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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 1989-04-03 Minutes ~P~ c~ . CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS Parks and Recreation Board of the City of North Richland Hills April 3, 1989 at 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers, City Hall, 7301 Northeast Loop 820 BOARD IN ATTENDANCE . Don Tipps, Vice Chairman J. Douglas Davis Sharon Battles Bobbie Lambert BOARD NOT IN ATTENDANCE . David McGilvary, Chairman Bob Fenimore Ron Parks Wade Parkey ALSO IN ATTENDANCE . Jim Browne, Director of Parks & Recreation Jack Giacomarro, Parks Superintendent-PARD Monica S. Walsh, Recreation Superintendent-PARD MEETING CALLED TO ORDER . Don Tipps, 6:35 P.M. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES . Mr. Davis made motion to approve and accept the minutes of the March 14, 1989 Pre-Board and Rescheduled Parks and Recreation Board meeting. Ms. Battles seconded the motion. Vote was in favor of acceptance by those in attendance at the March 14, 1989 Board meeting. NEW BUSINESS . ITEM 4: PARKS DIVISION REPORT/UPDATE Mr. Giacomarro gave the following report: Northfield Park: Some of the softball games have been rained out. The sand volleyball court has been completed and is functional. Richfield Park: The RYA has continued improvements at the ballfields by laying sod on some of the infields, putting up the t-ball diamond fencing and installed some irrigation. The security lights and ballfield lights are now working. The tennis and basketball courts have been resurfaced and touched-up. Fossil Creek Park: The NRGSL hosted their opening ceremonies on April 1. Their meeting room and restrooms have been completed and functional. Norich Park: Two lights have been added to the basketball court. Twenty-six (26) red tipped photinias and a couple of youpon hollies have been planted at the Parks Division Maintenance Barn to improve its appearance. The last frost damaged some of the shrubs in the City and we are waiting a few weeks to see if they show signs of recovery. The Parks Division has 10 maintenance workers, one of those 10 has been permanent.ly assigned to take care of beautification and landscaping for the ~ City. ITEM 5: ATHLETICS/RECREATION REPORT/UPDATE Ms. Walsh gave the following reportJupdate: 1. Recreation Center Programs, Classes and Activity Report: The 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt was held on March 18 at Richfield Park with much success. Three hundred-fifty (350) children and 450 adults participated. The Easter Egg Coloring Contest had 32 entrants. A summer brochure is in the process of being put together listin~ class, adult athletics, and program information as well as promoting the youth sports, civil and cultural organizations. Adertising W~i1 not take up more then 60% of the brochure. Fifteen-thousand (15,000) brochures will be distributed to homes in North Richland Hills. After obtaining reports from different cities, we have found this procedure to gain a large response to their programs. The new spring session of recreation classes will begin April 24 for six weeks. 2. Athletic Programs, Tournaments and Activity Report: The softball season began league play on March 20, 1989 with 78 teams participating this season. There is a possibility of 6-10 church teams joining the program approximately April 10. The Division is currently working on a ASA Metro Softball tournament for church teams in July or August, 1989. We are expecting a large response. A softball managers meeting was held March 7, 1989 with approximately 95% of the managers attending. An umpires meeting was held an March 12. The city has 22 umpires working in the adult softball program this season. An NYSCA Clinician Training session was on March 30. Thirteen (13) board members from the youth organizations attended and were certified as NYSCA clinicians. 3. Special Events, Programs and Seasonal Activity Report: Ms. Loftice attended the University of North Texas Internship Job Mart in Denton on March 2 and made contact with several students. Interviews have been conducted for an intern for the summer session. Ms. Loftice also attended an NTRA meeting in Hurst on Camputer Programming for recreation programs on March 3. Ms. Walsh and Mr. Browne attended the annual TRAPS Convention held in Arlington March 7-9. Mr. Browne added that the brochure containing the commercial advertising has the potential of being a no-cost item for the Department or the tax payers. ITEM 6: SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER REPORT Ms. Maryann Gibson gave the following report/update: _ A grant has been awarded from the Tarrant County Community Development Block Grant Program for $60,000 to enlarge the senior citizen center 1,000- 1,200 square feet for as a multipurpose room. Exercise classes, dances, and other social functions can be held there. A meeting on April 4 will be held presenting the tentative plans for the enlargement. On April 6 Mayor Brown will present a program on city planning and growth. National Issue Forum presented a pro~ram on health care for the elderly. JoAnn Newman, ~ formerly of the Peace Corp, presented slides and a program on Africa. Jim Wilkinson, NRH