May 25, 2023 City Council

[CALL TO ORDER]

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>> GOOD MORNING.TO LEADERS IN THE PRAYER AND COUNCILMAN BRIAN

YATES TO LEADERS INOUR PLEDGE . >> LET US PRAY.

LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN THIS WEEKEND ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE COUNCIL THAT SPECIFICS MATTER.

WE PRAY FOR RENEWED ENTHUSIASM FOR THE COUNCILMEMBERS IN OUR STAFF. NOT JUST HERE IN THIS MEETING, BUT WE ARE BACK IN THE OFFICERS RESPONDING TO EMAILS AND ON THE FIELD TACKLING RESIDENT PROBLEMS THAT YOU WILL VIEW US WITH A SPARK OF APPRECIATION. IN THAT MOMENT, WE HAVE A SPARK OF APPRECIATION WE ARE SENDING A NEW CITY COUNCIL YEAR IN THE THANK YOU LETTER YOUR GRACE AND DEMOCRACY WERE OUR VOICES ARE HEARD IN THE ELECTION ON THIS COUNCIL, THE OF CLEAN WATER AND POWER AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH, SECURITY BECAUSE OF HER FIRST RESPONDERS AND WE CAN DISCUSS AND DISAGREE WILL REMAIN ALWAYS SIMPLE AND FRIENDLY, ALWAYS EAGER TO SHARE THE BURDEN THE MAKING ABILENE BETTER. WE PRAY FOR HUMILITY AND GUIDANCE AS WE MAKE ZONING CHANGES OR TENURE PLANS FOR CITY DEPARTMENTS THAT REACT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, WHAT IS WISE AND TO DO WHAT IS JUST. WHEN GRACE IS GIVEN US OPPORTUNITIES, LET IT PASS THROUGH US TO ALL SO WE TRULY BECOME THE SHINING CITY OF THE WEST, AMEN.

>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE MEDITATIVE AMERICA.

AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

[PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS]

HELLO, DONNA. NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK.

PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES AND SERVICES.

THEY ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF OUR RESIDENTS OF OUR GREAT CITY.

THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK THEME, CONNECTING THE WORLD PUBLIC WORKS, REPRESENTS A VARIETY OF SERVICES AND EFFORTS PUT FORTH EACH AND EVERY DAY THE PUBLIC WORK PROFESSIONALS. THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND COMFORT OF OUR COMMUNITY DEPENDS ON THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF A PUBLIC WORKS SYSTEMS AND PROGRAMS. THEIR QUALITY, EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY AS WELL AS THEIR PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CANNOT BE PROVIDED WITHOUT THE DEDICATED EFFORTS OF OUR PUBLIC WORK EMPLOYEES. AS MAYOR, ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, I EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR THE LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE MANY PUBLIC WORK PROFESSIONALS MAKE TO OUR GREAT CITY AND THE PROGRESS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

I AM PLEASED TO PROCLAIM MAY 21-27.23 IN ABILENE, NATIONAL

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE A GREAT GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS THAT WE HAVE HERE.

PUBLIC WORKS IS A DIFFICULT AND CHALLENGING EVERY DAY.

WE ARE OUT THERE EITHER 9B0 ALL HUNDRED 9B0, WE ARE OUT THERE KEEPING THE CITY RUNNING. THESE GUYS ARE THE FACE OF PUBLIC WORKS OUT THIS WEEK IS ABOUT.

WE ALWAYS TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PATIENTS AND CONSTRUCTION ZONES, WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO GET THINGS GOING AND UP, BUT WE ALSO DRIVE VERY LARGE VEHICLES. SO PLEASE, GIVE A LITTLE DISTANCE AS YOU SEE THE TRUCKS OUT THERE DRIVING AROUND.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR RECOGNIZING THIS WEEK AS PUBLIC WORKS WEEK. [APPLAUSE].

>> FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK. OUR SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS BRING POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING AND FLASH FLOODING FOR

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INTENSE RAINFALL FOR SLOW-MOVING STORM TRACK OVER THE SAME AREAS CAN CAUSE A RAPID RISE OF WATER AND FLASH FLOODS AND DEVELOP WITHIN MINUTES.

FLASH FLOODING IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF THE WEATHER RELATED DAMAGES TO COMMERCE, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THE LOSS OF HUMAN LIFE.IT IS VITAL THAT MANY RESIDENTS RECOGNIZE AND RESPECT THE POWER OF WATER.

PLANNING AND PREPARATION ARE THE KEY TO REDUCING THE LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY WHICH EXPRESSES OUR SEVERE APPRECIATION - - DILIGENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM KEEP OUR CITY AND RESIDENTS SAFE AS MAYOR AND AS THE CITY COUNCIL DO PROCLAIM THE MAY 22 26 2023 AS FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK.

>> IS SEVERE WEATHER SEASON FROM APRIL THROUGH JUNE WHICH BRINGS TRANSFER RAINFALL AND FLOODING.

ILIKE TO REMIND FOLKS TO TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN, DON'T GO AROUND THE BARRIERS . [APPLAUSE].

>> I'M THE PASTOR AT MOSAIC CHURCH.

IT'S BEEN A BIG DAY FOR US, WE BEEN WORKING IN THIS FOR A WHILE.

TO KNOW THAT WE ARE INVOLVED IN OUR CITY, WE PROVIDE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR KIDS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THEM AND PROVIDE MEALS FOR FAMILIES WHO CANNOT AFFORD THEM.

WE ALSO MINISTERED TO SOME OTHER AREAS IN OUR CITY AND WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS WE ARE A 501(C) AND WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE WANT TO BE A PART.

YOU WANT TO PUT MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS.

