HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_02.10.2022Minutes of the Meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
February 10, 2022
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 - Katherine Kainer, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Katherine Kainer.
B Roll Call - Katherine Kainer, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair
Peter Bahrs, Katherine Kainer, Chad Holz, Lindsay Cooper, Jolene Melancon, Brazos Fielder,
Jack Flatau
Staff: Kimberly Garrett, Eric Nuner, Riggin Anderson, Jill Kellum
C Recognition for Outgoing Board Member - Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation
Director
Kimberly Garrett expressed appreciation to Katherine Kainer for her last 4 years of service on
the board and serving as chair for two of those years.
D Consideration and possible action to approve minutes from the January 13, 2022
meeting - Jill Kellum, Administrative Supervisor
Motion made by Lindsay Cooper, second by Chad Holz to approve minutes from the January
13, 2022 meeting. Approved 7 — 0
E Parks and Recreation staff member introduction and presentation - Kimberly Garrett,
Parks and Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett introduced Riggin Anderson, Recreation Coordinator, who is over athletics at
the recreation center. Riggin Anderson stated he started with the city 2 years ago, about a week
before everything in 2020 was shut down due to Covid. He stated he has been in the parks and
recreation field about 7 years. He attended the University of Mary Hardin Baylor for a sports
management degree and then Concordia University for his master's in business administration.
He overseas primarily the youth athletics; basketball, soccer, and volleyball. He stated soccer
currently has 713 kids enrolled, with late registration going on, with about 64 teams in total.
There will be about 90 volunteer coaches. Additionally, basketball reached its maximum
capacity at 400 and had over 100 kids on the waitlist. He stated the programs have come back
to before pandemic numbers and thrive even more and that last spring they had 773 enrolled in
soccer which was the record attendance for soccer. He said the department has added a lot of
clinics and skills camps with new contractors coming in to teach those classes. Football will be
added in the spring. Riggin Anderson said all the new programs are up and running and are
typically full within the first few days of being open for registration. Katherine Kainer asked if
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the growth in numbers is from the pandemic or the growth in the city. Riggin Anderson stated
he feels it is both, especially with soccer. He explained that the initial hit from the pandemic
moved people to outside activities and a lot more people tried soccer for the first time and
because of that enjoyed it and continued playing it. He stated soccer is one of the most growing
sports in the US amongst kids because it is one of the safest and easiest sports kids get to play.
The department's soccer program starts at age 3 and goes to age 13. Jolene Melancon asked if
there are any sports, they are looking at adding. Riggin Anderson stated they are looking at
adding Lacrosse. He stated a lot of colleges have it and are offering scholarships but there are
not many places that offer it as a youth sport so there is not a lot of competition to get those
scholarships. Katherine Kainer asked about football being added. Riggin Anderson stated
football will be a skills camp. He explained that currently there are renters that use the fields
for flag football leagues, and we don't want to compete. Chad Holz asked about basketball and
getting shorter goals. He said it's tough to see the 4-and 5-year-olds make it on an 8-foot basket.
Riggin Anderson stated they don't make the backboards go lower than 8 feet. There is not a
company that makes the mechanism that drops it lower. In previous years they bought
attachments to the baskets that hangs down but in a lot of cases they can be less safe. They can
fall and they are large that takes up a lot of storage space. He stated they would like to be able
to do it but finding the right way has been the issue. Riggin Anderson stated basketball last
winter in 2021 they had 315 participants and that bumped up to 400 in 2022, which is capacity.
Also, they had over 100 people on the waitlist. He said when people see it is full, they don't
add their name, so potentially there could be more interest. He said basketball is in high
demand and they are trying to figure out getting more space. He stated now with practice on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, it takes up all the gym space. Also, with
games on Saturday, all gym space is used from when they open to about 5 pm.
F Update from the Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation - Peter Bahrs, Parks and
Recreation Advisory Boardmember Liaison
Peter Bahrs stated there is not an update. Jolene Melancon asked if the group is going to
dissolve. Kimberly Garrett stated they have done a lot to maintain their 5016. She stated they
need to get new members with varied interests, and she is hoping with the masterplan that will
be a focus. She stated it takes staff time to drive it as well and there hasn't been time to nurture
them.
G Capital Project Updates - Eric Nuner, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Eric Nuner stated the Heritage Gardens have had a few delays with weather and staffing issues
with Covid. Staff is making good progress and are planning to open in March. Peter Bahrs
asked if people learn how to garden on their own or are their groups that come in to educate on
gardening. Eric Nuner stated there are opportunities for some programming such as how to
compost, soil amendments, etc. Heather Brewer, Urban Forester, will take the lead on programs
in the future. Eric Nuner stated they will communicate with those renters and see what they
want such as programming and workdays. He stated in future phases there will be a shelter
added and will accommodate some training.
