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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-07 Regular Meeting Parks and Recreation Board May 7 , 1984 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 7: 00 P.M. , May 7 , 1984 , in the Council Chamber of the Euless Municipal Building by Chairman Billy Owens . Other members present were Messrs. Marland Ernest and Bobby Baker. Mrs. Brenda Ashford, and Mr. Ron Henson, alternate Board members attended the meeting. Also present were Mrs. Julia Wakeley, Recreation Director, Mr. Bob Phillips, Parks Director, and Mrs. Ophelia Smith, recording secretary. VISITORS Visitors present were Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mae McCormick, and Mr. Leon Hogg. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Marland Ernest. Chairman Owens apologized for the misunderstanding created by not having a Board meeting in April, and for any inconvenience it may have caused some of the members. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting dated March 5 , 1984 , were approved as written. I . FINAL REPORT ON FEES AND CHARGES Recreation Director Julia Wakeley gave a presentation on the screen of the fornula to be used in the future for setting fees and charges of structured classes in the Recreation Department. After some discussion, Mr. Ernest moved to accept Mrs . Wakeley' s report, and asked Mrs . Wakeley and Chairman Owens to present it to the City Council at a regular Council meeting. Page Two, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 Mrs. Ashford seconded the motion and the vote was: Ayes: Messrs Baker, Ernest, Henson, and Mrs. Ashford Nays: None Chairman Owens announced the motion carried. II. REPORT FROM COUNCILPERSONS Mrs. McCormick reported the recent Bond Issue passed. Monies from the sale of Bonds will be used for Streets and Drainage. Glade Road is presently being repaired and hot-topped. County Commissioner Lynn Gregory is working very closely with the cities of Euless and Grapevine on this project. III . EULESS RECREATION DEPARTMENT FIRST 10K RUN REPORT Athletic Supervisor Cheryl Jones reported that the Euless Recreation Department will sponsor their first 10K Run which will be held on May 12, 1984 . This will be part of the dedication ceremonies of McCormcik Park. Other departments in the City have been very cooperative and helpful in planning this up-coming event. Volunteers helping with the Run will be given a T-shirt. Crow Development Company donated money for the purchase of the awards. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Henson, Mrs . Jones stated the Euless Softball tournament has been scheduled for June 23rd. and 24th. IV. YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATION' S REPORT Mr. Leon Hogg, President of Euless Girl ' s Softball Association, reported that they started their season on May 3rd. , and everything is going fine. Mr. Hogg stated he has a conflict and regrets he will be unable to help with the Euless softball tournament in June. The Euless Girl ' s Softball Association will co-sponsor a tournament for smaller girls with Hurst on that date. V. PARKS DIRECTOR' S REPORT McCormick Park: Mr. Phillips reported that there are twelve and one-half (121) acres in the McCormick Park. The Dedication Ceremonies will be on May 12th. The Parks Department has planted Page Three, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 one hundred (100) pounds of Bermuda grass seed, and two hundred (200) pounds of fiscue grass under the pecan trees in this park. We are presently installing the playground equipment. Also, we moved in eighty-five (85) yards of torpedo rock for the playground area. Crow Development Company has built a beautiful Victorian style gazebo. They have landscaped the park beautifully, and installed an underground irrigation system. They laid a path of colorful pavers eight feet wide the length of the park. They added some trees in their landscaping. This is a beautiful park dedicated to a wonderful lady, Mrs. Willie Mae McCormick, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Euless. Swimming pool repairs: Mr. Phillips stated that repairs have been completed on all three swimming pools. They have been painted, and are now ready for the summer season. Fertilizing: Mr. Phillips stated that the Parks Department has applied fertilizer to the Civic Center Complex, the parks, and ballfields . Mr. Phillips stated the severly cold weather last winter did a lot of damage to the grass and plants through-out the City. Bear Creek Park Addition: Mr. Phillips stated that Euless has an additional twenty-six (26) acres in Bear Creek Park on the east side of the park. The Parks Department has begun clear- ing this area. They discovered several nice pecan trees growing in the area that are being moved to a growing area to be planted later in a permanent location. West Park: Mr. Phillips stated West Park has been turf-shaped, and one hundred (100) pounds of Bermuda grass seed, and also one hundred and fifty (150) pounds of rye grass have been planted on the field. The field was in very poor condition when it was turned over to softball with virtually no grass growing. Mr. Phillips stated the