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Home My WebLink About12/12/1996 - Regular Minutes - Parks Board -- MINUTES CITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1996 - 12:00 P.M. CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM 1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD MEMBERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Board: Ron Gay, Chair; Elizabeth Cunha, Vice Chair; Debra Anderson; and Gary Halter MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob DeOtte; Carol Reynolds; Mike Manson; Hub Kennady, Council Liaison STAFF PRESENT: Steve Beachy, Director; Ric Ploeger, Asst. Director; Linda Waltman, Recreation Supt.; David Gerling, Special Facilities Supt.; Tony Scazzero, Athletics Supv.; Bridgette George CPS, Staff Assistant VISITORS: Ron Carter, Chairman, College Station Little League; Linda Jeffress, American Little League President; Colette Gibbs, National Little League President;Joe Hall, Little League; Julian and Jan McMurrey, 3400 Mustang; Joe Hall, 608 Benchmark; Alan Smith 1204 ) Pershing The meeting was called to order at 12:12 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes -- November 12, 1996: Elizabeth asked that the minutes be amended to include Peter Vanecek in the list of staff present. She also asked that her statement about the talk tube at Pebble Creek, which was not working properly, be included under the Capital Improvement Program Report. Minutes were approved as amended. II. Hear Visitors - No unscheduled visitors present. III. Discussion of Little League and Girl's Softball Program - Mr. Carter read a statement from the Little League Board (LLB) which stated that the only people designated to represent Little League are the officers that are duly elected. He continued to read that the Parks and Recreation Board is encouraged to contact those officers whenever they have a question or concern. He also stated that the LLB openly supports the city's ASA fast-pitch softball program and enthusiastically welcomes the opportunity to work with parks staff during their walk-in registration scheduled for January 28-29. They also agreed to include flyers for the girl's softball program in their annual Little League mailout, if the city's flyers were ready in time. Elizabeth thought that mailouts were a waste of money and thought the flyers delivered to the schools were just as efficient. Some discussion took place on whether mailouts or school flyers were better. Elizabeth also suggested having a team mom responsible for Little League transportation. Parks Board Minutes December 12, 1996 Page 1 of 3 Linda mentioned that she, Tony, David Hudspeth, and Ron Carter met last week and discussed the possibility of doing both program registrations on the same nights at the Conference Center to help with the support of both programs. She also informed the board members that she and Tony would be attending the Little League Board meeting this same evening to educate the members about the ASA program. Ron asked Mr. Carter if his organization was under any mandate to offer girl's softball. He stated no and said that Little League has a charter that offers various programs such as baseball, a challenger program for handicaps, and a softball program. However, they are not required to offer every program stated in their charter. Mr. McMurrey asked if there would be a table set up for both the Little League softball program and the city program. Mr. Carter said no and stated that they would not offer girl's softball, but would instead support the city's program. Mr. McMurrey said that he was glad that there would be city registration at the same time Little League was registering for baseball, but stated that the Little League program would be better than the city program. He said that he would fight as hard as he could, to whatever level he had to go, to whatever legal source he needed to go to, to get College Station Little League to have girl's softball. He said that ASA is designed towards tournament-type teams. He complained that other Little League programs offer 15-20 games, whereas the city only offers 8. Linda mentioned that the majority of participants surveyed indicated that they preferred shorter seasons. Tony said that at different levels of play there are different numbers of games that are appropriate, and they look at that issue every year. Mr. McMurrey stated that there were 8 games scheduled during a two-month schedule and did not think the scheduling worked well. Ron stated that in past meetings, he was under the impression that the Little League program was the more competitive league, not the city's program. Tony said that the Little League program leads to All-Stars. The ASA program is set up differently, there ) is a participation league that is not set up in tournament play, and then, there are tournament teams. Mr. Joe Hall stated that he has been involved in Little League ever since he moved to the area, and if Little League ran girl's softball they would have field space problems, whereas the city would not. He suggested that there not be two groups running the same program. He said only one organization should offer the program. IV. Sports Advisory Subcommittee Report - Ron mentioned that since Bob, Chair of the Sports Advisory Subcommittee, could not make it to the meeting, the item would be tabled until January. V. Discussion of 1997 User Fees - Elizabeth, Chair of the User Fees Subcommittee, explained to the board members the process of the user fees' meeting. She wanted to talk about the swim lesson fee increase. She mentioned that Bob stated that $25 was too much of an increase, and suggested $23. Elizabeth mentioned that the swim program that the city offers is a worthwhile program and should be made available to all citizens, raising the price may inhibit some from participating. Linda mentioned that the City of Bryan will keep their prices at $20 this year, but will increase theirs to $25 next year. Linda also mentioned that part of that fee, $1 per student, is given to Red Cross. Debra questioned whether