Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room January 4th, 2018 Present Nathan Burkhart – Co-Chairperson Esli Ceballos – Board Secretary Jose A. Escobedo – Member Jerry Hatley - Member Damaris McGlone – PARD Director Carlos Velica – Parks Staff Yolanda Speece – citizen Caty Wartland - citizen Absent Dillon Vanderford – Chairperson Anisa Ramirez – Member Myrta Garza - Member 1. Meeting called to order by Parks Co-Chairperson, Mr. Nathan A. Burkhart at 12:08 p.m. ********************* 2. Pledge of Allegiance: United States Pledge * Texas Pledge • The pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge was led by Parks Co-Chairperson Mr. Nathan A. Burkhart. ********************* 3. Approval of minutes • Minutes of last meeting (December 7th, 2017) approved on a motion by Jose A. Escobedo, seconded by Esli Ceballos, motion carried. ********************* 4. Discussion Period (15 minutes) • None to report. ********************* 5. Discussion of bathrooms at the Stillman dog park (Anisa Ramirez) • Parks Director gave an update on the cost of placing bathrooms at the dog park and it would be over the $50,000. Also needs to be connected to sewer lines. Commented that Board Member Anisa Ramirez wanted to take to the B.C.I.C. for a matching grant but didn’t know the status since Ms. Ramirez was not present at the meeting today.  • Board member Mr. Jose Escobedo commented what the department could do to get an ice rink started? Parks Director reiterated that they would have to check with McAllen to research it first and also check with our Parks Master plan which was not included. ********************* 6. Director’s Report (Damaris McGlone – Parks Director) • Reported on status for the Historical Battlefield trail phase 1 is completed, will be starting phase 2 & 3 soon. • Gave updates on several projects, Youth Basketball leagues registration is going on right now, update on Administration offices moving to new location at City plaza, new bucket truck was approve but will take up to 300 days to get it, preparing for Sombrero Fest, Earth Fest, Easter events, etc. ********************* 7. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • None to report ********************* 8. Public Comment Period: PLEASE NOTE The Public Comment Period is Designated for Hearing Concerns Regarding City of Brownsville Public Policy or City of Brownsville Business that is not on the agenda. • Ms. Caty Wartland commented on the Jefferson Davis Monument at Washington Park and its meaning, doesn’t sit well with her. • Co-Chairperson commented on maybe having another town hall meeting but will need to discuss with the other board members that currently are not in attendance. Parks Director commented that at the last Parks meeting it was decided to do a presentation at the next city commission in January. Co-Chairperson and Board member Mr. Escobedo agreed to do the presentation if needed. ******************** 13. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 12:28 p.m.