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1999-12-06 SOUTHLAKE PARKS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING December 6, 1999 MINUTES Board Members Present: President Ronnie Kendall; Members: Sherry Berman, Debra Edmondson, Rex Potter, Rick Stacy, and Cara White. Board Members Absent: Norm Lyons Staff Present: Director of Community Services Kevin Hugman, Finance Director Sharen Elam, Administrative Assistant John Eaglen, and Secretary to the City Manager Kim Bush. Work Session. A work session was held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. to discuss the SPDC current financial picture as it relates to the 5-Year Parks CIP. The work session was audio taped for future reference. Agenda Item No. 1, Call to order. The meeting was called to order by President Ronnie Kendall at 6:17 p.m. Agenda Item No. 2, Executive Session. President Kendall announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Section 551.072, land acquisition. SPDC adjourned for Executive Session at 6:17 p.m. SPDC returned to open session at 6:25 p.m. Agenda Item No. 3. Reconvene. There was no action necessary as a result of the Executive Session. Agenda Item No. 4. PUBLIC FORUM. Shelby Stengle, 318 Blanco Cir. Ms. Stengle requested that the original $1 million (that was in the SPDC budget) be allocated back to the teen center and set back in motion the idea of a separate teen center facility. She would like the teens to be involved in the process of building the teen facility. She commented that the teens are looking for total involvement in the project. She commented that the teens see this project as a means to have leadership programs and community service projects and a place where the older teens can teach younger teens. She commented that the teens understand that there will have to be adult supervision, however, they want to have a teen board in place to make decisions about the center and the programming. She stated the teens envision building a place to call their own - a place that they have so much invested that they are busy all the time with the center. SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 1 OF 9 Al Suarez, 311 Sheffield Dr. Mr. Suarez stated that he was here tonight to inform the Board of what the teens would like in a teen center. He stated that they would like SPDC to provide funds to construct at least the shell of the facility and then the teens would finish it out - the painting and decorating of the inside. He commented that the teens would be more than happy to raise the funds needed to finish the inside. He said that the teens want something they can take pride in being a part of constructing - not something that was just handed to them. He commented that the teens would like a center of their own where they can "hang out and learn lessons of life and responsibility." Josh Kendall, 203 Canyon Lake Drive. Presented to the Board petitions and letters signed by teens and other interested persons wanting to show support for a teen center. He commented that he felt it very important to have this teen center built. Bess Frost, 1928 Sheffield St., Ms. Frost commented on the types of things teens would like to see in a teen center, noting that these things would change from time to time depending on trends. Those things include: swing dancing, Karoke, kick boxing, aerobics, country and western night, comedy night, big screen television and couches, seasonal dances, school band performances, hosting volleyball tournaments, etc. She commented that she believes a facility like this will be used and the interest for it will be there as long as the youth of Southlake are involved. She also stated that the teen board should play a big role in deciding the programming for the center. Jackie Lawrence, 1901 E. Highland. Ms. Lawrence commented that what the teens say they are wanting sounds interesting. She explained that she was chairman of the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Committee last year and is currently a member. She stated that the committee discussed different ways in which to best deal with drug and alcohol use by kids in this community. One of the ideas was to have a place where kids could come together in a drug and alcohol free environment for many of the activities mentioned by the teens tonight. Ms. Lawrence stated that the committee discussed the youth activity center, but no specific plan was brought forth or voted on. Ms. Lawrence commented that it was the desire of the Drug & Alcohol committee to be involved in the researching and planning of such a facility. Ms. Lawrence stated that the committee canvassed teens on two separate occasions and was told that they would prefer that the facility not be called a teen center - that they would consider this label as "un-cool" and it would keep the kids away. Ms. Lawrence commented that she met with Ms. Alice Day with the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Ms. Day said programs that bring the whole community together, kids and parents, are the types of programs that are the most helpful - not inter-generation isolation. Ms. Lawrence asked the Board to be sure and build something that will be used, that the kids will want to come to and a place that is cost effective and will be a positive influence on the lives of our kids. Ms. Lawrence stated that drug and alcohol problems can not be tackled as a teen problem or a police problem or a school problem, it must be tackled as a community problem. Joan McGaffigan, 2885 Burney Lane. Ms. McGaffigan suggested that the teen center could be built now as the first phase of a larger community center if it were decided in the future that a community center was needed. She commented that the property near the basketball courts at Bicentennial Park would be the perfect place for the teen center. Dr. Michael Dotti, Chief of Family Practice, Baylor Hospital. Dr. Dotti commented that he was the chairman on the Teen Center committee that was to study design and usage for the Southlake