Mar 16, 2021 Parks and Recreation

[CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:06]

>> WE WILL WELCOME THEM AT THIS TIME.

I AM GOING TO OPEN THIS UP. IF YOU WOULD BOW WITH ME.

>> HOLY GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS DAY, WE CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY THAT IS OUR CITY. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE WORKING MEN AND WOMEN THAT KEEP US RUNNING ON A DAILY BASIS.

THE HARD WORK THEY PUT IN OVER THE LAST MONTH WE THANK YOU FOR THEM AND THE WORK TO OUR CITY. THANK YOU ARE THANK YOU FOR THOSE CONTINUING TO WORK DURING THE PANDEMIC.

WE SEEM TO BE ON THE BACKSIDE. WE PRAY EARNESTLY FOR CONTINUED HEALING. FINALLY FATHER, WE ARE MINDFUL OF THE ROGERS FAMILY. WE JUST LIFT UP HUNTER AND HOPE AND JIM AND THANK YOU WHAT MARK MEANT TO THIS CITY.

HIP US TONIGHT TO HONOR HIM AND ALL THAT WE ARE.

WE THANK YOU FOR THIS COMMUNITY. IN JESUS' NAME, WE PRAY.

AMEN. GOOD MORNING.

>> ALMOST AFTERNOON. >> IT IS.

WE WILL TAKE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO START MAKING PUBLIC COMMENT THIS MORNING.

LOOKS LIKE THERE WILL PROBABLY BE NONE.

[MINUTES]

CAN YOU GO OVER APPROVING MINUTES, ALL IN FAVOR AYE.

>> AYE. >> LET'S MOVE INTO AGENDA ITEMS,

[2. Parks Buck (Discussion and Action)]

>> SO UPDATE, I BELIEVE THE LAST MEETING, I THINK SEVERAL MEETINGS THERE HAS BEEN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE PARKS BUCKS PROGRAM AND HOW TO BEST UTILIZE AROUND STRUCTURE THAT.

HISTORICALLY A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM FOLKS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY COULD CHECK THE BOX, YES, I WANT TO DONATE A DOLLAR.

THAT DOLLAR USED FOR PARK'S PURPOSES.

THERE HAVE BEEN QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A PROCESS AS AN OPT OUT PROGRAM. AUTOMATICALLY ON SOMEONE'S UTILITY BILL AND HAVE TO SAY I DON'T WANT TO PAY IT.

SO WHENEVER WE LOOK AT FEES, ALWAYS A QUESTION IS THIS A FEE THAT CAN BE ASSESSED BY A CITY OR IS THIS GOING TO BE A TAX? THERE IS ONLY CERTAIN PARAMETERS OF TAXES THAT A CITY CAN UTILIZE FOR ITS CITIZENS. THAT IS SOMETHING WE LOOKED AT SOMETHING I WAS LOOKING AT AS WELL.

THERE ARE FOUR THINGS TO ALLOW A CITY TO ASSESS A FEE.

FIRST OF THOSE, HAS TO BE BASED UPON A CERTAIN EXPENSE.

NOW, LET'S SAY THE FEE TO GET INTO ADVENTURE COVE BASED ON ADMINISTRATIVE COST, UPKEEP. THEY DETERMINE WHAT FEE DO WE NEED TO CHARGE THE CITIZENS TO RECOOP THOSE COSTS.

SECOND THING, BASED UPON ACTUAL COST.

YOU HAVE TO DO COST ANALYSIS THESE ARE THE EXPENSES THAT WE HAVE AND WE WANT TO RECOOP THOSE EXPENSES.

CANNOT BE REVENUE GENERATING AND BASED UPON ACTUAL COSTS FOUND.

ALSO HAS TO BE PAID BY CHOICE. USER HAS TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO SAY I DON'T WANT TO PAY THE FEE. ALSO HAS TO HAVE THAT PARAMETER.

FOURTH THING HAS TO BENEFIT THE PARTY AND NOT CHARGEED TO EVERYBODY. FOUR THINGS REQUIRED FOR A FEE

[00:05:06]

IT IS A DONATION. NO ISSUES WITH THAT.

OPT OUT FEE, WE WOULD HAVE TO DO A COST ANALYSIS WHAT EXPENSES IN THE PARK SYSTEM WE WANT TO USE THIS FEE TOWARDS? RECREATION EQUIPMENT? BENCHES? THOSE SORTS OF THINGS. WE HAVE TO DETERMINE WHAT EXPENSES IT IS GOING TO BE USED FOR.

WE HAVE TO DO A COST ANALYSIS WHAT DO THESE AMENITIES IN THE PARK COST US? LET'S SAY ANNUAL BASIS, $50,000.

THEN WE IS SAY WELL THE FEE WE NEED TO PUT IN PLACE NEEDS TO COVER $50,000. FEE HAS TO HAVE SOME SORT OF RELATION TO THE COST ANALYSIS WE HAVE COME UP WITH.

THIRD THING, HAS TO BE USER HAS TO HAVE THE OPTION I DON'T WANT TO PAY THIS FEE. I DON'T WANT TO USE THIS SERVICE. THAT IS A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT.

