Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Recreation Center Conference Room November 14th, 2019 1. Determination of Quorum: Present Joe Lee Rubio – Co-Chairperson Mike Leinart – Member Adrian Delgado – Member Benjamin Del Angel – Member Damaris McGlone – Parks Director Carlos Velica, Jr. – Staff Absent Myrta Garza – Parks Chairperson Esli Ceballos – Member 2. Meeting called to order by Parks Co - Chairperson, Mr. Joe Lee Rubio at 12:14 p.m. ********************* 3. Pledge of Allegiance: United States Pledge * Texas Pledge • The pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge led by Co - Chairperson, Mr. Joe lee Rubio. ********************* 4. 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. ********************* 5. Approval of Minutes • Minutes of last meeting (October 10th, 2019) approved on a motion by Mr. Mike Leinart, seconded by Mr. Adrian Delgado, motion carried. 6. Review, Discussion, Recommendations and Approval of CAPRA subcategories of Standard 1.0 Agency Authority, Role, and Responsibility. (Damaris McGlone – PARD Director) • Reviewed with the Parks Advisory Committee a draft of the CAPRA, asked the board members if they have any information or know of someone with more information on historical, cultural and national resources to let her know. Mr. Rubio commented that the Brownsville Historical Association may have information if needed. Parks Director commented the CAPRA is not ready for approval but would gladly receive any feedback that the board might have. There wa no action taken at this time by the board. ********************* 7. Director’s Report (Damaris McGlone – PARD Director) • Asked the Parks Board members if any of them would like to speak at any of upcoming holiday ceremonies. Board Member Mr. Del Angel commented that if would be a good idea for board members to be present at any events or ceremonies, so the board is able to get public input from the board and who they can reach out to for help. Mr. Rubio suggested of attending the ceremonies and introduced themselves to the public and afterwards if the public has any questions or suggestions about the parks, we will be available during or after the ceremonies. • Reminded everyone of the Washington Park Tree lighting ceremony to be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. • Reported on having done a presentation on U.S Fish & Wildlife to the City Commission at their last meeting. It was a short presentation mainly discussing the numbers and impact on the community. Will email the board the presentation done at the City Commission meeting on U.S Fish & Wildlife for their review. • Reported on the restroom projects is in the procurement process and will try to finish up that project soon. • Commented that the Parks department has a new Assistant Director, her name is Graciela Salazar and will be starting on Monday, November 18th. She will be taking over Nathan Burkhart position. • Also reported that the parks department is still working on the West Brownsville Little League park project. ********************* 8. Update on the automatic vacation of board member position as stated by the Parks & Recreation Advisory By-Laws. (Myrta Garza – Parks Chairperson) • Parks Director reiterated that Parks Chairperson Mrs. Garza submitted a letter via email to Board Member Mr. Jorge Santoy in regards to vacating the position due to excessive absences as per the Parks Advisory Board by-laws. No action was taken by the board. 9. Review & Discussion of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board By-Laws Article 2 – Membership: Section E. – Attendance (Myrta I. Garza – Parks Chairperson) • Board members discussed the importance of attending meetings every month. No action was taken by the board. 10. Safety Concerns (Parks Advisory Board) • Board member Ben Del Angel commented about fixing the rail by the trail near Hudson Elementary school. Parks Director commented that she would follow up with Parks Manager Daniel Salinas on the status. 11. Discussion Period & Possible Action (15 Minutes) A. The potential usage of land on a trial & Alton Gloor Area (Ben Del Angel) • Mr. Del Angel commented that there was sign starting land for sale by the trail next to Burns Elementary and wanted to know if the city would be interested in purchasing it, in order to place a fitness center. Mr. Del Angel motion to see what land is available or what the boundaries of the property are. Parks Director commented that she would check with planning department and also if this is a project the board would like to do! On a motion by Mr. Del Angel, seconded by Mr. Leinart, motion carried to check availability of the land next to Burns Elementary for potential usage. B. Signage and mile marker calling system (Ben Del Angel) • Mr. Del Angel suggested of having signage and mile marker calling systems along the trails. On a motion by Mr. Del Angel, seconded by Mr. Adrian Delgado, motion carried to have the parks department investigate on the cost to place signage and mile maker calling system along the trails. C. Development of a park with fitness center, North Brownsville next to Burns Elementary (Ben Del Angel) • Item was discussed earlier (see Section A) D. Trash can set up at new parking space (Ben Del Angel) • Trash cans have already been installed at the locations. (see attached picture). 12. Adjournment – meeting was adjourned at 12:56 p.m.