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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-06-22 Called Meeting Parks and Recreation Board June 22, 1981 CALL TO ORDER The called meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 8:05 p.m. , in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall by Chairman Calhoun. Other members present were Mesdms . Sherry Kachel, and Carolyn Park; Messrs. Bobby Baker, Billy Owens, and Kerry McCombs. Also present were Recreation Coordinator Julia Wakeley, Parks Coordinator Bob Phillips, and Recording Secretary Ophelia Smith. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mae McCormick, and Councilman Ron Sternfels ; Messrs . Leon Hogg, Ed Harrison, Anthony Jones, Danny Hastings, Floyd Patterson, Benny Hill, and Grant Simons ; also, Mesdms. Jan Hogg, Marsha Jones, Brenda Hastings, and Dana Patterson. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Chairman Calhoun. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the last regular meeting dated March 2, 1981, were approved as written. WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER Chairman Calhoun welcomed Mrs . Carolyn Park as a new member to the Parks and Recreation Board. Mrs. Park has accepted an appointment of a two year term. I. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chairman Calhoun called for nominations for a secretary for the Parks and Recreation Board. Mrs. Kachel nominated Carolyn Park as secretary of the Board. Mrs. Park was elected secretary by unanimous vote. Chairman Calhoun asked for (Page Two, Called Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, June 22, 1981) nominations for a vice chairman to the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Baker nominated Sherry Kachel for re-election to the office of vice chairman of the Board. Mrs. Kachel was re-elected vice chairman by unanimous vote. Chairman Calhoun requested nominations for chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Owens nominated Bobby Baker to serve on the Board as chairman. Mr. Baker was elected by unanimous vote. Chairman Calhoun stated the officers were elected to serve on the Board for a term of one year. Mrs . Kachel moved that the term of office for the new officers would begin with the next regular meeting. Mr. Owens seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes : Mesdms. Kachel and Park; Messrs. Baker, Calhoun, Owens, and McCombs. Nays : None. Chairman Calhoun declared the motion carried. II. PROPOSED PARK SITE ON LITTLE BEAR CREEK BETWEEN FULLER-WISER ROAD AND MINTER'S CHAPEL (Proposed Hwy. 360) Mr. Owens moved to recommend the City Council consider the proposed park site on Little Bear Creek between Fuller-Wiser Road and Proposed Hwy. 360, and pursue all avenues in obtaining this proposed park site. Mr. Owens remarked to the audience that the Board feels this proposed park site would be a good investment for the City. It would not only enhance our ability to have the right type of parks, but it is one we need which would be left more or less in its natural state, or one not highly developed. Mr. Baker seconded the motion and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Mesdms . Kachel and Park; Messrs . Baker, Calhoun, Owens, and McCombs. Nays : None. (Page Three, Called Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, June 22, 1981) Chairman Calhoun declared the motion carried. III. CONSIDER APPLICATION OF MID-CITIES RUSTLERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB FOR USE OF THE COMMUNITY BLDG. Mrs . Wakeley explained the Mid-Cities Rustlers wanted to combine their program with the Euless recreation program, and since it is different from anything we offer believe it would be an asset. Motion was made by Mr. Owens to authorize the Staff to approve the application of the Mid-Cities Rustlers Square Dance Club to use the facilities at the Community Building, and the schedule of activities be worked out between the Recreation Coordinator and officers of the Mid-Cities Rustlers . Mr. McCombs seconded the motion and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Mesdms. Kachel and Park; Messrs . Baker, Calhoun, Owens, and McCombs . Nays : None. Chairman Calhoun declared the motion carried. IV. DISCUSSION OF GIRL'S SOFTBALL Mrs . Dana Patterson, 309 Towncreek, Euless, Texas, stated on May 12, 1981, during a softball game between the Angels and Pacers Angels ' Coach did not follow A.S.A. rules when filing a protest. Mrs . Patterson stated the Minor Girl's Softball Association Board settled the dispute the evening of the dispute when two weeks are allowed to make a decision. Mrs. Patterson stated the play in question was a judgement call. Mrs . Patterson stated she thinks the Minor Girl's Softball Association needs a governing body, one that members of the Association could appeal to should a dispute occur. Mrs. Patterson filed a petition against the Minor Girl's Softball Association Board signed by seventy- one members regarding election of officers, voting power, and the right to appeal a decision. (Page Four, Called Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, June 22, 1981) Mrs. Marsha Jones, 615 Ector Drive, Euless, Texas,stated the Minor Girl's Softball Association was bending the rules. Mrs . Jones stated she feels rules are made to be followed by all members of an organization, in order to be fair to all concerned. Mrs . Jones stated she feels the Association needs a governing body to air complaints that arise. Mr. Benny Hill, 1300 Roundtree, Euless, Texas, stated that for several years he has been involved with different types of sports for young people, such as, softball, soccer, and basketball. Mr. Hill stated he feels it is time the City becomes involved with these organizations. The City furnishes areas for play, but there are times when an organization does not please everyone inside that organization. But if one cannot complain to that organization and get anything changed, the City should have a Board where members of the organization could air complaints, and reach a decision. Mr. Hill stated