06-26-2017 MinutesSCHERTZ PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING: June 26 2017
Minutes
LOCATION: 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas
Bob Andrews Conference Room in City Hall
Board Members present: Johnie McDow, Chairman, Jim Fowler, Sally Macias, Phillip Rowland,
Robert Sheridan, Floy Simmons and Ron Washington.
Staff present: Brian James, Executive Director Development Services, Chuck Van Zandt, Parks
Director, Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Lauren Shrum, Assistant Director, Parks,
Recreation and Community Services and Sandy Bryant, Sr. Administrative Assistant.
Others present: Mr. Fred Archer.
Call to order. Meeting was called to order by Mr. Johnie McDow, Chairman at 5:32 p.m.
Hearing of residents:
There were no residents to be heard.
Regular Agenda:
Agenda Item No. 1. Minutes. Consideration and /or action regarding the approval of the minutes from
the April 24, 2017 regular meeting.
Motion was made to approve the minutes from the April 24, 2017 Schertz Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board regular meeting.
Motion: Sally Macias
Second: Phillip Rowland
Ayes: Sally Macias, Phillip Rowland, Johnie McDow, Chairman, Jim Fowler, Robert Sheridan,
Floy Simmons and Ronald Washington.
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Approved: 7 -0
Agenda Item No. 2. Naming of No -Name Park. Mr. Chuck VanZandt briefed the board on a request by
the Mayor and City Council to name No -Name Park the Earl Sawyer Park. Advisory Board discussed
the naming policies of the City and the Advisory Board and the Parks Department internal policy on
naming parks based on geographical, historical or ecological references. The Advisory Board felt that
honoring Mr. Sawyer was a great idea but that No -Name Park was not the appropriate place. In addition
the Advisory Board stated all parks named in honor of something or someone should have a plaque
stating a history or reason behind the name. The Advisory Board recommended the postponement of the
naming of No -Name Park to the next Advisory Board meeting allowing Staff to bring back additional
name recommendations.
Motion was made to postpone the naming of No -Name Park until the next Advisory Board meeting so
staff could bring back some appropriate name recommendations.
Motion: Floy Simmons
Second: Jim Fowler
Ayes: Floy Simmons, Jim Fowler, Johnie McDow, Chairman, Sally Macias, Phillip Rowland,
Robert Sheridan and Ronald Washington.
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Approved: 7 -0
Agenda Item No. 3. Unmanned Aerial Systems Discussion Mr. Brian James, Mr. Van Zandt and Ms.
Lauren Shrum updated the Advisory Board on the issue of use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in City
Parks. Mr. James noted that in accordance with the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) with Randolph AFB
that all Unmanned Aerial Systems use within the base fly zone requires prior notification, coordination
and proper paperwork filled out to fly Unmanned Aerial Systems. Mr. James also noted that there are
no City of Schertz Parks suited to the flying of Unmanned Aerial Systems. Ms. Lauren Shrum advised
the Advisory Board that National Recreation and Parks has advised park and recreation departments that
there are safety issues regarding losing control of the systems and causing injuries to someone or
something.
Advisory Board made a motion to have the Staff create a policy to submit to City Council for no flying
of Unmanned Aerial Systems in City Parks unless prior approval has been obtained.
Motion: Floy Simmons
Second: Ron Washington
Ayes: Floy Simmons, Ron Washington, Johnie McDow, Chairman, Jim Fowler, Sally Macias,
Robert Sheridan and Ronald Washington.
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Approved: 7 -0
Agenda Item No. 4. Parks Advisory Board Parks Tours. Mr. Van Zandt and Ms. Shrum briefed the
Advisory Board that the Parks Tours were a huge success and plans are to continue doing them
periodically. The tours were very informative, the parks department received a lot of feedback about
issues of accessibility at some parks, maintenance that needs to be conducted. Members noted that
people in the neighborhoods came and discussed issues with the group as well. No action was taken on
this item.
Agenda Item No. 5. Committee of Committees Advisory Board (CCAB) Update. Mr. James updated
the Advisory Board on the last CCAB meeting. The committee discussed the use of the City sports
complexes in regards to tournaments and noted the primary use of the complexes should be for youth, to
provide leagues so all children can participate. They can continue to incorporate tournaments whenever
possible. The Committee also focused on how the City communicates out to citizens and doing so in a
timely manner. Mr. James noted that personnel on the Committee who had attended the Parks tours
were surprised at how many parks the City has and was really helpful to go out and see them.
Requests and Announcements:
Agenda Item No. 6. Request by Advisory Board Chairman and Board members for items to be placed
on a future Board agenda. The Advisory Board requested the following items be included on future
agendas:
• Name for No -Name Park.
• Park Foundation Update.
Agenda Item No. 7. Announcements by Advisory Board Chairman and members Chairman McDow
briefed the Advisory Board that the final baseball tournament would be Friday June 30- Sunday, July 2,
2017. The regional tournament will include 58 -60 teams. The swim team will be hosting two meets this
year. Mr. Van Zandt and Ms. Shrum briefed the Advisory Board that July is Parks and Recreation
month and the Parks Department is hosting the "Coolest Seat in the House" at the Pickrell Park Pool on
July 4"' from 6 -1Opm. The May Jazz Music in the Park was a great evening of family fun and music in
the park. The June Pirate Pool Party were was a huge success, the YMCA opened the pool for a free
swim and there were crafts and a pirate ship hayride. The Parks Department was approved for a
$1,158,260.00 grant for pedestrian routes and bike lanes from the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization Transportation Alternatives Program. The next Advisory Board meeting will be July 24,
2017.
Adiournment: Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:51p.m.
Motion: Floy Simmons
Second: Phillip Rowland
Ayes: Floy Simmons, Phillip Rowland, Johnie McDow, Chairman, Jim Fowler, Sally Macias,
Robert Sheridan and Ronald Washington
Nays: None
Abstains: None
Approved: 7 -0
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Vick@= Chairman, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recording Se etary, Cit of Schertz