HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSminutes 03102011West University Senior Services Board Meeting March 30, 2011
Present: Stan McCandless (Chairman), John Neighbors, Joe Mitchell, Jo Lukens, Mary Lee Gray, George Baker, Barbara
Marvin, Joan Johnson, Selby Clark, Lyndon McKnight, Mary Ryerson, Absent: Celia Chipman, Janet Vrancken, Pieter
Vrancken. Staff: Tim O'Connor, Toby Brooks. Guests: Councilman Steven Segal, Sarah Waisanen (West U Instant
News) Dave Beach and Ed Heathcott.
The Meeting was called to order at 2:OOPM. With minor modifications the minutes of the previous meeting were
approved.
Guest Presentation Dave Beach, Assistant Director of Public Works discussed Community Building renovations. The
City must comply with state bidding laws, including soliciting bids from Historically Underutilized Businesses. Dave is
hoping to have all bids received by March 17"'. City Staff will be acting as general contractor. Many of the bids which
have come in have been slightly lower than anticipated, a few were higher. Public Works is still waiting on Electrical
and Plumbing trades to complete bids for us. Anything
Activities (Toby Brooks, ]o Lukens) Love Trivia sponsored by Jason's Deli, Theme Meal consisted of corned beef
and cabbage and very well attended, and Azalea trail was full and trip to Brazos Bend to go stargazing. All programs
are going strong.
APAC (Selby Clark) Past meeting not well attended due to the freezing weather. APAC is searching for anyone
celebrating 100 years or older in the year 2011. They would like names and telephone numbers. Not sure what they
are going to do, to celebrate but planning something. The seniors from Pasadena are also going to make a quilt with
any fabric that has significant historical sentiment. They will compile all the 6x8 pieces of fabric to make a quilt and
then auction it off for a fund raiser.
Council Meeting Report (Councilman Steven Segal) Continued discussion about acquiring property at 3816
University, next to the Police Station, to be used as parking for the City Hall facility and ease for police force to exit
either direction for emergency calls. Council authorized staff to spend up to $499,000 to quire property and trade for
related expenses. Council called the general election for Mayor and Council for Saturday, May 14. Early voting Mon.-
Fri May 2-6 from 8-5 PM at City Hall and Mon-Tues, May 9-10 from 7-7 PM. They also awarded the Colonial Pool
Concession to Edloe Deli and Catering (under new ownership), which came recommended by Park Board and will be at
15% of gross profit. Friends of West University Place Parks fund was also approved to proceed with upgrade to
Judson Parks. Friends update one park per year; Judson will carry over for part of next year. Council discussed
modifications for the MOU with West University Place Baptist Church concerning shared parking to incorporate
additional lots. The amendments before Council were unacceptable and staff was directed to negotiate requested
changes. This will be reviewed again March 14. (a discussion about a parking garage was led by Stan McCandless).
Council also rejected a proposed amendment to the WU Code which would have banned basements by 3-1 vote. The
issue will be heard again on March 14 and council may consider allowing certain uses and sized of basements (wine
cellars). Finally Council approved staff to prepare and MOU allowing West University Place Elementary Foundation Inc.
to include a fund raising letter in the water bills, at no cost o the City. This exception is being made because of the
unique role of the WU Elementary School plays win our community.
PARD (Tim O'Connor) Phase I of the Judson Park overhaul scheduled to be completed around first of July. Scout
House renovations are on hold until completion of Community Building renovations, July or August. Kid Venture
Summer Camp program registration is ongoing; several of the sessions are close to being full. Camp will
accommodate 60 children each session. 2011 Summer Leisure Guides scheduled to be in the mail by April 1.
Finalizing a babysitting services agreement with a 50% discount form this private company's walk in rate for West U
Recreation Center customers. It is an offsite location, less than 2 miles from the center. West U Recreation
Center/Colonial Pool won an award both at the National Level and State level for Facility Design. Mayor Pro tem Bob
Fry will be publicly presenting the awards at the March 28"' Council Meeting, (tentatively). West U Police have a
suspect for the graffiti issues. Colonial Pool was tagged again this week between the building and the tennis courts.
Colonial Pool will begin opening on weekends only beginning in April and then open 7 days a week the weekend of
Memorial Day. Park signage and Park Caretaker began this last Saturday to help with neighbors concern's relating to
parking and decorating issues at Judson and Huffington Parks. If this does not alleviate the problems it will need to
be reevaluated. Recreation Specialist Julie Bickham starts on Monday, March 14, under the direction of Brittany Bakes
(Recreation Manager). Parks Crew Leader position is posted, after Mike Anders resigned with 17 years of service.
Several University's including Texas A&M, Texas Tech were contacted to help with the recruitment process. This
position will be a direct report to Susan White. The parking lot located by the RR tracks near the Recreation Center
has been regarded, leveled and turfed. Lot always existed but they (Public Works) improved it.
Good Neighbor Team (Mary Lee Gray) The regular meeting will take place next week (2 PM) to put together
candy bags for the spring delivery, which will consist of an umbrella and candy.
The Meeting was adjourned at 3:05 PM