WE PRAY FOR YOU GUYS, MINISTERED - - HELP US WITH THIS PROCESS AND GAVE US SOME WISDOM, BUT WE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE $1000 TO THE POLICE CRISIS FUND THAT GIVES THE POLICE OFFICERS THE ABILITY TO ADMINISTER AND A CRISIS TO PROVIDE THINK THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT.THAT'S THE FIRST, IT'S NOT THE END. WE ARE MAKING THE CITY OF ABILENE AS A PART OF OUR BUDGET.

WE BELIEVE IN YOU, WE PRAY FOR THOSECOUNCIL AND PRAY FOR YOU .

WE JUST WANTED TO KNOW THAT WE ARE ALL IN.

IF WE CAN DO ANYTHING FOR YOU, OUR BUILDING IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU. WE HAVE SHOWERS AND THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE FOOD. WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IF YOU NEED US AND YOU CALL, WE WILL RESPOND.

THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE].

>> MAYOR: THANK YOU SO MUCH THEM I APPRECIATE YOUR WORDS.

I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE OUR PAST COUNCILWOMAN DONNA - -.

MANY ACCOLADES TO YOU, GREAT TO SEE YOU TODAY.

[CONSENT AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS]

I AM UP, MIGHT AS WILL GO. WE NOW MOVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH CONSISTENT ITEMS ONE THROUGH 14.

THESE ITEMS - - DOES ANYONE ON THE COUNCIL WISH TO CONSIDER AN

ITEM INDIVIDUALLY? >> I BELIEVE NUMBER FIVE WAS

PULLED? >> THAT'S CORRECT, STAFF IS

PULLED NUMBER FIVE. >> MAYOR: NUMBER FIVE HAS BEEN PULLED, PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THAT.

WE WILL NOW MOVE TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD.

THERE WILL BE NO VOTES OR ANY PUBLIC - - THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD WILL ONLY ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PRESENT IDEAS AND INFORMATION TO CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF.

PLEASE COME FORWARD AND STATE YOUR NAME AND THE CITY YOU ARE RESIDING FOR THE RECORD. COUNCILMAN BEARD, WE HAVE SOME

CARDS?>> CAN YOU TALK INTO THE MICROPHONE?

THANK YOU. >> SPEAKER: SORRY, I REALLY DON'T LIKE SPEAKING. I WAS VERYDISTURBED BY WHAT I SAW BY THE SCULPTURES . THERE WERE SEVERAL, BUT ONE IN PARTICULAR, I DON'T LIKE SPEAKING BUT IT IS VERY

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HISSISTER IS VERY DARK . DISNEY WAS THEFIRST ONE TO ADOPT AN ADORABLE LITTLE SANDMAN .

I KNOW YOU HAVE SEEN HIM. HE TOOK A CREATURE THAT HAD TO DO WITH JAMES AND CHILDREN AND NIGHTTIME AND HORRIBLE THINGS HAPPENING CONTINUING FROM THAT POINT FORWARD.T WAS MANY YEARS AGO THAT HE WAS NAMED SANDMAN.

THE SCULPTURE THAT YOU HAVE TAKE SOME OF THE FEATURES.

SANDMAN HAD LITTLE FEES, LITTLE HANDS, A LITTLE ROTUND THE BOD . HE HAD ORIGINALLY WHAT YOU WOULD SEE ON THE SUN, LITTLE SPIKES OF GOLDEN, HE HAS GOOD EYES, LITTLE BUTTON NOSE, NOTHINGDISTURBING ABOUT THIS TO CHILDREN WHATSOEVER . BUT DISNEY MADE HIM THE KEEPER OF DREAMS AND PROTECTING CHILDREN WHICH IS NOT WHAT SANDMAN WAS . THIS IS SANDMAN NOW, IT WAS VERY DISTURBING. EVERYTHING WAS THE SAME EXCEPT FOR TWO THINGS. HE WAS NOT QUITE AS ROTUND, BUT HIS HAIR HAD CHANGED QUITE A BIT.

I DID A SILHOUETTE OF THESE BECAUSE THEY CLEARLY WANTED TO SEE IT, THIS IS THE ONE THAT IS NOT FOR IN KIDS THAT WERE SLOWLY BECOMING ONE THAT WAS NOT WHAT SANDMAN WAS WITH JAMES AND CHILDREN.ISTURBING, BUT NOT BAD.

THIS ONE IS WHAT YOU WILL PUT IN PUBLIC PLACES.

THAT IS THESILHOUETTE OF THAT SCULPTURE .

IT IS VERYDISTURBING TO ME . IF THIS DOES NOT BOTHER YOU, I

THINK YOU NEED TO RELOOK. >> MAN, CAN YOU PLEASE ADDRESS THE COUNCIL? THANK YOU.

>> SORRY. I AM HERE AGAIN BECAUSE I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN TEXAS. I WAS PROUD OF THE SANCTUARY CITY, IT WAS AMAZING AND PROTECTIVE LIFE IN THE BEGINNING. BUT, WE HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY PROTECT OUR CHILDREN THROUGH EVERYTHING AND THIS IS ABHORRENT TO ME THAT IT WAS GOING TO A PUBLIC PLACE AND YOU WOULD USE CITY TAXES TO INSTALL IT, THANK YOU.

>> WILLIAM MILLER FROM MOSAIC CHURCH FROM I THINK HE IS

ALREADY SPOKEN. >> MAYOR: WE ARE STILL IN PUBLIC COMMENT, WOULD ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO COME FORWARD FOR

THIS TIME? >> GOOD MORNING COUNCIL, COUNCILMAN REGAN, YATES, REGAN AND MAYER HURT.

I THINK IN A DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCE WE WOULD PROBABLY ENJOY EACH OTHER'S COMPANY. WE WOULD, BECAUSE WE ALL OF ABILENE, WE ARE ALL THE SAME TEAM AND ARE WORKING TOGETHER WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS.COME, NOT OPPOSITION TO YOU, BUT IN DESIRE TO WORK WITH YOU.

I AM A DIEHARD FAN OF THE MEETING.