the city would raise it to $25 next year to keep up with Bryan, if it was only raised to $23 this year. Both Linda and Steve said not necessarily. Linda told the board members that one of her staff members had informed her this past year that she could not get enough people hired to teach the programs because the City of Bryan was offering a better rate of pay than College Station. Elizabeth stated that the raise in the fee does not directly affect the salaries of the instructors. Linda said that it really does, because in Parks Board Minutes December 12, 1996 Page 2 of 3 order to be able to request higher wages, she must show an increase in revenue. Gary motioned to approve the submitted user fees, Debra seconded the motion. Elizabeth moved to amend the motion, and to leave the swim fees at the current price. No second was made, the amendment died. The motion passed, with one opposed. VI. Capital Improvement Program Report: Ric mentioned that the Wayne Smith Little League project is going well. Plans are almost complete. The only holdup is the acquisition of the last four properties located in the area. Construction cannot begin until those properties are acquired. Play is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 1998. Ric also updated the members on other City projects that the Parks Department is providing landscape maintenance and/or irrigation maintenance to. VI. Other Business/Board Concerns: Elizabeth mentioned that Judy Leunes told her that a noon board meeting was not conducive to some people, because of their work schedule. Elizabeth inquired about the talk tube at Pebble Creek Park and wanted to know if it had been checked out. Ric said not yet and would make sure that it was checked on this week. He stated that the equipment is warranted for one year. The playground at Lincoln Center is now checked daily by the center supervisor for glass. She will continue to do so until funding is secured and the sand can be replaced by a rubberized surface. VII. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 1:07 p.m. Parks Board Minutes December 12, 1996 Page 3 of 3 MINUTES CITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEET!NG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1996 - 12:00 P.M. CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM 1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD MEMBERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Board: Ron Gay, Chair; Elizabeth Cunha, Vice Chair; Debra Anderson; and Gary Halter MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob DeOtte; Carol Reynolds; Mike Manson; Hub Kennady, Council Liaison STAFF PRESENT: Steve Beachy, Director; Ric Ploeger, Asst. Director; Linda Waltman, Recreation Supt.; David Gerling, Special Facilities Supt.; Tony Scazzero, Athletics Supv.; Bridgette George CPS, Staff Assistant VISITORS: Ron Carter, Chairman, College Station Little League; Linda Jeffress, American Little League President; Colette Gibbs, National Little League President;Joe Hall, Little League; Julian and Jan McMurrey, 3400 Mustang; Joe Hall, 608 Benchmark; Alan Smith 1204 Pershing The meeting was called to order at 12:12 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes -- November 12, 1996: Elizabeth asked that the minutes be amended to include Peter Vanecek in the list of staff present. She also asked that her statement about the talk tube at Pebble Creek, which was not working properly, be included under the Capital Improvement Program Report. Minutes were approved as amended. II. Hear Visitors - No unscheduled visitors present. III. Discussion of Little League and Girl's Softball Program - Mr. Carter read a statement from the Little League Board (LLB) which stated that the only people designated to represent Little League are the officers that are duly elected. He continued to read that the Parks and Recreation Board is encouraged to contact those officers whenever they have a question or concern. He also stated that the LLB openly supports the city's ASA fast-pitch softball program and enthusiastically welcomes the opportunity to work with parks staff during their walk-in registration scheduled for January 28-29. They also agreed to include flyers for the girl's softball program in their annual Little League mailout, if the city's flyers were ready in time. Elizabeth thought that mailouts were a waste of money and thought the flyers delivered to the schools were just as efficient. Some discussion took place on whether mailouts or school flyers were better. Elizabeth also suggested having a team mom responsible for Little League transportation. Parks Board Minutes December 12, 1996 Page 1 of 3 Linda mentioned that she, Tony, David Hudspeth, and Ron Carter met last week and discussed the possibility of doing both program registrations on the same nights at the Conference Center to help with the support of both programs. She also informed the board members that she and Tony would be attending the Little League Board meeting this same evening to educate the members about the ASA program. Ron asked Mr. Carter if his organization was under any mandate to offer girl's softball. He stated no and said that Little League has a charter that offers various programs such as baseball, a challenger program for handicaps, and a softball program. However, they are not required to offer every program stated in their charter. Mr. McMurrey asked if there would be a table set up for both the Little League softball program and the city program. Mr. Carter said no and stated that they would not offer girl's softball, but would instead support the city's program. Mr. McMurrey said that he was glad that there would be city registration at the same time Little League was registering for baseball, but stated that the Little League program would be better than the city program. He said that he would fight as hard as he could, to whatever level he had to go, to whatever legal source he needed to go to, to get College Station Little League to have girl's softball. He said that ASA is designed towards tournament-type teams. He