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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-03-02 REGULAR MEETING PARK AND LEISURE SERVICES BOARD MARCH 02, 1992 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Park and Leisure Services Board was called to order at 7:02 PM, Monday, March 02, 1992, in the Council Chambers of the Euless Municipal Building by Chairman Hogg. Other members present were Mrs. Bonnie O'Brien, Messrs. Richard McNeese, Jerry Robinson, Charlie Miller, and Eric Owens. Also present were Rick Herold, Community Services Director; Julia Wakeley, Parks and Leisure Services Manager; and Ann Hajek, Recording Secretary. VISITORS Visitors present included Councilman Todd Smith, Mrs. Nancy Smith, Sonny Gonzales, and Mike Daniel. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Jerry Robinson. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting dated February 03, 1992, were approved as written. AWARDS PRESENTATION Richard McNeese was presented the 1 + 1 = 2 Award for his work with this program. Richard thanked the board. Charlie inquired about Joe Jordan's award. The board discussed when to present Jordan's award and the award to the McCormick Farm Homeowners Association. The board decided to present both awards in April. OLD BUSINESS Eric Owens reported that McCormick Park looks fine. He said that there were some horse hoofprints on the trail at Villages of Bear Creek. He said the amphitheater looks good. He also mentioned that there did not seem to be enough trash cans for the amount of picnic tables. Eric asked Rick what the various markers are for. Rick said these are for the 24 nature focal station signs. Richard McNeese reported that the new equipment at Lakewood looks good. Bear Creek also looks fine. Charlie Miller said that Wilshire and Westpark both look good. He noticed the new shrubbery at Westpark and the poles to control parking. Leon Hogg reported that South Euless and Ruth Millican Center both look good. He said that more and more people are using the walking trail at Ruth Millican Center. Jerry Robinson reported that Del Norte is not receiving much use. Van Reit looks good. Jerry asked about the entryway. Rick said that some work has been done on it. Rick also said that the Parks Department is still looking into working with the church on the parking situation. Bonnie O'Brien reported that J.A. Carr Park, Kiddie Carr Park, and Oakwood Terrace all look good. She mentioned that there is always a lot of activity at J.A. Carr Park. Bonnie inquired about the building at Kiddie Carr Park. Rick said that as soon as Villages of Bear Creek is finished that structure will be taken down. NEW BUSINESS I. PARKS REPORT Rick asked for the board's support to ask for an ordinance restricting horses from the parks except under special circumstances. Rick reported that the used exercise equipment at Villages of Bear Creek will be moved to Ruth Millican Center. Also, more picnic tables will be moved in. Rick told the board that City Council had approved curbing money for the Villages of Bear Creek. These funds will come from Capital Improvement Project Funds. A story on the SBA Tree Planting Program will appear in the Star-Telegram later this week. Rick mentioned the three letters of commendation the PALS staff has received. Rick said that they are having a hard time getting Villages of Bear Creek finished. He hopes they will finish on time. He will be asking for some of his seasonal part-time help early. He said that he had a great time at the Arbor Glenn Tree Planting. Rick told the board there would be some improvements to Bear Creek Park prior to the April 24 dedication of the Bob Eden memorial. Charlie inquired if the maintenance to the trail at Villages of Bear Creek is going to be continuous due to the floods. Rick said it will be a problem because of labor. Rick said that one of the department's long term goals is to have concrete walkways. II. LEISURES SERVICES REPORT Building use for the month of February was as follows. Midway Recreation Center meeting rooms: sports associations, 21; city, 2; rental, 1; other, 4. The gymnasium was used for five events: square dance, rental, Police & Fire Awards Banquet, Appreciation Banquet and Business Expo. Ruth Millican Center: sr. dances, 5; city, 2; rental, 10. Simmons Center had 4 rentals. Bear Creek Pavilion was reserved once. Recreation units for the month of February were as follows: racquetball, 772; gym, 3,023; track, 739; game & snack, 424; weightroom, 767; special events, 1,533; Simmons, 930; RMC, 919. Julia thanked the Parks and Leisure Services staff for their work on the Appreciation Banquet. The second session of classes will