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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 05/16/2007 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMK TEE,Regular Meeting Wednesday,May 16,2007,5:00 p.m. Third Floor Conference Room,City Hall 1201 Leopard SL,Corpus Christi,TX Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Teresa Carrillo Hunter Young Sally Gaviik Garrett Dorsey Robert Armistead Doninda Garza K Chute Rene Gutierrez Stacie Talbert Charles Lee Chris Semtner Gregory Parkes Reba George Jaime Pyle Billy Delgado Buddy Sparks Lisa Aguilar Carl Suding Mari Whitworth I. CALL TO ORDER OF THE PARKS&RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Vice-Chair, Greg Perkes called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS The recording secretary called roll and announced that a quorum was present. M. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Regular Meeting,April 11, 2007 Buddy Sparks made a motion to accept the minutes. Mari Whitworth seconded. Motion passed. IV. HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC-none V. BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION Summer Programs Update Stacie Talbert, Programs Superintendent,distributed the 2007 Summer Program guide and provided an update on the wide variety of Summer activities offered by the Parks& Recreation Department Questions were asked and answered. The committee expressed appreciation for Ms.Talbert's information. The Utility Bill insert,Community Enrichment brochure was reviewed. B. PRESENTATION,DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION-none C. NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION Teresa Carrillo expressed appreciation and comments by Lois Huff about the recent Earth Day/Bay Day Celebration. Michele Thomas,Special Events Coordinator will be invited to their May 21°meeting. Ms. Carrillo also relayed a conversation with Ms. Pat Suter noting its time for a work day at the Hans Sutter Park. Greg Perkes requests a presentation from Engineering on the sidewalk ordinance and their repair process. Discussion was held regarding the Departments Wish List, previously requested by the committee, being presented to the new Council members. Clarification was provided regarding the process for Council receiving information and communicating with staff. Garrett Dorsey noted the Parks portion of the UDC revision was complete. Copies were requested to be distributed at the next meeting. SCANNED • rl0 V D. OLD BUSINESS Greg Perkes asked about the committee retreat and the future plan for Heritage Park. Sally Gavlik led discussion about the two types of retreats being offered. One emphasizes team development, management skills,and leadership for committee members. The other emphasizes goals and projects for the committee. The members voted to have the goals and projects retreat Estimated time would be gam— 2pm with lunch. The members will provide K Chute their first, second and third choices for Saturdays in July. Ms. Gavlik reported a new funding source for the Heritage Park Homes. Revenue generated from the homes will be held in a separate account to be used for their maintenance and repair, instead of being deposited into the General Fund as was the previous practice. Regarding the parks future development concern has been discussed about the perception of being in competition with the downtown revitalization. Additionally,the current non-profit organizations have long term lease contracts that must be considered. It was noted that ground breaking for the Rotary Club Clock project at Heritage Park occurred last week. Discussion was also held about the Hotel/Motel Tax. It was clarified that the Parks& Recreation Department receives their portion through the operating budget. An annual report will be provided to the committee. VI. COMMf 1 EE,LIAISONISTAFF REPORTS FINANCE/BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE: Reba George distributed and answered questions on the following reports: Expenditures and Revenues through April 30, 2007, Proposed Expenditure and Revenue Budget for FY08 of the General Fund,Golf Fund and the Marina Fund. GREENS SUB-COMMITTEE: Carl Suding stated they did not meet in April. However, the Grande Re-Opening of the Lozano Golf Center on Monday, May 14"'was a big success. Staff was congratulated on their efforts. Mr. Suding also noted the Parks & Recreation magazine's articles on golf courses that cohabitate with nature. He expressed the need for future interest in environmental programs with golf centers. Sally Gavlik noted the new director and board for the First Tee Program. Staff is working to find office space for them and anticipates the First Tee Program to begin this summer. PLANNING DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE: Jaime Pyle said their committee met, reviewed the plats and supports the staff recommendation. Clarification was requested regarding the review of re-plats and if records indicate whether or not the park land dedication had previously been satisfied. Sally Gavlik reported the City and Neal Amsler have entered into an agreement for a 54 acre tract to be bought and held by Trust for Public Lands until the City is ready to use the land. Staff is working toward a possible Texas Parks and Wildlife grant to assist in the building of a 100 acre conservation park with trails and natural habitat. Additional information will be provided as the project progresses. The progress of House Bill 12 was discussed as it relates to similar projects. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: Doninda Garza and Mari Whitworth met with Charles Lee to discuss a possible program involving the taggers working with art students on collaborative projects. The Committee talked about the area skating rinks and Greg Perles asked about possibly developing a new program teaching skating,or to designate a skate night activity, perhaps at Ben Garza and Joe Garza's outdoor cement play areas. SPECIAL PROJECTS: Billy Delgado provided a projects report hand-out and noted a meeting with the St Andrews Association. They have been discussing their park flooding concems that have not gotten much better with the recent street project Additional investigation for remedies is ongoing. Their trail and parking lot projects are planned to start in July. • hp• Mr. Delgado talked about the Latchkey ten year Interlocal Agreement with CCISD for the after school and summer programs. The School Board passed the agreement without opposition. It will now be reviewed by the City Council. Information was requested on the Oso Creek, Pattern Book Project. Sally Gavlik noted very few responses from the Steering Committee. Therefore, she will assign staff to work with the volunteers and the AIA group on this project. Teresa Carrillo also volunteered. Billy Delgado reported the Developers Funds were appropriated by City Council two weeks ago, so they are now available for use. He will report on those projects as they develop. DIRECTOR: Sally Gavlik commented on staff positions for the upcoming FY08. The department was instructed to freeze four positions. Evaluation of currently unfilled positions resulted in the least impact on services. The department now has an Engineering Technician assisting with projects. Staff will continue to work toward raising the offered salary for the Park Planner position. Previous job postings have not received any applications because of the low salary. Ms. Gavlik reported the Texas International Boat Show a very big success. Plans for next years show have already begun. Invitations for the Seniors Division, Site Council Installation were given to the committee. Ms. Gavlik encouraged all to attend, if possible. Ms. Gavlik complimented Reba George's work on the department budget Ms. George has been instrumental in procuring the new funding source for the Heritage Park homes, and additional allotment in consideration of the rising fuel costs. Additionally, Ms. George has tutored staff with a Budget Boot Camp. The committee acknowledged her work. Mr. Gavlik announced Melisa Padilla Keller, the CYD Program Manager is leaving to following her husband's Military career. She has been a great asset to this program and will be missed. The committee was invited to her farewell gathering. The annual member disclosure of contact information was distributed and completed. Staff will forward this information to the City Secretary's office. VII. COMMITTEE CONCERNS Concern was expressed about the complete removal of trees and vegetation along one side of the pond at Lakeview Park. Ms. Gavlik noted the area is not City property and the owner is not obligated to leave the pond landscape intact. Concern was expressed about erosion along the Skate Park berms due to lack of grass or other plantings. Ms. Gavlik explained that grass is being planted in sections so it can be blocked from pedestrian traffic until the planting is established. This process will better the chances for a successful project. An update on the Bayfront Plan with Cole Park emphasis was requested from Engineering for a future meeting. A copy of the departments requested Bond 2008 Proposal was also requested. A brief discussion was held regarding the need to freeze or cut City staff positions. Ms. Gavlik explained there is a shortfall in available General Funds. Therefore, budget adjusbnents must be made. VIII. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION,AGENDA ITEMS IX. ADJOURNMENT As there was no further business, Buddy Sparks made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dorrinda Garza seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Greg Pedces at 6:30 pm. Ily Gavlik, Director arks and Recreation Department