HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-07-11 REGULAR MEETING
PARK AND LEISURE SERVICES BOARD
July 11, 1994
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Parks and Leisure Services Board was called to
order at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 1994, in the Council Chambers of the
Euless Municipal building by Chairman Leon Hogg. Other Board members present
were Eric Owens, Jerry Robinson, Richard McNeese, Stephen O'Brien, Lynne
Moffatt, and Chuck Behrns and Stacey Hollinger, alternates.
Also present were Rick Herold-Community Services Director, Julia Wakeley-Parks
and Leisure Services Manager and Beverly Walter-Recording Secretary.
VISITORS
Visitors included Johnnie Green-Superintendent of Parks Dept. , Mike Daniels-
President of E.A.A. , and City Council members Todd Smith, Frank Douglass and
Glenn Walker.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Richard McNeese.
MINUTES
Chairman Hogg entertained a motion of the minutes. Mr. McNeese motioned to
approve the minutes of June 6, 1994, with the following corrections: Under
Old Business of the members reports-Ms. Moffatt's comment about a barbecue
was in reference to South Euless Park, and Mr. Robinson's Blessing Branch
report should read "needed" some repairs. Mr. Owens seconded the motion; the
motion passed unanimously.
AWARD PRESENTATION
There was no award presentation.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Mr. Green gave a detailed report regarding the reorganization of the Parks
Department. The responsibilities and qualifications of the foremen were
discussed and questions answered. The additional summer help employees were
complimented, and Mr. Green concluded with feeling the Parks Department has
new strong leadership, with vision, and that he was pleased with the new
structure. The foremen are as follows:
Jimmy Beck - Foreman of Parks Beautification, Greenhouse and Forestry
John Ledbetter - Foreman of Parks Maintenance and Athletic Fields
Terry Boaz - Foreman of Parks Construction and Facilities
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OLD BUSINESS
I.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. O'Brien had no report on Ruth Millican and South Euless parks, and he is
glad to be able to attend meetings again.
Mrs. Moffatt reported West Park needed some attention especially near the
entrance where it appears rain has created some problems. Also, she inquired
about a possible picnic table being placed near a single barbecue pit.
Wilshire Park looked good with some debris from the rain storm.
Villages of Bear Creek looked fine, according to Mr. McNeese. However, he
reported some problems noticed at McCormick Park, which Mr. Green assured the
Board that the Parks Dept. was aware of and being taken care of presently. The
Parks Dept. also is addressing the undermining of the culvert due to massive
rain.
Mr. Robinson questioned the cable line exposed at Blessing Branch Park, which
Mr. Green assured him the cable company has and will continue to be contacted
until the issue is resolved. Mr. Robinson's report on Midway Park was
amazement on the excellent maintenance of the softball fields.
J.A. Carr Park's trail appeared to be in good condition as did the
playground, Mr. Owens reported. A discussion followed on possible solutions
to an area's edging and a barbecue post. Regarding Kiddie Carr, Mr. Owens was
glad a guard rail had been installed. He inquired upon a problem at the old
flag pole area and the pavilion being demolished. Mr. Green assured him
these issues are being resolved. Questions were answered regarding the Simmons
building.
Mr. Behrns commented Oakwood appeared in good condition but could use some
enhancing. A discussion followed regarding Van Riet Park.
Mr. Hollinger was pleased Lakewood was fine and the distribution of sand
completed. Bob Eden's play area needs some work and the East pole light is
out.
Chairman Hogg reported on Special Events and the success of the Ultra Golf
Classic, the "Music Man" production (and his appreciation of the Board members
volunteering) , and Music Shop with Michael Smith performing.
NEW BUSINESS
I.
LEISURE SERVICES REPORT
Mrs. Wakeley began with a brief on the Ultra Golf. Swim season was discussed
with increased attendance at Wilshire pool perhaps due to Wilshire Home Owners
party and our new slide. She discussed in detail swim lessons, pool usage and
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sales in comparison to 1993 records. Tim Rolen's internship as Pool Manager
and closure of the pools were also addressed.
She expressed success of "Music Man" and excitement of "Fiddler on the Roof"
to be August 9th, Tuesday, through August 13th, Saturday. Mrs. Wakeley again
inquired about volunteers from the Park Board.
