HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 02/09/1994 - Special V
MINUTES
PARK AND RECREATION.ADVISORY COMMITTEE
February 9. 1994
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: Robert Rios
STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director, Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director for
Programs, Carlos Mendez, Superintendent of Park Planning, 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 Committee Room at City Hall by Vice-
Chairman Rodriguez.
ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Ratkovic reported that he was ill and could not
attend the January meeting. Ms. Stewart moved that his absence be approved. Mr. Valenzuela
seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Matthews reported that Mr. Rios has
notified him he will be unable to continue serving and will send a letter of resignation,
recommending a replacement from the Northwest area.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The motion was made by Mr. Garrison that the minutes of
January 12, 1994, be approved as received in the mail. Mr. Ruiz seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
Vice-Chairman Rodriguez announced that the order of the agenda would be rearranged in order
to accommodate the large number of individuals present to discuss the softball issue.
(Chairman Shor arrived at 4:15 p.m.)
USE OF CITY SOFTBALL FIELDS FOR ADULT SOFTBALL PROGRAMS: Mr.
Matthews explained that after The Grandstands, Inc. was awarded an exclusive one year
contract for the adult softball program in Corpus Christi in June, 1993, the Corpus Christi
Softball Association created a program in Portland. However, the Association cannot use the
Portland fields for their summer program and is requesting the full time use of Kiwanis Field
and part time use of 1. C. Field. The Grandstands is requesting a three year contact, in addition
to the one year contract currently in effect. _
Mr. Matthews continued that since The Grandstands was awarded a one year contract, the issue
has continued to attract controversy from the Softball Association, as evidenced by the large
number of individuals in the audience. After a brief discussion, Vice-Chairman Rodriguez
moved that only one spokesman from The Grandstands and Softball Association be allowed
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to address the Committee. Mr. Ruiz seconded. Mr. Ratkovic stated he felt everyone who
wanted to address the issue should have the opportunity to speak: Mr. Curtis Rich of The
Grandstands stated he would need several minutes. The motion failed with Vice-Chairman
Rodriguez, Mr. Ruiz, and Mr. Garrison voting "for'; Mrs. McNeill, Mr. Ratkovic, Mr.
Valenzuela, Ms. Stewart, and Mrs. Castro voting "against".
Mr. Valenzuela moved that both organizations have equal time. Mr. Ruiz seconded and the
motion passed unanimously. Chairman Shor stated each of the speakers would be given two
minutes, with an equal amount given to Mr. Rich.
Mr. Bob Cooper, 6409 Coral Gables, President of the Corpus Christi Softball Association,
stated their organization is requesting use of one or two fields not currently being used, thus
easing the burden of the City having to maintain the fields. He presented a letter of intent to
the Committee stating the CCSBA would pay electricity, maintenance, scorekeepers, etc. He
added their organization has had a good relationship with the city of Portland, but there is no
place for them to play this summer.
Mr. Lonnie Lanningham, 4713 Alma, Vice-President of the Corpus Christi Softball
Association, presented copies of petitions signed in 1993, supporting the Corpus Christi
Softball Association in their effort to operate and maintain Greenwood Softball Complex. He
stated that the players would prefer playing in Corpus Christi on fields built at tax payer
expense and not being used, rather than going to Portland.
Mr. Steve Morales, 4101 Brett, President-Elect of the Coastal Bend Senior Men's Softball
Association, stated that there is not a draft system at The Grandstands. Their organization
joined the Softball Association in Portland and pulled in the older players from the surrounding
communities.
Mr. Warren Dehn, 5058 Elder, stated he has been associated with softball for 30 years, and the
taxpayers are not being allowed to use the fields the taxpayers built. He continued that he is
also a businessman and appreciates Mr. Rich's position and his need to make a profit, however,
the Corpus Christi Softball Association is not a business-oriented organization and is not
operated in the same capacity.
Mr. Rich, owner of The Grandstands, stated he has made a substantial investment in operating
the program at the two fields at the Greenwood Complex, and would be willing to work with
the Softball Association on creating one program. He stated he felt the request by the Corpus
Christi Softball Association is only a short term fix, and as recently as two weeks earlier, he
met with Mr. Cooper and Councilman Galindo in an attempt to place their teams in The
Grandstands' program. He stated his program has grown from 180 to 225 teams, whereas the
Corpus Christi Softball Association has 40 teams. He reiterated he was willing to work with
the Corpus Christi Softball Association.
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Chairman Shor stated she personally felt there is a personality conflict between the two groups.
