HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 09/09/1992 MINUTES
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 9. 1992
MEMBERS PRESENT- Toby Shor Oshman, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-
Chairman, Claude Axel, Gwen Bryant, Joe Garcia, Roger Garrison, Curtis Rich, Jack
Ratkovic, Gus Ruiz, Cefe Valenzuela.
MEMBERS ABSENT- Robert Gunnels.
STAFF PRESENT- Malcolm Matthews, Director, Mike Gordon,Assistant Director for
Operations, Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director for Programs, J. O. Lopez,
Superintendent for Support Services.
CALL TO ORDER- Chairman Shor Oshman called the regular monthly meeting of the
September 9th meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. She noted that a quorum was present.
ACTION ON MINUTES: Mrs. Bryant referred to page 2, paragraph 3, "Ethics
Discussion" and moved that the minutes be amended to include her remarks that Mr.
Rich's comments would best be included under"Current Concerns". Discussion followed
and the motion died for lack of a second.
Mr. Rich moved that the minutes be approved as published. Mr. Ruiz seconded. A
brief discussion followed and the motion passed with Mrs. Bryant voting "no."
ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS. Mr.Axel moved that Vice-Chairman Rodriguez's
August absence be excused for just cause. Mr. Valenzuela seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS-
Election of Officers- Mr. Axel moved that the same Officers be elected for the 1992-93
term. Mrs. Bryant seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Festival of the Arts- Mr. Matthews briefed the Committee on the Art Museum of South
Texas'request to use the Watergarden for their 1993 festival,scheduled for May 22-23rd.
Mr. Lillian Murray, Executive Director for the Art Museum (AMST), reviewed the
various reasons for moving the date of the festival. She stated their representatives will
be refining the lay-out of the area with the Park staff and concerts will not be held as
in previous years.
Mr. Rich commented he felt that events should not be held in the area until a policy for
use of the Watergarden was approved.
As clarification,Mr. Matthews explained that the policy recommended by the Committee
was not approved and that the City Council would consider the Festival of the Arts and
the Texas Jazz Festival again in the Watergarden if no permanent festival site was
designated. Mr. Matthews also pointed out the request by the Texas Jazz Festival to use
the Watergarden for 1993 was recently approved by the City Council.
Mrs. Murray assured the Committee the AMST works very closely with the Park and
Recreation staff and asked for the Committee's endorsement of the request. Mr. Axel
moved that the request be approved and forwarded to the City Council. Mr. Garrison
seconded and the motion passed with Mr. Rich voting "against."
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American Little League- Mr.Matthews stated the American Little League is requesting
a five year lease renewal of Botsford Park to operate a youth baseball program,however,
there are staff concerns with maintenance. He then presented photographs of the area.
Ms. Linda Moreno, 4602 Townsend, Secretary for American little League, stated all
fields are maintained except the senior field,which has had concrete rip-rap dumped on
it by persons unknown.
Mr. Joe Luna, 4249 Dodd, President, explained the league is trying to fence the area,
and everyone is volunteering their time and funds are limited. Mr. Matthews asked that
the request be tabled for one month in order to allow staff additional time to work with
the league on the various maintenance issues. A brief discussion followed on possible
Youth Sports Assistance Funds. Mr. Rich then moved to table the request for one
month and Mr. Ruiz seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT-
Mr. Matthews reviewed the reorganization of the department.
The Games of Texas was very successful with approximately 7,300 athletes and 20,000
total visitors. Hotels and motels in the surrounding area were filled during the event.
Mr. Gordon stated that a family tree project will be initiated in Parker Park. Johnson's
Nursery will be working with those individuals who wish to plant a tree as a donation or
in honor or memory of a loved one.
Mr. Matthews stated the Golf RFP with the Phoenix Group Holdings, Inc. has been
slightly modified to address City Council concerns. The third reading is scheduled for
October 6th.
CURRENT CONCERN$
Mr. Mel referred to a newspaper article concerning a fee increase in the Latchkey
program. Mr. Whitworth explained that there are currently 200 scholarships offered
students and the fee helps support those scholarships. He assured the Committee the
fee charged by the Latchkey program is substantially less than other after school
programs.
Mr. Ratkovic express concern regarding the food quality being served senior citizens.
Mr. Matthews explained there is an advisory Committee to address such concerns and
his comments will be forwarded to that committee. He did add that food service is one
of those items being considered for privatization.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Rich moved for adjournment at 5:25 p.m. Mr. Axel seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
Malcolm Matthews, Director
Park & Recreation Department
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