IT'S ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AS MY BOOK, THE STORY OF ABORTION IN AMERICA. IT'S A LOT TO READ IN SEVEN DAYS. IN FACT, YOU CAN'T REALLY READ IT ALL IN SEVEN DAYS AND YOU HAVE NO CHILDREN, NO LIFE AND WHAT I WANTED TO POINT OUT WAS EVEN THIS BOOK: 1802, SHE REFUTED ABORTION WAS ILLEGAL IN OUR COUNTRY.

THE NUMERATOR WAS WRONG AND WE STOOD AGAINST IT.

THEY DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE LAWS SAINT OMER THE UNBORN.

I NOTICE ON THE EXECUTIVE SESSION THAT THE SANCTUARY CITY FOR THE UNBORN IS ON IT. I KNOW THERE ARE LOTS OF REASONS WHY YOU PUT IT ON THEI , I JUST WANT TO KNOW THAT WE'RE NOTICING IT, WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION AND I HAVE TWO ISSUES ON THAT THIS MORNING. MANY OF YOU SAID YOU PUBLIC OPPOSITION ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD NOT YOU THINK THEY CAN BE TURNED ON US. I AM JUST OLD SCHOOL AND OPERATE DOING THE RIGHT THING NO MATTER WHAT THE COSTS.

BASED ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE LESSER MAGISTRATE THAT SAYS NICELY SUPERIOR MAGISTRATE LIK YOURSELVES , IT IS MY OBLIGATION TO MAKE SURE IT IS TAKING CARE OF AND NOT ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. MAYER HURT, YOU CALL THE ORDINANCE FACTIOUS AND PROCEEDED TO STATE FALSELY THINKS ABOUT THE WAY IT IS NOT ALTER WOMEN WHO NEED DNC.IT IS NOT TRUE, THERE IS NO EFFECT WHATSOEVER TO THE DNC PROCESS.

THE ONLY THING AFFECTED BY THE ORDINANCE IS THAT WOMEN ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CHOOSE TO END THE LIFE OF THEIR BABY.

IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE BUSINESS, YOU ARE GOOD TO GO.

I KNOW YOU ARE DISCUSSING IS IN PRIVATE AND AS A CITIZEN THE

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REMEMBER THAT OVER THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT PEOPLE VOTED FOR PROTECTING THE UNBORN IN NOVEMBER IN THE CITY THEN VOTED FOR US MAYER. WAS JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE WATCHING, WE ARE WANTING TO WORK TOGETHER AND WE HOPE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THIS AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN THE DAYS TO COME,

THANK YOU. >> STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT

PERIOD, IS ANYONE ELSE? >> GOOD MORNING MAYOR AND COUNCIL. I AM A NATIVE, RESIDENT OF ABILENE. IN THE PAST I HAVE BROUGHT YOU A CONCERN ABOUT THE LIBRARY RESOLUTION THAT WAS PASSED.

AND THAT, LIBRARY PATRONS TO PAY A FEE TO USE LIBRARY WHO HAPPENED TO ALSO LIVE OUT OF THE CITY, THEY ARGUED TO BE A PART OF THE RECONSIDERATION PROCESS.

AGAIN, THAT IS DISCRIMINATING AGAINST SOMEONE WHO HAS A RIGHT TO HAVE A VOICE AND WHAT HAPPENS IN THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

AGAIN, IS MAKING A REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECONSIDERS THAT, LOOKS AT THA ONE MORE TIME .

IF THIS WERE ANOTHER GROUP BEING DISCRIMINATED OR SILENCED, I WOULD ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM ATTACHED.

IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT EVERY PLAN PERSONALLY INVOLVED WITH, IT'S ABOUT SILENCING THOSE WHO MAY NOT AGREE WITH A PARTICULAR POSITION. JUST ASK ME TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR CONCERN ABOUT NUMBER 10, THE SANCTUARY CITY FOR THE UNBORN ORDINANCE.

YOU GUYS WILL BE DEALING WITH THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT WILL LOOK LIKE OR WHAT YOU WILL TALK ABOUT BUT LIKE TAMMY SAID, WE WILL WATCH AND WE ARE AWARE WHAT IS GOING ON. I LOOKED THROUGH THE PACKET ALSO, THERE'S A LOT OF INFORMATION IN THERE.

WE ARE TRYING TO BE INFORMED AS TO WHAT GOES ON.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE INFORMED ABOUT WHAT GOES ON AND FOR THIS TO JUST SHOW UP ALL OF A SUDDE , WE ARE CONCERNED AND WE ARE WATCHING.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD, WOULD ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK?

>> SPEAKER: (STATES NAME AND ADDRESS).

I JUST WANTED TO SEE WHAT YOU LOOKLIKE FROM THE SIDE OF THE PODIUM . HANDSOME AS EVER.

WHAT SPURRED ME TO COME TODAY WAS THIS WEEK, MY STREET SWEEPER CAME DOWN MY STREET AND HE WENT DOWN ONE SIDE AND I WATCHED THEM GO TO THE END OF THE STREET AND CAME BACK THE OTHER SIDE. WHEN HE GOT FROM MY HOUSE I STOPPED HIM AND SAID THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SPEAKING MY STREET.

HE SAID MA'AM, NORMALLY WHEN SOMEBODY STOPS ME IT IS TO CHEW ME OUT. WHO WOULD CHEW OUT THE STREET SWEEPER?NOT ONLY DID YOU STREET SWEEPER MY STREET, YOU SAVE THE GUY DOWN THE ROAD BECAUSE HE WAS FIXING TO GET A REAL CHILLING BECAUSE HE BLEW HIS GRASS INTO THE STREETS THAT WE ALL HAVE TO PAY FOR. AND, ANOTHER REASON I AM HERE IS I KNOW HOW MUCH TIME AND ENERGY YOU PUT, SHANE, READING THAT PACKET THREE TIMES BEFORE EVERYMEETING , YES.

