HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRB 2018-08-06 Minutes MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD IN THE CITY HALL 4301 CITY POINT DRIVE
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
AUGUST 6, 2018
A. CALL TO ORDER I
Chair Kusmierski called the meeting to order August 6, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Marty Kusmierski Chair
Mike Filis Vice-Chair
Tracye Tipps Board Member, Place 1
Russell Mitchell Board Member, Place 3
Vanessa Copeland Board Member, Place 4
Dianne Spradling Board Member, Place 6
Kenneth Reeves Board Alternate
Staff Members: Vickie Loftice Managing Director of Community Services
Bill Thornton Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Adrien Pekurney Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Frank Perez NRH2O General Manager
Gary Bechthold Parks Superintendent
Christina Lopez Office Coordinator
Absent: Suzy Compton Board Member, Place 2
Vickie Loftice, Managing Director of Community Services introduced the newest member
to the Park and Recreation Board, Mrs. Vanessa Copeland. Vanessa will be serving in
Place 4.
B CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
C. ACTION ITEMS
. C.1 APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 18, 2018 PARK AND RECREATION
BOARD MEETING.
APPROVED
PARK BOARD MEMBER RUSSELL MITCHELL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 18,
2018 PARK AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING. BOARD MEMBER DIANNE SPRADLING
SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-O.
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C.2 ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR.
Park Board Chair Marty Kusmierski opened nominations for positions of Park and
Recreation Board Chair and Vice-Chair.
PARK BOARD MEMBER TRACYE TIPPS MOVED TO NOMINATE MARTY KUSMIERSKI FOR THE
POSITION OF CHAIR AND MIKE FILIS FOR THE POSITION OF VICE-CHAIR. BOARD MEMBER DIANNE
SPRADLING SECONDED THE MOTION. I�i
�I
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-O.
C.3 RECOMMEND AMENDING ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 62 OF THE NORTH
RICHLAND HILLS CODE OF ORDINANCES AND THE RULES AND
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO PARKS, AND FORWARD A
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION.
Staff is recommending amendments to Article I, Chapter 62 of the North Richland Hills
Park and Recreation Code of Ordinances. Proposed amendments include the following:
• Sec. 62-2. - Alcoholic Beverages — Alcoholic beverages are currently allowed for
city-sponsored events at the following locations, NRH Centre Plaza, Grand Hall,
Stormy Plaza and NRHzO (during non-general public hours of operation). The
amendment adds the Song Space Amphitheatre for concerts and special events.
• Sec. 62-11. - Prohibited Activities —
- "Pets and other animals are not permitted at/on any park plaza of less than one
acre, including Stormy Plaza and Song Space Amphitheatre for the singular purpose
of a relief/potty area."
- "It shall be unlawful for any person to lead or ride a horse or horses within the
limits of any park or trail owned or leased by the city."
- "Vessels or watercraft, including but not limited to, powerboats, canoes, kayaks,
floating devices, or any such equipment capable of navigation on water are not
permitted in city lakes, ponds, creeks and channels."
- "It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally leap or jump from
any bridge, pier, abutment, or public right-of-way in the city into or towards a body
of water or the ground below."
- "It shall be unlawful for any person to use or possess any glass beverage
container in any park or trail owned or leased by the city."
• Permit required for non-sponsored organized groups and commercial trainers
—The amendment adds:
a. It shall be unlawful for a person to manage or participate in any non-sponsored
organized group activity in a city park, athletic field, or facility, without first obtaining
authorization by permit from the Director of Parks and Recreation or the Director's
designee.
b. It shall be unlawful for a person to provide fitness programs, activity instruction
or athletic instruction for compensation in any city park, athletic field, or facility,
Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 6, 2018 Page 2 of 6
without first obtaining authorization by permit from the Director of Parks and
Recreation or the Director's designee.
c. The Parks and Recreation Department shall promulgate regulations
implementing this section, which address the authorization system, permit types,
requirements and methods of issuance, limits on locations, hours and group size
restriction and other regulations as needed. j
d. For the purposes of this section, "non-sponsored organized group activity" means '�,
an organized group not officially recognized by, permitted through or contracted with I
the city Parks and Recreation Department that is engaged in various athletic ��
activities, including but not limited to gaming events that involve the use of a
baseball, softball, kickball, volleyball, football, soccer, Frisbee.
