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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-08-20 Regular Meeting Park and Recreation Board August 20, 1973 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Board was called to order at 7:45 p. m. in the Conference Room of Euless City Hall . Members present were Chairman Charles Hunt, Messrs. Jay Theder and Jack Stoltze and Mesdms. Carolyn Griffin and Jolly Rawlings. (Absent was Mr. Harold Copher.) Also present were Park and Recreation Director, Frank Lindsey and City Secretary Vada Ferris. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Charles Hunt. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting dated July 16, 1973, were approved as written. VISITORS Councilman Bill Dunn was a visitor to the meeting. APPRECIATION COMMUNICATION Mr. Hunt read a note of appreciation from Miss Drenda Lindsey written on behalf of her father, Park and Recreation Director, Frank Lindsey. The note expressed appreciation for the flowers and other remembrances during Mr. Lindsey' s recent illness. Mr. Lindsey arrived at this time and he commented that he is most appreciative of the concern expressed by the members of the Park and Recreation Board and their thoughtfulness during his illness. I I . LETTER FROM EQUIPMENT REPRESENTATIVE Mr. Hunt informed the Board members that he had received a letter from Mr. Jim Lee, representative of the American Equipment Company expressing his concern for failing to attend the meeting due to a misunderstanding in dates. Mr. Lee stated that he hoped this would not jeopardize his position on bidding on the equipment for the Oakwood Terrace School playground. (Page Two, Regular Meeting_ Park and Recreation Board, August 20, 1973) III . PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR' S REPORT .-- Proposed H. B. No. 25 - Developers Participation Mr. Lindsey presented an article from the July 1973 issue of Texas Recreation and Park Society which was read by Mrs. Griffin. This article relates to H.B. No. 25, pertaining to approval and filing of subdivision plats in incorporated cities, towns, and counties. This bill would have set guidelines for governing agencies to enforce land developers to donate up to 10% of their land for park and school purposes. Mr. Lindsey stated that Mr. Enlow of the Irving Park and Recreation Department, who is also President of the Texas Recreation and Park Society, has urged that cities write their legislator concerning this article. Mr. Theder stated that he would not be interested because he does not know what H. B. No. 25 relates and that the City of Euless does not want parks on the east side of the City of Euless; also that in some areas, developers donate money instead of park sites if their development is not a desirable place for parks. Mr. Hunt stated that he would like to make this article part of the minutes. Mr. Theder stated that as a Board, he did not think it would be advantageous to write our legislators. Mr. Stoltz moved to include this magazine article by Mr. Bill Enlow, as a part of the minutes and that each recipient of the minutes should be provided with a copy, and that a letter be written to Mr. Enlow and Mr. Allen and members of the City Council advising that the Euless Park and Recreation Board endorses the proposal and H. B. No. 25. Mr. Hunt seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Stoltz and Hunt Nays: Mrs. Griffin and Mr. Theder Abstained: Mrs. Rawlings Chairman Hunt declared the motion failed to carry. Mr. Theder stated that he did not think it would help to write a letter. Mr. Stoltz moved to include the article by Mr. Enlow as part of the minutes and sent a copy to each recipient of the minutes. (Page Three, Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Board, August 20, 1973) Mrs. Rawlings seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Stoltz, Theder, Hunt and Mesdms. Rawlings and Griffin Nays: None Chairman Hunt declared the motion carried. Mr. Lindsey stated that he would get a copy of H. B. No. 25 so the Board could be more informed. Mr. Hunt stated that the Board could discuss this further at the next meeting and that the Board should strive that developers have advanced notice that the City wants and needs a park site in their develop- ment. Mr. Stoltz stated that it is his understanding that the City will attempt to acquire funds if the development is not suitable to include a park site. Mr. Lindsey commented that green belts and park land enhance residential areas. Status of Summer Program Pools Mr. Lindsey reported that the three municipal pools will close on August 26, and the attendance as of this date is 51 ,755 and the total revenue is $21 ,567.95. Mr. Lindsey requested that members of the Board submit a constructive analysis of the pool program. He stated this will enable the staff to determine the needs, if any, of the problems, if any, and he feels it will be most helpful in future planning. Members of the Board inquired about accidents at the pools and Mr. Lindsey advised that there have been several at each pool ; that the staff will evaluate the accident reports which will , perhaps, tell them where most of the accidents occurred and why, if it was because of management, carelessness on the part of the pool staff, and/or participants. He stated that he will make an analysis of the accidents and submit a report at a later date. Oakwood Terrace Playground Mr. Theder inquired the status of the playground program for the Oakwood Terrace School . Mr. Lindsey stated that due to his absence because of 11,1s recent illness he has not been able to pursue this project; however, he will have a report for the committee for their next meeting. (Page Four, Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Board, August 20, 1973) West Park Mr. Theder inquired about fill dirt at West Park and Mr. Lindsey stated that a water line is being laid in the vicinity of the park but not in the park site and the contractor is filling the low places in the park site with the excess dirt. It was reported that as soon as all the dirt is in place, the contractor has stated that he will level the dirt. IV. PARK AND RECREATION PROJECT UNDER POWER LINES Mr. Lindsey stated that