HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 2010-12-06 Minutes MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL WORKROOM, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820,
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
December 6, 2010 — 6:00 P.M.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice - Chairman Rodriguez called the meeting to order December 6, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Present:
Tito Rodriguez Vice -Chair
Ricky McElroy Board Member
Jay Crane Board Member
Mike Filis Board Member.
Marlin Miller Board Member
Brad Greene Board Member
Tracye Tipps Alternate
Staff Members: Vickie Loftice Managing Director of Community Services
Bill Thornton Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Sharon Davis Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Chris Swartz Waterpark Manager
Christina Lopez Administrative Secretary
Adrien Pekurney Recreation Center Manager
Absent: Marty Kusmierski Chair
2.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
None
3 -a.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 9, 2010 MEETING
APPROVED
MR. GREENE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 9, 2010 PARK AND
RECREATION BOARD MEETING. MR. CRANE SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5 -0.
Page 1 of 6
3 -b.
RECOMMENDATION TO REVISE ORDINANCE SEC 62 -2 RELATED
TO THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
APPROVED
Staff is requesting a revision to the Code of Ordinances, Sec 62 -2 related to the Use of
Alcoholic Beverages for specific events and functions at the new recreation center and
NRH2O.
The revision is intended to allow alcohol for the following purposes:
• Functions and events including weddings at the new banquet center and the
second floor terrace
• Special events, programs and private functions in and around the recreation
center civic plaza
• Exclusive private after -hour rentals at NRH2O
Given the cost recovery goals of the recreation center and the anticipated interest for
weddings and private events at the new banquet center, the ability to allow alcohol will
be important to attract and book groups, companies, businesses and individuals. Both
NRH2O and the Recreation Center have received numerous requests from companies
and businesses to allow alcohol at their company functions or during their facility rental.
By allowing alcohol, NRH2O we will be able to attract additional private exclusive rentals
and possibly other business during the off season. Alcohol would only be allowed for
private afterhours functions. A permit would be required and approved by the City
Manager or his designee for each function or event requesting alcohol.
The Park and Recreation Board raised concerns of allowing alcohol at the new
Recreation Center with its location, across the street from an elementary school. Staff
responded that we would need to apply for a variance from City Council. Concerns were
also discussed regarding security at events when alcohol is served. Staff responded
that the City would not be selling alcohol; alcohol will be purchased through a third party
with the City receiving proceeds from the sale. The third party, such as a caterer will be
required to hold a TABC License and security will be required for any event when
alcohol is being served.
Mr. Filis present at 6:20 p.m.
Mr. Miller has not read the ordinance, but requests that staff be very careful on how it is
drawn up. Staff assured the Board that the City Attorney will be approving the language
of the new ordinance.
Mr. McElroy inquired about the lifeguards and if they will be trained in handling people
who may have been consuming alcoholic beverages. Mr. Swartz responded, that
NRH2O staff has been trained in handling this type of situation
MOTION: MR. MILLER MOVED TO AMEND ORDINANCE 62 -2 TO ALLOW THE USE OF ALCOHOL
FOR SPECIFIC EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS AT THE RECREATION CENTER AND NRH2O WITH THE
Park and Recreation Board Minutes December 6, 2010
Page 2 of 6
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD REVIEWING THE FINAL ORDINANCE BEFORE IT IS FORWARDED
TO CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 5 -1
4 -a.
RECREATION CENTER NAMING FOLLOW -UP
AND GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
The Park and Recreation board reviewed possible names for the new recreation center
at their November 9, 2010 meeting and provided a recommendation to forward to the
Naming Board for their consideration. The Park and Recreation Board recommended
"NRH Union Centre ". The Naming Board was scheduled to meet on December 8 to
review the Park Boards recommendation and other options before forwarding a
recommendation to City Council.
4 -b.
RECREATION CENTER CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
City Council approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the construction of the
new Recreation Center at $20,970,654. A Notice to Proceed was sent to Byrne
Construction on November 9, 2010. Layout work has started. A pre- construction
meeting was held on November 16, 2010. A construction camera has been placed at
the Library, providing images which will document the construction progress
4 -c.
RECREATION CENTER FOCUS GROUPS UPDATE
Ms. Adrien Pekurney, Recreation Center Manager, presented an update on the four
focus group meetings held at the Recreation Center on November 4, 2010. Thirty -two
patrons participated and provided comments regarding customer service, new
programming and event ideas and marketing /promotion suggestions. Staff was able to
take immediate action on some of their suggestions regarding signage and staff visibility
within the Center. Additional input from the focus groups will help in training and
development plans for staff.
