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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRBMINUTES030106City of West University Place Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 1, 2006 1. II. III. IV. V. VI. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chariman David Stephan, at 6:00pm. Introductions All Parks & Recreation Board (herein "The Board") members introduced themselves to other board members and public in attendance. Councilman Dick Yehle was also in attendance. Citizen's Comments No members of the public addressed The Board. Approve Minutes from the February 2006 Parks Board Meeting A motion was made to approve the minutes from the February 2006 Parks Board meeting. However, Ramsey Elder, a member of the public in attendance, disagreed with the statement that "design elements have not been contemplated," regarding the work of The Parks Master Planning Task Force (herein "Task Force"). It was explained that the intention of the Board was to impart that no architectural design elements had been contemplated at this time. A motion to add the word architectural to the February minutes was made and approved unanimously. Board's Proposed Park Ambassador Program A Park Ambassador Program was suggested in which each member of the Board would serve as an ambassador to one or more of the Park and Recreation Department (herein "PARD") facilities. The role of the ambassador would be to walk and generally inspect their assigned park or facility on a regular basis and communicate any necessary issues to the PARD. It was also suggested that the Neighbors & New Comers Playgroups leaders receive an email with Laura and/or Janine's contact information as a source of community connection. The following ambassador assignments were made: Name Ambassador Ass! nment Joni Fichter Rice Pocket Park David Stephan West University Rec Center Janine Schue ert Judson Paul Brace Colonial Laura Theis Wier Helen Talianchich _ _.Liberty Hill & Huffin on Mardi Turner Whitt Johnson Charles May Colonial Park Dr. Randal Le ow Beautification, Color Beds & Landscaping Review and Approve Proposed Parks Board By-Laws Staggered terms for Board members were suggested in an effort to create continuity amongst the Board and not have to start fresh every two years. However, it was pointed out that this would not work because the City Charter mandates terms and appointments for Council and Board members. It was noted that Board members were free to reapply for a position on the Board after their term expired The Board's chairperson and co-chairperson will review the current draft of the proposed by-laws with Dr. Lepow, PARD Director and Council prior to setting them on Council's agenda. VII. Review of Park Master Planning Task Force Recommendation Nina Springer of the Task Force explained the decision not to conduct a survey in light of the likelihood of little change from the 2000 survey. Instead the Task Force opted to use focus groups in order to allow community members to voice ideas and react to each other. She reported a remarkable consensus among members of the focus groups especially compared to the 2000 survey. A member of the Board suggested that usually focus groups were used and then a survey was distributed. Ms. Springer cited a lack of time to accomplish both tasks in 12 months. It was then asked of Ms. Springer if she felt a bond issue on the subject would pass or fail. Ms. Springer said she did not know the answer to that question but that she felt good about the result and it appeared that "most people mostly liked" the Parks Master Plan (herein "PMP"). The next discussion focused on the use of the word modest to describe the proposed improvements to the Recreation Center. The Board wanted to ensure that the cost range and scale would be scaled to our community. It was suggested that the word modest be replaced with appropriate. Discussion then turned to the possibility of restrooms and splash pads in some of the parks. In light of considerable debate amongst the community Ms. Spring stated that she was going to remove restrooms from the PMP because they did not need to be included in the plan and could be piloted in a park without their inclusion in the PMP. Regarding splash pads the various types of systems, including self-contained recycling vs. once through to the sewer, were discussed. It was mentioned that most contaminates found in these systems were brought into the system. The Board inquired into how the idea was presented to focus groups. Ms. Springer explained that the TF come up with a series of scenarios (from their own focus groups) and then presented these to the focus groups. The focus groups do not have facilitator reports but videos of the groups are available for viewing. Several clarifications were made to the proposed changes at Colonial Park. Parking continues to be a concern to the community. There is a clear lack of support for the addition of parking structures on the property. Parking appears to be impossible on only a few days a year. The PMP calls for increasing access to the Park through alternatives to car travel. The contemplated renovations to the pool would leave the pool unmodified except updating mechanical and infrastructure and replacing the wading pool with a splash pad. Essentially the PMP summarizes what came out of the focus groups. Another consistent theme was the lack of activities for teens. The focus tended to be on teen programming versus new facilities. Some suggestions were adding concessions, an indoor/outdoor climbing wall or a skate park. As to the skate park, it appears the issue has some similarities to the dog park where some segments of the population strongly favor the addition. Another consistent theme was the desire not to try to re-create the YMCA facility at Stella Link. The Recreation Center would focus on activities for VIII. IX. X. X1. multiple generations and would not act to subsidize private clubs. The most consistent desire expressed by the focus group appeared to be improving the Recreation Center and then upgrading Colonial Park pool. After much discussion the Board determined that the best course of action was to have Board member, Paul Brace, draft a recommendation reflecting the Boards opinion of the PMP and distributing said recommendation to Board members for consensus prior to presenting a formal recommendation to Council. Friends Board Report No report was given. Rice Pocket Park & Library Courtyard Task Force Update The Task Force met last Wednesday with landscape architect Jim Patterson of White Oak Studios. The group made recommendations and architectural changes for preliminary decisions. A workshop to review status is being planned with Council prior to submission for approval. The public meetings have been completed and the design components are available for review by the public. The general feedback at this point has been positive, with the biggest concern being parking and traffic. Schedule Parks Board Tour of Parks and Recreation Facilities A memo was distributed to the Board to facilitate scheduling of a tour of the PARD parks and facilities. Staff Reports A. Pool Enclosure Update The pool enclosure at Colonial Park (herein "the bubble") recently collapsed. Approximately 18 months ago bubble's integrity was evaluated and it was determined that a replacement would cost around $150,000.00. The bubble was patched and in hopes of the repair lasting two or three seasons. Last fall when the bubble was being installed the interior membrane tore. U.S. Canvas, the company that repairs the bubble, inspected the bubble and determined that it could be inflated and used with existing tear to the inner membrane. The bubble was in use during the last three months without further problems, even in high winds. But last Sunday a lifeguard noticed a tear to the enclosure measuring about two feet by two feet. Per protocol the pool was evacuated. U.S. Canvas is currently scheduled to repair the bubble next fall when it is unfolded. The PARD Director was made aware that a petition, with about 20 signatures has been circulated, requesting a new bubble immediately. The petition has yet to be submitted to Council. PARD Director will prepare a recommendation for Council with a cost breakdown and outlining the constituency using the pool both with and without the bubble. Motion made and unanimously passed by the Board, "We recommend no decision be made regarding the purchase of a new inflatable enclosure until a determination has been made by City Council regarding the 2005 Park Master Plan." This issue will stand on the agenda. B. Boot Camp Program Update On Friday, March 3, 2006, the Boot Camp program will move to St. Vincent de Paul church. In the past this program has brought in $20,000.00 annually to PARD. Further, members of the Boot Camp have said they will protest their treatment by pulling their children from other programs. C. Artificial Shade Update A discussion ensued about artificial shade versus natural shade. A combination of shades was determined to best suit Colonial Park. The problem with pushing artificial shade this year is there is no money in the budget to purchase shade systems. However, there is money to purchase new trees and such can be done promptly. Possible donation options were discussed. It was determined that the most prudent course of action would be plant new trees and that the Board would support the use of artificial shade in the future. D. Meet the City & Eggstravaganza Event Update A document regarding this event was distributed to Board members. XII. Board Reports No reports were given. XIII. Discussion Formation of Parks Board Committee's This issue was tabled for future discussion. At some point it may be necessary to appoint committees. XIV. Parks Master Planning Task Force Update No further discussion beyond that noted above. XV. New Business No new business was addressed. XVI. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.