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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 2002-10-07 Minutes MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS HELD AT THE PRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATED AT 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 October 7, 2002 ATTENDANCE Present: Board: Mark Haynes Chairman Brad Greene Vice-Chairman Janie McGuigan Board Member Marlin Miller Board Member Fred Durko Board Member Jim Allen Board Member Kim Kirby Alternate Absent: Present: Staff: Jim Browne Director of Parks and Recreation Gary Bechthold Parks Superintendent Vickie Loftice Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Christina Lopez Administrative Secretary Dalan Walker Parks Capital Projects Superintendent Absent: Bill Thornton Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Swartz Aquatic Park Manager ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Haynes called the meeting to order October 7, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. ITEM 2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES APPROVED MOTION: Mr. Greene made a motion, seconded by Mr. Durko, to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2002 meeting. Motion to approve carried 4-0. Ms. Janie McGuigan arrived at 6:05 p.m. Ms. Kim Kirby arrived at 6:10 p.m. ITEM 3. PR 02-24 - PARK AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING Ordinance No. 2315 requires staff to provide an orientation program for Boards and Commissions each year following Council appointments. Mr. Jim Browne presented "Qualities of the `Perfect' Park & Recreation Board Member", a training program which he has presented to may Park Boards including the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, numerous other communities and at Regional, State and National Schools, conferences and training seminars. ITEM 4. PR 02-25 - FY 2002/03 PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET AND AQUATIC PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET PRESENTATIONS Mr. Dalan Walker presented the 2002-03 Parks CIP Budget. Mr. Jim Browne presented the 2002-03 Aquatic Park CIP Budget. ITEM 5. PR 02-26 - REQUEST FROM AREA RESIDENTS NEAR LINDA SPURLOCK PARK AND J.B. SANDLIN PARK FOR ADDITIONAL PARK AMENITIES Residents in the Thornbridge Subdivision, through their Homeowner's Association, have requested additional park amenities for J.B. Sandlin Park. They have requested a tennis court, basketball court and sand volleyball court. Residents in the area of Linda Spurlock Park, by petition, have requested additional playground equipment for smaller children and a parking lot. At this time staff does not have a program or policy in place for handling these types of requests. Staff anticipates more requests of this type with the addition of the seven new neighborhood parks. Staff would like to develop a program or policy establishing guidelines for recommending and approving requests for park improvements. With the Park and Recreation Boards concurrence, staff will begin researching, surveying other cities and developing some options to bring back to the Park Board for their review. An interim report will be given at the next Park Board meeting. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 2 ITEM 6. PR 02-27 - DISCUSSION OF INTRODUCING RESTROOM BUILDING IN NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS City Council approved the Concept Development plans for seven new neighborhood parks as part of the Neighborhood Park Initiative. During the meeting, two City Council members expressed an interest in adding a restroom building into the neighborhood parks. City Council has requested that staff seek the Park and Recreation Board's view point and advice on whether restrooms are appropriate or not in neighborhood parks. Mr. Browne reviewed the Position Report on Neighborhood Park Restrooms. Staff surveyed 13 area cities. Each was asked the following questions: 1. How many neighborhood parks are in your park system? 2. How many of your neighborhood parks have restroom buildings? 3. Do you have any problems with your restroom buildings? 4. Have you removed any restrooms because of problems? 5. Will any new neighborhood parks include restrooms? All cities surveyed have come to the conclusion, based on previous experience, that neighborhood parks should not include restroom buildings. Construction and maintenance costs significantly impact long term capital project budgets and maintenance and operations budgets. The school district is opposed to restroom buildings near their elementary schools and the Brandonwood Homeowners Association is opposed to having a restroom building in their neighborhood. As a result of the analysis and evaluation of the responses from the surveys, and considering long term budget impacts and additional site constraints, staff does not recommend the inclusion of restroom buildings in neighborhood parks. Mr. Miller asked about the Linda Spurlock Park restroom building and if we track the cost of