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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Parks and Recreation Board - 2006 - 11/13 - RegularMINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2006 PARB MEMBERS PRESENT Ben Ferguson, Chair Cheryl Lawson, Vice -Chair Gary Alan Moore Vicki Wester Todd McIntosh, Secretary John Kelley Libby Jones MEMBERS ABSENT None STAFF PRESENT Tim Dentler, Director of Parks and Recreation Lori Smeby, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Bristow, Landscape Architect Robert Townsend, Park Services Manager Carrie Cessna, Recreation Services Manager Will Mitchell, Athletic Supervisor Shaine Power, Youth Center Supervisor Shawn Mosley, Marketing Coordinator Sue Witkowski, Senior Administrative Assistant GUESTS Joey Herald, Former Parks Board Member 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCE A QUORUM IS PRESENT Chair Ben Ferguson called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm and announced a quorum was present. Page 2 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting November 13, 2006 2. INTRODUCTION OF NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD MEMBER, LIBBY JONES Tim Derider welcomed Libby to the Park Board. Libby indicated she has lived in Allen for 4 years, and been involved with the Capital Improvement Subcommittee process, as well as her local home owners association and is excited to be part of the Parks Board. 3. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES Tim Dentler presented Former Park Board Member, Joey Herald with a certificate of appreciation and thanked him for his years of service to the Park Board and his dedication to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Tim indicated that Joey will still be active with the Department in his new role as a member of the Allen Parks Foundation. 4. CITIZENS COMMENTS INone were received. 5. APPROVE MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 9, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MOTION: Cheryl Lawson moved to accept the minutes from October 9, 2006 Regular Park Board Meeting as presented. Todd McIntosh seconded, and the motion carried 6 for, 0 against. 6. THE EDGE (a) ALLEN STATION PARK Carrie Cessna gave a brief report on the Edge at Allen Station Park and indicated the continued youth center and park participation by residents and non-residents. Carrie indicated a great awareness is being generated through park events like "Go Skate Day", "Skate Chaos", and youth sporting events. The average for youth center traffic is 745.6 users per month as tracked over the past 10 months. Carrie reported that with the new supervisor, efforts will continue to increase traffic and memberships through fresh new program ideas (Youth Center Lock In, March 9; King of the Court dodge ball tournament, May 4; Edge Christmas Break Bash, December 22.) Page 3 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting November 13, 2006 1 Staff reported that security cameras are still planned to be installed at this facility, and that the Community Development Corporation funding should be available later this quarter. 7. PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP REPORT Tim Dentler reported having begun very early conversations regarding the possibility of a private entity building an athletic facility on City property Tim reported that the site currently being considered for such a venture would be the Hillside Ball Field area on Main Street at Fountain Gate. The private entity exploring this opportunity with the City of Allen has recently successfully built two such facilities in other cities in the metro-plex. This would likely entail the private entity leasing the property from the City of Allen with an eventual share in the profits to the City Tim just wanted to provide preliminary information, pending further developments. He reiterated that this was very early in the planning stage. 8. CHASE OAKS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE Brian Bristow reported on the progress of work being done at Chase Oaks (enclosing the open-air patio area.) Brian reported having worked with the City of Plano to obtain the proper building permits, and once complete, this facility will have new carpet, will be enclosed, HVAC, lighting fixtures and will have an approximate capacity of 200-250 people. Staff projects this space being made available for private rentals, parties and expanded serving capacity once completed. 