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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_01.16.1997CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes January 16, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Cheryl Mize, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms. Sarah Ruth Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Joan Sukup Ms. Debbie M`Garry MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Mark Moore Ms. Ronda Seagraves OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Tom Swift to accept the November 14, 1996, minutes and the minutes from a special meeting on November 21, 1996. Cheryl Mize seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. RENEWAL OF CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS HAVE EXPIRED Current members whose terms are expiring include Kathryn Stallard, Mark Moore, Debbie McGarry, Joyce Gadison, and Tom Swift. Those members reapplying are Debbie McGarry, Joyce Gadison, and Tom Swift. IV. GOALS FOR 1997 Kathryn encouraged members to think about new ideas for fund raising V. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR VI. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned by Joyce Gadison and seconded by Tom Swift. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes February 13, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Cheryl Mize, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms. Ronda Seagraves Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Joan Sukup MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Mark Moore Ms. Debbie McGarry Ms. Sara Ruth OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Frank Hubbard, Disk Golf Representative I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Tom Swift to accept the January 16, 1997, minutes. Cheryl Mize seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. PRESENTATION ON DISK GOLF - FRANK HUBBARD Frank Hubbard, a resident of Georgetown, gave a presentation on Disk Golf. He showed a short video demonstrating the game. He gave numerous advantages to having a Disk Golf Course. Some include low maintenance, all ages can play, low cost to players, and you can host tournaments. Frank is very eager to see Georgetown Parks and Recreation build a Disk Golf Course. He said he could get volunteers to help with the construction and raise funds to build the course. Tom Swift made a motion that the board supports in principle the concept of Disk Golf and requests that staff and Frank Hubbard work together to work out the details. Joni Sukup seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. IV. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR Joni Sukup brought an article that was in the paper concerning in -line skating. Randy Morrow said they were looking into it, but insurance was high because it is such a dangerous sport. There would be a big liability for the City. Joni agreed and said it was a very dangerous sport. Tom Swift suggested looking at other cities that had in -line skating rinks and see what they do to make theirs successful. Cheryl Mize told the Parks and Recreation Board that she would be staying on the board Joyce Gadison thanked Randy Morrow and Katherine Stallard for their support of Martin Luther King Day. Katherine Stallard reminded everyone of the Boards and Commissions Dinner in March. Randy Morrow handed out a list of activities that the Parks and Recreation Department had been working on. VI. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned by Joyce Gadison and seconded by Cheryl Mize. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes April 10, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Ms. Sara Ruth, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms. Ronda Seagraves Ms. Joan Sukup Ms. Debbie M °Garry Mr. Ben White Mr. Wesley Kidd MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Cheryl Mize OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Tom Swift to accept the February 13, 1997, minutes. Ronda Seagraves seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Joni Sukup made a motion to nominate Tom Swift as Chair of Parks and Recreation Board. Joyce Gadison seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. Tom Swift is the new Chair. Debbie McGarry made a motion to nominate Sarah Ruth for Vice Chair by acclamation. Joyce Gadison seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. Sarah Ruth is the new Vice Chair. Hl. SAY GOOD -BYE TO OUT GOING MEMBERS AND WELCOME INCOMING MEMBERS Two new members were welcomed to the Parks and Recreation Board. They were Wesley Kidd and Ben White. Outgoing members are Kathryn Stallard and Mark Moore. Randy Morrow, Director, presented Kathryn a plaque and a book, Friends In Deed for all her hard work and dedication to the Parks and Recreation Board over the years. Tom read the preface of the book. Mark Moore was not present to accept his plaque. IV. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD 125m, V. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF BERRY CREEK PARKLAND DEDICATION The person scheduled to speak to the board on Berry Creek did not show up. We should expect to see this on a future agenda. VI. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL FOR LOCATION OF NEW RESTROOMS AT BLUE HOLE PARK Currently contracted with Marvin Dorsey to draw up plans and permits for new restroom facilities in the Blue Hole Park. Randy would like meet with some people at Blue Hole Park on a Saturday to discuss the location of the restrooms. Maybe some people from the community would like to have some input on the location. Randy would like to meet before the next meeting. Tom suggested April 26, 1997, at 10:00 am. The meeting should run from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Marvin Dorsey will be there with some plans to help out. VII. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL FOR NAMING RECREATION CENTER AFTER MIKE MCMASTER AND NAMING HIKE/BIKE TRAIL BRIDGE AND SWITCHBACK AFTER WINFRED BONNER WITH HISTORY PLAQUE. Randy said that Mike McMaster was an ex- council member who was on the council for 8 years and was very instrumental in starting the Parks and Recreation Department. Before the Parks and Recreation Department was formed, the Parks Department was under Community Services and before that it was under the Street Department. McMaster also helped in getting the Recreation Center built. He was very involved with the youth in the City. The City would like to name the recreation center Mike McMaster Recreation Center. Ronda asked about procedure to name a city facility after someone. Structures can be dedicated for living or deceased, whereas parks are reserved for deceased. The Parks and Recreation Board makes a recommendation to City Council and then they have to approve the name change. The City would like to name the foot bridge and switchback after Council member Winfred Bonner. He was the first black to serve on City Council in Georgetown and this would be something that the youth could remember him by. A history plaque could be constructed telling the life story of Bonner and his contributions to the youth. There has been some discussion on whether or not to name the whole trail after Council member Bonner. Tom likes the idea of naming the bridge, Bonner Bridge. He believes this would become a central meeting place and at the bridge have a very extensive plaque that talks about the contributions to the history and future of the town. The trail is fluid and flexible whereas the bridge is strong and sturdy and will be in place for a long time. By naming the bridge after Council Member Bonner, people could see the man in the bridge, being very strong and sturdy. An event is scheduled to begin at the foot bridge on July 4th and that would be an excellent time to dedicate the naming of the bridge. These two council members had a vision of what the City should be like and spoke their mind. This will not be easy to do. Sarah made a motion that it be recommended to City Council to name the Recreation Center after Mike McMaster and the foot bridge after Winifred Bonner. Ronda Seagraves seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. A sub - committee composed of Joyce Gadison and Joni Sukup, serving as co- chairs and Sarah Ruth was formed to enlist community members to help develop a presentation to City Council. This committee was formed to move the plan ahead in general and come back to the May 15th meeting with a draft recommendation to City Council, a draft of the history, input from the community, and strategy for presentation to City Council. The committee members were urged to contact Randy as soon as possible to find out more information. Tom would like to see the recommendation on the agenda at the June City Council meeting. VII. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR Joni Sukup asked about an upcoming car show in the park. Wal -Mart is doing a car show on the south end of the park. Joyce Gadison has a question about the concession stand being built in the park. The Georgetown Youth Baseball Association is building a concession stand and restroom in the park for the youth baseball association. She also commented that Spring Break Camp went well this year. Sara Ruth was asking about the Frost Elementary PTA and their fund raising efforts to purchase some playground equipment for the school. Randy has been in touch with Ms. Isfelt and has given her some catalogs to look out for playground equipment. Sara also was concerned with the schools changing the ages of children they serve and keeping current with the playground equipment. Debbie McGarry asked about the apartments going up on Leander Road and installing playground equipment. Randy said he would install playground equipment after the apartments were finished. Wesley Kidd thanked the Parks and Recreation Board for pushing for a Hike/Bike Trail. He uses it daily. Ben White asked for a overview of the parks. Tom suggested adding a tour of the parks on the April 29th meeting. Randy Morrow mentioned that there has been vandalism on the trail with the benches and graffiti. Also, a child was hurt on the playscape while playing on the bridge. Andy Hesser checked it out and it looked fine. He is certified in playground safety. VIII. