HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 1990-02-01 Minutes J~E,~ . / 9 9'0
:,ITY GF NC~~'TH RI::HLA~~l~ HILL~
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
BOARD TN ATTENDANCE . Don Tipps, Chairman
Ran Parks, Vice Chairman
Bob Fenimore
J. Douqlas Davis
Sharon Battles
Karen Rllen
BOARD NOT IN ATTENDANCE . Bobbie Lambert
Oscar Trevino
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE . Jim Browne, Director, Parks & Recreation
Jack Giacamarra, Parks Superintendent-PARD
Manica S. Walsh, Recreation Superintendent-PARD
Tim Hiqhtshoe, Parks Maintenance Worker z
Linda Spurlac.k, City Council, Place 7
Lyle Welch, City Council, Place 1
Charles Scoma, City Council, Place 5
CALLED TO ORDER . Mr. Tipps, Chairman, at 6:33 F.M..
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES . Ms. Battles made a mation to approve the mizlutes of
the December 4, 1989 Board meeting as submitted.
Mr. Davis seconded the motion. Vote was unanimatis
in favor of the m~tion by those in attendance at
the December 4, 1989 Board meeting.
NEW BUSINESS .
ITEM 4: RICHLAND YOUTH ASSOCIATIfJN REPORT
Mr. ,Tohn Williamson, Vice President, RYA, gave the following report:
Electivn of tlieir new Board af Directors was held. Mr. Munoz and
Mr. Williamson retained their positions as President and Vice President
respectively.
The basketball season will begin soon with 30 teams (25-boysJS-girls). They
will be playii~q at the area junior highs. Work on the Richfield Park fields
has begun. Their softball season will begin in early April. The basketball
coaches are being certified as NYSCA coaches through the request af the RYA
Board, though basketball certification is not required by the City.
ITEM 5: NORTH RICHLAND GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE REPORT
Ms. Candy Roos, Secretary, NRGSL, gave the following report:
Far the first time "pre-registration cards" were sent out to the girls.
Registration will alsa be held at the Outlet Mall February 17 & 24 and
March 3& 10 from 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.. Opening Day has been scheduled for
~ril 7. Their annual parade to the park has been cancelecl due to the
~tate Law prahibiting children from ridinq in the beds of the trucks among
{~th~r fa~tors. NY.~CR coaches certification has been set - all coaches
will participate. Approximately four tournaments have scheduled tliis
season to be held at Fossil Creek Park. Ad sales are continuing for the
program. An Australian girls sister-team is scheduled for a visit to the
U.S. this year and are in need of sponsor families for hausing, Ms. Roos
so expressed their board's appreciation for the construction at Fossil
~creek Park.
(Mr. Tipps moved Item 10 up to this pasition.)
ITEM ld: NORTH RICHLAND HILLS "TRASH-OFF"
Ms. Kathy Robinson, Chairman, Beautificatian Commission presented a project
called "Trash-off" to be coordinated by the Beautification Commission.
She requested suppcrt by the Parks and Recreatian Board to assist the
~ommissian with this praject. Ms. Robinson requested interested members
of the Board to assist in the planning of this project.
ITEM 6: FOSSIL CREEK PARK BALLFIELD LIGHTING UPDATE
Mr. Browne gave the following update:
Bonding requirements have been met and canstruction of the athletic fields and
security lighting system has begun. Concrete foatings have been set, the
trenching for the electrical wiring shauld begin anytime now dependent an the
weather. The new concession stand structure is almost completed and will have
an area in it to house the electrical panels. The constructian of the
concession stand was rushed to meet the constructian schedule of the ligYiting
system. Everything is going well and very close to schedule.
ITEM 7: NORTH RICHLAND HILLS SENIOR CENTTR REPORT
aryanne Gibson, Senior Citizens Ceilter Representative gave the following
report:
A New Year's Pot Luck Dinner was hel~l on January 4 with lots of foad and
fellowship. On January 16 the new Senior Center Cauncil was sworn in. The
Senior Center Council was trained for their upcominq responsibilities. The
Craft Class made their monthly visit to the nursing home. They are making
Valentine's Day qifts to be given at the nursing hom~. Ann De Journette, a
Center member, took blaod pressure checks thus eliminating outside services. A
meeting had been scheduled with the "Young Lawyers" but they failed to show.
