities for enjoyment of the community
while creating real economic development. Usually a conservatory is created to raise private
funds to support and maintain the project.
During the discussion, clarification was received for the following:
> This group is neutral on the current Coliseum issue. They have talked with both major groups
expressing their desire to include the Coliseum building or land area in the project plan.
> This group will not take the proposal to City Council until the Coliseum issue/project is
complete.
> Project is planned to include the area of Sherrill Park through McCaughan Park, with
emphasis on McGee Beach.
> City owns, community develops, conservatory runs
> Project process; talk to groups about project, get citizen input of desired amenities, develop
plan with maintenance component, raise funds, and construct.
Following the discussion completion, Lisa Torres made a motion to support the Destination
Bayfront process. Huxley Smith seconded. Motion passed without opposition.
Members requested a brief recess. Chair, Rene Gutierrez called a 10 minute recess at 6:30 pm.
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Rene Gutierrez at 6:42 pm.
C. Old Business for Discussion and Possible Action
1. Due Diligence Report for Request to Name the State School Park Property, Manuel Q. Salinas
Park—handout provided in meeting packet.
Stacie Talbert reviewed the Due Diligence Report noting the department has not received any
calls specifically against renaming the park property for Mr. Salinas. However, the department
has received calls inquiring about Mr. Salinas' identity. Usually, these calls would suggest other
community leaders be considered in the renaming process.
Since other names were coming forward, Ms. Talbert suggested the callers hold their requests
in consideration of expanding the current process to better address multiple suggested names
for large park areas. Then all submissions could be appropriately evaluated.
Discussion was held by the committee members.
> Concern was expressed about changing the process after accepting the request.
>The previous time line for consideration of Carl Lewis' name was clarified by noting the
meeting agenda called for the member vote,when David Noyola and Fernando Salinas
requested the committee table the item so they could correctly submit Mr. Salinas' name and
additional historical data about the park could be collected by staff.
Thereafter, Mr. Lewis' name was withdrawn by his family in consideration of nominating Carl for
a school name.
> Concern was also expressed regarding the absence of the additional naming
recommendations.
Danny Noyola addressed the committee requesting support of naming the park for Manuel Q.
Salinas.
Jesse Noyola address the committee suggesting they let the City Council approve or decline the
Salinas name.
Javier Colmenero said he came to share Manuel's story, including some CDBG funds were
earmarked for'Salinas Park'.
Isabel Martin stated she was the niece of Manuel. She feels the man was a visionary man who
loved youth, baseball, soccer and wanted to help his community.
Each family member suggested the committee follow the existing process and name the park
for Manuel Q. Salinas.
Huxley Smith made a motion for the committee to execute the vote. Carlos Haney seconded.
Motion passed.
named the Manuel Q. Salinas Park. Carrie Robertson seconded. Motion passed.
2. Select Park for PRAC Volunteer Work
Chair, Rene Gutierrez noted previous discussion to adopt Artesian Park for the group's
volunteer work.
Clarification was received regarding the expected difference between Volunteer work and
Adoption work. Volunteers mostly collect trash with possibly other minor activities in their
designated park. Adopting groups collect trash and improve the park through maintenance
projects and/or by adding amenities or improvements.
Huxley Smith made a motion for the Parks& Recreation Advisory Committee to adopt Artesian
Park. Rita Padron seconded. Following discussion, the Chair called for the vote. Motion
passed.
Adopt A Park, Safety Training by Richard Thompson, handout provided.
Mr. Thompson reviewed the Take Five Program. This program notes some of the most
common safety hazards and provides guides for doing the job safely. The committee thanked
Mr. Thompson for his information.
D. Review Subcommittee Roles and Goals
In consideration for the length of the meeting, Rene Gutierrez suggested each sub-committee email
the recording secretary their goals and roles summary. Discussion will continue at the regular May
meeting.
C. 3. Select New Member Recommendation for Council Consideration
Chair asked if additional discussion was needed. The committee stated they were ready to vote.
The first ballot yielded a three-way tie. The second vote produced the recommendation of
Donna Ramirez.
Ms. Ramirez was officially informed of her committee recommendation. All other finalist were
thanked for their participation in the process and assured their applications will remain on file in
the City Secretary's Office for future consideration. Staff will complete the process for City
Council's consideration on April 2t.
V. Committee, Liaison/Staff Reports
Finance/Marketing
> Lisa Torres reported their meetings will hold an emphasis on marketing ideas.
