HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_01.12.2012Minutes of the Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Thursday , January 12, 2012.
Members Present:
Daniel Dance, Jean Houck, John Hesser, Keith Fruge, Shane Morris
Members Absent:
Syed Warisi, Robert Laemel
Staff Present:
Kimberly Garrett, Eric Nuner, Jill Kellum
Minutes
Regular Meeting
1) Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
2) Roll call
John Hesser, Daniel Dance, Shane Morris, Jean Houck, Keith Fruge
3) Introduction and welcome of new member - Keith Fruge
Keith Fruge was introduced and he gave a brief introduction of himself.
4) Consideration and possible action for approval of a design firm to provide
services to design the San Gabriel River Trail Extension from Blue Hole Park to
University Avenue.- Kimberly Garrett
Kimberly Garrett stated there were 15 design firms that submitted qualifications. The
committee of Mark Shepherd, John Hesser, Tommy Gonzales and Kimberly Garrett
selected the top 4 firms based on a set criteria and interviewed them. After the
interview process Baker-Aicklen and Associates was selected as the top choice for the
project.
John Hesser made a motion that the board recommend approval of Baker-Aicklen
and Associates to be the design firm to provide services to design the San Gabriel
River Trail Extension from Blue Hole Park to University Avenue. Jean Houck
seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote of 5 -0.
5) Consideration and possible action on a proposal that would generate revenue to
pay operating expenses at the IOOF Cemetery - John Hesser
John Hesser discussed a report that he produced showing the maintenance costs of the
cemetery based on information collected by the Parks and Recreation Department. He
feels the cemetery should be self sustaining and have revenue that covers maintenance
expense. John Hesser explained there are 2 recently constructed columbariums in
Georgetown. A columbarium is a structure by which urns are maintained in a lockbox.
There are also scatter gardens where you can spread the ashes and have a nameplate
placed there in their memory. John Hesser stated he would suggest forming a 501c3
with a board of directors to operate and maintain the cemetery. He stated the
non-profit group would have ways to raise funds. The maintenance funds would go
into an annuity. Shane Morris asked who would fund the construction of the
columbarium. John Hesser stated he would like the non-profit to handle the
columbarium but would like to see the City handle the initial cost of the building of it.
The cost of maintenance for a columbarium would be significantly less than the current
maintenance of green space. John Hesser presented information stating that in Texas
there has been an increase in cremations from 22% - 30% in the past five years.
Kimberly Garrett stated that after more research the board could present or make
recommendation to the City Council and identify the problem and a possible solution to
see if City Council would want move forward with this item.
Jean Houck made a motion that this item be requested to be on a future City Council
workshop where the board would present the long range issues with the cemetery
and look for direction from the City Council on how to proceed. Keith Fruge
seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote 5 — 0.
6) Director's Report
• Playground replacement at Geneva Park
Kimberly Garrett presented information on a future park project at Geneva Park.
Eric Nuner stated that on an annual basis the parks and playgrounds are evaluated
by parks staff to determine repair and replacement needs. Eric Nuner stated that the
developer installed the current playground about 10 —12 years ago and is a smaller
playground. Staff will install a new playground and swings in February. He stated
on this unit there is nature play where there are log steps and a shade canopy. We
have 3 certified safety playground inspectors on staff. The playground is
approximately $35,000.00 with all costs involved.
• Hike/Bike Trail along Scenic from University Avenue to 17th Street
Kimberly Garrett stated this project is in conjunction with the street department and
all the environmental documents have not been completed. The funds for the
project have not been released so the bids are currently on hold. There is not a
current timeline for this project.
• Future parking lot in San Gabriel Park
Kimberly Garrett stated there was a swimming pool next to the Community Center
that was taken out last year and the best use of the land was determined to be a
parking lot. The facilities department is working on that project and will be bidding
it soon.
• Community teams
The city manager has assembled teams of city employees to present information to
HOA's as requested. They will answer questions from the citizens.
• Cardio Equipment at the Recreation Center
Kimberly Garrett explained that the Recreation Center expansion will be 3 years old
January 315t. The cardio equipment has heavy wear and tear and the renewal for
new equipment is coming up.
• Future parkland
The appraisal for the future parkland has been received and City Council would like
to move forward.
• Lone Star Legacy Park Designation
Texas Recreation and Park Society is presenting the Lone Star Legacy Park
Designation that will be presented at the annual conference. City of Georgetown is
submitting San Gabriel Park for this award.
• Department events and activities
th
Cupid's Chase - February 4 , 2014
7) Update on "Make a Splash" National Swim Program — Jean Houck
Jean Houck stated there was no report to make on the "Make a Splash" National Swim
Program.
8) Update from Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation (FGPR) — Jean Houck
Jean Houck stated they are continuing to get applications and they have granted
quarterly memberships to applicants. She stated they are starting up another swimsuit
drive. January 24th is the start of the second year of the Georgetown Swims program.
Last season they gave swim lessons to 45 kids which included 71 lessons. Georgetown
Boys and Girls Club have children interested in participating in the program and they
offer transportation.
9) Approve minutes from the November 10, 2011 meeting
John Hesser made a motion to approve the minutes and the motion was seconded by
Jean Houck and the motion was approved by unanimous vote.
10) Future agenda items
11) Adjourn
John Hesser made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Daniel Dance, Chair Parks/Recreation Board Jean }`-Iouck, Secretary Parks/Recreation Board