OPT OUT PROVISION, MAY WORK. NOT TESTED IN COURT.

MAYBE A POSSIBILITY. THOSE THREE PRONGS MAYBE MET.

FOURTH ONE IS, WE HAVE TO DETERMINE AGAIN WHO IS USING THE SERVICE, THAT IS MORE DIFFICULT. HOW CAN WE MEASURE, HOW CAN WE DETERMINE WHICH CITIZENS WITHIN THE CITY OF ABILENE ARE USING THE PARKS IN ORDER TO CHARGE THAT FEE TO? IF YOU RECALL WE DID STREET MAINTENANCE FEE SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THAT WAS BASED UPON ENGINEERING STUDY AS TO PROPERTY OWNERS AND WHAT TYPES OF BUSINESSES AND WHAT THEIR TRIP FACTOR WAS. HOW MANY CARS COMING IN AND OUT OF PARKING LOT. THAT WAS BASED UPON THOSE BUSINESSES AND HOW MUCH CUSTOMERS WOULD USE THE STREETS.

I AM FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THE USERS OF THE PARKS TO DETERMINE WHO IS GOING TO PAY THE FEE.

IF WE CAN'T MEET THOSE FOUR PARAMETERS.

THE COURTS CAN DETERMINE THAT AS AN ILLEGAL TAX.

ONE COMMUNITY DOING OPT OUT PROGRAM, I HAVE LOOKED AT IT I AM A LITTLE BIT PERPLEXED HOW IT IS BEING DONE.

I HAVE LOOKED AT THEIR ORDNANCE. TALK ABOUT IT BEING VOLUNTARY DONATION ALSO USE ASSESSMENT OF A FEE WHICH IS LIKE A TAX.

CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR NOT PAYING IT.

THAT IS ALL INDICATIVE OF A TAX. THERE MAYBE STUDIES OUT THERE.

THEN THERE IS A QUESTION HOW DO WE INVOICE THOSE PEOPLE A FEE.

>> SPECIFICALLY AN EQUIPMENT WE WOULD BE FUNDING, CORRECT.

WE NEED TO ASSESS SPECIFICALLY USING PLAYGROUND?

>> MAY HAVE TO GET THAT DETAILED.

I THINK IT IS WHO IS USING THE PARKS IN GENERAL.

WE WOULD HAVE TO IDENTIFY USING PARKS BUCKS.

WE PUT IT IN A POT AND USE IT AS IS.

IF WE DON'T HAVE THOSE FOUR DIFFERENT STEPS WE CAN POINT TO IF IT IS CHALLENGED. I KNOW I BELIEVE IF I READ THE MOTION CORRECTLY BOARD VOTED FOR OPT IN PROGRAM, VOLUNTARY PROM TO CONTINUE AS IS. I WANT TO GET BACK TO YOU.

AS TO WHY THESE FEES, ANY FEE THAT A CITY ASSESSES OR REQUESTS HAS TO MEET THESE HURDLES AND NOT BE AN ILLEGAL TAX.

ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME? I LOOKED AT THE FACT IN THE OTHER COMMUNITY, FUNDING PARKS BUCKS TO A NON PROFIT.

THAT DOESN'T FACTOR INTO IT. HOW DOES THE CITY ACCUMULATE

[00:10:07]

>> A BIT PERPLEXING. >> YES.

>> DID YOU HAVE ANY CONVERSATIONS WITH THE OTHER CITY? OR DID YOU LOOK AT THE ORDNANCE.

>> I CAN DO THAT IF NEED BE. I THINK I KNOW WHAT THEIR ANSWER WOULD BE. I THINK THEIR ORDNANCE PASSED SEVERAL YEARS AGO. CITY ATTORNEY FAIRLY NEW.

I CAN GIVE THAT CITY ATTORNEY A CALL AND REPORT BACK.

>> MAYBE A GOOD ROUTE TO GO. THIS DOESN'T REALLY PASS SNIFF TEST TO ME. THAT IS MY PERSONAL OPINION.

>> ARE YOU SAYING AT LEAST COMMUNICATE WITH THE OTHER

CITYS? >> ABSOLUTELY.

IF WE WERE GOING TO CONSIDER MOVING FORWARD, I WOULD WANT TO

BE CRYSTAL CLEAR. >> EVERYBODY USES THE STREETS.

DETERMINING WHO USES PARKS LITTLE BIGGER REACH, MORE DIFFICULT REACH I SHOULD SAY. TO ME A FULL RANGE OF FOLKS THAT USE THE PARK SYSTEM. MAYBE DIFFICULT.

MAYBE A WAY. >> ALL RIGHT.

IF YOU START THAT, IF IT WOULD BECOME A DETERRENT TO USE THE PARK, THERE IS A FEE. I THINK IT DEFEATS PURPOSE OF WHY WE WANT OUR PARKS TO BE USED?

>> I AGREE. WE HAVE A RISK, CERTAINLY DON'T

WANT TO GO IN THAT DIRECTION. >> IF WE WERE TO LOOK FURTHER INTO IT, WE WOULD HOPE THERE WOULD BE STUDIES.

WE DON'T WANT TO DO OUR OWN STUDY.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE.

