Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room August 2nd, 2018 Present Dillon Vanderford – Parks Chairperson Esli Ceballos – Board Secretary Anisa H. Ramirez – Member Adrian Delgado - Member Damaris McGlone – Parks Director Carlos Velica – Parks Staff Absent Myrta Garza – Member Jerry Hatley - Member 1. Meeting called to order by Parks Chairperson, Mr. Dillon Vanderford at 12:13 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 (June 7th, 2018) approved on a motion by Anisa Ramirez, seconded by Adrian Delgado, motion carried. ********************* 4. Consideration and Possible Action to recommend approval of application for naming of streets in Dean Porter Park. (Mitte Cultural District) • Parks Director presented to Parks Advisory Committee a layout design on renaming Dean Porter park streets. Ask that the Parks Advisory board can make recommendations and approvals if needed. After a brief discussion, Board members suggested that the Dean Porter Park Association and the Mitte Cultural District needs to get together and agree on the renaming of the streets. On a motion by Anisa Ramirez, seconded by Elsi Ceballos, motion carried to table the naming of streets until both committees come to an agreement on renaming streets at Dean Porter Park. 5. Discussion, Consideration and Action to approve the following (Parks Chairperson) a. Goal #1 – Mission & Vision Statement • Parks Board members discussed the current Mission & Vision statement and the ones submitted by Board members. After a brief discussion, on a motion by Anisa Ramirez, seconded by Adrian Delgado, motion carried to keep the current Parks Advisory Board Mission and Vision Statement as is. ******************** 6. Consideration & Action to assign each Little Lending Libraries a park home (Damaris McGlone) • After a brief discussion, on a motion by Anisa Ramirez, seconded by Elsi Ceballos, motion carried to have the Little Lending Libraries located at the following locations: Ruiz Park, Garfield Park, Central Avenue Park, Portway Acres Park, Windwood Park, Oliveira Park (to replace Veterans Park), McNair Park and Rosa Allala Park. ********************* 6. Discussion Period (15 minutes) • Board member Mrs. Ramirez suggested of a ribbon cutting ceremony, having it acknowledge at the City Commission and do a press release when the Little Lending Libraries have been installed. • Board member Mrs. Ceballos suggested if they could add some lighting near the soccer fields at Morningside Park. Parks Director commented that the department had just submitted a request to PUB for more lighting at Morningside Park. ********************* 7. Director’s Report: • Reported that BCIC will submit bids to host the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) for 2022-2023. • Commented of having a ribbon cutting ceremony tentatively for Riverside Park on September 14th, 21st, or 28th ; Parks Advisory Board suggested having it on September 14th and to contact the newspaper for press coverage. • Update on several grants PARD is working on for BCRC & Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City decided to go ahead and put restrooms at the Dog park with city manager’s approval. Public Works is currently installing the restrooms at the Dog Park. The funding grant for the dog park was suggested on moving it to the Bike Barn to add restrooms; I will contact BCIC if they would approve the change. PUB is putting in lights at the Dog Park. • Brief update on the inclusive Caboose renovation at Linear Park and other projects the PARD is currently working on. Updates on the 4th of July event, the workout station at Monte Bella with hoping tentatively for an August ribbon cutting ceremony. ********************* 8. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • Board members Mr. Delgado suggested if Parks maintenance crew could go out to the park and survey the area for falling debris and branches after a storm along the trails. Parks Director commented that she will make sure that after storms it is on the routes. • Parks Chairperson commented on receiving 5 phone calls with grass issues at the City Cemetery; Parks Director reiterated that crews should have already mowed that area but we checking to see what’s going on and make sure it is back on their regular schedule.  ********************* 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. • None to report. ******************** 10. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.