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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 08/12/2009 • „RECEIVED PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETI Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 5:00 p.m. SEP 1. 4 2009 Sixth Floor Conference Room City Hall, 1201 Leopard, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Rene Gutierrez Hunter Young Sally Gavlik Carlos Haney Stacie Talbert Kendal Keyes Reba George Jinsun Kim Richard Thompson Rita Padron K Chute Carrie Robertson Sylvia Samaniego Huxley Smith Lisa Torres Ron Woods I. CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair, Rene Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. II. ROLL CALL The recording secretary called roll and announced that a quorum was present. III. ADOPTION OF MINUTES July 8, 2009, Regular Meeting Rita Padron made a motion to accept the minutes as submitted. Lisa Torres seconded. Motion passed. IV. PUBLIC Comment—none V. BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION 1. Request to rename the State School(Park)Property,the Cad Lewis Memorial Park by Cefe Valenzuela. Mr. Valenzuela introduced himself and stated he resides at 4968 Pine Meadows. He requests this location because Carl Lewis grew up in that area of town participating in little and pony league play before graduating from Moody High School. Later he coached and sponsored some neighborhood teams. Mr. Lewis was also very active on the YMCA Board and with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization. He is recognized in the community as a great man who was dedicated to the youth of our City. Mr. Valenzuela said this recognition will bring great honor to him (Carl Lewis), his family and friends. Mr. Valenzuela thanked the committee for considering his request. Mr. Valenzuela also thanked the members for their work on the committee. As a past member, he recognizes the caring, time, and effort involved. The committee briefly discussed for clarification of the following: >Why that location/site? Because Mr. Lewis grew up in that area, participated in City sponsored activities offered to that area, and as an adult helped with sponsorships for that area. >Why is this property called the State School Property? Only because of its location. The property has never been officially named. > Development funding will be received from where? SCANNED to. .e Bond 2008 will provide the City's funding. Also, the Miracle Field group is raising funds for their project. Improvement construction is estimated to begin this fall. The committee thanked Mr. Valenzuela for his presentation. Rene Gutierrez requested staff begin their due diligence research and report. Sally Gavlik briefed Mr. Valenzuela on the process and 60 day response. 2. Tourist District Operations Richard Thompson provided a handout depicting a newly implemented pilot program for the park maintenance division of the Tourist District. He related the current evaluation of parks and open spaces by categories of most used, most visible, and containing art, fountains, irrigation or other notable amenities. The parks mowing and sanitation schedules also accompanied the resource and personnel charts. The style of maintenance provided by the pilot program has seen marked task improvement and resource management. Mr. Thompson answered questions and provided comments regarding the division's future goal of using this 'belief in mechanism and volume' soon in other park districts. B. OLD BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Request to rename Jackson Woods Park to Matthew Thebeau Memorial Park Citizen, Larry Bell of 3221 Manassas Lane addressed the committee to express his opposition. Mr. Bell has lived in the neighborhood since 1981. He states the sub-division was platted in the 1960s with the park being completed in 1981. The sub-division was named by the original developer who was a Civil War enthusiast. Therefore, all streets carry names of that period. Mr. Bell is and has been very active in his community as a neighborhood precinct chair, Commander of the Leopard Street Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Citizens Police Academy Alumni, and other organizations. Their previous neighborhood association disbanded several years ago as its need was outgrown by the community. He has not spoken to neighbors and speaks only for himself this evening. Mr. Bell noted the approximate thirty year history of reference to the park as Jackson Woods. He is aware of organized youth practice that is held in the park. He doesn't feel there is need for a new name that doesn't correspond with the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Bell also presented his thought of a centralized park to honor all fallen First Responders, similar to the Veterans area at Sherrill Park. He considers Woods Park to be too small, not visible enough, and basically not good enough for this recognition. Mr. Bell noted about six others recently killed in the line of duty including Lt. Alexander, and the upcoming 911 Anniversary. With those considerations, he urged the committee to look for a bigger, more central location for a First Responders Memorial Park site. Committee questions were asked and answered: > Police Chief Mike Walsh brought the request to the committee, which indicates the support of the police department. >Officer Teabeau requested to patrol the area and worked with the youth. His Uncle, Martin Teabeau still patrols that area. >The family requested Jackson Woods park be renamed because of Officer Teabeau's dedication to that area. Mr. Bell thanked staff for the notices posted at the park and the individual Fliers. He appreciates that form of neighborhood communication. He also complimented staff on the care of the park and how good it looked. Members and staff continued the discussion with the following points: > It was also noted that Officer Teabeau's Life Insurance was given back to the police academy in the form of scholarships to help new recruits fund their required safety equipment. 