Parks Department is building a ballfield on the west side of West Park for small girls . They have moved in four hundred (400) yards of dirt donated by the County from Glade Road repairs . Mr. Phillips stated that about six hundred (600) more yards are needed. Carr Park: Mr. Phillips stated that two box loads of wood chips have been turf-shaped into the jogging trail. Mr. Phillips stated forty-six (46) rose bushes had to be replaced in the rose garden this spring, due to the severe weather conditions last winter. Mr. Phillips stated mowing is 100% at present. Some parks will only be mowed every two weeks this season, due to an increase in acreage to be maintained. Page Four, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 Mr. Phillips replied to an inquiry from Mr. Hogg that lights were to be repaired at West Park on the following day, May 8th. Mrs. McCormick inquired about damage to plants through- out the City due to the cold weather last winter. Mr. Phillips stated that some plants have survived, but a great many have been lost. VII. RECREATION DIRECTOR' S REPORT Mrs. Wakeley stated that on April 18th. the Euless Recreation Department held their third annual Easter Egg Hunt in Midway Park. Mrs. Wakeley stated that we had very good response from merchants with donations of candy and favors . There were four to five hundred to attend the Hunt this year. This was an increase of about fifty per cent over last year. Chuck-E-Cheese and Dippity Dog came out in full costume. Miss Wendy from Wendy' s was there. And, of course, the Easter Bunny who was escorted to the Hunt by the Police with full sirens. Mrs. Wakeley stated that the Senior Citizens had a covered dish luncheon at Simmons Center on April 26th.which was enjoyed by over thirty Seniors. Mrs. Wakeley stated that a punch bowl set was given to the Senior Citizens in rememberance of Mrs. Vera Swenson, which was made possible by a benevolent gift from Mrs . Willie Mae McCormick. Mrs. Wakeley stated that on May 17th. seventeen (17) Seniors will participate in the T.A.A.F. Senior Games at U.T.A. , Arlington. This is the third year for the Senior Games. We have Seniors entered in the Forty-two tournament, Checker tournament, and Bridge. Mrs. Wakeley stated that on May 31st. twenty-two (22) Senior Citizens will take a trip to Texas State Railroad Historical Park in Palestine. They will take the train from Palestine to Rusk for lunch, and then back home. Athletics: Mrs. Wakeley stated the City tournament has been planned for Ms. Jones on June 23rd. and 24th. This will be a Class B tournament so the City leagues will have a chance to participate. Mrs. Wakeley stated Girl' s Softball started their season on May 3rd. Boy' s Baseball started April 28th. This is -- their 25th Anniversary Year. Soccer ended their season on April 15th. plus a couple of more games because of rain-outs. Track will start June 11th. We have a strong Track program. We sent sixty-six (66) contestants to State competition last year. The Page Five, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 Tennis program will start on June 4th. Swimming Pools: Mrs. Wakeley stated the gate fee will one dollar ($1 . 00) again this year. A punch card of twenty (20) passes will cost twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12 . 50) . There will be no increase in fees from last year. The pools will open on June 2nd. , and close August 12th. which is seventy-two (72) days of operation without rain-outs. Recreation: Mrs. Wakeley stated that in the month of April we had 5 , 090 people visit the Community Building. The Weight Room had 221 participants. Ballfield rentals for lights for practice fields was $680 . 00 . We collected $645. 00 for tournaments. Mrs. Wakeley stated the dance recital this year is called, "Hurrah for Kids. " That will include tap, ballet, tumbling, and baton. The recital will be held on May 20th. at Wilshire Elementary School, at 2 : 00 P.M. There will probably be eighty (80) young folk in this event. Mrs. Wakeley stated the Euless Pre-School will have their Graduation Exercises on May 18th. , at Simmons Center. Mrs. Wakeley stated the Summer Recreation programs will be mailed the week of May 14 - 19 . We will also distribute 14 ,000 inserted in the Shoppers Guide, and 6, 000 will be sent parcel post. Summer Recreation registration will be May 21st. through June 2nd. The Summer session will start on June 4th. Mr. Ernest inquired how Softball World will mesh with the City Recreation program. Mrs. Wakeley replied that it is outside of the realm of what we are doing, except anytime you have a successful program that breeds a lot of enthusiasm for softball, and people who cannot play on their fields will certainly want to be involved in our program. We are playing from two different types of eligibility. We have T.A.A.F, Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, eligibility rules, and A. S.A. , American Softball Association, for field rules. The rules they are playing by are U. S.S.S.A. , United Slow Pitch Softball Association. It is a little more expensive to get into that assoc- iation, because they have more paid people at the top. Therefore, it is more expensive to play ball