HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 03/02/1994 - Special MINUTES
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
March 2, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Toby Shor, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman, Annie
Castro, Joe Garcia, Roger Garrison, JoAnne McNeill, Jack Ratkovic, Gus Ruiz, Sharon Stewart,
Cefe Valenzuela
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director, Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for
Operations, Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director for Programs, Carlos Mendez, Superintendent
of Park Planning, Alison Gallaway, Assistant City Attorney, Judy Dreyer, Recording Secretary
CALL TO ORDER: The special called 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 Chairman
Shor. She noted that a quorum was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Vice-Chairman Rodriguez noted Mr. Garcia was not indicated
as being present or absent for the February meeting. With the addition of Mr. Garcia as being
shown as absent, Ms. Stewart moved the minutes be approved as amended. Mr. Garrison
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mr. Garcia stated his February absence should be
unexcused as he was working.
Mr. Matthews commented that Mr. Larry Baker, with CP&L, has been endorsed by
Councilman Longoria and the Northwest Business Association as a replacement for Robert
Rios. The Committee indicated their support of Mr. Baker also, but asked that his appointment
be delayed until it was known that his appointment would not be affected by the company's
relocation plans.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
USE OF CITY SOFTBALL FIELDS FOR ADULT SOFTBALL PROGRAMS: Mr.
Matthews stated that staff is recommending two fields at Cnec'wood be leased to The
Grandstands and that Kiwanis and J. C. Fields be leased to the Corpus Christi Softball
Association (CCSBA). He stated that he met with both groups and the issues that divide them
cannot be resolved, as they are philosophical, rather than technical. The reason the City
entered into the original contract was because of the cost of the adult softball program. The
current contract with The Grandstands does not allow the use of the remaining city softball
fields for adult softball, even though the City is having to maintain them. The CCSBA has
made an offer to maintain two of those fields and run a program. The City will retain the
remaining two fields at Greenwood and Price Field for youth programs and expansion of the
girls' fastpitch program which is run in coordination with CCISD. The Chairman recognizes
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Ms. Alison Gallaway, Assistant City Attorney, and called for her comments. Ms. Gallaway
stated that in review of the City Council minutes, there was no mention that the exclusivity
portion of The Grandstand's one year contract would be ongoing.
Mr. Curtis Rich, owner of The Grandstands, addressed the Committee, requesting extension
of his contract. He stated there was never mention of,co-management of the adult program,
he has complied with all of the City's requirements, and that it was both implied and expressed
that a long term lease would be forthcoming. He commented he has ten years experience, and
did not feel the market could sustain two programs. Mr. Rich concluded he did not feel it was
fair and would seek remedy, if need be.
Mr. Bob Cooper, President of the Corpus Christi Softball Association, stating the differences
between the two programs would not go away, as their organization is non-profit, offers two
umpires, a family atmosphere, and a senior league. He added that the majority of their Board
members have 20-25 years experience and know how to operate a program. A brief discussion
followed and Mr. Garrison moved that the Committee recommend to the City Council that both
groups be allowed to operate an adult softball program with the understanding the surety bond
be waived and the fees be the same. Mrs. Castro seconded. Mr. Matthews stated that before
the Committee voted he would like to explain staff's reasoning in making the recommendation.
Staff had previously questioned Mr. Rich if the CCSBA playing in Portland had a major
impact on The Grandstands and the answer was "no." Secondly, growth of the CCSBA will
not be an issue as they will have use of only two fields, whereas The Grandstands currently
has four fields, plus the additional two fields at Greenwood. Mr. Matthews summarized the
issue by saying there is a group of teams that wishes to utilize other city softball fields and
staff would like to try to work with them, as well as The Grandstands. Chairman Shor then
called for the motion which passed with Vice-Chairman Rodriguez voting "no."
USE OF NORTH and SOUTH POPE PARKS BY YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUES: Mr.
Matthews provided the Committee with a brief background on a neighborhood concern. North
and South Pope Parks have been utilized by Santa Fe Soccer League for several years.
However, the sport has steadily grown, both in the number of teams and intra-squad and
tournament play. Many residents feel it has outgrown the parks.
Mr. Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for Operations, pinpointed the area on a map, stating the
parks are located between Driftwood and Ft. Worth Streets on both sides of Robert Wilson
School. The league, which currently has five fields, has been using the parks for at least ten
years under a use permit with the City. He continued that the Spring league minimally impacts
the neighborhood, however, the Fall league lasts approximately 10 weeks, and has
approximately 450 participants. Staff has met with both groups and is looking for a long term
solution, but in the meantime will move one field to Hamlin School, eliminating it from South
Pope. If this works, another could be removed from North Pope, also moving it to Hamlin and
the goals could be removed at the end of season play.
Chairman Shor noted that several members of the audience wished to address this issue and
opened the floor for public comment.
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Mr. Everette Smith, 921 Driftwood, stated the immediate concerns are traffic and appearance
of the park from tents, and etc. from the tournaments and from renegade leagues outside the
neighborhood. He stated staffs solution of moving two goals would assist in these areas.
Mr. Sebestian Wiedwann. 4425 Driftwood, representing Santa Fe Soccer League, stated that
Santa Fe Soccer has played in the park for 13 years with 450 participants in their league. He
pointed out the soccer goals are permanent because they are extremely heavy in order to meet
the standards of the National Soccer League. He stated there had been some discussion
regarding moving one field to Bill Witt Park, but hoped this did not happen has soccer is a
family sport and Bill Witt is too far away when one family has several members playing the
sport.