complained that other Little League programs offer 15-20 games, whereas the city only offers 8. Linda mentioned that the majority of participants surveyed indicated that they preferred shorter seasons. Tony said that at different levels of play there are different numbers of games that are appropriate, and they look at that issue every year. Mr. McMurrey stated that there were 8 games scheduled during a two-month schedule and did not think the scheduling worked well. Ron stated that in past meetings, he was under the impression that the Little League program was the more competitive league, not the city's program. Tony said that the Little League program leads to All-Stars. The ASA program is set up differently, there ) is a participation league that is not set up in tournament play, and then, there are tournament teams. Mr. Joe Hall stated that he has been involved in Little League ever since he moved to the area, and if Little League ran girl's softball they would have field space problems, whereas the city would not. He suggested that there not be two groups running the same program. He said only one organization should offer the program. IV. Sports Advisory Subcommittee Report - Ron mentioned that since Bob, Chair of the Sports Advisory Subcommittee, could not make it to the meeting, the item would be tabled until January. V. Discussion of 1997 User Fees - Elizabeth, Chair of the User Fees Subcommittee, explained to the board members the process of the user fees' meeting. She wanted to talk about the swim lesson fee increase. She mentioned that Bob stated that $25 was too much of an increase, and suggested $23. Elizabeth mentioned that the swim program that the city offers is a worthwhile program and should be made available to all citizens, raising the price may inhibit some from participating. Linda mentioned that the City of Bryan will keep their prices at $20 this year, but will increase theirs to $25 next year. Linda also mentioned that part of that fee, $1 per student, is given to Red Cross. Debra questioned whether the city would raise it to $25 next year to keep up with Bryan, if it was only raised to $23 this year. Both Linda and Steve said not necessarily. Linda told the board members that one of her staff members had informed her this past year that she could not get enough people hired to teach the programs because the City of Bryan was offering a better rate of pay than College Station. Elizabeth stated that the raise in the fee does not directly affect the salaries of the instructors. Linda said that it really does, because in Parks Board Minutes December 12, 1996 Page 2 of 3 order to be able to request higher wages, she must show an increase in revenue. Gary motioned to approve the submitted user fees, Debra seconded the motion. Elizabeth moved to amend the motion, and to leave the swim fees at the current price. No second was made, the amendment died. The motion passed, with one opposed. VI. Capital Improvement Program Report: Ric mentioned that the Wayne Smith Little League project is going well. Plans are almost complete. The only holdup is the acquisition of the last four properties located in the area. Construction cannot begin until those properties are acquired. Play is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 1998. Ric also updated the members on other City projects that the Parks Department is providing landscape maintenance and/or irrigation maintenance to. VI. Other Business/Board Concerns: Elizabeth mentioned that Judy Leunes told her that a noon board meeting was not conducive to some people, because of their work schedule. Elizabeth inquired about the talk tube at Pebble Creek Park and wanted to know if it had been checked out. Ric said not yet and would make sure that it was checked on this week. He stated that the equipment is warranted for one year. The playground at Lincoln Center is now checked daily by the center supervisor for glass. She will continue to do so until funding is secured and the sand can be replaced by a rubberized surface. VII. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 1:07 p.m. APPROVED: Ron Gay, Board Chair in /f-7 Date Attes: /1 jr" Bridgette G •rve CPS, Board Se itary frq. ? Date Parks Board Minutes December 12, 1996 Page 3 of 3 • I . , v4414 PPPNI, NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE ----1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD ( of the City of College Station -------') Notice is hereby given that a (Regular) (Special) ( REGULAR _ ) meeting of the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD of the City of College Station, State of Texas, will be held on the lath day of DECEMBER , 1996,at a.00 . ..... '. i .), at 1000 11 t_t thlj "7 litt, ,. • ) , , - ,_ • . .. . , ,, . .„._. . The following subjects will be discussed, to-wit: SEE AGENDA Dated this the 6th, day of DECEMBER , 1996. ",.., CI ici' F COLLEGESTATIO ,, r A i i Sil" \ ) , , , APIALia.L.g: -, ' -417-."--''): B --I---.°" ' ,.... ONNIE HOOKS, CITY SECRETARY , • 1, the undersigned authority, do hereby certify that the above Notice of Meeting of the regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board _ of the City of College Station, Texas, is a true and correct copy of said Notice and that I posted a true and correct copy of said Notice on the bulletin board in the City Hall of said College Station, Texas, a place convenient and readily accessible to the,general public at all times, and said Notice was posted on . a 13 t 6 , 1996, at o'clock (A.M.)(P.M.). Dated this the I t day of f---\:),--QLD,. .11Nv , 1996. , .. CI /741F COLLEGESTATION, 7 A , Y . 13( -CONNIE HOOKS, CITY SECRETARY — - SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME ON THIS .....-,... ..,,,,,, 1 '-- N THE . iDAY OF '" - • . 1 A:Nr\...LU ,1996. ! 074,. voNNES. CAMS - , *1...i.L.,Lj4 .'1,( .:-''-).$A Notary Public,State of Texas A i- "' 6),. 0J My Commission Expires NO RY PUBLIC-BRAZOS OUNTY,TEXAS ')?i NN';:cif# AUGUST 5,1998 •Vicz-,-,i.etrxsw- v.=,,mvanzv'mv.,==='-mg!---•••• My co mission expires: - °I' -E3 4'46 , , . Niftigil , •