teen SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 2 OF 9 center. He commented that he was disappointed that something that had originated to be for the benefit of the teenagers appears to have become political. He stated that he first became involved with the teen center issue after reading in the newspaper about a meeting to discuss the possibility of building a teen center. Dr. Dotti commented that approximately 75-100 people attended the meeting and as a result several committees were formed to address different areas of a teen center concept. He stated that the committees were charged with researching other teen centers. Dr. Dotti stated that a committee was also formed to study other avenues of funding in addition to the $1.5 million they were told was already allotted for a teen center including the land that was set aside. Dr. Dotti commented that he saw the need for a teen center that was targeted toward teens that do not drive - those teens that are in their formative years that really don't have any other place to go. He stated that the idea of this center was a place that these teens would have ownership of, something that they could feel they had a part in forming. Dr. Dotti said that there were several meetings held over a four to six month period that were well attended by adults as well as teens. He commented that out of these meetings a proposal was developed, given the budgetary restrictions, of how to best spend roughly $1 million on a teen center. Dr. Dotti commented that he was disappointed to hear that the whole concept of the teen center had been called into question. He further commented that the purpose for the teen center was not politically motivated, it was motivated for the good of the young people in this community. He stated that he would encourage the board to go forward with the teen center and give the teenagers a place they can call their own, a place they can gather together in a positive safe environment. Board member Potter commented that he would be interested in seeing the Teen Center Committee meeting notes. Dr. Dotti stated that he could provide the information. Vickie Johnson, 1208 Timber Ct. Ms. Johnson commented that it should be obvious that the community is unified especially the older and younger teens in wanting the funding returned for the teen center. Ms. Johnson stated that at one time staff did have a multitude of information that was provided by the different committees. She further stated that in the eight years she has been on the Park Board not one person ever came forward to say they did not want a teen center. She stated that when the Park Board first started working on a 5-year CIP, it was discussed that first there would be a teen center and then a community center would follow. Ms. Johnson stated that a teen center would not be the same thing as a recreation center. She stated that in April of 1999, the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse provided specific funding to a community in an effort by the Commission to increase the activities of that community's coalition to provide prevention activities for local youth. Ms. Johnson asked that the Board listen to the teens because the one thing everyone in this community is interested in is our teens. She asked that the Board provide what they promised two years ago, use the information that has already been collected, and move forward with the teen center. Board member Berman stated that after Ms. Johnson left the Park Board, Bess Frost and Shelby Stengle came forward and said they did not want a teen center. Ms. Berman commented that the Board does want to consider a teen center but feels it needs to be studied further. Donna Stengle, 318 Blanco Circle. Donna Stengle commented that she wanted to let all the kids know how proud she was to see them take a leadership role in this matter. She stated that she would like to urge the adults to take this opportunity to teach them about leadership and show them how we can all work together. Ms. Stengle said she sees this teen center, whether it is a stand alone or part of SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 3 OF 9 a larger recreation center in the future, as a vehicle for the kids to take leadership in and be involved in. She commented that as parents we want our kids to grow up to be responsible citizens, and she hopes the Board will work with them and not shut them down. Lisa Stokdyk, 720 N. Peytonville. Ms. Stokdyk commented that she did not feel comfortable with a teen program designed so that teens can shun adults. She stated that she could not feel good about supporting anti-social behavior. Ms. Stokdyk said that the CIP is just a plan, and the Board has to look at its resources and then decide what would be amiable to everybody in the community. She commented that she heard from Ms. Shelby Stengle and Ms. Bess Frost that they did not want to be hanging around with the younger teens. She commented that she believed the teen center would be anti-family and age discriminatory. Ms. Stokdyk further commented that this is not a political issue but a parenting issue. She said that we are talking about a million dollars that could be used for other things that are needed including the natatorium, nature center, renovation of a historical log cabin, and undeveloped park property. She commented that she supports the Board in looking further at where the funds need to be allocated and that there is support in the community to include the teens in a recreation center but not a stand alone teen center. Brian Boitmann, 1325 N. Peytonville Rd. Mr. Boitmann commented that his parents often ask him why he is staying home so much and watching television, and it is because he has no place to go to hang out with other kids. He stated that if there were a teen center he would have a place to go and meet other people and make more friends. He commented that it doesn't have to be kids his own age, that he also knows kids from high school. Mr. Boitmann stated that