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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/2003 - Regular Minutes - Parks Board enggnolononoonomnoinomooBosmmhmteionmssummmoanoomtsagnnomm",",":"":"—","",","—""","--", ,„fonsossssssos!„gnR„airraikgiriad,„FkeifgagdiyAdwgdoeutipdimsmoisimilii,••iwigE.*6:;.1:;,:'.,—::- Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at 7:00 p.m The EXJT Teen Center lossomonenningolon520:RdekiPtilitelRoad College Station, Texas Staff Present: Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation; Eric Ploeger, Assistant Director; Peter Vanecek, Senior Park Planner; Peter Lamont Recreation Superintendent; Jana Cope, Recreation Supervisor (Kids Klub).Lamont, Y' Kelbl ' Recreation Supervisor (Teen Center); Lance Jackson, Recreation Supervisor (Lincoln Center). Board Members Present: John Nichols, Chaim,Ian.' Don Allison; LarryFarnsworth. Bill Davis; Glenn Schroeder; Jodi Warner; Glen Davis. Guest: Eleanor Williams, Chairperson, Lincoln Center Advisory Committee Molly Hitchcock, Staff Planner John Hamilton, Developer(Crescent Pointe) 1. Call to order: Chai.K an John Nichols called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2. Pardon — possible action concerning requests for absences of members from meeting: All Board members were present at the meeting. ® Hear visitors: There were no visitors present at the meeting. 4. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of minutes from the regular meeting of February 11, 2003, and the joint meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Lincoln Center Advisory Committee on February 18, 2003: Bill Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of February 11, 2003. Larry Farnsworth seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. Glenn Schroeder made a motion to approve the minutes from the joint meetingof February 18, 2003. Don Allison seconded the motion. All were infavor, and the motion passed unanimously. 5. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning the revision to the WA Tarrow Park Corridor Master Plan: Eric Ploeger reported that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Lincoln Center Advisory Committee met on February 18, 2003, to discuss the proposed WA Tarrow Park Corridor Master Plan. One of the prominent areas that staff had received direction on at that meeting was to Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 1 of 10 retain two (2) existing buildings that were part of the original Lincoln Center, and rearrange the parking plan. Implementation of the plan was also set up in four (4) phases: + Phase I - existing building expansion and additional parking; + Phase II-basketball court and cover, and playground relocation; • Phase III- new building and parking expansion; and + Phase IV - water play area/splash park. Pete Vanecek has redrawn the Master Plan to show those two (2) buildings and the additional parking. Eric has met with Development Services staff concerning an approximate 3,500 SF building expansion and additional parking (which would be a standard of approximately 150 SF per parking space - based on the standard used for health club facilities). For the first proposed phase of the Master Plan, there would need to be an additional 28 to 30 parking spaces added. Over 100 additional spaces would be needed for the full build-out of the four (4) phases of the proposed Master Plan. Eric added that the Master Plan could be worded in such a way that the number of parking spaces could be altered, depending on how many are needed at the time each phase is developed. Eric stated that if the Advisory Board approves the plan, it will be presented to the City Council for consideration on May 8, 2003. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to approve the proposed WA Tarrow Park Corridor Master Plan. Glenn S. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 6. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning park land dedication requests for the: 4, Crescent Pointe Development (Zone 4): Steve introduced Staff Planner Molly Hitchcock. Molly pointed to a site map that showed the proposed development and how it relates to the land-use plan. The proposed development is outlined in red on the map, and is located between Highway 6 and east of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. Steve stated that the purpose of this item is not to accept a certain park site, but for the Board to provide a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as guidance to the developer John Hamilton, concerning park issues. Steve referred to the site map. He stated that there are two (2) concerns from the staffs standpoint: 1) Staff sees a need to have the development connected with a pedestrian access to Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. This is important because it will provide park access to users of the new hotel/conference center, as Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 2 of 10 well as to residents who are located to the west of the new Copperfield Drive extension. 2) The extension of Copperfield Drive will create a fairly major thoroughfare. The distance from Veterans Park and Athletic Complex and residents from the east side of Copperfield Drive will be over 1/2 mile. So, staff feels that there will be a need for a neighborhood park facility on the east side of Copperfield Drive. Steve stated that there would be a need for a detention/retention facility, and there have been discussions with Mr. Hamilton to co-locate that with the required park land dedication. Mr. Hamilton discussed the proposed development. He stated that the intention is to spend approximately $870,000 on landscaping to enhance the development. The goal is to create an access point to Veterans Park and Athletic Complex to help market the development. John N. asked Mr. Hamilton what his concept would be for a neighborhood park. Mr. Hamilton responded that there have been discussions on having some type of a detention/retention facility with a water feature as part of a park land dedication. However, at this time it would be difficult to forecast any plans because the number of dwelling units for the development has not been dete med. After some discussion, Glen D. made a motion to approve the development in concept and requested that the developer 1) provide access to Veterans Park and Athletic Complex on the west side of Copperfield Drive, and 2) provide park land dedication that would meet specifications for a neighborhood park on the east side of Copperfield Drive. Bill D. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. • Richard Street Subdivision (Zone 2): This proposed single-family, two (2) dwelling-unit development is located on Richards Street. The total land dedication requirement would be 0.019 acres. The total cash dedication requirement would be $1,112. Staff is recommending the acceptance of the fee in lieu of land. Glenn S. made a motion to accept the fee in lieu of land for the Richard Street Subdivision. Jodi W. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action concerning leisure program evaluations for Supervised Recreation: • Kids Klub Programs: Jana Cope gave a presentation on the Kids Klub After School Day Care Program (refer to program evaluation form and PowerPoint Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 3 of 10 presentation). The Kids Klub program was established in 1987 as a joint venture between the City of College Station Parks and Recreation Department and the College Station Independent School District (CSISD). The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the program management and CSISD is responsible for the fiscal administration. This year's enrollment peaked at 781 children, and there is currently a staff-to- student ratio of 1:12. The program is currently set up to serve 950 children, and for the first time in its history, there is a capped enrollment at Rock Prairie elementary school. Jana stated that 100% of the participants enrolled in the program are CSISD students, and approximately 13% of those participants are on a reduced tuition program. The Kids Klub Program is self-supporting, and all of its revenue is generated through tuition fees. The program also receives funds through the Community Development Block Grant Program to offset the cost of the reduced tuition program. Don A. asked if liability was a concern. Steve responded that liability is certainly a concern. However, staff members are trained on the childcare "do's and don'ts" and on crisis and risk management. In fact, Jana has taken CSISD's training protocol, and adapted it to the Kids Klub Program. Steve added that Jana was recently named a member of the Board of Directors for the Texas After-School Association (TAA), and additionally, she has been asked to serve as a liaison between the T A and the National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA). Staff recommends continuation of the program. The Board commended Jana on her program. • EXIT Teen Center Programs: Kelly Kelbly has been tasked with coming up with innovative programs that gets kids (ages 12 to 16 years old) to come to the EXIT Teen Center. One of the functions of the Teen Center is to serve as an after- school program, where kids can hang out, work on homework, play games, or play on the computer. She said that the Center is open on Friday nights until 1 1:00 p.m. for 7th, ZSth and 9th graders. Kelly gave a presentation on the EXIT Teen Center Programs (refer to program evaluation forms). - Teen Talk: This program runs every Tuesday night. It is an opportunity for the kids to come in, free of charge, and participate in discussion groups on various issues that may affect them (i.e. abuse, sex, teen pregnancy, job and college applications, and sports beyond high school). Staff recommends continuation of the program. "eXtreme" EXIT: This is an outdoor adventure program that provides activities such as fishing, horseback riding, paintball games, and gun safety Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 4 of 10 training. The program runs every Saturday in an eight week series. Kelly added that there is a minimal extra fee to participate in this program. Staff recommends continuation of the program. - VIP Field Trip Package: This is a program that provides an overall field trip package deal that includes snacks, lunches, and transportation to an event (i.e. trips to "Spashtown",baseball games, and movies), for a minimal fee. Staff recommends continuation of the program. Bill D. noted that there are similar programs being offered in the community. He asked if the Department had explored doing collaborative programming with other agencies. Kelly responded that she has been looking into joint programming so as not to duplicate resources. One example of this effort is the discontinuation of the Explorer Post Program because the same activities are being offered through the "eXtreme EXIT" program. John N. asked what the participation level at the Teen Center is. Kelly stated that the Teen Center averages about 30 kids per day after school. The average is about 150 to 200 kids on Friday nights, and that number increases in the summer. She added that the maximum number of kids that they will allow in the Center at one time is 260. John N. asked what staff training is required for the Teen Talk Program. Kelly responded that the program is directly supervised by one of her general staff members. Staff dete ines whether to bring in a certified counselor, depending upon the topic (i.e. sex, pregnancy, and abuse). • Lincoln Recreation Center Programs. Lance Jackson gave a presentation on the Lincoln Recreation Center Programs (refer to program evaluation forms). - Martin Luther King Musical Celebration: Staff recommends the continuation of the program. Juneteenth Celebration: Staff recommends the continuation of the program. Staff further recommends possibly expanding this program to the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater every third year of the celebration. - Fall Fest: Staff recommends the continuation of the program. - Easter Egg Hunt: Staff recommends the continuation of the program. - Breakfast with Santa: Staff recommends the continuation of the program. Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 5 of 10 Boys and Girls Club Programming: Staff recommends the continuation of the program to support the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of America in conjunction with the development of the Lincoln Recreation Center's Youth Activities. Lance distributed a "Boys and Girls Club" flyer and a customer rental handbook for the Lincoln Recreation Center. He stated that the Lincoln Center has worked with the Boys and Girls Club since 1991. There are approximately 450 to 500 kids who are registered through the Club that come to the Lincoln Recreation Center, in addition to those kids who have memberships at the Center. The office hours for the Center are from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Lance stated that the Center has a good relationship with CSISD. The Center picks up approximately 60 kids from school on a daily basis. In the summer, the Center turns into an extended day care program, and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The center takes care of approximately 230 to 250 kids per day during the summer. Currently, the Lincoln Center employs three (3) full-time/benefited employees, and fifteen (15) temp/seasonal employees. In addition, the Center also has access to 20 to 25 Texas A&M University students who work through the Work State Program. John N. asked if the Lincoln Center works with alumni who volunteer their time back to the Center. Lance responded that he is in touch with the Lincoln Fo er Students on a daily basis. Lance stated that the Lincoln Recreation Center also serves as a rental facility. Steve stated that Supervised Recreation concludes the program evaluations for 2003. He added that the Department is responsible for over 1,000 kids every day after school through supervised recreation. He added that the real strength of the Parks and Recreation Department is through the programs offered, and the foundation of those programs is the supervisors who run them. John N. suggested seeking the help of volunteers to research possible grant opportunities that could assist with program funding. After some discussion, Bill D. made a motion to commend the supervised recreation programs that the Parks and Recreation Department offers to the community. Larry F. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. 8. Discussion, consideration, and possible appointment of a User Fee Subcommittee: John N. appointed the following Board members to serve on the Fiscal Year 2004 User Fee Subcommittee: Glen D., Glenn S., and Larry F. Bill D. was appointed as an alternate. Kristin Lehde will check calendars and set up a subcommittee meeting in April. Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 6 of 10 9. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the status of the arboretum: Steve pointed to an aerial photograph of the arboretum area, which is located on the southeast portion of Bee Creek Park, along the channel. He said that for a number of years, there have been discussions concerning what to do with the drainage area to control flooding problems. The Drainage/Utility District was formed with the specific purpose of funding drainage capital projects. There is a plan that is approximately 95% complete that will address drainage issues. If that plan is approved, there will be some land acquisition required in some places up stream, and the project will go out to bid in the summer or fall, and will take approximately one year to complete. Steve added that John N. has met with members of the community and residents of the arboretum area who would like to repair some of the arboretum's trail structure and interpretive signs, and who have scheduled a Big Event project with the Operations and Forestry staff to begin additional cleanup of the arboretum area. John N. added that the citizens that he had met with felt that the arboretum needed to be cleaned up. After some discussion, he suggested that staff work with citizens groups to examine possible improvements and redevelopment of the arboretum, and come back to the Board with a report at some point in the future. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 10. Discussion, consideration, and possible action concerning a process to address joint school-park projects: During the joint meeting between the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on October 24, 2002, there was discussion concerning joint projects between the Parks and Recreation Department and the School District. This item is a follow up from the January 14, 2003, meeting, at which the discussion was focused on the possibility of developing a policy statement that would establish guidelines and criteria for future funding requests for potential school/park and neighborhood/park projects. Eric P. had done some research on the possibility of school park projects similar to projects that have been done in the City of Houston, through a School Park Program called SPARK. This is a cooperative effort between the neighborhoods, the schools, the school district, and the private sector to help schools in areas most in need of park development, such as in low-income neighborhoods. The program is set up on a grant-type process funded primarily by Community Development Block Grants. Eric said that the SPA' program is a way to access Community Development funds to place parks on school property. He added that in College Station, Community Block Grant funds are approved by the City Council, so there would not be a need to go through many organizations to obtain those funds if Council chooses to fund the projects. Eric stated that the school district maintains the parks once they are installed, which is an advantage to the City. Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 7 of 10 Steve stated that the point of discussion was to discuss the possibility of coming up with a conceptual policy for how to govern these types of project requests (i.e. school/park and neighborhood/park projects), and presenting the policy to the City Council to determine if they will fund it. If approved, a process could be developed that would establish guidelines and criteria for handling future requests. Steve stated that a funding request cycle with a request submittal deadline could also be established that could help coordinate funding requests with the City's budget cycle. Steve suggested coming up with a preliminary policy statement that could be used as a discussion point during the joint meeting between the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 24th, to determine if the Council will support it. After some discussion, Glen D. suggested coming up with an outline policy statement that could be brought to the Board during their April 8th meeting, and having the Board come to a consensus on it before it is presented to the Council during the joint meeting on April 24th. This item was intended for discussion only, and no motion was made. A draft policy statement will be brought to the Board during their meeting on April 8, 2003. This item was intended for discussion only, and no motion was made. 11® Report, discussion, and possible action concerning Park Zone 10 During the February 11, 2003, meeting, the Board requested staff to 1) prepare a comprehensive graphic that would detail the sidewalks, thoroughfares, safety crossings, park sites, and greenbelts within Park Zone 10, and 2) provide a projection of estimated park land dedication funds in that zone, based on the projects that have been reviewed to date. Eric P. referred to a graphic map of Zone 10, which included the requested info ation (also included in the Board packets). The graphic would serve as background info ation that the Board would need to deter ine where they would like to see park land dedication funds spent within that zone, particularly as it relates to the request from residents of the Alexandria Subdivision for a neighborhood playground if a portion of a greeenway were to be dedicated to the City. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 12. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding the Board's issues and concerns for the joint meeting with the City Council on April 24, 2003: After some discussion, the Board was in consensus on presenting the following items to Council for discussion during the joint meeting with Council and the Board on April 24, 2003. Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 8 of 10 Discussion and consideration of the revised Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan (note: Consideration of the Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan has been moved to the June 12, 2003, Council agenda); - Discussion and consideration of a potential policy statement for joint school/neighborhood park development; Discussion and consideration of the upcoming bond election, with emphasis on the Phase II development of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex as a high priority of the Board; Discussion and consideration of the need for park land in the Northgate area; and - Discussion concerning the improved dialogue between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Pla ing and Zoning Commission concerning park land dedication issues. The Board will review a draft memorandum to the Council that includes the above Board issues and concerns at their regular meeting on April 8th. This item was intended for discussion only, and no motion was made. 13. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the future Capital Improvement Program: Steve stated that the Board received a revised schedule of Citizen Advisory Committee meetings. The Parks and Recreation Department will be presenting their list of projects to that committee on March 25, 2003. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 14. Report, discussion, and possible action concerning the current Capital Improvement Program: During the meeting of January 14, 2003, the Board had inquired about the progress the City has made in acquiring three (3) lots in the Northgate area for a potential park, and requested staff to obtain a report from the consultant who is working on the Northgate Master Plan. Steve stated the City's Economic Development Director has relayed the Board's concerns to the consultant, but that she has not yet received a response. This item was a report only, and no motion was made. 15. Review, discussion, and possible action concerning Board and Department Goals and Objectives, and City Council Strategies: There was no discussion on this item. 16. Discussion of next meeting dates and possible agenda items: + Joint Meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 6, 2003. - Consideration of the revised Recreation, Park, and Open Space Master Plan. + Regular Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting on April 8, 2003. Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 9 of 10 - Consideration of a draft policy statement for joint school/neighborhood park development. - Update on the Urban Forest Management Plan. - Update on the Parks and Recreation Department's Presentation to the Citizen's Advisory Committee on March 25, 2003. - Review of memorandum from the Board to the City Council in preparation for the joint meeting on April 24, 2003. • Joint Meeting between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the City Council on April 24, 2003. - Discussion of Board issues and concerns. • Tour of Park Zone 10 - Possible dates: April 22nd and April 29th (from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 17® Adjourn: Bill D. made a motion to adjourn. Jodi W. seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Tuesday,March 4,2003 Page 10 of 10