HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 06/14/2023 ' CitCit`' of Corpus Christi 1201 Leopard Street
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Meeting Minutes
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Wednesday,June 14,2023 5:30 PM City Hall -Basement Training Room
A. Call To Order/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established with Kelly Summers and
Twila Stevens absent.
B. Approval of Absences: Chris Ardueser& Thomas Cronnon
A motion was made by Howard Schauer to approve the absences listed above and it
was seconded by Linda Lindsey. The motion passed.
C. Approval of Minutes
1. 23-0895 Regular Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2023
A motion was made by Robert McNabney to approve the minutes listed above and it was
seconded by Linda Lindsey. The motion passed.
D. Public Comment
Francisco Dao at 804 Elizabeth Street and Andreas Kaden at 5246 South Oso Parkway
both spoke on the water sports community in the City as Corpus Christi is a popular
destination for water sports (kite boarding). They raised attention to this aspect and how
more proper launching sites/access areas are needed in the City. Currently, Oleander
Park has been used as a launching site for water sports, but it is not ideal for kite
boarding. Favorable weather. It was also pointed out that the majority of the area around
the Laguna Madre is privately owned so this area is not accessible. With the City having
favorable weather year-round, it is a natural resource with a missed opportunity
economically.
John Weber at 609 Naples Street spoke to replacing or adding golfcarts/ATV's that are
hybrid/gasoline fueled instead of diesel fueled golfcarts. The gasoline fueled vehicles are
quieter and pollute less. The lower cost to purchase, maintain, and fuel electric vehicles
will mean more money will be available for other Parks Dept. projects. It will also provide
a safer and more pleasant experience for the people using the parks and the employees
that drive the vehicles.
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Jonathan Martinez, Coalition Coordinator for Project HOPE at the Coastal Bend
Wellness Foundation spoke to a proposal of a City ordinance that would prohibit
engaging in smoking or vaping in any City park. Currently, the only park in the City to ban
smoking is Blucher Park. He felt it is important in promoting positive health impacts for
the community. Recently, Project HOPE, alongside other organizations, had 170
volunteers perform clean up efforts in several different City parks. They collected
thousands of tobacco related products. They feel that this proposed ordinance could help
in park beautification efforts by reducing litter to ensure a cleaner experience for
residents/visitors.
E. Director's Report
2. 23-0783 Parks & Recreation Department Updates - June 2023
Robert Dodd, Director of Parks & Recreation Department, gave the following updates:
-West Haven Park Splash Pad
-Approved/Upcoming City Council items for June
- Salinas Park Ribbon Cutting: July 14th
- Mayor's Proclamation for Parks & Recreation Month - July
- Recognition of Adopt-A-Park Partners: August 15th City Council
- Ex-Officio Member Update
- Proposed change in PRAC meeting schedule
- License Agreement for the submarine sail at Sherrill Park (Sea Turtles)
F. Unfinished Business for Discussion or Possible Action
3. 23-0805 Budget Priorities for FY 24 - PRAC and Parks & Recreation Department
The floor was opened for PRAC comments/questions. Discussion included questions
regarding the proposed gazebos for Old City Hall Park and H.C. Dillworth Park and how
the proposed budget for construction seems quite high. Staff clarified that the gazebo for
H.C. Dilworth Park may received funding through a Community Development Block
Grant.
A motion was made by Linda Lindsey to recommend the following, secondary PRAC
budget priorities: Expansion of the skate park at Wronosky Park; availability of portable
restrooms at various City parks; additional water sport launching sites; pickle ball courts
on North Padre Island and increase in lifeguard salaries. The motion was seconded by
Flo East and the motion passed unanimously.
G. New Business for Discussion or Possible Action
4. 23-1016 Discussion regarding types of Water Sports
Chair Mejia presented photographs of the different types of water sports for PRAC's
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clarity. The different types of water sports include kite boarding, wind surfing, kite foiling,
windsurf, wing foiling and foil surfing.
The floor was opened for discussion regarding the community desire for public launch
locations for kiteboarding. The existing water access sites are either not ideal for kite
boarding or are privately owned. Potential launch locations are in Flour Bluff, the
northwest corner of Oso Bay, and along Ocean Drive. Discussion also included the
specifications to accommodate proper launching sites. No action was taken on this item.
H. Subcommittee &Committee Liaison Reports
Chair Mejia updated PRAC on the following:
Island Strategic Action Committee: She reported on the progression of the return line for
the wastewater treatment plant on the Island in which will be used to water parks in the
area.
Bayside Area Development Plan Liaison: She reported on the draft of the plan and how
well it has incorporated public input; the plan has taken into consideration connectivity
aspects. A town hall meeting is planned sometime in July with a survey to follow.
PRAC Strategic Action Plan Subcommittee: She reported on the creation of a PRAC
"Playbook" for newly appointed members with "tips/tricks", educating members to bring
them up to speed. The playbook is nearly completed. The PRAC webpage is currently
under construction and a draft should be completed soon. The webpage will consist of
the PRAC description/composition with links to bylaws, the Strategic Action Plan and a
link to the City's Boards/Committees webpage. She also brought up an initial idea of
allowing more visibility of PRAC meeting information through social media.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Connectivity Subcommittee: She reported on the upcoming MPO
Active Transportation Plan Stakeholder Group Kick-off meeting to be held June 15,
2023.
Water Shore Beach Advisory Committee Liaison report: Howard Schauer reported on
beach facility tours and the Committee's continued discussion regarding lifeguard salary
(resolution) and bylaw amendments regarding member requirements.
Adopt-A-Park Subcommittee: Linda Lindsey reported on QR signage for Adopt-A-Park
and other park project improvements (phase 2) to be placed at select park locations;
efforts in revitalizing the program (initiated new volunteers) and streamlining the
application process. She proposed that PRAC consider adopting a park themselves.
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I. Future Agenda Items
- Public proposed on a City-wide "no smoking" ordinance
- Bayside ADP Overview Presentation by the Planning Department
- Proposed change of PRAC meeting schedule
- Subcommittee vacancies
- Nominations for annual chair/vice chair officer elections
- Research regarding water sport launching sites
- Data report/statistics regarding how PARD tracks utilization of parks
J. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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