he believes that through a teen board different age groups can come together and make compromises deciding on different activities for the center. He explained that he believes that a swing dance would bring together all teen age groups. As Suarez commented that you can look here tonight and see kids who range in age from 13-18, and they have come together to discuss what they would like to see in a teen center. He stated that the teen board would have to have representatives from each age group to decide what activities to provide. Shelby Stengle commented that the teens are willing to work for this center and if the Board could give anything, a shell of a building or a building that can be renovated, the teens would work to complete it. She asked that the board consider letting the teens have the little section of land by the hockey rink and the basketball courts, as was discussed before, so that they can be at the center of all the activities. Ms. Stengle commented that the teens are aware that there is only so much money, but they are not asking for the "Taj Mahal." She suggested that the Board let the teens be a part of building something by the teens for the teens - something they can call their own. Vickie Johnson stated that she would like to clarify that when the Park Board first talked about doing a teen center they asked staff about the cost per square foot to build a 5000 sq. ft. facility and staff commented that it would be approximately $200 per sq. ft. Ms. Johnson stated that after doing some research it was decided that it could actually be built for $85 sq. ft. She explained that the Park Board had an architect ready to sign a contract to build the center for that amount per square foot. SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 4 OF 9 Wes McFall, 860 Harbor Ct. Mr. McFall commented that he would like to have a place to meet new people and learn things like swing and country western dance. He stated that his friends are excited about building and decorating a teen center. Blane McGaffigan, 2885 Burney Lane. Mr. McGaffigan stated that when he was getting petitions signed to support a teen center all the parents thought it was a good idea. He stated that the kids he has talked to are excited about the center and would participate. Jackie Lawrence asked if there was a community center with a separate room for teens would it not be acceptable - something senior citizens could use in the morning and teens in the evening. She questioned whether it had to be a stand alone building isolated by itself. Ms. Shelby Stengle stated that the teens wanted a separate place, a place that would be home base and something the teens could call their own. Board member Berman asked about doing a professional survey so that the Board could make sure a center would be built that everybody wanted - taxpayers as well as teens. Shelby Stengle stated that they feel a survey would be okay. They would like to make a presentation at the schools in order to point out what the teen center could be. She stated that when she first heard about a teen center she was under the impression that it was going to be a place to go and play board games, which is not what the teens wanted. If the survey is designed to asked "yes" or "no" it would give a false impression about the type of center they are talking about. Dr. Dotti stated that he believes the teen center should be a stand-alone facility. He explained that a stand-alone facility would send a message to teens that says we feel they are important. He stated secondly that a survey is good, but it is a step back rehashing something that has already been done through all the committee work. He said that he does not want to see the teen center set back another two years. Board member Edmondson asked staff about previous surveys. Community Services Director Kevin Hugman commented that a survey was done with the SYAC group in January 1999. He commented that it was an informal survey asking them to rank different activities. He was not aware of any other surveys. Wes McFall commented that he does a lot of things with his family, but when he is with his friends and hanging out, he is not comfortable with having his parents there. He suggested that during the day when the teens could not be at the center it could be used for other things such as aerobic classes, etc. except for during the summer when school is out and the teens would be needing it more. Donna Stengle commented that social interaction activities are an important part of growing up. She explained that it teaches us how to get along with others, how to get along in the work force and develop into well rounded people. She commented that a teen center, where there is no alcohol or drugs allowed is a healthy environment that should be encouraged. She suggested that the restoration of the log cabin, earlier referred to by Ms. Stokdyk, would be something that the teens could get involved with. SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 5 OF 9 The Public Hearing was closed. CONSENT AGENDA. Item No. 5A. Approval of the meeting minutes for the regular SPDC meeting on October 25 and the Special SPDC meeting on November 1, 1999. Board member Cara White submitted a correction to the minutes of November 1, 1999 page 8 by adding, as paragraph two, the following: "Board member Stacy suggested a number of alternatives for sponsorships. Board member White addressing Mr. Gillum directly, inquired as to why had he nor his financial advisors not considered, nor attempted to find alternative funding, citing that other schools in the area appear to have received quite a bit of sponsoring. Ms. White requested that Mr. Gillum make every attempt possible to find some alternative funding and added that this will be followed up on. Ms. White stated that there are a lot of other items that are equally, if not more so, important to the citizens of Southlake, which will have to be reprioritized due to this request. " Motion was made to approve the minutes for the