The Morning Madness program has over 200 children with very few discipline
problems. In all , it is going well .
In athletics, the Region 4 Track Meet is Saturday, July 16th and expecting
over 1,000 participants. In softball, Mr. Owens and Mr. Hollinger's team,
First Baptist of Euless-Red, will be playing in the National A.S.A.
competition.
Mrs. Wakeley commented on the "Keep America Beautiful" and "Keep Texas
Beautiful" conventions. There is a 90 day certification program to enable the
city to meet the criteria for "Keep America Beautiful" . Both conventions
focused on solid waste and recycling.
II.
PARKS REPORT
The new library was Mr. Herold's beginning discussion. The building will be
one story, between 36,000 to 40,000 gross square feet and not to exceed $4
million. He was enthusiastic about the project.
Mr. Herold thanked Mr. Green for speaking. He also remarked on the super job
Mr. Green and his staff are doing.
Also, a sheet on Parks and Leisure Services Goals was distributed, and he
requested members to return their goals and concerns at the August meeting.
This will enable a comprehensive study at the September meeting.
Mr. Herold gave an updated Capital Improvement Needs packet of Phases I , II,
III with an expenditure breakdown list of the Half-Cent Sales Tax. He
reminded the Board members that this is a three year budget. Next month
additional costs, priorities and recommendations will all be discussed in more
detail . Mr. Herold spoke on how the fund gives some flexibility. He reminded
the board that the city was working diligently on the land acquisition.
Doing work on Mid-Cities Boulevard will take a few more weeks according to Mr.
Herold.
A discussion followed on perhaps H.E.B. Schools and P.T.A. splitting the
backing for the upgrading of Oakwood and Lakewood playgrounds. Mrs. Moffatt
commented each school would vary on such a decision.
Mr. Herold spoke on the new trail system will benefit North Euless and said
information will be coming.
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III.
BUSINESS OF THE TREE BOARD
Mr. McNeese and Mr. Herold spoke on the draft of the proposed two signs for
the 1 + 1 = 2 program which will total $300.00. Mr. McNeese made the motion
for the staff to purchase the two signs, with Mrs. Moffatt seconding the
motion. The motion pass unanimously. Mr. McNeese spoke on the 1 + 1 = 2
total being 17,784. Mr. Herold commented that the Chinese Pistache trees
mentioned were donated by a vendor.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Hogg began a conversation regarding the concern of First Euless Brick
House which is to be demolished tentatively on August 5th. Mr. Walker briefed
the Board on developments regarding bids on the possibility of moving the
house. Mr. Douglas and Mr. Walker gave input that the City Council would like
two possible sites and that the Historical Preservation Committee is involved
and having another meeting. A brief discussion about the funding and possible
sites followed. Reference was made to a log cabin house and possibilities
concerning it also. At this point, Mr. Owens motioned that the Park Board
recommend moving the Fuller Brick House preferably to Ruth Millican Park. Mr.
McNeese seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously.
The naming of two places, the Greenhouse (after Nick Mitchell) , and a
ballfield (after Ed Harrison), were next as new business. Mr. McNeese
motioned that the Board recognize the contribution Nick Mitchell made to the
city by naming the Greenhouse after him. Mrs. Moffatt seconded; the motion
passed unanimously.
However, a lengthy dialogue occurred regarding naming a ballfield after an
individual . It was suggested criteria be set although everyone felt Mr.
Harrison was worthy of this honor. This issue will be discussed at a later
time.
IV.
INPUT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mr. Smith said he had never seen another individual give totally, voluntarily,
to the length and extent of service, to children as Mr. Ed Harrison. He
suggested Mr. Harrison should have a ballfield named after him.
INPUT FROM VISITORS
Mr. Daniels sought permission for concessions stands for tournaments during
the next two weeks. He announced he will only be an active volunteer next
year and requested a meeting with Mr. Herold and Mrs. Wakeley on improvements
for next year. An electric score board was discussed also.
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Mr. Daniels also spoke on considering a remembrance in honor of Mr. Harrison
due to his dedication to the children in the sport of softball , being on the
Board, and as a coach.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hogg gave the closing prayer.
There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
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