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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 1989-03-14 Minutes ,U~~ '~9 , , CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND IiILLS ~ Parks and Recreation Board of the City af North Richland Aills March 14, 1989 at 6:30 P.M. Pre-Council Chambers, City Hall, 7301 Northeast Loop 820 BOARD IN ATTENDANCE . David McGilvary J. Douglas Davis Wade Parkey Bob Fenimore BOARD NOT IN ATTENDANCE . Don Tipps Ran Parks Sharon Battles Bobbie Lambert ALSO IN ATTENDANCE . Jim Browne, Director of Parks & Recreatian Jack Giacomarro, Parks Superintendent-PARD Monica S. Walsh, Recreation Superintendent-PARD Vickie Loftice, Recreation Coordinator-PARD Dawn Reimann, Recreation/Athletics Clerk-PARD MEETING CALLED TO ORDER . David McGilvary, 6:45 P.M. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES . Mr. Davis made motion to approve and accept the minutes of the January 5, 1989 Parks and Recreation Board meeting. Mr. Fenimore seconded the motion. Vote was in favor acceptance by those in attendance at the January 5, 1989 Board meeting. NEW BUSINESS . ITEM 4: PARRS DIVISION UPDATE Mr. Giacomarro gave the following report/update: Richfield Park: Improvements are continuing on the basketball and tennis courts. The parking lot extension has been completed. A work order has been submitted to install security lights an the east side of the creek bed in the park - the meter and transformer have been hooked up. The ladies restroom conunodes have not been replaced; the Support Services Division does not have the funds for this replacement. Discussion was held on the replacement. Northfield Park: The volleyball court has been completed and the softball fields are ready for the season Irrigationlsprinklers have been added around the fields. Norich Park: The security lights need to be replaeed. Additional lights will be installed at basketbalZ courts. The light poles are approximately 40 feet high ~nd access to a bask~t truck is not likely. Fossil Creek Park: Electric light fixtures are being replaced tor the upcoming season. The youth organization would like to move the fence which would close the road off going xnto the park. Council approval would be needed to move the fence. Mr. David Barfield has contacted the Parks Division concerning plans ta build a small neighborhood park at his expense at Amundson and Smithfield Road. ITEM 5: ATHLETICS/RECREATION DIVISION UPDATE Ms. Walsh gave the following report/update: Recreation classes have begun with a great enrollment in several classes - gymnastics and aerobics are filled ta capacity. A JTPA student from Richland High School is working 15 haurs per week at the Recreation Center checking out equipment and setting up chairs and tables for rentals. The JTPA program is providing his wages. Ms, Varner was hired as the new temporary part-time person. Ms. Varner was previously employed by the City of Denton-PARD as a Center SupervisoY. Co-rec vol~.eyball leagues began January 19. There are seven power teams and seven recreativnal teams in the league. Spring softball registration will began Friday, February 20, currently, it appears as though the season _ will begin with 78-84 teams, the season should begin on March 13, 19$9. The city basketball play-offs were held in February. Two teams represented North Richland Hi1Is in the TAAF Region IV Regionals, February 17-Z9 in Bedford Mr, Browne and Ms. Walsh attended a TAAF meet~ng to set regional play-off ctates for athletic tournaments. Ms. Walsh attended a Sports Management School ixi Plano January 30-February 2, 1989. Jim Carr, Umpire- in-Chief 1987-88, resigned due ta his full-time work schedule at Bell Helicopter. Ms. Walsh will be scheduling the scorekeeper and umpires this 1989 spring season. A scorekeepers clinic has been scheduled for February 28, 1989, 6:30-8:30 P.M. at the Re~reation Center. Mr. Browne and Ms. Walsh met with NRGSA and RYA youth organizations to set their Board member's certification clinic. No dates have been set for the certification. Ms. Walsh attended a North Texas Recreation Association meeting in Fort Worth on swnmer programs. Ms. Walsh also attended the Texas State TectuLical Institute meeting an January 20, 1989 for an Advisory Cammittee meeting. Ms. Vickie Loftice was hired as the new Recreatiori Coordinator. Ms. Loftice was previously emplayed by the City af Denton- PARD for five years. She began work on February 20, 1989. During ~he manthly meeting of February, Mr. Browne attended an ASA Metro meeting in Fart Worth on February 1 and the NRPA Revenue Sources Management School in Colorado February 20-26, 1989. The 3rd Annual American Airlines Basketball Tournament was held at the Recreation Center February 14-16. Sixteen teams were in attendance from several major cities in the United States. An exhibition game between the "No Dope Express" (forcner pro-am/NBA players) and American Airlines AZ1 Stars (all-star players from the tournamnt) was played as a finale to the event. This tournament brought in $1,170.00 in rental revenue, $76.50 in overtime pay, and $39.50 in t-shirt sales commissions. They have contaeted the Recreation Division concerning dates for next year, ITEM b: NORTH RICHLAND HILLS SE1dIOR CENTER REPORT - A representative was not present for this report. ITEM 7: RICHLAND YOUTH ASSOCIATION REPORT Mr. Willianisan, Vice President of the Richland Youth Association gave the following reportJupdate: The basketball season has almost ended with good results. The organization has bid for a Pony League World Series (9-10 year olds) to be held at Richfield Park. This also comes with other