Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks Advisory Board met in regular session on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Annex. MINUTES Board Members Present James Hailey Amber Kunes Mandy Edwards Kathy Boswell Board Member Absent Kim Houston City Staff Present Andy Tarkington Parks and Recreation Superintendent Terrie Ortiz, Parks and Recreation Clerk Stormy Smith, Recreation Coordinator Randy Criswell, City Manager Guest Present Regan Johnson, City Council Member AGENDA ITEM 1.0 Call to Order Kathy Boswell called the meeting to order. The meeting began at 6:00 pm. AGENDA ITEM 2.0 Approval of Minutes Kathy Boswell called for motion to approve the August minutes. James Hailey made a motion. Mandy Edwards seconded his motion. The minutes were approved by unanimous vote. AGENDA ITEM 3.0 Hear Presentation From the City Manager, Randy Criswell, Regarding Roles, Responsibilities and Priorities Kathy Boswell introduced the City Manager, Mr. Randy Criswell, and Council member, soon to be the City of Mineral Wells Mayor, Ragan Johnson. Mr. Criswell stated to the board that he had more of a request than a presentation. Mr. Criswell informed the board that he, City council member Regan Johnson, and other city council members have had several conversations and 1 meetings about a place, told to him and is referred to as Plastic Park. Mr. Criswell told the board that when he first came to Mineral Wells, he wanted to know what a Plastic Park was. What Mr. Criswell said he concluded was that Plastic Park was a playground. Mr. Criswell let the board know that head seen the plans for the site to improve Plastic Park. Mr. Criswell told the board as he began to learn more about Plastic Park that it became apparent to him that this was not a Plastic Park, but the intention to make this an all-inclusive playground. A playground that is created, designed, built and equipped with playground equipment that any child with a handicap or not, can use. Mr. Criswell told the board that was an enlightening experience for him, because conversations with him about the park would start out, “the city budgeted $50,000 for this park”. Mr. Criswell told the board that people would want to know “where is this park, the city budgeted the $50,000 for”. Mr. Criswell said he was told about the $50,000 and that there would be a grant from Parks and Wildlife and this would be used to build the park. The city was going to build Plastic Park. Mr. Criswell told the board that he began the process of educating everyone that thought the city could do that for $300,000, which is $250,000 from Texas Parks and Wildlife and $50,000 from taxpayer money. Mr. Criswell told the board that he had come from a city that was finishing up the design and they were doing a fund raiser for a park. He informed the board that he has kept up a little, from the city he left, and they were about to begin or already in the construction phase for 1.2 million dollars for this park. Mr. Criswell told the board that he began to try to dispel this misperception that the city would be able to build a park for $300,000. Mr. Criswell also explained to the board that trying to get a park built with $300,000 is not a reality and we basically need to look at it like we have never talked about it before and we need to start over. With the understanding of what our goal is going to be and what our challenges are going to be. Mr. Criswell told the board that he has had multiple conversations with people of Mineral Wells, Mitch Bradshaw being one of them. Mr. Criswell informed the board that Mr. Bradshaw is absolutely passionate about this project. Mr. Criswell informed the board that he thinks we have everything in place to do this project, to take it on and be successful at it. Mr. Criswell also told the board the first thing they need to know is what we are going to build. The second thing is to know where we are going to build it. He told the board that one reason he asked where we would build this park is because for this to be a true all inclusive park and to be everything that it should be you have to consider the site, location, whether or not the street is literally curb, guttered and paved so that there is access to the playground. He told the board that every single bit of this park has to be ADA accessible, handicap, wheelchair accessibility. Mr. Criswell continued in saying that every step, from the moment a person exits their car they can go from the parking lot to a sidewalk, and not through the grass to get to the playground. He also inform the board that the restrooms have to be handicap accessible, all these things come into play for an all-inclusive park. Mr. Criswell informed the board that it is a selection of where we can do an all-inclusive park, because you cannot have handicap parking in a ditch. He explained that we have to think about what the entire picture will look like. Mr. Criswell told the board that parks like these are increditable, amazing and very expensive. They are a monument figure to the community when you get a park like this. This kind of park is a true investment, a long term investment with a significant amount of money put into a project 2 like this. He continued to tell the board that he, Andy Tarkington, Council member, soon to be Mayor Regan Johnson, and Mitch Bradshaw have had conversations about how to take on a project like this. Mr. Criswell then asked if the parks and recreation board members would take this project on. Not for them to necessarily raise money but to get with some consultants that could help design, build and even help with a place to put this park. Mr. Criswell told the board that these consultants are buy board vendors, state contractors, and they can walk the board through the process and assist with everything to get this park built. Mr. Criswell told the board that he does not see this as a difficult project but one that is going to take time and effort. This project could be fulfilling to any volunteers that will take on a project like this. Mr. Criswell told the board that the city in which he came from, Canyon, TX. Just did a project like this and actually name their park after a disabled young lady. Her name is Kylie Hennar. The community felt this young lady was very special to them and that is why they named it after her. The park is named the Kylie Hennar Park. He told the board that the community connected with the