Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room June 7th, 2018 Present Dillon Vanderford – Parks Chairperson Esli Ceballos – Board Secretary Jerry Hatley – Member Anisa H. Ramirez – Member Myrta Garza – Member Adrian Delgado – New Board member Nathan Burkhart – Asst. Marketing & Business Development Director Carlos Velica – Parks Staff 1. Meeting called to order by Parks Chairperson, Mr. Dillon Vanderford at 12:10 p.m. ********************* 2. Pledge of Allegiance: United States Pledge * Texas Pledge • The pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge was led by Parks Chairperson, Mr. Vanderford. ********************* 3. Approval of minutes • Minutes of last meeting (April 5th, 2018) approved on a motion by Anisa Ramirez, seconded by Myrta Garza, motion carried. ********************* 4. Discussion, Consideration and Action to approve the following (Parks Chairperson) a. Goal #1 – Mission & Vision Statement • Parks Board members discuss on the mission statements and the only ones submitted were by Board members Anisa Ramirez, Jose Escobedo and Esli Ceballos. It was suggested by board member Ms. Ramirez that board members could submit their mission statements to the Parks Chairperson and they could vote via email once they all have been received and review. b. Goal #2 – Make Internal Communication a Priority as part of the Strategic Planning. • It was discussed of having group chat via web sap as a way of communicating with board members, notifying them of meetings, outside events, etc... All board members were in agreement to make internal communications a priority, with Mr. Burkhart being as sole administrator in charge of it.  ******************** 5. Discussion for letter of intent for BCIC for bathrooms at Dog Park (Anisa Ramirez) • Ms. Ramirez commented that a letter of intent needed to be submitted by June 30th to the BCIC for bathrooms at the Dog Park. It was suggested by the Parks Chairperson that they could do a workshop after the board meeting to work on a draft letter of intent needed for the BCIC. All board members were in agreement to meet after the Parks Advisory meeting. ********************* 6. Discussion Period (15 minutes) • Parks Chairperson commented that there will be an open vacancy posted for one Parks Advisory Board member. • Parks Chairperson commented on the next board meeting in July, after a brief discussion, on a motion by Myrta Garza, seconded by Anisa Ramirez, motion carried to cancel the July meeting due to July 4th holiday and members being on vacation during the month of July. ********************* 7. Director’s Report: • Mr. Burkhart gave a brief update on several projects; new playground replacement at Dean Porter Park being installed, shipment of the outdoor exercise equipment was received for Monte Bella and should be up by June 30th, finishing up on phase 3 of Belden Trail. Board member Ms. Ceballos commented what the status was on Ruiz Park playground removal; Mr. Burkhart commented that he would follow up with the Parks Director. Riverside Park ribbon cutting ceremony still pending. • Mr. Burkhart commented that there are a couple of events coming up; Lunada this weekend and the July 4th event at the Brownsville Sports Park. • Board members Mr. Delgado wanted to know how the process works on hosting an event at the Brownsville Sports Park. Mr. Burkhart commented that they can contact the Brownsville Sports Park for more information and availability. • Board member Mrs. Ceballos had some concerns about the Brownsville Sports Park not allowing parents to take certain beverages; such as coffee, fruits and other items. ********************* 8. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • Board member Mrs. Garza would like to know if they might be able to place some type of emergency markers along the trails to allow EMS personnel to locate persons quicker in case of an accident, due to a recent dog attack on a person along one of the trails. • Board member Ms. Ramirez wanted to commend Board member Mrs. Garza on having the Lending Libraries being completed. Mr. Burkhart mentions that the Parks Department will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony on the new Lending Libraries soon. ********************* 9. 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. • Mr. Sharrow commented on the Aquatics website not having information on lap swimming in the mornings from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.; which is being offered at Sam’s Pool. Would like to know if they could update the Aquatics website periodically. Mr. Burkhart reiterated that they will look into it and make sure it is updated. • Board member Mrs. Garza suggested to the Parks department of doing a media blitz update, to show all the new trails being implemented throughout the city. ******************** 10. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 1:06 p.m.