HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 01/12/1994 MINUTES
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 12, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT_ Toby Shor, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman, Annie
Castro, Joe Garcia, Roger Garrison, JoAnne McNeill, Gus Ruiz, Sharon Stewart, Cefe
Valenzuela
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jack Ratkovic, Robert Rios
STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director, Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for
Operations, 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. at the Gabe Lozano Golf Center, 4401 Old
Brownsville Road by Vice-Chairman Rodriguez. Mr. Matthews explained that the meeting
was being held at the Golf Center in keeping with the Committee's desire to meet in various
departmental facilities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 8, 1993: Ms.Castro moved that the minutes
of December 8, 1993, be approved as received in the mail. Mr. Valenzuela seconded and
the motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Garcia stated his December absence should be
counted as unexcused. The Secretary reported that Mr. Ratkovic called and stated he would
be unable to attend today's meeting due to illness. The Chairman noted that Mr. Rios'
November absence was held over in order to give him an opportunity to report his reason,
however, he was also absent for the December and January meetings. After a brief
discussion, Mrs. McNeill moved that his three absences be counted as unexcused, and the
Director notify him that unexcused absences from more than twenty-five percent of regularly
scheduled meetings result in an automatic vacancy. Ms. Stewart seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF SUMMER PROGRAMS: Mr. Matthews stated that staff is in the
process of planning the 1994 Summer programs and should receive the Committee's
endorsement as they involve grant funds and programs not currently in the budget.
The first is the expansion of the Summer Latchkey concept into Coles and Blanche Moore
Elementary Schools, similar to the program at Club Estates. Participants pay $35 weekly
and scholarships will be available.
The second is the continuation of the Summer Food Program, funded entirely by a State
grant. All of the youngsters at the summer sites which qualify are served a noon meal.
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The third is the Youth Sports Cavalcade, taking youth inside the open campus summer
program and providing them with an athletic program. Funding is not currently available,
but staff feels confident that funds will be found to continue this program, which was
initiated in the Summer of 1993.
The fourth is the Middle School Program to be held at Hamlin, Flour Bluff and West Oso,
which is also unfunded.
A brief discussion was held on each of the programs. Mr. Valenzuela moved that all the
programs be pursued. Mrs. Castro seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF FY 94-95 BUDGET: Staff will be working on revenue estimates for FY
94-95. Current General Fund revenues are running approximately $30,000 over estimate for
FY 93-94. He stated that he felt the Budget Subcommittee should meet prior to the next
regular meeting and make recommendations on programs and fees.
The Committee also briefly discussed the staffing in the budget.
DISCUSSION OF LEASE OF PROPERTY ON OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD: Mr.
Matthews presented a map of the area of Gabe Lozano Golf Center, indicating the area
where the Pan American Golf Association was requesting to construct and maintain a
building in the area behind the #17 green, as well as maintain an area fronting the road.
He stated that the organization does not currently have a location to meet. Pan American
does not want to compete with the Pro Shop or operate a food concession as they operate
the food concession at Gabe Lozano. The lease that they propose calls for them to
construct the building and parking lot for a specific purpose, maintain their grounds and an
area outside their grounds, provide insurance, fence their area and pay all utilities. He
continued that the lease is a multi-year contract, but it has not been finalized. Mr. Garrison
commented that the contract should include an option to protect the current food
concession. Mr. Gordon stated that the Pan American National Tournament will be held
in Corpus Christi in 1995, so they would like to have the facility completed by that time.
Mr. Matthews stated unless there were objections from the Committee, staff would prepare
the contract and only bring it back to the Committee if there were major differences from
what had been discussed. Mr. Garcia moved that the request for the lease of the property
be approved. Mr.Ruiz seconded and the motion passed with Mr. Valenzuela abstaining due
to his association with Pan American Golf Association.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Matthews stated that staff continues to get interest from
private developers for a third golf course to be built in the northwest area of the city. The
land has been donated; water can be made available from a raw water line from Koch
Refinery; an RV park is expected to be built adjacent, and there is continuing strong
support from the community.
Mr. Matthews stated that a volunteer was needed to serve on the Art Selection Panel for
the Natatorium/Gymnasium Project, as per the City's Public Art Ordinance. An
appointment will be made by the next meeting.
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In response to Mr. Valenzuela's question regarding the delivery date for golf carts, Mr.
Gordon replied that staff is anticipating them to be delivered in February.
In response to Mr. Garrison's concern regarding the heavy smoke in the Oso clubhouse, Mr.
Gordon replied that staff surveyed the area and options include walling off the area
completely or installation of an exhaust fan on the roof. He assured the Committee that
staff will continue to consider the various ways to improve the problem.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Matthews asked that the Planning Subcommittee
meet prior to the next meeting on CDBG projects.
Vice-Chairman Rodriguez stated that he attended a Heritage Park Tenants Association
Meeting and reported that each of the homes made approximately $200 during "Christmas
Past." Plans call for marketing the program earlier next year in order to get a larger turn-
out.
CURRENT CONCERNS: Mr. Garcia questioned the status of the Downtown Plan for
relocation of northside lane of Shoreline. Mr. Matthews stated there have not been any
public hearings on the project to date. Several boards and commissions will have an
opportunity to respond once it is presented.
Ms. Stewart passed out copies of a flyer and invited members to attend a celebration in
honor of Martin Luther King Day.
Mr. Garcia expressed his disappointment on cancellation of the Nike Tour and questioned
Vice-Chairman Rodriguez if there was anything that could be done to bring it back to
Corpus Christi. He stated they are going to take 1994 off to re-group and attempt to gain
additional support from various businesses in the community.
Mrs. McNeill announced that the Ladies Pro Bowling Tournament will be held in Corpus
Christi in March at Island Bowl, with the finals being televised on ESPN.
HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business, Chairman Shor adjourned the
meeting at 5:25 p.m.
Malcolm Matthews, Director
Park & Recreation Department
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