HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 11/06/1991 - Special e
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES - SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
November 6. 1991
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim McCown, Chairman, Toby Shor Oshman, Vice-Chairman,
Gwen Bryant, Roger Garrison, Gus Ruiz, Curtis Rich
MEMBERS ABSENT. Claude Axel, Bill Hall, Jack Ratkovic, Jimmy Rodriguez, Cefe
Valenzuela
CALL TO ORDER. The special called meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. in the
Committee Room at City Hall on November 6, 1991.
DISCUSSION OF WATERGARDEN SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY__AND ART IN THE
HEART EVENT: Mr. Matthews reviewed the history of the events leading up to today's
meeting, stating staff developed a draft Watergarden Policy in 1990 because of the number
of complaints received on the condition of the Watergarden area after events such as the
Texas Jazz Festival and Fiesta de Corpus Christi. After discussion with the Committee and
event organizers, it was determined events•could be handled administratively, but without
the establishment of a use policy.
A few months ago, however, staff was approached by the Art in the Heart organization to
hold their event in the Watergarden. Previously, this event has been held downtown and
prior to that, in South Bluff Park. With that request, it was felt a use policy should be
adopted.
Mr. Matthews pointed out that back-to-back events cannot be held in the Watergarden area
because of the turf recovery requirements, but at the same time, it was always intended for
the Watergarden area to be used for events. The size of the event is the critical issue. A
Draft Polity was then discussed.
Mrs. Lillian Murray, Executive Director of the Art Museum of South Texas, addressed the
Committee regarding their request to move to the Watergarden area. She stated that the
1992 event will mark the 20th anniversary of the Art Museum on the bayfront. Also, there
is some confusion with the name of the event and who is the sponsor of the event.
Members felt a name change was in order, which was also requested by Heart, Inc.
Therefore, "Art in the Heart" has been renamed "Festival of the Arts". She assured the
Committee that the proposed move had nothing to do with the working relationship with
the downtown business associations. Mrs. Murray stated several meetings have been held
with Watergarden facility managers and the Watergarden Operations Committee. Because
of issues such as security (handling money after dark) and Fire protection, the
t"_i recommendation was made that the event be moved. She explained the Art Museum was
c-'. ..� requesting approval of the location as soon as possible so that their event could be listed
on arts calendars across the state in order not to lose artists.
.
•
� She stated there will be no obstruction of Shoreline, and only five tents holding art works
r '-'; will be on the grass. All other portions of the festival will be on hard surfaces. She also
noted that Heart, Inc. has unofficially supported the move to the Watergarden location.
The Committee then reviewed the policy and suggested revisions as to the size of events,
the definition of damage and the responsibilities of the Lessee.
4
A brief discussion followed and Mr. Rich moved that the Watergarden Policy be approved
as amended. Mrs. Bryant seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Vice-Chairman Shor Oshman then moved that the request by the Art Museum of South
Texas be approved for their 1992 "Festival of the Arts" event, subject to the provisions of
the Watergarden Policy. Mrs. Bryant seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business, Chairman McCown adjourned the special called meeting
at 6:00 p.m.
Ziat
Malcolm Matthews, Director
Park & Recreation Department
•
specmin24.p&r