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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-03-02 Called Meeting City of Euless Park and Recreation Committee March 2, 1970 CALL TO ORDER The Called Meeting of the Park and Recre- ation Committee was called to order at 7:30 P. M. in the Conference Room of Euless City Hall by Chairman Charles Hunt. Members present are listed, as follows: Messers. Ivan Gregory and Jay Theder, and Mrs. David Martin. (Absent was Mr. James Kilmer.) Also present were Mr. Frank Lindsey, Park and Recreation Director, and Recording Secretary Ophelia Smith. APPROVAL. OF MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting dated February 16, 1970, were reed by Mrs. Smith and approved as written. I . REPORT ON PROPOSED PARK SITE Chairman Hunt reported that the City Engineer had been to the proposed pool site, consisting of approximately three (3) or four (4) acres on the north side of Little Bear Creek, and considers it feasible, but the study is incomplete at this time. Chairman Hunt stated, in answer to Mr. Theder's question about information concerning the easement along the proposed property site, that a more thorough survey of easement is necessary. Mr. Theder pointed out that, in his opinion, the time factor is of essence as well as a thorough study of the easement. Chairman Hunt stated that property owners adjacent to the proposed site have not been contacted, as this will depend on whether the site can be used. II . REPORT ON INFORMATION OF FEDERAL GRANT FOR OPEN SPACES AND OUTDOOR RECREATION ASSISTANCE Mr. Lindsey reported on a conference that he, Mr. Gregory and Chairman Hunt had with Mr. Gene Wright of "Open Spaces", a department of Housing and Urban Development. Information presented is listed, as follows : (Page Two, Minutes of Called Meeting, Park and Recreation Committee, March 2, 1970) 1 . Will reimburse all money spent on legal work up to fifty percent (50%) . 2. Will match City fifty percent (50%) on land and development of land. Could include baseball fields, picnic needs, trails , landscaping and irrigation. 3. Euless does qualify. 4. Will have an answer In a week, after application is completed and accepted. 5. After answer, City can buy and the government will reimburse the City. It will be a three (3) to four (4) month delay, from accepted time until payment is made. 6. Letter from North Texas Council of Cities, stating their approval , must be with application. 7. Only Federal restrictions will be that the land be open to general public and will always be a park (cannot- be sold or traded for other uses) , 8. Mr. Wright thought there would be no trouble in securing a grant. 9. Euless would fit an average status priority. 10. Mr. Gene Wright, the Metropolitan Development representative, in the Metropolitan Development office, lives in Hurst. He stated that he would be pleased to come out and discuss grant with us, Mr. Lindsey also reported on his conver- sation with Mr. Bill Kapp of Austin, Texas, in regard to "Outdoor Recreation Assistance". The following information was obtained: 1. They have no funds at present, 2. Will have additional funds, and accept applicants after July, 1970. 3. Their 1971 year begins July 1 , 19/0, 4, Euless will qualify, 5. They advised that we seek "Open space Funds" first, then add development through their grant. 6, could help finance a 00014 7. More information on the wey. Mrs, Martin Inquired if there would be strings attached, (Page Three, Minutes of Called Meeting, Park and Recreation Committee, March 2, 1970 Mr. Lindsey stated that there were no strings attached. The only stipulation is that "Open Spaces" means it is to re- main "Open Space", and property is not to be sold later for a development or anything of that nature. Also, the park would be open to the general public -- ,� not segregated. A lengthy discussion followed, after which Chairman Hunt recommended making application for funds. The three points consider- ed of prime importance at this time are 1 . City Attorney Cribbs speed application for funds. 2. Three realistic pool estimates. 3. Approach the City Council to supply funds from the City Emergency Fund to purchase land along Bear Creek for the park site, which would be paid back from funds received from "Open Space" and/or "Outdoor Recreation Assistance". This would allow necessary capital improvements money to be used for completion of swimming pool complex. III . PROPOSED LEASE AGREEMENT FOR JOINT USE OF BUILDING TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN MIDWAY PARK At this time, Mr. Theder left the meeting to go for Mr. Bob Johnson, President of the Euless Athletic Association. Shortly thereafter, he returned with Mr. Johnson and Introduced him to all present. Chairman Hunt read a letter dated September 18, 1969, addressed to the Euless City Council , from B. L. Yarbrough, Secretary of Euless Athletic Association, as follows: "At the last business meeting, the Euless Athletic Association discussed plans for a building and elected to submit a proposal to the City Council and City Park and Recreation Committee. The need for space to store uniforms and baseball equipment, in the off season, has become acute. Since we previously used a storage building that has been out- grown and the land on which it is located is soon to be taken by the new airport, the Euless Athletic Association proposes a building to be erected In Midway Park by the City that could serve the needs of the baseball program and also include much needed restrooms. (Pagt,Four, Minutes of Called Meetin_ ,_Park and Recre Lien Com..mittee.March 2, '97O)._ Realizing this type of facility would be no small expenditure, the Association would contribute up to $2,000 toward the cost, with the understanding the storage space included would