begin registration March 4. Highlights for this session is an effort for more arts and crafts. The Total Rec program will also continue. The Spice of Life Kitchen Band made three appearances this month with total participation of 34. The Senior Citizen Membership List has been updated. Julia told the board she would be glad to get a copy of it for any board members that might be interested in it. Registration for adult softball leagues began February 24. Adult volleyball and flag football leagues are in progress and will be completed near the end of the month. Adult basketball leagues finished in February. Six teams advanced to TAAF Regional Tournaments. Three teams went on to one of the state tournaments. Julia suggested March 19 as a possible date for the board to hold their dinner for the Parks and Leisure Services staff. Julia also invited the board to the employee brunch on March 13. Eric Owens asked why karate is being held in the racquetball court. Julia said this only happens when things overlap. Eric asked if karate could be scheduled in another building. Julia said she would look into it. III. BUSINESS OF THE TREE BOARD Richard McNeese apologized for not being at the Arbor Glenn Home Owners Association tree planting. He thanked the staff and board for participating. Richard reported that the city has received notification that we have been recognized as Tree City U.S.A. and in addition we also won a Growth Award. There was not an update this month on Tree City expenditures. Rick reported that the Rotary Club, through a donation by Trammell Crow, has given the city 2,000 trees to plant as part of their commitment to planting trees. IV. BEAUTY EULESS EVERYDAY REPORT Eric Owens reported that seven people attended the meeting. The committee voted to send in the application for Adopt-a-Highway campaign. Eric reported that the committee still needs more members and he encouraged board members to attend the next meeting. V. INPUT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Todd Smith said that he is proud of all the awards received by Parks and Leisure Services. He said that he thought Villages of Bear Creek is looking nice. He asked Rick if there would be any water fountains at the park. Rick said there would be four that will be installed soon. VI. INPUT FROM VISITORS Sonny Gonzales said that more softball fields are needed. He feels that softball registration would increase if there were more fields. Sonny also asked if Bear Creek could be widened or deepened to help control flooding. Eric Owens asked what work is being done on the softball fields at Villages of Bear Creek. Rick said they are trying to build up the infield. Rick also said he agrees with Sonny that there are not enough ball fields. Sonny said the lights need to be adjusted at Midway. Rick said hopefully new lighting will be approved by council. Leon said that the board understands and recognizes Sonny's comments. He said the board will do what they can toward this situation. Charlie said that people also need to express their concerns to council. Mike Daniel asked about the time frame on the lights on Midway It 1 and #4. Rick said that hopefully we will receive council approval at the next meeting. After that it will not be long at all. Mike asked about the fencing. Rick replied that it will be done soon. Mike also asked about whether the dirt work on #3 and #4 has been finished. Rick said it has just been started. Mike inquired about the new scoreboards. Rick said that Pepsi's proposal cannot be agreed to by the city. Rick said he could not see committing to only Pepsi products for the next 15 years. Rick said another option is to have some fundraising to purchase the scoreboards outright. Mike asked how much a new scoreboard would cost. Julia said between $1,500 and $3,000. Mike told the board that EAA has requested another state tournament this year. VII. OTC BUSINESS A motion was made by Bonnie O'Brien to recommend to the City Council an ordinance banning horses from the city parks, except by special permit. Charlie Miller seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Mike Daniel asked if the entryway into Midway park will be fixed. Rick said it will be paid for out of the Community Betterment Block Fund although it will be awhile before it is done. Rick told the board that EAA has requested additional concession opportunities. Julia and Rick feel that is is a problem having only one concession opportunity at the park. Charlie Miller voiced his concern that we have a consistent policy with all of our leagues. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM with a closing prayer by Chairman Hogg. / / , Chairman 01( I AF A /