HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_07.12.2018Minutes of the Meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
July 12, 2018
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 6:00 pm at 1101 N.
College Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any
purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A Call to Order - Jim Hougnon, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair
The meeting was called to order by Jim Hougnon at 6:00 pm.
B Roll Call - Jim Hougnon, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair
Board Present: Jim Hougnon, Katherine Kainer, Larry Gambone, Wayne Byer, Michael
Simpson
Absent: Danelle Houck, Scott Macmurdo
Staff present: Kimberly Garrett, Eric Nuner, Jill Kellum, Heather Brewer
C Parks and Recreation staff member introduction and presentation - Kimberly Garrett,
Parks and Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett introduced Heather Brewer, Urban Forester for the City of Georgetown.
Heather Brewer stated she works under 3 departments: Planning and Development enforcing
the tree ordinance for every new development and subdivision, Parks and Recreation taking
care of the trees in the parks and doing new tree plantings and for Facilities Maintenance taking
care of trees at city buildings and property. Kimberly Garrett stated that Heather Brewer
recently gave a presentation on how the tree code works. Heather Brewer stated last year was
the first time she organized an Arbor Day tree giveaway. It was a big success. 5 gallon trees
were given away and she is hoping to increase the number to 500 free trees. The money comes
From the tree mitigation fund that developers pay into when they can't plant on site. She
invited the parks board to participate in this event. She stated Texas Arbor Day is celebrated in
November and that is when the event is. Jim Hougnon asked what background Heather
Brewer has to be an urban forester. Heather Brewer stated she has a forestry degree from
Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. She stated her first job was in Houston selling
residential tree work and then worked in Austin for the power company, clearing power lines.
She then worked for the City of Round Rock for the urban forestry department. Michael
Simpson asked about the silver dots with numbers on the trees. Heather Brewer stated this is
done in land subdivision, whoever the developer hires to do the survey they typically pick up
every tree that is there even if our code only protects 12 inches and greater. They pick up
everything for their own inventory. She stated the tags get left on trees. She stated there are
different ones they use; some that never come off and some that come off after silt fence is
Page 5 of 10
installed for construction. Michael Simpson asked if we are still inventorying the trees in the
park. Kimberly Garett stated our first urban forester did inventory trees. He asked about who
makes the decision which trees need to be removed and replaced. Heather Brewer stated she
decides which trees need to come out unless it is tied to a bond improvement project and that is
tied to a tree planting on its own. There are numerous parks where she has planted with
mitigation money. Some of these plantings are done in house and some are done as public tree
plantings. Kimberly Garrett explained that when developers can't plant on site and remove
trees they pay into the tree mitigation fund and that money is to be used to improve public
areas. It can be used to prune trees or plant new trees at parks or city buildings. Some of that
money is being used on the new Rivery Boulevard extension; there will be a median in the
center of that road and Heather Brewer worked with the design to put irrigation and trees there.
Heather Brewer explained there will be ornamental trees that won't heave the curb and there
are some shade trees. There will be a roundabout and there will be a large tree put in there.
Wayne Beyer asked about the gift trees for the memorial tree. Heather Brewer stated there is a
pre -approved list that they can pick from and there are certain areas that they can be planted.
Jim Hougnon asked if Heather Brewer is happy with the tree code and the compliance. Heather
Brewer stated when you talk about rewriting ordinances there are sections in the code that can
be reworked. City Council has to decide that we are rewriting a chapter. She stated there are
things that need to be massaged in the code and it has not been opened up in about 7 years.
Wayne Beyer asked about oak wilt. Heather Brewer stated we don't have an oak wilt ordinance
and. most cities don't. Oak Wilt can bankrupt a municipality very quickly. As far as the
cornpliance, Heather Brewer stated she doesn't release construction plans to developers until all
the mitigation is worked out. There is a lot of back and forth during platting and site plan
review. Kimberly Garrett stated Heather Brewer helped start and develop the Heritage Tree
code.