9. HOLIDAY ACTIVITES Carrie Cessna and Shawn Mosley updated the Board with by presenting various opportunities for activities during the upcoming weeks, which will include: December 1 - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2 - Rudolph Run December 3 - The Allen Rotary Christmas Parade December 6 - Shop in Allen Sleigh Ride December 7 - Swim with Santa December 9 - Holiday Tea December 13, 14 and 15 - Lunch with Santa December 15 - Texas Style Christmas Lunch December 22 - The Edge Christmas Break Bash Page 4 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting November 13, 2006 December 23 - Santa Shop and Kid Drop 10. DISCUSSION ON BOARD WORK PLAN Tim Dentler provided a brief background on his recent trip to Seattle for the National Recreation and Park Association annual convention. Some of the seminars Tim attended while there provided new insights and ideas into Board participation at various levels. Tim also reported that the Board will begin the process of updating the Board Work Plan originally written in 2000, and updated annually Tim indicated this process would begin after the first of the year, and would involve more than an update this year, possibly involving some changes, new focus, and new assignments Some possibilities mentioned were representation at various boards and commissions meetings, such as Collin County Open Space Committee, Allen Sports Association, neighboring cities Park Boards, etc. Tim indicated the agenda format for the Parks Board meetings would likely see some restructuring at the same time. Tim also mentioned that in the future, all of the Parks and Recreation division heads would not be attending the Park Board meetings, but would be invited quarterly to attend and offer a report on their division. 11. ITEMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS DICUSSION A. Around the Horn - Board Members Todd McIntosh inquired as to whether staff had any updated information on the water restrictions in Allen. Cheryl Lawson reported on having attended the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) regional conference on Friday and after attending some of the seminars, would like to see staff investigate offering courses specifically for handicapped children/adults. She indicated that Allen had grown to the point that these offerings would likely find an audience. Cheryl also inquired about pencils and cards being available in the golf carts, and water being available at more holes at Chase Oaks. Vicki Wester indicating also having attended the TRAPS regional on Friday and attending an interesting seminar on lightening and the detection, policies in place regarding outdoor playing facilities. Guy Moore agreed with Cheryl about the progressive thinking regarding course offerings and suggested that along with special needs Page 5 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting November 13, 2006 1 courses/athletic opportunities. Likely some courses based on ethnic diversity in our community would be well received. B. Subcommittee Reports Todd McIntosh reported that the Senior Advisory Committee had not met this month. 8. OTHER BUSINESS Capital Projects Landscape Architect, Brian Bristow referred the Board to the map provided in their packet, along with a list of current projects. Brian fielded specific questions from Board members in particular regarding those project which had either been postponed, or re -vamped due to the continuing water restrictions/drought situation. TAAF Tournament Athletic Supervisor, Will Mitchell made a presentation that reflects the efforts going into a City bid for a state tournament. Allen, McKinney and Frisco are jointly hosting an upcoming fast -pitch tournament that will involve approximately 180-190 teams. These teams will utilize approximately 8 fields in Allen, 16 fields in McKinney and 8-10 fields in Frisco. All cities will benefit from the influx of families traveling with these teams for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday tournament Annual Boards and Commissions Dinner - December 8, 2006 Board members were reminded to put December 8, 2006 on their calendars for the Annual Dinner to be hosted at the Allen Senior Recreation Center this year. Staff Updates - Employee Appointments/Updates Carrie Cessna introduced Shaine Power, newly promoted Supervisor for the Youth Center. Carrie indicated Shaine had been working for the City of Allen for three years as a Recreational Specialist, and is brining many fresh programming ideas to the Youth Center as well as the Edge. Tim also reported on Shaine and Will Mitchell's role in bringing Disc Golf to Allen. Director Updates Director, Tim Dentler updated the Board on Bethany Lakes Park and the report of lead pellets in the northeast comer of that property Tim reminded the Board that the property was a rod and gun club at the time of purchase. Tim reported that Page 6 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting November 13, 2006 very preliminary testing of the soil/water at this facility reports elevated levels of lead, but likely can be handled with normal remediation procedures. Tim also suggested the cancellation of the December 2006 Park Board meeting since so many opportunities were on the calendar for December Park Board involvement. MOTION: Gary Moore moved to cancel the December 2006 Park and Recreation Board Meeting. John Kelley cancelled, and the Motion carried 7 for, 0 against. 10. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9pm. These minutes read and approved this 8th day of January, 2007 Ben Ferguson, Chair Todd McIntosh, Secretary