LET'S LOOK HERE, ACTION DO WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION AT THIS

TIME? >> ONLY IF YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION TO STAFF, IF YOU HAVE RECOMMENDATION FOR STAFF IS

ALL WE NEED TO KNOW. >> I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS UNTIL WE HEAR WHAT STANLEY DETERMINES.

IF WE FIND OUT THERE. MAY BECOME A MOOT POINT.

[3. Re-Opening Plan (Discussion)]

>> A LOT OF WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO HEAR AS WE GO THROUGH THE DIFFERENT DIVISION'S REPORTS THE EFFECT THE STORM HAD ON OUR DIFFERENT AREAS. AS FAR AS THE REOPENING PLAN, WHEN THE GOVERNOR MADE THE CHANGE, WE ALL SUBMITTED EACH DIVISION HAD TO SUBMIT A PLAN FOR POTENTIAL FOR REOPENING.

THE ZOO WAS ABLE BECAUSE IT WAS AN OUTSIDE VENUE REOPEN MARCH 10TH. CHANGED LITTLE BIT OF SIGNAGE AND ABLE. THEIR NUMBERS ARE SO HIGH ON HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN COME TO THE ZOO BECAUSE OF THE FLOW OF PEOPLE.

EVEN DURING SPRING BREAK. WE WERE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NUMBERS AND BE ABLE TO OPEN ON THE 10TH.

AS FAR AS RECREATION AND SENIORS, TARGETING APRIL 5TH REOPENING, THAT IS A TENTATIVE DATE.

REASON IS BECAUSE OF STORM DAMAGE THAT IMPACTED RECREATION BUILDING AND SENIOR BUILDING. WE ARE STILL FIXING THINGS, MAKING CORRECTIONS, REPLACING PARKS, DIFFERENT THINGS LIKE THAT. BOTH SENIORS AND RECREATION HAVE A LITTLE MORE WORK TO DO BEFORE THE BUILDINGS WILL BE ABLE TO BE OCCUPIED. ONCE THAT HAPPENS, WE PLAN ON OPENING TO THE PUBLIC. OUR GOAL IS APRIL 5TH.

[00:15:13]

>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? >> THANK YOU.

[4. Recreation Report (Discussion)]

>> GOOD MORNING. ALL RIGHT.

RECREATION REPORT. WONDERFUL WINTER STORM.

LITTLE DAMAGE OCCURRED. PIPE BUST IN THE KITCHEN.

WE HAD TO, WATER DAMAGE BEHIND THE CABINETS.

THAT IS WHY WE ARE DELAYED IN GETTING OUR KITCHEN READY.

ALSO THE PART HERE ON THE LEFT CLINIC ON THE SIDE WE HAD DAMAGE COME THROUGH THE ROOF ON ALL OUR EQUIPMENT.

WE HAD TO SAVE EVERYTHING WE GOT IT JUST IN TIME.

WE ARE UP AND GOING. ALSO A COUPLE OF ISSUES, ACTIVITY BUILDING. THAT IS A PICTURE OF THE DAMAGE EVERYTHING IS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING FIXED.

YOUTH VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION, $55 PER PLAYER.

WE HOPE TO HAVE THE DATE APRIL 10TH TO START GAMES, PROBABLY AT ROSE PARK. WE'LL OPEN UP GV AND SEARS.

ALSO THIS WEEKEND STEAM N WALES BIKE RACE.

YOU CAN REGISTER DAY OF IF YOU WOULD LIKE.

THIS IS A NEW ROUTE EXCITED ABOUT EXPLORING THE PARK AND LAKE AND ALL THAT BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.

NEW ADVENTURE. NOT TOO LATE IF YOU WOULD LIKE

TO COME OUT THERE. >> WE GOT A CALL FROM A BUDDY, WE ARE DOING THIS, RIGHT? I THOUGHT THIS GUY LOOKED LIKE

GARY. >> MAYBE THE GUY'S FACIAL HAIR.

I NEED A BICYCLE BUILT FOR TWO. >> 27TH SPRING MAYOR'S HIKE.

GETTING THAT READY AND ROLLING. INVITE YOUR FAMILIES, ALSO ON THE 27TH IF YOU KNOW ANY CHILDREN THAT WOULD LIKE TO COME FOR OUR EASTER EGG HUNT STARTING AT 5:00 P.M. WE HAVE BROKE IT UP INTO AGE GROUPS TO SOCIAL DISTANCE.

WE'LL HAVE THE NINE AND 12 YEAR OLDS ONE FIELD.

THEY DO NEED HELP. WE ARE BUSY PLAYING CATCH UP ON ALL THE EVENTS THIS MONTH. QUESTIONS? EASTER BUNNY WILL BE THERE. HOW EXTENSIVE WAS THE DAMAGE?

A LOT OF MOLD? >> I THINK WE GOT IT IN TIME.

WE WERE THERE. WE WERE DOING CHECKS ON OUR BUILDINGS OVER FOUR HOURS WHEN THE STORM FIRST HIT.

WE CAUGHT THAT ONE QUICK. >> GOOD.

