2019-11-14 PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD MINUTESMINUTES — REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND PARKS, RECREATION, &
BEAUTIFICATION BOARD, HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 AT 8:30 A.M., AT 4141
BAILEY ROAD, PEARLAND, TX 77584.
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m.
II. BOARD ROLL CALL AND REPORT
Ted Mittica Chair
Bethany Earl Vice Chair
Ken Rice Board Member
Jeff Webb
Charles McMurrey
Rose Hinojosa-Mandola
Mychal Mitchell
Lindsey Taylor
Board Member
Board Member
Parks & Recreation, Executive Assistant
Parks & Recreation, Special Events Coodinator
Parks & Recreation, Special Events Specialist
Mr. Charles McMurry suggested an idea to collaborate with the Pearland Town Center for
Trick or Treat Trail
Mr Ken Rice reported on a visit with Kevin Carter Parks and Natural Resources
Superintendent, regarding Hickory Slough. Impressed by the systems being worked on,
and the time and insight offered with Mr. Carter.
Ms. Bethany Earl reported on staying in touch with social media and the web, saw positive
posts and not any constructive or negative response. Reported quiet engagement overall.
Mr. Ted Mittica shared the need to update speed limits within Independence Park and
near the Pearland Parkway entrance during the Trick or Treat Trail event. Discussion of
parking and public safety was had
III. DISCUSSION — ADVOCACY OF PARKS AND RECREATION EFFORTS
Ms. Hinojosa-Mandola reported on the different roles of City Staff and the Parks,
Recreation and Beautification Board in the engagement of social media, website, and
publication commentary regarding the City of Pearland and the Parks and Recreation
Department. The Parks and Recreation Department can provide information and insight
regarding City of Pearland business and the board can advocate and empower citizens
with this information.
IV. DISCUSSION — TEXAS RECREATION AND PARKS SOCIETY (TRAPS)
Ms Hinojosa-Mandola reported that the TRAPS membership has been renewed and
stated shared that as members in the roster the Baord can take advantage of professional
development opportunities and events.
V. PRESENTATION — HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Mr. Mychal Mitchell and Ms. Lindsey Taylor presented on the newly rebranded Hometown
Christmas Festival The event will take place in Independence Park on December 6th
Formerly known as the Tree Lighting, due to the relocation of the lighted tree and stage
production activities the new event name is Hometown Christmas Festival. The event
features live holiday entertainment, local school choirs, and a Santa Claus visit. With the
knowledge of two events at Independence Park, Special Events is working with Police on
an evolved traffic plan to improve public safety and accommodate community needs and
feedback.
The 38th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade takes place along 518, about 10,000
spectators were estimated for last year's event. This year's Grand Marshal invitee is
Pearland High School Marching Band. They were chosen to honor and recognize their
achievements, most noteably for being invted to the Rose Parade in January.
The Hometown Christmas Parade theme is Toy -Land, and the current number of parade
entries are around 60. The City of Pearland Communications Team will be live -streaming
and is working on a plan for engaging production features.
Mr. Mychal Mitchell shared a recap of Trick of Treat Trail. Highlights included the that it
was the first time in ten years to return to Independence Park. Lindsey Taylor worked to
spread out the vendors throughout the park allowing an efficient flow for the 4,500 event
attendees. An increase of about 500 attendees over last year. Vendor participation shared
positive feedback.
Board discussion regarding the opportunity to add live feed and footage to assist the
marketing of the Trick or Treat Trail event. Mr. Mitchell shared that the communications
team is planning to provide drone footage, and live feed of the event for next year.
VI. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Ms. Hinojosa-Mandola reported on the following on behalf of Dr. Chistopher K Orlea,
Parks & Recreation Director:
• Aquatics Technician interviews were held and second round of interviews are
forthcoming. The new hire is anticipated to start in December of January. This
position will serve maintenance needs of the Natatorium and splash pads.
• Master Plan surveys have been extended to November 30, 2019. Halff Associates
will present at the December 12th Board Meeting.
• Follow up content and documents will be provided to the Board regarding the
Strategic Retreat, The Adventures of Edu-Katie Video Series, Updates to Boards
and Commissions from Communications Director, and Generator Project Updates.
VII. ADJOURMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:28 AM.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Cliriatopher K Orlal6hD Director — (transcribed initially by Rose Hinojosa-Mandola)
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this jZ__ day of taaf1eS&A.cc
2019.
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Ted Mittica, Chairman
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