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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_01.12.1995CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes January 12, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Harold McDonald, Vice Chair Mr. Mark Moore Mr. Roger Pena Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Debbie Fustin MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Ronda Seagraves OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Donna Kirk, Administrative Assistant Prior to the official beginning of the meeting Kylie Privratsky was introduced by Mary Lee Dobi. Kylie is the new Recreation Center Supervisor. She is a graduate of Texas A &M University and previously was employed by the YMCA in Dallas. I. Approve Minutes from Joint City Council and Parks Board Meeting on December 8, 1994 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting. Motion to accept the December minutes was made by Harold McDonald. Debbie Fustin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. H. Citizens Wishing to Address Board None IH. Ribbon cutting and official Grand Opening of Recreation Center. Grand Opening will be announced as soon as Governor Bush confirms the date with Bob Hart. IV. Land swap with Georgetown Hospital. Randy Morrow gave a presentation on the land along Scenic Drive that Georgetown Hospital would like to have to complete their land acquisition. The City is interested in b:m a 102 swapping land with the hospital to acquire the land needed to complete the South River Corridor from San Gabriel Park to IH -35. V. Eagle Scout Project (Pace). Randy Morrow gave a presentation on the project that Pace has done for the Parks Department. He completed the project January 7, 1995. VI. Tree Grant. Randy Morrow gave a presentation on the application for a new tree grant. It will be a matching grant - $10,000 in -kind from the City and $10,000 from Texas Forestry Service. The purpose of the grant is for trees along the River Corridor and any other locations where trees might be needed in Georgetown. VII. Election of Officers / By -Laws by Harold McDonald Harold ask that the election of officers be delayed until after the City has appointed the members to the board. Harold made a motion to change the election of officers to the next regular meeting (March). The motion was seconded by Roger Pena and carried by unanimous vote. L bft*f ) A committee of two, Harold McDonald and Nick Sikes was formed to reconcile the by- laws for the Parks & Recreation Board to those of the City. VIII. Rails -To- Trails Roger Pena agreed to investigate the Rails -To- Trails possibilities and report back to the board in the near future. IX. Information from Board Members and Director. Information was shared by each member for the board. X. Adjourn. Meeting was adjourned by Kathryn Stallard. b:m n.102 CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes February 15, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Mr. Harold McDonald Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Mark Moire Mr. Roger Pea Ms. Ronda Seagraves Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Debbie Larison MEMBERS ABSENT: OTBERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Donna Kirk, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 10,1994 AND JANUARY 12, 1995. Motion to approve the November 10, 1994 minutes was made by Harold McDonald, seconded by Debbie Larison and past by unanimous vote. Motion to approve the January 12, 1995 minutes was made by Nick Sikes, seconded by Ronda Seagraves and past by unanimous vote. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. None. III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Harold McDonald made a motion to elect Kathryn Stallard as the Chair. The motion was seconded by Ronda Seagraves. The motion carried by unanimous vote. Harold McDonald made a motion to elect Ronda Seagraves as the Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by Tom Swift. The motion carried by unanimous vote. IV. BY -LAWS REPORT. The final version of the by -laws will be presented at the next Board Meeting by Nick Sikes and Harold McDonald. b:mim= V. DISCUSSION ON VHA AGE OF RIVERBEND. Staff is opposed to giving a variance. To date a variance of this kind has not been waived and we do not want to set precedence. A motion was made by Nick Sikes to recommend that they not grant park fee waivers nor reduce park fees. The motion was seconded by Tom Swift and carried by unanimous vote. Kathryn Stallard will draft a letter to be sent to Mayor Wood and Council, and Planning and Zoning Commission. (A copy of the letter is attached to the minutes.) VI. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTOR. (RECREATION CENTER, HII <EBII E TRAIL UPDATE) Randy discussed the proposed land exchange with Georgetown Medical Clinic. The 2.581 acre swap would increase the land bank match for the next grant. Randy will look into the proposed plan for the property. Tom Swift gave a brief overview of the Swim Pool Facility Task Force and asked for board members input. Ronda Seagraves asked about the apartments off of Sierra Vista. She questioned whether these apartments gave land or money and where the children will play. There is money in the budget for this area. Randy stated that Park Land Dedication fees were at $23,299.20. The next meeting will be moved to March 23 because of Spring Break. The Hike and Bike Trail is on target and should be finished by December, 1995. Kathryn addressed the issue of no smoking on the Playscape. Julie Jordan is getting signs made by Gordon Baker. There may be a donation box with a sign asking for donations for maintenance of Playscape. Pickett Elementary students are working to keep the mulch around the Recreation Center weed free. VII. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned by Kathryn Stallard. b:min.102 CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes May 11, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Mark Moore Mr. Roger Pena Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Harold McDonald Ms. Debbie Larison OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Andy Hesser, Intern Colorado State University I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM MARCH 23, 1995. Motion to table until next meeting in June made by Tom Swift, seconded by Roger Pena and passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. None. III. FROST ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND JOINT USE PARK /SCHOOL. Tom Swift made a motion to take $10,000.00 out of Parkland Dedication Fees for joint park at Frost Elementary School. The motion was seconded by Joyce Gadison. The motion carried by unanimous vote. $10,000.00 Parkland Dedication $13,000.00 City Council IV. ELECTRICAL LOCATIONS AT SAN GABRIEL PARK FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. Some type of forms to take to different vendors. Have staff make up form to give to different groups. V. REPORT ON HIKE /BIKE TRAIL. (ANDY HESSER) (See inclosed information) VI. LONG TERM PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS AND EXPENDITURES FOR BUDGET Ronda Seagraves and Harold McDonald Tour of Parks - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 1995 • Williams Drive & Hwy 29 • Leander Road Area • Quail Valley • San Gabriel Height Area • Serenada VII. REPORT FROM TOM SWIFT ON IN-DOOR SWIMMING POOL. • Citizens Advisory Committee • Tom passed out flyers on In -door Swimming Facility Task Force • Bob Seagraves will replace ronda Seagraves on swimming pool committee VIII. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS Roger is working on Rails to Trails VII. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned by Joyce Gadison. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes June 15, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Mark Moore Mr. Roger Pena Mr. Tom Swift Mr. Harold McDonald Ms. Debbie McGarry MEMBERS ABSENT: Dr. Nick Sikes OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Andy Hesser, Intern Colorado State University Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Larry Hicks, Place Collaborative Inc. J. B. Smith, Williamson County Sun Jann Webster, Chair of In -Door Pool Committee I. APPROVE MINUTES FROM MAY 11, 1995 Motion was made by Ronda Seagraves to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Tom Swift and passed by unanimous vote. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None. IIL IN-DOOR SWIMMING POOL Jann Webster and Tom Swift The task force preliminary report findings recommend to move ahead with the in -door swimming pool and to continue looking into joint partnership with the City, Hospital, and School. The pool would be attached to the recreation center. Each entity would contribute to the project. The Task Force is waiting for the hospital and the school to react to the proposal before they move ahead. IV. PARKS NEEDS ASSESSMENT Ronda Seagraves and Harold McDonald of the Parks and Recreation Board subcommittee toured all the city parks and made an inventory showing which parks had what facilities. Based on the tour, they came up with some ideas that they would like to be considered for the Parks and Recreation budget. The inventory sheet was passed out to all members for their information. V. ALCOHOL USE IN THE PARK The Subcommittee on Parks Security gave options to be considered for action to be taken regarding alcohol use in the park. After a lengthy discussion on all issues, a motion was made by Tom Swift and seconded by Ronda Seagraves to recommend to City Council that all alcohol is banned in all parks at all times. Voting in favor of the motion were 4 board members, opposing were 3. The motion carried. The motion will be forwarded to Mayor and City Council once the Citizens Advisory Task Force has made their recommendation. VI. PLANS FOR HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL & ALTERNATIVES FOR BLUE HOLE Larry Hicks of Place Collaborative showed different options concerning the hike and bike trail at Blue Hole. After much discussion, Harold McDonald made a motion to recommend to City Council that option 3 be chosen. The motion recommended parking on Rock Street with no parking on Scenic Drive, a one way road east to west through the cemetery, a drop off only area with no parking except for handicapped spaces, an option to close the road at any time for safety reasons, and a 10 mph speed limit with speed bumps. The motion was seconded by Debbie McGarry and passed by unanimous vote. VH. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS • Roger Peiia met with Katherine Nichols of Texas Parks & Wildlife and received Rails to Trails Conservancy information. • Joyce Gadison invited everyone to the Juneteenth Celebration in the park. VHL ADJOURN ✓ Motion to adjourn was made by Tom Swift and seconded by Ronda Seagraves. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes July 13, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Harold McDonald Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Debbie McGarry MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Mr. Mark Moore Mr. Roger Pena OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Ronald Mahan, First Charter David Sawyer, First Charter Bob Lehman, First Charter I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Harold McDonald to accept the June 15, 1995, minutes. Debbie McGarry seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. FIRST CHARTER CONCEPT PLAN David Sawyer of First Charter Concept Plan addressed the issue of parkland dedication. He offered a 2.5 acre tract of land which is out of the 100 year flood plain, but is not adjacent to the subdivision. This area is the southwest corner of what Mr. Mahan is retaining. The negative aspect of this land is that the city would not have immediate access to the park area. Public access would come when the remainder of University Park is developed. Harold McDonald also mentioned that an additional 1/2 acre would allow for a better buffer between the park and Mr. Mahan's property and allow fencing for privacy. After much discussion over the land in question, a motion was made by Harold McDonald. The motion recommended to planning and zoning and city council the acceptance of park acreage of 3 acres assuming that the city will for go its 50 foot of public access requirement. The city will provide proper fencing to enclose the trail and the park area that is adjacent to Mr. Mahan's property. The approximate dimensions of the park area to be 200 feet in a south to north direction starting at the south line of Mr. Mahan's remaining acreage and 650 feet starting at the west line and going east. The 3 acre park land dedication will be subject to its use for detention, if required, to serve the 92.93 acres within the Concept Plan. Inclusive of the city's pedestrian access to the 15 foot drainage easement and 35 foot drainage easement that would be conveyed as a permanent easement to the city. The pedestrian trail will be provided within the drainage easements by Mr. Sawyer of First Charter and will be from the dead end stub street in Section Three of the Concept Plan to the 3 acre park. Also dedication of easements to the public for the aforementioned pedestrian trail way system, drainage and detention as shown on the Concept Plan, to be provided by First Charter. In addition, First Charter will provide parking within Section Three until such time as public access to the 3 acre park becomes available. The motion was seconded by Debbie McGarry and it passed by unanimous vote. IV. CONCEPT PLAN FOR CHURCHILL FARMS SUBDIVISION Churchill Farms has proposed to give 1.38 acres of parkland. After discussion on the land, Ronda Seagraves suggested that the issue be tabled and that some members from the board go talk to Hildy Kingma in planning and find out the history of the situation. Tom Swift made a motion to table the discussion until further information regarding Churchill Farms' history can be obtained from Hildy Kingma. A second was made by Joyce Gadison and passed by unanimous vote. Randy Morrow, Debbie McGarry, and Harold McDonald volunteered to go and talk to Hildy Kingma about Churchill Farms. V. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BUDGET LETTER TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL The letter is a result of a meeting in which Kathryn Stallard, Randy Morrow, Harold McDonald, and Ronda Seagraves attended. The recommendations in the letter come from the small committee and the discussion at the last Board meeting held on June 15, 1995. Kathryn Stallard drafted the letter to send to the Mayor and City Council. In conjunction with this letter she has taken a proposal from Randy Morrow's department recommending and supporting many of the things that him and his staff need. The letter is like a stamp from the Board saying that they agree with Randy Morrow and his staff on his suggestions for next year. Harold McDonald made a motion to approve the letter to city council concerning the 95/96 Budget with the following correction: the deletion of our supporting the new park at 17th and Walnut Streets and the addition of a statement that the Parks and Recreation Board opposes establishment of a park at 17th and Walnut Streets until other areas of the city have been equitably represented. The motion was seconded by Tom Swift and passed unanimously. VI. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS Tom Swift had a report on the alcohol issue in the park. After visiting with the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Police Department he obtained answers to questions that were raised at the last meeting. Larry Hesser, Chief of Police, made it clear that he was not in favor of the police department issuing special permits for alcohol use in the park. His concerns included adding another level of bureaucracy, creating the need for additional personnel and having to make personal judgements. When the committee was asked to vote on the 4 issues concerning alcohol, the vote resulted as follows with 12 people attending the meeting: Leave it alone and ban at Blue Hole only received no votes, special permit received one vote, and total ban in all parks received eleven votes. There was concern about alcohol in the community center and allowing it there only. Tom said if the community center was not in the center of the park and access could be made without having to go through the park it would be a different story. He is genuinely concerned about the safety in the park. Ronda Seagraves said she enjoyed working with Harold McDonald on evaluating the parks and the needs for those parks. She also mentioned she would like for the board to receive the information on the budget a little sooner so that they would have time to review it more closely. VII. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Joyce Gadison and seconded by Tom Swift. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes August 10, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Mark Moore Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Debbie M`Garry MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Robert Pena Mr. Harold McDonald OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Tom Swift to accept the July 13, 1995 minutes. Nick Sikes seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. II. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. DISCUSSION OF LETTER TO COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL IN THE PARKS Kathryn Stallard will write letter to City Council on alcohol issue in parks. IV. POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHURCHILL FARMS PARKLAND DEDICATION Randy Morrow polled board members earlier and received 5 votes to accept money in lieu of parkland for Churchill Farms. V. DISCUSSION ON PARK AT 17TH AND WALNUT There was much discussion on this topic. At the last meeting a vote was taken on whether or not a park should be constructed at this location. The board members voted not to put a park at this location due to the fact that there where other parks in the area. Tom Swift wanted to further discuss the issue after looking at the site. The railroad makes access difficult to San Jose Park which is close to the area in discussion. Tom would like to go on record and ask the board to possibly consider a park in the area. His main concern is putting a park on land that the City of Georgetown does not own. The land is owned by the Railroad. Katherine Stallard said she would word the letter to City Council so that it contained the views and ideas of the board getting the point across that there are other areas that need to be served and that this is something that perhaps we could consider in the future after other areas have been served. VI. DISCUSSION OF FUTURE REVENUE SOURCES A discussion was started on ideas on how to raise money for Parks and Recreation. Some ideas that were discussed were a 'h cent sales tax that would be dedicated to Parks and Recreation. The money which would be about $800,000 a year could be used to maintain new developments and speed up current projects. The citizens of Georgetown would have to vote on this as a referendum. There was some discussion on whether or not the citizens would favor an additional tax. Katherine said that she has talked to some people at Southwestern University about doing a statistical study with a survey to get some feel on the idea and to see if people would favor the 'h cent sales tax. Also a Parks and Recreation fee added to the utility bill was discussed. Another option is to amend the sub division regulations to empower the department and board to decide whether to accept money or land when a new development takes place. As it is now the developer decides. After some discussion on this option it was taken off the list. The last option that was discussed was to require commercial and industrial developers to make some kind of contribution to the parkland dedication fund or to access an impact fee. VIL INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS Tom Swift reported that 60% of the Playscape plaques were up and he also gave a report on the Pool Task Force. Randy Morrow had information about Kid Fish that was taking place on August 19, 1995 at Blue Hole. It is a joint effort of the Texas Parks and Wildlife and the ShareLunker Foundation. He also said that we are in the final steps of the Hike and Bike Trail plans and they should be ready in September. VIII. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Joyce Gadison and seconded by Debbie M`Garry. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes September 14, 1995 PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Harold McDonald Mr. Mark Moore Mr. Robert Pena Dr. Nick Sikes MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair Mr. Tom Swift Ms. Debbie McGarry OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Nick Sikes to accept the August 10, 1995 minutes. Joyce Gadison seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. IL CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. DISCUSSION /APPROVAL OF PARKLAND DEDICATION OF KIMBRO PROPERTY Randy Morrow discussed the possibility of a land dedication by Kimbro Property. The board members expressed concerns about obtaining a single tract of land rather than a few smaller areas and that the land be as far away from Williams Drive as possible. In addition, the board was not in favor of accepting playground equipment in exchange for land. Kimbro Property is in favor of giving land as park dedication. IV. DISCUSSION OVER IN-DOOR POOL ISSUES The In -Door Pool Task Force met and a consensus was formed that an in -door pool attached to the Recreation Center was really the best option. The task force discussed all options at length, especially that of covering the pool on Williams Drive. The task force was unanimous in agreeing that covering Williams Drive was not an acceptable solution, but agreed to recommend hiring a consultant in order to get a professional opinion. The board expressed concerns about hiring a consultant due to the added cost. The in -door pool task force will need a few more meetings to decide