Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 12/08/1993 11110 MINUTES PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE December 8. 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: Toby Shor, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman, Annie Castro, Roger Garrison, JoAnne McNeill, Jack Ratkovic, Gus Ruiz, Sharon Stewart, Cefe Valenzuela MEMBERS ABSENT Joe Garcia, Robert Rios STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director, Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director for Programs, Mike Gordon,Assistant Director for Operations, Marion Loucks,Superintendent of Cultural Services, Chris Barnes, Special Events Coordinator, Diana Hankins, Adaptive Programs Coordinator, Ronnie Sepulveda, Multicultural Center Supervisor, Judy Dreyer, Recording Secretary 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 Multicultural Center, 1581 N. Chaparral. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10TH: Mr. Garrison noted that he was not indicated as being present at the meeting. With that correction noted, Mr. Garrison moved that the minutes be approved as amended. Mr. Ratkovic seconded and the motion passed unanimously. ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Ruiz reported he was unable to attend due to a doctor's appointment. Chairman Shor stated Mr. Rios' November absence would be held until he is able to report his reason. APPROVAL OF SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: Mr. Matthews distributed a draft of subcommittee appointments. Ms. Stewart asked that she not be appointed as special liaison to the School Districts. Ms. Castro volunteered to serve in that position. As there were no other changes, the motion was made by Mrs. McNeill and seconded by Mr. Garrison that the subcommittee appointments be approved as amended. The motion passed unanimously. (Copy of subcommittee appointments is attached.) Chairman Shor questioned the status of the non-profit park and recreation foundation. Mr. Matthews stated that the "PALS" Fund (Parks, Arts, Leisure and Seniors) board members have been appointed, by- laws and non-profit regulations have been completed and the first meeting should be held in January. SCANNED 411110 PRESENTATION OF CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION: Mr. Matthews stated that in following the Committee's suggestion to meet in the department's various facilities, an overview of the division which operates the Multicultural Center/Heritage Park was in order. The Multicultural Center falls under the Cultural Services Division, headed by Marion Loucks. Mrs. Loucks reviewed the Cultural Services Division's budget, which is approximately $500,000, plus trust funds and grants, which covers arts programs, facilities, Municipal Arts Commission, Sister City, Folk Life Celebration, and the art selection subgrant program, which awards in excess of $100,000 to non-profits arts organizations. She then introduced the following staff members. Mrs. Chris Barnes, Special Events Coordinator, stated one of her functions is to help coordinate the Folklife Celebration. She also passed out copies of forms and agreements that are required for special events, such as the special events policy and the alcohol permit. She stated thus far this year, her office has processed 155 events for 150 organizations with an attendance of approximately 475,000 people. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez stated he was very glad to see the Special Events Coordinator position become a reality as she has been most helpful in setting up the process to coordinate with the various city departments. Mr. Ronnie Sepulveda, Multicultural Center Supervisor, reviewed the center's activities, stating it is heavily used for tours, cultural exchange series, rentals for weddings, receptions, art exhibits, etc. Mr. Charlotte Knesek, Heritage Park tour docent, invited the members to attend "Christmas Past', December 19th, which is a fund-raiser for the Heritage Park Tenants Association. Each of the homes is decorated and will be open for tours. Mr. Sepulveda added that seven homes in Heritage Park are leased to non-profit organizations. Ms. Diana Hankins, Adaptive Programs Coordinator, explained that her programs address the needs of the mentally and physically challenged youth and adults, with one of the goals being main-streaming. Another program that has been recently started is health and physical training for the elderly disabled in their homes. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: CCISD Natatorium/Gvm Project - Mr. Matthews stated the project will be bid soon. A pre-bid conference is scheduled December 9th at the CCISD Administrative Offices. Youth Winter Basketball Program - The program grew by 300 youth this year, to a total of 1,200. Coaches are still needed for this program. ISTEA Grant "Bay Trail" Project - Mr. Matthews commented that staff has been advised that $93 Million is available and $225 Million in grant requests have been submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation in Austin. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS. Mr. Valenzuela noted that on a recent visit to the Oso Golf Course, that a large percentage of the carts were not operating. Mr. Matthews advised that the department would be replacing gasoline carts with a new model of electric carts. Mr. Gordon reported that the final paperwork on the carts would be sent to Purchasing within 40 111110 the next few weeks,with the anticipated delivery time in February. Mr. Gordon stated staff has continued to have extensive repair on the gasoline carts. In answer to a question from the Committee, Mr. Matthews stated 75 carts will be replaced at Gabe and 50 at Oso. Mr. Garrison complimented staff on the condition of the Oso course, but noted that the ladies restroom on #13 was locked and the smoke in the clubhouse was especially offensive. Mr. Matthews explained that to eliminate the smoke problem, a remodeling of the clubhouse or a smoking ban would be needed. Staff will look into the issue. Mr. Ratkovic reminded the Committee of the ground breaking at the Oveal Williams Senior Center on Winnebago Street. The next senior citizens building to be built will be the Zavala Senior Center near the Joe Garza Recreation Center. CURRENT CONCERNS: Mr. Matthews informally polled the Committee and they indicated their interest in continuing to meet at various department locations. They agreed to meet at Gabe Lozano Golf Center for their January meeting. ADJOURNMENT. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. 7 Malcolm Matthews, Director Park & Recreation Department dumm.P&R34j4