She questioned if the Softball Association would be-willing to keep the same number of teams,
without advertising, etc. Mr. Morales responded he could not agree to such an arrangement;
that their association wanted to expand.
Mr. Dehn stated that by playing with the Corpus Christi Softball Association, the teams would
have the opportunity to advance to state playoffs, which they do not by playing at The
Grandstands. He continued that the RFP that was advertised last year did not indicate exclusive
control of the adult softball program in the city, only two fields at Greenwood Complex;
however, Mr. Rich was granted exclusivity.
A lengthy discussion followed and Chairman Shor called for comments from the Committee.
Mr. Garrison stated that although he has a problem with exclusivity, he moved to recommend
that the current lease be renewed for three years, and at the end of that period, the Committee
give notice to modify the exclusive portion or go out for a new RFP. Mr. Ruiz seconded.
Discussion followed and Mrs. Castro questioned if the exclusivity portion of Mr. Rich's
contract met the needs of the community.
Mr. Dehn stated that the City has several empty fields and questioned why they could not play
on some of them. He concluded that Mr. Rich's operation is nothing more than a monopoly
of city fields that taxpayers built. Upon questioning by Chairman Shor, members of the
Corpus Christi Softball Association agreed they would go back to Portland, rather than play
in the Grandstands' program.
Mrs. McNeill stated that she also did not approve of exclusivity and felt there was room for
two organizations. Chairman Shor pointed out that the City Council agreed to the exclusivity
in Mr. Rich's lease. She then called for Mr. Garrison's motion which failed with Mr. Garrison,
Mr. Ruiz and Vice-Chairman Rodriguez voting "for'; Mrs. McNeill, Mr. Ratkovic, Ms.
Stewart, Mr. Valenzuela and Mrs. Castro voting "no".
Mrs. McNeill then moved that other fields be opened up for other softball organizations under
conditions that they not play at Greenwood. Another discussion followed. Mr. Rich
introduced The Grandstands' General Manager, who stated he would work diligently with any
group that wishes to play in their program. Discussion followed and Mr. Matthews stated staff
would be willing to meet again in an attempt to resolve the groups' differences. Mrs. McNeill
rescinded her motion in favor of the staff proposal. Chairman Shor stated that unless there was
an objection, the motion was withdrawn.
(Mrs. Castro left at 5:45 p.m.)
DISCUSSION OF FY 1994-95 CDBG PROGRAM: Mr. Carlos Mendez, Park Planning
Superintendent and Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director for Programs, reviewed the proposed
FY 94-95 CDBG program. Mr. Matthews explained that proposed projects address
infrastructure rather than programming. Mr. Mendez reviewed proposed Park and Recreation
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projects in the amount of$1,687,000, which include construction of a new recreation facility
at T. C. Ayers Park and Swimming Pool rehabilitation, Ben Garza-Park parking lot addition,
Joe Garza Park/Pool exterior rehabilitation, HEB Pool Bathhouse demolition and reconstruction
and Park improvements, Marina Restrooms rehabilitation, Parker Park Bridge construction and
Parker Pool renovation, Hudson Park rehabilitation and Neighborhood Parks Tree Planting.
Mr. Whitworth reviewed proposed senior center projects which include construction of a new
facility in West Guth Park to replace the program currently operated at Hilltop Center,
renovation of the Washington SchooUkitchen facility, ADA compliance at Broadmoor,
Greenwood and Lindale centers, roof renovation at Broadmoor and Greenwood, and improved
lighting at all senior centers, for a total of$1,305,000.
Mr. Matthews stated that if any of the members have suggestions, they need to be discussed
at the March meeting.
(Mr. Garrison left.at 6:00 p.m.)
PROPERTY ACOUISITION ON GREENWOOD DRIVE: Mr. Matthews passed out a map
of a 4.27 acre area next to the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park. He explained the city is interested
in purchasing this area because, unlike the park, this area is not an old land fill. The city has
continual problems with the old land fill, as it does not support vegetation and is continually
sinking. The need for additional soccer fields and parking can not be addressed on the current
park. The property is owned by the Art Museum of South Texas, which has offered to sell the
property to the city for $35,000. It is on the tax roles for $150,000. Mr. Valenzuela moved
that the staff proceed with the purchase of the property. Mrs. McNeill seconded and the
motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Matthews stated a special called meeting may be required
prior to the March meeting to discuss another acquisition of property on Oso Creek.
Mr. Matthews reported that the Natatorium/Gym project will be discussed by the CCISD Board
of Directors at their meeting February 14th.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
CURRENT CONCERNS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
MalcolmlmMatthews, Director
Park & Recreation Department
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