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
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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
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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
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