naming of the park. Mr. Criswell asked the board if they knew a gentleman, Henry Cox. Some said they did. Mr. Criswell went on to tell the board that Henry would like to do something special for Mineral Wells. He continued to inform the board that he heard, but has not spoken with Henry, about him leaving a legacy for Mineral Wells. Mr. Criswell told the board that Henry is very passionate about helping the disable and raising money. He also told the board that he thinks that there is an opportunity for some partnering between the parks and recreation board, the city, and the general public to make this park happen. Mr. Criswell told the board that he was there to ask the board members to remember that it can be a little intimidating taking on something like this, but he wants the board to remember two things. The first item is that these things do not happen quickly. The second thing is that it is one little bite of that elephant at a time, if you do not know where you are going all roads will take you there. Mr. Criswell told the board that they need to know where they are going and how are they going to get there. Mr. Criswell informed the board that the information that about Southeast Park, in his opinion is nominal, not a lot. We have an engineered drawing, just kind of a plan view of the north east corner or eastern part of the park. Which is not a lot, but it is a start and that is a good thing. Mr. Criswell thinks that this is good and would encourage that the process would start fresh. Mr. Criswell asked the board not to take ideas that were handed to them, but to tackle the project as if it was truly from the advisory board. Mr. Criswell told the board that what he is trying to do is hand the Southeast Park project over to board. He explained to the board that he thinks the purpose of some advisory boards may not always been exercised fully. He informed the board that he feels these citizen boards need to be given projects to do that can be something special. He also told the board that he was not trying to dump this project on them, that the city, Andy, and Stormy Smith will be there to help them along the way. He told the board about the city he came from has went through this same process. Mr. Criswell told the board that they did exactly like this and let their Parks Advisory board take on a project like this and this project is not going to happen overnight and it took a long time to get it done. Mr. Criswell informed the board that the city in which he came from connected with an organization that may or may not be around this area, Ft Worth, Mineral Wells area, but it could be a potential funding source. He told them it was a private fund raising 3 organization and it was called AMBUCS. It is like a Shriners Hospital organization, they focus on providing things for the handicap. Equipment like a handicap care with peddles or a three wheel bicycle. Mr. Criswell suggested that the board may want to look in the Metroplex area for AMBUCS. He informed the board that there is a competitive edge in West Texas over North Texas. He told the board that the group in West Texas could raise the $600,000 and they could do it fast. Mr. Criswell told the board that he had not talked with his successor in Canyon to find out exactly how this project got done, but he was pretty confident that a lot of it was private. Mr. Criswell informed the board that we have citizens here like, Mitch Bradshaw that are absolutely committed to helping with the Southeast Park project. Mr. Criswell has not been able to meet with Mr. Bradshaw since COVID-19 has come upon us. Mr. Criswell told the board that Mr. Bradshaw would like to be a part of the process and to help get the money for the Southeast Park project. He also informed the board that he thinks there are resources out there but we cannot build it if we don’t know what it is we are building. Mr. Criswell challenged the board to take on this project. He added, “let us do something really special for this community”. Mr. Criswell advised that there is another component, there is a misunderstanding or misperception that there is grant money through Texas Parks and Wildlife. There are funds, there just is not a lot of them. There was recently some legislation passed, sporting good sales taxes were going into a special fund at state level for park grants. Parks and Wildlife grants are few and far between, but they are available and they can be applied for and can be received. Mr. Criswell told the board that it is going to take a bunch, it is going to take way north of a million dollars to do something like this project and to do it well. Mr. Criswell told the board that when they are able to get that done, they will have done something that will never be forgotten. Mr. Criswell let the board know that he was there to answer any question or address any concerns that the board may have. He also told the board that Reagan Johnson may have something to add or be able to answer any questions as well. Ms. Johnson is just as passionate about this project as well as the City Council members. Mr. Criswell informed the board he could not do this project alone. He also told the board that unfortunately the city does not have the kind of money that we can just go out and start this kind of project. Mr. Criswell turned the floor back over to the board members for any questions or comments. Kathy Boswell asked the board if anyone had any questions for Mr. Criswell or Regan Johnson. Kathy stated to Mr. Criswell that the board has worked diligently for years on this project. She told Mr. Criswell that as of most recently the last three years. She informed Mr. Criswell the board has come up with projects and plans to be able to move things forward. Kathy told Mr. Criswell about Mr. Sanford Lahue coming to do a perspective of a plan and geological study of the property for Southeast Park (Plastic Park). She let Mr. Criswell know that the board was thankful of the City Council reimbursing the board on the $50,000, so they still had money to work with. Kathy went on to tell Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that one thing about the all- inclusive is most stringent the ADA because the plan that Mr. Lahue brought has the rubber surface that a wheelchair can access. She told Mr. Criswell that the board found out very quickly that they could not even buy a piece of playground equipment for $50,000. She could not