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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 04/08/1992 MINUTES PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE April8, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Toby Shor Oshman, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice- Chairman, Mr. Mel, Mrs. Bryant, Mr. Rich, Mr. Ratkovic, Mr. Ruiz, Mr. Valenzuela MEMBERS ABSENT: Joe Garcia, Roger Garrison, Robert Gunnels STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director, Mike Gordon, Assistant Director, J. O. Lopez, Recreation Superintendent CALL TO ORDER: The regular monthly meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee was called to order at 4:10 p.m. in the Committee Room by Chairman Shor Oshman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Rich moved that the minutes of March 11, 1992, be approved as received. Mr. Valenzuela seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Mel moved that Mr. Ruiz' March absence be approved for just cause. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez seconded and the motion passed unanimously. REQUESTED BY SOUTHSLDE YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX, INC. FOR A FIVE YEAR LEASE RENEWAL FOR USE OF TWO PARCELS OF PROPERTY IN PRICE PARKMr. Matthews reported that the Southside lease is up for renewal. Staff recommends renewal with minor boundary adjustments. Mr.Rich questioned if the problem with drinking had been resolved. Mr. Gilbert Lucio, with Southside Pony League, felt drinking was acceptable if the volunteers were working on their own time. A lengthy discussion followed. Mrs. Bea Trevino, President of Southside Youth Sports Complex addressed the Committee, stating that each of the members had signed a letter from staff regarding the ordinance prohibiting consumption of alcohol on youth fields. Chairman Shor Oshman reminded the league representatives that the alcohol was a very important issue to the Committee. Discussion continued. Mrs. Bryant moved that in as much as staff had reviewed and recommends the five year lease, the Committee approve it and recommend it to the City Council. Mr. Ruiz seconded. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez voiced his concern over the drinking issue. Mr. Lopez, Recreation Superintendent, stated there previously was a problem with drinking, but each of the Leagues' Board members have signed a letter stating they will uphold all City ordinances or action can be taken against them. Additional discussion followed. The Chairman called for the motion, which passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION AT KIDS PLACE: Chairman Shor Oshman stated the Committee had previously expressed a concern over increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area of Kids Place in Cole Park and questioned the feasibility of traffic signals at that location. She continued that vehicles are parking in the adjoining neighborhood and pedestrians are walking across Ocean Drive to visit the park. Mr. David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer, explained that installation of signalization must meet requirements in the Manual of Traffic Signs for Rural and Municipal Areas established by the State Highway Commission. The manual dictates that traffic requirements must be satisfied which call for a minimum of 250 pedestrians cro§sing per hour for 8 hours per day. He offered to position monitors in the area with time-lapse photography in an effort to ascertain the number and locations of crossings. He f R !I\ 'r continued that for the present time, a high-visibility ("zebra" type) cross walk could be installed across Ocean Drive in the area along with signs to warn of pedestrians in the area. Mr. Seiler added that if the monitoring indicates a great deal of random crossing, staff could then consider establishment of a pedestrian safety area. Mr. Seiler stated after the survey results are collected, he will evaluate the situation and report back to the department. DISCUSSION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL GOLF COURSE: Mr. Matthews updated the Committee on the construction of a third golf course at I.37 across from Nueces River Park. Approximately 370 Letters of Interest were sent to golf course developers across the United States. A formal Request for Proposals was then mailed to the fifty developers who responded. Of those, only one, the Phoenix Group, Inc., offered a turnkey operation. The others proposals were incomplete or offered a development requiring debt service. In order to build the third course, The Phoenix Group, Inc. is requesting to take over operation of the two existing municipal courses. The staff will negotiate with that firm to insure the two existing courses remain open to the public, fees remain reasonable and needed improvements be made. The site is currently under private ownership. Staff will negotiate with the property owner for its donation to the city. The owner is also interested in a second project, an RV park, on the remaining section of property not being utilized for the golf course. It is anticipated this project will be taken to the City Council within the next few weeks. DISCUSSION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR GRANDE-GROSSMAN HOUSE: Mr. Matthews reported that an RFP for operation of the home was sent out and responses were received from the Texas Chapter of the American Youth Hostel and Spanish American Genealogical Association. The department is requesting a minimum of $400/mo. and SAGA could not afford it. Because of the limited response, the department will come back to the Committee after further review. Mr. Matthews also advised that the Merriman-Bobys House now has a new sandwich shop operator. DISCUSSION OF FY 1992-93 PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BUDGET: Mr. Matthews summarized the budget discussions to date. City-wide revenue projections are less than expected, which will necessitate staff considering several changes in operation, including closing pools earlier, the use of restitution workers and seasonal employees, etc. Discussions are on-going with the Budget Office and updates will be given to the Committee. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Chairman Shor Oshman stated a tour of facilities is scheduled for April 22nd, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Goals and objectives will be discussed at the June meeting. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Gordon reviewed the projects in the proposed CDBG program. The City Council will be holding a public hearing on the various projects May 5th. Mr. Matthews reported that cart paths are completed at Gable Lozano, Sr.Golf Course. The crew will be moving to Oso, which should take approximately 10 days with good weather. Currently, five construction projects are under contract. They include West Guth and Oso Pools, H.E.B.Tennis Center,Ben Garza floor,Lindale/Greenwood Sr.Centers and Youth Sports Complex lights and several park projects will be bid soon. Mr. Matthews also updated the Committee on the CCISD natatorium/City Recreation Center project, stating regular meetings are being held. The draft contract is currently being prepared with the Legal Department. In accordance with the City's public art ordinance requiring installation of art in projects over $50,000, artwork is being installed in Winrock and Pebble Parks. CURRENT CONCERNS: Mr. Ruiz addressed a concern regarding drainage at the Youth Sports Complex. Chairman Shor Oshman commented on the condition on the grass around the Watergarden after the Art Festival. Mr. Matthews explained that deep core aerification and other turf work will be completed in the next few weeks. Mr. Axel asked if sand could be added to the T. C. Ayers basketball court. Mr. Matthews stated that because of problems with sand, other alternatives are being considered. ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Malcolm Matthews, Director Park&Recreation Department