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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Parks and Recreation Board - 1999 - 03/08 - RegularMINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MARCH 8, 1999 - 7 P.M. PARB MEMBERS PRESENT Jim Waldbauer, Chair Anne Campbell, Secretary Kevin Pierce, Vice -Chair Dan Turner Cheri Jones Mike Rippe MEMBERS ABSENT Laurelle Zamparelli GUESTS PRESENT None STAFF PRESENT Don Horton, Director Larry Kirk, Athletic Superintendent Sandy McGowan, Recreation Superintendent Sue Witkowski, Secretary PRE -MEETING WORKSHOP: I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Jim Waldbauer called the meeting to order at 7.00 p.m II. QUESTIONS ON CURRENT AGENDA No questions were brought forth at this time. Page 2 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 8, 1999 III. OPEN FORUM Alternative Transportation Chairman Waldbauer reviewed with the Board Members, the Bikeway Technical Assistance Project developed by the North Central Texas Council of Governments in 1995. Following a brief discussion on the use of bike lanes on major thoroughfares, as compared to recreational hike and bike trails, Jim reported that this plan was never adopted by City Council. Jim reported that there was a call for projects coming up in April, with project applications due in August. It was pointed out that the use of old railroad beds has produced wonderful hike and bike trails in other areas. It was also questioned as to whether the new street projects being proposed in the upcoming CIP could be made wider to accommodate bike lanes. Don reported that City Council was once again considering this proposed plan for the City of Allen REGULAR MEETING - 7:40 P.M. IV. APPROVE MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 15, 1999, SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Chairman Jim Waldbauer requested that the individuals appearing at the Public Meeting be listed as a matter of record in these minutes. MOTION: Anne Campbell moved to approve the Minutes as amended, Cheri Jones seconded, and the Motion carried 6 for, 0 against. V. CITIZENS COMMENTS There were no citizens wishing to speak to the Board at this time. y VI. AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES/APPOINTMENTS BRICK COMMITTEE Page 3 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 8, 1999 Don Horton reported that this committee did not meet this month, but that staff is considering the redesign of this facility Don indicated that the City wanted to look at all their options regarding Bolin Park, and while he felt it might still be a very good idea to sell memorial bricks, maybe that could be done on a larger scale at another facility that was not strictly an athletic complex. VII. DEPARTMENT/PROJECT UPDATES A. MUSTANG CREEK Director, Don Horton reported that he, along with the City Engineer, George Conner had met with the Corp of Engineers last week to present the proposal for both the north and south portions of Mustang Creek Don reported that a copy of the proposal for the southern portion had been left with the Corp, and that this information, along with information supplied by the City Engineer would give them enough data to supply a clearance to proceed with the Mustang Creek project. Don felt the Corp may wrap the two projects into one and give approval. Following a brief discussion on the proposal for the northern portion, it was explained that part of the reason for the need to redo the north end involved the homes which are required to have flood insurance, and which are in the 100 year Floodplain. With the proposed work, the floodplain would be lowered significantly along this area. B. ALLEN STATION PARK - MASTER PLAN Don reviewed with the Board that CASPER (Committee for Allen Station Planning Education and Recreation) had met twice on this Master Plan, and that it had been adopted by City Council. Don reported that the Train Depot proposed by Leadership Allen received funding approval from the Allen Community Development Corporation Board, and will become the property of the City of Allen upon completion. This facility will be used to sell tickets from, as well as rented out to the public. Don pointed out the location of a "youth center" that would be comprised of a 20,000 square foot skateboard park, covered basketball pavilion, as well as two in-line hockey rinks. Don reported that the planned lake would be a 4.5 -acre facility and could handle non -motorized boats. He indicated that it would a man-made lake, and would be fed from well water Don pointed Page 4 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 8, 1999 out that a maintenance facility would be contained in the western part of the facility He also indicated that the previously discussed orchard area is now planned to be a 7 -acre arboretum. This area would contain sand volleyball pits as well as picnic tables and parking. Don pointed out that additional parking for this facility was under construction at this time from the High School Tennis Court