2023-11-09 PEARLAND PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Pearland Parks, Recreation & Beautification Board Minutes November 09, 2023
CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS
PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2023
The Parks, Recreation & Beautification Board of the City Council of Pearland, Texas,
convened in a meeting on February 3, 2023, at the Pearland City Hall Sacramento Room,
3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland, Texas. The following represents the actions taken in the
order they occurred during the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Heather Baker called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m.
Members present were Karthik Datta, Natalie Pecknold, Heather Campo, Julie
Waguespack. Member Dennis Allen arrived at 8:38 am. Member Ryan Dixon was
absent.
Others present were Carry Capers, Director of Parks & Recreation; Kevin Carter,
Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation; Victor Brownlees, Assistant City Manager;
Amy Coykendall, Executive Assistant; Kristina Gutierrez, Facility Supervisor; Mychal
Mitchell, Operations Manager.
II. ROLL CALL AND CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM
III. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No citizens were present.
IV. REGULAR AGENDA
I. Introduction to New Board Members
II. Board Report
Chair Baker provided updates on Forever Park Foundation. Tour de Lites
registration is open now and is accepting sponsors. She attended Trick
or Treat Trail with the Daughters' of the American Revolution; The turn
out was great. The weather felt like Fall/Halloween. Outdoors for All
snuck up on her. She attended with Member Waguespack, and would
like to discuss how to bring more people out there. She was
disappointed the run was cancelled. She attended the parade
informational for the first time, and said Lindsey and Ali did a great job.
Member Waguespack attended the Trick or Treat Trail with the family.
Chair Baker asked her to discuss the issues as a family attending.
Member Waguespack stated that the schools had multiple events going
on and it seemed that many students did not get to experience due to
school activities. The police were doing a great job directing traffic within
the neighborhoods and early, prior to nightfall. She noticed at 4th of July
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that there was not enough trash cans, but there were more at the
Outdoors for All event. She would have liked to have more attendees.
She mentioned having a sign signifying they are members of the Parks
Board would be nice and beneficial. She stated Independence Park is
full in the evenings and it is nice to see.
Vice Chair Allen enjoyed the Solar Eclipse at Delores Fenwick Nature
Center. Due to it being crowded, he ended up moving to Independence
Park. He noticed that there were soccer goals at the turf fields at the
Sports Complex at Shadow Creek Ranch and wondered if there will be a
new program on those fields. He stated that on the Western side, at the
entrance, there was trash along the fence and that there was no trash
can. He wondered why there was not a trash can in the area. He noticed
there was a stray dog at the Inclusive Park. Chair Baker stated that the
Shelter is close by and that when people find out there is a fee to
surrender dogs, they end up dumping them. Director Capers informed
him that he can call animal control to have the animal picked up.
Member Campo was not able to make it to Trick or Treat Trail. She did
attend Outdoors for All. She stated the attendance was light and not
sure if it got better later on.
Chair Baker brought up the option of whether or not to have the
December meeting. By consensus, the December meeting has been
cancelled.
Chair Baker also inquired about the Christmas lights and whether or not
the lights will be open the entire month. Director Capers discussed the
Festival of lights and Tree lighting for Second Baptist at Town Center
and why they chose to move, as well as the Hometown Christmas
festival with the new addition of light displays. Member Waguespack
asked about how the issues with the electrical at the Independence Park
pavilion, how that will effect the light displays. Director Capers explained
the light displays will be powered mainly by generators and how they are
making the repairs at the pavilion. Member Pecknold asked if the city
employees are taking over the volunteering now, and that an electrical
sponsor would be beneficial.
III. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the Parks &
Recreation Beautification Board meeting held on October 19, 2023.
Motion to Approve by Member Campo. Seconded by Member Waguespack.
Motion approved.
Aye: 6
Nay: 0
IV. Staff Presentation on RCN Facility Closure
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Mychal Mitchel and Kristina Gutierrez presented on the annual facility closure.
V. Discussion on Parks and Recreation Quarterly Report
Director Capers provided information on the Parks and Recreation Quarterly
Report and how it falls in line with the City's Strategic Plan. There will be three
reports- Summer, Winter, and Spring. The Annual Report will be published
each January and provide information on previous Fiscal Year, and be more
numbers driven.
VI. Discussion on upcoming events
Director Capers handed out invitations for Hometown Christmas and Christmas
Parade. Director Capers provided information on the Hometown Christmas
event, Blitzen's Bazaar and the fireworks display on Friday, December 1st. She
then provided information on the Parade Saturday night.
Parks Board float will be the Radio Flyer, decorated in Minions theme. Board
and their family are encouraged to dress in theme.
VII. Director's report.
Director Capers discussed
Trick or Treat Trail attendees, vendors, feedback, and structure of the
event
Placer AI to assist in tracking the visitor numbers at the parks and
facilities
Sunset Cinema
Run for All cancellation due to registration numbers
Tejano Super Jam at Independence Park weekend of November 10,
2023
Hometown Christmas Festival and Parade will go before Council on
Monday, November 13
Centennial Park tournaments and the Restroom Building funds
Assistant Director Carter covered Capital Improvements
Tournament this weekend could be largest we have hosted
Southgate Playground has officially been completed
Woodcreek Park bridge is officially completed and open
Irrigation upgrades are on schedule to be completed by end of the year
Shade structures are in manufacturing
ADA accessibility is in the finalization process of the design
Hickory Slough contractual plans are still in review with the Public
Works department
V. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 9:49 am.
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Pearland Parks, Recreation & Beautification Board Minutes November 09, 2023
City of Pearland, Texas:
Carry Capers
Director
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