activities/tournaments. Mr. Williamson also requested the Board's approval to ask for voluntary donations from the spectators aild to canvas businesses for discount coupons. The Board stated that a"voluntary donation" was acceptable, but the entrance to the park could not be blocked for this donation, and the sign must state "voluntazy donation". Mr. Williamson asked if the RYA could put on their flyers that the City is a co-sponsor to their program. A motion was made l~y Mr. Parkey to co-sponsor the tournaments with the flyers stating "Co-Sponsored by the North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Fenimare seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous in favar of the motion. Durin~ the RYA's registration sessions they requested permissian to print on them that they were "an approved association of the North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department". Mr. Browne stated that wording might imply "sponsorship by the c:ity". He gave alternate suggestions, i.e. "facilities provided by or "in cooperation with Mr. Williamson did state that he preferred "in cooperation with Mr. Browne requested that RYA submit a flyer prior to print for approval. A youth organization called the "Gladiators" were at their last RYA Board meeting and were looking for "all star" participants for an elite team. They requested permission to pass out flyers to inform parents. The RYA Board did vote against the flyers being passed aut and against endorsing this group. Mr. Wi1liaYnson also requested that the City provide the RYA with plastic trash bags f~x excess trash during their use of Richfield Park. Mr. Giacomarro stated that he would have bags in the concession for their use. Mr. Williamson carried a request from the Director of Field Maintenance: 1. Cou1d the fire ants be exterminated? Mr. Giacomarra stated that the ants are being treated with Diazinon and application of stronger or toxic chemicals is prohibited. 2. There lias been "$10,000.00" expended on the improvement of the baseball fields - is there any way to prohibit the general public access to the fields? Mr. Parkey also added that hundreds of dollars are spent for the reparation and improvement of the fields and the public sh~uld be kept off the fields during the season. Mr. Browne stated that Richfield is a public park and is open t~ the public. The narmal citizen utilizing the field could not harm the fields by playing ball or running on the fields. Mr. Parkey added that signs should be placed on the fields stating the same as Northfield Park's field signs concerning reservations. Mr. Parkey made a motion that signs be placed on the Richfield Park ballfields using the same wordage as Northfield Park's field reservation signs to reinforce the scheduling policy. The arotion was seconded and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Mr. Williamson concluded by asking if the ceiling could be repaired in the restrooms. Mr. Giacomarro W~ii check into this item. ITEM 8: NORTH RICffi~AND GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION A representative could not be present, but the following report, submitted by Karen Allen, Commissioner, was read by the Recording Secretary: "Due to a conflict with our coaches meeting tonight, we are unable to attend this meetin~. With Gina's help we are able to give the Board a brief report: 1. We have completed our softball registration, but are still taking in late registrants. As of March 13 we have a total of 21 recreation teams and 2 recruited teams, giving us about 225 girls. We will continue to take girls all the way up to the start of ouz~ league play. 2. Our meeting raom is completed, we had our shower floor installed last night, with the help of several very generous men from RYA, and will have our plumbing on our sinks installed Wednesday. Only with permission from the City are we able to use our meeting room tonight. We will be able to get an inspection on it by the end of this week. 3. We will hopefully be involved in inner league play with Colleyville for our recreation teams in ages 8 through 16 and will have league pla,y with Everman for our two recruited teams. 4. Through donations from Board Members (NRGSL), coaches and others we have been able to raise over $600.00 to purchase a used pitching machine for our recreation teams. 5. Our Opening Day Ceremanies are scheduled far April 1, beginning with a parade down Rufe Snow at 10:00 A.M., followed by team pictures taken at the park, a general meeting about 12:00 P.M. fun and games for the teams starting about 1:00 P.M. "We invite everyone to come on out for ou~ Opening Day or any ather time during our ball season. "Thank You, "NRGSL Board of Directors" ITEM 9: REQUEST FOR SRATEBOARD RAI~P AT RICHFIELD PARR Mr. Rick Yates, North Richland Hil.ls Mr. Yates stated that the participation of skateboarders is growing. Anything children would like to do that does not include dru~s, violence, etc., should be promoted. A national survey showed 1ow major injuries and minimal minor injuries. Children should be given consideration af fair treatment. The NRH Police Officers Association has stated that they will help financially support the building of a skateboard ramp with no cast to the _ city. Al1 that would be needed is a space provided by the City. Mr. Yates also stated that he has plans on the construction ~f the ramp. It takes approximately 4-5 days to construct a ramp. The City of Grapevine's cost for their skateboard ramp was approximately $7,000,00. Mr. Fenimure stated that the Board would need to look at the City's of Grapevine and Keller ramps and get a legal opinion before making a recommendation. Mr. McGilvary