there. Mrs. Wakeley stated that Softball World is semi-pro which fills the gap between professional and amateur play. At this time Chairman Owens read the following letter from Mrs . Lightbody which was addressed and personally delivered to the Secretary of the Parks and Recreation Department prior to the Board meeting, and instructed the Secretary to print it in the minutes. Page Six,• Recular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 " Ophelia Smith 5-5-84 Secretary I am not able to attend tonight's meeting because my husband is in the hospital. I have some questions to be brought up .at this meeting and hopefully the response will appear in our minutes so that I may refer to them. (1) The meeting last month was called due to a lack of quorum. Upon checking with commission members, only Bobby Baker indicated a definite "No" . A majority of four is. required. Kerry McCombs, Don Hawthorne, myself and Marland Ernest indicated we could be thxu, Marland had work to do but would attend if there was notenought for a quorum. The two alternates, Ron Henson and Brenda Ashford were available. It appears then that our Chairman chose to satisfy his own wishes rather than those of the Commission as a whole. This I don't understand. (2) Hopefully the Chairman - Don Hawthorne of the Long Range Planning Committee and Marland Ernest can remember what we planned to present at the last meeting, We are looking for direction and guidance in an effort to be a meaningful committee. We are a group of 8 appointed members by the Council to perform a given purpose. The commission members are willing to give their time and attendance. Your decisions this evening could direct this commission into some positive areas to help the future of the City of Euless or we can continue without any goals, purposes and remain a commission in "name only Sincerely, 1, , , 0�i Helen M. Lightbifty P.S. Relative to West Park - I note that traffic is heavy after games - the sharp turn in the street is a little hazardous. Is this remaining portion of Westpark Way programmed to be widened after the development on the East is completed?" Chairman Owens stated that the letter would be taken up as a special order of business at the end of the meeting. Page Seven, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 VII . LONG RANGE FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE PREVIEW REPORT Mr. Ernest commented that Mr. Hawthorne had planned to make the report and had the grafts the Sub-Committee had worked up, and he was not prepared to make a report, but would like to make some comments on things the Sub-Committee has done so far. Mr. Ernest stated that basically they decided at the first meeting they needed to establish an approach to what we need to do. They decided to: 1) establish what the need is, 2) what their objectives would be, 3) a plan to accompolish the objectives, and, 4) goals and milestones. Mr. Ernest stated that generally they wanted to see if they could set up this type of thing, and if not, then perhaps we did not need a committee. Mr. Ernest then read some notes regarding what the Sub-Committee was trying to do. 1) The Parks and Recreation Board would create a Long Range Planning Committee as a standing committee consisting of three (3) members . 2) A need: As the City of Euless grows, and develop- ment takes place, parks and recreational facilities will be required to keep pace. Land purchases will be required early while it is available. Old facilities will need to be updated, and new land will need to be developed. 3) Objective: The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Board is to advise the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council on needs and requirements of Parks and Recreational facilities. Mr. Ernest stated the objective of this Sub-Committee would be to develop and maintain or update a long range plan to accompolish the above. As a plan to move to this end, with the assistance of the other Board members, and the Parks and Recreation staff, develop a large scale city map to identify the current development, and that which is committed, using this as a basis for research and studies, identify specific land parcels to be purchased, and facilities to be built, and present recommendations to the Council at appropriate times. The goal is to always have a current plan to recommend, as decisions are made which would effect the Master Plan and make approriate changes. Mr. Ernest stated that if we were to put the plan into effect, we would need milestones so we would know where we are and where we want to go. The milestones: 1) identify land to be purchased, 2) identify the facilities that we need, 3) keep plan updated. Mr. Ernest stated that his thoughts were with this plan when the City Council solicits information from the Parks and Page Eight, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 Recreation staff then these people would have the benefit of our study, and updated map, etc. , to draw from. Mr. Ernest stated that this was the type of thing their Sub-Committee planned to present to the Board, and get the Board' s feelings on what the next step should be. Chairman Owens stated that by