believe that they could not get parts to fix the existing piece of playground equipment. Kathy told Mr. Criswell that the board has learned a lot and put in a lot of time through this process. Kathy informed Mr. Criswell that the charter for the Parks Board Members is that they are limited to 4 five members. Kathy’s question to Mr. Criswell was, “if they were going to bring in people like Mitch Bradshaw, or Henry Cox, or whomever would the board be allowed to invite a fundraising group, how would he see them approaching that?” Mr. Criswell told Kathy and the board what he told Mitch, in his opinion community involvement is not something that has to be in this stage. We need to still define what we are going to do to a large degree, once we have more answers than questions, like location, cost estimate, etc. Mr. Criswell told the board he does not think anyone will really care what kind of equipment is out there because it is all going to be very similar. He told them, “you can pick piece A over piece D and it’s going to be amazing just like any of it would be.” Mr. Criswell explained to the board that he told Mitch he thinks that his involvement and the community involvement could come in to the project later down the road. Once the board has decided that this is what we want to do, we can talked with these consultants and manufacturers. Mr. Criswell went on to explain that an engineer is going to have to look at the sidewalks, parking and where a playground is going to be suitable. Once all these things are in place, Mr. Criswell told the board that in his opinion this is where you engage with the community, and people like Mitch Bradshaw and Henry Cox. Kathy asked Mr. Criswell, how would you bring them into what the board has been or will talk about. Mr. Criswell told Kathy and the board that you could bring them to the meetings now. He also let the board know that they could appoint citizen committees, like a task force, to help with these projects, like Southeast Park. Regan Johnson wanted the board to know as a city council member that she wanted the board to feel empowered and feel supported. Ms. Johnson does not want the board to think about the budget, look at designing this park like someone have them a gift card. Ms. Johnson wants the board to have the mindset that this project would be amazing for Mineral Wells. Ms. Johnson told the board that if we have to cut pieces to make it reasonable and attainable, then at that point bring in the fund raising arm and let them go sell it to the community, investors or whomever else is going to become partners. Ms. Johnson told the board that we have two relatively new non- profits, Friends of the Park, which mostly work with state parks. They have helped keep the Rails to Trails cleaned up. Ms. Johnson informed the board that she has spoken with Brett Warren, who put together Friend of the Park, and asked him if he could work with city parks. Mr. Warren told her yes, eventually, they just got established the first part of the year last year. Ms. Johnson also let the board know they are doing things out of T.F.T. and all over. She also said those organizations can do something that the government cannot do. She told the board about Envision Foundation, this is another arm that would be available. Ms. Johnson told the board that when it is time to bring in another arm she suggest community education, because when you say all-inclusive park people are going the think it is that cute little swing that you could put a wheelchair on. She went on to tell the board that we all know it is for kids and sensory play, and all different kinds of handicaps. Ms. Johnson told the board that she felt the more people are educated the price tag is not going to be the biggest factor. Kathy let Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson know that the board was excited about them coming and speaking with the board about Southeast Park. Kathy told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that they have been working on the Southeast (Plastic Park) project for the past five years. She also told them that James Hailey gave Andy some paper work he had form previous meetings with the board and form City Manager, Mr. Lance Howerton. James Hailey told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that what they have told the board was not anything new and they have been meeting 5 and working on this for the past six years. Mr. Hailey told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that he was surprised, he also told them that people come in and say look what we can do for Southeast Park. Mr. Hailey informed them that the minutes from past meetings are there, the plans are there for the past six years. Mr. Hailey told them every time someone comes around, it goes to a little committee and it never gets past the City Council at some point, and they get told city does not have the money for the projects. Mr. Hailey told Mr. Criswell that he feels like he does, we do not need the money now, we need the plan blessed to work on. He told Mr. Criswell that we never could get it codified and it is like we are starting over all the time. Mr. Hailey made the statement that what he is hearing now is to start over again. He also told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that we need a plan so the body can codify and we can say yes this is what we want, so let us go work on it. Mr. Hailey told Mr. Criswell that the board is ready to take on this project, because they have been working on it for a long time already. Kathy let Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson know that the board was ready, past ready to help and do whatever we need to do. Kathy also told them that one of the things that Andy asked of the board was to bring together what they have been doing. Kathy informed them that she thinks that the parks master plan however piece or part you want to put together helps them get grants also gives them the plan that Mr. Criswell had been talking about so they are not just out knee jerking here or there. Kathy told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that she also see it not only for Southeast Park, but West City Park, were most of the people are, we have got the ball fields too. Kathy asked about the nature trail at West City Park, if the trail was still passable. Mr. Tarkington told the board that it was. Kathy told Mr. Criswell that the city