Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room January 10th, 2019 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 Nathan Burkhart – Asst. Parks Director Dan Libby – Playwell Group Absent Esli Ceballos – Member 1. Meeting called to order by Parks Chairperson, Mrs. Myrta I. Garza at 12:05 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 (December 13th, 2018) approved on a motion by Mr. Jorge Santoy, seconded by Mr. Joe Lee Rubio, motion carried. ********************* 4. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • Mr. Del Angel had some maintenance issues that needed to be addressed at Belden trail with some branches falling in towards the trail needing to be trimmed. Also some lights at certain sections along the Belden trail and Linear Park by the train display going towards frontage road are not working and the lights along the Resaca at Dean Porter Park, some lights are not working and it is dark. • Parks Chairperson suggested of getting organizations to adopt sections along the trails to keep it clean.  • Parks Director commented that she will get with the Parks Manager to check the Paseo trail by 802 and by the Aquatics center to do a survey of what needs to be done and follow up. 5. Discussion Period (15 Minutes) • Mr. Rubio commented that he spoke with the City Forester on relocating some trees to the nursery and also relocating some of those trees as well to the Brownsville Sports Park. ********************* 6. Director’s Report: • Gave update on tracking from the Parks divisions their Annual Report & Annual work plan, goals, budget goals, revenues, etc. Also update on the Brownsville goals (see handout) • Reported on the Inclusion Coordinator position – which is in the background phase. • Updates on Parks and Recreation events for the month of April for Easter and Earth fest. • Mr. Rubio commented how the partnership with Resaca De Las Palmas was working out with the department? Parks Director reiterated that the department only does the Halloween haunted trails but the department has a good relationship with them. • Reported that the Pancakes with Santa went well, the Ice rink that was held recently at the Brownsville Sports Park had a good turnout – got some positive feedback from the community. • Board member Mr. Del Angel commented that he will be hosting a Community Autism Awareness run, partnering with T.S.C. on April 7th, with all funds collected going back to the community. • Brief updates on Parks major projects, the Sam’s pool deck & plaster still in process, grants for Garfield Park, BCRC (Senior Center), Riverside Park, Southmost Waterplein Park webinar, CIP’s, etc. (see attachment). • Parks Chairperson commented if they have received the maps for the trails yet? Parks Director reported that they are still working on it. ********************* 7. 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. • Playwell Group representative Mr. Dan Libby commented on having Playwell Group installed several playgrounds throughout the city parks. Also commented that there was a safety concern on one of the parks playground equipment that may need attention too. ******************** 8. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m.