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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-10-24 Regular Meeting Parks and Recreation Board October 24, 1977 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called to order by Chairman Jay Theder at 7:35 p .m. in the conference room of the Euless City Hall. Members present were Mrs . Zella Stierwalt and Messrs . Jay Theder, David Williams and Don Calhoun. (Absent were Rev. Elden Traster and Mrs. Jolly Rawlings) . Also in attendance were Recreation Director Frank Lindsey and Parks Superintendent Larry Morgan and recording secretary Denise Holden. VISITORS The visitors in attendance were Mrs. Willie Mae McCormick and Mr. Bob Phillips. Mr. Sustaire arrived at 8:15 p .m. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Lindsey. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the meeting dated September 12, 1977, were approved as written. I. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Theder reported to those members who were unable to attend the meeting with the Council, what the Council expected from the Park Board in the way of capital improvements and bond sales . He stated, basically, they wanted to know their priorities and the specific plans for these projects, which also included some price estimates . Mr. Theder stated that they expected these projects to be paid for in part with federal grants and matching funds taken from capital improve- ments. He said the Park board then was expected to submit these plans each year prior to July 1st to be either considered or rejected by the Council for their possibilities of applying for federal grant monies. He pointed out the lengthy time factor involved, which would mean any plans started on now would be at least one and a half to two years off and possibly three to five (Page Two, Regular Meeting, Parks & Recreation Board, Oct. 24, 1977) years off. Mr. Theder stated that he got the impression from the Council that the City wouldn't be selling any bonds for acouple of years yet anyway and was told even then this depended on new developments in the City. Mr. Theder stated that the purpose of the meeting tonight was to decide what projects the Board would like to start making plans on. He stated that he had two areas which he wanted the Board to consider; Midway Park and the phase II development of West Park. Mr. Lindsey passed out copies of a list of improvements for Midway Park for consideration. (see attached copy) Mr. Theder asked the Board if they had any other improvements they would like to see added to this list. In the discussion that followed, three additional items were mentioned: a jogging trail, restroom facilities to replace the old boys baseball facility, and addi- tional storage space for parks equipment and supplies. Mr. Theder asked if there were plans for putting in a jogging trail in Midway, since the citizen's survey of priorities listed hike and bike trails number one. Mr. Lindsey stated that a crude trail was put in, but the upkeep was never followed through with. Mr. Morgan stated that in this particular park, they have had considerable trouble with horses and motorcycles . Mr. Theder stated that the phase II plans for Bear Creek Park listed a jogging trail, which might be a better suited location. The dilapidated condition of the restroom facilities for boys baseball was brought up . It was mentioned that improvemtns or replacement of this facility have been held off because the plans for a new Midway bathhouse also had restruorns on the outside that could serve this purpose, and it wasn't necessary to duplicate this facility. Mr. Morgan stated that in the meantime the park crew was maintaining this facility the best they can. Mr. Williams stated that maybe they needed to make two lists ; one for maintenance and one for new construction. (Pa 2e Tnree, Re ular Meetin , Parks & Rec. Board, Oct. 24, 1977) Mr. Theder stated that capital improvement funds only covered new construction or replacement of a facility, but not the maintenance of facilities. Mr. Williams stated that in plan- ning for new facilities, we need to keep in mind the maintenance of the facility because he said, you are better off without it if you haven't adequately planned for its maintenance. Mr. Theder asked if additional storage space was in the plans? Mr. Morgan said that the Parks Department had things stored all over the City and that they would like to have a centrally located space, away from the pools , preferably near their shop area. He pointed out the area behind the shop as a suitable location for a covered shelter. Mr. Theder pointed out that in talking about future plans and projects, it was still the Council's understanding that the Board would still be doing small projects and also would be flexible in their plans so that if the possi- bility came up to purchase or acquire additional park land this would be their first priority over any given plans . Mr. Theder pointed out that the second project area he wanted to look at was West Park. He said that the development of this park was planned in two parts . The athletic complex or phase I was already complete. Mr. Theder stated that in Phase II the plans called for additional tennis courts, a playground area, pavilion, jogging and bike trail, parking, picnic shelters, landscaping, lights, water and sewer lines . He said we need to go over these again and ma':ce some adjustments to them. He stated that at present this facility was used by Girls Softball and Soccer associations . Mr. Tneder stated that in planning for additional facilities he liked to look back at the citizens' survey of priorities . He said that basically we have taken care of a lot of these priorities in one way or another and if we could get plans underway for these Midway Park improvements and phase II developments at West Park we would be in pretty good shape. Mr. Lindsey passed out copies of his annual report that also listed the accomplishments of the Parks and Recreation department over the past year that did fulfill some of the citizens requests, and stated that this was something that each Board member could review on their own time. Mr. Theder stated that now it is up to the Board to consider what priority to go with. (Pace Four, Regular Meeting, Parks_& Rec.Board, Oct._24, -1977) It was the question of several Board members, if they were suppose to be thinking in terms of one particular facility or improvement or one big project? Mr. Theder stated that he would like to lump all the items for each park into one big project and go from there. A discussion followed on advantages and disadvantages of putting these items together, but it was de- cided that possibly the best way was to expect more rather than plan for just one item. Mr. Sustaire stated that in looking at the list of improvements, the Board needed to look at each item in depth. He pointed out that before they covered over the drain- age ditch in Midway Park, they needed to find out how many cubic Feet of water runs through there, because it can effect the price drastically. He said the Board needs to be thinking of alternates if necessary. Mr. Sustaire said ne felt the most critical need, already established _cy the City, was for a new Midway bathhouse. He felt this could be done for a reasonable price and that we could get by for less than what we have in South Euless and Wilshire pools. Mrs . Stierwalt stated that the Board needs to plan another on the site work session before plans can be started on these projects . It was decided that the Board would combine this work session with their next regular meeting. Mr. Theder announced That t:_e Board would meet Monday, November 14th at 1:00 p .'m. at the Simmons Recreation Center and tour these sites, then meet immediately following for their regular meeting. The recording secretary left at 9 : 50 p.m. II. PARK SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Mr. Morgan introduced the City's horticulturist, Mr. Bob Phillips . Together they brought the Board up to date on the projects the Park department has been working on. (see attached report outline) ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10 :30 p ..11. APPROVED: