HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_03.16.2006Minutes of the Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Thursday , March 16, 2006.
Members Present:
Kent Buikema, Kay Cobb, Ron Doernbach, Mark Ramsey, Barbara Owens, Mike Simpson, Van Chandler'
Members Absent:
Van Chandler, Bob Mathis
Staff Present:
Randy Morrow, Kimberly Garrett, Jill Kellum
Minutes
Regular Meeting
1. Ca11 to Order
The meeting was called to order by Ramsey at 7:04 pm.
2. Roll Call
3. Elect Vice -Chair and Secretary for 2006/2007 Parks Board
Michael Simpson made a motion to nominate Barbara Owens for Vice Chair of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
Motion was seconded by Van Chandler and the motion passed by unanimous vote. Barbara
Owens accepted the nomination.
Van Chandler made a motion to nominate Kay Cobb as Secretary of the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board. Motion was seconded by Michael Simpson and the motion passed by
unanimous vote. Kay Cobb accepted the nomination.
4. Update on Community Center renovation - Morrow
Morrow stated that construction will begin soon and the fencing is already present around the
work site. The magnolia tree has been pruned off the building and made sure that it is
protected during construction. B & 0 Contractors feel that the construction will be done by the
end of the year. Chandler asked what the schedule for completion was and Morrow stated it
will be done by the end of this year or the contractors will have to pay a fine for each day it
goes over. Cobb asked about reservations for next year. Morrow stated that later in the year
they would decide when to start taking reservations when they see how well construction is
going.
5. Update on Dog Park - Simpson
Simpson met with Morrow and Garrett and went over a memorandum of understanding draft
just to make sure the dog park members and staff are clear of the responsibilities. The dog
park association has been getting estimates; basically the first phase and first few estimates for
the fence was $65,000 in addition to materials needed would end up being around $85,000-
$90,000. To substantiate this figure Simpson spoke to Fort Woof Dog Park, in Forth Worth, and
they were able to get the fencing, the drinking fountains, and the double gating all in place for
$88,000 and that was completed 2 years ago. That was for 5 acres. The dog park association
began a petition drive 2 weeks ago. Owens asked what the petition was for. Simpson stated it
was for the citizens of Georgetown to identify the support of a dog park. Owens asked if it was
for the location specified, and Simpson stated that it was for general support. Simpson stated
they obtained 60 signatures within 2 hours at the First Friday on the square. Simpson stated
that they have 2 chartered members from the Houston Dog Park and Fort Worth Dog Park on
their advisory committee. Cobb asked how many signatures were needed. Simpson stated this
is an informal petition and this is just a show of support. Chandler asked if the City of
Georgetown had committed to do this. Morrow and Simpson stated this is just a discussion.
Simpson stated that the goal of the dog park association is to meet before the city council in
May with budgets and support. Owens asked if funding would come from the city. Simpson
stated it would for the materials. Simpson stated that volunteer labor would be practical for
some of the events. Ramsey asked what type of events the dog park would hold. Simpson
stated most dog parks do not have events but some hold dog shows, festivals, and training
sessions mostly for fundraisers that use the proceeds for enhancements of the park.
6. Update on National Trails Recognition - Garrett
Garrett stated that the application for designation was applied for in December. The
application shows pictures of the trail and what amenities are available. The Department of
Interior reviews the applications and they send a representative that verifies the information in
the application. The representative was given a 3 - 4 hour tour of the trail. The representative
was impressed by the trail system and took pictures along the way and would send in an
endorsement for the trail. The trail will get National Recreation Trails Designation plaques that
can be displayed on the trails. Then the designation can be put on documentation and
literature and it can be used for applications of grants or other awards. The designation is put
on a National Registry website for this prestigious award and we will be notified mid April if
our application was accepted.
Garrett stated they have applied for a STEP grant which is the State Transportation
Enhancement Program. Applications are due the end of April, and our application is to extend
the hike and bike trail from San Gabriel Park to 130. They will try to build trails along the
frontage roads of 130 and would be apart of a pedestrian mobility plan. The plan would be to
go from San Gabriel Park, down the river and connect with FM 971 and connect to Berry
Springs Park. Chandler asked if it would be on FM 971. Garrett stated it would have to be on
the shoulder of FM 971. Garrett stated she did not know what plans were for the road as far as
widening. Morrow stated it would also connect with Southwestern University. Garrett stated
there are other possibilities for connecting without having to go on FM 971 that involve private
property. Garrett stated they will pursue partnerships with Southwestern and private
individuals to stay along the creek. Morrow stated it would be better to go behind Katy
Crossing which the City of Georgetown owns land along the river corridor. Garrett explained
that the grant is awarded on transportation and facility connectivity such as schools to parks,
parks to neighborhoods, to other parks and to highways. The City of Georgetown would have
to get representation from the state representatives to speak on their behalf. It is about a 2
million dollar project and it is an 80/20 match. The City of Georgetown's 20% would be
approximately $400,000. Mathis asked if this could be in -kind. Garrett stated it could be
in -kind or a land match. Chandler asked about getting it back through to the south side of
town. Garrett stated that the State wanted each different jurisdiction to pick up in their areas
of 130 so there are no gaps. Garrett stated that she did not know if TX Dot would be picking up
the gaps and that it would mainly be on the frontage roads. Morrow stated it will try to be put
on the feeder roads and it would be a dedicated area. Morrow stated it is a quick timeline.
7. Approve minutes from February 16th, 2006 meeting
Buikema made a motion to accept the minutes and Owens seconded the motion and it passed
by unanimous vote.
8. Future agenda items
9. Adjourn
Owens made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm.
Attest:
Mark Ramsey, Chair Par d Recreation Board Kay Cobb Secret.' Parks & Recreation
Board