Many of the Seniois were disappainted. A Mexican Lunch outing was held on
January 30 - a happy way to end January! There was a burglary at the Seniar
Citizens Center and a VCR, quilt, camera and maney was taken. Ms. Gibson asked
that steps be taken to install security lights ar a security system at the
Senior Citizens Center. Mr. Browne explained that the Department is curre;ltly
increasinq the exterior lighting and research the costs of security systems
might be. An update will be given to the Board.
ITEM 8: SENIOR CENTER BUILDING ADDITION UPDATE
Mr. Browne gave the following update:
The expansion of the Senior Citizens Center is complete. Tlle new multi-
purpose area is naw being utilized. Tile will be put in the arts and
crafts room and just a few tQUCh ups are needed and the Center will be
~mplete. Pla:~s far a grand opening can be scheduled after that.
'TEM 9: GLENVIEW FACILITY RENOVATION UPDATE
Mr. Browne gave the following update:
The Mayor appointed a committee to meet and came up with a building
proposal. The City Council did act on the proposal and approved
approximately $90,000 in city funds to repair the roof, electrical and
plumbing. The Management Servir.es Department will handle the bidding
process and returning them to Council for their final decision. The
17th year Community Development Block Grant funds, totaling
approximately $50,000 to $~0,000 to be made available for the
renovation of the Senior Citizens Center portion of the building. (Mr.
Browne explained the display of plans for the Glenview Facility.)
ITEM 11: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Update
Mr. Victor Baxter, 7301 oakland Lane, North Richland Hills made tlie followiiig
presentation.
Mr. Baxter expressed his desire and affered his support as a citizen, as well
as his prafessional knowledge as a landscape architect, for a Parks, RecrEation
and Open Space Master Plan. This plaiz would pr~vide the opportunity for
possible funding af matching c~rants from the state and would be an excellent
economic development tool. Having a Master Plan would offer an opportttllity for
the growth of the parks system in the City.
Browne stated that he will forwarding a Council Action to City Council
~at their next meeting. w~ have reached a new decade and the old Master
Plan was campiled in 1982 and has become outdated. Many of the items that
were identified have been completed. With the Baard's l~tter of
end~rsement in May, 1989 to the City Council, Staff will make a
recommendation to City Cauncil to consider allowing us to send out a
"request for proposal" to firms that are capable of providing this service
and assisting us in putting together a Master Plan and allow those firms
to come to tlie Parks and Recreation Board and present those propasals to
familiarize the Board with their firms and services and ta give aii
absolute cos#:. At that time, the Board can make a recommendati~n to City
Caunr,il as to what is desired iii a Master Plan and your choice of firms
~and to move ahead. A fUI1~lIlCJ source has been identified in the Parks and
Library contribution fund received through tl~e water bills. After
reviewing the last five years of these contributions a substantial an~ount
of money that was zzot expended is available ta accammodate the cost of
tliis prcject. Staff is recammending that that may be an appropriate use of
fundinq to give us the "tool" necessary to make decisions for the future
of the park system. A citizen survey would lhelp identify th~ greatest
needs and prioritize them. Tlie Master Pl~n could help us identify h~w to
finance future park development. By preparing the Master Plan i~.ow we will
be prepared to participate in the next City bai7d program.
Mr. Parks stated that he is agreeable with the funding source. But feared that
we have waited toa long. We must act immediately to keep updated. Mr. Parks
~ked Mr. Baxter, with his expertise how long it may take ta prepare this kinu.
r plan. Mr. Baxter stated it could take faur to six months fvr a good plan
depending an the scope of services.
Ms. Battles asked if the last stirvey's information be applicable. Mr. E,rowne
:ated that information would be provided to the firm handling the plan. Also,
-~taff will be inv~lved from beginning ta end. Due to being a small departmeiit,
it would be impossible for us to work up this plan and contiiiue with our day to
day job. By bringing in a firm to assist in develaping this plan, we would
have professional park planners, landscape architects and grant specialists.
This would give us a tool to make decisions until we are completely develQped.
Once the City is developed we cannot go back. We must look at the future
now.
