9-28-2020 MinutesSCHERTZ PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
DATE & TIME: Monday, September 28, 2020; 5:30 PM
LOCATION: 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz TX — Schertz Civic Center Bluebonnet Hall
Board Members Present: Reginna Agee; Sally Macias; Floy Simmons; Shawn Moore; Jamie Acevedo, Carol
Yauger, Kimberly Smith
Staff Present: Lauren Shrum, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; Brian James,
Assistant City Manager; Mary Spence, Parks Board Liaison; Michelle Yang, Parks Events Specialist
Others Present: John Sullivan
Call to order: Meeting was called to order by Ms. Lauren Shrum at 5:37 PM.
Hearing of residents: None
Regular Agenda:
Agenda Item No. 1. Minutes: Consideration and /or action regarding the approval of the minutes from
July 27, 2020 meeting.
Motion to approve the August 24, 2020 minutes as recorded of the Schertz Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board regular meeting:
Motion: Shawn Moore Second: Sally Macias
Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 Abstains: 0
Approved: Yes
Agenda Item No 2. Update 2020 Event Changes COVID -19:
Ms. Spence provided an update on the 2020 calendar of events during the COVID -19 pandemic.
Events held: Polar Bear Plunge, Daddy- Daughter Dance, Kick Cancer 5K, two Movies in the Park - Couple's
Retreat and Frozen
Events modified: Sweetheart Court Scholarship Program and Jubilee became virtual events. Court
applicants used Zoom Meetings for training, interviews during selection process and for the Library's
Princess Readings; and Dropbox for sharing recorded talent and TED Talk videos. Movies in the Park:
Trolls, Toy Story 4, A Dog's Journey became Curbside Crafts; Paws in the Pool and Dunkin for Pumpkins
had smaller attendance requirements; Trunk -or -Treat became A SPOOKY Social (Distanced)
Events canceled -Music in the Park (two), Movin on Main, National Watermelon Day
Events created —Virtual photo contests, Escape Room challenges, Driveway Chalk -Art Contests
Ms. Shrum offered thanks to Ms. Spence and Ms. Yang for their work on the many changes provided to
keep programming available.
Agenda Item No. 3 Hilltop / Homestead Park Development:
Board members R. Sheridan and S. Moore joined Ms. Shrum in meeting with the Fairhaven HOA to discuss
acquisition of 21 acres adjacent to Hilltop Park to further enhance the space. The current site has great
views to New Braunfels and offers opportunities for an overlook, pond and fishing pier, picnic pavilions,
art features, nature -based playscapes, and multi -use trails. Residents are in favor of nature -based growth
in the Parks area. The addition of the acreage helps utilize the value of the land as leverage for grant
funding. To transform the property, funds from grants, parks bond reserves, and in -kind
labor /partnerships can be allocated.
The team plans to meet with the Links @ Scenic Hills HOA to request acquisition of additional adjoining
land to further enhance the project.
enda Item No.4 FY 2020 -2021 Budget and Projects:
Ms. Shrum shared the location of the approved 2020 -2021 FY budget, which became effective October 1,
2020, on the City website and also highlighted the changes expected in some documents /programs. An
update is planned for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Unified Development Code, Parks Master Plan,
Tree Mitigation Ordinance, and the Parkland Dedication Ordinance. Each of these is several years old and
are due for the update to keep up with changes in City needs.
Ms. Shrum shared a 10 -year projected list of projects for Parks /Trails with costs (see attached
presentation); Staffing Study highlights that re- organized non -park properties to other departments;
status of projects at Pickrell Park Pool, Pickrell Park Plumbing, North Trail Section, Thulemeyer Park face-
lift, Crescent Bend Entry Access; and Ashley Park upgrades.
Using funds from previous Bonds, shade structures are being added at the McDow Sports Complex fields
5 -7. Viewing bleachers will now all have shade structures; further enhancing the complex.
In the planning stages are a Community Circle Master Plan and Loop Trail at Hallie's Cove Park.
The recurring $235,000 was used in 2019 -2020 to complete many of the small projects on the
maintenance list. An additional $150,000 is available to Parks for Capital Improvement Projects in FY 2020-
2021; these funds will be used for the larger projects on the list.
Benda Item No.5 Status of Northcliffe Golf Course Property:
Mr. James provided some history of the golf course. It was constructed when the development occurred
as a private course. It has changed hands several times and falls under unique circumstances. The current
owner closed the business. Residents are concerned about maintenance and future development.
The City has considered a purchase option and finds it is not a viable solution to keep the property as a
golf course. Golf has seen a participation decline in recent years; there are several courses within a short
distance for those who actively play. Universal City subsidizes the course as part of their yearly budget.
The cost to operate vs the revenue generated is unbalanced.
The City will continue to meet with developers and consider all options. Feedback will be gathered as part
of the Parks Master Plan update.
Agenda Item No.6 Future Joint Meetine with Schertz Citv Council:
The proposed October meeting date is not available; will move to November. Discussion occurred on
which issues to share with Council; topics included:
Fundraising — what options are available? HOA dollar match; one -cent increase to sales tax; one - dollar
addition to monthly water bills; specific fundraisers.
Regional Park Development — goals are to create diverse, usable, open space for families and visitors.
Trail Development— local trails are small and short in distance. Families need to travel out of the City to
find longer trails to utilize. Good work is being done on Main St. With proper development, regional parks
can blend well with a trail system. The opportunities are ripe in Schertz, need to dedicate staff to making
it happen.
Staffing — number of staff is not adequate for the projected plans. Much of staff time is spent on
maintenance, leaving little time for development.
A plan for the joint session will be created to include conceptual maps of infrastructure, Parks Master
Plan, Community involvement (partnerships) and recommendations.
Agenda Item No. 7 Requests for future agendas:
None
Announcements by Advisory Board Chairman and Members:
None
Announcements by City Staff:
October issue of Schertz Magazine will feature an article on future trails in Schertz.
Adiournment: Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 PM.
Motion: Shawn Moore Second: Carol Yauger
Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Abstains: 0
Approved: Meeting closed.
Chari /Vice- Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recording Secretary, City of Schertz