ALL OF YOU ARE TO BE COMMENDED. IN MY OPINION, IF YOU DON'T SPEND AT LEAST 20 HOURS A WEEK HELPING SOME NONPROFIT IN TOWN, YOU DON'T REALLY HAVE MUCH OF A LEG TO STAND ON TO GET UP HERE AND COMPLAIN. BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION INSTEAD OF THE PROBLEM. THAT'S MY THEORY.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU, ONE AND YOU NEW GUYS, YOU ARE IN FOR IT. [LAUGHTER].

THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR BEING WILLING TO SERVE.

IF I HEAR ONE MORE PERSON SAY THAT YOU'RE EITHER PART OF THE ESTABLISHMENT, OR A CHRISTIAN, I MAY HAVE TO SCREAM REALLY LOUD BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW OF A BETTER GROUP OF GUYS THEN YOU ARE. IT HAS BEEN MY PLEASURE TO SERVE WITH YOU AND I TOO WILL BE WATCHING BECAUSE I WILL BE WATCHING AND SAYING YAY FOR YOU, THANK YOU.

>> STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD, WOULD ANYONE ELSE WANT TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME?SEEING NO ONE, I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT. I WOULD ASK FOR A MOTION WITH

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EXCEPTION OF FIVE X SO MOVED. >> I HAVE A MOTION BY - - ANY DISCUSSION? CALL THE VOTE.

>> CLERK:

[15. Resolution: Receive a Report, Hold a Discussion and Public Hearing, and Take Action on Approving and Adopting the 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Lesli Andrews)]

>> GOOD MORNING COUNCIL, I LOOK FORWARD TO PRESENTING OURMASTER PLAN TODAY .THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR-LONG PROCESS.

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT FOR MANY PEOPLE AND STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN THE CITY THAT IS GOING TO THIS.

THIS IS PRESENTED TO THE PARK SPORTIN MARCH .

THEY DID APPROVE IT AND RECOMMEND MOVING IT FORWARD FOR REVIEW AND ADOPTION. IT WAS PRESENTED TO PLANNING AND ZONING ON MAY 2 AND RECOMMENDED MOVING IT FORWARD TO CITY COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION. AT THIS TIME, I WAS INTRODUCED KEITH, HE WILL BE THE ONE MAKING THE PRESENTATION.

IF YOU ALL REMEMBER WELL LAST SUMMER WAS LIKE IN THE HEART OF THE SUMMER, HIM AND HIS TEAM WERE THOSE PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE WALKING REALLY DETAILING WHAT WE DO.

HE GOT A FIRSTHAND GLIMPSE OF WEST TEXAS HEAT.I AM GLAD TO HAVE HIM BACK ON THE COOL, RAINY DAY.

I HAD TO TURN THE PROGRAM OVER TO YOU.

>> I WANT TO START THE PROGRAM BY SAYING THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THE CITY OF ABILENE, IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE. THIS PLAN WOULD NOT BE WHAT IT IS THAT THE HARD WORK OF LESLIE AND HER TEAM, I WANT TO GIVE THEM CREDIT AS WELL. TO START, WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN? WHY ARE WE HERE? THE PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE THE VISION FOR PARKS AND RECREATION IN ABILENE FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

WE ARE YOU GOING? WOULD YOU WANT TO GO? WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE? ENSURE THE DEPARTMENT OFFERINGS ARE ALIGNED TO COMMUNITY NEEDS. THE BIGGEST PART OF THE PROCESS WAS TO TALK TO THE COMMUNITY AND FIND OUT WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE IN THE FUTURE. LOOKING AT GAPS IN SERVICE TO SEE WHERE MAYBE YOU ARE NOT REACHING PEOPLE.

PREPARE THE DEPARTMENT FOR CHANGING NEEDS .

WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE? DESCRIBE FUTURE FUNDING REQUIREMENTS AND NET POTENTIAL SERVICES. WHAT IS THIS ALL GOING TO COST? HOW CAN WE PAY FOR IT? FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY, WITHOUT A PLAN, YOU CANNOT SUSTAINABLY AND RESPONSIBLYALLOCATE RESOURCES . MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NO DUPLICATION OFSERVICES . YOU, THE CITY OF ABILENE, THEY'LL HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING AND IF ANOTHER ORGANIZATION IS DOING SOMETHING, THERE IS NO REASON TO DUPLICATE THAT SERVICE. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE US? I'M ASSUMING BECAUSE WE KNOW HOW TO PREPARE A PLAN LIKE THIS, WE'VE BEEN BEFORE. HE BENT OVER 80 OF THESE PLANS AND I WORKED ON OVER 50 MYSELF. BUT, WE CAN PREPARE A PLAN FOR A CITY LIKE ABILENE WITHOUT ASSISTANCE.THAT IS WHY WE HAVE A STEERING COMMITTEE. THEY PROVIDE NECESSARY GUIDANCE FOR US AS REPRESENTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

THEY INCLUDE MEMBERS OF STAFF, BOARD MEMBERS, CITY OFFICIALS .

HE MET FOUR TIMES, TWO HOURS EACH TIME.

WE GET FEEDBACK AND ULTIMATELY THE MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBLY WAS TO PROVIDE CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONTEXT FOR THE CITY. WE DON'T KNOW THE CITY AS WELL AND NEVER WILL HOLD THE CITY AS WELL AS PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY. THEY HELP US PROMOTE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE SURE WE CAN REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AND ULTIMATELY, IT WAS THAT STEERING COMMITTEE TO HELP DEVELOP THE DIVISION FOR THE FUTURE.

THEY MAKE SURE THIS PLAN IS THE BEST PLAN FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.

WE PREPARE THE PLAN BUT IT IS NOT FOR US.

IT'S A FOUR STAGE PROCESS, BUT FIRST AGENCY WENT OUT TO THE PARK AND IS A MAPPING IN THE BENCHMARKING OF DEMOGRAPHICS.

