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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 2002-06-25 Minutes MINUTES OF THE PARK AND ~ECREATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS HELD AT THE PRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATED AT 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 June 25, 2002 ATTENDANCE Present: Board: Dwayne Leslie Chairman Mark Haynes Vice-Chairman Robin Eddins Board Member Brad Greene Board Member Marlin Miller Board Member John Lewis Board Member Janie McGuigan Alternate Absent: Jim Allen Board Member Present: Staff: Jim Browne Director of Parks and Recreation Sharon Davis Recreation Superintendent Britt Flaten Park Planner Vickie Loftice Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Christina Lopez Administrative Secretary Kelly Preston Secretary Chris Swartz Aquatic Park Manager Bill Thornton Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Vick Assistant City Manager Dalan Walker Parks Capital Projects Superintendent Absent: ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Leslie called the meeting to order June 25, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. ITEM 2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES APPROVED MOTION: Mr. Lewis made a motion, seconded by Mr. Haynes, to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2002 meeting. Motion to approve carried 5-0. ITEM 3. PUBLIC MEETING - NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PROJECTS A public meeting was held to discuss the plans for the Neighborhood Park Initiative Project. Mr. Jim Browne gave an overview of the Park System Master Plan and identified the seven neighborhood park sites which include: Brandonwood Park, Forest Glen East Park, Industrial/Holiday Park, Amundson/Main Park, Foster Village Elementary School, Mullendore Elementary School and Snow Heights Elementary School. Ms. Janie McGuigan arrived at 6:12 p.m. Mr. Browne introduced Mr. Karl von Bieberstein of Newman, Jackson, Bieberstein, Inc., the consultant for the Neighborhood Park Projects. Mr. Bieberstein then introduced Mr. Mike Spackman who gave an overview of the proposed park sites and some of the proposed elements, which could include but is not limited to the following: pavilions, playground, open play areas with backstops, bike trail loops, benches, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking fountains, bike racks, grills, irrigated in enhanced areas, security lighting, shade trees and public art. The public meeting was opened for citizen comments: Mr. Robert George, 6809 Marilyn Lane, declined to speak. Ms. Frances Polster, 6809 Marilyn Lane, would like to see more open space. She is interested in working with city staff on development of natural areas, use of native plants and nature education facilities. Would like to see more creativity in drainage issues such as using a product called ecocrete. Mr. Browne told Ms. Polster about the Little Bear Creek proposed park site (over 100 acres), planning of the trail, the Little Bear Creek Corridor Study and the LBC Flood Plain Ordinance in preserving that area. Ms. Polster is interested in the development of Little Bear Creel~ and would like to be included on the mailing list when that park site is developed. Mr. Browne also said that open space is reserved at Cross Timbers Park in the Eastern Cross Timbers Prairie in which a future phase of development includes a possible city/school joint nature center and living laboratory. Ms. Brenda Swirczynski, 6724 W. Driffield Circle, works at the Botanical Research Institute as an environmental educator and is also the educational representative for the Society of Ecological Restoration. She would like to see more native trees planted, partnering with schools, park benches made of recycled material and signage to educate the public on the use of recycled material. Mr. Allen Coe, 7320 Whitfield Court, would like to see the drainage issues addressed at the proposed park site on Industrial/Holiday, such as possibly covering the culvert. He would also like to see the culvert mowed on a regular basis. Mr. Browne stated that one of our goals is to address drainage issues and that the maintenance of the park will be at a higher standard when the park develops. Mr. Thornton also commented that staff Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 25, 2002 2 is looking in to having the culvert sprayed and that the ROW mowing contractor will add this site to the mowing contract, Mr. Travis Maclin, 7804 Baywood Court, is speaking on behalf of the Brandonwood Homeowners Association. Would like to see theme light fixtures, similar to what the developer put in the neighborhood, an information kiosk, flowerbeds, a stone sign identifying the park and to have some influence and input on the design of the park. According to their