[5. Aquatics Report (Discussion)]

MOVE ON TO AQUATICS AT THE TIME. >> GOOD MORNING, MATTHEW BARRETT AQUATICS EMERGENCY. YOU CAN SEE THE PIPE BUSTED.

ALL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SLIDE. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GET ALL THAT FIXED. WE HAVE QUOTES.

SHOULD BE FIXED IN TIME FOR OPENING.

[00:20:02]

WE HAD PIPES BUST. WE ARE DEFINITELY GETTING THOSE ALL FIXED. THESE ARE ALL POOLS FROZEN, THREE INCHES OF ICE. LAZY RIVER STARTED FREEZING OVER WE DIDN'T LOSE POWER EXCEPT ABOUT 18 HOURS.

I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THOSE RO ROTATING TO KEEP IT THAWED OUT.

BACK FLOW PREVENTERS AT SPLASH PADS.

WE LOST THE PLUMBING WHERE THE MAIN SHUT OFF IS FOR THE WINTERIZING. THAT IS WATER.

WE HAVE TWO MORE TO FIX. WE ARE GETTING THEM FIXED.

>> THIS IS FROM FEBRUARY, JANUARY.

THIS WAS GOING TO BE OUR LAST MONTH'S MEETING.

WE ACTUALLY HAD LEAKS. THEY DID DYE TESTS, WE FOUND THREE WEEKS LEISURE POOL AND ONE ON LAZY RIVER.

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE WHAT THE LEAKS WERE.

THIS IS IN THE GUTTER OF THE POOL.

GUTTER SYSTEM. THIS IS WHERE THE WATER, BASICALLY A PIPE COMES IN, WATER RETURNS BACK TO THE PUMP ROOM.

LEAKING AROUND THE PIPE. SEAL THAT BACK OFF.

>> PRIOR TO STORM? >> THIS IS ALL PRESTORM.

>> WE ARE GETTING SPLASH PADS UP AND READY.

OPENING APRIL 24TH. WE SHOULD HAVE THEM OPEN IN PLENTY OF TIME. THEY WERE WINTERIZED.

WE HAVE GOTTEN LUCKY WITH THOSE. OTHER ONE, HIRING FOR SUMMER JOBS. THAT STARTED.

ALL POSITIONS POSTED ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE.

YOU CAN SEE THE LIST OF JOBS, LIFE GUARD.

CASHIER, LEAD CASHIER AND CONCESSIONS, MANAGER.

WE HAVE STARTED GETTING APPLICATIONS ROLLING IN, GOOD NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ROLLING IN.

CONCESSION STANDS AND POOL CASHIER.

WE ARE LIFE GUARDS, DOING SOCIAL DISTANCING ADVERTISING TO BRING G KIDS IN. STAND FOR QUESTIONS.

>> AREN'T YOU LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB?

>> [LAUGHTER], >> ALWAYS.

>> ANY QUESTIONS? >> THERE IS ONE COMMENT I'LL MAKE. YOU SAID WE GOT LUCKY.

SOUNDED LIKE YOU WERE PREPARED FOR SOMETHING WE CAN PREPARE FOR. REALLY WELL DONE.

GREAT NEWS TO HEAR DAMAGE. HANDLED IT BEST YOU COULD.

>> OUR GOAL IS TO KEEP THE WATER RUNNING.

MAIN GOAL TO KEEP THE PUMP ROOM WARM AND WATER FLOWING.

>> GREAT JOB, WELL DONE. MY EXPECTATION IT WOULD BE A LOT WORSE. WE WERE DRIVING BY.

WELL DONE. >> CONCEPT OF OPTIMISM.

[6. Seniors Report (Discussion)]

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. ALSO HAD BOILER DAMAGE AT SENIOR CENTER. WE HAD TO ORDER A NEW BOILER.

WE ARE WAITING ON THE HOLDING TANK.

[00:25:06]

WE HAVE BEEN HAVING TO BOIL WATER TO MAINTAIN THE CLEANLINESS AND WASH DISHES AND THINGS.

WE ARE WAITING AND WE ARE GOING TO BE OKAY WHEN IT COMES IN, WE'LL BE READY TO GO. ALSO STARTED $2 FEE FEBRUARY 1ST. I WOULD SAY IT IS GOING WELL.

RIGHT NOW, AVERAGING $260 A DAY. BEFORE THAT OVER $400 A DAY.

OLD FAITHFULS COMING IN. EXPECT THEM TO CONTINUE TO COME WHEN WE OPEN SO LIKE I SAID NOW, IT IS GOING GREAT.

THE ATTITUDE STILL GOOD. DIDN'T HAVE TOO MUCH FUSSING ABOUT THE $2 CHARGE. WE ARE MAKING PREPARATIONS AS LESLIE TALKED ABOUT. WE HAVE BEEN CLOSED SINCE 17TH OF MARCH LAST YEAR. SENIORS HAVE HUNG IN THROUGH EVERY WEATHER YOU CAN GO THROUGH IN A YEAR.

THEY ARE STILL THERE AND EXCITED.

THEY ASK US EVERYDAY. WE MADE PLANS ON STILL PREPARES TO PUT SANITATION STATIONS OUT. WE'LL TRY TO KEEP THEM APART AS BEST WE CAN. WE KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS GOING TO BE. WE HAVE MADE CHANGES ON LUNCHES, KAREN, SUGGESTED WE USE A CASH REGISTER.