BATTERY TALK TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE.

THE PLAN IS HOW DO WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN? WHAT THE DATA SAY? THIS MAP YOU HAD TO IS A MUCH

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ULTIMATELY, 32% OF THE LOWER SERVICE AREAS, 90% THE HIGHER SERVICE AREAS FOR THE REMAINDER IN THE YELLOW AREAS.

ABOUT 20% OF THE POPULATION IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE.

THE COMMUNITY USES PARTS AT A VERY HIGH RATE 80% OF SERVICE

QUANTITIES. >> SIX OR MORE TIMES IN A YEAR.

50% 20 OR MORE TIMES. NATIONALLY, THE AVERAGE IS 75% OF THE POPULATION USE THE PARKS ONE TIME.

THIS IS SHOWING A MUCH HIGHER LEVEL OF USE THAT.

YOUR POPULATION IS GROWING AND AGING.

WE HAVE MORE SENIORS NEEDED WITH FEWER CHILDREN.

THIS IS A NATIONAL TREND. TEXAS IS LAGGING BEHIND THE U.S. PLATE IS STILL TRENDING THAT WAY BUT ABILENE IS AHEAD OF TEXAS. ON THE SITE ASSESSMENTS, WE WENT OUT AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL HEREYESTERDAY .

WE HAVE ATHLETIC FIELD EFFICIENCIES, A LOT OF THE PARTS ARE OLDER. JUST IN GENERAL AGING OF THE STRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT. BUT, THE PARTS OF LOTS OF LAND AVAILABLE WHERE YOU CAN ADD SOME FEATURES.

ON SOME OF THE BENCHMARKING, OVERALL THE CITY SPENDS A LITTLE LESS PER CAPITA ON PARKS AND RECREATION.

YOU HAVE A LITTLE LESS PARKLAND BUT OVERALL, YOU HAVE FEWER LARGER PARKS WHICH TIES THE TO THE LOWER PERCENTAGE OF WALKABLE RANGE. YOU HAVE A LOWER LEVEL OF STAFFING PER CAPITA AND LOOKING AT THE FACILITIES, YOU ARE AT OR BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE BENCHMARKS WHICH IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOUR POPULATION IS ALSO GROWING.

THOSE LEVELS MIGHT GO DOWN THE FUTURE WITHOUT INVESTMENT.

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS, THIS IS WHY WE DO THIS. WE ARE JUST UNDER 1000 PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT SURVEY, ALMOST ALL OF WHICH WERE ABILENE RESIDENTS. WE MET WITH 20 STAKEHOLDER GROUPS, THESE ARE USERGROUPS , SPORTS LEAGUES.

THEY PROVIDE REALLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE BEST KNOWLEDGE. WE HAD AN OPEN HOUSE WORKSHOP AT THE CONVENTION CENTER, WE HAD OVER 60 PEOPLE THERE AND A PRETTY GOOD TURNOUT. AFTER COVID IT HAS BEEN HARD TO GET PEOPLE OUT. IT'S GOOD TO SEE A PRETTY GOOD TURNOUT THE ENEMY OF GOOD FEEDBACK.

BUT TO BE HERE? OVERALL, PEOPLE WANT OPPORTUNITIES TO GET TOGETHER WITH THE COMMUNITY.

THEY WANT MORE SPORTS LEAGUES AND TOURNAMENTS, THAT IS MORE VARIETY AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES.

ACTIVE ADULT PROGRAMS, 50+ PROGRAMS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE TODAY DO NOT TEND TO BE LIKE TO BE CALLED SENIORS.

MAJOR PROGRAMS, PEOPLE WANT TO GET OUT INTERACT WITH NATURE.

LOOKING AT THE FACILITIES, THE TOP ITEM WE HEARD WAS SUPPORT FEATURES. RESTROOM SHADING OTHER THINKS MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE PARKS BETTER AND CAN ALLOW YOU TO EXTEND YOUR STAY. RECREATION CENTERS, SOME OF THEM ARE OLDER ANY UPGRADES. HE GROUNDS, A LOT OF THEM ARE AGING BEYOND THEIR USEFUL LIFE. ATHLETIC FIELDS, WE WANT TO SEE THE PURCHASING OF ATHLETIC FIELDS.

PICKLE BALL, IS THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN AMERICA.

THAT GROUP REPRESENTED THELARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT CAME TO OUR OPEN HOUSE . LOOKING AT THE SYSTEM, THE PIPING IS THE IMPROVEMENT YOU HAVE ALREADY, FIRST BEFORE ADDING THINGS CONNECTIVITY AND TRAILS, PEOPLE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS AND APPROVE FITNESS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE CAN GET THERE AND AGAIN, NATURAL AREAS OF - -. YOU'VE GOT A GREAT ASSET THAT YOU TAKE MORE ADVANTAGE OF.

ALL THE ANALYSIS BE DO IS WORK WITH THE STEERING COMMITTEE, BUT THE STRATEGIC PLAN. SPEAKING OF THE NEW MISSION FOR PARKS AND RECREATION. PETER GOALTENDER PARKS AND

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THE VALUE, SERVICE INCLUSIVITY. LESLIE AND HER GOAL TO IMPLEMENT WHAT IS ALREADY, WE HAVE A POSSIBLE STEWARDSHIP, ACCESSIBLE SPACES,VISION MANAGEMENT , FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND PARTNERSHIPS.

ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PLANS FITTED TO THESE GOALS.

WE ARE GETTING ONTO SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

STRIVE TO RESET THE VISION FOR PARKS AND RECREATION FOR IN MY TAKE MORE THAN 10 YEARS BUT YOU HAVE SOMEONE YOU WANT TO GO.

TRY SOME UNIQUE APPROACHES, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING. CONTINUOUSLY ENGAGE THE PUBLIC.