homeowners association rules they cannot have play structures in their backyards, and he wanted to know if this is a non-destination park. Mr. Maclin also commented that park staff has done a good job mowing. Mr. Browne commented that the Park and Recreation Department have uniform park signs identifying all parks, and they do have flowerbeds around those signs. The park is designed as a neighborhood park and the concept is to serve 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius but clarified that all city parks are public and open to all without discrimination. Staff does not recommend parking for neighborhood parks. Staff will look into the theme light, but typically lights are not included in a neighborhood park. Mr. John O'Neal, 7316 Whitfield Court, reemphasized Mr. Cole's comments regarding the culvert at the Industrial/Holiday proposed park site. He said the creek has been a problem with mosquitoes, smell, and mowing. He would like staff to consider covering or improving it. No one else requesting to speak the public meeting was closed at 7:18 p.m. Newman, Jackson, Bieberstein will bring concept plans to the next meeting for review. ITEM 4. APPOINTMENT OF A PARK AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBER TO THE CITIZEN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT STUDY COMMITTEE Mr. Browne gave an overview of the Bond Study Committee, the criteria and procedures for the appointment. MOTION: Mr. Greene made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lewis, to appoint Mr. Mark Haynes to the Bond Study Committee. Motion to approve carried 6-0. ITEM 5. RECREATION, ATHLETICS, SENIOR ADULTS, TEENS, TENNIS CENTER AND CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM REPORTS Ms. Vickie Loftice updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following: Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 25, 2002 3 Camp NRH enrolled a record number of children with all 10 weeks of camp filled to capacity. A Parent Orientation was held in May where each parent received a Camp NRH 2O02 Parent Guide that outlines all policies and procedures. Mrs. Carolyn Riehl's ballet and tap program participants performed at MayFest on May 4th and held their annual dance recital on May 18th. The dance recital, titled "Taps, Tights and TuTus" was a huge success with approximately 1,000 guests who came to see the 150 dancers perform. Summer softball begins June 24th with a record number of 133 teams registered. The high number of teams registered is due to Hurst continuing the renovations of their softball complex. Hook A Kid On Golf was held the first week of June with 31 kids participating, Gridiron Football Camp had 43 kids, Volleyball Camp had 30 kids and Minihawks Sports Camp had 8 kids registered. Bursey Senior Center reopened after being newly renovated with new floors, and new paint inside and out. The Bursey Senior Center held a Mothers Day breakfast on May 13th honoring moms with flowers and entertainment from John Galvan, a classical guitarist. The Bursey Gad-a-bouts traveled to Branson, Missouri on May 20-23. The Dan Echols and Bursey Senior Centers hosted a progressive lunch in May with 84 participants. They began with salads and appetizers at Dan Echols then went to Bursey Road for dessert and entertainment by Ray Molino. Participants enjoyed door prizes, games and getting to know each other. Kristin Luckey from Richland High School received a$1,000 scholarship for college from the Dan Echols Senior Center. Dan Echols reopened after being newly renovated. They held an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 9th. The renovation included taking in the old bay area, installing a new floor, drop ceiling and painting the walls. In the existing area the lighting was upgraded to a higher efficiency, a new floor was put in the east room, the remainder of the floors were stripped and waxed, all rooms were painted and new ceiling tiles were installed. Both 'edge' sites enjoyed field trips to Mountasia where the teens rode go-karts and played video games. TASP held their first "Teen Dance on Ice" on May 10th at Blue Line Ice. Approximately 100 teens participated. Typically we have about 400 kids. Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 25, 2002 4 The 'edge' end of year party was held on May 23~d at the Recreation Center with the teens enjoying jumping in a bounce house, playing carnival games and dunking their program leader in a dunk booth. Tish Hinojosa entertained approximately 700 people on May 10~' where she was the fourth performer of the Lotta Night Music Concert Series. Brave Combo perFormed on May 24th with a crowd of 800 and Me and My Monkey, a Beatles Tribute band, had the highest attendance yet with approximately 1,000 people attending on June 7tn Missoula Children's Theatre will hold their residency at the Recreation Center the week of June 17-22. Two professional actor-directors will instruct 30 children on the art of theatre craft that culminates in a public performance on Saturday. This year's musical is an original adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood. The NRH Adult Open was held May 10-12 with 335 participants playing at three sites. Richland Tennis Center had nine women's USA Team Tennis teams advance to the local playoffs held at Arlington Tennis Center. Six teams advanced to the finals. RTC has teams at the 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 levels representing the Fort Worth area at the sectional or state competition in Dallas August 9-11. RTC summer session group lessons began June 3~d. There are 131 juniors and 18 adults currently enrolled in the program. In the first two sessions of tennis camp there were 24 kids enrolled. The NRH Junior Open was held June 14-16 with 100 singles entries and 3 doubles teams in the tournament. RTC staff is preparing for the upcoming NRH Junior Championship Major Zone tournament to be held July 12-14. This is the largest tournament at RTC each year with traditionally over 350 singles entrants using five different sites. ITEM 6. PARK OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT Mr. Bill Thornton updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following: Survey work is complete on the seven parks included in the Neighborhood Park Initiative. Public input was received, earlier in this meeting, and will be accepted again when the conceptual designs are presented at an upcoming public meeting. Utility locates are complete for the additional city entryway sign to be installed on Glenview. The contractor will next drill holes for the piers. The irrigation project at Fossil Creek Park is complete as well as the conversion of all irrigation systems to the TUCOR system. Site analysis is progressing for the side walk Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 25, 2002 5 project which includes the installation of sidewalks and trail connections at Richfield Park, Thornbridge Park and Walker's Creek Park Design has begun on the planting walls and landscaping for park identification signs. The NRH2O Enhancements project is complete, on time and under budget. Preliminary designs are complete and design revisions are in progress for the Bleacher Shade Structure project. The shade structures will be installed at Cross Timbers and Walker's Creek Parks. The swing set for Green Valley has been ordered and the contractor selected and approved for installation. Bollards have been selected and all other park furniture has been ordered and received. The contractor is completing the resurfacing on the championship court at the Richland Tennis Center. The other 15 courts are complete. The hydraulic study is in progress for the bridge structures for the Calloway Branch Trail and the Little Bear Creek Trail. The consultant is developing plans for the locations of signs along 3 on-road routes for the bike route signage project. Staff will be meeting with the new owners of North Hills Mall to coordinate the alignment of the trail. Bids have been issued and are scheduled to opened on July 15, 2002 for the construction of the Cottonbelt Trail. TxDOT is reviewing, when we receive their approval staff will take to City Council for their approval. Survey work is underway for the South Electric Trail and the Walker's Creek Trail and Bike Transit Station with the preliminary trail layout being set. ITEM 7. NRH2O FAMILY WATER PARK UPDATE Mr. Chris Swartz updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following: Staff has increased the number of surveys completed at NRH2O, due to a revamped method of allotting staff, and is approaching last year's totals already. The results of this should lead to more accurate information about our guests' perceptions of the park as a whole. NRH2O had their first of 3 lifeguard audits for the season by the aquatic risk management firm of Jeff Ellis and Associates. Staff received 100% with a rating of Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 25, 2002 6 exceeds expectations. Only the top 5% of clients in the country achieve this rating during an audit. ITEM 8. OTHER INFORMATIONAL ITEMS It was the consensus of the Board to hold their next meeting on August 5t" due to the late date of this meeting and the 4th of July Holiday. Mr. Miller thanked staff and the Board for a1f the work that has been done at both senior centers. ITEM 9. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Haynes made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greene to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. Motion to approve carried 6-0. Mark Haynes, Vi Chairman ATTEST: Christina Lopez, Admini t a Secretary Park and Recreation Board Minutes June 25, 2002 7