HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 03/08/1995 MINUTES
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY OMMITTEE
March 8. 1995
MEMBERS PRESENT. Toby Shor,Chairman,Annie Castro,Roger Garrison,Robert Gross,Paul
Koepke,JoAnne McNeill,Gus Ruiz,Hector Salinas, Sharon Stewart,Cefe Valenzuela
MEMBERS ABSENT. Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for Operations, Carlos Mendez, Park
Planning Superintendent,J.O.Lopez,Superintendent of Support Services,Judy Dreyer, Recording
Secretary
(Mr.Gordon stated that Chairman Shor had been momentarily detained and suggested a Temporary
Chairman be appointed until she arrived. Ms. McNeill moved that Mr. Garrison be approved
Temporary Chairman. Mrs. Castro seconded and the motion passed unanimously.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Ms. Stewart moved that the minutes of February 8th be approved.
Mr. Valenzuela seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS. Ms. Stewart moved that Mrs. Castro's February absence
be approved. Mr. Ruiz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
(Chairman Shor arrived at this time.)
RECOMMENDATION ON F.Y.95 CDBG PROJECTS. Mrs. Castro, Chairman of Planning
Subcommittee,reported that the Planning Subcommittee met on March 6th to review the proposed
F.Y.95 CDBG projects as reviewed at the February meeting. She then moved that the staff's
recommendations be endorsed. Mr. Koepke seconded. Chairman Shor called for comments.
Mr.Ruiz stepped down from the Conunittee and requested$391,000 in behalf of the Youth Sports
Complex(International and Westside Pony Leagues and Kickball League). He presented a detailed
cost breakdown for all the improvements,along with a site map of the area.
A lengthy discussion followed and Mr. Garrison called for the question and the motion carried
unanimously. Mr. Mendez explained that the CDBG funding requests are extremely competitive
and suggested that Mr.Ruiz prioritize his projects,adding that an endorsement from the Committee
will add credibility to the request. Mr. Garrison made the motion that the Committee endorse the
projects as submitted by Mr. Ruiz without priority and recommended that he submit them to the
Planning Commission at their public hearing.
REVIEW OF B.A.LAY FIELD. Mr.Lopez stated this item had been placed on the agenda at the
request of the Committee during discussions of the Oso Pony Baseball League lease renewal in {Ti
February.
Mr.Gordon explained that Nile Drive is scheduled to be widened to 80' and Ennis Joslin is part of �' %—
the ISTEA grant and both of these projects would impact any use of the field. Mr.Lopez stated that
two leagues,Oso Pony and National Little League,have requested use of the field,but neither have
submitted financial plans to the department for improvements. He stated both leagues would be
contacted prior to the next meeting.
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Mr. Gordon pointed out the Committee should consider the number of youth, their ages and the
financial performance of the leagues in making a decision.
A brief discussion followed and Mr. Garrison made the motion that this item be referred back to
staff Mrs. Castro seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
pIRECTOR'S REPORT. Mr. Gordon reported that staff is working on FY95-96 budget. Thus
far,it appears that revenues are somewhat flat.
Mr. Gordon introduced Santos Villarreal,Marketing Coordinator,stating that the department was
recognized by the Corpus Christi Advertising Federation,for four pieces of work submitted by her.
CURRENT CONCERN& Mr.Koepke referred to the Gold Star Veterans'plaque and landscaping
at the Memorial Coliseum and questioned if that area could be improved. Mr.Gordon explained the
Coliseum is not under the authority of the Park and Recreation Department,adding he would contact
their staff in an effort to resolve the problem..
The Committee briefly discussed the CDBG public hearing with the Planning Commission,
scheduled for April 12th. It was unanimously agreed to move the regular time of their Committee
meeting to 4:30 p.m.in order that they could go directly from the Committee meeting to the public
hearing.
Mr. Koepke questioned staff if it would be possible to have a brief update on park construction
projects each month. Mr.Gordon agreed,stating he felt it would be in the Committee's interest to
have this information.
Mr. Garrison questioned the status of the Gateway Project Mr. Mendez stated it has been
redesigned and will be resubmitted. Mr. Garrison commented he felt that with the I-37 portion of
the project removed,it will lose substantial community support.
A brief discussion was held regarding the various subcommittees. It was suggested that they meet
quarterly during the noon hour.
Mr.Salinas stated he felt a safety factor exists as there is a need for netting at Greenwood Softball
Complex as all four fields are currently being used.
Mr.Garrison commented that it is very important for members to be aware of the fact that when they
are addressing various groups, they are acting as individuals and not as representatives of the
Committee.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
ami'`..-.lG—
Mike Gordon,Assistant Director
Park&Recreation Department