stated that there could not be staff supervision. The liability boundaries and locatian would have to be given to staff and to the legal staff for review. Mr. Browne said that he had spoken to Mr. Mark Mailes, Acting Directar of the City af Grapevine-PARD. Mr. Mailes stated that he was concerned with 1) the influx of older teenagers fram other communities, 2) teenagers at the park past curfews with loud music, etc.. The staff's concerns are tliat funds are not available to provide supervisory staff or financially support maintenance within our current budget for this project. The Parks and Recreation Board would need to make reconunendation to Council as to whether or not the use of the park land we have would best be served by this type of facility. Based ou NRPA standards ttie city has less than ane-half of the park acreage it should for parks or park land for a city our size. Development of this available land must be done carefully. Mr. Browne continued by stating that the city's legal staff would be consulted on whether the skateboazd ramp would be an acceptable liability risk. Another consideration would be whether the participants would limit themselves to the ramp or whether they would move to the tennis and/or basketball courts, the parking lot, etc.. In addition, a visit should be scheduled ta other cities to view their ramps and and ask questians of their staff. Mr. Browne concluded by saying that he is in agreement with the philosophy that recreational facilities should be provided, and there is a need for this type of recreational service - but we must prioritize the services we provide and put that intv perspective with other facilities and services the Department provides. The Recreation Center was suggested as a location. Mr. Browne explained that the parking 1ot which belongs the to the City is already inadequate to meeting the current parking demand for the Recreation Center. After the first drive to the east of the building the property belongs to another property owner, not the City. Motion was made by Mr. Fenimore to request staff to look at liability cancerns and have the Board and Staff tour the other area city skateboard ramps. Mr. Parkey seconded the mation and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Mr. Browne requested a copy of the proposed plans from Mr, Yates far review. ITEM 10: DEPARTMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES - 1988/89 Mr. Browne stated that the attached Goals and Objectives have been approved by City Council and should be reviewed by a full Board meeting. Mr. Browne ex~ressed his desire far the Board to become more informed and involved in the decision making process. The Board will be receiving _ infarmation as it becomes available, including involvement in the budget pr~cess. Educational opportunities will be requested in the budget for the Chairman and an alternate member of the Board to attend the NRPA Congresses and the TRAPS Conference. Mr. Browne also reaffirmed that the Baard is an advisory body and with that in mind we all can do a better job of evaluating p3rk and recreation needs and relating them to staff and city council. ITEM 11: MASTER PLAN REQUEST 1990-95 Mr. Browne stated that the Department is currently operating without a master plan. The last master plan expired in 1987. Mr. Browne suggested a request be made by the Board to prepare a"request for proposal" to have a Master Plan for 1990-95 be professionally prepared by a consulting firm. Mr. Parkey made a motion to have staff prepare a"request for proposal" to have the master plan professionally prepared. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. ITEM 12: MANDATORY PARR LAND DEDICATION Council has requested that staff and the Parks and Recreation Board become involved in the preparation of an ordinance for park land dedication. Council has also requested that public hearing be scheduled to discuss land dedication ordinances. The Board then requested that staff prepare a draft ordinance and send the Board a copy of the draft. - ITEM 13: DISCUSSION OF OTHER ITEMS 1. Mr. Browne explained that the contracting for Northfield Park concessions has been given back to the Department. It has been considered to give nonprofit groups (i.e., youth organizations, Lians Club, ~:iwanis, etc.) a chance to make a competitive bid to manage the concession on a percentage basis. 2. The Parks and Recreation Department is conducting a feasibility study on operating a recycling program. • 3. Mr. Browne informed the Board of Department requests for mid-year budget adjustments: A. An increase from $15,000 to $38,500 for the "instructors pay" account (Special Services). Due to the recreation program having liad such a large response in registration. SixCy percent (60%) of registration goes to the instructors and 40% to the city of all recreation class revenues. The Board expressed its desire for a recreation enterprise fund be re-requested. B. Two additional parks maintenance workers will be requested for the Parks Division. Some of the additional duties for the Division are intensive maintenance at city hall and the Watauga Road median (1.9 miles). Vickie Loftice announced the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held oci March 18, 1989 at 10:00 A.M. at Richfield Park. Area businesses have provided _ the Department with the donations of easter egg candy. ADJOURNMENT . Mr. McGilvary requested a motian for adjournment. Mr. Fenimore made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Parkey seconded. Vote was unanimous in favor of adjournment at 8:35 P.M. Respectfully Subm'tted, Gi a Gonzalez Recording Secretary