>Their suggestion for a PRAC Slogan is, °Play It Forward'.
> Ms. Torres also reported the City's legal representative is working on an agreement with the project
supporter for the new department logo to be affixed onto the Latchkey Van. So, progress continues
on this project.
Planning Development
>Art Norman noted the committee's previous emphasis of reviewing plats for decision on land
dedication or funding in lieu of land will now be coupled with amenity recommendation for parks
development.
>Additionally, Stacie Talbert said she wanted the group to assist with the new Master Plan work.
>The committee announced their new meeting time as 5:00 pm on the third Wednesday, monthly.
Program Development
> Ron Woods stated Master Gardener, Michael Potter spoke to their group about Community
Gardens, encouraging raised beds as a possible use for un-developed neighborhood park land.
(Lisa Torres left at 8:10 pm)
> Mr. Woods also reminded members of the Saturday, Earth Day, Bay Day event and the two
Educational Litter Tree exhibits. Jinsun Kim provided additional details about the project. After the
Earth Day event, the trees will be displayed around the community to help teach recycling.
>Their roles and goals will be discussed at the May meeting.
Special Projects
Volunteer Program
> Rita Padron stated they did not meet.
Greens Committee
> Ron Woods said there was no quorum, but there was an RFP Handout and Discussion.
Watershore & Beach Advisory Committee
> Carrie Robertson noted their meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, April 15Th.
TAC/Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee
> Huxley Smith noted their upcoming meeting on Monday, April 19Th. The March meeting was a bike
safety training session. Mr. Smith requested answers to his previously asked questions and was
advised they were part of the Interim Director's Report.
(Jinsun Kim left 8:17 pm)
Special Project Task Group
> Carlos Haney briefly reviewed the continued progress of the project. Some pictures are still needed
to compliment the presentation. Clarification was given that the presentation is scheduled for City
Council's April 27h" meeting.
Interim Director
Stacie Talbert spoke on the following topics:
> Director Position Status
Stacie Talbert noted no announcement had been given.
> Baytrail and Cyclists project update
Stacie Talbert explained, the City's legal representative stated, the home owners along the portion
of Ocean Dr and Shoreline Blvd being addressed have a simple fee title which gives them the
ability to have parking along the sidewalk of their property.
> Meeting Site
Stacie Talbert suggested moving the meetings into the City Hall, Basement Training Room as the
large table and great room space did not provide a close, friendly meeting atmosphere. After
discussion, the group stated they wanted the regular meetings to remain in the same venue, with
facility or site visits about three times yearly.
> Introduce Penny Plover project
Stacie Talbert spoke of Penny Plover, a character drawing from the local artist who drew Gus, the
seagull identified with City Beautification projects. Penny Plover will be identified with litter and
the associated fines. Penny Plover says, save your pennies, stash your trash, it's up to a $2,000
fine for littering.
> Clarify name/rename cost responsibilities
Stacie Talbert clarified the costs associated with the due diligence report is not the requesting
entity's responsibility. The City is responsible for those costs. The sign or signs replacement fee
along with any celebration costs are the requesting entity's responsibility.
> Economic Development 4A vs 4B information
Stacie Talbert reported the City's legal representative stated the 4A status does the same as the
4B status. And that the funding was already allocated. Therefore, at this time, there would be no
gain to pursuing the 4B status.
> Park Land Ordinance Dedication Amendment and Master Plan update.
Stacie Talbert noted the adjusted Ordinance was approved by Council on March 30, 2010. The
Council thanked the department for being pro-active to the situation. Council also noted their
interest in the actual park cost calculations currently being gathered. They will receive a report
when the project is complete.
Stacie Talbert noted the Master Plan process would begin with the RFP going out in May.
> Reframing Workshop
_ . . _ : __ _ _1 . . . . •v .• • - z- I .. _i . - airr_. . , • 1. ss
committee to learn more about the future of parks and recreation within communities. The
committee decided their workshop would be on May 8th
.
VI. Identify items to be placed on next agenda
> Expansion of name/renaming process for large size parks
> Update on the Omni negotiations regarding McGee Beach Restroom
> Update on Tree City USA
> Presentation by Code Enforcement Staff, Todd Jensen describing his job duties.
> Discuss sponsorships for Volunteers and Adopt A Park groups
VII. Adjournment
As there was no further business Rita Padron made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Carlos Haney
seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
/SA4_67
Stacie Talbert, Interim Director
Parks & Recreation Department