appointing Long Range Planning Sub-Committee he has trying to be able to funnel in to the Board any individual member' s thoughts that were outside the planned activities. Chairman Owens stated that it has been his desire as a chairman to do everything across this Board at the meetings, as much as possible, so that the citizens and everyone can participate. Chairman Owens stated his idea in appointing the Sub- Committee was to get facts and bring them before the Board. Chairman Owens stated that he thought Mr. Ernest plans were great, however, the Board does not get into the business of elected officials , nor permanent staff, which is easy to do in Planning and Zoning. We are to advise. Most Committees in a city of this size work with information fed from the City Council to the Committees. When this Committee was created by an Ordinance the Ordinance stated that the Parks and Recreation Board was to advise the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the City of Euless on needs and requirements on City Parks and Recreation. Chairman Owens stated his idea was to get the report from the Long Range Planning Sub-Committee and refer it to the Staff , and let the Staff do some work on it, and try to develop it into the same strategy to come from the full Board. Then have it open for citizen participation and discussion before we make any decisions . Chairman Owens stated that Mr. Ernest thoughts were great and exactly what he would like to see take place. Mr. Ernest stated that he feels like there is something to the purpose written in the Charter. We feel like this Board could be more assistance to Parks and Recreation Directors and to the City Council . Chairman Owens stated that during the six years he has served on the Parks and Recreation Board he has seen Parks and Recreation grow from a little bit of nothing all the way through to the present status which is rather commendable for a city of this size. Chairman Owens stated that he would honor the request of Mr. Ernest that the Long Range Planning Sub-Committee wait until Chairman D. R. Hawthorne and Helen Lightbody were in attendance to make a report. • Page Nine, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 VIII . DISCUSSION OF LETTER FROM MRS. HELEN LIGHTBODY Chairman Owens opened discussion of the letter he read earlier in the meeting from Mrs. Lightbody by stating that: The Chair was out of order. The Charter states that once a month we will have a meeting on the first Monday of each month, in the Council Chambers, at 7 : 00 o' clock in the evening. Chairman Owens stated that the only reason the Chair has had the Committee polled for a quorum was to try to help the Committee members be active enough, that when there weren' t enough to take action on that we would not have an informal meeting. However, if the Committee wants to go exactly by what the Charter states , we will meet here at 7 : 00 P.M. , on the first Monday of each month. Chairman Owens also stated that any time one member wants to meet we will have a meeting. The Chair has no wishes and no pleasure of his own. Chairman Owens stated that he feels like anything he does he first has an obligation to tell the Staff, and he will continue to do so, as long as, he is chairman. Chairman Owens stated that he let Mrs. Wakeley and Mr. Phillips read Mrs. Lightbody' s letter shortly after he received it. Chairman Owens stated that if a piece of mail is received addressed to the Committee, it should be given directly to the Committee. If it is addressed to the secretary, Chairman Owens asked it be referred to the two directors . Then they will bring it to the Chairman' s attention. Chairman Owens stated that the Board operates from the Board meetings, and, as long as, he is Chairman he is going to try to make decisions in the best interest of the City. Chairman Owens stated that regarding the decision not to meet in April only Mrs. Lightbody called and complained. Chairman Owens stated that he suggested at the time for her to get with the other members of the Sub-Committee, and they would meet if the Sub-Committee so desired. Chairman Owens stated that anytime a member wants to have a meeting, and he is not available, Vice Chairman Kerry McCombs will be glad to meet with him/her in his place. Chairman Owens stated that he and Mr. (Hawthorne understand one another perfectly regarding the long range planning, and he and Mr. Ernest also understand each other, but undoubtedly, we have a member who does not understand him, and he will get with her and try to correct any misunderstanding as to the way that we do things. Hopefully, when she reads this in the minutes she will understand that the Chair is very stern in what he feels like the duty of the Chair is. Page Ten, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 Chairman Owens requested the Board members to express their opinions regarding Mrs. Lightbody' s letter, and called on Mr. Henson first. Mr. Henson stated that he was prepared to attend the Board meeting in April even though he did not respond to our call . Mr. Henson remarked that he did not understand why we had to meet at a certain time for the meeting to be sanctioned. Chairman Owens