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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 08/10/1994 110 V kir MINUTES PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Aueust 10, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman, Annie Castro, Roger Garrison, Robert Gross, JoAnne McNeill, Jack Ratkovic, Hector Salinas, Sharon Stewart, Cefe Valenzuela MEMBERS ABSENT: Toby Shor, Chairman, Gus Ruiz STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park & Recreation, Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for Operations, Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director for Programs, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Valenzuela moved that the minutes of the regular meeting ` of July 13, 1994, be approved as received. Mr. Garrison seconded and the motion passed unanimously. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER: Vice-Chairman Rodriguez recognized Mr. Gross and asked that he introduce himself. Mr. Gross stated he is a native of Corpus Christi, with specific interests in downtown revitalization, the bayfront and the park system. He is employed as a loan officer with a bank. ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS: Mrs. McNeill moved that Mr. Gross' July absence be approved as his commitment was made prior to his appointment to the Committee. Mrs. McNeill's absence was not approved under the Committee's absence policy. PRESENTATION TO C. R. (BOB) MAPES. H.E.B. TENNIS PRO: Mr. Matthews presented Mr. Mapes with a retirement plaque for thirty-two years of service as the Tennis Pro at H. E. B. Tennis Center. He reviewed Mr. Mapes' accomplishments, stating the center has grown from twelve to twenty-four lighted courts, a stadium constructed, an elevated covered viewing area and lounge added, and the pro shop expanded. Also, under Mr. Mapes' guidance, the City has been able to secure major tournaments, such as the USTA National for 21 & Under, USTA National for 12 & Under, NCAA Collegiate, NJCAA Collegiate for Jr. Colleges, Southwest Conference Championships, Rolex National Small College Championships and the USTA Pro Circuit. Mr. Matthews emphasized the importance of these tournaments, stating many of them have returned several years. SCANNED V ` Mr. Matthews announced that Mr. Larry Bland, Park Construction General Foreman, is also retiring from the department after thirty-eight years of service. He praised Mr. Bland's work performance and attitude, stating he was a very positive force when working with both Management and with his fellow employees and will be missed. Members were invited to Mr. Bland's retirement reception. DISCUSSION OF NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS COACHES ASSOCIATION: Mr. Matthews stated the program is currently being reviewed by the Safety & Risk and Legal Departments as it deals with insurance and non-City personnel training of the coaches. The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) is also reviewing youth coaches' training. TAAF is currently considering the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA), however, their decision will not be made until September. He assured the Committee that staff will continue to provide updates on this issue over the next few months as to requirements for training, insurance, etc. Additionally, Mr. Matthews pointed out the Spurs Foundation and National Youth Sports Coaches Association are both represented by the same individual, Mr. Frank Martin (ref. July minutes). Spurs' involvement with the City program requires trained coaches. Staff will be working with the Spurs' local representative, Vic Menard, on Spurs' issues. Mr. Matthews stated staff feels this program can be successful if the mandatory training requirement is addressed and that everyone works together. He also updated the Committee regarding the organization of a Housing Authority basketball [ program. He stated the current Winter Basketball Program has been very successful as youth of all abilities and geographic areas of the city are brought together. There has been some lack of participation by the youth from the northside and westside areas because of a lack of transportation. The RTA is unable to provide ridership to all youth in all areas, therefore staff is considering formation of a new program and including it with the City's program. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez commented that he had attended a Youth Sports Network Committee meeting and the members commented the basketball league had made a very positive impact on the youth. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Matthews reported that the Natatorium/Gymnasium is approximately one-third complete. It is anticipated it will open in January-February, 1995. The Folklife Festival will be held on September 17th and 18th in Heritage Park. This year's theme is "Ranching Traditions". Mr. Matthews then passed out copies of the poster to each of the members. He stated more information will be available at the next meeting. It may be necessary to make a mid-year fee adjustment for youth tournaments. Staff feels there may be a need for a half-price gym rental rate for youth tournaments, similar to field rentals. He provided further detail, adding additional information would be provided at the next meeting. Mr. Garrison questioned if the half-price rate would cover the costs. Mr. ( Matthews replied that it would not, but there will be some special circumstances that will have �I to be taken into consideration, such as those tournaments which do not charge an entry fee. • fir `i ` Mr. Matthews reported that with the new budget year, there has been some transition of staff. IW Also, two additional school principals have requested "camp" programs at their respective campuses. The golf course architect who has worked on the new course will be in town on August 22nd to evaluate the I-37 site. Some slight adjustments have been made to the property boundaries to eliminate an overhead power line. When staff last spoke with representatives of the outlet center, approximately 30% had been pre-leased, with an additional 40% required before construction can begin. Mr. Gordon reported that the Lamar Park Garden Club has approached the City regarding a tree planting project. The club will be contributing $1,000 and is wanting to take on a fund- raising project in order to plant additional trees in the park. Staff will be working with them on the tree planting project, which is scheduled for the middle of October. All golf carts have arrived and a substantial revenue increase has already been seen. The Gateway Project was sent to the Metropolitan Planning Organization and ranked first out of four projects submitted. It is now in Austin and it will be approximately three months before a determination is made by the Texas Department of Transportation. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: Heritage Park Tenants Association: The old Tex-Mex Depot will be relocated adjacent to Heritage Park. The Instutito de Cultura Hispanica is going to take responsibility for the building, remodel it and use it for their office space. CURRENT CONCERNS: Mrs. McNeill stated the sign directing traffic to Demitt Pier should be relocated, as an individual drives past the intersection before they see the sign. Mrs. McNeill questioned if the City was working along Holly Rd, removing the railroad tracks. Mr. Matthews responded the Navy owned all the property and sold the track and ties, which are now privately owned. Mr. Matthews gave the Committee an update, stating staff has been meeting with the Island Foundation. The Foundation has several projects they are interested in pursuing. Staff will be bringing those to the Committee as they are finalized. Mr. Salinas questioned the status of the Youth Sports Assistance Program, adding he had a concern over field safety because of the lack of irrigation. Mr. Matthews gave a brief explanation of the program. Mrs. McNeill announced the 1997 State Womens' Bowling Tournament will be held in Corpus Christi. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez stated there is currently a vacancy on the Youth Sports Subcommittee and he would like to appoint Mr. Salinas to that vacancy. fr 0/11i L Vice-Chairman Rodriguez noted that terms were expiring for several members. Mr. Matthews stated that a memo would be forwarded to the City Secretary's Office. Mr. Matthews asked that new members be considering a time for an orientation. HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC: None. ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business, Mrs. Castro moved for adjournment at 4:55 p.m. Malcolm Matthews, Director Park & Recreation Department 411, aug..m94jd4