Crime Prevention Officer, presented a program an safety tips for seniors. A field trip is being planned for April. The seniors will have a picnic in Forest Park, weather permitting, and then visit the Lo~ Cabin Village. The Center gained 12 new members. The exercise class has grown ta the point that the participants are in the hallways, on the back ramp, etc.. A St. Patrick's Day party was held with good eating. ITEM 7: RICHTAND YOUTH ASSOCIATION REPORT/UPDATE Mr. John Willia.mson, Vice President of the RYA gave the following report: Five (5) Board members were certified March 30 as NYSCA clinicians. The baseball season is about to begin with a tentative date of April 17 or 24 depending on the fields and weather. The season registration produced 20 t-ball teams, 16 Shetland teams, 9 Mustang teams, 9 Bronco teams, and 9 Pony teams. RYA would like to coordinate, opening night, a board member on each field ta throw out the first ball of the season. A firm date will be given to the Parks and Recreation Department to be forwarded to the Board. Sod has been laid on the infields of Bronco and Shetland fields. In a few days the Mustang will be sodded. The base lines have been leveled out and clay is being brought in. It W~i1 take a couple of weeks for the root system to begin and would like permission to lock the gates for this purpase. Mr. Browne stated that staff is in agreement with locking the gates for this reason. Mr. Tipps added that the Board is also in agreement. ITEM 8: NORTH RICHLAND GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE REPORT/UPDATE Ms. Karen Allen, Commissioner, NRGSL gave the following report: The Opening Ceremony was held on April 1. It was very successful. S~t. Womack of the NRH Police Department provided a police escort for the parade. The NRGSL made an agreement with Sgt. Womack that this would be the last year for the children to ride in open vehicles (trucks) due to the safety hazard it might cause. Ms. Allen assured the Board that there were sufficient chaperons in each vehicle to see to the safety of the children. This is not a state law, but Sgt. Womack did state that it is his personal policy not to allow this type of transportation without provision of seatbelt. Team pictures were taken of 19 teams. A General Meeting was held at 11 A.M.. Mr. Giacomarro and the Mayor represented the City at the Ceremony. The occupancy certificate was granted and posted. Games were played from 12 P.M. to 6 P.M. Caach certification clinics for their organization has been tentatively set up for April 4 and 6 at the Recreation Center. There are 285-300 girls registered to play this season. The league play be~ins April 10. Four NRGSL Board members were certified as clinicians. An open invitation was given to attend the ballgames at Fossil Creek Park. Ms. Allen thanked Mr. Giacomarro for his attendance at the Opening Ceremonies. Mr. Tipps asked how the NRGSL handles situations involving girls whose families are not financially able to handle the fees of the league but she desires to play. Ms. Allen stated that they have a Funding Program which takes care of these children in a confidential matter. Most parents wish to handle this on a payment basis. No one is turned away as long as the girl does desire t~ play. The cost for each girl is $30 which covers a (ttirough the Capital Improvement Program) and 1938 {throu~h the Parks an~~i Recreati~~n Uepartment). ~is. Oejisky stated that she feels that tliere is now a stronoer support for swimming poals in ~ort.h Richland Hills. Also, twc~ high schools with swim teams neeil a pla~e to pra~ti~~e and hol.d rneets . Currerttly they are tzar.sportino themselves cr~ss-towu to train. ~ir. Browne then addrF~ssed tl~~e CUIRit0.1[11C}- P~lrkS. The D~~p<<rtu~eiit lias drafted and prop~~sed a`lanci.at~.~r>' Park L<<nd Urdinance in ~~hic:n de~'el~peis kuu.ld provicle ~and ar cash in lieu ~~f l~~nd. TY!e Board reconunended that this group look int~ the sc~ccer fields on the schaol district property behinrl Richland Plaza. The Board also encouraoed Ms. Oejisl~y to keep their fight going. Ms. Sherry Conaway, 6212 rlbboCt, North Richlanci Hi11s, Texas 76130 lts. Conaway stated that she would lilce to have s~~ccer fields built north of Loop 820. The fields behiiid Richland Plaza are too distant. Mr. Browne explained that there is no open space available F~r any type of fields in existing parks north of Loop 820. Ms. Conaway also vaiced her support for swimming pools. ° ITEM 9: REQUEST FOR SKATEBOARD RAMP Mr. Browne reviewed with t:~e Board that a present~;tion was ir~ade by ~Ir. Ricky Yates, a concerned parent of a child skateb<~arder. He is tryit~g to coordinate an effort to propose funding a skatebaard ramp prvject, in Ric.hfield Park, tl'irough contributions and sponsorsnip by coimnunity businesses. The ramp was discussed at length during the l:ist Board meetin;, including an agreement that children should be kept off streets while skateboarding. 