Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Parks and Recreation Board - 1993 - 04/12 - RegularMnvvTFs PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING APRIL 12. 1993 - 7:30 P.M. Tom Clark, Chairman Jim Waldbauer, Secretary Lonnie Thomas, Vice -Chairman Denise Lebowitz Frank Maitland Ross Obermeyer MEMBERS ABSENT Ray Galloway GUESTS PRESENT Dr. Joe Farmer, Mayor Sally Terrell, ASA Liaison Don Seale, Resident STAFF PRESENT Rhoda Savage, Director of Parks and Recreation Sue Witkowski, Secretary �ImA li�Z� '77, 17a1;7 The meeting was called to order at 7:33 by Chairman Tom Clark. II. ITEMS OF INFORMATION a. Request to Appear by Mayor Joe Farmer PAGE 2 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 12, 1993 Mayor Joe Farmer began by expressing his appreciation to the Board for their allowing him to appear on the agenda but also for their diligent service to the community through their commitment to the Parks and Recreation Board. The Mayor emphasized the changing community in Allen, and that the time of testing the community would be faced in the near future. He indicated there would be many opportunities for fragmentation and that one way to combat that would be the firmer and more open communication from all entities. He indicated a sense of unity would be very importation and that the Park Board as the planners who put rules and regulations in place, along with recommending policy would continue to carry a very important role of responsibility. He applauded the Board's recent efforts to learn more about their role and them selves through Board Training Workshops. The Mayor emphasized three things he felt were of prime importance to the Board: 1) Use the tools you have (improve the tools if needed), and work on the barriers if they exist - but do not discard the tool. 2) In order to see things clearer - obtain everyone's opinion and view (other Board members, community members, staff, etc). 3) Make Board decisions based on what you feel best for the community. (Don't let opinions of Council and other entities sway you.) The Mayor then opened up the floor for questions from the Board members. Lonnie Thomas asked for clarification on how input should be made (through Staff or through Council). The Mayor responded that communication with both entities was very important. That staff should be communicated with on a regular basis, and that the Board's input to the Council was a very valuable asset. Denise Lebowitz inquired if there was a document in place that would best give direction to the Board as to where they should be going? The PAGE 3 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 12, 1993 Mayor responded by recommending the City of Allen Comprehensive Plan as an excellent place to begin. He emphasized studying the plan carefully, applying the policy, and recognizing that variances are a necessary part of negotiation. The Mayor referred the Board to a letter recorded in the minutes of February 24, 1993, from the Board to Rhoda Savage. The mayor applauded the communication and thought the letter reflected a great deal of thought, hard work, and insight on the part of the Board. He also referred to the minutes of February 9, 1993, at which meeting Jan Wray appeared representing the Boy Scouts to ask for permission to use Bethany Lakes Park for a day camp. The Mayor asked if that item was still on the Agenda or what the disposition had been. Staff indicated they were waiting for Mrs. Wray to get back with them regarding the use of the facility. Director Rhoda Savage indicated that she knew Mrs. Wray had been in touch with the Allen Police Department regarding the use of archery and bb guns on site. Meanwhile, the Board and Staff assured Mrs. Wray of every intent to work with her toward holding the camp at Bethany Lakes Park. Chairman Tom Clark thanked the Mayor for his taking the time to speak to the board and welcomed him at any meetings he would like to attend. b. Citizen Comments Mrs. Sally Terrell introduced herself as the Allen Sports Association (ASA) Liaison Officer and indicated her willingness to represent the ASA at all Park Board functions as well as reported briefly on a history of individual coaches and members of the ASA coming to the Board meetings expressing opinions and representing themselves as the ASA. The hope is that the creation of Liaison Officer will help improve communication between the Board and the ASA. C. Rhoda Savage indicating that a couple of items had been inadvertently left off the agenda, one of which was the introduction of the newly appointed Board members. Denise Lebowitz informed the Board that she was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, having spent recent years in Georgetown, Texas PAGE 4 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING ' APRIL 12, 1993 where she has served as the Secretary to the City Manager, Personnel Administrator, as well as part-time City Secretary. Denise reported she has a 4 year old son and is very interested in recreation and park facilities for his future in Allen and that she and her family expect to be here for a long time. Frank Maitland indicated he had lived in Allen for 25 years, and has three children, ages 13, 12 and 3. He has been involved in various capacities with the ASA and wanted to be involved with the changes that are going to be a part of Allen in the very near future. He indicated that his years with ASA had instilled a desire to have some input with the City boards and commissions. d. Director Rhoda Savage indicated that the other item left off of the agenda was the consideration of agenda topics for upcoming meetings. Following a brief discussion it was determined that the items should be looking toward the future of Allen, and the needs of the general public as well as the ASA. Rhoda suggested that the next meeting be devoted to concepts, visions of the future, brain storming, status of bonds from the 1985 Bond Election, as well as the next capital improvement program. Rhoda reminded the Board that the deadline for agenda item submission would be Monday, one week prior to the scheduled Park Board meeting. Ross Obermeyer suggested a future agenda item might be a grass clipping recycling program for Allen. e. Recycling Rebate Report