HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Board Minutes October 1MINUTES
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING, October 1, 2024
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Attendees
Chair: Stephanie Magers
Secretary: Beck Brownlie (standing in for Richard Cunningham).
Board members present: Stephanie Magers, Sarah Barret, Beck Brownlie, Ryan Firth,
Stephen Damiani, Laura (Lulu) Lopez, Maryann Grahmann, Arlene Wells
Board members absent: Richard Cunningham, Shannon Carroll (Council member),
Samantha Morrison.
Staff: Susan White
Visitors: Justine (PGAL)
I. Call to Order: Stephanie Magers called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
II. Citizen Comments:
Unhappy with increase in fees in the city, with the following examples of fee increases
for: ambulance, solid waste, disabled citizen rates, senior rates, water and sewer.
Feels the Board is misrepresented at City Council Meetings as nobody voted to increase
the fees, and yet they have increased. Felt discriminated against as a senior for
membership to the rec center – was not allowed to sign in and fees also increased.
III. Approval of the minutes from April 3 meeting: Lulu Lopez moved to approve,
and Ryan Firth seconded. All in favor, no abstentions.
IV. Facilities Master Plan Update – Justine (PGAL)
Justine gave high level status update of the design process of the buildings, including
the spaces and sizes of the buildings.
14 October – City Council meeting – basic concepts will be presented to get direction
(e.g. number of stories needed for the buildings).
Have met with Rec Center staff to discuss needs for the Rec Center. Estimated
completion of construction documents will be mid next year.
Board members are encouraged to attend the next Council meeting on October 14, or
tune in online.
PGAL will return to the November Parks & Rec Board meeting
V. Council Update: Susan White on behalf of Shannon Carroll
24/9 meeting update: Capital Improvement Plan and Budget (including
proposed fee schedule). Budget was approved, 4:1, and Capital items will be
brought back with a longer outlook at an upcoming Council meeting.
VI. Friends Overview: Stephanie Magers on behalf of Sami Morrison, Friends
Board Chair
i. Fathers & Flashlights – registration has been completed – 30 new spots added to
the event. Event it on 11/2 – 11/3.
ii. Park Lovers Ball – 4th round of invitations are ready to go out for the 2025 event.
VII. Parks & Rec Update: Susan White, Parks & Recreation Director
i. Weir Park
a. 2 benches are still available for purchase at Weir Park.
ii. Fee Schedule Update
Fee schedule was passed at the last Council meeting on 24/9.
iii. Ordinance language revision – working with lawyers on the wording for
a. motorized vehicles in the park (e.g. electric scooters).
b. Exceptions for pets in the park for dog friendly events planned for 2025. E.g.
plans for a doggy day swim at Colonial Pool at the end of the Colonial Pool
season for members only.
iv. Full Moon Fest – October 25
Email Susan if interested in being a judge of the participant costumes
v. Halloween Dash – October 26
Board members encouraged to come watch or sign up to be a volunteer!
vi. Jogging track at Rec Center
- Fun Run proceeds (for previous 3 years) will fund the new rubber surface.
Currently getting quotes, and will be presented at next council meeting on
Dec 11. Hope to start the running track on January 2.
- Lauren – encouraged the use of piping “sleeves” be put under the track
before the surface gets laid so that trees can be planted and provide shade.
Suggestion of a tree donation event.
VIII. Park Ambassador Reports & Remarks.
• Edloe Street Pathway –
o Water fountain is fixed.
o Girl Scout project is working on an interpretive signage story board to inform
people of the native plants along the walkway.
o Susan informed the Board the historical marker sign is on its way.
o Arelene – gave suggestion of holding a ceremony for the plaque being
installed.
• Recreation Center – Rebecca Brownlie - Gate handles/locks on the playground
entrances have been fixed. Ryan Firth – benches in the family shower rooms are not
secure; they can fall forward and need to be secured.
• Colonial Park East – Maryann Grahmann. The timer is not working again and needs
to be fixed. Fan over the party area is being looked at.
• Colonial Park West – Lauren Griffith. Something to consider: small dogs can get
through the fence. Suggest look into temporary fencing for any dog events planned.
• Wier Park – Lulu. The park is dark at night (apart from tennis court lighting, there
isn’t any). Sarah – kids can’t clear the bottom of the ground when swinging – the
swings should be raised a little to give clearance.
IX. Park Ambassador Reports & Remarks.
• Old Business: (none)
• New Business: (none)
• Adjourned: 7:27 p.m.