Mr. Fenimore made a motion to send the Parks, Recreatian and Open Space
Master Flan request to Council. Mr. Davis secanded the motion. Vcate was
unanimaus in favor of the motion.
ITEM 14: RECREATION/ATHLETIC DIVISION REPORT
Ms. Walsh gave the fallowing report:
Januar~, 1990 was }he 1lighest month of class revenue in the five year Yiistory
of the Department with $10,850. Octaber, 1989 is the second highest month with
$1C,675. The broc3iure went out late but did not affect the registration
revenue. The "Elves Workshop" geared for 3-5 year olds had 10 childreri
registered. "Santa Calls" had 21 children registered f~r that event. Some of
the new items ~n the brochure are Birthday Parties, Tye Dying, Clogging.
Mich~lle Miniatas is the new dance instructor. Ms. Riehl took a full time
position, but will work Ms. Miniatas closely.
ie Men's Volleyball has completed their leaque play. Co-Rec Volleyball begari
play on February 1. The Recreation league has 11 teams and the Power league
has six teams. A second power league will begin at the end ~f the first ane ta
try ta accommodate the other teams who did not register in time for the first
leagiie. An umpire meeting has been set for the 1990 Spri~ig Softball seascn.
Seven of +~ur umpires will be attending an ASA natianal schcol in Fort Worth.
Biddinc~ was helc~. for ASA Metr~ Tournaments and the Department has received the
Metl's "B" and "C" Taurnaments to be held July 14-15. RYA has certified 17
basketball caa~~hes to date through NYSCA.
An NYSCA meeting was held in Grapeviiie, Texas to renew ~ur chapter. A new
r~aling will allaw coaches to receive their packets at the completion of their
certification process fram the Chapter. This is positive step in arder t4
spee~ up the r~ceipt of packets, At the TAAF Region IV meeting in Hurst, the
Department received the Men's "C" Regional Tournament to be held July 21-22.
Mr. Tipps and M~. Battles commended the Recreation Staff for their h~rd work
and successful programs.
Ms. Spurlock complimented the brach~.ire and was supportive of our programs
targeting teenaqers. Ms. Spurlock asked if teenagers are responding ta the
brochure. Ms. Walsh answered with infarmatian of our first of several teen
dances scheduled on February 9. We are trying to offer an alternative ta safe
and fun recreation.
Browne added that with the results of this first dance, we are discussi;ig
_.aving a D.A.R.E. Officer set up an exhibit and make a presentation as part of
the dance activity. Also, the 6' and Under Men's State Basketball Tournament
and the Americaii Airlines National Basketball Tournament will be hosted by our
staff within the next few weeks. Mr. Parks stated that several of the teens
are not familiar with "r~c center life" and do nat understand the use of it.
The young children's programs do introduce the Rec Center and hapefully will
~ntinue to use it in the their teen-age years.
Mr. Tipps recoqnized Mr. David Holbraak to approach the podium.
Mr. David Halbroak, Amateur Softball Association (ASA) asked if the City could
bid to host the girls fastpitch metro and regional tournaments. Mr. Browne
stated that the Department would be glad to assist the NRGSL in bidding for
~hose tournaments. The fields at Fossil Creek Park are not yet up to ASA
minimu~i specificatians. Further discussion was held.
ITEM 12: 1990 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Mr. Browne gave the fallowing informatiQn:
The Department Staff presented the proposed Goals and Objectives for 1990.
The City Council reviewed them and on January 27, 1990 during a warkshop.
The ~ouncil selected four of the goals that will be the top priarities in
tl~ie Department. The Department will maintain and accomplish the c~oals
that were initiall~r set in addition to those selected by Council.
A Year End - 1~89 Goals and Objectives Status Report was presented as an update.
Mr. Tipps asked what four goals at~d objectives were selected by COt111C11. Mr.
Browne stated tliat Council chose 1) To develop an effective methQd for pramoting
~epartmental activities through publication af a brochure, 2) To offer
screation programming to special identity groups (i.e. teen, special
populations, yauth), 3} To reduce an-the-job injuries, 4) To evaluate the cast
of athletic pragrams and maintain the tap quality provision of these services
tor the citizens af North Richland Hills with an appropriate fee schedule.
No further discussion was held.