Rhoda indicated that she had spoken with Michael Stanger and he had indicated his willingness to investigate the possibility of offering the public the option of turning their recycling rebate back to the City to fund parks programs. Michael was invited to tonight's meeting, but was unable to attend due to prior commitments. He will be getting back with the Director regarding this possibility. Lonnie Thomas indicated that he felt the Board could make a recommendation to Council regarding this suggested programming, and then allow staff to ;; develop the program. Following a brief discussion, it was decided that 1 PAGE 5 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 12, 1993 the recycling rebate item would be placed on future Parks and Recreation Board Agendas until resolution reached. Twin Creeks Schedule of Meetings Rhoda provided the board with the following schedule of meetings regarding the Twin Creeks Development in Allen: DATE TIME PLACE MEETING April 15 7:30 pm City Council Public Hearing with Allen Tuesday Night July 13 Chambers City Council April 19 7:00 pm City Council Workshop with City Chambers Council April 27 7:00 pm City Council Tentative (Workshop) Chambers May 6 7:30 pm City Council Vote on Case by City Chambers Council Chairman Tom Clark requested staff provide the Board members with a written summary of each of the above meetings. Rhoda agreed to do that as well as send a copy of the agenda to Parks and Recreation Board members. Ross Obermeyer suggested that as many Board members as possible should make an effort to attend the above workshops. g. Rhoda provided the Board with a copy of the proposed Parks and Recreation Board meeting dates which are as follows: DATE TIME DAYS May 10 7:30 pm Monday Night June 15 7:30 pm Tuesday Night July 13 7:30 pm Tuesday Night August 10 7:30 pm Tuesday Night PAGE 6 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 12, 1993 September 13 7:30 pm Monday Night October 11 7:30 pm Monday Night h. Distribute Packets for Architect Selection Committee Rhoda provided Lonnie Thomas and Ross Obermeyer with copies of the three architectural firms requested to submit proposals for the Allen Recreation Center as well as the Primary Facility at Bethany Lakes Park. She asked that the committee members be available on April 30, during the day for the interviews with the firms. Lonnie requested a meeting with staff prior to the interviews and Rhoda indicated that would be a good idea. H. ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION a. Approval of Minutes Regular Called Meeting, February 9, 1993 Special Called Meeting, February 24, 1993 Following a brief discussion regarding memo from the Board to Rhoda from the February 24, 1993, meeting, it was determined that the final draft of that memo would be attached to this evenings's minutes rather than replace the one from February 24. MOTION: Ross Obermeyer moved to accept the minutes as presented, and Frank Maitland seconded. The motion carried 6 for, 0 against. The final copy of that memo is as follows: TO: RHODA SAVAGE, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION FROM: CITY OF ALLEN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SUBJECT: TWIN CREEKS PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 9 (INCLUDING THE GREEN AND WHISENANT TRACT) PAGE 7 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 12, 1993 DATE: FEBRUARY 24 1993 Our Board has had the distinct privilege of consulting with the Planning and Zoning Commission concerning Parks and Recreation issues related to this large and complex planned development. This has been a challenge for us and we have certainly developed a deep respect for the Planning and Zoning Commission and the task it encounters. The Boards primary objectives in regard to this planned development have been developed after careful consideration of the City Land Acquisition Policy, Linear Greenbelt Park Study, Allen Comprehensive Plan and Park Open Space and Land Dedication Ordinances. In response to the proponents request, the Board objectives include: • Assurance of the integrity of the Linear Park system (including extensive public access to Watters and Rowlett Creek) • Protection of the Rowlett/Watters Creek corridor • Assurance of readily accessible neighborhood parks within the development (a combination of public parks and private recreation areas) • That planned actions are taken by the City of Allen to assure a public community park of 50-75 acres to be developed in the northwest quadrant of Allen (The Community Park site is requested along the west side of Rowlett Creek, North of Rowlett Road.) Though not always apparent, we have maintained an underlying premise that these objectives can be achieved and mutually benefit the developers and the current and future citizens of Allen. We feel the developers latest plans, presented to the Commission on February 18, '; are very close to satisfying all Board concerns. The developers should Page 8 February 24, 1993 be complimented for their sincere efforts to develop a community that is reflective of our city's strategic plans. We feel the following recommendations will result in substantial if not complete satisfaction of the Board objectives previously identified. Concerning Linear Parks, the Board has recognized the reality and necessity of a privately owned publicly accessible golf course to the development. We feel the golf course and continuity of the Rowlett Creek Linear Park system can co -exist. The developer has made extensive adjustments to reach this end. The developer's latest proposal provides public access to significant portions of Rowlett Creek via a "hike and bike" trail. However, the golf course design includes fairways on the interior of the East and West Branches of Rowlett Creek. In these areas the current proposal depicts an 8' path that would run parallel to the fairways and serve dual purposes of a golf course path and a "hike and bike" trail. As the developer has frequently pointed out, it is not desirable to have this situation of dual usage due to safety concerns. The Parks and Recreation Board recommends, in order of desirability, that dialogue be pursued with the developer to: 1) Design a golf course layout that does not have fairways in