THIS PROCESS IS NOT THE END OF THE ENGAGEMENT FOR PARKS AND RECREATION, IT IS MORE OF THE BEGINNING.

IMPLEMENT THEPARTNERSHIP . ONE OF THE BIG THINGS WE HEARD WAS THE NEED FOR SOCCER AND OTHER SPORTS THAT YOU SPECTACULAR FIELDS. YOU HAVE FEWER OF THOSE HERE AND THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS WE HEARD.

FIND DEPENDABLE FUNDING SOURCES.

THE PARKS FOUNDATION MIGHT HELP YOU WITH DONATIONS, SNEAKING GRANTS, BE CREATIVE. CONTINUE TO ADDRESS DEFERRED MAINTENANCE. A LOT OF THE FACILITIES ARE IS OLDER, THEY'RE NOT POORLY MAINTAINED, THERE JUST AGING.

ENTER TRAFFIC LEVELS AND MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENTS AS THEY ADD NEW AMENITIES. PEOPLE CITY MICRO QUALITY SYSTEMS, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THAT.

STAY COMPETITIVE WHEN YOU HIRE PEOPLE MAKE SURE YOU ARE OFFERING WITH THE OTHER EMPLOYERS ARE OFFERING.

UPGRADE AND IMPROVE THE EXISTING PARKSTART THEIR COUNTRY WHAT YOU HAD . YOU REALLY HAVE ENOUGH OF THEM, IT'S A MATTER OF IMPROVING THEM.

RENOVATE YOUR - - THIS WILL BE HEARD THE MOST, IS THE FASTEST GROWINGSPORT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HEAR FROM THEM .

UPGRADE RECREATION CENTERS, THOSE ARE FACILITIES YOU CAN USE FOR PROGRAMS YEAR-ROUND BUT THOSE ARE NEEDED FOR THE SUPPORT FEATURES. PEOPLE WANT TO COME TO YOUR PRACTICE SENIOR PARKS. THE ART OF US A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE WHILE THEY ARE THERE.

YOU HAVE ANY PART FOR YOU CAN ADD TRAILS AND IMPROVE ADA ACCESS. A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE TOP CAPITAL PERMITS OUR EXISTING FACILITIES.

PLAYGROUNDS, RESTROOS, SHADE COMMIT COMMUNITY CENTERS FROM IMPROVING ADA ACCESS, SOFTBALL FIELDS .

THE PART TRAILS WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO UPGRADE MANY OF THOSE FROM ASPHALTIC CONCRETE. PICNIC SHELTERS, MAKE SURE PEOPLE HAVE A PLACE TO GATHER, ESPECIALLY MAKE SURE YOU HAVE HANDICAP ACCESS. THEN SIGNAGE, MAKE SURE PEOPLE CAN FIND THE PARKS YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAILS IN EACH OF YOUR PARKS. YOU HAVE A GREAT LAKE TAKE BETTER ADVANTAGE OF THAT. THE BALL COURTS PEOPLE HAVE MORE DOGS AND WANT TO TAKE HIM EVERYWHERE, DOG PARKS ARE BECOMING MORE POPULAR AROUND THE COUNTRY NATURAL SURFACE TRAILS. IT'S RELATED TO PEOPLE WANTED TO GET OUT OF NATURE. SET AS COMMUNITY PARK, THAT IS RECOMMENDED IN THE PREVIOUS PLAN, THE GROWING AREA IN THE CITY. ADDITIONAL PARKS TO HELP MEET SOME OF THE NEEDS THAT PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO ACCESS.

THEN, THE ACTION PLAN IS AT THE END OF THE REPORT THIS IS 122 ACTIONS. BASICALLY, WHO'S RESPONSIBLE, IT'S NOT ALWAYS THE PARKS DEPARTMENT.

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IT CAN BE PRINTED AS A POSTER TO PUT IT ON THE WALL.

THAT IS IT FOR ME. ANY QUESTIONS?

>> MAYOR: ANY QUESTIONS? >> I HAD A FEW SOME MAYBE FOR LESLIE. WHEN THE QUESTIONS I HAD WAS REGARDING THE BIKE TRAILS IN THE CALCULATION THAT WAS USED ON THAT. THE RESPONSE I GOT WAS THAT SIDEWALKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THAT.

ALONG JUDGE ELY BOULEVARD, THERE WAS A WIDE SIDEWALKTHAT WAS A VERY LONG DISTANCE . WHY WOULD THAT NOT BE INCLUDED

AS A TRAIL? >> THE TRAILS ARE INCLUDED IN OUR BENCHMARKING, ESSENTIALLY WHAT WAS IN THE PARK SYSTEM.

THERE ARETRAILS OUTSIDE OF THAT .

>> THAT'S ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WOULD NOT INCLUDE THAT. IF YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT OF WAY, WHEN THE VISIONS WE'VE HAD FROM PREVIOUS PARKLANDS IS A CONNECTIVITY GOING EVENTUALLY FROM KIRBY LAKE.

HIS MAJORITY OUT OF THE PARK SYSTEM BUT THAT'S A LONG TRAIL, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THAT WOULD NOT COUNT AS THE TRAIL.

>> OUR NUMBERS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PARK SYSTEM.

ABSOLUTELY WANT TO CONSIDER THAT.

>> THE QUESTION WE HAD WAS AS WERE LOOKING AT A TARGET FOR A TRAIL AND WANTS TO BE THE BOUNDARY OF THE PARK, WE KNOW LONGER COUNT THAT AS ACHIEVING TOWARDS THE GOAL OF THE TRAIL SYSTEM, DOES NOT CONNECT WITH ME.

IT'S A HEALTHY ONE THAT WOULD BE DOING IMPROVEMENTS BEYOND JUST PUTTING A CIRCLE WITHIN THE PARK.

THAT WAS THE SOURCE OF THE QUESTION AND WHY I BROUGHT THAT UP AS FAR AS IT COMING TOWARDS THE TARGET.