what the next action should be. V. DISCUSSION ON 1/2 CENT SALES TAX SURVEY Katherine Stallard talked to Bob Hart, City Manager, about the future financing options that were discussed at the previous meeting. The utility add -on fee for Parks and Recreation is worth exploring. The impact fee for businesses and industry was not really an option because in order to access someone an impact fee, there has to be what the court calls a "reasonable relationship ". The next option was the 1h cent sales tax that would go to Parks and Recreation for future planning. A study is going to be conducted to determine the reaction of the public and then we can proceed from there. Kathryn said she will be asking for volunteers to be on sub- committees to help with the survey and talking to city council and the city manager. Assuming the board does decide to advocate a 'h cent sales tax, board members were asked to thing of arguments for and against the tax. Should the board decide to request a '/z cent sales tax referendum, the board will have to work hard to support the referendum. VI. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS Harold McDonald asked how the Hike/Bike Trail was coming along. Randy Morrow said that TPWD had approved the plans and that ADA was reviewing them. Ground- breaking should happen in about 5 weeks. Mark Moore raised the question of ownership of the lights at the High School Baseball Field. The city installed them, but the school and booster club paid for them. Randy said he would check into the issue. Randy Morrow reported that we may still get some money from the old Tree Grant. His only concern is that a matching amount was not budgeted because the government had cut out the program and he believed that we would not receive any money. VII. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Nick Sikes and seconded by Harold McDonald. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes October 12, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Harold McDonald Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Mark Moore Mr. Roger Pena Ms. Debbie M °Garry OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Mary Ann Guilliams, Southwest Texas State University Leslie Guilliams, Southwest Texas State University Kim Thompson, Southwest Texas State University Paul Shepard, Milburn Homes Keith Young, Key Group Engineering, Inc. Randy Morrow reported to the board that councilman Winifred Bonner passed away on October 12, 1995, and the funeral would be held Monday, October 16, 1995 at 1 p.m. at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Georgetown. I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Joyce Gadison to accept the September 14, 1995, minutes. Harold McDonald seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. H. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD None III. DISCUSSION OF PARKLAND DEDICATION OF KE%4BRO TRACT The board took action on the above item, accepting 1.7 acres at the front (southwest comer of plat, phase 1, block A) of the proposed subdivision in order to satisfy the developer's parkland dedication obligation of 1.67 acres. The motion also included the acceptance of two retention ponds, which Mr. Paul Shepherd, Project Manager for Milburn Homes, said he would grade in such a fashion that the retention ponds would be suitable as parkland during dry weather. One of the retention ponds abuts the 1.7 acres of dedicated parkland, and the Board was especially happy to have that property. The other retention area is at the back (northeast corner of plat, phase 4, block Q of the property, and Mr. Shepherd said that the current plat could be reconfigured to create the required 15 feet of public access. The motion stated that the Parks and Recreation Department and the Board would work with the developer to determine details of grading and possible uses of the retention ponds. These details particularly concern the retention area in the back of the development, which will have to have public access. The motion was made by Tom Swift, seconded by Ronda Seagraves and it passed by unanimous vote. IV. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE FINANCING ISSUE Earlier in the month, Kathryn Stallard, Randy Morrow, Ronda Seagraves, and Nick Sikes met with Professor Dirk Early and his student at Southwestern to discuss the future financing survey. The board then reviewed the new draft of the questionnaire making comments and corrections. The goal is to have the questionnaire ready by January 1996 and make the survey a self mailer. V. REPORT ON OTHER TEXAS CITIES' ALCOHOL POLICIES Kimberly Garrett gave a report on other cities' alcohol policies within our area. The majority of the cities polled have a policy on alcohol in city parks. The trend was that cities close to Georgetown allow alcohol and cities further away did not allow alcohol in parks. VI. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS Randy Morrow told board members that the November meeting would be a joint meeting with City Council to discuss the alcohol issue and future financing issues. The meeting will include dinner and be held on November 9, 1995. Ronda Seagraves was concerned about what happened to Sonny the Swan in San Gabriel Park. He was found in the river and the remains were taken to the animal shelter. Joyce Gadison wanted to know what happened to the trees in Kelly Park. The Public Utilities Department cut down the trees, which are on a railroad right away, at the request of the Police Department. The area, which is between the Park and an apartment complex, was being used for drug related activities. Joyce expressed her concern that park board members need to informed of what is happening in their neighborhoods. VH. