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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Minutes 2013-05-08 Regular r P & R Board Meeting Minutes May 8, 2013 Board members in attendance: Penny Burke Tom Goodwin Lee Revere Mary Giles Wise James Toney, Director of Community Services Kimberly Ramirez, Staff John Maisel, guest Leslie Roque, guest Ryan O'Farrell, guest 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:38pm. 2. Communication s from the public/committee liaisons: Introduce guest for the record, David O'Farrell, Leslie Roque, John Maisel. Leslie and John have been talking to Steve Rockey and James Toney about moving the proposed site for the bridge behind the pool area by Ms. Lannings property by the drainage district property and the Merriwood soccer fields. Tom stated the biggest thing is to tie those 2 facilities together and the greatest amount of impact for foot traffic but the least amount of interference for the homeowners. The viability to make good things happen tying those 2 parks together would be great and would go along with our Parks Master Plan to tie the 2 parks for hike and bike trails. Tom stated he is part of the bond subcommittee group and represents the parks and recreation group. He stated that there has been lots of discussion on the potential bond issue, which includes facilities, streets and drainage and the other being parks and recreation. They have discussion what to get done with bond money. Tom stated that he made a couple of meetings and felt that they the Parks and Recreation board were grossly short sited, and not completely running parallel with this board and their ideas were not meeting the needs for the only section of the city that had a master plan. Tomorrow they will have another meeting with Roger. My feelings and what shocked me the most about it is the abandonment of the lake and the lack of desire to make more baseball fields. The group was looking at lighting and stuff which is not feasible to us. After attending another bond subcommittee group meeting we still don't see eye to eye. I think we need acquit ion of a piece of property and what sportplex is going on it, development of the lake, and a basketball pavilion. Penny asked what would be the proposed date for the vote; tom stated it would be in November. Tom stated that biggest thing was we (Parks and Recreation Board) were not use as a good piece of information. Tom stated across the board each one of the subcommittees is working backwards. Tom suggested the bond group to read the Parks Master Plan. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding March 20, 2013 minutes: Penny made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, David second the motion and it was approved unanimously. 4. Discussion regarding updates on Phase 1 of park improvements: James stated that the splash pad has started construction today. James stated the 1 st phase will be completed by June 3rd, weather pending. The lights at Centennial Park have been installed. Penny asked if there was any improvement to the basketball court lighting. Penny suggested having the police department goes to the basketball court at night due to Friendswood kids being kicked off the courts by nonresidents. James stated that our current lighting contractor is trying to produce a LED light for the basketball courts. Tom asked about the status of the 3rd part of Phase 1, 1776 and Imperial Estates, James stated its in litigation so we have nothing to report on that. Penny asked if Imperial Estates is part of a HOA, if not then they don't have a leg to stand on. Tom said the 4th one is the bridge, he stated that he's pleased to hear theirs discussion between residents and staff. Tom stated that we saw the need and if that need can be met and meets with our parks master plan. He stated that the hike and bike trails people don't have to walk on FM518 and use the,bridge instead, which would be,great. If we have residents and staff work together for this project that would be awesome. Tom stated that the parks adhoc committee met with residents to talk about the bridge from that there were suggestions made on what should be done or not done and then the suggestions goes back to council to decide where it goes. David stated that residents by the Winding Way area are not in favor for the bridge to be installed in that area. From nature across nature to nature. John Maisel stated that he has 5.2 acres off of Shadwell; I have suggested a fence that will provide privacy on my property that the city will provide. You'll be able to come off from the swimming pool area go across Ms. Lannings then my property with a 40 ft. span that would take us to the Drainage District Property, which is a beautiful view of the creek across the soccer field on Merriwood, then you can walk past the arena and then another soccer field. John stated he thinks this is a much more economical plan, and I also think the Old city park restrooms needs to be leveled. The bathroom is despicable. James stated we'll have to walk it; it's a great idea but its closer to the Chappell Hill neighborhood. We would still need to get with Ms. Lanning, the Chappell Hill HOA and other homes near that area. James stated the bad thing about the other connection is that there are no sidewalks. It's going to be expensive to add culverts in that area. Lee asked if James would ask Ms. Lanning first about the bridge location proposal and then go from there. 5. Discussion regarding the Farmers Market: James informed the board that we were talking about instituting a farmers market here in Friendswood, there were 3 or 4 ladies that were solicited by John Scott to head up the farmer's market subcommittee after our first meeting with the Pearland Farmers market r Y coordinator and the Parks Director from Pearland. It was suggested to the ladies to meet with the Pearland Farmers Market coordination. After the subcommittee met with her they came back and said it's too much work for a volunteer projection without being compensated. James stated right now there hasn't been any further discussion about this group moving forward with the Farmers Market but there is a private group working with the Community Development Department and trying to do a private farmers market. James stated that the farmers market is dead as far as partnership with the parks board. James stated John Scott wanted more awareness to the Parks Board, that's why he tried to start a farmers market, Tom stated we need more awareness as far as the Parks and Recreation Board. Tom suggested starting a bike ride event, between a 20 - 60 mile rides. Tom suggested having it in February or March. He thinks it's a great way to create awareness for the board. 6. Discussion regarding the parking lot at the Sports Park: James stated the parking lot is part of the proposed bond package which also includes lighting, parking, restrooms and concession facilities. 7. Discussion regarding the Parks Dedication Ordinance: Penny asked how much money was in the Park Dedication Ordinance fund, James stated $0, he stated we purposely zero out that account to use for the Park improvements, Phase 1 . Penny asked if we can add projects to it. James stated that any new revenue would go into a new separate park dedication fund. Penny suggested that if we start a bike run every year we could designate it to a parks fund account. 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 pm. Approved by: Kimberly Ramirez Date: July 24, 2013