Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room December 13th, 2018 Present Myrta I. Garza – Parks Chairperson Adrian Delgado – Member Benjamin Del Angel – Member Joe Lee Rubio - Member Jorge Santoy – Member Mike Leinart - Member Damaris McGlone – Parks Director Carlos Velica, Jr. – Staff Nayade Garza – Staff Nathan Burkhart – Asst. Parks Director Absent Esli Ceballos – Member 1. Meeting called to order by Parks Chairperson, Mrs. Myrta I. Garza at 12:07 p.m. ********************* 2. Pledge of Allegiance: United States Pledge * Texas Pledge • The pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge led by Parks Chairperson, Mrs. Garza. ********************* 3. Approval of minutes • Minutes of last meeting (November 8th, 2018) approved on a motion by Mr. Joe Lee Rubio, seconded by Mr. Jorge Santoy, motion carried. ********************* 4. Statement of Appointed Officer & Oath of Office for recently appointed Parks & Recreation board member to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Committee. (Parks Chairperson) • Parks Chairperson asked Mr. Mike Leinart to stand and take the Statement of Appointed Officer & Oath of Office in order to be officially sworn in to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Committee. On December 13th, 2018, Mr. Mike Leinart was sworn in and witness by current Parks Board members and persons in attendance. 5. Consideration, Action and Discussion on Veterans Female United Memorial Enhancements (Arlene Laboy – Veterans Female United) • On a motion by Parks Advisory Board, motion carried to table the item due to Ms. Laboy unable to attend the meeting. ********************** 6. Review & Discussion on Parks Advisory Board Ordinance #91-1232 (Damaris McGlone) • Parks Director gave an update on the revise Parks Advisory Board By-Laws, with the only change being on the date of meetings to be held on monthly basis. ********************** 7. Discussion, Consideration and possible action on concept plans for Hardscaping and Landscaping around installation of Blue Star Memorial by West Brownsville Garden club. (Joe Lee Rubio) • Mr. Rubio discussed of having the Brownsville Garden Club do a hardscaping and landscaping installation around the Blue Star Memorial at Veterans Park with the Garden Club covering the cost for all expenses. After a brief discussion, on a motion by Mrs. Garza, seconded by Mr. Del Angel, motion carried to approve the hardscaping and landscaping installation for the Blue Star Memorial at Veterans Park. 8. Discussion Period (15 Minutes) • Board Member Mr. Del Angel wanted to know the status on the bike trail project by the Brownsville Event Center under the bridge, when they would be finishing it? Parks Director commented that they are still working on the retaining wall and is almost 90% completed but has been delayed due to the weather. ********************* 9. Director’s Report: • Reported that Parks department is working with engineering department to create emergency signs along the Historic Battlefield trail as well as incorporate spray painting mile markers for the public. • Parks Department is working on a plan to reach out to the public for the Censes 2020, why the Censes matters. • Reported on Active Planning which is over 400 miles of network to connect all cities together in the RGV, currently branding names of the trails. • Commented that Convention Visitors Bureau is officially under the Parks Department temporarily. • City Commission approved on Tuesday for the installation of restrooms at the Bike Barn, one of the grants for West Brownsville Little league was also approved for parking lot improvements, trails, adding a T-ball field, drainage, additional restrooms and a special needs playground. • Commented that the city had a new city manager; Mr. Noel Bernal. Parks Chairperson suggested inviting the new city manager to a Parks Board meeting next year. • Reported that the Parks guide would be publish in January. • Submitted the Lone Star Legacy application for Dean Porter Park. ********************* 10. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • Parks Chairperson commented on the trail behind Wal-Mart and the Aquatic Center being too narrow. • Board Member Mr. Del Angel also commented on the same trail if they could spray paint on the trail showing the directions cyclist and runners are supposed to go to avoid injuries or accidents. Parks Director suggested that the board members send her via email a screen shot of the trails and where they would like to have those spray paint or place signs showing proper directions of the trails. ********************* 11. 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. ******************** 12. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 12:56 p.m.