HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 04/08/2009 v
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
Sixth Floor Conference Room 1ECEP r�.E..
City Hall, 1201 Leopard, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 ®
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Members Present Members Absent Staff Present G 1 2 bS
Rene Gutierrez HunterA 1,,
Carlos Hany Garrett DorseStacie Talbert Salavlik CI�'SECREFgRyS OFFICE
Kendal Keyes Ron Woods Joshua Wentworth
Jinsun Kim K Chute
Carrie Robertson
Sylvia Samaniego
Lisa Torres
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair, Rene Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
The recording secretary called roll and announced that a quorum was present.
III. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
March 25, 2009, Regular Meeting — Sylvia Samaniego noted an addition to Section VI. Assistant
Director's report, second paragraph. Ms. Talbert also reported on the TRAPS Walk the Halls . . .
Meetings were held with Senators Chuy Hinojosa, Todd Hunter, Abel Herrero, and Solomon Ortiz, Jr.
The committee expressed appreciation . . .
Lisa Torres made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Sylvia Samaniego seconded. Motion
passed.
IV. PUBLIC Comment— none
V. BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
B. 1. Kent Ullberg's Bison Statue Project for Watergarden by Joe Schenk
Joe Schenk provided a photo copy of the bison statue, a map noting the proposed location, and a
fact sheet about the artist and the proposed project. Mr. Schenk is the Director of the Art Museum
of South Texas. He reported the project is fully funded by five local patrons for educational
purposes and the bison will become part of the Museum's permanent art collection. Staff has
assisted with appropriate planning, and the proposal is supported by the Arts & Cultural
Commission. Installation is planned for mid-June. Mr. Schenk clarified the Bison sculpture design
is significant to this area because of the Carancahua Indian's lifestyle. It was suggested that
information be included with the artist information on a plaque.
Sylvia Samaniego made a motion to support the project as presented. Lisa Torres seconded.
Motion passed.
Mr. Schenk was thanked for his presentation and work on this project. Staff will prepare the
Council agenda item and notify all participants.
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2. Aquarius Park Master Plan presentation by Rita Thomas
Rita Thomas presented information about her plan for a track around the eight acres of Aquarius
Park. She notes about 150 student age residents and many adults walk the park area and use the
Q park for various activities on a regular basis. Staff has worked with her to estimate a design
V drawing and cost for this concrete trail project. Ms. Thomas is asking the committee for support so
CO she can begin official fund raising efforts. She already has verbal agreements for some donations
of trees, benches, picnic tables, and funding for the trail.
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Clarification was received regarding the use of concrete as a better ADA compliant material. The
committee discussed possible funding options. Ms. Gavlik assisted with these explanations. Due
to the way the park land on the island was donated, there is no enrichment funding available.
However, their project could be considered for the 2018 Bond, or a possible future trail grant.
Carrie Robertson made a motion to accept the concept of the trail design for Aquarius Park as
presented. Sylvia Samaniego seconded. Motion passed.
Ms. Thomas will now be able to officially begin fund raising for the park's trail system. She will be
in contact with staff for guidance with this project.
V. Business
A. Presentation
Education Tree by Jinsun Kim
Jinsun Kim gave a power point presentation on education and event tree use. She provided a
handout of her presentation. Discussion followed regarding the use of this program in Corpus
Christi. Some ideas expressed included; use of the "Grandpa Tree"for next year's Festival of the
Arts story telling event, using a learning tree at other festivals/events, placing a learning tree at the
Oso Conservation Park currently being designed, at Cole Park, at the Latchkey sites and
incorporate a learning lesson with each tree. This project ties into the Tree City USA Program.
Michele Thomas, Special Events Superintendent, will work with Ms. Kim on this project and return
their plan to the committee for review.
V. Presentation for discussion and possible action -continued
B. 3. Hans Suter Park Statue Project, Final Presentation by Ray McMurrey
As Mr. McMurrey was unable to attend, Sally Gavlik updated the committee on this project. The
committee received the original presentation at their regular meeting of September 24, 2008. Ms.
Gavlik distributed handouts documenting the Arts & Cultural Commission (ACC) approval of the
project.
Lisa Torres made a motion to approve the Hans Suter Park, Indian Statue Project as presented.
Sylvia Samaniego seconded. Motion passed. Staff will prepare the item for Council review.