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned by Joyce Gadison and seconded by Debbie McGarry. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Amended Minutes May 15,1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Ms. Sarah Ruth, Vice Chair Ms. Cheryl Mize Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Wesley Kidd MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Ronda Seagraves Mr. Ben White Ms. Joan Sukup Ms, Debbie McGarry F .I �I klrw-7 *IA11V Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Kathryn Stallard, Citizen Leslie Rosestein, Citizen J.C. Johnson, Citizen April Olivares, Richarte Student Camille Hightower, Richarte Student Christopher Frost, Richarte Student Gerardo Chairez, Richarte Student Jacqueline Titus, Richarte Student Lauryn Steenken, Richarte Student T.J. Lierman, Richarte Student Judy Bledsoe, Richarte Social Studies Teacher I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM MAY 15,1997 Motion was made by Sara Ruth to accept the April 10, 1997, minutes. Wesley Kidd seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISIIING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. Kathryn Stallard and Leslie Rosestein of San Gabriel Heights spoke to the board about concerns in their neighborhood. They are here concerning Agenda Item V. San Gabriel Heights was one of the neighborhoods that was identified as being park deficient on a survey done a few years ago. It has no park and is a large neighborhood. It is close to the Junior High School, but a person would have to cross 5 lanes of traffic to get there. There is 19 %2 acres at the end of Inwood Cul -de -sac that the neighborhood thought was always going to be river access. The City was offered the land in the early stages of development, but did not purchase it for a park. In the 80's the developer went broke and the land went to the FDIC. In 1994 an individual purchased the land and was offered a handshake deal where the City would grant him a variance (let him build 2 houses, instead of 1) in exchange for river access. The owner went away and never did anything with the land. The land has recently sold and the new owner has proposed the variance deal the first owner was given. There has never been any discussion on the variance. Planning and Zoning have approved the proposal, but it is still pending because of two items, one was the variance and rezoning. What Kathryn and Leslie are asking is that when this item comes before City Council, Parks and Recreation will support denying the variance and rezoning unless access is provided. Another issue is to what extent does that neighborhood want a park. If the City buys and maintains the property, it will be a public park or access. The neighborhood wants access to the river. There is a San Gabriel Heights Neighborhood meeting on Saturday and they will discuss the issue. There is really no other access points to the river from the neighborhood. The citizens were also discussing putting together a neighborhood association to purchase the land themselves. A motion was made by Cheryl Mize to table action on agenda item number 5 until the appropriate time on the agenda. Joyce Gadison seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. J.C. Johnson representing the Heritage Society and the Palace Theater Board spoke to the board concerning a request to have a guided tour in IOOF(International Order of Odd Fellows) Cemetery. This tour would point out interesting persons in Georgetown's past buried in the cemetery and have people dressed up in costumes representing the deceased. This would be an all day tour, possibly a few days. He is asking permission from the Parks and Recreation Board and possibly the City Council to have this tour in the cemetery. Tom Swift asked that the families of the deceased be involved in the planning as much as possible. Tom Swift said that J.C. Johnson and the Heritage Society needed final approval from City Council. III. PRESENTATION ON OLD GEORGETOWN CEMETERY Students from Richarte High School gave a presentation on their project with the Old Georgetown Cemetery. The project was called Richarteville. The seven students gave a report on their findings, what they did, and what should be done next. The students did actual hands on work. Some of the things they did were survey the cemetery and do rubbings on some of the headstones in the cemetery. They gave Parks and Recreation one of the rubbings to display. The students from Richarte compiled a list of recommendations. They include 1.) Form a task force composed of people from local historical groups, neighborhood groups, and /or interested persons to create a plan for conservation of the area. 2.) Replace current fence with an appropriate style that would encompass all areas of cemetery. 