2016-07-14 PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD MINUTESMINUTES — REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS, RECREATION, &
BEAUTIFICATION BOARD, HELD ON THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016 AT 8:15 A.M., AT 4141
BAILEY ROAD, PEARLAND, TX 77584.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:18 a.m.
II. BOARD MEMBER ROLL CALL
Buck Stevens Chair
Ted Mittica Vice -Chair
Bethany Earl Board Member
Mike Wilson Board Member
Layni Cade Board Member
Chris Orlea Parks & Recreation, Director
Carry Capers Parks & Recreation, Assistant Director
Adam Thompson Parks & Recreation, Aquatics Supervisor
Melanie Lawson Parks & Recreation, Administrative Assistant
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — June 14, 2016
Minutes were submitted and approved unanimously.
1V. BOARD REPORT
Mr. Mittica reported he participated in Concerts in the Park, and assisted and
participated in the Celebration of Freedom event. A few hiccups were discussed and a
resolution found.
Ms. Cade attended several of the Concerts in the Parks as well as the Celebration of
Freedom event. Ms. Cade noted the parks in her neighborhood were busy at night with
people playing Pokeman and Ms. Cade was concerned with the potential of children
hurting themselves.
Ms. Earl noted she attended Celebration of Freedom. Ms. Earl also spent some time at
Centennial Park and noted the park was clean when she went. Ms. Earl also noted
there were no problems with dry equipment being wet from the Splash pad.
Mr. Wilson noted he was unable to attend Celebration of Freedom. Mr. Wilson also
noted he received positive feedback about the firework display.
Mr. Stevens noted he attended the first part of the Celebration of Freedom event. Mr.
Stevens passed out flags at the event. Mr. Stevens noted he was unable to find the app
(Periscope) to watch fireworks. Mr. Stevens also noted he received comments regarding
the location of the food booths — people attending the event were unable to find them.
Mr. Stevens also noted people had problems leaving the event. Ms. Capers noted one
of the exits of the parking lot had been blocked by construction trailers the day before
and cars had to exit via Oiler Drive.
Ms. Cade requested the app to view events be located in a more accessible area, or
include a link. Mr. Orlea noted the app was made available on the City of Pearland
website, Parks web page, City of Pearland Facebook page and Instagrarm.
Ms. Cade also noted a group of kids at the high end of the stadium disrupting people as
they were watching the fireworks. Mr. Stevens talked about police cars parked on the
track. Ms. Capers noted this was an extra precaution in order to provide visibility of
police officers by people attending the event.
V. DIVISION PRESENTATION — Aquatics, Adam Thompson
Mr. Thompson talked about safety and exercise being a priority for his staff. Mr.
Thompson noted all lifeguards hold certifications that enable staff to teach classes. Mr.
Thompson also explained chemical balancing and how it works in regards to individual
PH balances. Mr. Thompson talked about ensuring cleanliness was a priority for the pool
area. Mr. Thompson also talked about the exercise programs that take place at the
Natatorium. Mr. Thompson further discussed the several adult and youth teams that
utilize the Natatorium.
Mr. Stevens asked if we need another facility to accommodate the number of people
who visit the pool. Mr. Thompson explained the pool has busy hours as well as slow
hours. Mr. Orlea noted PARD works closely with others to form relationships to help
minimize the costs of having the pools.
Ms. Cade asked if a pool the size of the Natatorium's could become salt water. Mr.
Thompson and Mr. Orlea explained that salt water pools are significantly more
expensive to maintain due to the excessive chlorine that develops. Extensive chlorine
tends to be corrosive thus becoming more expensive to maintain.
VI. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING WINTER GAMES OF TEXAS
Mr. Orlea discussed the bid made by the Convention and Visitor's Bureau to have the
Winter Games of Texas take place in Pearland. Mr. Orlea announced Pearland was
selected and asked the board to consider endorsing the Winter Games of Texas taking
place in January and February of 2018 in Pearland.
Mr. Orlea noted events would take place at a combination of sites — either school
facilities, or at the RCN. Mr. Orlea explained that up -front costs could be significant;
about $90,000, but having sponsors will help.
Mr. Mittica made a motion to endorse holding the Winter Games of Texas in Pearland in
2018. Ms. Cade seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
VII. DISCUSSION REGARDING MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
Mr. Orlea discussed with the board various avenues of communication to be considered
in order to keep citizens updated on road closures and/or event changes. Mr. Stevens
asked if PARD currently had an app. Mr. Orlea noted we do not, but currently use
Constant Contact. Ms. Cade noted she would prefer having a text message sent to her
as opposed to a road sign or email. Mr. Wilson noted having both options would be best.
Ms. Cade noted she would like for us to look into an app for future events.
VIII. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Mr. Orlea discussed the following:
➢ COPA ESPN asked Pearland to host their soccer series 8/13 — 8/14
> Budget for PARD in 2017 was reduced by approximately $500,000
> Monarch butterfly way stations have been put in place by a local Girl Scout group
➢ Dolores Fenwick Nature Center on track to open January 2018
> Deep Sea Horizon Grant — hopefully funding wetland preservation in the future
for Pearland
> Riverstone Ranch Section 6 has been approved and the old Parkland Dedication
Ordinance will go into effect
➢ CVB Cultural Arts grant being offered
Q2 group recently discussed how can we, as citizens, effect change within our
environment and how can we discuss diversity in our community
➢ Animated PSA coming out about alligators in Pearland
➢ Scent Air has been installed in select rooms of the RCN
➢ RSA contracts are currently being reevaluated
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at •:57 a.m.
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Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this 0411 day of ;/t [ M YJrtr ,
2016.