has a lot of property, especially the gym and activity center. Kathy asked Mr. Criswell if he saw that being included in the Parks and Recreation Plan looking into the future. Mr. Criswell advised the board that some of the property may have to be, because some of the land out at Ft. Wolters is restricted for public use. Mr. Criswell told the board that about 138 acres of property will be available for use, unless the city were to request that change be made. Mr. Criswell thinks that some of the land at Ft. Wolters is good for economic development, but not all of it. Mr. Criswell told Kathy the answer to her question was yes, at a minimum 130 acres that the city owns should be looked at as part of parks and open space plan. He also told the board that we may want to look at 30 to 40 acres in a selective location that we might want to say it is not going to be a park because there may be a better use for it. Mr. Criswell told the board that he does not want them to throw out everything they done. When he says start over he means let us not worry about what it is going to cost mentality. James explained from what he understood it was not the board’s job to worry about what something cost. The parks board was there to plan and take it to the City Council to see what they wanted to do eventually and the money would take care of itself. James told Mr. Criswell that there are enough excited citizens of the community that will sign on that is an obvious benefit. He also said there are a number of funding sources. Mr. Criswell said it is not going to happen overnight, James told him that we need to develop the momentum. James told Mr. Criswell that what was frustrating to him is the meet over and over then the project dies. He said the all-inclusive playground is for every capability. James is hoping it could be done at a smaller point to try and control some of the cost and learn from it before we embodied to much planning for later on. He also said to develop Southeast Park before we took on something enormous like West City Park. James told the board and Mr. Criswell we need to slowly creep into to see how much it was 6 going to cost, how difficult, what kind of time frame, and what are the possibilities to excel are going to be. James went on to say maybe we could come up with something better than Canyon, or Weatherford, or whomever. James said it just keeps dying, and it is not about the money it is about the plan. Ms. Johnson told the board that things were not going to continue as they did in the past. She told the board that she understood their frustration. James informed Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that in no way was he suggesting that the City Council bless the Parks project and throw money their way. James made the comment to Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that he was not expecting the city to shut down whatever they were doing in the way of city services, fund this. No, this is consistent of what your future aims and goals are with this community if so, codify, blend it in, let us go and work towards something if all we have to work with is this square foot this year, then fine one less square foot we have to worry about next year. AGENDA ITEM 4.0 Discussion Concerning the Development of a Parks and Open Space Plan Mr. Criswell told the board that one of the best things we have going for us in Mineral Wells is our low modest income level and our demographics. If any place could get a grant, we are one of those places, and Mr. Criswell believes that there could be some money from Parks and Wildlife. It is not going to be a million dollars to get something like this project. Mr. Criswell told the board about task two; the mission if the Parks board chooses to accept it is to start applying for the grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Mr. Criswell explained to the board that it is a scoring system to receive money from Parks and Wildlife grants. Mr. Criswell told the board that he felt like Andy Tarkington could explain the grant process better. Mr. Criswell also told the board that Mr. Tarkington put in a request in this year’s budget for a parks and open space plan and that Mr. Tarkington understands what this plan means for our community. Mr. Criswell went on to tell the board that he does not think that we can completely do it, just us, we are going to need help, due to there being community surveys involved. There is cad work involved, election work involved and the city is limited on those amount of resources. The basic model of a Parks and open space plan is not really that complex. Mr. Criswell stated that a lot of cities will pay an architect with budget money to do something impressive, but when money is tight there are other ways to plans done. He also told the board that he cannot tell the board what the process looks like but he can tell them if they are willing to take on the task, and a parks and open space plan it would make it a simpler process. Mr. Criswell told the board that he feels that people like Mitch Bradshaw and Henry Cox are enthusiastic about doing something for the community. Mr. Criswell told the board that we do have a small hurdle, and not having a true master plan for our parks, this will stand in the way of getting some money. Mr. Criswell stated that potentially we may not need a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. If we have the local support that he thinks we have and some of the resources that are available in Mineral Wells we might not need that grant. He feels it would be prudent of us to at least to attempt to get money from the state if we can stretch those private dollars further. Mr. Criswell told the board that logically this is where the parks and open space plan comes in and it does have to be approved by City Council, James inform Mr. Criswell that the board has been working on that for the last two years. Kathy told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that she does not believe that half of the things the board did ever have gotten to any City Council meetings, it just stopped. Ms. Johnson agreed with Kathy that things from the board about 7 Southeast Park never got to City Council. James told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that the board were trying to identify community needs and assessment that every federally and state funded organization existed in this county and city