3.) Move historical marker to a more prominent position. 4.) Remove and store in a safe place all loose stones after a photographic record is made so no further damage will occur. 5.) To insure future recognition of the area, investigate the feasibility of registering the cemetery as a National Historical Site. 6.) Investigate resources of moneys to restore and maintain cemetery. 7.) While providing access to promote interest, rules and regulations including times of operation and behavior of visitors need to be established. Randy Morrow mentioned that we are in budget process. He suggested the students give the presentation to City Council. IV. FOLLOW UP REPORT ON BLUE HOLE RESTROOMS Present at the meeting on Saturday, April 26, 1997, were Wesley Kidd, Tom Swift, Sara Ruth, Ben White, Randy Morrow, and Marvin Dorsey. The members looked at different options on where to build a restroom. There was some discussion about building a restroom at the corner of Rock Street and 2nd Street, the location where trees are planted down by the river, where the trail starts at Blue Hole, and by the picnic tables. There was concern about having access to restrooms closer to Blue Hole. A large restroom on Rock Street and a smaller restrooms inside the park would be ideal. Randy is still working on the final plans. V. INFORMATION ON SAN GABRIEL HEIGHTS Kathryn Stallard and Leslie Rosestein spoke earlier on this item. The options are to look into purchasing a strip of land for access or a 5 acre lot to develop a park with access. Another option is pursue buying land in a near area to allow access to the river. Cheryl Mize said she was sympathetic to the residents, but did not think the board should force the new owner to uphold a verbal agreement made by the previous owner if a consensus could not be reached. She encouraged the board to pursue exploring other options that are reasonable and consistent with the Century Plan, but to be cautious because we did not know how many people were interested in doing the park or did not want to demand access if other options were available in the subdivision. VI. FOLLOW UP ON NAMING OF PARK FACILITIES Joan and Joyce are pulling together information on Winifred Bonner and Mike McMaster so that a presentation to City Council can be made. Joyce said that she was going to get with Randy and work on the project. Tom asked if she could give a report at the June 12th meeting. VII. APPOINTMENT TO CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO POLICE DEPARTMENT Tom Swift is the current liaison for the Parks and Recreation Board to the Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) to the Police Department. They meet the same time and date as the Parks and Recreation Board. The liaison would bring back concerns to the board and let the police department know of any of the Parks and Recreation Board concerns. Tom suggested Cheryl Mize take over the responsibility. Cheryl agreed to be the Parks and Recreation Board liaison to the CAC. VIII. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS Joyce Gadison was walking on the trail and had many positive responses from people using the trail. She also suggested expanding the rails on the smaller bridges so that people would not go down under the bridge. Cheryl Mize asked about ownership of the Playscape. Randy said the City of Georgetown owns and maintains the playscape. She asked about the maintenance and why it has not been properly treated. Randy said an eagle scout was going to do the project and decided against it. The mulch is raked every morning and he is trying to get some money to put some more mulch down. The Playscape is supposed to make a payment to the City every year to help pay for some of the costs of the maintenance. Cheryl is willing to meet with the three officers of the Playscape Committee to see about them turning over guardianship to the Friends of Georgetown Parks. Wesley Kidd said that the rocks at Blue Hole need to be moved back into place to prevent people from parking in the grass. Randy Morrow said that the parks department will be finishing Blue Hole soon; Project Graduation will be using the Community Center; still working with Marvin Dorsey on the restrooms; and the new fields at the athletic complex are going to be sodded this weekend. Sara Ruth mentioned scheduling a tour of the parks for the board. Tom Swift said we would explore the two options for San Gabriel Heights. One would be to make a offer on lot 2 or look at purchasing other land for river access. IX. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Cheryl Mize and seconded by Joyce Gadison. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes June 12, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Ms. Sarah Ruth, Vice Chair Ms. Cheryl Mize Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Wesley Kidd Mr. Ben White Ms. Joan Sukup MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Ronda Seagraves Ms. Debbie McGarry OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Kelli McMahan, Recreation Center Supervisor Kathryn Stallard, Citizen Leslie Rosenstein, Citizen Debbie Kramer, Citizen Brett Barton, Citizen I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM June 12,1997 Motion was made by Sara Ruth to accept the May 15, 1997, minutes as amended. Ben White seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD Kathryn Stallard, Leslie Rosenstein, Debbie Kramer, and Brett Barton came before the board to discuss the San Gabriel Heights river access issue. Kathryn Stallard told the board that the issue concerning the lot on Inn Wood went before council and council denied the property owner all the variances he was asking for. The property owner then said that he would build anyway even if he did not get his variances. The property owner is not willing to negotiate any access. The citizens are here to ask the Parks and Recreation Board to pursue other actions. Tom Swift said there is a lot available for sale on San Gabriel Overlook that would allow river access for the neighborhood. A motion was made by Sara Ruth to create a sub- committee to study the purchase of the San Gabriel Overlook property for greenbelt and present as an option to City Council. Cheryl Mize seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. The sub - committee consists of Sara Ruth and Ben White. They are going to have a joint meeting with Randy Morrow on Tuesday, June 17, 1997, to discuss the possibilities. III. UPDATE AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON SAN GABRIEL RIVER ACCESS Discussed in item II. Citizens wishing to address the board. IV. DISCUSSION REGARDING NAMING WALK BRIDGE AND RECREATION CENTER Joyce Gadison did some work on surveying the local community regarding the naming of the foot bridge, after the late Winfred Bonner. There was a consensus with the people surveyed that not only the bridge be named after Mr. Bonner, but also the trail because they feel they are connected. There was some discussion on this issue. Tom mentioned that the trail will continue on up the North and South San Gabriel Rivers with successive Texas Parks and Wildlife grants. The current portion of the trail could be named after him versus the whole trail that will continue on. If the whole trail was named after him, the board would loose the opportunity to name other parts of the trail after other people. Joyce is asking that the portion of the trail that runs through District 2 and the foot bridge be named after Mr. Bonner. The committee consisting of Joyce Gadison, Joan Sukup, Sara Ruth are going to explore the naming of the facilities more and be able to give a joint recommendation to council on both the Recreation Center and the footbridge and trail. V. DISCUSSION OF BLUE HOLE PARK RESTROOMS Randy is still meeting with Marvin Dorsey on the restrooms. Mr. Dorsey said the restrooms may be able to go down by the picnic area in Blue Hole. The cost may go over budget. The dead trees are going to be replaced and new picnic tables and BBQ pits are being installed. Randy said he hopes to have everything in place by July 4th, including extra litter barrels. VI. CONSIDER PATH BARRIERS ON PICKETT TRAIL AND BY SMALL BRIDGE BY V.F.W. PARK Large boulders will be placed by the small bridge as barriers to prevent people from going off the bridge. Also, Randy will do capital improvement project for Pickett Trail. Work can begin on Pickett Trail after October 1 st if approved. VII. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR I Cheryl Mize reported that Friends of Georgetown Parks received a letter from 1 st Teas Bank notifying the group that their account had been put on hold. Cheryl contacted them and they reactivated the account. Cheryl has been researching the playscape and the Friends of Georgetown Playscape is no longer in existence and the people who were in charge say they have nothing to turn over or have no say about anything. What needs to be done is have Friends of Georgetown Parks take over the playscape funds. Cheryl's biggest concern is the safety and maintenance of the playscape. She said it needs to be treated and new mulch needs to be laid down. Cheryl proposed that a fund raiser be done to raise money for the playscape maintenance. Cheryl said we could go ahead and do maintenance and then replace funds with the fundraiser. She has contacted Joe Scruggs about doing a concert to raise money for the maintenance. He could do a kick off to start the maintenance. She suggested doing t -shirts and have a big maintenance day for the playscape. Cheryl had one bid on someone doing the treatment of the playscape for $4,800. Cheryl suggested doing the fundraiser the end of July. Volunteers could help facilitate the play day. Joan said how well the bridge railing have held up due to the recent flooding. Ben asked about the landscaping at the Williams Drive Pool. Randy said that, is all the landscaping that will be done at the pool. Randy said budget is going on and if any board members have any ideas to get them to him as soon as possible. Tom will be out on July 10th and Sara will have to chair the next meeting. He also commended the pool staff and the excellent job they are doing with swim lessons. UAA 10F.