C. New Business for Discussion and Possible Action
Review applications and make new member recommendation
Applications were reviewed. Nominations were accepted from the floor. Nominees were; Cheryl
Peebles, Lawrence Jordan, Tim/Mike Lavinghouse, Jr., Rita Sonya Padron, Leslie Ory, and Joy
Marie Rios. The committee voted to recommend Tim/Mike Lavinghouse, Jr to be the new member
with Rita Sonya Padron as alternate. Staff will notify the City Secretary's Office.
D. Old Business for Discussion and Possible Action
1. Resolution regarding renaming of a park, park or recreation facility by Lisa Aguilar
Since Lisa Aguilar was unable to attend, Sally Gavlik gave the review of the policy changes.
Discussion was held regarding the previous incident necessitating the update to alleviate
potential future controversy of requests to rename a previous specifically named park or facility.
Lisa Torres made a motion to approve the resolution regarding renaming of a park, park or
recreation facility. Carlos Haney seconded. Motion passed. Staff will prepare for Council.
(Jinsun Kim left at 6:17 pm)
2. New Vision Statement and Goals
Rene Gutierrez provided information of ideas previously given by committee members.
Additional discussion was held.
Lisa Torres made a motion to accept the new Vision Statement as, 'the Parks & Recreation
Advisory Committee connects the City and the Community to improve our quality of life.' Carlos
Haney seconded. Motion passed.
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VI. COMMITTEE, LIAISON/STAFF REPORTS
FINANCE/MARKETING:
Rene Gutierrez reported there was no meeting.
PLANNING DEVELOPMENT:
Joshua Wentworth reported at their earlier meeting today, four plats were reviewed for money in lieu
of land.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:
Sylvia Samaniego noted their work toward an aquatic playground, and Tree City USA.
Sally Gavlik introduced the KaBoom grant and PlayCity USA projects. PRAC will assist as the
project's board, with the Program Sub-committee as the designated Play Committee. Members gladly
supported the project and volunteered to assist staff. Information will be sent from staff to the
members as it develops.
SPECIAL PROJECTS:
Joshua Wentworth provided the update and handout.
GREENS:
Because he was unable to attend this meeting, Ron Woods submitted a written report.
MARINA ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
There was no March meeting.
WATERSHORE AND BEACH ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
There was no report.
Carrie Robertson expressed interest in being their liaison.
DIRECTOR:
Sally Gavlik reported the Dolphin Park item is scheduled to be reviewed by Council on April 21st.
Carrie Robertson will attend to answer any applicable questions by the Council.
The department is current working on next year's budget. Ms. Gavlik informed the committee that the
down economy will bring significant reductions to the budget and therefore the services and programs
provided by the department. Staff has been tasked with recommending reductions. When approved,
Ms. Gavlik will bring those recommendations before the committee for review and discussion.
An update was requested on the Texas Legislation since the Walk the Halls event. Ms. Gavlik noted
some funding is available through grants. Staff is applying. However, these funds are for new
construction/projects and do not allow for maintenance or repair monies. Therefore, staff must
evaluate their applications carefully.
Currently, staff has applied with the Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) site for a
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant for gulf beach maintenance and
sargassum research. If received, this four to five million dollar funding would help to develop better
beach cleaning tools/equipment, and uses for the seaweed deposited annually along our beaches.
Staff will update the committee on the grant process.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR:
Stacie Talbert report staff is working with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Omni
Hotels to submit a bid for the Texas Recreation And Parks Society (TRAPS) 2012 Institute to be held
in Corpus Christi. 2012 will be the 75th anniversary year for the TRAPS organization. May 8th will be
the bid presentations in San Antonio with the Board's decision thereafter.
The Parks & Recreation Program Guide will be distributed through the Caller Times on May 16'. It will
also be available at convenience stores, and Latchkey sites.
The Parks & Recreation Programs are also highlighted as a flier in the April utility bills.
VII. IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON NEXT AGENDA
There were no items identified.
However, another tour was requested for the beach, swimming pools, and tennis centers.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
As time necessitated the leaving of a member and there would not longer be a quorum, Carrie
Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Kendal Keyes seconded. The meeting was
adjourned by Vice Chair, Rene Gutierrez at 7:04 p.m.
Sa y Gavlik, Director
Parks -/d Recreation Department