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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 01/08/1992 • MINUTES PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMLTTEE January 8, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Toby Shor Oshman,Jimmy Rodriguez,Claude Axel,Gwen Bryant, Roger Garrison, Curtis Rich, Jack Ratkovic, Gus Ruiz, Cefe Valenzuela MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director, Mike Gordon, Assistant Director, J. O. Lopez, Recreation Superintendent, Alison Gallaway, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER: The regular monthly meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Committee Room at City Hall. ACTION ON MINUTES: Mr. Rich referred to the minutes of December 11th, under "Current Concerns", moving that they be amended to reflect the Committee's frustration over not having current information when discussing the Watergarden issue and the lack of communication between staff and senior management over the issue. Mr. Garrison referred to the single rider cart fee, stating that although the spirit of the Committee's action was to approve the fee, the formal vote taken was to retain the current rate, which was voted down. Mr. Rodriguez referred to the Youth Sports Subcommittee report, noting he had asked that the Legal Department have a recommendation on the feasibility of revising league leases. Mr. Matthews pointed out at the time of the request, the Committee was informed that the Park and Recreation staff would prepare a recommendation. As there were no further amendments, Mr. Garrison moved that the minutes be approved as amended. Mr. Rodriguez seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Axel moved that Ms. Shor Oshman's absence from the December meeting be approved. Mr. Garrison seconded and the motion passed unanimously. F.T FCTION OF OFFICERS: Mrs. Bryant moved that Ms. Shor Oshman be elected Chairman. Mr. Valenzuela seconded. Mr. Rich asked that the rules be suspended in order to hear the platforms of the candidates and to discuss any other nominations. Discussion followed and Mr. Ratkovic nominated Mr. Rodriguez as Chairman. Mr. Rich seconded. Mrs. Bryant called for an attendance report on the nominees. Mr. Axel moved that nominations cease. Mr. Valenzuela seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Each of the candidates briefly discussed various issues and direction they would like to see the Committee move. Mr. Rich moved that the election be held by ballot vote. Mr. Rodriguez seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The results of the election were announced, with Ms. Shor Oshman receiving six votes and Mr. Rodriguez receiving three votes. .n r,,t • Mr. Mel moved that Mr. Rodriguez be elected Vice-Chairman. Mr. Ruiz seconded. Mr. Garrison nominated Mrs. Bryant. The nomination died for lack of a second. Mr. Valenzuela moved that Mr. Rodriguez be elected Vice-Chairman by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mel and passed unanimously. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE: Chairman Shor Oshman presented former Committee Chairman Jim McCown with a plaque honoring him for his service and leadership. DISCUSSION OF YOUTH SPORTS CONTRACTS' Mr. Matthews stated the Youth Sports Subcommittee has brought two issues forward - inclusion of a draft system into city administered youth sports programs and a fairness clause in all leases. Staff is of the opinion sufficient complaints do not exist to warrant inclusion of a draft system in all City programs, but a fairness clause can be included as leases come up for renewal. Mr. Gordon and Mr. Lopez discussed the liability involved when the City mandates to the various organizations that players be accepted and be required to participate. Ms. Alison Gallaway, Assistant City Attorney, confirmed the liability question. The Chairman opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Larry Adams, President of the Corpus Christi Teenage Baseball Association and the sponsor of the Corpus Christi Raiders, explained that teenage baseball is extremely intense, one step short of the Minor League and limited players in this league could be seriously injured. As a sponsor, he spends his own funds and selects the team's players. Mr. Les Orey, District Administrator for Little League Baseball, stated Little League has a program for all youngsters. He stated there are try-outs, a draft, but all of them are placed on a team and have an opportunity to play. Mr. Ed Newyear, Field Representative for Pony Baseball, commented on the Connie Mack and Teenage Baseball programs. Mr. Rodriguez stated the subcommittee felt that youngsters should not be limited because of their ability and felt that organizations who do pick their players should not be subsidized by, or allowed to use City property. He questioned if additional City liability would be incurred by adding a fairness clause any more than including a discrimination clause. Ms. Gallaway confirmed positively. Discussion followed and Mr.Garrison moved that the Committee recommend any additional dollars be made available to those youth sports leagues which allow everyone to participate, recommending no change in the Teenage Baseball program. Mr. Valenzuela seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Mr. Rodriguez moved that the subcommittee work with staff on adopting a fairness clause on all youth sports leases so that players are not excluded because of ability. Mr. Gordon explained there is currently a place for all youngsters to play in the City, regardless of ability. The motion then died for lack of a second. 2 DISCUSSION OF BA. LAY FIELD: Mr. Matthews stated there has been some discussion the past several months over disposition of the abandoned field. Several hazards currently exist. Options include leasing the field immediately to an organization or going out for an RFP. Whichever option is approved will require the City to first remove the existing safety hazards. Mr. Lopez reviewed the facility's condition and presented photographs. Mrs. Bryant moved that the Committee accept the staff recommendation to make necessary improvements and go out for an RFP to lease the facility. Mr. Mel seconded. Mr. Newyear agreed with staffs assessment of the field condition,noting several leagues are interested in the field and are willing to make improvements to it. Mr. Ory stated that improvements need to be made but felt the playing field is usable. Mr. Matthews stated a draft proposal would be prepared for the February meeting. The motion then passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF YOUTH SPORTS FUNDING- Mr. Lopez stated that $22,000 has not been spent by various youth organizations in the Youth Sports Assistance Program. Staff would like to work with the Youth Sports Subcommittee in preparing a recommendation on distribution of funds for the February meeting. Mr. Axel moved that the Committee defer the disposition of the $22,000 until the February meeting. Mrs. Bryant seconded and the motion passed unanimously. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairman Shor Oshman advised she will be meeting with staff to review the possibility of facility tours, etc. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Teen Center - Mrs. Bryant reported that a Board of Directors has been chosen. Youth Sports - Vice-Chairman Rodriguez nominated Mr. Rich to fill the vacancy on the subcommittee. Mr. Ruiz suggested that subcommittee assignments be made after the City Council makes Committee appointments. Planning - Chairman Shor Oshman asked that Mr. Garrison serve as chairman of the subcommittee, as she has been serving in that capacity. Mr. Matthews stated that subcommittee appointments would be placed on the February agenda. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Matthews asked that the Planning Subcommittee review and recommend CDBG projects prior to the February meeting. Mr. Matthews reported on the Caravel visit, scheduled to arrive mid-March. Mr. Matthews briefly discussed a recent newspaper article regarding a joint use agreement with the Corpus Christi Independent School District. 3 CURRENT CONCERNS. Mr. Axel asked that the results of the A&M Needs Assessment Survey results be made available for the Committee's review. The Committee briefly discussed their advisory role. HEAR FROM THE PTJBUC None. ADJOURNMENT' As there was no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Malcolm Matthews, Director Park & Recreation Department 4