vandalism repair at that facility. Staff responded that we spend between $3,000 -$5,000 per year on vandalism repair at Linda Spurlock Park. The majority of vandalism that occurs is in park restrooms. Mr. Miller expressed concerns of adding restroom buildings in the new neighborhood parks, and the cost of vandalism maintenance alone would be cost prohibitive. MOTION: Mr. Greene, made a motion, seconded by Mr. Miller, to accept staff's recommendation and not put restrooms in neighborhood parks. Mr. Durko asked if the motion still gives the option to allow a site by site analysis so if it is determined a restroom is needed due to the park location, if the park includes a"trail head", has a significant piece of art or the park is categorized as a special purpose park, that we will have the option to request a restroom be included. Mr. Browne said there will always be the possibility to include a parking lot or restroom in special purpose parks that would have unique facilities such as a"trail head" or significant public art. Motion to approve carried 4-0. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 3 ITEM 7. PR 02-28 - DISCUSSION OF POLICY FOR GAME/PRACTICE FIELD USE Recently, several youth associations have requested use of game fields for organized practices. At this time there is not a formal policy in place which is creating some frustration between the user groups. Mr. Gary Bechthold, Parks Superintendent, is present and reviewed the Position Report on Policy Using Competitive Sports Fie/ds for Practices, with the Park and Recreation Board. The Position Report is based on responses from surveyed cities, review of current field conditions, availability of practice sites, compared to need and cost implications and quality control. Ten Cities were surveyed with Mr. Bechthold visiting each of the cities, with the exception of one, to view their athletic field conditions. Keller and Grapevine have allowed practices to occur on their competitive sports fields, However they are in the process of adopting policies that prohibits any practices on their competitive level fields citing deterioration, increased labor and materials for repair and maintenance. Colleyville allows limited practice on their game fields, but is considering amending the policy to reduce the frequency of practices due to field deterioration. Benbrook and Rowlett allows unrestricted access to game fields for practices. Their fields are not conducive to competitive and tournament play and according to Benbrook's youth association, their participation has dramatically declined. Hurst does not allow practice on their fields which they consider in competitive condition. They maintain few practice sites. Arlington allows limited practices on all sports fields. Each season the sports director informs the user groups what fields will be available and for how long. Plano allows limited practices on most fields. Sports associations turn in practice and league schedules that follow the guidelines set forth by the Parks Department. Plano has a full time staff member whose main responsibility is to monitor these schedules. Farmers Branch does not allow practices on their competitive fields and have built practice fields that are maintained at a high level. Fort Worth youth associations usually have their own fields and do their own maintenance. Most high level fields maintained by the city do not allow any practices. Mr. Bechthold reviewed the description of field conditions which are either "Competitive" or "Poor". Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 4 He also reviewed the City of North Richland Hills' practice space inventory vs practice space needs. If the City allows unlimited practices to occur on competitive level sports fields, it will result in a 78% increase in maintenance costs and generate characteristics attributable to poor playing conditions. Staff has reached the conclusion that other area cities are facing the same issues and are actively pursuing adopting policies in order to balance practice needs with maintaining competitive level sports fields. Allowing unlimited practices on sports fields results in: 1. Deteriorating field conditions ("competitive" to "poor") 2. Increased maintenance costs 3. Greater impact on limited staff resources. Staff has reached a potential solution. Allowing unlimited practices does not balance the user needs with our maintenance obligations, but allowing "limited" or "conditional" practices could aid in satisfying the demand for practice fields in accordance with the following guidelines: 1. Prior to each season, the City will evaluate the condition of every game field and rate them in accordance with the NRH Park Maintenance Standards Manual. Fields rated "Competitive" may be used for conditional practices. Fields rated below "Competitive" may also be available for conditional practices based on criteria set by the City. 2. Youth Associations will submit their dates for league play, tournament play and requested practice times at least 30 days in advance of the season. 