he had recently visited in Longview, Texas to view a project located under high voltage lines. He stated that it is very beautiful asphalt trail for bicycles and is used quite extensively by joggers and that on the day he visited, there were many people leisurely walking. Mr. Lindsey stated that he has talked with the City Manager about a similar project in Euless and that if the Board desires, he will pursue this matter by discussion with Mr. Charles Page of Texas Power and Light Company. Mr. Dunn was recognized and he stated that several months ago, Mr. Page had inquired if the City would be interested in planning a project uhder a particular power line in the City. Mr. Hunt stated that he would like for Mr. Lindsey to express the Boards enthusiasm and pursue this matter by contacting Mr. Page. Mr. Dunn offered his services to discuss this matter with Mr. Page. All members of the Board were in agreement that Mr. Lindsey should contact Mr. Page as the next step in this project. V. COUNCILMAN DUNN' S REPORT ON COUNCIL OF SOCIAL CONCERNS Mr. Dunn presented each member of the Board a copy of City Ordinance creating a Council of Social Concerns and reviewed the Ordinance. He stated that the purpose for his attending this meeting is to inform the Board of this project because the Ordinance states that one member will be from the City' s Park Board. (Page Five, Regular Meeting Park and Recreation Board, August 20, 1973) Mr. Dunn stated that this Council for Social Concerns should consist of knowledgeable interested people concerned about the youth of the area and willing to give their time to prevent bad situations in the field of drugs, alcoholism, pornography, etc. Mr. Dunn stated that he is hopeful that he will have all of the members, as outlined in the Ordinance, by September 15, and then the group will meet with the City Council to confirm their appoint- ments; that it might be good to have the wives at the meeting. He stated that some of the problems are already being worked on by various groups in the community, but perhaps this Social Concern Council can coordinate efforts of several groups and do a better job. He stated that he hopes this Council will provide leadership and positive action. Mr. Theder inquired if Mr. Dunn had given a thought to a member of the press being appointed to this Council . Mr. Dunn stated that he had not; however, the meetings will be open to the public and the press will be invited. Mr. Theder stated that this Social Concerns Council will be more effective with a dynamic Chairman. Mr. Hunt stated that this Council will have the support of the entire membership of the Park and Recreation Board and that each member will help in some way. Mr. Theder asked Mr. Dunn if the City Council has considered a survey similar to the Goals of Euless to determine the desires and needs of the citizens. Mr. Dunn stated that he was not aware of such a survey being considered; however, he has discussed the Goals of Euless recently with Rev. Bill Anderson and they agreed that the goals need to be reviewed periodically and priorities considered. Mr. Dunn stated there are numerous federal grants available to Cities and a number of them are for people problems; that he would not be opposed to a grant to aid in these Social Concerns areas. Mr. Hunt thanked Mr. Dunn for his presentation and informed him that the Park and Recreation Board would advise him of their appointment to the Social Concerns Council . (Mr. Dunn and Mr. Lindsey left the meeting at this time - 9: 15 p. m.) VI . STATUS OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PROPERTY It was agreed by the members present that Mr. Hunt should talk to the City Manager and proceed with the next step in this project. (Page Six, Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Board, August 20, 1973) VII . WEST EULESS PARK BASEBALL FIELDS Members present reviewed a plat of the West Park site and Mr. Hunt pointed out the location of two new baseball fields recommended by Mr. Lindsey. Mr. Stoltz stated that he did not think this group should take action on the ball fields without discussing the matter with Mr. Lindsey. Mr. Hunt stated that he had talked with Mr. Lindsey about the ball fields and that the only hold up is how to place the ball fields on the land. Mr. Theder stated that the possibility of building two ball fields on this site is more feasible if the lighting for the ball fields is omitted from the project at this time. He stated that the ball fields could be used until dark and then at some future date the Board could consider lighting the fields. Mr. Theder suggested that the Board proceed to plan for two baseball fields and a road by next spring, but that because of the money factor, lighting could be eliminated from the project at this time. Mr. Theder suggested that the Board delay any action on the ball fields until Mr. Lindsey is able to attend a work session to discuss this more thoroughly. Members of the Board were in agreement and it was expressed that hopefully a work session could be held within the next two weeks . VIII . STATUS OF FUNDS AVAILABLE Mr. Theder stated that Mr. Copher had advised the Board that the funds available would be presented to the Board in August. Mr. Hunt asked Mrs. Ferris if she knew if this report is available and was informed that Mr. Griggs is working on it; however, due to his recent illness, it is not available at this time. IX. DRIVE AND PARKING AREA AT WILSHIRE SWIMMING POOL Mr. Theder stated that the Board had been most concerned about conservation of the trees at the Wilshire Pool . It now seems (Page Seven, Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Board, August 20, 1973) inevitable that some of the trees will have to be removed in order to have a more adequate driving area and parking area. Mr. Hunt stated that he agrees and Mr. Lindsey advises that he will contact the County Commissioners in an effort to have the area asphalt covered before the next swimming season. X. COMMENTS Mr. Stoltz expressed his apologies to the members of the Board of his absence; stating that he has been hospitalized for about ten days. XI . ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P. M. APPROVED: lier/ 'V ; / Chairman