• Sec. 62.114-Dog Park Rules and Regulations. The amendment adds the dog parks
rules and regulations.
PARK BOARD MEMBER RUSSELL MITCHELL MOVED TO RECOMMEND AMENDING ARTICLE 1 OF
CHAPTER 62 OF THE NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CODE OF ORDINANCES AND THE RULES AND
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO PARKS AND FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION. PARK BOARD MEMBER KENNETH REEVES SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-O.
C.4 RECOMMEND TO SUPPORT PROCEEDING WITH THE NATIONAL FITNESS
CAMPAIGN FOR THE FITNESS COURT° GRANT APPLICATION.
National Fitness Campaign recently approached the NRH Parks and Recreation
Department as a potential partner with the city to bring The Fitness Court° to a North
Richland Hills outdoor location. This grant opportunity involves NFC funds, City Funds
and Private Sponsor Partner funds.
Ms. Adrien Pekurney, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation presented information
on the grant opportunity.
For over 30 years, National Fitness Campaign has been helping people across the
country live more active and healthy lives. NFC has partnered with over 4,000 cities and
schools to convert public spaces into community fitness hubs anchored by the world's
best outdoor gym, The Fitness Court�, including the City of Grapevine in 2017.
A funding snapshot for the project includes the City's contribution of $75,000, NFC
contribution $30,000 and Other (sponsors) of$60,000. Due to the budgeting process, this
would not be considered until FY19/20.
Park Board Member Mike Filis expressed concerns about adding another project without
addressing the need for a skateboard park. Ms. Vickie Loftice, Managing Director of
Community Services, commented that a skateboard park is a definite need in our
community, but would cost about $500,000 to $750,000. The Fitness Court would only
Park and Recreation Board Minutes August 6, 2018 Page 3 of 6
have a cost of$75,000 and would not take away from our ability to do a skateboard park I�,
in the future. '
PARK BOARD MEMBER RUSSELL MITCHELL MOVED TO FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION TO CITY
COUNCIL FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION IN PROCEEDING WITH THE NATIONAL FITNESS CAMPAIGN
"THE FITNESS COURT��� PARTNERSHIP AND GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS. PARK BOARD
MEMBER DIANNE SPRADLING SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-O.
D. PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
D.1 PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION I
FY2019 OPERATING BUDGET. ��
Ms. Vickie Loftice presented the Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation '
FY2019 Operating Budget.
D.2 PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND
NRH2O FY2019 CAPITAL BUDGET.
Mr. Bill Thornton, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the Park and
Recreation Facilities Development Corporation and NRH2O FY2019 Capital Budgets.
New projects include:
- Annual Tree Planting
- Linda Spurlock Park Renovation (Professional Services)
- NRH Centre Pool Re-plaster
- Park Infrastructure Maintenance 2019
- RTC Infrastructure Maintenance 2019
E. DEPARTMENT UPDATES & GENERAL INFORMATION
E.1 NRH2O FAMILY WATER PARK UPDATE
Mr. Frank Perez, NRHzO General Manager, presented an update on activities at NRH2O.
Highlights included:
• Dive-In Movie Series — NRHzO had a very successful Dive-In Movie series with
the old standby Jaws to the newer Black Panther.
• Charity Drives — NRH2O collected school supplies for the BISD PTA. NRH2O also
hosted a toy drive, Christmas in July, where an estimated $2,500 in toys were
donated to Toys for Tots.
• Fireworks — Fireworks at NRH2O continues to be one of the brightest attractions.
Their last Fireworks show is scheduled for this Saturday.
• Doggie Beach Bash — Doggie Beach Bash is scheduled for Saturday, September
29 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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• New Special Events — NRHzO began many new special events this season
including Mermaid Mondays. They also added an after-hours event for season
pass holders themed after the popular video game Fortnite. Guests enjoyed a live
DJ, dance competition and scavenger hunt through the park.
E.2 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT ON PARKS CAPITAL PROJECTS
Mr. Bill Thornton, Assistant Director, presented an update on Parks Capital Projects.
• Northfield Park Renovation — Substantial completion is scheduled for September
15, 2018.
• Norich Park Playground Replacement and Shade Project — The playground is
expected to reopen prior to August 20, 2018.
• Davis Flyover— Construction is expected to begin in August on the Davis Flyover.
Keep North Richland Hills Beautiful submitted a grant application for funding for
landscaping improvements for the Davis Flyover. Additional funding for the project
was also received from TxDOT's Green Ribbon program.
• Pier on Walker's Creek— Park Board Member Dianne Spradling inquired about the
pier on Walker's Creek and if we were going to be able to get help from the
developer. Ms. Vickie Loftice responded that the pier replacement will not be done
this year. We will go back to the homeowners group to see if they would be willing
to contribute or help supplement the pier replacement.
• Park Board Chair Marty Kusmierski inquired about the status of the Pedestrian
Bridge at HomeTown Lakes. Mr. Thornton responded that there will be some
delays, but the developer should be starting on it in the next few weeks.
E.3 PARK MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS UPDATE
Mr. Gary Bechthold, Parks Superintendent, presented an update on park maintenance.
Highlights included:
• Summer extreme high temperatures are impacting City Parks.
• HomeTown Lakes fountain replaced.
• Trail Bridges — Multiple planks (120) are being replaced on the North Electric Trail
Bridge and a few (15) on the Cotton Belt Trail Bridge. Staff is using treated oak
instead of treated pine which has been kiln dried and will hold up better.
• Sports fields renovations for Fall Sports Leagues. Staff is putting 200 tons of sand
on the soccer fields at Green Valley as well as re-sodding worn areas on a couple
of the fields.
E.4 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT ON CURRENT PROGRAMS AND
SERVICES
Ms. Adrien Pekurney, Assistant Director, presented an update on activities at the NRH
Centre, Athletics, Senior Center, Tennis Center and the Grand Hall. Highlights included:
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• The NRH Centre will begin a 3-month Back-to-School Membership special in
August and September 2018. The membership package will include 3 months of
group fitness along with a $25 gift card that may be used on items such as personal
training, massage therapy, nutritional consultations, kids club visits, concessions
& merchandise, program activities and special event registrations.
• The NRH Centre is now a host site for three wellness benefit plans offered:
SilverSneakers°, Silver&Fit, and Optum.
• NRH Centre is hitting all top 10 trends as identified by the American College of
Sports Medicine annual survey.
• Summer swim lessons have been full since June 4 with 661 participants enrolled.
• Camp NRH is having a record year and is in their final week of camp. Camp NRH
enrollment increased from 62 kids per week to 85 kids per week. ,
• Round the Town Bike Rides and Walks continue into the fall. Monthly bike rides ',
remaining include 8/7, 9/4, 10/9; Monthly walks remaining include 8/9, 9/6, 10/11.
• The 2018 NRH Road Runner 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk will be held on Saturday, '
October 6 at Green Valley Park.
• The Lights & Music Concert with Laser Light Show will be held on Saturday,
October 6 at City Hall. Desperado, an Eagles tribute band, will kick off the fun at
7:00 p.m.
• Fall Family Movie Night is scheduled for Saturday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the
NRH Centre Outdoor Plaza. The family friendly Pixar movie "Coco" will be
featured.
• Grand Hall revenue is currently at $417,028, up 167% compared to the adopted
revenue of$250,000.
• The Grand Hall will undergo minor construction renovations to enclose the
unutilized pass through window positioned in Ballroom B. The project will take two
weeks to complete.
F. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Park Board Member Dianne Spradling commented that the Fall Garden Seminar, which
was held at the Library, had 82 people in attendance and that Tanner's presentation was
wonderful.
G. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Kusmierski adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.
Ma y Kus ' , 'r
ATTEST:
�� � � �
Christina Lopez, Office o dinator
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