2023-07-13 PEARLAND PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTESCITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS
PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
July 13, 2023
The Parks, Recreation & Beautification Board of the City Council of Pearland, Texas,
convened in a meeting on July 13, 2023, at the Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium,
4141 Bailey Rd, Pearland, Texas. The following represents the actions taken in the order
they occurred during the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Jackson called the meeting to order at 8:35 am
II. ROLL CALL AND CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM
Members present were Chairman Jackson, Vice Chair Baker, Member Dixon, Member
Campo, Member Bankson, Member Waguespack
Member absent is Member Allen.
Others present were Carry Capers, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Amy
Coykendall, Executive Assistant
Citizen(s) present none present
III. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No Citizens attended.
IV. REGULAR AGENDA
1. Consideration and Possible Action- Certification and Approval of Minutes
from June 8, 2023
Member Dixon asked about follow-up on the groups that did not get the RSA. Director
Capers discussed the upcoming meeting with the Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) to
make sure that what is being developed is where the vision is going- balance of local play
but also bringing in outside events for economic growth. Will be sharing a facility use
agreement with Shadow Creek Soccer within the next week.
Motion to approve by Vice Chair Baker; Member Dixon seconded the motion. Approved.
2. Board Report
Chairman Jackson participating in more indoor activities due to weather. Excited to hear
about fireworks as he could not attend.
Member Dixon attended the Celebration of Freedom fireworks, and there were many
people. He was curious about the number of people who attended, and how to incorporate
the people at other areas watching the fireworks. Inquired about the indoor sports facility,
if there were still discussions or where it was at the moment.
Vice Chair Baker attended the Celebration of Freedom as a vendor and saw it from a
different perspective. Mentioned there was no warning when the fireworks were starting,
the DJ under the pavilion did not stop playing during the fireworks, they were not able to
hear the music from the stage at the pavilion. Communication was great with the weather
and vendor check in, but no communication when they started check in again after the all-
clear.
Member Campo attended Celebration of Freedom, stated band was great. Asked about
the restrooms by the playground, handicapped stall was clogged, and was unsure who to
speak to. Director Capers informed them that there is a Parks Information tent that they
can go to, but there are Parks staff checking restrooms throughout the event.
Member Bankson have been doing many indoor activities due to weather. Children are
running and going to Adair Park because of the shade- there are many places to run in
Pearland but not enough shade. Member Dixon stated that there are a couple miles on
the trail off Magnolia that there is no shade. Jackson asked how to incorporate more shade
trees in established parks. Director Capers discussed the tree trust fund through urban
forestry, and the tree planting program.
Member Waguespack attended Celebration of Freedom. She stated that during he anthem
and fireworks the DJ under the pavilion did not stop playing music. Liked how the food
trucks were stationed, but there were not enough trash cans; not enough on the hill either.
Drove by the Woodcreek bridge expansion and it looks good, it will be nice.
3. Consideration and Possible Action- Parks and Recreation Month
Director Capers discussed the benefits of Parks and Recreation department- community
engagement, creating solid community.
Chairman Jackson brought forth a motion to approve. Motioned by Vice Chair Baker;
Seconded by Member Campo. Parks Board officially recognizes July 2023 as Parks and
Recreation Month.
4. Discussion- Emergency Preparedness
Director Capers discussed emergency preparedness for Hurricane season, and any
additional emergency situations. Director Capers discussed the role of Parks and
Recreation in hurricane preparedness, evacuation hubs and emergency evacuations,
various monitoring systems and applications used; as well as the city’s role in emergency
situations.
V. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Capers discussed the following:
• Celebration of Freedom- estimated about 15,000 people attended;
fireworks and drone show ideas for future events
• Hometown Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting- Second Baptist church
does not want to continue Festival of Lights at Independence Park, more
information to come
• Day Pass Sales- no complaints aside from punch pass holders
• Budget Supplementals- Requests to convert Part time employees to Full
time employees, cost neutral request, been added to base budget for FY24;
maintenance crew taking over contractual maintenance, cost neutral
request, added to based budget for FY24.
• Assistant City Manager position- reviewing applicants July 1st, should start
interviewing soon
• HB59- Significant changes to legislation regarding entering bodies of
water; will impact how we operate pools, programs, etc.
• Independence Park Phase II- Forever Parks Foundation next
project/initiative over the next few years is Independence Park; Bringing
Inclusion Matters on as a consultant. Would like Parks Board to attend the
Stakeholder meetings when they begin, as well as Hickory Slough.
• Horned Lizard Project- One of the females laid 30+ eggs
• Summer Camps- Going great this year. Surpassed the revenue projections
for his year, but the consistency is tough.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 by Member Dixon, Seconded Member Campo.
Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this the 10TH day of August 2023.
City of Pearland, Texas:
___________________________
Carry Capers
Director