>> I THINK WE WILL COUNT THOSE TOWARDS THE TARGET.FOR EXAMPLE, THE CEDAR CREEK TRAIL IS TECHNICALLY NOT A PART, BUT WE WILL COUNT AS A PART OF OUR TRAIL SYSTEM AND OUR PARK PROGRAM. THE MAPLE TRAIL - - DESIGNED AND BUILT FOR THAT PURPOSE. IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE MAINTAINED BY PARKS, THAT IS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

YOUR POINT IS WELL TAKEN. >> THIS MAY BE A LESLIE QUESTION, BUT TO PARK IN THE SOUTHWEST PART OF TOWN, THE UNNAMED PART, DO WE HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THAT AS REGARDS TO

ADDRESSING THE NEED ? >> AT THIS POINT, THERE'S NOT BEEN ANY DESIGN. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT MIGHT LEND ITSELF TOWARDS BUT AT THIS POINT, MOST OF OUR FOCUS HAS BEEN ON WHAT WE HAVE, NOT DEVELOPING AND DEVELOPED.

IT IS DEFINITELY IN AN AREA THAT WOULD HELP.

>> SIMILARLY, THE NORTHPARK. AS YOU READ THROUGH THE AIR, TALKS ABOUT HOW WE USED TO HAVE UPPER PLAYGROUND BUT IT HAS BEEN VANDALIZED AND NOW THAT WE HAVE A FIRE STATION) THE PROPERTY, WE LOOKED AT REINVESTING IN THAT PART AS A PART OF A PLAN AND RECOMMENDATIONS?

>> WE HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS ON THE BUDGET REQUEST THAT WOULD ADDRESS PARK AND PLAYGROUND AMENITIES SPECIFICALLY.

I DON'T KNOW IF NORTHPARK WAS A PART OF THAT.

>> WE HAVE WITH THE PRICING AND AMENITIES.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE DOING AS A PILOT PROGRAM.

WHAT WE FOUND SADLY WAS THAT VANDALISM TAKES PLACE AT OUR PARKS WILL DESTROY THINGS BECAUSE THEY GET A KICK OUT OF IT. DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY SLOWLY EXIST FOR THE PLEASURE OF CHILDREN.

PARTNERING WITH THE COMPANY RIGHT NOW AND HAVE INSTALLED SOME OF THESE POLLS, A SOLAR BASEBALL WHERE IT HAS BOTH

[00:40:02]

HELPFUL. >> WE HAD BACK AND FORTH ON THE COMMUNITY GARDENS. THAT HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN OFF ALL-STAR A COUPLE OF SIGNIFICANT TIMES.

IT WOULD BE NICE IF SOMEBODY REALLY WANT TO TAKE THAT ON BUT AS WAS POINTED OUT, IT IS LABOR-INTENSIVE AND IT COULD BE INITIAL - - ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF THE LABOR.

I DO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH US LEAVING IT ON THEIR WITH THE REALISTIC EXPECTATION, AND IS AND TRY TO COUPLE OF TIMES THERE. NO FOLLOW-THROUGH.

>> I WANTED TO HAVE IT THERE BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE PUBLIC INPUT. THERE ARE PEOPLE ASKING FOR IT AND AT LEAST AS SMART THE PARTY WANTS TO DO IT TO MAKE SURE

BEFORE THEY TRY IT. >> IN MY COMMENTS, SINCE WE HAVE BEEN TRYING IT, I DO NOT WANT TO DEVOTE A LOT OF FOCUS AND EFFORT TOWARDS DOING AGAIN WHAT HAS NOT WORKED SINCE THERE ARE MANY THINGS WE ARE WORKING ON THE ARE WORKING AND ARE BEING ACCEPTED AND ENJOYED AND WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH TO DO EVERYTHING. HOPEFULLY THAT WILL KEEP HER FOCUS WE CAN BENEFIT THE MOST. YOU.

>> I DID NOTHING QUESTIONS IN TERMS OF KIND OF THE ASSESSMENT THAT YOU GUYS USE IN TERMS OF THE PARK.

YOU SHARED THE NATIONAL TREND AS FAR AS THE AGE OF THE PEOPLE USUALLY SPARKS, WAS THAT KIND OF INCLUDED INTO THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS THAT WILL POSSIBLY BE BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE A BE MORE SENIORS WHO WILL BE USING THIS RECREATIONALLY AS OPPOSED TO

YOUNGER ADULTS? >> YES.

IT IS NOT JUST PICKLE BALL. THERE ARE WALKING TRAILS INSIDE THE PARKS. OUTDOOR FITNESS, IT'S MORE LIKE GYM EQUIPMENT. SENIORS TEND TO USE THAT.

OBVIOUSLY, THE RECREATION CENTER.

>> I WOULD BECURIOUS TO KNOW, I DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO SEE EVERY SINGLE SURVEY QUESTION THAT YOU ASKED , BUT I WOULD BE CURIOUS TO KNOW AS FAR AS THE PEOPLE THAT ANSWER ON THE SURVEY , WERE THE ONLY ADULTS AND/OR SENIORS? WERE SOME OF THE HOUSEHOLD THE YOUNGER CHILDREN ABLE TO GET

ANSWERS IS THAT CORRECT? >> THAT IS CORRECT.E DID PRESENT THIS AND STILL HAVE THOSE AT THE INPERSON WERE THEREWERE KIDS THERE , THEY WERE ABLE TO FILL THAT OUT , WE ALSO HANDED THEM OUT AT THE REC CENTER TO ENCOURAGE THE KIDS AND PARENTS. I CANNOT TELL YOU WHAT PERCENTAGES KIDS AND PARENTS: ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY WAS

PRESENTED AND SOME DIDN'T. >> THAT WAS MY NEXT QUESTION, I WAS CURIOUS AND WHAT THEIR NEEDS WERE.