area. Concern was expressed by several Board members that this is still not adequate for the number of visitors expected. Don agreed, and explained further that should the City Natatorium be built at Rivercrest and Exchange as is currently proposed, that would offer an additional 200 parking spaces. C. NATATORIUM The Board was presented with schematic drawings of the proposed facility, and Don briefly presented the history on the facility and funding currently available. Don reported that the Allen Independent School District (AISD) has agreed to share in the funding of construction on this facility, but the City of Allen would own and operate it upon completion. AISD has agreed to a fund the $4.3 million, or 50% of full cost, which ever is less, and has also agreed to sell to the City (at their cost) land to put the natatorium on. The City has agreed to allow the High School Swim Team to work out, practice, train and hold meets in this facility for up to 30 years. Don reported that the City is very pleased with the agreement, and anxious to move forward. Upon reviewing the drawings, it was suggested that the facility might need a much larger seating area than the one currently proposed. Don indicated that the opportunities for parties, private rentals, and other recreational opportunities would be an asset to the facility and offer avenues for the City to recapture some of the costs. D. ALLEN USA CELEBRATION Sandy McGowan made a brief presentation showing the promotional packet and video being used to solicit corporate funding for this event. She also reported that she had received $3,000 from Lyrick Corporation toward this event. Page 5 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 8, 1999 VIII. OPEN SPACE GRANTS - DON HORTON Don Horton and Jim Waldbauer reported on the Collin County Bond Package that has been approved by the voters. Don indicated that within this package, there is $5 million earmarked for open space, and that Collin County is looking for projects. Jim reported that he had been contacted by a Collin County Commissioner regarding a project proposal for purchase of land. Don suggested that the purchase of property along Rowlett Creek area in northwest Allen might be the best opportunity for the City of Allen, with the possibility of some matching funding rather than asking for 100% Jim reported that there was a committee meeting this coming Thursday night to decide the process for proposals Jim suggested this meeting, it might be a good idea for the Board to utilize a portion of their next meeting laying the groundwork for a submission. IX. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - SANDY MCGOWAN Sandy McGowan informed the Board that funding had been made available through the Allen Community Development Corporation Board to fund a series of concerts in the park for this summer Sandy informed the Board that she was working with the City of Lewisville to learn of their similar program, and that these would begin the week following the Allen USA Celebration, and be held at the amphitheater at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center X. GUIDELINES FOR USE OF BETHANY LAKES AMPHITHEATER Sandy McGowan requested the above two items be combined into one, and began by informing the Board that a series of 5-6 summer concerts were being planned for the Bethany Lakes Amphitheater. Sandy indicated that the Allen Community Development Corporation Board had approved funding for this series, and that staff is considering the hiring of an outside firm to manage this series. She explained that it could start prior to the Allen USA Celebration, but that more than likely it would be better to have it during the weeks following (July 4 - August 7). In addition, Sandy had obtained copies of policies governing amphiteathers from the cities of Lewisville, and College Station. Sandy also had a draft of a policy being compiled for the Bethany Lakes Amphitheater. Following a brief discussion, the Board members requested that staff put Page 6 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting March 8, 1999 together a draft policy for their review and return to them at the next regular meeting. Cheri Jones cautioned staff that whomever the used either a management company or working directly with performers, it is important that the City obtain a certificate of insurance, naming the City as an additional insured X. SELF-EVALUATION - Kevin Pierce Kevin Pierce performed the self-evaluation, and deemed all areas covered satisfactorily Laurette Zamparelli will perform the next evaluation. XI. ITEMS OF INTEREST Don Horton provided the members of the Board with a recommendation list done by the CIP steering committee and passed along to City Council. Jim Waldbauer informed the Board that the wrap-up would be done this Thursday evening (March 16, 1999, 7 p.m., at Ford Middle School) XIII. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m. These minutes read and approved this 12" of April 1999 T aldbauer, Chairman Anne Campbell, Secretary