D Update from the Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation - Danelle Houck, Parks
and Recreation Advisory Boardmember
Kimberly Garrett gave a report from the Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation. They
started swimming lessons for the Exceptional Georgetown Alliance which is a resource for
families with special needs. The Friends are providing 19 swimmers. with special needs with
city swim lessons in July at River Ridge. The parents are appreciative of the opportunity. One
mother commented that it is rare for children with special needs to ever receive any services For
free. The Boys and Girl Club Swim lessons with Georgetown Swims also continue. Requests
for assistance for summer membership at the Recreation Center is up in numbers. The daddy
daughter dance normally held in June is being moved to October 27.
E Update on San Gabriel Park Renovation - Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation
Director
Kimberly Garrett stated Phase 1 is complete and they are going through a punch list. The
pavilion, playground and restrooms are done. It worked out great for the 411 of July. In Phase 2
the construction project was approved u -i May. Kimberly Garrett stated that staff decided to
wait on the notice to proceed until after the 41h of July. A pre -construction meeting was this
Page 6 of 10
week with Prime Construction. They will start construction later this month. Mike Simpson
asked if you will still be able to drive through the park. Eric Nuner stated that you will and
there will also be some closings periodically. Eric Nuner stated the construction time is 303
days substantial, and the goal is to have Phase 2 open before the 41h of July next year. There is a
better understanding of how the schedule will work due to the Phase 1 project. Some of the
items that can be done, go ahead and get them done such at wayfinding signs. It was asked
when the demo will start and how they are going to demo. Eric Nurser explained that the
construction schedule is still under review. Kimberly Garrett stated the Mayor may want to do
a Grand Opening of Phase 1 and a Groundbreaking of Phase 2 doing the celebrations at the
same time.
Jo Ellen Lyons spoke to the board concerning the Rodeo Arena.
F Update on Garey Park operations. -- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett
Jim Hougnon stated was not able to attend and he has heard great things about the park.
Kimberly Garrett stated the park has exceeded all the staffs' expectations. She stated Eric
Nuner was on the news and they interviewed a lady from Hutto, a non -.resident and she had
nothing but great things to say. She also stated we are still working out the kinks. The splash
pad, went down and the part is on order and hope to open back by the weekend. Eric Nurser
stated he spoke to the parents of the person being interviewed; they were from out of state
visiting and they were very impressed. He stated that other people he spoke to were all
nonresident and they asked about renting the pavilions and stated the interest is definitely
there. Kimberly Garrett stated the horse trails are being used. Wayne Beyer asked about the
equestrian area. Eric Nuner stated it will be about 3 weeks when it will be complete. There are
punch list items. that are being addressed. Eric Nuner stated some people have asked or made
comments about the number of trails and shade. He stated they have been tracking visitation,
people and cars, every day. Eric Nuner showed a graph. It showed that the park is very busy
in the mornings. They are looking for trends so staff can see what times are most visited. This
will help with staffing. Eric Nuner stated they are looking at closing some holidays. There was
discussion about having food trucks, special events, and programs at the park. This is being
worked on by gathering information on what people want to do. There are approximately 300 -
350 people per day and 500 on the weekends. 53 nonresident passes and 26 resident passes
have been sold. Equine day passes are selling and a. few annual passes have been sold.
Kimberly Garrett stated we started taking bookings for Garey House in May. The first event is
scheduled August 30. For 2018 there are 13 events scheduled and for 2019 there are 16 events
scheduled to date. Grand opening pricing will discontinue October 1. Michael Simpson stated
the advertising was outstanding. Kimberly Garrett handed out a commemorative coin to the
parks and recreation board members from the mayor for the opening of Garey Park. Wayne
Heyer asked about the annexation. Kimberly Garrett stated there was approval from council
and it is about a 90 day process. It will probably be October.
Page 7 of 10
G Update on proposed changes to the Unified Development Code regarding Chapter
13.08 Parkland - Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett passed out a summary proposal that was passed out to the UDC committee in
June. They were supportive of the fees. Kimberly Garrett stated staff has charged the UDC
committee with the proposals for the private parkland guideline and what that would look like
in the UDC. Kimberly Garrett stated she is still working through the credits and all the
technical items. She does not want to use a point system. The Andreina Davila, Planning
Manager, is working on the draft proposal. Then there will be a public comment period.