be adequate to support the baseball needs and would be made available for its use. Your consideration in the matter would be r#reatly appreciated." Chairman Hunt stated that the Council re- ferred the letter to the Euless City Attorney, with instructions to formulate a recommendation. Then Chairman Hunt read a letter dated January 12, 1970, directed to the Park and Recreation Board, City of Euless , from Mr. Bob Johnson, President of the Euless Athletic Association, requesting immediate action, by the City Council , for a final decision on this matter. Mr. Johnson, representing Euless Athletic. Association, read a copy of the Lease Contract drawn up by City Attorney Cribbs and stated that the Association is in agreement with the Lease Contract, with ex- ception to the specified time and notice of cancellation. He said that the Association would like a lease for a ten (10) year period or an indefinite length of time, and a six (6) months notice for termination. After discussion, a decision was made to delete clauses from proposed Lease Contract pertaining to the time element (paragraph two (2) and the last sentence of paragraph five (5) , which are as follows : 1 . (Paragraph two reads) That this lease shall be for a term of five (5) years commencing upon the erection and comple- tion of the storage facility as described in the attached Exhibit "A". That Lessee shall pay therefor as rent for such five year term the total sum of TWO THOUSAND AND N0/100 ($2,000.00) DOLLARS, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by the City of Euless upon the execution of this lease contract. 2. (Last sentence of paragraph five) In the event of such term- ination the City of Euless agrees to return and rebate rent to Lessee prorate in the amount of $ per month for each remaining month in the lease term at the time of cancellation by the City of Euless. The revisions would allow either party to cancel lease for just cause (anytime) and allow for no refund of monies to the Athletic Association. Mr. Johnson agreed to contact City Attorney James Cribbs and work up a new lease. Mr. Gregory recommended the Park and Recre- ation Committee approve the lease with revisions and submit to the City Council at the next regular meeting, provided the revised lease would meet approval of the City Attorney. (Pa•e Five Minutes of Called Meetin• Park and Recreation Committee March 2,_17C) IV. LIGHTS FOR MIDWAY PARK BASEBALL FIELDS__NO, 2 .AND 3 Mr. Lindsey submitted two proposals for properly lighting baseball fields number 2 and 3: 1 . Euless Electric Company, Inc. -- estimated cost of $3,256.00 for completely relighting baseball field No. 2, and an additional $700.00 to $1 ,000.00 for moving existing hardware to field No. 3. 2. ARC Electric Company -- estimated cost of $4,389.00 for relighting field No. 2. Mr. Gregory recommended postponing re- lighting of baseball fields No. 2 and 3 for one year. Mr. Johnson pointed out that the existing light poles are dangerous and there is a possibility of someone being badly hurt. Mr. Theder inquired as to the amount that could be spent of the Park and Recreation Fund on repairs. Discussion followed, and all agreed that to move poles and repair lighting on field No. 2 for approximately $1 ,000.00 would be the most expensive and unsatisfactory route to pursue because it would be only a temporary measure. Mr. Johnson stated that when the Euless Athletic Association had the opportunity to vote for League Tournament Play, they were forced to vote for District Tournaments, because Euless ' facilities are not adequate to have Regional or State Tournaments. Mr. Theder suggested a Mother's Auxiliary to organize girls' soft-ball teams. Mr. Hunt reminded the Committee that accrued interest on the $100,000.00 (balance in Park Bond Fund) will be in the amount of $9,000.00, as of July 1 , 1970 ($6,000.00 interest earned during 1969, invested at 6% in local bank and $3,000.00 earned from January 1 , 1970 to July 1 , 1970) -- and suggested that the Committee consider using part of this earned in- terest for the Baseball Field Lighting Project. Mr. Gregory stated that this money is set aside in the Capital Improvements Program and ear-marked for a swimming pool . Chairman Hunt stated that the sooner we get this under contract the better, in view of the threatening increase in cost. The Committee agreed that recommendations for improving lighting of baseball diamonds number 2 and 3, would be presented to the City Council , as follows: (Pase Six Minutes of Called Meetin• Park and Recreation Committee March 2 _197 0) 1 . Change out lights on diamond No. 2 to 50 Quarts lights resulting in 1500 watt Quartz floodlights. 2. Move 5 poles and guy wires behind fence. 3. Change out 4 poles to taller poles. 4. Move existing light fixtures on diamond No. 2 to diamond No. 3 which would adequately light diamond No. 3. These recommendations, based on needs as indicated by bids from local contractors, would cost about $4,000.00. Mr. Gregory requested that Mr. Lindsey procure a third estimate from an independent electric company to rewire diamond No. 2 and install existing hardware on diamond No. 2 on diamond No. 3. Mr. Lindsey agreed to get a third esti- mate for properly lighting diamonds No. 2 and 3. V. COMMUNICATION FROM TRAILWOOD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Chairman Hunt read a letter from Mr. Bobby R. Fuller, Representative of Trailwood Development Corporation, requesting inform- ation concerning the possibility of the City's acquisition of fifteen (15) acres of low land (adjacent to the previously discussed proposed park site) . The decision was made to postpone answer- ing this letter until the next meeting. VI . ADJOURNMENT The m- ing adjourned at 11 :00 r. M. ///,7 / /eh ___ ,i,/� i 41.-AI C - rman ots :fsm