3. The City will use the following criteria to determine avaitable time for field availability: • Optional practice sites available • Timely submission of schedules and field use requests • Compliance with conditional practice guidelines • Wear and tear nature of given sport ~ Current weather conditions • Environmental conditions • Scheduled City events • Budgetary constraints and available staff resources 4. The City will announce the times the "Competitive" fields will be available for practices within seven days of receipt of the request. 5. The game fields will be monitored by the City for unauthorized practices. Three documented violations will result in the cessation of the association's practice privileges for the remainder of the season. Discussion was held. Mr. Browne stated that the City has made significant advances in our sports complex's since the passage of the '/2 cent sales tax, but it is still not enough to meet the demand. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 5 BISD recently approached staff about using and maintaining Thomas Acres which will provide additional practice soccer fields. Mr. Gerry Bruening, President of the NRHSA, is present and commented that the City of North Richland Hills has some of the finest soccer fields in the area and they would like to keep it that way. He feels it will be hard to enforce the practice schedule and any unauthorized use. Mr. Browne was glad to hear that the youth associations want "competitive" fields. Staff's recommendation is to move forward with the potential solution and look for a more viable, long term solution which may include a permitting system and develop a system to address non-contracted users. Motion: Mr. Durko made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greene, to accept staff's recommendation. Motion to approve carried 6-0. ITEM 8. PR 02-29 - RECREATION, ATHLETICS, SENIOR ADULTS, TEENS, TENNIS CENTER AND CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM REPORTS Ms. Loftice updated the Board on the following: On September 21 St the Recreation Division collaborated with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the cities of Grapevine, Bedford and Euless on the "Kids Outdoor Adventure Day"! Over 350 youth were in attendance at the event held at Meadowmere Park at Lake Grapevine. Activities included kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and archery. Internet Registration is in full swing. Recreation staff assisted with the 3~d Annual Sponsorship Appreciation Golf Tournament and Luncheon held at Iron Horse Golf Course. The 11th Annual Boo Bash is planned for Saturday, October 26th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at North Hills Mall. A"Night of Holiday Magic" will be held on Saturday, December 7th from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and will include the music of Brave Combo and the Flatlanders. Fall adult softball began September 30th with 96 teams participating 5 nights a week. This is an increase of 28°/a from last fall. Fall Coed Volleyball began October 1St with 25 teams participating finro nights a week. North Richland Hills now has the largest coed volleyball program in the state according to figures provided by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 6 The City of North Richland Hills received the TAAF Gold Member City Award at the 2002 TAAF Annual Conference in Lake Jackson for the significant number of teams registered in the city. Harris Methodist Hospital presented a health seminar on "Balance Improvement and Fall Prevention" at the Bursey Road Senior Center on September gtn Bursey Road Senior Center held a Western Day and Cowboy Concert on September 19th. Dan Echols Senior Center hosted a"Christmas in September" event with Danny Ds' Bar B-Q catering lunch with 106 people in attendance. Over 156 toys were collected for distribution to children this December. Dan Echols participants are enjoying the new yoga class that is held every Tuesday from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. and the new formalized discussion group that is held the 2"d Monday of each month. Attendance for the After School Program, the "edge", is great for the beginning of the new school year. Both after school programs are averaging between 27 and 33 teens each day. The "edge" is planning a field trip to "SCREAMS" haunted theme park in October. The first Friday Night Out Teen Dance for this school year was held on September 13tn The teens enjoyed a professional DJ, bounce house, basketball shoot-out, dunk booth, concessions, and socializing with their friends. The Youth Advisory Committee held a retreat on September 7th at Texas Lil's Dude Ranch in Justin, Texas. They learned the importance of teamwork with a low ropes course, were taught valuable leadership skills from Mayor Trevino, and learned goal setting and its' importance through the help of speaker Dina Davis. The Youth Advisory Committee helped the DARE officer's at their Mountasia event on Saturday, September 