we need a system where the parents can be representative of the system. Mr. Hill stated he hopes the Parks and Recreation Board will form a system where we can have checks and balances. Mr. Hill stated he feels the people who get together and start an organization, then the people who finance that organization, such as, the parents in this case, should have a voice in policy, and be able to go to a governing body with complaints. Leon Hogg, Vice President, Euless Minor Girl's Softball Association, stated the Association has ten teams this year. One team is dissatisfied which he pointed out is one-tenth of the organization. Mr. Hogg explained that the Euless Minor Girl's Softball Association Board is set up whereby each coach of each team has a vote. This covers everyone represented in the organization. There are eleven Board members who are divided as evenly as possible. Mr. Hogg stated that if the Parks and Recreation Board desired a detailed report on the incident which occured that instigated this discussion, the Euless Minor Girl's Soft- ball Association Board would be glad to comply. Mr. Hogg stated he works with Doug Rose, Euless Athletic Supervisor, as closely as possible all through the season. Mr. Hogg stated they are trying to make the organization better and work better. Mr. Owens asked if the Euless Minor Girl's Softball Association is affiliated with an organization where the by-laws must be submitted. Mr. Hogg replied that it is not. He stated the Euless Minor Girl's Softball Association is a local operation which was started seven years ago. West Park was specifically built for Minor Girl's Softball. Mr. Hogg stated the Minor Girl's Softball Association plays by T.A.A.F. , Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, rules, and this year they were scheduled with A.S.A. , American Softball Assoc- iation. (Page Five, Called Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, June 22, 1981) Mr. Owens asked 'if by-law changes are made only by the Board. Mr. Hogg replied that by-law changes are made by the Board and Coaches. The Board only takes care of day-to- day activities, such as setting up schedules. Mr. Owens asked how a coach becomes a member of the Board. Mr. Hogg replied the Board appoints a nominating committee to nominate in erested people as candidates . Also, nominations are made from the floor at the election meeting which is an open meeting. Then each nominee is voted on separately for a certain position by secret ballot. He stated Board members and coaches are voting members of the organization. Mr. McCombs inquired who the ultimate authority is over a dispute. Mr. Hogg replied that the Board is the ultimate authority. Mr. Hogg stated the Softball Assoc- iation Board would submit their by-laws upon request to the Parks and Recreation Board. He' stated the books and minutes are available for viewing anytime, and the meetings are open to the public. Chairman Calhoun inquired if the voting should be representative of the individual players. Mr. Hogg replied should one vote per player be permitted there would be a group of parents interested and take part, but there would be parents who would not become involved; therefore, the organization would be governed by a small percentage of members . Mr. Owens inquired if girls were made aware of Rules and Regulations of the Association at registration. Mr. Hogg replied a list of Rules and Regulations, and a copy of the By-laws are on hand at registration for players and parents to read. The parents and girls sign player agreements . Mr. Grant Simons, 1811 Toplea, Euless, Texas, Commissioner of the Euless Minor Girl's Softball Association, stated he has been involved with organizations for young athletes in Euless for years, three years with Little League, seven years with Band Boosters,and four years with Minor Girl's Softball. Mr. Simons stated as Commissioner he serves as liaison between members and officials of the organization. Mr. Simons stated he was present at the softball game on May 12, 1981, when the incident under dispute occured. Mr. Simons stated he was wearing his cap with his official title printed on the band. He stated no one contacted him regarding the incident. Mr. Simons stated the call on the play (Page Six, Called Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, June 22, 1981) in question was a judgement call, and should not have been protested. Mr. Owens inquired of Mr. Simons what his official duties are as Commissioner. Mr. Simons replied he is a go-between members and officials of the Association. Mr. Owens moved, 1) to consult with the City Attorney for advise regarding the issue under discussion between members and the Board of the Euless Minor Girl's Softball Association, and 2) take issue under advisement and allow more time for study. Mr. Baker seconded the motion and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Mesdrns. Kachel and Park; Messrs . Baker, Calhoun, Owens, and McCombs. Nays : None. • Chairman Calhoun declared the motion carried. V. NEW BUSINESS TRAINING OF VOLUNTEER COACHES SEMINAR Chairman Calhoun recommended the Parks and Recreation Department send one or two persons to the "Training of Volunteer Coaches" seminar in Dallas on July 29. The Seminar is sponsored by the Texas Recreation & Park Society and Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. BOARD MEETING DATE CHANGE The next scheduled meeting for the Parks & Recreation Board on July 6, 1981, being on a holiday week-end was canceled, and the next regular meeting set for August 3, 1981. VI. COMMENTS Mr. Owens commended Mr. Calhoun on the terrific job he has done serving as Chairman of the Board, and remarked it has been good serving with him. Mr. Owens inquired what action has been taken on Mayor Samuels' letter regarding fees for the swimming pools. Mrs. Wakeley replied she plans to stay with the present system, and believes revenue will be up this season. (Page Seven, Called Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, June 22, 1981) VII. '- ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Chaim.