'rhe City Attorney and the Rislc Management Co~amitCee point oF view is caith our city bein; self- insured this type of facility, beino a nioh risl~ facility, w~~uld not be appropriaCe a[ this time, due to the city's current Finau~ial consideratious. ~ number of factors were ctiscussed: tlie lucation of a ramp, if parlc land is available, ii~creaseil vandalism, the irijury f~lctoc•, the prc~,:imity uf the rainp would be ne:~t to the ne~ly resurfaced tennis .iu~ ~askeLb»11 ~ouits, parkino is ~till iiisufFic:ient, etc.. RichField Park is currently 95% developed. The super~isic~n and ongoing maintenance oP this t}~pe of facility is also to be considered. The Eoard is now requested tu ~nake a recom?ne~iclatiou to City Coucicil a~ to wheCher or not t.his facility should supported. Discussion was held by~ the Board un the skateboard ramp. Mr. Tipps made a suggestion that Mr. Yates consider a pri~ate enterprise for this topic. ~Ir. Davis cammented that all tlle skateh~ard recre~tion facilities have gone out of tusiness. Motion was made by Mr. Davis that the Board not endorse or give further consideration to the request for a city skateboard ramp. Ms. Battles seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous of the motion. ITEM 10: GOALS A~D OBJECTIVES - 1988~89 The City itana~er and City ~ouncil ha~.~e appro~°~>d the 1933/39 Go:~ls au~i Objectives submitted by the Parks and Recreatic~n Departnient. This informati~'~n caas inc~lu~i~~-i in *i~P R~.ar•~- n~~rL-~r Discussion was held as to the progress of the current year's goals and what the primary goals might be for the future. Mr. Browne stated that the Board's support is needed in helping us reach our goals for this year, as well as for the years to come. The Board will be kept informed of the Department's progress for the current year. The Board suggested that a pull-out type master plan survey/questionnaire be included in the recreation magazine, If a consulting agency were to be obtained for the master plan, they would conduct this type of survey. As well as this Department submitting the random survey conducted last fall. It is su~gested by staff that a waiting period be given to allow the Department to try to obtain a consulting firm for the master plan. Should we reach that point, the survey/questionnaire could be placed in the magazine. ~ ITEM 11: PARK LAND DEDICATION ORDINANCE The City Cauncil requested that the Parks and Recreation Board and Staff develap a park land dedication ordinance. Staff has worked from the College Station ordinance and adapted it to fit our situation. The College Station ordinance has been upheld in the supreme court. It is very important that tlie Board be fully aware of the content of the proposed ordinance in order to answer any questions the public may put forth. If this draft is acceptable, it will be submitted to the Planning & Z~ning Commission for any suggestions or changes. Once an acceptable draft has been attained, it will be sent to the city attorney for legality. When approved by legal, ~oint public hearings with the Planning & Zoning Commission and this Board will be scheduled. After the public hearings ~ have been he1d, the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board should recommend to Council the adoption of this proposed ordinance. At this time, it is requested that the Board analyze and/or provide additional input towards a final proposed Park Land Dedication Ordinance. Discussion was held on this ordinance by the Board in reference to the methodology of the amount of land to be dedicated. Mr. Browne stated that there is flexibility in this ordinance in favor of the City. All monies received in lieu of land would have to be used in the same area in which the money was attained. The propased ordinance from two years ago was also used in creating this ordinance. Mr. Davis stated that he was concerned that Council would not be in favor of this ordinance. Mr. Browne stated that City Council had requested that this ordinance be rewritten for adoption. Motion was made by Mr. Lambert to endorse the proposed Park Land Dedication Ordinance. Ms. Battles seconded. Vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. ITEM 12: RECREATION REVENUE ACCOUNT The Parks and Recreation Board requested staff to report on recreation revenue accounts at the March 14, 1989 Board meeting. Mr. Browne stated that staff is in favor of putting monies generated by recreation programs back into recreation program accounts. The Board is asked to review the submitted infotmation and to become more familiar how other cities handle this type of budgeting procedure. Due to the budget process beginning it would be unrealistic to try to include this in the new budget. Discussion was held on recreation revenue account. Ms. Battles found this - to be an uphill battle in Aaltom City. Mr. Tipps asked where all the revenues generated by the Department deposited. Mr. Browne stated that it goes into the City's General Fund. Mr. Browne commented that this will be a long process and lengthy research will be done. Mr. Tipps stated that this should be considered and find out what would need to be done next with Staff's guidance. ITEM 13: DISCUSSION OF OTHER ITEMS Mr. Browne commented that Messrs. Fenimore and Parks are working on projects out of town and do not want to lase them as Parks and Recreation Board members. Mr. Browne requested that the Board excuse them from Board meetings due to their outside responsibilities, which should