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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-04-19 Regular Meeting Park and Recreation Committee April 19, 1971 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee was called to order at 7:45 P. M. in the Conference Room of Euless City Hall by Chairman Charles Hunt. Other members present are listed as follows: Mrs. Ann Martin, Messrs. Ivan Gregory, and Jay Theder. (Absent: Mr. Cullen McNair) Also in attendance were Park and Recreation Director Frank D. Lindsey, and Recording Secretary Ophelia Smith. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Park and Recreation Committee meeting dated March 15, 1971 , were approved as written. PROPOSED SWIMMING POOL SITE SOUTH EULESS PARK Chairman Hunt presented an aerial photograph with overlay drawing by Knowlton-Ratliff-English-Collins, Engineering Firm, of the proposed swimming pool site at South Euless Park. He explained that the City Engineers had made a feasability study of the proposed swimming pool site, and found that the terrain lends itself well for this purpose. They reported that they find it a suitable site to build a 25 meter swimming pool . Chairman Hunt reminded the Committee Members that, since the City of Euless owns the land, this makes it immediately available. Mr. Theder stated that he is in favor of South Euless Park as a site for building the first neighborhood swimming pool in Euless. Mr. Gregory stated that he feels South Euless Park being so small will be a drawback. Mrs. Martin stated that she thinks South Euless Park unsuitable as a swimming pool site. She stated that she objects to the Park and Recreation Committee being pressured into building a pool at this location to satisfy the Bond Program, when in her opinion, the citizens did not have a 25 meter neighborhood pool in mind when they voted on the Bond Program. Chairman Hunt reminded the Committee Members that the City Engineers were instructed to make a feasibility study of South Euless Park for building a swimming pool , and have reported it to be a favorable location. (Page Two, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Committee, April 19, 1971 ) Chairman Hunt asked Committee Members if they wished to recommend the South Euless Park as a site for building the first neighborhood swimming pool in the City of Euless. Messrs. Gregory, Hunt, and Theder agreed favorably , but Mrs. Martin abstained. Decision was made to proceed with plans to build a 25 meter swimming pool in South Euless Park. II . PLANNED MEETING WITH CITY ENGINEERS Chairman Hunt informed Committee Members that Knowlton-Ratliff-English-Collins Engineering Firm has invited them to visit their new offices in Arlington, Wednesday, April 28, 1971 , at 10:00 A. M. , and discuss plans for the proposed swimming pool in South Euless Park. The Committee Members made plans to meet with the City Engineers on that date. III . WEST PARK PROPOSED SITE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SWIMMING POOL NUMBER TWO Chairman Hunt remarked that it has been suggested that a twenty (20) acre tract of land designated as West Euless Park could become worth one-half million dollars in the next seven years, depending on development in surrounding areas. He commented that should the tract be sold for this amount, it would provide monies to support the entire park program for years to come. Mr. Gregory stated that in the same next seven year period, that West Park is estimated to become worth one-half million dollars, and, at the current rate of inflation, this one-half million will buy $125,000. worth of land and Capital Improvements. Chairman Hunt proposed that the Park and Recreation Committee recommend the twenty (20) acre tract of land designated as West Park be formally dedicated as a Park Site. In the discussion that followed, Mr. Theder suggested selling a 150' or 175 ' strip of land across the north side of West Park for commercial use which would eliminate the cost of constructing the street on the north side. Mr. Gregory stated that he thought selling a strip of land along the north side of West Park for commercial use a good idea. (Page Three, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Committee, April 19, 1971 ) Chairman Hunt reported that he met with the Citizens of Wilshire Village, Friday, April 16th. The Citizens of Wilshire Village feel that the land east of West Parkway is more desirable, and would be more suitable for a park site. They are drawing up a petition to present to the City Council recommending the land now designated as West Park be traded for a twenty (20) acre tract of land on the east side of West Parkway. Chairman Hunt reported that a feasibility study indicates 6.2 acres of land, located on the north side of the extension of Marlene Drive, (a part of the twenty (20) acre tract of land east of West Parkway) , is a good site for a second neighborhood swimming pool . Chairman Hunt made the motion that the Park and Recreation Committee recommend the City of Euless formally dedicate the twenty (20) acres of land presently referred to as West Park at the earliest possible date. Mrs. Martin seconded the motion. The Committee Members agreed that the land now designated as West Park should be formally dedicated as a park site for the following reasons : 1 . Originally purchased as a park site 2. Purchased with Parks Capital Improvement Funds 3. Need the site for new swimming pool facilities 4. Has always been used as a park site. The vote is : Ayes : Mrs. Martin, Messrs. Gregory, Hunt and Theder Nays : None IV. REPORT ON FUNDING ASSISTANCE Mr. Lindsey reported that he had received a reply to his letter of inquiry to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regarding funding. The letter stated that funds are available and enclosed forms to fill out for assistance, which have been sent to the City Engineers for completion. V. REPORT ON DRAINAGE IN PARKS Mr. Lindsey reported that the City Engineers are studying the drainage problem in Midway Park. (Page Four, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Park and Recreation Committee, April 19, 1971 ) VI . MR. LINDSEY COMPLIMENTED Mr. Theder complimented Mr. Lindsey on the good job the Park Department has done in cleaning and beautifying Midway Park; also, the cleaning of the creek bed along side South Euless Park. VII . SOUTH EULESS GYMNASIUM BUILDING Mr. Lindsey reported that he, Mr. Jack Bullard, and City Manager C. J. Griggs had viewed the South Euless Gymnasium building currently used as a warehouse by the School District, and Mr. Bullard condemned the building, on site, due to the fact that it is in such a state of disrepair. Mr. Gregory read a copy of the letter he had written Mr. Johnny Eden, President, H. E. B. School District, regarding possible use of South Euless Gymnasium building in the City 's recreation program, when it is vacated by the School District. He then read a reply from Mr. Charles Wages, Superintendent of .Schools, Mr. Wages ' letter stated that it is felt the building is structurally sound, and with renovations could be used by the youth of the community. He assured the Park and Recreation Committee that the Board of Education and Administration will work cooperatively in providing as desirable an environment for the youth of our community as possible. (Letters on file in City Secretary's Office) VIII . ADJOURNMENT Chairman Hunt declared the meeting adjourned at 10: 15 P. M. APPROVED: / 0,41, Chairman VF:mai