WE'LL HAVE THAT IN PLACE TO KEEP UP WITH THE COST AND 0 IT OUT AND KEEP UP WITH OUR TRANSACTIONS AS FAR AS DIFFERENT COSTS. WE STILL HAVE $2 CHARGE FOR THE 60 AND ABOVE. 55-60 STILL PAY $3.50.

WE ALSO VERY IT SET UP THOSE COME OUT OF FORD WE HAVE USED THE MEDICAID CHART. AS FAR AS HOME INCOME.

HOUSE HOLD INCOME. WE HAVE I WOULD SAY MAYBE 15 PEOPLE THAT QUALIFIED. WE HAVE MADE A CARD AND THEY CAN COME THROUGH WITH THE CARD, DRIVE-THRU AND CONTINUE TO GET MEALS FOR FREE. WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE AND PROGRAMMED INTO OUR CASH REGISTER AS WE GO.

I FOUND OUT FROM KAREN. WE ARE STILL LOSING MONEY.

I TRULY BELIEVE ONCE WE OPEN UP AND NEW INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACTED VOLUNTEERS, I THINK AS WE GRADUALLY APPLY THESE PROGRAMS BACK INTO ACTION, I THINK OUR PARTICIPATION WILL PICK BACK UP.

I THINK IT WILL BE BACK. THAT IS IT.

PARTIAL COVID REDICTION. >> I THINK OUR BIGGEST REDUCTION WAS THE FEE. THAT WASSEN INCREASE AS WE DID THE DRIVE-THRU, $2.60 A DAY IS WHAT WE WERE DOING WHEN WE WERE OPEN ALL SITES LAST YEAR. A LOT OF THE PEOPLE THAT CAME THROUGH THE DRIVE-THRU IT WAS A CONVENIENCE.

WE ARE TRYING TO STILL GET THEM TO COME.

BIGGEST PART WAS THE $2 FEE. >> 35% REDUCTION? HAVE MEASUREMENT TAKEN TO DO A FORMAL ASSESSMENT?

>> WE HAVE NEW IDEAS I TALKED ABOUT TO LESLIE ABOUT AS FAR AS PROGRAM BROCHURES IN DOCTOR OFFICES WE SERVE TWO DIFFERENT POPULATIONS OF SENIORS. WE WANT TO TARGET THE YOUNGER SENIORS. A LOT OF SENIORS MY AGE.

THEY DON'T WANT TO GO WITH THE OLD PEOPLE.

A LOT OF OUR CLASSES WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FOCUS ON EVERYONE

[00:30:04]

WE ARE FOCUSSING ON DOING PROGRAMMING.

A LOT OF SENIORS PASSING BY WE WANT TO GET PROGRAMMING GOING ON. IT IS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD

CLOSER, MORE CONVENIENT. >> HOW MANY SITES ARE THERE?

>> THREE. >> I WILL ALSO SAY WEATHER IN

FEBRUARY -- >> DO YOU NEED TO WAIT WHOLE OTHER QUARTER, HERE IS WHERE WE ARE AFTER THE WEATHER AFTER COVID, AFTER EVERYTHING ELSE. WE'LL SEE.

>> Y'ALL ARE STILL DOING GREAT WORK.

>> AWESOME. >> HOW DO YOU DEFINE A YOUNG SENIOR? CAUGHT UP IN BETWEEN YOUNG AND

OLD. >> I ASKED LAST TIME.

SOMEBODY SHOW US UP DOESN'T HAVE $350 OR $2, HOW ARE WE HANDLING THAT? WE SELL THEM TICKETS.

THEY EXCHANGE TICKET FOR THE WHEEL.

IF SOMEONE DOESN'T HAVE THE MONEY, WE HAVE A TICKET FOR THAT PURPOSE, THEY DIDN'T PAY WHEN WE DO OUR PAPER WORK WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE NOT ABLE TO PAY.

>> ANY DATA ON THAT HOW MANY OF THOSE TICKETS ARE YOU ON AN

AVERAGE BASIS? >> THAT IS VERY MINIMAL.

>> I HATE TO SAY THIS. SOME OF THE PEOPLE WE EXPECTED

NOT TO PAY OR PAYING. >> GOOD FOR THEM.

>> ONE OF THE OTHER QUESTIONS DO WE HAVE?

>> GOOD JOB. GOOD JOB.

[7. Parks Report (Discussion)]

>> GOOD MORNING. HOPE YOU GUYS HAVE TIME.

WE SUFFERED DAMAGE IN ALL OUR BATHROOMS IN THE PARKS.

WE ARE 90% BACK UP. COUPLE OF RESTROOMS, JOHNSON PARK. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BRING IN AN OUTSIDE PLUMBER. THAT IS OUR BIGGEST ONE CLOSED DOWN. EVERYTHING IS OPEN.

YOU CAN PREPARE MUCHES YOU WANT TO.

WE TOOK TWO OR THREE DAYS TO GO THROUGH AND EMPTY WATER AND CLOSE WATER AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS READY TO GO.