28th. YAC members took money at the door and interacted with the kids by riding bumper boats, go-karts, playing miniature golf, and playing video games with them. NRH Remembers was held September 10th and was attended by approximately 2,500 people. Channel 5's Scott Murray was Master of Ceremonies and The Texas Boys Choir headlined the event. The ceremony included a 21 Gun Salute provided by the Paralyzed Veterans Association of America. Chaplain Major Brent Causey of the US Army gave the keynote address. ~iberty Bank donated $5,000 for the event and was the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors included North Hills Hospital, BISD, Star-Telegram and Signs Now. The event received news coverage from Channel 11 and Fox 4. The fall season for USTA, NETT and TCD started September 6th. There are 25 teams calling Richland Tennis Center "home". Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 7 Richland Tennis Center has one women's 2.5 team going to the USTA Nationals in Palm Springs, California on October 4tn _ 7tn to compete in the National USA Team Tennis Tournament. Richland High School hosted varsity matches on September 10th and 17th and junior varsity matches on September 5th and 26tn Mr. Miller wanted to know where to get schedules of the adult athletics. Staff commented at the Recreation Center and www.Sportstandings.com Mr. Haynes asked if the "edge" is open to all students. Staff responded that it is open to the first 35 students who register. ITEM 9. PR 02-30 - PARK OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT Bids will be opened on October 31 St for the Neighborhood Park Initiative projects, which include Brandonwood, Snow Heights, Foster Village, Mullendore and Amundson/Main Neighborhood Park Sites. Plans and specifications are currently being developed for the Forest Glenn East and Industrial/Holiday Neighborhood Park sites. Also at the Industrial/Holiday site, FEMA and USACE issues are being reviewed. City Council recently approved a contract for acquisition of 7.01 acres of land in the North Davis area and the Goode Place Property on North Richland Blvd. Staff is also in the process of purchasing a sliver of land adjacent to the Amundson/Main neighborhood park site. Bids have been opened and are currently being evaluated for the Bleacher Shade Project at Cross Timbers Parks and Walker's Creek Park. All of the park furniture that was ordered has been received and installed with the exception of the picnic tables for Adventure World. New trash receptacles have also arrived and should be installed in the parks soon. The Richland Tennis Court Resurfacing project is complete and the courts looks fantastic. The hydraulic study for the bridge crossings at Calloway Branch and Little Bear Creek Trails is nearing completion and is about to be submitted to TxDOT for review. NJB is focusing on 3 on-road routes for the Phase I Bike Route Signage and construction should begin in 4- 6 months. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 $ Plans and specifications are nearing completion for the North Hills Multi-Use Trail and should be submitted to TxDOT for review soon. Staff is waiting TxDOT's approval on the selection of the contractor for the construction of the Cottonbelt Trail. Concept plans are being prepared for the South Electric Trail and the Walker's Creek Trail and Bike Transit Station. ITEM 10. PR 02-31 - NRH2O FAMILY WATER PARK UPDATE Mr. Jim Browne updated the Park Board on the following: NRH2O posted their highest attendance figures so far with 266,655 people visiting the park during the 2002 season. They are also celebrating their best revenue year as well, but are waiting on audited numbers. NRH2O received the "Gold" overall rating from their Aquatic Risk Management Firm, Jeff Ellis and Associates. Jeff Ellis and Associates performed three unannounced audits which included video surveillance of the lifeguards performing their job duties, an evaluation of the lifeguards ability to manage an emergency situation and the facility as a whole. Mr. Durko wanted to know when our contract is up with Dr Pepper. Staff responded that we have three years left on the contract. ITEM 11. OTHER INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Some of our Parks Staff participated in the Parks Maintenance Rodeo which was held in Plano this year. Our guys finished 3~d overall. Rob Elder competed in the Playground Inspection Category and placed 1St . The judges identified six safety problems with the playground to be inspected and Rob identified 12 safety problems. Rob was recently certified in Playground Inspections and did very well in the competition. Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 9 {TEM 12. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Greene made a motion, seconded by Mr. Miller to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion to approve carried 6-0. ~ "~1~ Mark Haynes, C irman ATTEST: C~s~~;~ ~ Christina Lopez, Administrative Secretary Park and Recreation Board Minutes October 7, 2002 10