HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_09.16.2009Minutes of the Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Wednesday , September 16,
2009.
Members Present:
Bill Mateja, Jean Houck, Kent Buikema , Robert Laemel, Shane Morris, Simone Pollard
Members Absent:
Bob Mathis
Staff Present:
Kimberly Garrett, Jill Kellum
Minutes
Regular Meeting
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Kent Buikema.
2. Roll call
3. Information from the NRPA Inclusion Conference
Morrow and Garrett attended the NRPA Inclusion conference which was held in San
Antonio. Garrett explained that inclusion meant to include clients of all abilities in
your programs and facilities. Garrett stated that the Exceptional Georgetown
Alliance (EGA), who has a vested interest in children with disabilities, approached
the City of Georgetown about programming the city could offer their group. They
are looking for their children to have the same recreation experience that other
children have. Garrett stated we do not have the staff that is trained in therapeutic
recreation but we do have the facilities to accommodate such programming. Garrett
stated the cost of programming for people with disabilities is higher because of the
ratio of staff to client could be 1:1. The conference explained how to get trails and
recreation facilities ADA compliant and how to include programming. Garrett
stated the programming is based on a demand from the community. Garrett stated
that if someone does need the help one on one, we have to provide the aid which
would require hiring someone who is trained to handle someone with disabilities.
Garrett explained that we use contract instructors and that they would have to know
how to work with children/adults with disabilities. Additionally, we could not
charge more for the programming. There are certain legal aspects that exempt you
from providing service to an individual such as if they cause danger or if they cause
danger to the rest of the children in the class. Garrett stated the thought is to go
through a budget process. She stated there are grants available to assist with the
cost of programming. Garrett stated that we do offer special needs soccer and we do
offer the special needs dances. Heather Schwan has been coordinating our special
needs dances for the past 2 years. Recently she was named Community Leader of
the month by Amerigroup for all her efforts in organizing the special needs dances.
Garrett stated we are learning about the process to offer this type of programming.
4. Discussion of Parks and Recreation August monthly review
Parks Board members discussed August monthly review.
Mateja stated he would like for this monthly review to get to the City Council
members. He would like to take action that the Parks and Recreation Board
recommend that the monthly review be forwarded to the City Council.
Laemel stated that the tennis programming and the Tennis Center are fantastic; it is
a whole new venue now. He stated that Traci Stengle and Pete Polkinghorn are
doing a fantastic job. The Tennis Center is welcoming and inviting. Garrett stated
that programming is full. The 10th year anniversary has been rescheduled to
October 10 from 4 — 8 pm.
5. Project status update for McMaster Parking Lot Lights and Rock Street
Pedestrian Bridge
Garrett stated the parking lot lights at McMaster Complex are installed. The lights
help with safety around the parking lot.
Garrett stated the Rock Street Bridge is being constructed and is being done in
conjunction with a wastewater line being installed at the same location. The Rock
Street Bridge will connect the hike and bike trail from Rock Street to San Gabriel
Village Boulevard.
6. Approve minutes from August 13, 2009 meeting
Houck made a motion to approve the minutes and the motion was seconded by
Laemel and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
7. Future agenda items
8. Adjourn
Pollard made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.
Approved:, Attest:
Kent Buikema, Chair Parks and Recreation Board
Shane Iyorri , Secretary Parks and Recreation Board