41110 V > Officer Teabeau only served two years while others have served longer with more community activity/service. > Members reviewed the comments currently on record from citizen calls. Three were opposing the renaming. >At the park,what identifies the person being honored? The City's park sign displays only the name. Dan Whitworth Park does have a large granite memorial describing Mr.Whitworth. However, that project was privately funded. Staff stated the Thebeau family expressed their desire to also place a descriptive plague at the park. > How many other parks are named for officers? Four other parks are currently named for fallen officers. Thebeau could be the fifth. > Because several members said Mr. Bell had good points and expressed interest in his suggestion of looking forward into a larger site to honor all fallen First Responders; Sally Gavlik clarified that members could approve, or decline,this request and still investigate other sites for a larger, more encompositing memorial park project. At the September meeting, members can request staff investigate and suggest recommendations of other possible sites for whatever purpose the committee designates. > Discussion concluded with members requesting validation standards for approving or not approving this request since good opposition points have also been received. Ms. Gavlik suggested weighing justifiable reasons for either decision. This item will be on the September Agenda for committee vote action. 2. Clarification on how to take questions from the press Sally Gavlik provided a handout from the City's Public Information Office that was briefly discussed, 3. Explanation of irrigation report provided In budget packet This item was requested by Hunter Young during the July meeting. As no one had clarification for his request,the item was tabled. 4. Budget Update Sally Gavlik thanked members for their supportive messages to Council. Council did instruct the Budget Office to replace funding for the Summer Program,funding for Park Maintenance, and funding for one additional staff in Beach Operations and two staff in Athletics. However, the Budget Office was unable to locate such funding without taking from another department. Additionally, Council was thereafter informed of about two million dollar shortfall from sales and hotel/motel tax. Therefore, the Budget Office cut one percent off the top of the remaining budget. This action only resulted in about five thousand dollars being replaced into the budget for Park Maintenance. However, the budget will be reviewed after the first quarter(September, October, and November)to see if funding can be identified for the remaining Summer Program, three staff, and park maintenance items. Stacie Talbert did report that staff is working on a back-up plan for a bare bones Summer Program to help parents keep youth safe during their school break. Clarification was requested regarding the use of revenue from the increased sale of Parking Permits. Ms. Gavlik clarified those funds go into the General Fund. Currently, the Business Office is using those funds to help offset the lower sales revenues within the General Fund. A brief discussion was held regarding the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) advertisements of tourism increasing from last year. However, with Incentive packages and discounts, the actual receipts/sales taxes do not reflect that increase. Members suggested keeping in touch with the Council to remind them of the need for additional funding after the first quarter evaluation. beer ‘11•10 Additional items were reviewed and explained from the financial report. 5. Renaming Parks or Facilities Resolution Ms. Gavlik noted the advisory committee's resolution was presented for Council's review. At that time, the council wanted to make it a City wide resolution. The departments legal representative is to re-work the document for City wide application. A meeting with the City Secretary is pending to review the document for appropriate usefulness by all City staff and organizations. Staff is working toward Council's review in September. C. NEW BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Do Senior Centers need rain gutters? Huxley Smith led discussion regarding the problem with leaves and debris clogging the gutters, not allowing correct water direction. He suggests removing the gutters so the rain can water the garden landscape areas. Ms. Gavlik will speak with City Engineering and Risk Management Staff regarding this suggestion and reply at the September meeting. 2. Consider painting Parks &Recreation Department logo on the bottom of the pools. Lisa Torres thanked staff for the member's new committee shirts. She likes the department logo and is anxious to have it prominently displayed. She suggests additional development of our already existing revenues, and to use the logo more visually with a marketing campaign. Her example is of the visual improvements at Collier Pool and the exposure to over three thousand participants during the month of July. Discussion was held regarding the logo placement on the bottom/floor of the City's pools. A recommendation was made to verify compliance with the University Interscholastic League(UIL) rules. Additional suggestions for logo placement were given. Staff will bring recommendations to the September meeting. VI. COMMITTEE, LIAISON/STAFF REPORTS FINANCE/MARKETING: Ron Woods reported no quorum, so they were not able to meet. The financial report handout was provided by staff. PLANNING DEVELOPMENT: There was no meeting. Sally Gavlik reviewed Josh Wentworth's report. