HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_08.12.2010Minutes of the Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Thursday , August 12, 2010.
Members Present:
Bill Mateja, Jean Houck, Kent Buikema, Robert Laemel, Simone Pollard
Members Absent:
Daniel Dance, Shane Morris
Staff Present:
Kimberly Garrett, Jill Kellum
Minutes
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2010
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Kent Buikema.
2. Roll Ca11
Jean Houck, Kent Buikema, Bill Mateja, Robert Laemel, Simone Pollard
3. Introduction of staff member Katie Sofranko, Youth Recreation Program
Coordinator
Garrett introduced Katie Sofranko, Youth Recreation Program Coordinator. Sofranko gave a
brief introduction of herself. She was hired for this position in May. Prior to this position
she was as a recreation assistant for the City of Georgetown. As the Youth Recreation
Program Coordinator, she is the director of Camp Goodwater. Sofranko explained Camp
Goodwater's hours are from 7 am — 6 pm. There are a total of 10 weeks of Camp Goodwater
which has different activities each week with separate registration for each week. There are
50 kids in camp each week with an age range of 5 — 12 years of age. There is a 1 to 10 ratio;
staff to child. Sofranko explained that she runs the Holiday Camp and the Spring Break
Camp as well. Holiday Camp is a daily camp in December and the Spring Break Camp is a
week long camp. Sofranko states she also plans youth and teen events. She also works with
the Georgetown Project. Once school starts there will be a pool party, an open mic night and
dances that will be in coordination with the Georgetown Project. Sofranko states there are
free college seminars and after football game parties available at the teen center. She states
the teen center is fairly new and she is working with the teens to see what they would like to
be involved in. She would like to see more programming available. Sofranko is also the
board liaison for the Georgetown Youth Advisory Board (GYAB). GYAB is made up of
teens in the community and are appointed by the mayor to the board. GYAB hosts the battle
of the bands in the spring and they participate in the Georgetown Parks and Recreation
haunted hayride. Sofranko would like to see the youth present at City Council meetings and
be more involved with the Mayor and City Council for the youth's professional development.
4. Update on The Summit at Rivery Park — Marlene McMichael, Phillip Wanke
Garrett stated Phillip Wanke with BWM Group, was present to give an update on The
Summit at Rivery Park. Phillip Wanke is the landscape architect planning this project for
Ledgestone Partners. Phillip Wanke presented a conceptual plan for The Summit. The
Summit is 32 acres and Rivery Park is a 63 acre park. This project has TIRZ, Tax Increment
Reinvestment Zone. The TIRZ allows the developer to make public improvements to Rivery
Park with a portion of the property taxes from the development. Wanke showed how the
project has changed since its inception including the park improvements.
5. Discussion and possible action on board goals for the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board
Garrett presented to the board the Parks and Recreation department goals. Laemel would like
to see the board be more proactive. Laemel would like to see the department go through the
accreditation process. Garrett stated this has been looked at and it would take 3 — 5 years to
go through the process. It would take an additional staff person, time and money to get the
accreditation. Buikema asked what we gain from getting the accreditation. Laemel states
that it is a prestigious goal. It would allow the department to be reviewed and obtain
evaluations. It is a status that proves to be the best. It could help with obtaining grant money
for the department. Garrett stated applying for this accreditation would take the coordination
of the entire city. Another goal mentioned by Mateja was that he would like to see the board
put on an annual Christmas party for Park and Recreation staff. He also stated that he would
like to see every board member be responsible for each of the parks. The board member
would be assigned to a park for the year and would be responsible for giving a report on the
park. The report would give an evaluation of the park and how the park could be improved.
Buikema added he would like to get the public information officer to take pictures of the park
and give updates. Buikema asked Mateja to give a brief proposal of this project at the next
meeting. Garrett stated they could discuss the parks that need attention. Laemel states
another goal would be to have advisory board members get involved with some of the
subcommittees of the Friends of the Georgetown Parks and Recreation.
6. Update from Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation
Pollard gave a report of the July 27`h meeting of the Friends of Georgetown Parks and
Recreation. Laemel stated the Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation spoke to Mel
Pendland, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Pendland gave excellent
information on how to proceed with the non-profit. He suggested the Friends have clear
defined goals which would help with their fundraising. An example goal was to have every
child in Georgetown be able to swim by the 4th grade. This would be accomplished by the
Friends providing funding to pay for swim lessons.
7. Holiday party for the outgoing members in December
Buikema stated he would like the holiday party to remain as a holiday party without a key
focus on recognizing outgoing members. The December holiday party will be on the 9'h at
6:00 pm. Bob Laemel volunteered to host the event.
8. Update on Football Stadium in San Gabriel Park
Garrett stated that the bleacher removal is almost complete and the scoreboard will be taken
down soon and that the aluminum and metal were scraped. The other buildings will be the
City's responsibility to demolish and the lighting will remain. The facilities department will
be handling the demolition.
9. Discussion of Parks and Recreation Monthly Review for July
There was brief discussion on the Monthly Review.
10. Approve minutes from July 8th meeting
Bill Mateja made a motion to approve the minutes and the motion was seconded by
Jean Houck and it was approved by unanimous vote.
11. Future agenda items
12. Adjourn
Bob Laemel made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The mg adjourned at 8:41 pm.
Kant Buikema, Chair Parks and Recreation Board
AleMt
Shaiorris, Secretary Parks and Recreation Board