5 -a.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT ON LISTED ITEMS
CURRENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Ms. Sharon Davis, Assistant Director, updated the Park and Recreation Board on the
following:
Park and Recreation Board Minutes December 6, 2010 Page 3 of 6
The 11 Annual Night of Holiday Magic was held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the grounds of NRH2O. Approximately 12,000 people
attended. Along with staff setting up and working the event, there were more than 125
volunteers helping out.
The Richland Tennis Center welcomed Joey Molina who has joined the center as the
Head Tennis Professional. For the past nineteen years, Joey served as the Director of
Tennis at the Royal Oaks Country Club.
The North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department received four awards at the
Texas Recreation and Park Society's Region II & III Conference held in Garland in
November. Staff was honored to receive the 2010 Excellence in Programming in
Recreation & Aquatics for the 2010 Artsploration program and Excellence in
Programming for a Special Event for Generation Next. Lori Newman received the
Horizon Award presented to employees in the field with less than five years of
experience and Teddi Zonker - Visser received the Recreation Professional of the Year
award.
The Dan Echols Senior Center hosted their annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November
17 with Marlin Miller providing entertainment by playing the keyboard.
Both Dan Echols and Bursey Road Senior Center have scheduled their holiday
luncheons for their participants. Dan Echols will hold their luncheon on Wednesday,
December 15 and Bursey Road will hold their luncheon on Thursday, December 18.
Richland Tennis Center is planning their 7 Annual Toys for Tennis event scheduled for
Saturday, December 11, 2010. Toys collected go to the NRH Santa Cops program.
The 3rd annual Veterans Day Celebration was held on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at
11:00 a.m. at Liberty Park. Approximately 500 people attended. Fort Worth Christian
School provided patriotic music and Jeff Bolton, from 570 KLIF Radio Station, provided
an inspirational keynote address. The North American P -51 Mustangs from the
Cavanaugh Flight Museum provided a special flyover.
Mr. Miller inquired about the Night of Holiday Magic and the cost to provide the event.
Staff responded that the Night of Holiday Magic budget is $60,000 but we do recoup
some of that expense through sponsorships and user fees for a few of the activities.
5 -b.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT ON LISTED ITEMS
UPDATE ON PARKS CAPITAL PROJECTS
Mr. Bill Thornton updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following:
Park and Recreation Board Minutes December 6, 2010
Page 4 of 6
Schrickel Rollins and Associates have completed the detailed plans and specifications
to rebid the installation portion of NRH2O's new attraction. Bids will be opened on
December 16, 2010 with award of contract scheduled for Council consideration in early
2011. The Food Services Building will be re- designed by SRA. Once complete the Food
Services Building will be completed for opening in the 2012 season.
Construction on the Boulevard 26 Trail is progressing. The trail should be complete in
March 2011.
The Walker's Creek Trail connection to NRH2O will be completed this year. Parks and
Recreation will purchase the materials for the project with Public Works providing the
installation of the 10' wide trail.
Mr. Rodriguez inquired about the Community Garden. Staff responded that the
Community Garden is doing great.
Mr. Miller inquired if there have been any discussion of changing the turf at the dog
park. Mr. Thornton responded that staff has looked at a lot of different materials
including a hybrid of Bermuda which is very tough and is comparable in cost to regular
Bermuda; but no changes are anticipated at this time.
5 -c.
AQUATIC PARK MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Chris Swartz updated the Park and Recreation Board on the following:
NRH2O is currently selling season passes for the 2011 season. New this year is a
"layaway plan" which will allow the pass purchase to be spread out over several
months. This allows guests to receive the best discount and not be burdened with the
entire purchase price during the holiday season.
6.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Ms. Vickie Loftice reminded the Park and Recreation Board of the Recreation Center's
Ground Breaking Ceremony scheduled for December 9 at 9:00 a.m.
Appreciation gifts were handed out to Board Members thanking them for their service.
7.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice -Chair Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
Park and Recreation Board Minutes December 6, 2010 Page 5 of 6
4 . 11 4L110 146,
Tito Rodriguez, Vice- hair
ATTEST:
1
Christina Lopez, Adniinitiye Secretary
Park and Recreation Board Minutes December 6, 2010
Page 6 of 6