Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Brownsville Recreation Center Conference Room May 9th, 2019 1. Determination of Quorum: Present Myrta Garza – Parks Chairperson Joe Lee Rubio – Co-Chairperson Mike Leinart – Member Adrian Delgado – Member Jorge Santoy – Member Damaris McGlone – Parks Director Nathan Burkhart – Asst. Parks Director Carlos Velica, Jr. – Staff Absent Esli Ceballos – Member Benjamin Del Angel – Member 2. Meeting called to order by Chairperson, Mrs. Myrta I. Garza at 12:10 p.m. ********************* 3. Pledge of Allegiance: United States Pledge * Texas Pledge • The pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge led by Chairperson Mrs. Garza. ********************* 4. Approval of minutes • Minutes of last meeting (April 11th, 2019) approved on a motion by Mr. Joe Lee Rubio, seconded by Mr. Adrian Delgado, motion carried. ********************* 5. Safety Concerns (Parks Dept.) • Board Chairperson had a safety issue during basketball games at the Parks gymnasiums not having security. Having some parents or coaches yelling at the referees during the games which is getting may get out of control, could be a safety issue. Parks Director commented that due to budget restrictions, we are no longer able to provide security. • Parks Chairperson commented that some parents have concerns with maybe a conflict of interest having city employees coaching basketball teams and referees may be giving special preference to those teams during tournaments.  • Board member Mr. Delgado commented that some of the rental bicycles that needed repairs were being done at the time of the Cyclobia event. ********************* 6. Discussion Period & Possible Action (15 Minutes) • Parks Chairperson commented that some basketball referees were getting paid on time. Parks Director reiterated that referees needed to sign in on the time sheets and usually takes up to 30 days from the Finance department to process checks for referees. Reported that the Gonzalez park outside basketball courts needs to be upgraded, they are missing some rims, nets and have surfacing issues. • Board Member Mr. Rubio acknowledge that Cyclobia went well and also the Blue Star memorial was being installed at Veterans Park with having a dedication on Memorial Day. Mr. Rubio commented that he had taken Commissioner Ben Neece to view the Posada property by Southmost and had suggested of doing a botanical garden in the future due to losing 10 acres of botanical garden at college campus. ********************* 7. Director’s Report (Damaris McGlone) • Director reported that the Brownsville Sports Park will soon have a touch bistro at the concession stand. • Reported that the Department guide has all the upcoming events and will make sure for the next one it has bilingual on the guide. Gave a brief update on some events; Lunada, Park RX, etc. • Director commented that Taco Fest held at the Brownsville Sports park went well, had over 1,000 people show up, will be making some changes for next year. • Briefly went over the Chapter 38 Ethics policy with the board members, reminded them that the city will be hosting a workshop to discuss issues on board committees soon. • Gave updates on some grants, the Mitte Cultural District signage and the Convention Visitors Bureau and being National Tourism week. ********************* 8. 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. • No Public comment period. ******************** 9. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.