11-16-2020SCHERTZ PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
DATE & TIME: November 16,2020; 5:30 PM
LOCATION: 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz TX — Schertz Civic Center Bluebonnet Hall
Board Members Present: Johnie McDow, Chairman; William Bosch, Vice Chairman; Floy Simmons; Shawn
Moore; James Garvin; Carol Yauger; Jaime Acevedo
Staff Present: Lauren Shrum, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; Brian James,
Assistant City Manager; Charles Kelm, Assistant City Manager; Mary Spence, Parks Board Liaison
Others Present: Deseret Dawkins, YMCA Aquatics Director
Call to order: Meeting was called to order by Mr. McDow at 5:38 PM.
Hearing of residents: None
Regular Agenda
:
Agenda Item No. 1. Minutes: Consideration and /or action regarding the approval of the minutes from
September 28, 2020 meeting.
Motion to approve the September 28, 2020 minutes as recorded of the Schertz Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board regular meeting:
Motion: Shawn Moore Second: James Garvin
Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 Abstains: 0
Approved: Yes
Agenda Item No 2. Discussion regarding the upcoming joint meeting with Schertz City Council:
Parks Board will hold a joint meeting with City Council to present a vision for parks projects. The joint
meeting will have socially distant protocols in place.
Ms. Shrum presented slides for consideration of possible agenda items /topics: Overview of Parks
Department; Priorities of Citizens; Priorities of Parks & Recreation Board; Facility Contracts; Funding
Options; Use of Contractors /Partnerships.
Changes that have occurred to date in the department:
1. Transfer of responsibility /funds (phase 1) for non -park properties to Public Works /Facilities
Maintenance — Baldwin Complex, Fire Station 2, Fire Station 3, Commercial Place.
2. Phase 2 (Schertz Parkway, Legacy Oaks, Country Club Blvd, Hubertus Rd) and Phase 3 (Library,
Recreation Center, Aquatics Center, Senior Center) will transfer in future.
Progress to date:
Safety and maintenance of current inventory is the priority. The parks team is also focused on aesthetics,
ADA compliance, and the addition of new parks and trails.
Top priorities of citizens:
1. Parks Master Plan update - trails, open spaces, fitness trails with exercise options
2. Customer satisfaction rating —significant improvement from 47% down to 22% who feel Parks are
not at their best.
Top priorities of the Parks & Recreation Board:
Trails —
1. Pedestrian Routes & Bike Lane project awarded December 1, to include Live Oak Rd. This will
provide 7 miles of connectivity between Schertz Parkway and FM 3009.
2. Great Northern Trail will add an additional 8 miles in the northern part of the City
3. West Dietz Creek option
4. Challenge is balancing the funds available with the development taking place. There is an option
to work with the developer to build part of the proposed trail to City specifications as part of the
neighborhood agreement.
Regional Parks -
Crescent Bend Nature Park is an example of a regional park that has seen increased use during COVID -19.
The 2 -mile trail system in the park offers residents and visitors a great outdoor space for recreational
walking, biking, and hiking.
As the City looks to create a destination, regional parks would be a great resource. Partnerships with
counties, local utilities offer opportunities to continue to grow this area.
Funding —
Many of the small projects identified in the last few years have been complete. The focus is now on capital
improvement projects such as:
Skate Park: Phase 2 and 3 funds needed are $1 million to complete.
Community Circle Development: plan is in early stages of design
Discussion occurred on funding sources — bonds. Quality of Life bonds in 2013 were well received and
approved. If residents want trails, let us ask for and use the funds to focus on building and completing the
proposed trail system.
Discussion occurred on divesting parkland if the level of use serves a small group, such as pocket parks
within a neighborhood. To divest parkland it must go on a ballot and citizens must vote to divest parklands
but also to divest them there has to be someone willing to buy them and /or take them.
Staffing —
The City will add an additional 120 park acres in the next 5 years through developments on the books
now. Staffing levels will need to increase to meet the demand.
Discussion occurred on city requirements for parkland dedication. Can the requirements be increased or
changed? With the proposed Parks Master Plan Update, this topic can be discussed. The plan update can
change the City requirement, identify trail connectivity options between developments, and help plan
future projects.
Recreation Facility Contracts —
Discussions have occurred between City Council and Staff on feasibility of City -run facilities versus contract
services. Pros and cons exist.
If City takes over operations, can the same level of service be maintained? Yes, but it would take
time to hire and train the proper personnel.
Are there any concerns having JBSA - Randolph offer free access to military families? The Y offers
discounts to city residents, military families. For families living off -base, accessibility to a facility without
driving on base is a plus.
If services brought in- house, where do revenues go? Funds would be part of general fund.
What is cost to bring services in- house? Along with personnel, equipment would need to be
purchased for facilities.
Parks & Recreation Priorities —
Trails
Regional Parks
Funding and staffing for both above.
Agenda Item No. 3 Requests by Advisory Board Chairman and Board Members:
None
Agenda Item No.4 Announcements by Advisory Board Chairman and Board Members:
Mr. McDow shared Fall Ball season is about finished. Basketball season has been canceled.
Question — can a park bench be dedicated? Currently, there is no process in place.
Mr. Garvin shared he has been nominated to the Irrigation Advisory Council of TCEQ; expects to receive
notification in January.
Requests from Advisory Board for Future Agenda:
None
Announcements by City Staff:
Upcoming City events —
Star Party, Crescent Bend Nature Park, November 28
Tree - Lighting Ceremony, City Hall, December 3
Holidazzle, Civic Center /McDow Sports Complex, December 5
Maskuerade, Pickrell Park, December 31
Adjournment: Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 PM.
Motion: Bill Bosch Second: Shawn Moore
Ayes: 7 Nays:
Approved: Motion approved
Chari /Vice- Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
U
as
Abstains: 0
Recording Secretary, City of Schertz