HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Minutes 2013-11-20 Regular Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting
Minutes
November 20, 2013
Board member in attendance:
David Montz
Mel Measles
Penny Burke
Steve Heever
Justin Kimball
Mary Giles Wise
James Toney, Director of Community Services
Kimberly Ramirez, Staff
Michael Boyett, Staff
Paul Ansley, Friendswood Girls Softball
1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m.
2. Communications from the public/committee liaisons: Paul Ansley with
Friendswood Girls Softball attended the meeting to keep up to date with the
bond and inform the group of what's needed at the Sports Park. He stated their
excited about the improvements that will be made at the Sports Park. James
stated that he would create a sub group from this board and would like 2
members for all Friendswood youth sports groups that would help to keep the
sports groups in tune with what we're doing here. They will get to tell us their
needs and concerns with us and with each other. James informed him that
Michael and Drew will be heading up this subgroup. James stated that Little
League maintains Renwick Park inside the fencing and the city maintains
outside the fencing. With the new fields that will be added at the Sports Park for
Girls Softball we're hoping that the organization follows the same maintenance
as Little League with the 2 new fields. Girls softball has 140 girls registered for the
fall, spring has around 260 registered. The girls range between 4-14 years of age.
Paul stated the biggest priority is 2 more fields for practices and games. Second
to that is the restroom facility. Staff met with Friendswood Community Church to
utilize 25 acres for field play, the city would maintain the fields and we would
add goal post or backstop, possibly add a restroom facility. James stated
obviously this will have to be approved by their board, it could help with
practices. Parking will be allowed, lighting will not be added or any permanent
structures. Paul asked if this would be ready by the spring season. James stated
yes, we're still in negotiations in creating an apron and it would be an added
expense. James stated we have already sent them a draft agreement and
we're waiting for their feedback.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding September 25, 2013 minutes: Penny
made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Mel second the motion
and the motion passed unanimously.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding prioritizing bond projects: Tom sent
a message that his number one priority is the lake. James stated we're very
excited that the bond has passed. James stated we will be very busy. Council
had a retreat to discuss the bond in general, on the December 2nd agenda
there is an item for council to discuss the bond concerning prioritizes, when the
money will be issued. First issues will be 2015, 2017 and then 2019. We won't
know until we get direction from council. We need to prioritize small ticket items
and big ticket items. James asked if they want to take it by park or just separate
the small ticket items from the big. David stated fields at the Sports Park, and
splash pad at Stevenson should be first. Penny suggested restrooms at the sports
park should be a priority. James stated we would have to close the park for at
least 1 season when we add the lighting and the concession stand at the sports
park. James stated that the splash pad is 20 to 30 thousand per phase. James
suggested that Stevenson park items could give us the most bang for our buck.
David asked what we can do at the Lake. James stated it would cost $800,000
to create to road into the lake but there is the possibility of working with West
Ranch on gaining access to the lake from their side. Paul asked if the rebar
would be removed and James stated no we're going to add floating piers and
their will not be swimming allowed at the lake. James stated field lighting is.
needed along with parking lot lighting and new fencing. James suggested
picking a couple of items from each park. We will not know a number of how
much we're allowed to spend until December 2nd.
5. Discussion and possible action regarding the Policy and Procedures Athletic
Facility and Field Usage: Council voted to suspend this portion of the policy, do
we want to revisit a fee structure for residents and nonresidents or do we want to
keep it that we will not charge anyone a fee. James stated right now no one
pays anything, David suggested to do away the fees all together. Mel asked if
other cities charge fees. Pearland will not allow anyone but Pearland residents
to participate in their youth sports groups. Penny stated that it looks like it's an
attempt to create equity for the residents. Steve asked if we should table this
and discuss with youth sports group. Penny made motion that the board will
decide weather or not to charge a non-Friendswood resident a user fee and
their will be discussion on how much the fee would be will follow, Mel second
the motion and the motion passed unanimously. David asked to bring us the
information on the impact of the nonresidents. David suggested discussing with
the youth groups.
6. Discussion and possible action regarding the amended zoning ordinance
concerning Farmers Markets: James stated that we have amended the facility
policies procedures with adding the new ordinances for the famers market.
Theirs an administration fee to the city, they will be required to obtain security.
Our rules plus the rules in ordinance section 8 as amended by ordinance 2013-
36. The private properties will mirror the public properties.
7. Discussion regarding a bike ride fundraising event in the spring: Table
8. Discussion regarding updates on the Park Policies and Procedures/Facility
Rental Fees: James stated he discussed this on number 6, council will approve at
the January meeting.
9. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Approved by:
Kimberly Ramirez
Date:
December 11, 2013