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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/1996 - Regular Minutes - Parks Board -- MINUTES - CITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1996 - 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN RECREATION CENTER 1000 ELEANOR MEMBERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Board: Ron Gay, Chair; Elizabeth Cunha, Vice Chair; Bob DeOtte; Debra Anderson; Carol Reynolds; Gary Halter; and Mike Manson; Lincoln Center Advisory Committee: Larry Johnson, Chair; Malvonee Merchant; Elease Carter; Ray Terrell; and Linda Preston-Shepard MEMBERS ABSENT: Hub Kennady, Council Liaison STAFF PRESENT: Steve Beachy, Director; Linda Waltman, Recreation Supt.; David Gerling, Special Facilities Supt.; Tony Scazzero, Athletics Supv. David Hudspeth, Asst. Athletic Supv.; Kimmie Davis, Center Supervisor; Tom Jagielski, Community Policing Officer; Bridgette etGeorge CPS, Staff Assistant) P VCIAILat 13c,rk3 11(21)/76r VISITORS: Julian McMurrey, 3400 Mustang; Texas A&M University students: ) Tara Johnson, J. T. Fuller, Duncan Wood, April Christian, and Darrell Krause The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes --October 8, 1996: Minutes were approved as submitted. II. Hear Visitors a. Julian McMurrey - Girls Softball: Mr. McMurrey informed the board that Little League is going to offer a girls softball program in the spring. He is asking that the city not offer their program that same time. He would like to see the city offer girls softball only in the fall and summer. Mr. McMurrey stated that College Station Little League has to offer girls softball as mandated, they don't have a choice. Mr. McMurrey stated that Mr. Carter, President of Little League, said that he asked the city for fields and was told no fields were available. When asked what the difference was between the two programs, he stated that parents run the program, as opposed to city staff. The parents are responsible for scheduling, field preparation, training, etc. He stated that the city has too many programs to put emphasis on girls softball like he would like. Mr. McMurrey mentioned that the survey the city conducted of the participants of the city's girls softball program could have been done better. He stated that all of the questions pertaining to Little League girls softball was done with a back hand. He doesn't think that the participants knew what was going on. Steve stated that the survey was worked on very carefully to make sure ) it was not biased one way or another. He stated that if Little League offers this program, when they know there are no fields available, they would be lying to the public by presenting Parks Board Minutes November 12, 1996 Page 1 of 3 something that is not there. The organization would be creating a problem that they would be dumping on the city and expecting them to solve. Ron stated that the Little League Board has met with the Parks and Recreation Board in the past and has never requested fields for a junior ( girls softball program. He's surprised that they would make this decision without first consulting with the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. McMurrey stated that he was not representing Little League tonight, he was speaking out as a parent, but did state that Little League told him to come talk to the board. Ron stated that the participants of the current city's girls softball program stated 71-12, that they would prefer the city rather than Little League run the program. Some discussion took place regarding the fact that Little League could use the fields at Southwood for girls softball by rearranging schedules, if they chose to. Steve stated that a similar request for fields was made by another baseball program, and they were also told there are no fields available. Mr. McMurrey stated that every city in the state that offers Little League baseball, also offers girls softball. Tony stated that Little League has offered girls softball for the last nine years, and that there were never enough registered to make even one team. He also mentioned that several cities have already changed to ASA programs, like the one the city provides, instead of Little League. When asked, Mr. McMurrey stated that he is satisfied with the city's program in the fall, but thinks Little League would do a better job in the spring. He stated that parent involvement is the reason he would rather move to Little League. Ron suggested that the board meet with the Little League Board to find out what their plans are. David H. invited Mr. McMurrey to get involved, along with other parents, in the city program, instead of asking the city to drop their's. b. Others: None III. Discussion of Lincoln Center Advisory Committee: Steve expressed his appreciation to the committee members for their commitment in supporting the Lincoln Center. He stated that he was glad to see the increase in programs offered at the center. Steve also mentioned that African American Education in College Station was recently approved for a historical marker, which ) would be erected at Lincoln. Larry stated that the committee's duties include conveying their concerns and ideas concerning programs at the center to city staff. He expressed his appreciation to the Lincoln Center staff for their commitment to quality programs. Larry thinks that the programs offered at Lincoln Center are not utilized by the public like they could be. He would like to see more of the community taking part in the programs, instead of just the Southgate area. Officer Tom Jagielski currently mans the substation at Southgate and stated that there are plans to construct a substation at Lincoln Center. The one at Lincoln would provide opportunities for more equipment, such as a computer which would allow him access to more information and programs. He informed everyone that three more officers would be added to the Community Policing Program thanks to a grant that was recently approved. One officer would be stationed near Post Oak Mall and the Wolf Pen Creek area, and another substation is planned for Windsor Pointe. Mike inquired about a board liaison to the committee. Ron motioned that Mike be that liaison. The motion passed. IV. Discussion of User Fees and Appointment of Subcommittee: Ron mentioned that the board is responsible for reviewing and approving user fees for programs offered by the department. The fees are then taken to council for their approval. Steve recently asked the finance department for help in determining estimated costs of running some of the programs offered. The report was provided in the board's packets. Elizabeth, Bob, and Gary volunteered to serve on the committee. Elizabeth was appointed Chair of the subcommittee. Parks Board Minutes November 12, 1996 Page 2 of 3 V. Capital Improvement Program Report: Peter mentioned that the Wayne Smith project will probably be bid in November, instead of May as listed on the CIP report. Some discussion took place regarding Little League and the expansion of that program to include residents in the Southgate area. Steve mentioned that the board will need to spend some time on the Wolf Pen Creek Master Plan revision when that process starts. The process will include public hearings to gather public input. Steve mentioned that the lake will not be dredged until a solution is identified to prevent, or help prevent, future silt problems. VI. Other Business/Board Concerns: Elizabeth stated that she again found glass in the sand at the playground at Lincoln Center. Bob suggested that the sand be replaced with the rubberized surface on the handicap accessible playgrounds. Steve mentioned that he would look into the problem. Elizabeth inquired about Zone 10. Steve stated that the school district has not acquired a site yet for a future school. He told them the city may be interested in a joint school/park project at that site. He stated that the zone will have $35,000 when the funds are received from the developer. Steve doesn't think those funds are sufficient to purchase land equal to the city's current park standards. Elizabeth was concerned about the two-year time limit the city has to spend the money. If the funds are not used within that time frame, the developer can request them back. Steve informed the board that the Trust for Public Land Company is pursuing acquisition of land for the athletic park. They are getting appraisals for three tracts of land submitted by the city. ) They will then come back to the city with the value of those sites and seek council approval to proceed with negotiations of the site selected by the city. The Trust for Public Land will then negotiate with the land owner for a lower price. The difference will then be split between them and the city. Carol voiced her concern for smoking at Wolf Pen Creek events. She wanted to know if the thought of restricting smoking at events had been addressed. Steve said no, and stated that the amphitheater does not fall under the current city ordinance regarding no smoking in city facilities. It was mentioned that smoking is not allowed at Kyle Field. Further discussion took place regarding this issue and it was decided that it will be discussed at a future board meeting. VII. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. V. 1:140-6 nnvichawcf Wu -a,& 442,66Sek // ku-a/o/ Att.- Jw.0-*fri-)4 ai IVIrd „would .44 ,69, 40 o7 a/x4, eki Parks Board Minutes November 12, 1996 Page 3 of 3