already have to have and put all their stuff with the park and open space plan, and work for larger corporations as far as recruiting and economic development, they would like to see and put all that together with into an existing plan that they can help Andy develop, and to take that to City Council. James went on to tell Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that the board has been trying to work on this and everyone tells them that is expensive. Ms. Johnson told the board it sounds like the City Council and the Parks and Recreation board haven’t had the best relationship and they need to do some communicating. Amber Kunes thanked Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson for coming to the board meeting. Amber asked Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson with moving forward with the plan, or to start to build a concept to show people that this is the park that we decided that we want to do. Moving that forward for funding it has to be approved through the master plan and if that is the case how close are we to getting that master plan to actually get to that part. Andy informed Amber and the board that the City is not at all close to getting a parks and open space plan right now. Amber asked what they need to do while waiting on the master plan or are they stuck waiting for the Master Plan. Andy told the board if they wanted a concept of a playground he knows playground people that can come in and show them that. James told Andy they have done that already. Amber told Andy that she was told they could not show investors or the community what the concept looked like until we actually got everything approved through the city’s parks master Plan. Andy informed Amber and the board that he was saying they could not get funding through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Andy went on to tell the board it would be difficult, as Mr. Criswell said, it is possible. Andy told the board that he has looked at the scoring for the past ten years, and it is so competitive that those 15 points that we would lose would knock us out. Amber told Andy she did not care about the funding part and James agreed, it is getting to the part where we just build the park, because everything has been approved through our master plan, so let us go ahead and start designing the park. Amber wanted to know how long till we get to that part, how long will it take to finish the master plan if the park has to be approved through the master plan. Mr. Criswell told Amber that the two really have nothing to do with each other, but they do not have to have a Master Plan to build Southeast Park. He also told the board if they believe they can build this park without funding from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department then go for it. Mr. Criswell told the board he did not care if they had a parks master plan. There are several reasons for a plan and on is to get the points if you apply for funding from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Mr. Criswell went on to say that we can apply for those grants after we have designed and are ready to go to construction. He told the board that the two do not have to depend on each other. What depends on the master plan is any funding from the State of Texas, but we lose points for not getting parks and open space plan. Mr. Criswell wanted to make sure what he said made sense to the board. Amber told him that it did and she just wondered what decision the board needs to make, in which, are they going to include Southeast Park in the Master Plan and go that route or create the Park and go that route. James said both. Ms. Johnson told the board to keep in mind that where Southeast Park is may not be the best location for it that is some of the things the City Council is asking the board to look at also, with no curb and gutter on that street and half of it not being paved. Kathy said regardless if the board has the plan or not there are some conversations that 8 they could have about things the board is seeing to go to the park or other areas. Kathy told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson as Andy knows there are other areas that could be developed, like out on the base, if that is what the board wants to do. The conversations about where they go past Southeast Park, because they have a plan for that, but Andy meeting the board about other areas that really need work. Kathy informed Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that they have talked about the erosion at West City Park, the tearing down of the bridge that connected the Skate Park to the other side of the park. The bridge has been gone for ten to fifteen years, and the ground is eroding, some of the big oak trees roots are exposed. This may not be a playground area but these are things that do affect the park. This has been some of the conversations in the Parks and Recreation board meetings with Andy. Kathy said that may not take a plan, but the board has made a list, if we were to get that Master Plan, then maybe they could include some of these thing on the list that need replacing or re-developing. Kathy also told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson there were a lot of conversations and Andy probably has a list for the Aquatics Center. Kathy told Mr. Criswell and Ms. Johnson that the board does not get a lot of participation and appreciated them coming to the meeting. Mr. Criswell told the board that he does not want the work that board has done to die. Things are changing and will be different. Ms. Johnson told the board to call, email whatever it takes, they do not want any more disconnect with the board and City Council. AGENDA ITEM 5.0 Consider and Possibly Take Appropriate Action on an All-Inclusive Playground Andy told the board that he covered that. Kathy ask if they need to take a motion. Andy told the board if they knew the action they want to take then to take a vote on it. Mandy Edwards asked do they know the plan that was done for Southeast Park had been communicated to anyone. Andy asked if she meant the plan that Sanford Lahue did for the Parks board. Mandy stated that it had pictures and a layout. Kathy told the board that they had input on the design, they added more lighting, and Mandy stated it was very detailed. Andy told the board that he thought what Mr. Criswell was saying for an all-inclusive playground it needed