WE PUT HEATERS IN THE CHASE WAY. WE STILL HAD A LOT OF DAMAGE.

WITH THAT BEING SAID WE WERE VERY LUCKY.

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. ONE OF THE THINGS I WILL SAY WE HAD THREE GUYS NON STOP. I AM TALKING 24 HOURS.

AVAILABLE TO GO SHUT WATER OFF. THEY HAVE BEEN NON STOP SINCE THEN. I APPRECIATE THOSE GUYS AND EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE SO FAR.

COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. WE'LL GET BACK TO 100% QUICKLY.

ALSO LUCKY TO DO A LOT OF WORK IN-HOUSE.

SO VERY MINIMAL STUFF CONTRACTED OUT.

THAT WAS BAD. BIG PIPES THAT BROKE AND HOPEFULLY THAT WILL BE UP, TOO. WE WORK VERY CLOSELY TO DEAL WITH A LOT OF LEAGUES. THE LEAGUE AT THE COMPLEX ASKED US TO HELP THEM REPLACE NETTING OVER THE CONCESSION STAND AND BLEACHERS. THEY BOUGHT THE MATERIAL.

[00:35:03]

THOSE NETS ARE BACK UP, BRAND NEW, LOOKS GOOD OUT THERE.

FESTIVAL GARDENS, PROJECT WE TOOK ON BEFORE THE STORM HIT.

WE HAVE HAD A CHURCH REGULARLY RUNNING THE FACILITY.

WE LOOKED AT THE STUFF THERE AND GONE THROUGH AND DONE REMODELING. WE UPGRADED CABINETS AND AS YOU CAN TELL THEY WERE WORN DOWN. WE FELT THE NEED, WE NEEDED TO WORK ON THIS FACILITY. WE HAVE A GUY ON THE RIGHT JOSE.

HE IS OUR MEASURING GUY. VERY LUCKY TO HAVE HIM ON STAFF.

ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT MEMORIAL TREE WE PARTNERED WITH KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL.

RESIDENTS CAN GO AND PURCHASE BENCHES OR TREES THAT CAN BE INSTALLED THROUGH OUR PARKS. SO FAR WE INSTALLED TWO BENCHES SINCE OCTOBER 2020. WE HAVE DONE SIX TREES AS WELL.

SEARS AND RED BUD PARKS. ALSO ENHANCES OUR PARKS WITH TREES AND BENCHES. IF ANYBODY IS INTERESTED, CONTACT KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL WORKING WITH THEM AND US AND GET

THOSE THINGS INSTALLED. >> DO YOU KNOW THE COST OF THE

BENCH AND THE TREES? >> BENCHES RICHARD, DO YOU KNOW?

>> BENCHES 400. TREES 200 BUCKS.

BENCH IS ABOUT 400. WE DO INSTALL BENCHES ON CONCRETE. WE DON'T CHARGE THE PEOPLE FOR THAT AS OF RIGHT NOW. IT HAS BEEN WORKING OUT WELL.

YOU CAN SEE IT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.

>> CAN THE INDIVIDUALS SELECT WHICH PARK?

>> YES. WE GET A LOT OF REQUESTS FOR RED

BUD PARK. >> WE APPRECIATE EVERYBODY WANTS TO DO. WE DO HAVE OTHER PARKS.

RED BUD PARK IS THE MOST POPULAR ONE.

A LOT OF REQUESTS FOR THAT PARK. WE ARE TRYING TO EVEN IT OUT YOU SEE THE SEARS WE WERE ABLE TO TALK THEM INTO AT SEARS AS WELL.

WE ACTUALLY MEET WITH THE PEOPLE, WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE IT? WE SAY OKAY THIS WORKS FOR US. WE ARE PRETTY PLEXABLE.

>> I HAD A CITIZEN CALL ME THE OTHER DAY REQUIRING BACK WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT INITIALLY THE SEVENSON PARK PROJECT.

AND REPAIR WORK ON THEIR WALK WAY.

I DON'T KNOW I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT REMEMBERING IT.

DONE THAT WE STUCK OUR NOSE ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

HAS THERE BEEN HAVE I MISSED IT? >> STAFF HAS DONE INITIAL EVALUATION AND PROPOSED IT TO REGISTRATION.

>> NOT SO MUCH A QUESTION. AS I LISTEN TO THE REPORTS, I AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT TO THANK THE CITY WORKERS, I AM FANTASTICALLY IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE.

[00:40:07]

I DON'T THINK PEOPLE CAN REALIZE HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS.

I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS AND YOU DID THE WORK.

AS A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD AND CITIZEN OF ABILENE I WANT TO THANK YOU, PERSONALLY ALSO WANT TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO THANK THEM.

>> IF YOU COULD BRING IT BACK BY NEXT WEEK.

[LAUGHTER]. >> ALL KUDOS GOES TO THESE GUYS, GREAT CREW, GREAT TEAM. THEY WERE SAYING WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP, I APPRECIATE THOSE GUYS.