\ 111Z11fJ_�LWI Motion to adjourn was made by Ben White and seconded by Sara Ruth. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes July 24, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Ms. Sarah Ruth, Vice Chair Ms. Ronda Seagraves Mr. Ben White MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Joan Sukup Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms. Debbie McGarry Mr. Wesley Kidd OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant There was not a quorum present. The following discussion took place on the listed agenda items. I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM June 12,1997 No action taken, quorum not present. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. REVIEW OF CONCEPT PLAN OF WHITE ROCK ESTATES There was some discussion on the location and size of the subdivision. It is out Highway 29 and there is plans for 158 units. Tom would like to see the board recommend to council that land be donated for a pocket park. If land is not available, money would be acceptable. IV. UPDATE ON SAN GABRIEL HEIGHTS ISSUE The last offer made for the land on Inwood was $185,000. The owner turned down the offer and wanted $215,000. Tom suggested looking at the land on San Gabriel Overlook and talking to council. V. UPDATE ON NAMING OF THE RECREATION CENTER AND THE HIKE/BIKE TRAIL Randy met with Joyce and Joni to discuss information on naming the facilities. Randy is working on getting information on Mike McMaster. Possibly go to council on August 26, 1997, with a recommendation. VI. UPDATE ON TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE GRANT The grant is due on July 31, 1997. The grant includes a softball field, a hike/bike trail, a ropes course, a climbing wall, sand volleyball courts, picnic shelters and other amenities. The project goes from the existing athletic complex along the North San Gabriel River to the Rivery area. VII. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR Ben White commented on the 4th of July celebration in the park and the fireworks. He said it turned out well. Sarah Ruth attended a recent school board meeting where the topic of an indoor pool was discussed. Possibly do a joint venture and make it a community effort. This issue has come about because Southwestern may be starting their own swim team. This would mean that the High School would not have a place to practice and they are looking for other options for their swim team. The school is looking at setting up a meeting with Randy to discuss options. Tom suggested having someone from the original pool committee sit in on the meeting. Tom Swift commented that the tables in Blue Hole Park look good and Randy said the trees would be replaced when it gets cooler. Pickett Trail is becoming overgrown and needs to be cleared out because it is hard to walk through. Signs need to be put up in Blue Hole about the litter in the park. Randy Morrow said that the Library is now under Parks and Recreation. Railings have been put up at the small bridge on the trail. Sergeant Maxey's people have been clearing the nursery land along the river and it looks real good. Vandals keep breaking the light under Austin Avenue bridge, we have to get a sturdier cage. VIII. ADJOURN No formal meeting, no quorum. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes September 11, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Ms. Sarah Ruth, Vice Chair Mr. Ben White Mr. Thurman Holt Ms. Debbie McGarry Mr. Wesley Kidd MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Joan Sukup Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms. Ronda Seagraves OTHERS PRESENT: Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM September 11, 1997 A motion was made by Wesley Kidd to accept the minutes from the June 12, 1997, meeting. Debbie McGarry seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER - THURMAN HOLT Tom Swift, Chair, recognized Thurman Holt as a new member to the Parks and Recreation Board. He will be taking Cheryl Mize's position who resigned earlier in the year. IV. DISCUSSION ON PARK FACILITY NAMING There has been an interest on the part of the Parks and Recreation Board for some time to name two Park Facilities after some recent members of the City Council, the late Winfred Bonner and Mike McMaster. There is also a strong desire on part of the City Council to honor these former members by naming park facilities after them. The Parks and Recreation Board is considering the possibility of naming the new athletic fields on College Street after Mike McMaster and