the interior "v" formed by the East and West Branches of Rowlett Creek; or 2) Have separate and distinct pathways for golf carts and "hike/bike" purposes consistent with the Linear Park Study "buffer" recommendation. Regarding neighborhood parks, the planned development utilization of public parks and private recreation areas posed a unique challenge to the Board. The City's Park Dedication Ordinance is silent concerning "private" neighborhood parks. The Comprehensive Plan does recognize the potential for the occurrence. The Allen Parks and Recreation Board recognizes that the developments proposed private recreation areas do in part offset the need for public neighborhood parks. Also, private parks are developed and maintained at no cost to the City. The proper mixture of public parks and private recreational areas can be achieved. As proposed February 18th, the following �1 mixture is summarized: Ei`9Y� Public Park Land: I Page 9 February 24, 1993 7.6 Acres (Adjacent to 33.3 acres of greenbelt) north of Fast Branch of Rowlett Creek 10.0 Acres (Whisenant Tract) 5.0 Acres (Green and Twin Creek Tracts) 4.5, 2.5, and 4.8 Acres These park dedications are along Watters Creek. They are connected by 31.8 acres of floodplain not including an 11.5 acre elementary school site and floodplain previously dedicated in Raintree Estates. 34.4 Acres of public park land that may satisfy neighborhood park requirements Private Recreation Areas - no public access: 28.3 Acres East side of golf course along FM2170 11.1 Acres West side of golf course along FM2170 10.0 Acres Recreation Area (site not specified) Private passive recreation areas with public access: The developer proposes via "alternative transportation routes" public access to significant portions of the interior "v" formed by the East and West Branches of Rowlett Creek. The Board recommends the following regarding Public Neighborhood Parks/Private recreation areas: Assurance of the 10 acres Private recreation area (site not specified) proposed February 18th 2. Public access be assured and accommodated adjacent to the public dedicated parks, i.e., on or off street parking.) These areas are beautiful and utilization by all citizens is desirable. Page 10 February 24, 1993 The Board recognizes the development's private recreation areas may offset demands for neighborhood parks. However, the offset to Community Park needs will be minimal. There is an ever increasing need for additional Public Community Parks in Allen. The Comprehensive Plan recognizes the need for community recreation facilities (i.e., Community Park) within the area of this development. In addition, the existing zoning for this area anticipated this need by designating approximately 200 acres for "Community Facility", whether it would be public golf course, public open space or similar. In contrast, the developer's proposal eliminates this needed community park from this entire area of development. In the Planning and Zoning Commission's review of park relayed issues, please be reminded that although other similar private developments in other cities have worked, the Twin Creeks Development is encompassing approximately 25% of the entire land mass of the City of Allen. We feel this is a very important item of consideration (especially in relation to a Community Park) as there may not be another development large enough to include a future Community Park in the remainder of the northwest quadrant of Allen. Therefore, you can easily see why a Community Park within the area of this development is crucial to the future planning and future citizens of Allen. As reflected in one of the proponents presentations to the Parks and Recreation Board, an ideal site for athletic fields would be a parcel of land along Rowlett Road, West of Rowlett Creek, located in the developers Tract 34-A. We request that half of the potential community park be reserved through zoning on land owned by the proponents adjacent to the area they consider to be an "ideal ballfield site". Golf Course location - along Rowlett Creek: The 200 acre golf course area will be privately owned and operated with public access allowed. The Board considers this use appropriate and economically feasible to the City. Therefore, the Board considers use of the land as a golf course acceptable. In Closing, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes that it is an "advisory" board only. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to provide input concerning this development. We look forward to providing additional information as needed to assist staff, the Planning P Page 11 February 24, 1993 and Zoning Commission and members of the Allen City Council in making decisions for the betterment of all Allen residents. We wish you well in your deliberations. cc: Jon McCarty, City Manager Bill Petty, Director of Community Development b. Request to Appear by Mr. Don Seale on Behalf of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Regarding a Fund liaising Activity on Saturday, May 15 Mr. Don Seale, resident of Allen, has volunteered to coordinate a fund raising effort for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. He requested the use of the hike and bike trail as well as the pavilion at Ford Park for Saturday, May 15, 1993. It was determined that Mr. Seale might contact the school district regarding use of their property in addition to the City's property. Mr. Seale was questioned as to the number of adult sponsors that would be on site around the trail and Mr. Seale assured the Board an ample number would be on hand at the site to monitor and support the riders (of which he is expecting 35-40 riders). Mr. Seale provided the Board with a map of the intended use area, along with a waiver of liability that each parent must fill out before allowing their child to participate. MOTION: Lonnie Thomas moved to approve the usage of Ford Park bike trail and pavilion for Mr. Don Seale to hold the bike-a-thon event on May 15, 1993 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ross Obermeyer seconded, and the motion carried 6 for, 0 against. IV. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m. These minutes read and approved this 15th day of June, 1993. Tom Clark, Chairman 'm aldbauer, Secretary