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: Sylvia Samaniego stated they met and discussed the Education Tree Project with their new staff liaison, Becky Perrin. For their September meeting, they want to invite local artists and environmentalists to discuss the project. The Community Garden and other topics will be addressed during future meetings. WATERSHORE AND BEACH ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Carrie Robertson attended their August 6th meeting. > The Ordinance not allowing swimming in or next to the Packery Channel Jetty area will be going to Council. Recommendations included signs stating, 'swim at your own risk'. > Hurricane Preparations include new gates to close the beach access roads. Persons who walk into those closed areas would be doing so at their own risk. > Lifeguards were commended for their successful rescue efforts during the recent boating accident at the Padcery Channel. >The increased July 4'"traffic was handled well. > It was decided not to paint the bath house because of its composite material. > Todd Jensen is now assigned as Parks Enforcement for the CC Beach, Magee Beach, to Ropes Park areas. He is currently educating those who are violating City codes. Area improvement is already evident. SPECIAL PROJECTS: Sally Gavlik reviewed Josh Wentworth's report and noted the bids for the South Guth Ball park relocation to Paul Jones were opened without any evident complications. i.r V Status of the Al Kruse bids was requested. Ms. Gavlik will investigate and report. GREENS: Ron Woods reported there was no meeting because of the recent Pan American Tournament. About 800 golfers participated and gave compliments to staff regarding the condition of the City courses. DIRECTOR: > Sally Gavlik announced the City's new designation as a Playful City. This recognition is similar to the All American City designation and allows the City more access to grant awards through KaBoom! An event at Bel Aire Park is being planned. The committee will be informed. Designation sign locations were offered at the City's entrances of Labonte Park, the Interstate 37 and Mesquite area, and Cole Park. Staff will report as plans are developed. > Departmental staff is working through Executive Staff to have the Tree Ordinance for Council review in September. The Tree Ordinance is a key element when applying for the Tree City USA designation. The Tree Ordinance regulates the planting and maintenance of trees on public property. Such a designation will draw tourist. Huxley Smith noted the Master Gardeners group is currently discouraging the planting of Oak Trees because of the spreading disease. Variety planting is suggested instead. > Ms. Gavlik said the Beachwalk Project and the Jackson Woods project will be addressed on the September agenda. (Kendal Keyes left at 6:50) ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: 1. Update on Dog Park Stacie Talbert noted the CC Dogs group disbanded after the first public meeting so the project is currently on hold. However, some of the previous members are still anxious to proceed with the park. She will bring additional information to the committee as it develops. Members expressed hearing 'need for shade'from others. 2. Report on August 1°Tour Ms. Talbert said she enjoyed the tour and felt the more compact geographic tour was beneficial allowing more time at each focused area. Lisa Torres expressed her appreciation for staff time and knowledge being shared with members. She feels this information is very helpful to the committee's decisions. The next tour is requested during November of the Island and Beach areas. A pre-tour, informational session was requested to assist with appropriate knowledge and response to questions. Ms. Talbert will bring November Tour date options to the September meeting. Information regarding Oleander Point improvements for Wind Surfing was requested. Committee was informed that accessible improvements are complete, but there was no additional room for parking expansion. (Sylvia Samaniego left 7:05pm) Carlos Haney led the members in complimenting Richard Thompson and staff on the care of the parks in the Tourist District. Mr. Haney said it is a good pilot program and hopes it will spread to all other districts. VII. IDENTIFY ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON NEXT AGENDA • McGee Beach Restroom Facility Need and Use • Election of Officers, Chair and Vice Chair • Memorial Park for Fallen First Responders, site recommendations Information was requested on park utilization regarding possible sale of unused property for funding support. > A brief discussion was held to clarify that the department only has usage information relating to youth sports agreements. Information about public use is very limited. > Park land is mandated within the City's Development standards and cannot be easily or quickly sold. The referendum process is lengthy and very involved. Usually the economy improves before the process could be completed. VIII. ADJOURNMENT As there was no further business, Lisa Torres made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ron Woods seconded. The meeting was adjourned by Vice Chair, Rene Gutierrez at 7:10 p.m.r/ .rr ally Gay` Director Parks a' • Recreation Department