explained that we must post our intent to have a Board meeting and give the citizens a chance to be present. But this does not mean we cannot have study committee meetings, and workshops when we feel it would be of the best interest to Parks and Recreation. Mr. Henson also stated that he did not realize, in order to discuss an item, he must have it placed on the agenda. Chairman Owens stated that it could be taken up at the meeting under new business without being on the agenda, but if you want it discussed and taken care of, it is better to place it on the agenda. Mr. Henson stated he thought some of the things brought out at the meeting have been very good, as far as, explanation of things. He stated he was sorry for the minunderstanding, but it did not matter to him whether we met in April or not, because he did not have anything to bring before the Board. But he would have attended, he stated. Chairman Owens replied that we go on the assumption that we can depend on Mr. Henson' s presence at meetings. Mr. Leon Hogg, President of Euless Girl ' s Softball Association, commented that to avoid situations like this , they meet regardless of whether they have a quorum, due to the fact that, they invite all the parents, and they do not want to have a group of parents gather for a meeting and not have a meeting. Mr. Hogg stated that he thought we should meet at scheduled times, and if there weren' t a quorum present then disband. Mrs. Ashford stated that she is involved on another Board where recently she took time to go to a meeting, because a certain number of members are required for a quorum, when she had to give up going to a soccer party with her son. The Board did not have a quorum, and could not have a meeting. Mrs. Ashford stated the Board could not have a meeting, and she had missed the party. She stated that she appreciates being called regarding Parks and Recreation Board meetings. She stated it keeps her from wasting time in her busy schedule. Mrs. Ashford stated that she is delighted to attend Parks and Recreation Board meetings if there is something going on, but if it is to be just and informal gathering, and nothing accom- plished she would rather not meet. Mrs. Ashford stated that she is glad the polling takes place, and if there aren' t enough people attending to conduct business, she certainly would rather spend her time doing something constructive. Page Eleven, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7, 1984 Mrs. Ashford stated that her feeling is that Mr. Owens is the Chairman, and if he cancels a meeting, for whatever reason, as far as she is concerned, the meeting is canceled. Also she stated that she is not interested in participating in an unofficial meeting. Mr. Henson added to his statement that he appreciates being polled regarding meetings. This enables him to do things he would otherwise miss . Mr. Baker stated that the polling before meetings is necessary. It is necessary for the Chairman to decide whether they will meet or not, and the information from the polling is necessary to make this decision. A decision has to be made early in the afternoon whether a meeting will be held or not. It is the Chairman' s responsibility to call or cancel meetings, and once a decision is made it stands regardless of the reason. Mr. Baker stated that he feels there is nothing so important that it cannot wait a week or so to be discussed. Mr. Ernest stated he understood what members were saying, and could agree and sympathize with them, but he did not see anything where the Chairman calls a meeting. The Charter reads the Board will meet once a month. If this is public knowledge, how are people going to bring items before the Board for discussion if the Board does not meet on a regular basis. Chairman Owens stated that the Chairman does not have any wishes, other than to carry on business that you people want to transact. He stated he had no desire to call a meeting or not call a meeting. That is strictly up to "Robert' s Rules of Order. " Chairman Owens stated that if the members would check they would find that all City business is conducted by "Robert' s Rules of Order. " Also, if they would check the Ordinance further they would find some more details that each one needs to study. If something like this comes up again, we will know where we stand. Chairman Owens stated he was taking the liberty of dissolving the Long Range Planning Sub-Committee. Then if the members want a Long Range Planning Sub-Committee, they may bring it up as an item of business at a Board meeting. Chairman Owens stated he was dissolving the Long Range Planning Sub-Committee, and refering all action back to the full Board. Chairman Owens stated that he thinks we have some business to take care of as a Board, and that we need to get on with the businss at hand, and work with the City Planning Committee and the City Staff for the future of Parks and Recreation. Page Twelve, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, May 7 , 1984 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Parks and Recreation Board at this time the meeting adjourned at 9 : 15 P.M. , with a closing prayer by Chairman Owens . Chair n 2 Secretary //