Ms. Ana Davila, 1034 Coral Place, representing Santa Fe Soccer League, explained that Bill
Witt is used for tournaments, but the league has boundaries which requires them to play within.
Mr. Garrison stated he is very familiar with this area and signs would not help alleviate parking
on the park. He applauded staffs efforts in encouraging both sides to continue to discuss the
issue.
Chairman Shor stated she could sympathize with the neighborhood, however, she felt parks
were meant to be used and it is depressing to see so many of them under utilized.
A representative with the Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse stated she felt that
everything possible should be done to help keep today's youth occupied and was of the opinion
there was some exaggeration by the neighborhood residents as to the parking situation.
Mr. Tom Cron, 1002 Driftwood, stated the issue is not one of children, and questioned how
emergency vehicles could reach the residents when residents cannot get out of their driveways.
He stated that the residents also want to see the park being used, however, vehicles park on
private property and in the park.
Mr. Kevin Turner, 1009 Driftwood, stated residents have trash blow into their yards and traffic
is creating a great deal of congestion.
ACOUISITION OF 17.23 ACRE TRACT FOR CITY PARK: Mr. Matthews stated the
department has an opportunity to purchase a lot for $55,000, adjacent to a 17 acre tract next
to Falcon Park. This entire tract, with a value estimated at $250,000, would then be donated
to the City as parkland. The value could be leveraged with a grant from the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department and used for additional development along the Parkway. The Audubon
Society has been approached for their natural resources management of the area. Mrs. McNeill
moved that staff pursue this acquisition. Mr. Valenzuela seconded and the motion passed
unanimously.
REVIEW OF SOUTHEAST AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Mr. Matthews explained
that this plan, which includes a large number of parks, differs from the other development
plans in that the area is almost completely developed, and most of what would be addressed
is renovation.
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Mr. Bob Payne, Senior City Planner, referred to page 26, stating the area is bounded by Corpus
Christi Bay, Morgan Ave., Cayo Del Oso, SPID, and Crosstown Expressway. Policy
statements include pursuing public access to Menger Elementary playground with CCISD,
renovation of existing parks, development of pedestrian/bikeways, utilization of private and
governmental facilities, improving facilities for athletic complexes at Price, Botsford and South
Guth Parks, purchase and development of bayfront view vista points at the intersection of
Ocean Drive and Airline and outfall area of the Pharaoh Country Club drainage way. He
stated the area is transitioning to an elderly population, therefore, senior needs should be
addressed in infra-structure renovation. Additionally, as residential areas become commercial,
existing parks should be considered for identification as surplus property with those funds used
to develop other properties. Mr. Garrison stated he did not feel there was anything
controversial in the plan for parks and moved for endorsement. Mrs. McNeill seconded and
the motion passed unanimously.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Youth Sports Subcommittee: Vice-Chairman Rodriguez stated the Youth Sports
Subcommittee met and has made a recommendation on specific projects to be submitted as part
of the CDBG requests for the Youth Sports Complex. Mr. Ruiz then reviewed the projects.
Mr. Matthews pointed out that those leagues not on City property would need to submit
separate requests. Also, department requests are currently $3 Million, and the entire city's
allocation is $5 Million.
Mr. Manual Flores, representing Westside Pony Baseball, stated they would appreciate the
Committee's support in completion of their parking lot and sidewalk and lighting of a field for
forming a satellite league. He explained this is needed as the complex is used year round by
all ages. Mr. Matthews stated that this is the type of request that would tie well with the Weed
and Seed Program.
Mr. Matthews suggested that rather than having a lump sum figure in CDBG for the projects,
they be listed in the Parks Section of the CDBG request, those being International Little
League for $220,000, Westside Pony League for $169,000 and Universal Little League for
$21,000. Mr. Garrison expressed concern that other projects under Parks and Recreation did
not suffer as a result of these submissions.
Mr. Jimmy Leal, representing Universal Little League, pointed out that no children are turned
away from their program, and although he and Mr. Flores were addressing the Committee as
two separate leagues, it was all for the children.
Discussion followed on the need to offer scholarships. Mr. Matthews stated that leagues are
not financially able to offer scholarships and in the future, CDBG requests may want to be
used for program scholarships, rather than capital improvements. Mr. Leal stated that many
of the children are from single parent homes and show up for registration by themselves.
Mrs. McNeill moved that the three projects and the $100,000 for scholarships be added to the
CDBG funding submission. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
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Mr. Mendez advised that the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing March 30th, with
their recommendations going to the City Council on May 3rd.
CCISD: Mrs. McNeill, Swimming Liaison, reported that the Natatorium/Gymnasium has been
approved by the School District.
HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CURRENT CONCERNS: Mr. Valenzuela moved that the regular Committee scheduled for
the following week be canceled. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ruiz and passed
unanimously.
Vice-Chairman Rodriguez reported that he has been invited attend a meeting on the 17th with
TAMU-CC to discuss their getting into sports, except football.
Mr. Ratkovic stated it is felt the Laguna Little League property is not being properly
maintained. Mr. Matthews responded that the league is located on Waldron Field, which is
Navy property. He explained that Laguna Little League has a use-agreement with the federal
government for their league to play at that location, but the City cannot tell them how to
maintain their property.
Vice-Chairman Rodriguez questioned when a tour of additional facilities would be made. The
Committee agreed to the tour during the April meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
Malcolm Matthews, Director
Park & Recreation Department
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