the pedestrian bridge at the switchback and the portion of the trail from the switchback to Blue Hole Park after Mr. Bonner. The board reviewed and discussed the proposal to City Council regarding the naming of the pedestrian crossing at the switchback in honor of Mr. Winfred Bonner and the Athletic Fields after Mike McMaster. After much discussion on the proposals, a motion was made. Debbie McGarry made a motion to recommend to City Council to name the pedestrian bridge at the switchback and the portion of the trail from the switchback to Blue Hole Park after Mr. Bonner and the athletic fields on College Street after Mike McMaster. Sara Ruth seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. This item will be on the City Council Agenda for September 23, 1997. V. UPDATE ON SAN GABRIEL HEIGHTS RIVER ACCESS ISSUE There was no money approved in the budget to purchase land on the San Gabriel River in San Gabriel Heights. Tom will continue to pursue a meeting with the City Manger on behalf of the board to convey the board's feelings about this land purchase for parkland. VI. DISCUSSION OVER POSSIBLE ACTION ON BATTING CAGES Some local businessmen have shown interest in building a commercial batting cage in San Gabriel Park. There is a desire to place those cages close to the San Gabriel Park baseball fields. Potential sites first discussed include the secondary entrance to San Gabriel Park (old putt-putt golf area) and the old nursery land. Neither of these two possibilities were very favorable. Another possibility is at the corner of F.M. 971 and Austin Avenue in San Gabriel Park. The area under consideration is on the outside of the hikelbike trail. The batting cages would be a commercial enterprise. Some board members were concerned with setting a precedence for other commercial businesses wanting to build in San Gabriel Park. Tom Swift noted that the batting cages are a viable enterprise for the following reasons: (1) parks and recreation department would get a portion of the money that the cages earn, (2) it is in the spirit of the park, and (3) they would turn over cages on a regular basis for the recreation department to use for programs /clinics. Another location proposed by some members was the new athletic complex. This area would allow parking, but not be as visible to the public. Wesley's initial reaction to the idea is that it would be an eye soar to the park, but is open to the idea. Sara believes a more appropriate area would be on private land or at the athletic fields. Tom suggested the board members look at the area on F.M. 971 and Austin Avenue before coming to a decision. There was much discussion on the issue. The businessmen are only in the preliminary stages and will give a full presentation to board at a later date. VII. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR Ben asked about status of Berry Creek Pool and Racquet Club. The City still plans on purchasing the facility. Takeover will probably be next year. Thurman Holt has verbal approval from Randy Morrow to have a swap meet on the comer of Stadium Drive and Austin Avenue. He thinks if the swap meet expands, they might need to use the area behind the Recreation Center. VHI. ADJOURN Ben White made a motion to adjourn the meeting. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes October 16, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Ms. Sarah Ruth, Vice Chair Mr. Thurman Holt Mr. Wesley Kidd Ms. Joan Sukup Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms, Ronda Seagraves MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Ben White Ms. Debbie McGarry OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Educational Services Division Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM September 11, 1997 A motion was made by Ronda Seagraves to accept the minutes from the September 11, 1997, meeting. Joan Sukup seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None HI. DISCUSSION ON NAMING OF PARK FACILITIES The issue concerning the naming of the athletic fields and the low water bridge and trail to Blue Hole will be on the October 28, 1997, council meeting agenda. All board members should attend the council meeting to provide support for the items. Tom Swift and Joyce Gadison will do the presentation to City Council. IV. