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Home My WebLink About1996-04-08 REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES BOARD APRIL 8, 1996 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Parks and Leisure Services Board was called to order at 7:04 p.m. on Monday, April 8 , 1996 in the Council Chambers of the Euless Municipal Building by Chairman Leon Hogg. Other board members present were: Eric Owens, Glendora Waldrup, Richard McNeese, Jerry Robinson and alternate Bruce Ebert. Staff members present were: Director of Community Services Rick Herold, Parks & Leisure Services Manager Julia Wakeley, Parks Superintendent Johnnie Green and Parks & Leisure Services Secretary Anicia Wiltshire. Visitor present was: Gregg Garcia of Bedford-Euless Soccer Association. INVOCATION Invocation was given by Richard McNeese. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairman Hogg entertained a motion on the minutes from the March 4 , 1996 regular meeting. Mr. Robinson motioned that the minutes be approved, Mr. McNeese seconded the motion and the motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Ms. Waldrup reported that Midway Park looked fine but that Blessing Branch park seemed in disarray. She said that the sign was very small and that there was a dilapidated black fencing around part of the park. Mr. Green stated that the City had plans to tie the trail into a major trails system, The Texas Ice T Trails , but that the work that was begun on the park had not been sanctioned by the City and had been done by a private organization. Mr. McNeese reported that the Athletic Complex, even with the wet weather, seemed ready to have concrete poured. He stated that some parking lots are already down and that it was a good feeling to see the progress. Chairman Hogg reported that the Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday, April 3 , saw an estimated 600 children in attendance. He represented the Lion's Club and the Park Board and stated that it was a good event. William Rumuly had added drawing tables and races. Parents complained that the newspaper printed the wrong time, however, there was still enough candy, toys and activities for kids that missed the egg hunt. Mr. Robinson reported that the Villages of Bear Creek Park PALS Board Mtg. 040896 page 2 had a safety fence on the edge of the parkway and expressed gratitude for it. He also stated that McCormick Park looks good but that there were a few lights that were broken out. Mr. Ebert reported that Westpark looked good and that he was impressed with how much it has been added to. He stated that the picnic area at Wilshire looks good but that the swimming pool bath house needed paint and that some tiles were missing from the pool itself. Chairman Hogg stated that girls softball (600 members, 30 teams) plays at Westpark fields and that the fields are also used for night soccer and flag football . Chairman Hogg stated that he will begin serving on the City Council in May. He reported that the parks are looking good and the slide at Ruth Millican is broken but the part has been ordered and will be in soon. NEW BUSINESS I. PARKS REPORT Mr. Herold asked Mr. Green to address the Bob Eden Memorial. Mr. Green showed photos of the renovation and pointed out changes. All the work and design was done in-house. Mr. Herold reported the following: Budget time was approaching and that it was time to make a new needs and assessments list. Ector Drive will be closed at 12 : 01 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 for Arbor Daze. KLUV, Winn Dixie and Shoppers Guide all have ads out. 150 ,000 people are expected this year. Mr. Ebert has been aware of the Morris Estate becoming available which would present an exciting track of land off of Pipeline road for a possible garden and/or arboretum wetlands park. TCU currently owns rights to the land. Chairman Hogg suggested a Board Trip to see the land. Hockey will be incorporated into this summer's recreation program. A portable rink can be set up on the concrete located behind the Food Lion. The athletic complex and golf course are coming along well . Irrigation is completed on 15 of the 18 holes. Keith Foster and the golf editor of the Star Telegram will be doing media spots for and during Arbor Daze. Mr. Robinson stated that KLUV was doing great advertising for Arbor Daze, giving away tickets. Chairman Hogg stated that a lot of people are enthused about paying $5 for VIP seating. I. LEISURE SERVICES REPORT Mrs. Wakeley stated the following: Ann needs volunteers for coupon booths. The coupon order has been quadrupled. PALS Board Mtg. 040896 page 3 The Easter Egg Hunt went well , William did a fantastic job, two kids from the Youth Council helped out, including Hillary who played the Easter Bunny. The Historical Preservation Committee went to visit the Grand Prairie Copeland House and the Irving Schultz House and the committee got a lot of good ideas. In reference to building usage: Sports associations had high usage which will be moved over to the athletic complex when it is completed. Racquetball use is up, but spring break this month may have attributed to the higher traffic. Mr. Green stated that EAA & EGSA had a good kick off this month. III. A. Gym Floor Mr. Herold reported that Schrickel , Rollins and Associates did an assessment of the floor. A new, good quality wood floor would cost about $60,000. There are different styles and choices and it would amount to the same price as a tiled floor. Staff recommends this be considered. Mr. Herold said that covering would consist of a sectioned poly type material that would be laid down to protect the floor during events such as banquets, dances, award ceremonies, etc. He also stated that other events such as athletic meetings and registration events would soon be relocated to the Athletic Complex. Mrs. Wakeley stated that wood floors are a high mark when organizations are considering a place for tournaments, such as basketball and volley ball as well Women's Collegiate leagues. Chairman Hogg entertained a motion on the gym floor. Mr. McNeese motioned that the Board recommend to the City Council to consider upgrading the gym floor in accordance with staff's recommendations. Mrs. Waldrup seconded the motion and the motion carried. B. Racquetball Fees Mr. Herold addressed the listing of racquetball fees: based on a 90 day trial, $5 fee has curbed usage, #3 fee raised usage from 58% to over 70%. Chairman Hogg recommended the special trial price remain in effect for a longer period of time and then the Board can recommend to council , based on the outcome of the trial, to change the ordinance concerning racquetball fees. IV. BUSINESS OF THE TREE BOARD Mr. McNeese reported the following: Rick brought the flag and certification from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The City of Euless has been re-certified PALS Board Mtg. 040896 page 4 for the tenth year in a row. Blessing Branch has had a huge line of trees placed on the edge of the "trail. " In reference to Arbor Daze: as members of the Park Board and Tree Board, he asked for volunteers to man the Tree booth. 1+1=2 total comes to 30 , 275. Trees being given away at Arbor Daze are Chinese Pistache and Red Oak saplings. Special guest at Arbor Daze will be an Honorary Trustee of the National Arbor Day Foundation, descendant of Jay Sterling Morton, Jean Palmer. V. OTHER NEW BUSINESS A. Bedford-Euless Soccer Association, Gregg Garcia 1 . Texas Thunder 4 on 4 Tournament was a success according to parents, kids and coaches. 78 teams from 49 outdoor rosters, 350 players from 17 different associations in the North Texas area, from Longview to Waco, participated. There were 20 teams from BESA. Thanks to staff, things could not have been better. BESA is planning to hold the tournament again next year and appreciation was given to the City. 2 . Texas youth Soccer Camps, facilitated by Leslie Graham, coach of Women's Soccer at Grapevine High School, is expecting 4000 campers from the Metroplex area. Last year this a camp was held at the Boys Ranch, but this year they would like to hold it at Bear Creek Park, July 22-26 from 8: 30 a.m. to 8: 30 p.m. and are asking for use of the fields. It is estimated that 100 kids will participate, but no more than 150 will be accepted. The ages will run from under five to under 14 . There will be 12 kids per coach. Chairman Hogg entertained a motion on the soccer camp. Mr. McNeese motioned that staff coordinate with BESA in facilitating this soccer camp. Mr. Owens seconded the motion and the motion carried. Mr. Herold stated that EGSA requested in May for a tournament to be held at Bear Creek Park with Eddie Faner, A King and His Court. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Hogg gave the benediction, There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 50 p.m. . Ide gL„)--- 0111' ' AMIGO Chairman / Attest