I WROTE DOWN TO CLOSE OUR MEETING, IT MAKES MORE SENSE NOW. WE, CITIZENS, MY FAMILY, WE COMPLAINED EVERYBODY WAS MISSABLE WHILE YOUR FOES WERE WORKING AND GETTING US BACK THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYBODY WAS MISERABLE, YOUR FOLKS STILL WERE THE BEST OF ABILENE.

GOT US GOING. >> WELL STATED.

>> I'LL HOP UP BEFORE JESSE. I CAN'T SAY HOW PROUD I AM OF THE STAFF AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.

WE HAD PEOPLE SPENDING THE NIGHT AT THE ZOO WE HAD THE DOCTOR AND MAINTENANCE MAN TAKING CARE OF ANIMALS.

WE HAD SOME PEOPLE THAT CAME IN OVER 55 HOURS TO WORK.

IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS, WATER DEPARTMENT, THEY HAD PEOPLE COME IN OVER 100 HOURS TO GET THINGS UP AND RUNNING.

ACROSS THE CITY, PEOPLE HAVE REALLY STEPPED UP.

THEY SPENT A LOT OF TIME PRETRAINING THINGS, GETTING THINGS WINTERIZED. OF COURSE NOBODY CAN PREDICT THIS. WHEN YOU LOSE ELECTRICITY AND WATER. ALSO THE SENIOR CENTER SET UP AS A WARMING CENTER. WE HAD PEOPLE COMING TO THE SENIOR CENTER. WE WERE TRANSPORTING PEOPLE, FEEDING PEOPLE UNTIL THE SENIOR CENTER LOST POWER.

THEN WE HAD TO PARTNER WITH SOME CHURCHES TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

WHETHER IT WAS CHECKING THE BUILDING EVERY FOUR HOURS, SLEEPING IN BUILDINGS, STARTING EARLY HOURS 1:00-2:00 A.M.

PEOPLE STEPPED UP AND FROM THE STAFF PERSPECTIVE, THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS. IT WAS HOW CAN I HELP YOU? WHAT CAN I DO? EVERYBODY UNDERSTOOD THE MAGNITUDE. I AM VERY, VERY PROUD OF OUR STAFF. CITY COUNCIL AND CITY ADMINISTRATION ARE THINK I THANKING AND WORKING ON DETAILS.

I'LL LET THEM KNOW PARKS BOARD IS ALSO INTERESTED.

I'LL BE IN TOUCH. >> ALL RIGHT.

[8. Zoo Report (Discussion)]

JESSE. >> OUR QUICK WINT ORE UPDATE.

WE HAD ZERO LOSS OF ANIMALS. THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS AND DID HAVE LOSS OF ANIMALS THEY LOST POWER, ELECTRICITY WATER. ALL THE KEEPERS WERE ABLE TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE FED WHILE BEDDED DOWN AND TRANSFERRED INTO AREAS THEY DIDN'T HAVE APPROPRIATE CONFINES WITH HEAT A LOT OF ANIMALS ARE COLD HARDY. OTHERS LIKE MACHO, THE RHINO VERY COLD SENSITIVE. IF TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO 40 WE

[00:45:02]

I CAN PROUDLY SAY FIRST TIME I DIDN'T HAVE TO GO TO WORK.

I WAS PART OF THE HURRICANE RIDE OUT CREW.

COMING IN AS A DIRECTOR KNOWING I GOT APPROPRIATE STAFF AT THE ZOO. IT WAS A GOOD WEIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS, HUGE KUDOS. WE DID HAVE PIPES BURST.

FORTUNATELY FACILITIES TEAM WERE ABLE TO TURN OFF ALL THE WATER.

WE TURNED THEM BACK ON. NO MAJOR FLOODING.

NO MAJOR DAMAGE. SIMPLE PIPE DAMAGE WE WERE ALL ABLE TO CORRECT. I WANTED TO GIVE UPDATE ON DRAFTS, NEWS CAME TO ABOUT THE AUTOPSY FOR ANIMALS.

GIRAFFES ARE A PREY ITEM, HERD SPECIES CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR DANGERS. LONG-TERM THERE.

THEY MASK THE SYMPTOMS, THEY HYATT THEM.

YOU DON'T WANT TO TELL ANYBODY YOU ARE HURT OR SICK.

SUNNY IS ALSO A NEW MOM. EVEN IN THE HUMAN POPULATION.

GIVING BIRTH AND LACTATING. THOSE TWO STRESSORS TOLD US SHE WENT INTO CARDIAC ARREST AND HAD A HEART ATTACK.

WE WANT TO BE TRANSPARENT TO THE PUBLIC.

COMMUNITY ZOO AND ANIMALS ARE IMPORTANT TO ALL OF ABILENE AS WELL AS WEST TEXAS. GOOD PORTION FED THIS GIRAFFE.

SHE UNFORTUNATELY HAD A HEART ATTACK.

EDWARD IS THRIVING. HE REJECTED BOTTLE.

HAD TO GO TO BUCKET FEEDING. WE DID VARIOUS SAMPLES WHOLE MILK, JERSEY MILK TO FINALLY LANDED ON GOAT MILK PARTICULARLY AT HEB. THEY WENT TO THEIR VENDOR.

EDWARD DRINKING HEB GOAT MILK. SUPPLEMENTAL FOOET FEEDING.

