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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 09/08/1993 410 J MINUTES PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMTrrE$ September 8. 1993 - 4:00 P. M. MEMBERS PRESENT' Jimmy Rodriguez,Vice-Chairman,Roger Garrison,Annie Castro, Cefe Valenzuela, Robert Rios, Gus Ruiz (4:05 p.m.), Jack Ratkovic, Joe Garcia, Sharon Stewart, JoAnne McNeill. MEMBERS ABSENT Toby Shor-Oshman, Chairperson STAFF PRESENT Malcolm Matthews, Director,Juan Bosquez, Administrative Assistant, Lydia Leos, Recording Secretary rel I. 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. The necessary quorum was present Vice-Chairman Rodriguez called on members to introduce themselves as several new members had recently been appointed to the Committee. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Ms. Stewart referred to page 2, paragraph 6, stating she does not have a Master's degree as indicated in the introduction by Mr. Axel. Mrs. McNeill referred to page 2, paragraph 5, stating to the best of her knowledge, Mr. Axel was not the first African American to serve on the Committee. As there was no further amendments, the motion was made and seconded that they be approved as amended. Motion passed unanimously. ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Valenzuela moved that Mr. Garcia's August absence be excused. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The motion was made by Mrs. McNeill that Mr. Ruiz' July and August absences be excused. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mr. Valenzuela moved that Vice-Chairman Rodriguez' July and August absences be excused. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The motion was made by Mr. Valenzuela that Mr. Rios' July and August absences be excused. The motion was made and seconded that Mr. Ratkovic's August absence be excused. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Matthews stated that at the Chairman's request, any revisions of the absence policy be delayed until the October meeting. Mr. Garrison stated that in as much as it is the Committee's function to advise the City Council, he felt the Committee should consider the possibility of some type of limit on approving absences. He continued that each of the members could have a reason for not attending, however, if a member cannot consistently attend the regular meetings, then possibly they should surrender their seat He asked that Mr. Matthews contact the Legal Department to determine if they had the power to remove fellow Committee members. Mr. Matthews explained the previous 25% absence policy and how it was revised to 25% of unexcused absences in a twelve month period. He continued that from the staff's viewpoint, some legitimate number of absences per year would be a reasonable method of procedure, explaining that without a quorum, an item will go to the City Council without Committee input. Mr. Garcia suggested that consideration be given to changing the hour of the meeting in order to make the meetings more accessible to the public. A brief 41110 discussion followed and the Vice-Chairman requested members be prepared to make recommendations at the October meeting. DISCUSSION OF NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE- Mr. Matthews reviewed the five year lease for National Little League,which uses 43 acres of park land at South Guth Park. The league is required to maintain the property and improvements year round. A question has arisen regarding the use by the general public during those times the league is not playing or practicing, which is currently allowed. The league is asking that the general public be required to get permission from either the league or the department to use the facility during the non-season. He continued that this is a legitimate concern by the league and a legal opinion will be requested prior to the item being submitted to the City Council. Mr. David Coover,President of National Little League, stating he has submitted a proposed amendment to that section of the lease dealing with joint use. Mr. Cooper felt National Little League's concern was common among all the leagues, and although it is public land, these facilities are improved and maintained by the individuals involved in the various programs. He stated he is asking that the leagues be given priority of use, and uses inconsistent with sports fields not be permitted. Mr.Valenzuela moved that the amendment be approved and the lease be recommended to the City Council. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF SOUTHSIDE LITTLE MISS KICKBALL; Mr. Matthews reviewed the location of the Southside Little Miss Kickball league, stating it is located on 7 acres of City property in the 4200 block of McArdle,between McArdle and S-P.I-D. Mr. Matthews stated that staff was submitting the five year lease for approval. Mrs. McNeill moved that the Committee accept staff's recommendation and move the item forward to the City Council. Mr. Ruiz seconded and the item passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF OSO LITTLE MISS KICKBAI I Mr.Matthews defined the area of this lease, stating it is a four acre area located in South Guth Park. Terms of the lease are the same as other leagues regarding maintenance,utilities,and exclusive use during their playing season. Staff is recommending this five year lease to the Committee. The motion was made by Mr. Garrison, seconded by Mr. Valenzuela to recommend the lease to the City Council. The motion passed unanimously. DIRECTOR'S REPORT- Mr. Matthews advised the Committee that the City Council has held first reading on Buccaneer Days contract, Sail Park contract and Padre Little League contract. Second and final readings will be held on September 28th. Preliminary plans for a pilot junior high summer program were also briefly reviewed. The program will be operated at Hamlin, West Oso, and Flour Bluff Junior High Schools. Students will be surveyed this winter and the program will be developed in Spring, 1994. Staff continues to review the possibility of financing a third golf course as well as major funds to repair the existing two courses. An estimate for this financing package is approximately$4.5 Million. A recommendation should be brought to the Committee within a relatively short time. Along with this golf package, staff is reviewing several joint projects with the County, City, private sector, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the northwest area, utilizing the Nueces River Park. Mr. Matthews commented the department is entering its special event season, with special events held almost every weekend. The Folldife Festival, held at the Multicultural Center, will be held November 6th and 7th, starting at noon each day. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS. Mr. Valenzuela questioned the number of golf rounds played. Mr. Matthews responded that the revenue indicates that there has been an increase from the previous year. He explained that in August there is traditionally a decrease because of individuals starting back to school and weather conditions. However, a $22,000 August increase over August 1992, is a positive indicator. CURRENT CONCERNS: Vice-Chairman Rodriguez questioned if"Camp Corpus Christi" was funded through the CDBG program. Mr. Matthews responded that it was not funded. He then passed out an information packet of those projects that are to be planned and/or constructed in 1993-94,as funded under the capital improvement program,including CDBG and trust fund projects, which total approximately $4,000,000. This is in addition to force account work and small projects, bringing the total to slightly less than $5,000,000. HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC• None. ADJOURNMENT As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Malcolm Matthews, Director Park & Recreation Department sepmlln3&Fqd33