Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room November 8th, 2018 Present Myrta I. Garza – member Esli Ceballos – Board Secretary Adrian Delgado – Member Benjamin Del Angel – Member Joe Lee Rubio - Member Jorge Santoy – Member Damaris McGlone – Parks Director Carlos Velica, Jr. – Staff Anisa Ramirez – Citizen Jerry Hatley - Citizen 1. Meeting called to order by Parks Board member, Mrs. Myrta I. Garza at 12:20 p.m. ********************* 2. Pledge of Allegiance: United States Pledge * Texas Pledge • The pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge led by Parks Board Member, Mrs. Garza. ********************* 3. Approval of minutes • Minutes of last meeting (October 4th, 2018) approved on a motion by Mrs. Esli Ceballos, seconded by Mr. Joe Lee Rubio, motion carried. ********************* 4. Consideration and Action to nominate Chairperson and Co-Chairperson for the Parks Advisory Board Committee (Damaris McGlone) • After brief discussions, on a motion by Mr. Joe Lee Rubio to nominate Myrta Garza as Chairperson and on a motion by Mrs. Myrta Garza to nominate Mr. Joe Lee Rubio as Co- Chairperson, all board members present were all in favor, motion carried. 5. Presentation: In recognition of their Dedication and Service to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the City of Brownsville presented to past Parks Advisory Board Members (Damaris McGlone)  • Parks Director Damaris McGlone presented Mr. Jerry Hatley and Ms. Anisa Ramirez with plaques in recognition of their dedication and service to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for the last 6 years. ******************** 6. Consideration, Action and Discussion on Veterans Female United Memorial Enhancements (Arlene Laboy – Veterans Female United) • Parks Director gave a brief update on the Female United Memorial enhancements being asked of with the approval from the Parks and Recreation Committee. Board members commented if it was open to all female Veterans, what is the process to contact Veterans Female United and if there was a fee. After a brief discussion, on a motion by Mr. Rubio, seconded by Mr. Delagdo, motion carried to table the item until the board is able to get more clarification and information on the enhancements for the Veterans Female United memorial at Veterans Park. 7. Consideration, Action and Discussion and possible action to change dates and time for monthly meetings (Joe Lee Rubio) • Mr. Rubio suggested on the possibility of maybe moving the board meetings to a different day or time due to a conflict of him have to attend other meetings on the same day. Parks Director commented that she would have to check the Parks & Recreation By-laws on meetings date and time and if it would have to go before City Commission for their approval. All Board members in attendance agreed to keep meetings on Thursdays at 12:00 noon. On a motion by Mr. Del Angel, seconded by Mr. Santoy, motion carried to move the Parks Advisory Board meetings to the second Thursday of each month at the same time. 8. Discussion Period (15 Minutes) • None to report. ********************* 9. Director’s Report: • Reported that the City Commission had appointed a new Parks Advisory Board member to replace Mr. Vanderford by the name of Mr. Leinart. • Commented that the Convention Visitors Bureau is officially under the Parks department, whether it is long or short term is to be determined. • Updates on the vacancy for the Inclusion Coordinator position for the Recreation Center is still pending, new City Manager will start in December, • Discussed PARD operations, several events that were held in October and upcoming events in November. The Harvest event will be held on November 9th at Washington Park from 10:00 am - 2:00pm, Silent March to honor Veterans will be on Monday, November 12th at Veterans Park, and other events being held throughout the city as well. • Parks Director asked board members when they would like to have the Lending Libraries dedication. Parks Chairperson Mrs. Garza suggested tabling the item and having it till next year in March 2019 for the dedication due to the weather being unpredictable these next few months. • Gave a brief update on Brownsville Sports projects. • Reported on the Healthy Aging Advocate of the year nominations due on December 26th, 2018, and the Keep Brownsville Beautiful Governors Community Achievement award deadline is in February 2019. ********************* 8. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • Parks Director commented to the board members that an event was held at the Brownsville Sports Park the other evening with fireworks going off but the organizer was within city ordinance on the noise if they hear anything from the citizens. • Board member Mr. Rubio commented that the butterfly garden at Cabler Park has faded out; maybe the department can apply for grants to restore it. Parks Director suggested of having Eva Garcia assigned the Texas Parks & Wildlife employee George work on it. Also Mr. Rubio commented that some of bolts and screws on one of the light poles at Cabler Park are worn out and may need to be replaced. Parks Director commented that she would have Maintenance Supervisor check on it. ********************* 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. ******************** 15. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 1:06 p.m.