ITEM 13: P~?RKS DIVISION REPORT
Mr. Giacomarra gave the following report:
Fassil Creek Park: Texas Utilities will remave three poles and add one pale in
the back af the park for better security lighting. Construction of the
concession stand is continuing. The NRGSL may have to contribute iii the
finishing of the inner part af the building. A backstop will be installed on
Field #3.
Richfield Park: RYA aqreed to paint the cancession stand, restroom and the
rest ~~f the building. They have alsa agreed to replace the quartz lights on
Fields 1 and 2 with metal halides. The steel poles were checked and the
report came back with good results. The tennis court lights' S00 watt
bulbs will be replaced with 1500 watts.
Norich Park: The tennis court light control has a timer system. During
the last starm a fuse was replaced. The restraoms have been repainted due
~ tl~e excessive graffiti.
Northfield Park: The ballfields are bEing reworked. R drinking fountain is on
order to be placed between Fields 2 and All the equipment is being painted
or repaired.
'ze Department has purchased a tree spade with the City of BedfQrd and is being
-=-~oused behind the barn on Watauga Road. Arrangements will be made for someone
fror~~ Vemeer to give a demonstration for the Division staff, Bedford's
staff, qolf course and public warks staff.
The tree farm at the golf course is being leveled off. It is being prepared
for planting. The Northfield tree farm is doing well.
At Northfield Park, near the gazebo, two shelters have been erected ~ver
existing picnic table sites. They are 12' x 16' and made of aluminum costing
appraximately $400.
The Rufe Snow/Glenview Drive Island is near completion. The irrigation has
been ~nstalled, which aIl material and labor were donated. The controller was
the onl~r item purchased. The electrical, paver stones and planted have been
installed. The gras~ sEeds will be the final steps for that project.
~ther proposed beautification projects are:
The median at Rufe Snow and starburst
The median at Starnes and Davis Boulevard
Mr. Hightshae is working on the cast estimates and drawinqs for these proposed
projects. The cost to irrigating the medians at Harwood is also I'~~lI1C~ worked
LIp .
Ti~ps asked far further discussian. Mr. Rick whitlock approached the
-podium. He asked what the NRGSL will be having ta do to complete the building.
Mr. Giacomarro stated that the Management Services Department was in control of
the construction af the cancession stand. Ms. Allen made comment as to what
Mr. Whitlock was asking - whether there would be wall, sheetrock or other items
supplied there. Mr. Browne stated that the Parks and Recreation Department
will look into assisting the Maiiagement Services Department in that tliey izad
limited funds going into the project and are doing as much as they can. Mr.
Browne stated that he will meet with Ms. Allen and try to work samething out
cooperatively with the Parks and Recreation Department and volunteer help to
get the concessian stand completed. Ftirther discussion was held.
ITEM 15: DISCUSSION OF OTHER ITEMS
1. Oscar Trevino - Letter dated December 15, 1989.
Mr. Browne explained that Mr. Trevino could not be present at the
Board meetings due to his business requiring him to be out of town
an the first Monday and Tteesday of each month. Mr. Trevino is
requesting that the Board consider meeting on another day af the week.
If that is not possible, Mr. Scama who appointed Mr. Trevina, is here
to discuss other alternatives. The alternatives would be to give
Mr. Trevino leave, reappointing, or using the alternate Board member.
Mr. Tipps recalled that in the past Mondays always seemed to be the
best day for the Board's meetings. Mr. Scoma approached the podium
and explained Mr. Trevino's positian. Mr. Trevino would be kept away
for at least anath~r six months. Further discussion was held.
Mr. Parks requested that time be given to consider the options.
Mr. Tipps asked f~~r further discussian.
...-~r. Parks commended Mr. Giacomarro and the Parks Division c~n the success nf the
Christmas tree lighting. Mr. Parks commended Mr. Browne far successfully
completing the co-purchase of the tree spade. Ms. Battles commended the Mr.
Giacomarra for his time and effort on his own for aIl the parks, t~ir. Tipps
thanked the audience for their attendance.
ADJ~URNMENT . Ms. Battles made a motion to adjouriz. Mr. Fenimore
seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous in favor
of adjournment at 7:52 P.M..
ATTEST:
Don Tipp Gina Gonzalez
Chairman Recording Secretary