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Nick Sikes and seconded by Joyce Gadison. CITY OF GEORGETOWN Parks & Recreation Board Minutes for November 9, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Kathryn Stallard, Chair Ms. Debbie McGarry Ms. Joyce Gadison Mr. Harold McDonald Dr. Nick Sikes Mr. Tom Swift Mr. Mark Moore MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Roger Pena Ms. Ronda Seagraves, Vice Chair OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Randy Morrow, Director of Parks & Recreation Ms. Kimberly Garrett, Administrative Assistant Ms. Doris Curl, Council Member Mr. Lee Bain, Council Member Ms. Susan Hoyt, Council Member Mr. Dick Vincent, Council Member Mr. George Arroyos, Council Member Mr. J.B. Smith, Williamson County Sun Mr. John Carlson, Georgetown Youth Baseball Association Ms. Debbie Carlson, Georgetown Youth Baseball Association Mr. Jim Briggs, Georgetown Youth Baseball Association Kathryn Stallard, Parks Board Chair, gave a brief welcome to Council members and an overview of the past years events in the Parks and Recreation Department. I. APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Harold McDonald to accept the October 12, 1995, minutes. Tom Swift seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. U. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD Jim Briggs and Debbie and John Carlson (see next agenda item) III. PONY -COLT BASEBALL FIELD SUB - COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT Debbie and John Carlson and Jim Briggs from Georgetown Youth Baseball Association came before the board to express the need for additional fields due to the rapid growth of the program. At the present time there is so much interest in the sport that the current fields cannot support all the children who want to play. Up until now, all interested children have been allowed to participate. If new fields are not built soon, the association will have to limit the number of children who can play based on skill level. The Georgetown Youth Baseball Association is asking the Parks and Recreation Board to consider making the soccer field behind the show barn into a Pony -Colt Field. A sub - committee was formed to look into making a Pony -Colt field out of one of the soccer fields in San Gabriel Park. Kathryn Sallard appointed Mark Moore as chair of the sub - committee, with members representing the soccer association and the baseball association. The committee will give a preliminary report at the next meeting. IV. JOINT MEETING WITH MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL The Parks and Recreation Board and City Council members discussed three topics: Alcohol use in the parks, parks and recreational needs and the need for new revenue sources, and the three new openings on the Board. Kathryn Stallard started the discussion on alcohol in the parks. She presented to the council a survey which was conducted on certain cities in the area. That particular study showed that alcohol was not allowed in 75 % of the surveyed parks. There was discussion as to how the cities were chosen and if accidents has decreased due to alcohol banning. Also, it was mentioned that Lake Georgetown might impose an alcohol restriction in their parks. Tom Swift noted that an alcohol ban would increase park security and safety. The alcohol ban is directed to the people who do not use alcohol responsibly, not the 99.9 % who do. City Council members would like to see more information on the alcohol issue before they put it on their agenda. Kathryn asked Tom Swift to help gather more information for the city council so they can make an accurate decision based on additional information. City Council and the Board next discussed the need for new financial resources in order to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community. Much of the discussion focused on a survey that the Board and Professor Dirk Early of Southwestern University designed. This questionnaire will assess the parks and recreational needs and desires of Georgetown citizens and their willingness to pay for them. The survey will be sent to all residents within the city limits. The Board expects to actively promote a th cent sales tax referendum that would be on the May ballot, and asked for City Council members' support. The majority of Council members present appeared to support the proposed sales tax. The Parks and Recreation Board is going to have four openings for new board members. Ronda Seagraves is going to reapply for her position and Roger Pefia, Harold McDonald, and Nick Sikes will be going off of the Board. The Board and the City Council stressed that the new members should be hard workers and have leadership skills. Diversity on the board is important so that all areas of the community are represented. V. INFORMATION FROM BOARD MEMBERS Lee Bain commented that he appreciates the hard work the Parks and Recreation Board has done. Doris Curl thanked the board for their hospitality and a job well done. George Arroyos asked about the Hike and Bike Trail. Randy Morrow said that the first bids came in too high and the project would be split into 4 smaller pieces and rebid. Dick Vincent said that he appreciated the hard work done at Frost Elementary Joint Park. VII. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Tom Swift and seconded by Debbie McGarry.