more, it lacked accessibility and the whole park should be ADA accessible in addition to the parking lot and the street. Mandy stated that there was walking cement path around the entire park that would give accessibility and they moved certain things on the parking lot to make sure you could get from the parking lot to a part of the park. Mandy told the board that she thinks Mr. Criswell has done a lot of these projects and knows what details need to be done to make it all-inclusive. James told Andy he was listening to Mr. Criswell, he was telling them about all the burgeoning activity and interest in Southeast Park. James told Andy at no point did he say any of the data came from the plans that Mr. Lahue did. James told Andy that Mr. Criswell was giving other points of information, Mandy said that is why she was wondering if he seen the plans that the board had seen. James asked if anyone was aware of what this board has been doing. James told Andy he was not aware obviously, Mr. Criswell was not aware obviously, and Mandy is trying to indicate, the board had some very advanced plans, for complete, curb and gutter, paved and parking for the Southeast Park. Mandy told Andy that she felt like Mr. Criswell gave them a different view, the aerial view, pavilion area, and what the basketball court would look like. James told the board there was a place for emergency communication. Andy indicated that all he 9 has seen is the drawing and smaller plans that were done by Mr. Sanford Lahue. Andy told the board that from the plans he saw, he believes that the plans did not have all the things that the board indicated were there. Mandy told Andy that Mr. Criswell said having some of the amenities like a walking path, with playground would help with getting points on grants, he had made a lot of recommendations to the board. Kathy told Andy about adding lighting to the park. Kathy asked Andy if there was a big board of the plan that Mr. Lahue did. Kathy asked the board if they understood that Ms. Johnson said they may not want to put that money into Southeast Park. Mandy told Andy that the board was told to do Southeast Park, and to make it all-inclusive, and the board did not have another option to do anything else. Andy told them it was not true. Kathy told Andy that people that are part of the parks crew know where stuff gets torn up most often, and said money would be better served in the bigger park. Mandy told the board that Southeast Park is mainly used by the older kids, playing basketball or soccer. Kathy told the board that she feels they still need the master plan, not only gives you points on a grant but gives direction. Kathy told the board that James said if we just take a piece at a time, if we need to fund this much and if we need to go back we can. Mandy asked if the parks master plan would have to fit in the downtown plan. Kathy told the board about a plan that was brought to them about a park in the downtown area, Kathy said we need to fix what we have before adding more, and then you do not have enough staff or enough money. Kathy also stated, there is not enough parks staff to take care of what we already have, she also said that the parks crew have been doing a great job. James stated that they do not need to be worrying about what the parks crew can and cannot handle or if something is going to be expensive. We need to consider every piece of equipment covering or whatever we doing in our plan so we can get the longest lasting, easiest to maintain, easiest to handle and deal with. We cannot say that is too much for this crew to handle or deal with. James stated it is a future plan and they need to stop worrying about money and stop worrying about when someone mentions the cost. James told the board that they just need to plan it, get it on paper and plan it. Put out there what the city wants and what we want. Mandy asked Andy how much he asked for in the parks and open space plan, because she couldn’t find it on the city budget. Andy informed the board that it was not approve by the City Council. Mandy told the board that there is no money for the master plan. Amber asked if they could email Mr. Criswell and ask why they didn’t approve the master plan. Mandy stated that there are parts of the park that there has to be a professional that can do that. Andy told the board that there are parts that we can help on. Any master plan that he has worked on they help on the surveys and things of that nature, the public hearings staff could help with. James asked Andy if he had an outline of a master plan. Andy told James no, it is citizen driven, and that is one of the reason that you cannot do a master plan in house they want citizens to be involved in the project. James asked Andy what about the stuff they have developed over the years. Andy told the board he obviously has some wishes. James asked Andy why they cannot put together their own little book because they are a long way from hiring any professionals. James asked Andy for example: 10 In ten years how many little league fields do you want and what size. James went on to say for example: In ten years from now how many soccer fields in this community would you like to have. Another example James brought up was: In ten years do we want the same gym with some upgrades or just bulldoze it and build a new one. James told the board that they could put all that together with hand drawn stuff, rough draft stuff, and written descriptions on the next page, and that doesn’t take a professional and flesh out, what it is you want. Andy told James it needs to be community driven, James asked if they need a committee. Kathy said that Mr. Criswell mentioned something that the board needs to be doing and that is a community needs assessment. Send it out to the whole community and get their input. James said the community need assessment are done, like the Texas Neighborhood Foundation they have theirs and said they would give James a copy at any time, James said they have to do it every funding year. James told the board that that was the driving force for an all-inclusive park, because it was an identified community need and everybody is a community need assessment and they are not being addressed. James told the board if there is grant funding money out there, who else is needing that, no one. James told the board if we throw out a questionnaire that isn’t a community need, it is just an opinion. Kathy