HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRBMINUTES090606Parks & Recreation Board Minutes
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
West University Place, Texas
1. Call to Order: Chairman Dave Stephan
The meeting was called to order by Chairman David Stephan, at 7:25pm.
II. Introductions: All
No members of the public or other Boards or Council were in attendance therefore
introductions were skipped.
III. Citizen's Comments: Any member of the public wishing to address the Board
None.
IV. Review and Approval of August 2, 2006 Parks Board Meeting Minutes: Dave
A motion was made to approve the by-laws as written. Motion unanimously
approved.
V. Discussion Regarding Quarterly Council Update: Janine & Dave
Submitting a written report to Council versus an oral report was discussed. It was
determined that the Board would continue to present an oral report however we will
wait another month or two before going in front of Council with another report.
VI. Friends Board Report: Joni
The Friends Board is still awaiting guidelines for naming rights. Friends are still
seeking donations for PLB 2007, please contact Donna Lamond with any donations.
A Friends Board Guild will begin shortly, with less time commitment involved.
VII. Rice Pocket Park Task Force Update: Joni & Tim
• Final Construction Documents are being prepared
• Prior to construction beginning, staff will present final plans to council and
request that the project be fully funded and not phased-in.
• Anticipate beginning construction in November/December 2006 with an
anticipated completion date of Late-Spring of 2007
• Staff is preparing a proposal to Council that the park be named FRIENDS PARK,
in honor of the many efforts of and contributions the Friends have made to the
Parks and Recreation System over the eighteen years of their existence. * May
1988*
• We will plan a formal Park Dedication Ceremony and ribbon cutting, once all the
work is complete. An "official" date and time for the ceremony shall be
established by the Friends Board.
VIII. Staff Reports
A. Colonial Shade Structure Update
• Both artificial shade systems are installed & full operational
• Trees will be planted in late October or early November 2006. Three or four in the
playground proper and four around the pavilion.
• Umbrellas will be installed soon
• Discussed saving section of removed cedar for possible totem pole project in
future.
• FIBAR Upgrades: Colonial Park has been completed - $9,000.00
B. Citizen's Survey's
• Proposed survey distributed to Board for review. Comments to Tim.
C. Library Remodeling Update
• An extensive renovation is currently underway. City's element complete except
for touch-up to be done after County's re-shelving.
• Involving new carpet, re-painting of the interior, complete renovation of the
lamping system, new landscaping, installation of kick-plate on stairs, renovation
of interior plumbing and a new air-conditioning system.
• Anticipate re-opening the facility on September 18, 2006
• Formal Re-Opening Ceremony on September 28, 2006
D. 2006 Bond Election
• Proposition I: 13.5 million for Colonial Park Aquatics Center
• Proposition II: 12.5 million for West University Recreation Center Re-
Development
• Proposition III: 2.0 million for future parkland acquisition and development,
specifically between Auden and Buffalo Speedway.
• Staff will be presenting to all civic groups and organizations and conducting at
least two public meetings. Would like to present to the Board at the October
meeting
• Discussed rumors and misconceptions versus reality that voting yes to bonds does
not mean entire amount will be spent and bonds not sold until needed. The bond
amounts are estimates based on highest cost (from preliminary architectural
designs) to be determined per design elements after more public input.
E. 2007 Budget
• Requesting two new full-time positions - Parks Caretaker I and Recreation
Specialist
• Requesting Promoting Susan White to Administrative Manager
• Requesting Upgrading Mike Anders to Parks Foreman, from Parks Caretaker III
• Total fiscal impact: $93,000.00 ( salaries and benefits )
• Requesting more capital dollars for park improvements and maintenance issues.
IX. Board Reports
A. Park Ambassador Reports
Rec Center- fire ants.
Wier Park- sprinkler repair.
Equipment upgrades scheduled for Huffington, Wier and Whitt- ambassadors to be
involved with element selection.
B. PARDner's Program Update
PARDner's program set to start in Spring 2007 at Weir Park. Want to promote
program at upcoming events like Fun Run and concerts. Rice QEP student assisting
project identified a similar program in Bloomington, Indiana. Discussed linking a
website for PARDners to West U website and running info on the sign at the little
league park.
C. Shade Committee
Nothing beyond discussion above.
D. Park & Beautification Committee
Liberty Hill make-over scheduled Fall 2006 to include removal of Pampas Grass,
painting sculpture, planning a wildflower cascade along the top of the "hill" and
planting some additional ornamental trees.
E. Concert in the Park Series
Has been funded with $3,000.00 seed money to get project started, then look for
sponsors for future projects. Unable to find musicians to donate time but still looking.
Discussed possibility of selling beer and wine.
X. New Business
None
XI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:1Opm.