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MINUTES
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
February 8. 1995-4:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Toby Shor, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman, Roger
Garrison,Robert Gross,Paul Koepke,JoAnne McNeill,Gus Ruiz,Hector Salinas, Sharon Stewart,
Cefe Valenzuela
MEMBERS ABSENT: Annie Castro
STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park & Recreation, J. O. Lopez,
Superintendent of Support Services,Carlos Mendez„Superintendent of Park Planning,Judy Dreyer,
Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Shor called for a motion to approve the minutes of the
regular meetings of December 14, 1994 and January 11, 1995. Mr.Matthews referred to the minutes
of January 11th, page one,third paragraph,the third sentence should reflect that the Bay Trail is
"not a Bond Fund Project"as opposed to"not a Capital Improvement Project". With that correction
so noted, Mr. Garrison moved that the minutes of both meetings be approved. Mrs. McNeil
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS.Vice-Chairman Rodriguez and Mr.Salinas reported that their
January absences were work-related. Chairman Shor pointed out that this did not meet the
guidelines of an approved absence. Mr. Garrison then made the motion that their absences not be
approved. Mrs. McNeill seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF FIVE YEAR LEASE WITH OSO PONY BASEBALL LEAGUE. Mr.J.O.
Lopez, Superintendent of Support Services, reviewed the proposed five year lease with Oso Pony
Baseball League for use of a 15 acre tract of land located in South Guth Park, at Ennis Joslin and
Nile. He stated that currently there are 34 youth leagues in the city,with 16 of them playing on city
property. Oso Pony Baseball League has over 1,300 total participants in their program,between the
ages of 6 -14, playing on five fields. Mr. Lopez then introduced Mr. Willie Collins, President of
the league.
Mr.Collins reviewed upcoming activities for the league,stating they would be sponsoring a coaches
clinic and constructing a new concession stand,which would be more centrally located between their
fields. Mr. Collins stated the league agreed to all stipulations in the lease, including that it would
be available for public use when not being used by the league. He stressed the importance of
preserving this league as a recreational outlet for the youngsters and questioned staff if the league
could use B. A. Lay Field because of the large number of youth in their program. Mr. Lopez
responded that staff was not prepared to make a recommendation on B. A. Lay Field, as neither
National or Oso had presented a funding package to staff. He continued that the cost of field
improvements, such as fencing, lighting, irrigation, etc. could easily reach $70,000, and field
maintenance could cost$4,000 per year.
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As there were no questions regarding the lease,Mr.Garrison moved that the five year contract with
Oso Pony Baseball League be approved and forwarded to the City Council. Mr. Gross seconded and
the motion passed unanimously. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez questioned if B. A. Lay Field could
somehow be improved. Mr. Matthews stated that it may need to be retained for parking,because
when Nile Rd. is expanded, parents and children will be required to walk across lanes of heavy
traffic to reach the fields. He offered to have staff review this field and make a recommendation.
Chairman Shor asked that this be placed on the Committee's March agenda.
DISCUSSION OF FY'95 CDBG PROJECTS.Mr.Matthews stated that this item had been placed
on their agenda to both orient them on the CDBG program and to see if they had additional projects
they would like to have added to the list.
Mr. Carlos Mendez, Superintendent of Park Planning, passed out a list of proposed projects
indicating the department's priorities. He explained that some of the priorities involve federal
mandates and funding, such as ADA, senior citizens and low/moderate income. The Committee
reviewed and discussed each of the projects and agreed that the Planning Subcommittee should
review the projects and prepare a recommendation for the Committee's March meeting.
Mr.Koepke questioned the ownership of the strip of land in front of Bayview Cemetery, stating it
was extremely overgrown with weeds,and questioned if the area would qualify for the Weed and
Seed Program. Mr. Matthews stated he would verify ownership. He also explained to the
Committee that the Weed and Seed Program was not funded for maintenance.
Mr.Ruiz stated he would like to see additional dollars added to the CDBG Program for Youth Sports
Programs.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT;Mr. Matthews stated the annual operating budget process has started;
staff will be working on revenues beginning the following week,followed by expenditures.
In regard to pending state legislation,he stated the department is interested in placing TORT limits
on programs such as Latchkey after school programs and removing state licensing requirements for
after school programs.
Other impact legislation being discussed would allow citizens to carry concealed weapons if they
have a permit. Cities across the state have come out in opposition to the bill. If passed,it is very
feasible that metal detectors may have to be installed at some public facilities.
Chairman Shor suggested staff disseminate a sample letter on any proposed legislation on which
they would like the Committee's support.
Mr. Matthews reported there are problems with the gym floor at the Natatorium and the ribbon-
cutting ceremony will be delayed.
Mr.Matthews announced the CCISD Girls' Fast pitch Program would be kicked off February 14th
at 5:45 p.m. on Greenwood Blue with games between all the high schools. All Greenwood fields
would be used for their program.
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Mr.Matthews called on staff to report on the upcoming TML meeting. Ms. Dreyer explained that
the TML regional meeting would be held February 16th. One session of interest to the Committee
involved Juvenile Justice and invited them to attend as the department's guests.
Mr. Matthews reported that the Gateway Project grant was within two points of being funded by the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Staff will resubmit the project for the next funding cycle.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
CURRENT CONCERNS. None.
ADJOTJRNMENT: Mr. Valenzuela made the motion the meeting be adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Mr. Salinas seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
lm�Mathews,Director
Park&Recreation Department