told the board that most municipalities do a community needs assessment. Stormy Smith told the board that they can send out a survey monkey or put it on Facebook, and get some answers back from the community, send it out in a water bill. Stormy also told the board that the community could get an idea of what they are looking for, it may not be the best master plan ever, but they can get an idea. Kathy told the board it may send the city council a message, that it’s not just the parks and recreation board that is wanting this project done. Kathy asked the board if they were ready to give a motion on an all-inclusive, yes we support it, we already have the plan. Andy told the board to detail their action plan is. Kathy told the board that they want an all-inclusive playground. Stormy told the board that she could find out who the person that did the playground in White Settlement. Andy told the board that he can get a playground person to come talk to the board and show them an all-inclusive plan. He is contact is from Kraftmans Playground, the number one leading playground equipment company in the country. AGENDA ITEM 6.0 Hear Parks and Recreation Report Andy told the board that youth volleyball registration ended on September 4, so it was over when the Parks board meeting happened. We had thirty youth volleyball teams for the fall. When we had to end the season in the spring for COVID-19 we had thirty-nine teams. Last fall we had twenty-nine teams. Andy told the board that he was not going to read the report verbatim. Andy told the board about the activity increasing due to the cooler weather. Andy informed the board as far as our volleyball league we are going to follow the same protocol as the UIL. Andy told the board that the spectator capacity will be half, which City Gym fire code capacity is 356, so we will allow 178 people in, which has since changed to 267 ( 75% capacity). Andy told the 11 board that we would try and open up more bleachers so people can be socially distant. Andy informed the board that the spectators will have to wear mast while in the building, but the players will not while playing on the court. Andy told the board that the Governor will be speaking within the next two weeks on COVID-19, if he removes the face mask or make any changes, then we will make those changes accordingly. Andy told the board that from what he understands the Governor is waiting to see what if there are any changes from Labor Day weekend, scholastic sports and school starting, so we don’t have to go back again. Andy informed the board that we will be sanitizing the volleyballs and changing the balls, we will also be sanitizing the bleachers where the players will be sitting. Andy told the board that the parks crew, Melvin Flores, George Cliett, and Tracy McCloud have been mowing and weedeating about every two weeks, but due to the recent rain, they will be doing a lot more mowing. Melvin and George have been doing some other projects, such as trimming trees, watering the downtown area, commons and trying to keep the plants alive. Andy told the board that at the first of June Mineral Wells have about .06 of inch of rain till about a week ago. Gary Christian replace the swings at West City Park. George and Gary replaced a water fountain at West City Park. Gary had been painting table and benches at West City Park, and Melvin and George have replace flush valve and exhaust fans in the restrooms at West City Park. Melvin and George put down new rock and trim at the north entrance at the last meeting Andy mentioned where the star is at the north entrance of Mineral Wells. Andy let the board know that Melvin and George were helping out the Public Works Department. Melvin and George have been spraying round up along the fence line of the ball fields at the park and at Ft Wolters, City Gym, Activity Center. Andy also told the board that Melvin and George help the street sweeper and cleaned the parking lot at West City Park. Gary has been maintaining the pool, and the pool shut down open swim on September 6, 2020. Andy told the board that the attendance was not very good at the end of the pool season. Andy let the board know that there had been a good response to the COVID-19 rules and extra cleaning at the pool. The patrons were satisfied with the additional cleaning. Gary painted the roof of the restroom at West City Park. Tracy has been maintaining the Ft. Wolters are with from Jill Davis, Autumn McKennon and Terrie Ortiz. Andy told the board that Tracy will lose some of his help due to youth volleyball practices, Autumn and Jill will have to be at the gym for those. Tracy has been trimming trees at the ball fields, unfortunately the softball league did not make, but we got the fields ready and they look nice. Andy told the board that there is supposed to be a tournament at the ball fields on September 19, 2020. Andy told the board that the Fossil Park for the last several months has been a popular attraction due to the COVID-19 virus and the hours are still the same. Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce is planning a fossil dig for October 17, 2020. Andy told the board the Chamber will make the decision whether or not to have the Crazy Dig. Social distancing should not be a problem for the Crazy Fossil Dig. The Chamber will be in charge of the dig. 12 Kathy asked Andy if all the fees had been approved for the upcoming year. Andy told the board that they were but one thing he needed to bring to the attention of the board was T.A.A.F. is proposed to go up $5.00 on their registration fee. Andy told the board that we approved the $70.00 for the swim team. Andy asked the board if they could have a provisional motion to increase the $5.00, if it does happen, do not have to do it if it does not happen. Kathy asked Andy if the fee was $10.00, Andy said it proposed to go up to $10.00. Andy told the board that they will vote September 24, 2020. Andy explained that we would have to get it to City Council, but they aren’t going to approve these fees by October, which was the original plan, it will be done later on after the budget is approved. Andy told the board that he would recommend that the fee increase be approved provisionally, would rather not lose money on the program. Kathy suggested that the swim team fee be raised to $80.00 per child. Kathy suggested that a notice be sent to the swim team in advance. Kathy asked if they need