Kimberly Garrett stated there was just a high level summary given to the UDC committee. The
Parkland Dedication Subcommittee can make recommendations and then submit to the UDC
committee.
Legislative Regular Agenda
H
Consideration and possible action to recommend approval of a BuyBoard cooperative
purchase contract for pool replaster at the Recreation Center Outdoor Pool and the Village
Pool with Progressive Commercial Aquatics of Manor, TX in the amount of $71;991-62. -Eric
Nuner, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
The existing plaster at the Recreation Center is over 10 years old. The typical lifespan of plaster
is 8-12 years. The plaster at the Recreation Center was installed prior to the opening of the
Recreation Center in February of 2009. The Village Pool was replastered in 2009. Tile plaster at
these pools is budgeted. for replacement in the: parks capital repair and replacement schedule.
Progressive Commercial Aquatics has successfully completed many pool projects for City
including the Williams Drive Pool renovations, River Ridge Pool renovations, and the San Jose
Splash Pad. Staff recommends approval of this cooperative BuyBoard contract for the plaster
replacement at the Recreation Center Outdoor Pool and the Village Pool in the amount of
$71,991.62 to Progressive Commercial Aquatics.
Eric Nuner stated both of these pools were plastered or re -plastered in 2009 or 2012. He stated
in the C1P there is funding in the budget. After this pool season is when the work will be done.
Jim Hougnon asked if we are looking at $84,000.00. Eric Nuner stated it is within the 25 % of
the contract and we have the funding to do this. Larry Gambone then asked if a change order
would be done and Eric stated that is correct.
Motion made by Michael Simpson second by Larry Gambone to recommend approval of a
BuyBoard cooperative purchase contract for pool replaster at the Recreation Center Outdoor
Pool and the Village Pool with Progressive Commercial Aquatics of Manor, TX in the
amount of $71,991.62.
Approved: 5 - 0 - 2
Page 8 of 10
I Consideration and possible action to recommend approval a five year lease renewal
with the United States Corp of Engineers for the Georgetown Challenge Course and Lake
Georgetown Trail located at Booty's Road Park at Lake Georgetown -- Kimberly Garrett,
Parks and Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett review the lease renewal with the board with the following information. The
City of Georgetown has had a long term lease with the Corp of Engineers at Lake Georgetown
since 2003. This item is to approve a renewal of the lease for an additional 5 years. The Parks
and Recreation Department operates and maintains the Challenge Course, hike and bike trail,
restrooms and pavilion at Lake Georgetown. The Parks and Recreation Department has had a
very positive relationship with the Corp of Engineers over the years. As part of the lease
requirements, the Parks and Recreation Department is required to submit a management and
development plan of the leased area, budgeted revenues and expenses, and annual certification
that all water and sanitary systems meet Federal, state and local standards. In addition, a
statement of compliance with the Rehabilitations Act and Americans with Disabilities Act must
be submitted.
The lease renewal will be from June 15, 2018 until June 14, 2023. This renewal is retroactive from
last day of the previous lease. The terms of the renewal lease are consistent with the original
lease.
Staff notified the Corp of Engineers in writing on April 12, 2018 that the Parks and Recreation
Department would like to renew the lease. Staff has been working with the Real Estate Division
in Fort Worth, Texas on the renewal since that time. A final lease should be received by the
meeting date.
Motion made by Larry Gambone second by Wayne Beyer to recommend approval a five year
lease renewal with the United States Army Corp of Engineers for the Georgetown Challenge
Course and Lake Georgetown Trail located at Booty's Road Park at Lake Georgetown.
Approved: 5 — 0 — 2
J Consideration and possible action to approve minutes from the May 10, 2018 meeting
- Jill Kellum, Administrative Supervisor
Motion made by Katherine Kainer second by Michael Simpson to approve the minutes from
the May 10, 2018 meeting.
Approved: 5 — 0 — 2
Adjournment
Adjourn - Jim Hougnon, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair
Motion made by Katherine Kainer second by Larry Gambone to adjourn the meeting.
Page 9 of 10
Approved:
The mgtiin adjourned at 7:32
JmAes
Katherine Kainer, Secretary
C
Jill 4flum, Board Liaison
Page 10 of 10