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR Randy Morrow discussed the Innwood Circle issue. He said that the owner of the 19 acres is willing to sell 5 acres to the City for $75,000. City Council wants an appraisal done of the land before they make any decisions. That piece of property would allow public access to the river. The bids on the restrooms at Blue Hole Park and San Gabriel Park came in over bid. The project will be broken up into pieces so the process will take longer. Randy said before making any decisions on the batting cage issue, he wants the board to look at some pictures of some batting cages in Colorado. The indoor pool issue has come up again and the Hospital and School are interested again. Sara Ruth asked when construction will start on the Don Martin property known as San Gabriel Village. There has been word as to when construction will start. The land donated by Power Computing to the City as Parkland will remain with the City. The records have been filed and the land is in the Parks and Recreation Foundation Trust for matching grant purposes. Wesley Kidd mentioned that he thought the land where Ventana Glass was would be a great spot for the Batting Cages. He also asked about the status of the soccer fields on College Street and wanted to know about use of the fields for the high school. Thurman Holt said that the Swap Meet was rained out and that Sertoma was going to try again this weekend ( October 18 & 19). Joyce Gadison is working with Councilman Davis to get ready to present information on the late Winfred Bonner. She said there will also be representatives from District 2 at the Council Meeting. Tom Swift commended the Parks and Recreation Staff for doing a good job. He also said that the parks look good. V. ADJOURN Thurman Holt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. i CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes November 13,1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Tom Swift, Chair Mr. Ben White Mr. Thurman Holt Mr. Wesley Kidd Ms. Joan Sukup Ms. Joyce Gadison Ms. Debbie McGarry MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Sarah Ruth, Vice Chair Ms. Ronda Seagraves OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Library Services Division Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM October 16,1997 A motion was made by Ben White to accept the minutes from the October 16, 1997, meeting. Thurman Holt seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. SAN GABRIEL HEIGHTS UPDATE The City Council wants an appraisal of the five acres on I mwood Circle before they make any purchase. To do the appraisal, a map of the five acres is needed. Randy is trying to get this from Rusty. Wesley asked about the upkeep of the property once acquired. Randy said that the area is fairly accessible. Tom would like to see it left a natural area. IV. REPORT ON ACTIVITY BY CITY COUNCIL REGARDING PARK NAMING FACILITY City Council unanimously voted in favor of naming the pedestrian bridge and a portion of the Hike/Bike Trail after Winfred Bonner and the athletic fields on College Street after Mike McMaster. Tom said the presentation went well. Council said it was good for all the members of the board to be at the Council Meeting. The next step is to get bids on the plaque for Mr. Bonner and get signs made for the fields. Joyce suggested having a dedication on March 31, 1998, (Mr. Bonner's Birthday) would be a good day. V. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR Thuiman Holt was impressed with what Council said about the Parks and Recreation Board. Joyce Gadison asked about the price of cemetery lots and the availability of lots. They are $325.00 per lot and there are many available. Debbie McGarry said clearing needed to be done by the new apartments on Leander Road for the pocket park. Randy said they will clear underbrush and leave the nice trees sometime this winter. She also asked about putting a restroom in pocket parks. The Century Plan states that a park must be a certain size to have a restroom. She also asked about a water fountain in that park. Randy said that could be done. Ben White apologized for not being at the council meeting. Joan Sukup talked to Susan Hoyt and told her how much the board appreciated Council's support. Susan told her Council was impressed at seeing the board at the meeting. Wesley Kidd commended Joyce Gadison on a great job of doing the background work on Mr. Bonner. He asked how the Blue Hole project with the restrooms and the parking lot were coming along. Randy said it is being re -bid in pieces to try and bring the cost down. Status of batting cages. Randy is getting his pictures from Colorado developed. Randy talked to Gene and right now they want to wait until the first of the year. Kimberly Garrett reminded board members whose terms are expiring that they will need to fill out a new application if they wish to remain on the board. Randy Morrow mentioned that there have been some good articles in the Williamson County Sun about outdoor education. We have also applied for a tennis grant for the new tennis center through USTA. Tom Swift said that the log cabin in Old Town Park needs some attention. Randy said an ornamental fence was going to be put around the log cabin to keep people away from it and help preserve it. Litter needs to picked up on Pickett Trail regularly. Status of fence around cemetery at Blue Hole. There was no money approved in the budget this year for a fence. The students at Richarte High School had mentioned at one time that they could possibly get a grant for improvements. VI. ADJOURN Ben White made a motion to adjourn the meeting.