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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 05/12/1993 - Special MINI TIES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 12. 1993 - 5:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT- Toby Shor Oshman,Chairman,Jimmy Rodriguez,Vice-Chairman, Claude Axel, Gwen Bryant,Joe Garcia, Roger Garrison,Jack Ratkovic, Curtis Rich,Robert Rios, Gus Ruiz, Cefe Valenzuela MEMBERS ABSENT None. STAFF PRESENT Malcolm Matthews, Director, Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director, Alison Gallaway, Assistant City Attorney, Bob Heil, Athletics Supervisor, Judy Dreyer, Secretary CALL TO ORDER- The special called meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee was called to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Committee Room at City Hall. The Chairman noted that a quorum was present. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSALS FOR ADULT SOFTBALL PROGRAM- Mr. Garcia moved that the spokesman for each group be allowed five minutes for their presentation and the general public be allowed two minutes. Mr. Axel seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Matthews presented an overview of the staffs recommendation on the proposals from the Corpus Christi Softball Association and the Grandstands and possible enhancement to the City Program. He stated that after extensive review, staff was of the opinion that the subsidy to the General Fund could be reduced by $83,000 by awarding a one-year contract to the Grandstands. The Softball Association proposal would reduce the subsidy by $120,000, but their financial capacity to perform was a concern. It was recommended that a one-year contract with the Grandstands be approved. The Grandstands has amended their proposal to operate both the adult and the senior programs. The Committee discussed a one-year contract versus a multi-year contract. Mr. Matthews explained that with a one-year contract there would not be a 60 day waiting period, which would impact the playing seasons. During the one-year contract period, staff would be negotiating a multi-year contract. At this time, Chairman Shor Oshman called for comments from the public regarding this issue. Mr. Sonny Lee, representing the Corpus Christi Softball Association, stated their organization's goal is to see Corpus Christi reach 440 teams as in the past. He referred to several private complexes across the state which have gone bankrupt. Mr. Lee continued that there is no money to be made in softball, and their organization would prefer to see the City keep the program. 111110 Mr. Curtis Rich, representing the Grandstands, urged the Committee to support the staffs recommendation. He pointed out that the Grandstands was able to post the surety bond and was willing to have an audit. He added that for every one team that the C. C. Softball Association signs up, the Grandstands can sign up two. Mr. Bob Kenney, 4606 Lake Huron, spoke in behalf of the C. C. Softball Association. He stated that as Athletics Supervisor for the City, Corpus Christi received its designation as an ASA Metro-Area and was a charter member of TAAF. Mr. Kenney expressed concern that it may not be in the best interest of the City to enter into a contract with an organization which has previously gone into bankruptcy. Mr. Bob Cooper, 6409 Coral Gables, also spoke in behalf of the Corpus Christi Softball Association. He expressed his concern over the appearance of a conflict of interest between Mr. Rich and the members, pointing out it is important to remember how the players perceive Mr. Rich serving on the Committee for two years. He expressed regret over the Committee and staff being chastised for not bringing the item forward sooner, but asked them to consider voting against the staff recommendation. Mr. Warren Dehn, 5058 Eider, speaking in favor of the Corpus Christi Softball Association, advised the Committee that on April 21, 1993, there were six aggravated assault charges filed on individuals at the Grandstands and expressed his concern that alcohol and softball should not be mixed. He also commented on the fact that the RTC owned the Grandstands and the City was about to enter into a contact that may not be financially advisable. Mr. Lonnie Lanningham, 4713 Alma, endorsed the proposal by the Corpus Christi Softball Association. He stated the amount of subsidy to the adult softball program is very little compared to all the other programs in the city. He then read a petition opposing the lease to the Grandstands. A question was asked as to what the performance bond could be used. Assistant City Attorney Gallaway responded that it could be used for any type of damages. It was also stated that the Grandstands would still be responsible for maintenance, if the fields were not being used. A member of the audience questioned if a fee agreement was negotiated in the contract with the Grandstands. Mr. Rich responded the entry fee would be $290 for the first year and tied to the Consumer Price Index. Discussion was also held regarding the electrical charges. Staff explained that each of the fields can be sub-metered. It was suggested that any charges associated with the sub- metering be the responsibility of Mr. Rich. As there were no further comments from the audience regarding the softball issue, the Chairman closed the meeting to public remarks. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez questioned if the Corpus Christi Softball Association was a non- profit organization. Mr. Matthews stated they are a group of individuals who are "not for profit", but do not have the 501 C-3 status. They formerly held that status, however. hale V Mr. Ratkovic addressed the audience, stating he has been involved in athletics for 60 years and felt that the City should retain the program, however, in looking at the proposals, felt the staff had to look at the issue from a financial standpoint. Committee members commended members of the C.C. Softball Association for their efforts and encouraged them to stay active in the sport. Mrs. Bryant moved that staff forward a recommendation to the City Council to accept the proposal by the Grandstands, Inc. for a one-year lease of two fields at Greenwood Softball Complex for operation of the adult and senior softball programs, with rates to remain the same as the City rate of$290 for adults and $220 for seniors and charges for electrical sub- metering to be at the cost of the Grandstands. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Rich stated he had enjoyed serving on the Committee. SANCEUATION OF MEETING. Chairman Shor Oshman stated that as there were no agenda items for the regular meeting on May 12th, she was asking that the meeting be canceled. There was no opposition to her request. ADJOURNMENT The special called meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Malcolm Matthews, Director Park & Recreation Department mayspec.min:jd31