to put the fee increase on a future agenda. Andy asked the board if they for sure want to do this if the fee passes. James Hailey made a motion to set the fee at $80.00. Mandy Edwards second the motion. Kathy Boswell ask all in favor. Motion was unanimous. Kathy told board motion passes. AGENDA ITEM 7.0 Hear Report on the Updates in the Mitigation Efforts for COVID-19 Kathy asked Andy if he had more to add on the updates for COVID-19. Andy told the board that he had a couple of things to go over. Andy explained to the board that decision made by city management to do as we have been doing. The gym is requiring mask for the spectators. Since we are going to have volleyball, the players are not going to be required to wear them during the time on the court. We have allowed the people that are there for free play not to have to wear a mask. If they are a spectator they will still be required to wear a mask. Andy also told the board that we have opened up the lockers rooms at the gym, which had been closed since March, 2020, but the saunas are still closed. AGENDA ITEM 8.0 Hear Report from Stormy Smith, Recreation Coordinator, on Proposed New Recreation Special Events for the Fall 2020 Kathy introduced Stormy Smith to talk about her special events. Stormy told the board that the Recreation Connection was out and they all had copies to look over with her. Stormy explained to the board that she wants to try and do a special event every few months. She wants to try and get the community more involved. Andy told the board that they did a Back to School pool party and about thirty people showed up and seemed to have a good time. Stormy told the board that she has gotten some sponsors for an online Halloween costume contest. She went on to tell the board that she did not want to leave the pets out so she has gotten some sponsors for an online Halloween Pet costume contest. This is what she wants to do for October. Kathy made a suggestion to take pictures and sell them. Kathy asked if the winners will be in the paper. Stormy went on to tell the board that in West City Park, drive through pictures with Santa in December. She told the board that we have a credit at a costume shop to get a Santa suit, because we did not get to use it at Easter. Stormy also told the board that people will basically drive up and will take 13 their picture with Santa. She told the board that we would get their information and email them the pictures. C.C.S. school wants to come out and do a fund raising, sell hot chocolate and doughnuts. Stormy told the board that this event would take place December 12, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Stormy told the board that she would love to do a Christmas tree recycling, but unfortunately we do not have a wood chipper. She asked the board if anyone knows where she could get one or borrow one that would be great. Stormy explained that she would like to mulch the trees and then donate the mulch to whomever wants it, basically giving back to the community. James asked Stormy if she had checked with commercial tree trimmers, Stormy told James that she had not but that was her next step. She just does not know if they would donate a chipper for a day. James suggested that a commercial place may could donate a crew to operate the chipper for her. Stormy told the board that she is working on, but does not have a flier out yet, is a Polar Plunge. She told the board that she would like to hold it on January 9, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Stormy explained to the board that she does not know if she wants to charge the full $3.00 or a couple of dollars to go down the slide or jump off the diving board. James asked Stormy if she was going to charge people to watch. Stormy told James she did not know about that. James volunteered to do the Polar Plunge. Stormy told the board that she is got C.C.S. coming to sell hot chocolate for this event. Amber Kunes suggested to Stormy a short run before the polar plunge, Stormy said she thought about doing that. Amber thought a 1K or 3K, do like a mini triathlon. Stormy told the board that she would try, but definitely may do it for next year. Stormy told the board that she feels that she may need to have volunteers and maybe even have officers there. Mandy Edward told the board that around West City Park is a mile. Stormy ask the board if they would like to hear all that she has planned. Andy asked Stormy if she was going to try the Valentine party for kids again. Stormy said she was, do not know what is going to happen because of COVID-19. Andy explained to the board that COVID-19 put all of Stormy’s plans for events on hold. Stormy told the board that she’s still working out the logistics for the Polar Plunge. Stormy asked Amber if she could help out with fliers at the school. Amber told Stormy if she could get her everything she would see what she could do. Andy asked Amber if they wanted to announce the events district wide they would have to get permission from the administration of the schools. Mandy suggested maybe Stormy could do the Polar Plunge in conjunction with Merry Wells. AGENDA ITEM 9.0 Hear Parks and Recreation Board Ideas for Future Agenda Items Andy asked if the board would like to revisit the park project, he could bring a playground person to come in and that could give them an idea of what the board has been working on. Kathy asked Andy if he could bring the picture that Sanford Lahue produce. Kathy also asked if the City Council has seen the plan for Southeast Park. Stormy asked the board if they have been to an all-inclusive park in Ft. Worth, it is called the Dream Park. James told the board that they had a playground person come out before and they were looking at a blend of an inclusive park, 14 because we are still going to have the same people utilizing the Southeast Park. We cannot make it totally one or the other. Kathy told the board that the inclusivity would be for the playground equipment. James asked the board if everyone could submit a questionnaire or if they could do a survey monkey, or bring a list of proposed items. Stormy suggested that we could bring the board some old open space plans to see what they look like. AGENDA ITEM 10.0 Adjournment Kathy asked for a motion to adjourn. Mandy Edward made the motion. James Hailey second the motion. The parks board unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting at 7:38p.m. 15