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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 02/08/1995 v S 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. �3 ;rrs V V 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. V 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