regular SPDC meeting on October 25 and the Special SPDC meeting on November 1, 1999 as corrected. Motion: White Second: Potter Ayes - October 25 minutes: Kendall, Potter, White Abstained - October 25 minutes: Berman, Edmondson, Stacy Ayes - November 1 minutes: Berman, Edmondson, Kendall, Potter, Stacy, White Approved November 1 minutes: 6-0 Because there is not a quorum tonight of those members who attended the October 25 meeting, the minutes of the regular SPDC meeting of October 25 will be brought forward to the next meeting for consideration. Agenda Item No. 6A. Five-Year Parks Capital Improvements Plan, including FY 1999-00 Capital Improvements Budget. Director Kevin Hugman explained that the CIP was not approved in its entirety at the November 1, 1999 meeting with the Board wanting to discuss it further in December. The Board did approve the FY 2000 and FY 2001 projects, and the allocation of funding towards the proposed joint use natatorium. He stated that included in the packet is the 5-year CIP as determined by SPDC at their November 1, 1999 meeting. Mr. Hugman commented that as discussed in the work session, staff undertook an extensive review of all SPDC expenditures, from inception of SPDC to September 30, 1999, and estimated outstanding expenditures to complete projects in progress or planned, and outstanding debt payments for land acquisition. President Kendall asked if there were any further comments from the audience on the five-year CIP. Lisa Stokdyk asked the Board what has been budgeted for the equestrian center. Director Hugman explained that the $3.5 million was an amount estimated during the Bob Jones Park Master planning which included a multi use arena, stables, etc. Mr. Hugman stated that the Park Board did not SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 6 OF 9 discuss specific uses for the equestrian center in any detail, and it came out fairly low on the priority list. Therefore, it did not make it on the 5-year CIP plan. Discussion was held by the Board on the possibility of renovating the lodge at Bicentennial Park as a teen center, but a number of issues were raised including: (1) the lodge is currently being used for many day and evening meetings and programs, (2) it is too small for a teen center, (3) it is located too near a residential area, and (4) it is a very old building that would cost more to move than it was worth. The Board also discussed the need for better built volleyball courts with lighting so that there could be nighttime tournaments. Staff has estimated the cost to build 2 courts with out lights at $20,000. It is estimated that lights would cost an additional $15 - $20,000 depending on how far the courts were from the transformer. Teens in the audience commented that they would rather the money be put into a teen center than new volleyball courts. Concerning the teen center, the Board discussed doing a detailed citywide survey put together by professional consultants who would work with the teens to get their input on the survey. The survey would include questions on whether or not the taxpayers wanted a stand alone teen center or a teen center attached to a recreation center, or would they want to build a center in phases starting with a teen center in the first phase or wait and build a completely master planned recreation center at a later time. It was the consensus of the Board to go ahead with a survey and allot $300,000 for the construction of a teen center in the five-year CIP this fiscal year contingent upon the outcome of the survey. (Break from 9:05 - 9:30 p. m. ) As discussed by the Board, the following is a list of other changes to the five-year CIP: FY 1999-2000 • Include $1,800,000 for purchase of land ➢ $500,000 for future down payment on possible land purchase ➢ $1.3 million for potential land purchase • Include $300,000 for teen center ➢ Contingent upon outcome of survey FY 2000-2001 • Include $500,000 for community center planning It was noted that the year 2000-2001 includes new senior debt of 4.4 million. FY 2001-2002 • Include $500,000 for Bob Jones Development SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 7 OF 9 ➢ $1 million had previously been deducted. The Board felt it would be better to complete current projects on the priority list prior to starting any new projects. • Include $1,500,000 for construction of community center FY 2002-2003 • Include $500,000 for Bob Jones Development ➢ As stated, $1 million had previously been deducted. The Board felt it would be better to complete current projects on the priority list prior to starting any new projects. • Include $4,000,000 for construction of community center Motion was made to approve the revised CIP plan as discussed for the program years 1999/2000, 2000/2001, 2001/2002, and 2002/2003 noting that the teen center construction funding of $300,000 is contingent upon the results of a citywide survey and to proceed with issuing $3.7 million in junior lien debt. Motion: Stacy Second: Edmondson Ayes: Berman, Edmondson, Kendall, Potter, Stacy, White Nays: none Approved: 6-0 Agenda Item No. 7A. Financial/Budget Report. Mayor Stacy commented that he would like to see estimated revenues and actual debt service included on the financial statement. Director of Finance Sharen Elam suggested that she include this on the sales tax report rather than on the capital projects budget report. Ms. Kendall commented that it would be easier if staff could show the effect debt service is having on the operating fund. Mayor Stacy commented that the Board also needs to know how much debt SPDC is servicing at any given time. Agenda Item No. 7B. Project Status Report. There was no discussion on this item. Adjournment. There being no further business to discuss motion was made and carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 P.M. SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 8 OF 9 y'U12 21 President Ronnie Kendall ATTEST: 9/ m ush Sec etary to the City Manager SPDC MEETING MINUTES, DECEMBER 6, 1999, PAGE 9 OF 9