HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_10.13.2011Minutes of the Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Thursday , October 13, 2011.
Members Present:
Daniel Dance, Jean Houck, John Hesser, Robert Laemel, Syed Warisi
Members Absent:
Shane Morris
Staff Present:
Kimberly Garrett, Tania Moody
Minutes I
Regular Meeting
1. Call to order
Daniel Dance called the meeting to order at 6:57 pm.
2. Roll call
3. Citizen Wishing to Address the Board
Reserving a lane at the indoor pool for training — Jamie Carlilie
Jamie Carlile introduced himself as a member of the Georgetown Triathletes. He
said their group is looking for a pool to call home. They would like to reserve
lane space at the indoor pool for their group to practice. The membership fee for
their group is $40.00 a year. Jamie Carlile asked who is allowed to reserve a lane
and who is not allowed to reserve. Their ideal rental time would be 5:30 am to
6:30 am. Stephanie Darimont, Aquatics Coordinator for the City of Georgetown,
stated that there are not available rental lanes during that time period and there
must be open lanes for members. Staff said lane rental is based on availability.
Jamie Carlile said they have 30 members in their group and usually have 6
swimmers at a time. Jean Houck explained that members of the recreation center
need to have lanes available for swimming as that is part of their membership.
Syed Warisi recommended they check with Southwestern University for
available lane usage. John Hesser asked if there was a conflict having both
groups. Stephanie Darimont explained that the City of Georgetown's Recreation
Center offers a triathlon training class. The Georgetown Triathletes are an
organized group not associated with the Recreation Center. Jean Houck also
pointed out that the Recreation Center is currently serving 3 high schools at this
time. At any given time, there needs to be at least 4 lanes available for free swim
out of the 8 total lanes.
Daniel Dance asked what the non peak times were and how attendance was
tracked. Stephanie Darimont explained that attendance is taken on the half hour
and the booking system tracks rentals. John Hesser asked if staff was trying to
find a way to accommodate the group. Kimberly Garrett stated that staff has
been in communication with the president of the Georgetown Triathletes and a
resolution had been decided upon. John Hesser asked if another pool was
available. The only other heated pool is the Village and it is used by both high
schools. Jean Houck stated that it is pretty unheard of for a group to reserve a
lane without a fee. Jean Houck explained that the individuals could come and
train on their own with a training guide from their coach. Daniel Dance asked if
people came in and paid a daily fee just to swim. Stephanie Darimont stated that
they do. The board asked that pool utilization numbers and peak and down
times be presented at the next meeting.
4. Discussion and possible action on recommending approval of the preliminary
conceptual plan with respect to San Gabriel Park and the realignment of FM
971 with the details of refining the parking alternatives to allow for maximum
use of the vacated Right Of Way during the roadway design phase — Rebecca
Bray, Klotz Associates
Ed Polasek, Transportation Director for the City of Georgetown, introduced Rebecca
Bray with Klotz Associates to the board. Klotz Associates has been commissioned to
build a bridge from IH35 to FM971. They have worked on many alignments to
minimize impact through San Gabriel Park. Board members were shown the
proposed alignment and the impact to the park and amenities. They are trying to
save as many heritage trees as possible. With the proposed alignment, we will lose
one practice soccer field.
The conceptual plan turns FM 971 into abandoned right of way and can be turned
back into parkland. Klotz Associates presented a proposed layout to make the
vacated right of way into parking. This plan was only conceptual; the alignment
approval is more critical right now. There would be an underground tunnel under
FM 971 for people to safely get from one side of the road to the other. Bob Laemel
asked where funding would come from for this project. The funding would be from
the 2008 road bonds.
Daniel Dance said he would like to see other options in lieu of parking for the
vacated area. John Hesser asked if the vacated area could be sold to a commercial
buyer. Parkland cannot be sold without a vote of the people. Bob Laemel suggested
a contest for the use of the parkland. Jean Houck made a motion to recommend
approval of the preliminary conceptual plan with respect to San Gabriel Park and
the realignment of FM 971 with the details of the vacated right of way to be
decided during the roadway design phase and John Hesser seconded the motion
and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
5. Staff presentation on programs and services offered at the Georgetown Tennis
Center — Traci Stengle, Special Services Superintendent
Traci Stengle, Special Services Superintendent for the City of Georgetown,
introduced herself and explained the programs and services offered at the
Georgetown Tennis Center. Bob Laemel asked about getting a cost estimate for
court restoration and lights along with a staff prioritization of capital improvements.
Staff indicated that this information would be gathered and presented.
6. Update on the 2011/2012 Budget for Parks and Recreation
Kimberly Garrett said the new budget for Parks and Recreation started October 1 .
During the budget approval process, two operational items were reduced, one being
public swimming pool time and the other contract maintenance for park mowing.
There was money funded to operate a special needs camp this summer in addition
to some funds for capital maintenance. The City Council did vote to delay the
design of the amphitheater for one year. The trail extension will still go through as
planned. Once an architect is chosen, design will take 4-6 months and then another
6 months for construction.
7. Update on the Make a Splash National Swim Program — Jean Houck
There was nothing to update and this item will be on the agenda next month. Jean
Houck will have information on the program at that time.
8. Update from Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation — Jean Houck
The Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation had their annual meeting on
September 19, 2011. Jean Houck passed out the Annual Report. The group has
decided to alternate having a working meeting one month and then a regular
meeting the next month. The budget committee will work to set a budget for the
next year for upcoming programs. The Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation
is working on setting up advocacy groups to support and advocate for programs.
Jean Houck also announced that letters will be sent out soon for renewals for
corporate sponsorships.
9. Discuss on December Parks Board meeting
It was discussed that the December meeting be held at Bob Laemel's house similar to
last year. This year board members would like to invite previous board members
and the members of the Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation.
10. Discussion of Parks and Recreation Monthly Review for September
Clarification was made in reference to the aquatics section. It sounded as if the
parks and recreation department was offering swim lessons at no cost but it is no
cost to the participants who have sponsorship from the Friends of Georgetown
Parks and Recreation as they are paying for the lessons. The Recreation Center was
a host site for a high school swim meet and received many compliments. Bob
Laemel asked about the possibility of artificial turf on athletic fields. It was
explained that the cost for artificial turf is approximately $500,000 per field. Bob
Laemel also gave kudos about the social media used to promote the senior
programs.
11. Approve minutes from the September 8th meeting
Bob Laemel made a motion to approve the minutes and the motion was seconded
by John Hesser and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
12. Future agenda items
13. Adjourn
Je4n Houck made a motio to adjourn the meeting.
Daniel Dance, Chair Parks/Recreation Board
ear}/Houck, Secretary Parks/Recreation Board