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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-02-16 Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee February 16, 1970 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Park and Recreation 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 as follows : Messrs. 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 Della Houy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting dated January 12, 1970 and the called meeting dated February 2, 1970, were approved as written. STUDY OF ENGINEERS REPORT Chairman Hunt reviewed the Engineer's report and presented two (2) recommendations by the City's Consulting Engineer for the park site along Little Bear Creek. The first recommendation is that in order to fully develop the South side of Little Bear Creek into a swimming pool complex and park, a dam, wide enough for a street, would be needed for a crossing. Chairman Hunt stated that this dam would control the creek and form a lake in the park. The second recommendation is for the Engineers to take a field party to the property on the north side of Little Bear Creek and make a survey of approximately three (3) or four (4) acres for a swimming pool complex. Chairman Hunt stated this site would be accessable from North Main Street and would not require building a bridge or dam at this time. Chairman Hunt stated that the City Manager is in the process of setting up a meeting with the Bear Creek Park Committee. Mr. Hunt further commented that this meeting would give the Committee more information on what is available and the price of the land in question. (Page Two, Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee, February 16, _1970) Chairman Hunt presented a letter and copies of two (2) Federal Assistance Programs from Mr. Bill Ratliff. Mr. Lindsey stated he had talked with Mr. Franks of the Metropolitan Development and Open Land Development Service. Mr. Lindsey further commented that there are four (4) requirements in the plan he and Mr. Franks discussed. 1 . The land must be 20 acres or less, in a low income neighborhood, 2. The land must be 20 acres or less, with no restrictions, 3. The land must be a region that is expanding rapidly, and 4. The land must blend into a master over-all plan. Mr. Lindsey stated the City fits approximately three (3) of the above requirements. In reply to a que: Lion, Mr. Hunt stated that the Committee would have to make a recommendation to the City Council for approval of the Federal Assistance, after they meet with Mr. Franks and find out if the City is eligible. Mrs. Martin inquired about the restrictions or stipulations required if Federal Assistance is acquired. Mr. Lindsey stated the stipulations are that the park would be open to the public and not segregated. A discussion followed on other types of programs available, for fast growing Cities without sufficient funds to develop park sites. Mr. Lindsey stated that Mr. Franks would like to inspect the land under consideration before making his recommendations. Mr. Theder stated the Committee should obtain brochures on Federal Assistance in order to know what the City is eligible for and what strings are attached. Chairman Hunt asked Mr. Lindsey to contact Mr. Franks and set up an appointment for the Committee to obtain more information on this project. Chairman Hunt stated that at this time the No. 1 project is to have a swimming pool by summer of 1971 , and the Committee should have the City Engineer make a feasibility study of the land adjacent to North Main Street. Mr. Hunt stated this pool site is adjacent to proposed commercial property and would be an ideal location. Mr. Hunt stated that if the Committee is serious about this property, the Committee can make a recommendation to the City Manager for the study and the City Manager can authorize the additional expenditure. (Page Three, Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee, February 16, 1970) Mrs. Martin stated that the site is ideal because it is accessible to North Main Street, but she does not like power lines above a swimming area. Mr. Hunt stated that the easement would prohibit them from building the swimming pool under the power lines. Mr. Gregory stated he preferred the south side of the creek as there are more trees along the hillside. Chairman Hunt stated that the City could purchase three (3) or four (4) acres for the swimming pool , at this time, and in the future, could purchase additional land to the west and have approximately 48 acres of park land. Mr. Hunt further stated this land isn' t useful for anything else because of the flood range. Chairman Hunt presented a preliminary plan for use of property along Little Bear Creek, and this plan indicates single family dusters along the south side of the creek and the remainder of the area along the creek as a park site. Mr. Theder stated that the Committee needs to use the money available now for the swimming pool . Mr. Theder further commented that the approval of Federal Assistance will require several months and the City needs the new swimming pool immediately. A discussion followed on the feasibility of building a dam or bridge across Little Bear Creek and the type of street needed to withstand the traffic. Mr. Hunt stated that the swimming pool complex would be a complete unit with its own background and landscape. A discussion followed on the different types of pools that the Committee members have visited, including the size of the pool and the outward appearance of the pool complex. Chairman Hunt stated the Committee should make a formal recommendation to the City Manager to direct the City Engineer to make a feasibility study for a possible swimming pool site south of the Electric Company easement, north of Little Bear Creek, adjacent to North Main Street. Mr. Hunt further stated that the Committee should request the City Manager to be in contact with the property owners for a meeting with the Committee in the near future. Mr. Gregory stated he would like to have included in the study a possible crossing of Little Bear Creek in the vicinity of the City sewer easement. Mr. Gregory stated he would like to know if this easement could be used for more than the sewer line, such as a road. (Page Four, Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee, February, 16, 1970) Chairman Hunt stated therewould be a safety factor in building a low water crossing and a dam with a crossing below the dam would be the same, as the dam would not prevent the flooding, Chairman Hunt stated that the Committee should schedule a Called Meeting for Monday night , March 2, 1970, and follow up on the recommendations received from the City Engineer. Mr. Hunt further stated the Committee would attempt to obtain a purchase price on the property and also obtain: more information from Mr. Franks on Federal Assistance. II . IMPROVEMENTS ON WEST EULESS PARK Mr. Theder inquired about the upkeep and improvements to West Euless Park. Mr. Theder stated he had several inquiries about having lights and water installed in the park, along with concrete picnic tables and barbeque pits. Mr. Lindsey stated these improvements would require a considerable amount of money and could not be started until an agreement had been reached with the school district on the portion of land needed for a school . (Mr. Theder left the meeting at 9:30 P. M.) III . LIGHTS FOR MIDWAY PARK BASEBALL FIELDS Mr. Lindsey reported he had received an estimate from Euless Electric Company for the erection of new field lights at Baseball Field No. 2, and he was expecting another estimate from Arc Electric Company. Mr. Lindsey stated he would have another report available for the Special Called Meeting on March 2, 1970. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M. Chairman dfh