continue for a couple of months. Discussion was held as to whether Mr. Parkey's absences were due to outside responsibilities. Mr. Browne stated that Mr. Parkey is also subjected to outside responsibilities on Monday evenings. Ms. Battles asked if Manday evenings should be retained for regular Board meetings days. Motion was made by Mr. Lambert to recognize the outside responsibilities of the other Board members and feel that they are still contributing members and should not be penalized for their absence for a reasonable length of time. Ms. Battles seconded. Vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Mr. Davis acknowledged Mr. Browne's outstanding report on skateboard ramp liabilities. Mr. Browne thanked Mr. Davis and insured the Board that they will continue to receive as much information as possible to assist them in making good decisions. Mr. Lambert asked about the budget schedule. Mr. Browne answered by saying that April 28 is the deadline for the Basic Operating Line Items. If the Board desires a"budget workshop" may be held prior to or after the regular Board meeting on May l, 1989 or any other day. Few Decision Packages will be accepted this year and no increase in taxes is foreseen. The Board's suppart is requested. Ms. Battles sug~ested a"dinner/budget workshop" prior to the May 1 Board meeting. Mr. Browne suggested that the dinner be scheduled at 5:30 P.M. and the Board meeting begin at 7:00 P.M. in the Recreation Center. Mr. Tipps suggested that Board members pick up their packets in order to save at least $14 per month per member on postage. pair of shorts, t-shirt and, team and individual pictures. The girl must provide her tennis shoes and a glove. Mr. Tipps then moved that Item 13 - Discussion of Other Items be moved before Item 9. ITEM 13: DISCUSSION OF OTAER ITEMS (PARTIAL COVERAGE) Ms. Janell Oejisky, 7613 Jean Ann, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180 gave the following presentation on swimming pools: Ms. Oejisky stated that she represents a larger group of parents wanting a public swimming facility in North Richland Hills. The senior high schools in Birdville ISD have swim teams with no local facilities. It is their request that consideration be given to build a facility similar to that of Plano, Texas. This facility's construction would be beneficial for year round activity. They would like to work with the school district on this project. The area across from the high school be considered as a sight. Another area addressed is to provide more apen play parks also provide more soccer fields. The hi~h schools have soccer teams without a field ta practice on. Ms. Oejisky also stated that the group supports a S Year Master Plan for Parks and Recreation and incorporating new park facilities for existing neighborhoods, the swim facility complex, and land appropriated fox• new neighborhoods parks. Also, they would like for the Board to support the school district for additions to the summer programs currently in progress that would benefit the junior high and high schools athletic programs. This should cover fitness, agility type programs which are in neighboring cities. This program would influence the athletic programs provided by the school district. Any revenues generated by the Parks and Recreation Department should go back into that Department's fund, not a general fund. Mr. Browne stated that he had met with these ladies on March 27. The history of the swimming pool issue was reviewed. The swimming pool issue was addressed in the 1982-87 Master Park Plan. Funds were not made available then. In 1985 the Citizens Capital Improvement Program Committee addressed the swimming pools. The result was that swimming pools did not rank high enough to be included in that $40 million bond package. Some of the items that did were the police station, the new fire station, the new recreation center, streets, drainage, etc.. Due to the slow economy, only $20 million of bonds have been sold, therefore, only half of these items have not been put into effect ta date. In reference to the Master Plan, citizen concerns such as these need to be addressed and included in the Master Plan for 1990-95. All the different user groups need to be included in the preparation af the Plan. The Board is welcomed to discuss those desires and needs. Mr. Tipps added that at one time a caoperative venture was tried between the school district and the city. A survey was done at that time, but again swimming pool did not rank high enough with the concerns of the citizens of this city. Due to the lack of funds, interest ar~d cooperativeness the swimming pool issue was not started. Mr. Tipps added that two random surveys have been distributed two different times in 1985 Mr. Giacomarro requested the Board review the man-hours report. Ms. Battles asked if there is a breakdown of resident to non-residents utilizing the recreation center. Ms. Walsh stated that daily sign-in sheets show if the visitors are residents or non-residents. ADJOURNMENT . Mr. Lambert made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Battles seconded. Vote was u.nanimous in favor of adjournment at 8:39 P.M.. Respectfully S bmit d: ~ . Gi a G. Gonzalez Recording Secretary