2009-08-20 PEARLAND PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTESMINUTES — REGULAR MEETING OF THE PEARLAND PARKS, RECREATION AND
BEAUTIFICATION BOARD, OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009 AT 8:00 A.M., IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, AT 2947 BROADWAY STREET, PEARLAND,
TEXAS
I.
II.
IV
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:03 a.m.
BOARD MEMBER ROLL CALL
Kevin Fite
Marjorie Wilcoxson
Quentin Wiltz
Ed Miller
Michelle A. Smith
Rosalyn Epting
Randi Wyatt
Ed Grossenheider
John Walters
Mary Kate Ward
Bud Tollefsen
Alexis Williams
Marissa Sluss
Brandon Palacious
Vice -Chairman
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Parks and Recreation Director
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director
Parks and Recreation Office Coordinator
Parks and Recreation Parks Superintendent
Parks and Recreation Urban Forrester
Parks and Recreation, Recreation Specialist
Youth Action Council Member
Youth Action Council Member
Youth Action Council Member
Youth Action Council Member
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — July 16, 2009
Mr. Wiltz made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Wilcoxson
seconded the motion and the motion carried 4 to 0.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE LEGACY
TREE PROGRAM
Ms. Smith began by stating that Staff was under the impression that the Legacy
Tree Program needed to be on the agenda for today's meeting but after looking
into the program realized that the board approved the program in February. Ms.
Smith asked Mr. Walters, Urban Forrester, to give the board an update on the
progress of the program.
Mr. Walters explained the Legacy Tree Program gives people the opportunity to
have a tree planted in memory of a loved one. The donation would be in the
amount of $250.00 per tree; the trees are required to have a minimum requirement
of a two inch caliber. The cost includes the tree, staff labor and upkeep as well as
the plaque.
The intention is to use a designated area where the tree planting will take place
around the detention ponds at the Recycling Center, creating an Urban Forrest.
Once the Nature Center is built, there will be pathways built around the forest.
Plaques will be placed in a kiosk at the beginning of the pathway.
Currently, Staff is in the process of updating the website with the information
pertaining to the program so that citizens have an easy way to assess the
application. The suggestion of creating a Site Map located near the Kiosk was
made.
No action is needed on this update.
V. INTRODUCE THE YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL
Youth Action Council is a group of local students that represent the "voice of the
teens" in the City of Pearland. The current members have been participating in the
volunteer activities and working events through the past year.
The Council attended the Parks Board Meeting to see how the meeting was
conducted and to give the board an update on the council's activities. A brief
discussion of how the Youth Action Council (YAC) was developed, named and
marketed took place.
No action is needed on this discussion.
VI. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Natatorium and Recreation Center:
Construction is underway and progressing nicely. There is steel going up! Both
pools have been shot-creted and second floor is scheduled to be poured the week
of the 24th. Pouring concrete in service yards and main pool floor and will start
erecting the Glu -lam beams the 20th. The project is anticipated to be under budget
and, according to the current project schedule, will be completed by the end of
June of 2010.
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Phase I of the Trail Connectivity Project:
Staff is currently looking at alternatives to the original proposal. We are
gathering pricing information for the various alternatives and will be going to
Council in Executive Session on the 24�h to get further direction as to how they
would like us to proceed. We are still anticipating the project will be advertised
for bid this Fall.
Hunter Park (formally known as Orange Street Park)
Additional funding has been allocated for this project in the next fiscal year. I
will be meeting with the consultant to get brought up to speed as to where left off
when the project was put on hold and develop a plan and timeline for continuing
the project. I hope to be ready by October I" to proceed when the funding is
made available.
Water Lights District and Presidential Park:
No further action will be taken on this project until it is determined how the
improvements will be funded.
Grants
In partnership with Keep Pearland Beautiful we have submitted tow applications
for HGAC grants. We have received the grants, or a portion of, the grants we
applied for. I am anticipating a formal letter of award shortly and we will proceed
with expending those funds when they become available.
Community Garden
The committee of staff members has evaluated the proposal and has determined
how we think this partnership can work. We have evaluated some properties and
are working toward making some recommendations to the proposing
organization. We are including many people, including representatives from the
Planning Department in this process.
Staffing
Athletics Coordinator position has been filled.
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Ms. Smith informed the board that the department received two awards from
Texas Festivals and Events this past month for the best Environmental Program
and Best Event Photo. This was a great accomplishment because we were
competing against Texas Parks and Wildlife. Winterfest won Best Environmental
Program and a picture from Paws in the Park took Best Event Photo.
Update on the Board Retreat — Ms. Smith has a meeting on September 2"d, with a
company that has facilitated several meetings with the department in the past. Ms.
Smith will provide an update at the next meeting.
Ms. Smith advised that there is still a vacancy on the board. Currently the
position is being advertised on the City Website and also we will be sending out a
group -builder email. Ms. Smith anticipates filling the position by November.
Mr. Fite wanted to provide feedback on July 4`h event as well as ask the option of
the department. Ms. Smith stated that overall the event was successful with a full
crowd and is not aware of any negative feedback. Following the event, several
Council Members provided positive comments regarding the event. Ms. Smith
advised that she would begin giving a more detailed report of major events at the
board meetings.
A discussion about shade trees for the Knapp Senior Center took place.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 a.m.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Randi Wyatt
Parks Office Coordinator
Z J
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this day of
r , 2009.
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