HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 2005-12-05 Minutes MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD AT THE PRE-COUNCIL CHAMBERS
LOCATED AT 730'I NORTHEAST LOOP 820
December 5, 2005
Present: Mark Haynes Chairman
Brad Greene Vice-Chairman
Mark Cochran Board Member
Marlin Miller Board Member
Ron Ruthven Board Member
Mike Filis Board Member
Kim Kirby Alternate
Absent: Marty Kusmierski Board Member
Staff Members: Gary Bechthold Parks Superintendent
Lori Brown Cultural Arts/Special Events Coordinator
Sharon Davis Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Vickie Loftice Director of Parks and Recreation
Christina Lopez Administrative Secretary
Adrien Pekurney Recreation Center Manager
Chris Swartz Waterpark Park Manager
Bill Thornton Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Mark Haynes called the meeting to order December 5, 2005 at 6:02 p.m.
2.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
APPROVED
MR. MILLER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 3, 2005
MEETING. MR. GREENE SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 4r0.
3.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF MEMBER
LORI BROWN, CULTURAL ARTS/SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
Ms. Vickie Loftice introduced Lori Brown as the new Cultural Arts/Special Events
Coordinator.
One of our guests present, Mr. Charles Edwards introduced himself.
4.
PR 05-24 OVERVIEW OF GAS DRILLING ORDINANCE AND POSSIBLE SITES
Mr. Richard Torres, Assistant City Manager, briefed the Park and Recreation Board on
the Gas Drilling Ordinance. He presented a PowerPoint presentation and highlights of
the Ordinance. Ms. Kim Kirby requested a copy of the presentation and ordinance for
a11 of the Park Board Members.
5.
PR 05-25 PARKS IN PROGRESS REPORT - PARKS IN PROGRESS NEWLETTER
Mr. Bill Thornton demonstrated the Parks In Progress Newsletter #6 to the Park and
Recreation Board. He highlighted the following projects: Night of Holiday Magic setup,
Walker's Creek Trail, Dog Park construction, Cattail removal at J.B. Sandlin Park and
construction of the additional playground at Linda Spurlock Park. Mr. Thornton would
like to see the newsletter grow and have people subscribe to receive it.
Mr. Filis also commented about the fishing pier at Hometown Lakes. Staff commented
that they are aware of the problem and the contractor will be rebuilding the pier next
week.
Mr. Bill Thornton also updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following:
Winter season color has been installed at Tommy and Sue Brown Park.
Staff is researching ways to dress up the CityWalk Trail area with lakes.
Bids were opened on 12/5/05 for construction of the Little Bear Creek Neighborhood
Park site, Goode Place Neighborhood Park site and redevelopment of Norich Park. Five
bids were submitted. Staff is reviewing the bids and plans to go to City Council in
,fanuary to award a construction contract.
Seven "Request for Proposals" were received for the update to the Parks, Recreation
and Open Space Master Plan. The Selection Committee, which included Mark Haynes,
Park Board Chairman, seiected Halff Associates for the project. Staff anticipates the
study beginning in January 2006.
6.
PR 05-26 RECREATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Ms. Sharon Davis updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following:
The 2"d annual Hoot n' How1 was held at Green Valley Park on October 29th. An
estimated 7,000 peopfe were in attendance. The event was held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m.
Park and Recrearion Board Minutes December 5, 2005 2
Adrien Pekurney was presented the Horizons Award at the Texas Recreation and Parks
Society's regional conference which was held in Frisco on November 4th. Adrien was
recognized as an outstanding young professional in the field of parks and recreation.
The Parks and Recreation Department also received the Promotional Award for
outstanding promotional efforts of a parks, recreation and leisure agency for the past
years. The award specifically recognized the new "Discover" theme and the branding
efforts related to the theme.
The 2005 Walking Program ended on November 4'h. Participants look forward to
beginning the spring session in March.
Gary Bechthold, Parks Superintendent, was named the City of North Richland Hills
"Employee of the Year". This is a great honor and very deserving award for Gary.
Six teams signed up for the first season of the girls youth volleyball league. All the
teams are coached by volunteers and have been drawing 75-80 spectators each week.
The Bursey Road Senior Center hefd their annual Thanksgiving Feast on November
23~d with ninety-five seniors in attendance. Sponsors of the event included Le Peep
Restaurant, The Villas of Bear Creek, The Wellington and The Alterra Retirement Place.
On November 28~'the some of the seniors from Bursey Road enjoyed a tour of
Christmas lights in the surrounding areas.
Dan Echols Senior Center offered several health and educational seminars in
November incfuding "Free Benefits to You", "How the V.A. Can Benefit You", and "How
to Choose a Doctor for You".
Dan Echols Senior Center held their Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 16~h with
156 seniors participating. Door prizes were donated by Meadow Lake Retirement
Community.
The Richland Tennis Center had two junior team tennis teams go to the state
competition in New Braunfels in November. The teams are coached by Cynthia
Copenhaver, Head Tennis Professional.
Cardio Tennis continues to be a popular new program at the Tennis Center. To date
113 people have participated in the class.
7.
PR05-27 NRH2O END OF SEASON REPORT
Mr. Chris Swartz updated the Park and Recreation Board on the 2005 NRH2O End of
Season Report. Highlights included:
Third best attendance season - 250,462
Best revenue year - $3.37 milfion
Highest season pass totals - 8,387 passes sold
Highest number of group tickets sold - Over 49,000
Second best food and beverage revenue - Over $400,000
Park and Recrearion Board Minutes December 5, 2005 3
Staff is also working on the new groups pavilion area which should be ready by next
season.
8.
OTHER INFORMATION ITEMS
Ms. Loftice said the Night of Holiday Magic event went very well. Park Board member
Ron Ruthven served as disc jockey and he commended staff on a great event.
Ms. Kim Kirby would like "naming of facilities and park sites" ptaced on the agenda for
February.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
MRS. KIRBY MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M. MR. GREENE
SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-O.
Y~.~.. a ,
Mark Haynes, Cha, an
ATTEST:
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Christina Lopez, Administrative Secretary
Park and Recreation Board Minutes December 5, 2005 4