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Eric Nuner stated the Wolf Crossing Trail will start construction on the 21s' of February. It is
approximately a 7-to-8-month project. He stated with the Neighborhood Park projects, that
came to the board last month and were approved by council, for the task order with Covey
landscape architecture, they have started surveying those park areas. Once the survey is done,
they will start working on documents and the public input process. Construction will start on
those later this year. Peter Bahrs asked if everyone is invited to the neighborhood public input.
Eric Nuner stated yes. Lindsay Cooper asked how the word gets out. Eric Nuner stated staff
uses Nextdoor and try to focus the marketing to that specific park area. If there is an HOA, staff
will communicate with them. Kimberly Garrett stated door hangers were used in the past, but
this is very labor intensive. Eric Nuner stated since Nextdoor has grown, staff has had success
with it and this process was used with Golden Bear Park. Signage will also be used at the entry
of the park.
H Director Report - Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett reviewed the director report. She stated the biggest update is the change in
direction that city council gave during the January 2511, workshop regarding the location of the
recreation center in the master plan. They did not want it to be specific to the westside of
Georgetown, they wanted it to be in a location to be determined. They also added information
about, not just exploring partnerships, but exploring operating partnerships in agreement with
the recreation center. The other items were San Gabriel Park Phase 4 and additional phases at
Garey Park. Kimberly Garrett stated the city will get additional funding from Mr. Garey based
on his estate. She stated having those 5 years out, reminds staff it is out there at some point.
Kimberly Garrett stated the Cost Recovery got delayed at last meeting and it was too tight of a
timeframe to get everything done. Teresa Jackson with Greenplay will come back to the board
in March with a document and the recommendations. It will go to council March 22nd.
Kimberly Garrett stated she doesn't expect that to be the last presentation to council. She stated
that plan will get adopted by resolution and it will be part of the City's fiscal and budgetary
policy; the City's overall financial goals and how we look at revenues in Parks and Recreation.
Kimberly Garrett stated the Cupid's Chase numbers are up to 609 and there is still time to
register. The spring and summer guide is out, and staff is working on the camp guide and
should be out next week. She stated the department is looking for people to work for spring
break and summer camp. Katherine Kainer asked if there is a waitlist for the Heritage Garden.
Eric Nuner stated there is and there is also an opportunity to expand the gardens. Katherine
Kainer stated there hasn't been marketing. Kimberly Garrett and Eric Nuner stated there was a
press release in December and there has been some marketing on social media. Eric Nuner
stated there was a very small email list of prior gardeners. He stated staff kept engaged with
them. There will be a grand opening around the April timeframe.
Chad Holz asked what are the next steps in the masterplan process. Kimberly Garrett stated the
masterplan requires two readings. There have been two public hearings. The first public
hearing was at the Planning and Zoning Commission on January 181" and the 2nd public hearing
was Tuesday night. City Council did the 1st reading of the ordinance to adopt the masterplan as
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part of the City's 2030 comprehensive plan and the 2nd reading will be 2/22/2022. She stated
once it is adopted it is the new masterplan and then staff will go to Texas Parks and Wildlife to
get it certified that it meets all their requirements. Kimberly Garrett stated the masterplan is
what staff will use to create the capital improvement program. She stated the board will see
that in April. Eric Nuner stated then the programming priorities will be used to develop the
base budget requests. Kimberly Garrett stated we also have one year business plans that aren't
necessarily budget oriented, but staff oriented. For example, staff will work on better
communication with residents on new parks. Chad Holz asked if Greenplay will be creating
communication materials. Kimberly Garrett stated staff is working on a press release with the
communication team. Greenplay's job is done after the masterplan is completed.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which
can be found at the Board meeting. Clearly print your name, the letter of the item on which
you wish to speak, and present it to the Staff Liaison, preferably prior to the start of the
meeting. You will be called forward to speak when the Board considers that item.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future Board agenda by
filing a written request with the Staff Liaison no later than one week prior to the Board
meeting. The request must include the speaker's name and the specific topic to be addressed
with sufficient information to inform the board and the public. For Board Liaison contact
information, please logon to http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-
commissions/.
At the time of this posting, no one had signed up to speak.
Legislative Regular Agenda
J Discussion and possible recommendation to approve the proposed Parkland
Dedication for the Madison Tract, a Municipal Utility District-- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and
Recreation Director
Kimberly Garrett introduced Amy Payne and Dustin Einhaus with Blake Magee who were
present to represent the developers on this item. For this agenda item, the item summary
explained the specifics of the property and the proposed parkland dedication.
