2016-01-14 PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD MINUTESMINUTES — REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS,
RECREATION, & BEAUTIFICATION BOARD, HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 14,
2016 AT 8:15 A.M., AT 4141 BAILEY ROAD, PEARLAND, TX 77584.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:19 a.m.
IL BOARD MEMBER ROLL CALL
Buck Stevens Chair
Ted Mittica Vice -Chair
Bethany Earl Board Member
Cheryl Weaver Board Member
Mike Wilson Board Member
Christopher Orlea Parks & Recreation, Director
Carry Capers Parks & Recreation, Assistant Director
Melanie Lawson Parks & Recreation, Administrative Assistant
Hannah Cecil Parks & Recreation, Recreation Specialist - Events
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — November 12, 2015
Minutes were submitted and approved unanimously.
IV. BOARD REPORT
Mr. Stevens talked about attending the Parade of Lights, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, as
well as the Forever Parks Foundation meeting. Mr. Stevens made inquisition on how
Eagle Scouts can begin a project with Parks & Recreation. Mr. Orlea discussed how the
process works and that Scouts interested in an Eagle Scout project should contact Pat
Wiley, Volunteer Coordinator. Mr. Stevens also discussed the TRAPS convention in
Galveston and talked about the possibility of Parks Board members attending in the
future.
Mr. Mittica talked about how well the Christmas Parade went, and discussed Santa
"sneaking" himself into the parade. Ms. Weaver discussed both the Christmas Tree
Lighting Ceremony and the Christmas Parade, and noted she had a blast and is looking
forward to next year.
Ms. Earl noted she went to both of the events and had a great time, and went on to thank
Parks & Recreation for the Christmas gift. Mr. Wilson noted that he attended both of the
events and is looking forward to attending again next year.
V. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKLAND DEDICATION ORDINANCE
Mr. Orlea went into discussion regarding Parks & Recreation composing a Parkland
Dedication Ordinance white paper. The current ordinance is under revision. The goal of
revising the ordinance is to consolidate the 13 zones that currently encompass Pearland.
Doing this will take the fee currently in place and 1) the developer will continue to
assume the responsibility of Parkland Dedication, and 2) developer will be assessed a
development fee.
Mr. Orlea noted the ordinance will be brought to City Council for review on Saturday,
February 20`h
VI. TRAIL PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Orlea went into discussion about the most recent trail plan, and the revitalization of
the plan. A sidewalk inventory and trail asset inventory is due to be completed. A graphic
update will become available in June of this year. The updated plan will become more of
a recreational trail plan, and will include navigable bodies of water.
Ms. Earl discussed concerns regarding the safety of the trails due to the City's growth.
Mr. Orlea talked about the building of overpasses, or skyways, which would be built into
new bridges for pedestrian safety. Mr. Orlea also noted our landscape architect has made
the recommendation of installing markers that would dispatch 911 to trails in order to
increase overall trail safety.
Mr. Stevens went on to emphasize educating the public on the importance of safety while
using crosswalks and the role they play in keeping pedestrians safe. Mr. Orlea noted that
our current architect has some unique ideas on how to make people more compliant with
the use of crosswalks. Suggestions will be brought to the Board for review at a later
time.
Mr. Mittica discussed the possibility of the City publishing a map of Pearland's trail
system to help citizens navigate them better.
VII. DISCUSSION REGARDING FOREVER PARKS FOUNDATION
Ms. Capers noted that there are now 12 members on the Forever Parks Foundation Board.
The board voted to support the Parks & Recreation's Financial Assistance Program and
will raise money to offset progranuning costs for activities run by the Recreation Center.
Ms. Capers noted this will also allow for discounts to more programs and can be
extended to include other outside organizations. Ms. Capers also talked about a grant
system that would allow community/neighborhood parks to apply for funding to assist
with maintenance and the repairing of older parks.
VIII. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ADOPTION OF RULES
& ORDER OF BUSINESS
The following changes were made to the Parks & Recreation By-laws:
• Article 8 changed to "The members shall not serve more than two (2)
consecutive, three (3) - year teens, and may be eligible for reappointment
after one (1) year.
The following changes were made in the Parks & Recreation Rules & Order of Business:
• Meeting time changed from 8:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. the second Thursday of
each month.
Mr. Mittica made a motion to accept the corrections to the By-laws and Rules & Order of
Business. Ms. Earl seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously approving
the amendment to Article 8 and changing the meeting time from 8:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on
the second Thursday of each month.
IX. DISCUSSION REGARDING DEPARTMENT POLICY UPDATE
Ms. Capers went into discussion regarding updating the Parks & Recreation policy
manual. Ms. Capers talked about the large number of changes that need to be made to
the current policies. Ms. Capers asked the board to review the policy manual and bring
suggestions/recommendations to next month's meeting.
X. DEPARTMENT UPDATE
➢ New World was rolled out January 1, 2016
➢ Mr. Jon Branson is the new Interim Finance Director
➢ Entry trail signs at Shadow Creek Park have been installed
➢ Southdown Park: new pet fountains being installed, playground receiving new parts,
Fall Zone being replaced and will extend into the wet area.
➢ Recycling Center is no longer part of the City and is now managed by Keep Pearland
Beautiful.
➢ Capital Projects: Independence Park renovation Phase 1, the Dolores Fenwick Nature
Center Phase 1, Centennial Park Phase II, Shadow Creek Trail, Green Tee Terrace
Trail.
➢ Parks & Recreation will be working closer with the Library Board.
➢ The Recreation Superintendent position is open and interviews are underway.
➢ Winterfest takes place on Saturday, January 30.
➢ Mr. Buck Stevens received the Volunteer of Year Award from TRAPS.
➢ City of Pearland Parks & Recreation Department won the TRAPS 2016
Administration and Management Excellence Award.
➢ Mr. Orlea is now serving as Chair for the Greater Gulf Coast Parks & Recreation
Director's Association.
➢ Parks & Recreation is due to receive information on a grant from Texas Parks and
Wildlife.
➢ Ms. Capers coordinated trainings last month covering the Open Carry Act.
Ms. Cecil then updated the Board on Winterfest and passed out the invitations.
➢ Open from 10 a.m. to 5 pm., but open at 9 a.m. for families with disabilities.
D. Full size carnival, petting zoo, food vendors, and snow slides.
➢ Parking will be at Turner High school with shuttles dropping off and picking up.
XL ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m.
These . es respec bmitted by:
Laws
trative - tant
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this / / day of C Cg/0-VA
2016 ��!!
Buck Stevens, Chairman