HE IS THRIVING. HE IS PART OF THE HERD.

THEY HAVE ADOPTED THEM AS THEIR OWN.

HEZ DOING JUST WELL. I WANTED TO GIVE EVERYBODY THE UPDATE. ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SUNNY OR

EDWARD. >> WAS IT DETERMINED GI ISSUE CONGENITAL? SOMETHING WE ARE ASSUMING?

>> WE THINK AS AN INDIVIDUAL. AS ALL OF US AS INDIVIDUALS, GIRAFFES HAVE PERSONALITIES. SHE WAS AN INTROVERTED GIRAFFE.

THOSE CAN CREATE ISSUES. SHE HAD ULCERATIONS OLD AND SCABBED OVER. LONG-TERM VERSES RECENT.

THAT ONE ITEM MASKED EVERYTHING DON'T TELL ANY PRET TO I AM

SICK. >> UNFORTUNATELY WE WERE UNABLE TO TREAT THAT WE COULD HAVE GIVEN HER PRILOSEC.

[00:50:04]

>> WE DO ANNUAL PHYSICAL ON ALL OUR GIRAFFE.

I BELIEVE IT IS TWO TIMES A YEAR.

SHE WAS OUT OF THE HERD UNABLE TO GIVE US SAMPLES WHICH ONES DO YOU DO, LET IT BE OR MOBILIZE THE RISK? THAT IS TOO MUCH TO WEIGH WE CHOSE WHILE SHE LOOKS HEALTHY.

GOOD BODY, GATE. ALL THE OTHER GIRAFFE HERD WE DO

GIVE BLOOD SAMPLES ANNUALLY. >> THANKS, WHAT OTHER QUESTIONS

DO YOU HAVE? >> WE DID A NEW BREAK WILY ISD.

MARCH 6-14TH, ABLE TO ENGAGE OUR GUESTS, BRING THEM UP ON STAGE.

LOTS OF INTERACTIONS TO WART HOGS GRAZING.

HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT. WE HAD NOTHING BUT KUDOS.

CLOSE TO RECORD ATTENDANCE. 22,000 IN 10 DAYS.

ESPECIALLY A YEAR FROM TODAY, WE ARE CLOSED AT THIS POINT.

LASTLY, WE HAVE OUR MADAGASCAR RIBBON CUTTING CAMPAIGN.

JOURNEY TO MADAGASCAR ABLE TO RAISE CLOSE TO TWO MILLION IN REVENUE IN SUPPORT IN BUILDING THIS CAMPAIGN.

THAT OPENS APRIL 10TH. >> WHAT IS THE ANIMAL IN THE

MIDDLE? >> THAT IS A N FUSA.

ONCE YOU SEE HER IN PERSON, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL.

LOOKS LIKE A CAT, LONG LIKE A WEASEL.

WE GAVE HER A LARGE ENCLOSURE. THEY ACT JUST LIKE A LEMUR IT IS

VERY, VERY IMPRESSIVE. >> FIGURE A WAY TO CALL A WEASEL BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU CAN'T BE SAID ENOUGH, AMEN VERY WELL DONE. THAT IS OUR GENERAL REPORT.

THAT IS OUR FINAL REPORT FOR THE MORNING, ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS THAT NEED TO BE MADE OR DISCUSSIONS FROM THE BOARD?

>> MOVE TO ADJOURN. >> I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO WHAT MARK SAID. I THINK IT IS INCREDIBLE WHAT ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE DONE. ONE COMMENT MADE, EVERYTHING ELSE DONE IN-HOUSE. I THINK THAT IS A BIG KRED TO OUR STAFF AND ALL YOU PEOPLE. EVERYTHING COULD BE DONE IN-HOUSE AND THE EFFORT THEY PUT IN TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

ESPECIALLY AT THE ZOO TO KEEP THE ANIMALS AND NOT LOSE A SINGLE ANIMAL. THAT IS AMAZING AND CREDIT TO THE STAFF. SOME KIND OF LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE STAFF FOR WHAT THEY DID DURING THIS

CRISIS. >> ABSOLUTELY.

>> I WAS IN HOUSTON. MY GRANDSON KEPT SAYING 46° IN THE HOUSE. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE 30.

I WAS TICKLED TO DEATH. I THINK WE NEED TO COME UP WITH SOME KIND OF LETTER OF RECOGNITION.

CITY, STAFF, PARKS DEPARTMENT. >> ABSOLUTELY.

MY WIFE'S FAMILY HAD A RANCH TOWARDS ROCK SPRINGS AND LOST

[00:55:05]

THEY WERE TICKLED TO DEATH THEY ONLY LOST THAT MUCH.

TO HEAR WE DIDN'T LOSE ANYTHING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

JEFF, WELL SAID. NO WORDS, THANK KWAUL SO MUCH.

LET'S GET WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. SOUNDS LIKE THERE ARE THINGS ON THE WAY. WELL SAID.

I KNOW YOU CALLED FAR MOTION TO ADJOURN.

>> I DID. >> SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR, AYE. >> AYE.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME THIS MORNING.

WE'LL MOVE ON. WE HAVE TO GO TO DO PAP

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.