Kimberly Garrett stated this property is in the northwest corner of Georgetown; at SH195 and
Ronald Reagan. She stated there was a preliminary plat years ago with some idea what this
property would look like and this property was annexed years ago. She stated this has gone to
City Council and they have been working with the Planning Department and herself and have
come with a proposal of how to satisfy their parkland for this development. They must show
they are going above and beyond as well. Peter Bahrs asked with the amenity center if the
public could go there. Kimberly Garrett stated they can go to the non-exclusive amenities. She
showed that everything outside the fence, the public can go to. Kimberly Garrett stated they
have met or exceed their parkland dedication requirement. She explained they have been
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working on this awhile, figuring out the cooperation with the Williamson County Conservation
Foundation and working with the developer on the amenity center and the non-exclusive
amenities. There will also be a maintenance agreement and eventually the HOA will be
responsible for the landscape maintenance of the public park. Peter Bahrs asked if there is a
place for the public to park. Amy Payne stated there is parking at the amenity centers and there
will be parking near the public park. There will not be parking along the 11.4-acre trail. It is a
native trail. Kimberly Garrett stated they also meet the public park requirement with the 200
feet of street frontage to be able to park along the street and not impact traffic. Kimberly Garrett
stated they haven't gone into the details of the public park and staff will be involved in
reviewing the plans and meeting all the specifications. Kimberly Garrett stated in addition to
approving this, there is a planned unit development document that spells out the details and
there is a development agreement that has the specifics about what amenities will be included.
The developers will be given the specification sheet, so they purchase playgrounds and
equipment that staff knows how to maintain. Chad Holz asked if you can park on the streets in
Sun City. Kimberly Garrett explained this is not Sun City. Amy Payne explained this is a
public park and not Sun City. They won't let the developer have any parking there. She
showed on the passive park map there are trailheads on each side that people can access.
Katherine Kainer asked if you can park on the collector road. Amy Payne stated no but this trail
is something that is connected throughout the neighborhood and is an extra piece. She also
stated Williamson County is going to be sensitive to the amount of traffic that is there, but it is
open to the public. She stated it is a very short trail and there will be signage at each entrance.
Peter Bahrs stated this is right across from Ronald Reagan, so this is the closest park to Sun City
now and he stated they can't use it if they can't park. Kimberly Garrett stated the public park is
the 5.5-acre park where the playground and amenities will be. Amy Payne stated they
envisioned the trails to be part of the whole trail system. So, you go to the park and can then
walk a couple of miles. Peter Bahrs asked if the road stops to Sun City or does it connect.
Kimberly Garrett stated it is a unique neighborhood for Sun City; it is almost within another
neighborhood. She stated it has been a long discussion with City Council as well and through
the Planning Department and how they interact and connect. She stated they will share an
entrance off Ronald Reagan. She stated this side of Sun City will not connect to the other Sun
City neighborhood. Peter Bahrs asked if the homeowners are going to pay to maintain the
parks. Amy Payne stated typically all their subdivisions, whether in city or county, the city or
county will maintain it to a certain level, but the HOA typically maintains it to a higher level
with additional mowing, mulching, and changing out the color of the plants. Chad Holz asked
what the nearest park is; is it Golden Bear? Eric Nuner stated Golden Bear and Berry Creek
would be the next closest. Chad Holz asked if there was anything in the new masterplan that
designates the minimum requirements for a trail. He stated when he saw the 10-foot concrete
trail along the road, it feels more like a sidewalk than a trail. Amy Payne stated that is a
question that Kimberly Garrett brought up then explained that in another project, there is a trail
system that is part of the city's trails masterplan on that corridor as well as a trail system along
the San Gabriel that ultimately connects to Garey Park. So, when they build those trails, they
function as sidewalks, but they are not adjacent to the back of the curb; they have a landscape
lot that meanders and there are beds and trees. It is a sidewalk, but it doesn't feel like a
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traditional sidewalk because it is further off and there is landscaping between the road and the
back of the curb. It is all part of the Trail for a Day concept. For example, you can walk from
FM1431 to HWY 29 in one day. Kimberly Garrett stated the trail standard in the masterplan is
10-foot-wide concrete. The next step is for this to go through the Planned Unit Development,
their PUD agreement, and then the development agreement and having that all approved.
Kimberly Garrett stated she did not know what the timeline for the development was.
Motion made by Jolene Melancon, second by Brazos Fielder to recommend approval of the
proposed Parkland Dedication for the Madison Tract, a Municipal Utility District.
Approved 6-1. In discussion, Chad Holz stated he does not feel the 5.5-acre park is adequate
for that number of housing units it will be serving.
Adjournment
Motion made by Katherine Kainer to adjourn to February 10, 2022 meeting. Approved 7 — 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm.
C" 111A�
Chad Holz, Board Clu.
Lindsay oper, Secretary
Ji ellum, Board Liaison
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