>> WE DID ASK ABOUT FILLING OUT THE SURVEY TO FILL IT OUT ON BEHALF OF THE WHOLE HOUSEHOLD. WE DID UP SOMEWHERE IN THE CHART THAT SHOWS HOW REPRESENTATIONS OF THE HOUSEHOLD FILL UP THE POPULATION.

>> THANK YOU FOR REFERRING TO ME AS AN ACTIVE ADULTS.

[LAUGHTER]. I KNOW YOU MENTIONED THAT SOCCER FIELDS AND FLAT FIELDS WERE EVERYTHING, THAT IS KIND OF WHAT I DO. DO YOU THINK THAT, OBVIOUSLY THESE QUESTIONS AND SURVEYS WERE DONE BEFORE THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT WE HADLAST WEEK . DO YOU THINK WHAT A WHITE ESSAY IS GOING TO BE DOING WITH THOSE FIELDS IN THE GROVER NELSON PARK AREA WILL REALLY ADDRESS THE CONCERNS THAT PEOPLE HAD? OR IS THAT THE FIRST STEP? BUT SEEM TO BE A BIG CONCERN

FOR FOLKS. >> DID WAS, YES.SOCCER IS GOING RAPIDLY WHERE BASEBALL IS MORE STEADY.

[00:45:02]

WE DID TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE PROJECT.

>> THANK YOU. >> ONE THING I WILL ALSO PLAN THAT, JUST LIKE WHEN THE - - BUILDING WAS BUILT, A LOT OF PEOPLE GO AND PLAY THEIR, BUT IT IS NOT MEAN BECAUSE OF ALL THE PLANS TOURNAMENTS THAT THEY DON'T STILL NEED PRACTICE AREAS. WHILE I DO THINK THIS WILL SUBSTANTIALLY FEEL THE NEED THAT IS OUT THERE, OUR OPEN SPACES AND PARKS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRACTICES AND TO HELP SUPPORT THAT EFFORT. WE WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THEM

TO MAKE SURE WE SUPPORT THAT. >> ANY MORE QUESTIONS FROM

COUNCIL? >> I JUST HAVE ONE OR TWO.

PICKLE BALL, WE'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT THAT.

ANY SIGNS THAT IT IS JUST A FAD? WHAT ARE THE OTHER 80+ PLANS YOU HAVE WORKED ON? HAVE THEY INCORPORATED THE BALL?

>> I DON'T THINK IT IS JUST A FAD.

I'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND IT HAS BEEN GOING THE ENTIRE TIME. IT JUST EXPLODED AFTER COVID.

IT IS ALL AGES. I PLAY SOMETIMES MYSELF.

WHEN I GO, HALF PEOPLE THERE ARE COLLEGE-AGE.

IT'S NOT JUST FOR SENIORS. >> HOW ARE THE OTHER 80+ PART PLANS THAT YOU HAVE WORKED ON? HAVE YOU IMPLEMENTED PICKLE BALL COURT? ARE THEY CONVERTING TENNIS COURTS OR BUILDING BRAND-NEW ONES?

>> EARLY IN THE GROWTH OF PICKLE BALL, THERE WAS A LOT OF CONVERSION OF TENNIS COURTS. WE TENUOUSLY GENUINELY DO NOT INVOLVE THAT NOW BECAUSE TENNIS IS ALSO GROWING.

>> FINALLY, IT'S A 300 PAGE DOCUMENT AND A LOT OF THE COMMUNITY DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO SIT DOWN AND READ IT ALL.

WHAT ARE TWO OR THREE ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS YOU WOULD THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY, FOCUSING ON THE ACTIONABLE PART THAT THE COMMUNITY CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THIS PLAN?

>> THAT PLAN FOR THE SPORTS COMPLEX, IMPROVE WHAT YOU HAVE.

THAT IS REALLY BIG.ND ALSO, TRAILS.

IN THE PARKS AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU. >> I WANT TO WANT TO THANK YOU, THIS IS A VERY THOROUGH PLAN. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IT IS A MASTER PLAN, NOT NECESSARILY WHAT WE ARE GOING TO IMPLEMENT AND DO, IT IS THE FRAMEWORK FOR DECISION-MAKING AS WE MOVE FORWARD.I'M JUST A PRETTY CLEARLY, I KNOW THIS IS NOT SPECIFICALLY ADVOCATING FOR NEW PARKS, BUT WE HAVE TO CATCH UP AND TAKE CARE OF WHAT WE HAVE FIRST.I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT THAT. ROBERT, WILL YOU ADDRESS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHERE WE GO FROM HERE WITH THIS? HOW WE WILL MIND THE DATA AND DEVELOP A PLAN AND IMPLEMENT THAT AND COMMUNICATED TO THE PUBLIC?

>> HAPPY TO. WITH EVERY MASTER PLAN WE HAVE ADOPTED, WE HAVE TYPICALLY COME BACK AND CREATED A FUNDING STRATEGY TO MAKE SURE WE CAN IMPLEMENT IT AND IT IS NOT SOME HAPPY VISION THAT SITS ON THE SHELF AND NEVER GETS EXECUTED.

THE CHALLENGE WITH THE PARKS MASTER PLAN IS THAT IT IS THE GENERAL FUND, AND GENERALLY FUNDED SORT OF ACTIVITY.

THAT IS PROPERTY TAX AND SALES TAX.

THOSE THINGS ARE ALREADY SPOKEN FOR WHICH IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY OUR STAFFING IS THE COMPARISON FROM A PER CAPITA STANDPOINT TO OTHER COMMUNITIES.

IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WHY OUR AMENITIES ARE IS AGED AS THEY ARE. TO THE CONCEPT OF TAKING CARE OF WHAT WE HAVE, AS THE FIRST THING YOU WILL SEE.

WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED THE PROCESS BY THE WAY.

THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE WALKING TRAILS IN THREE OF OUR PRODUCTS LAST YEAR WAS NOT ONLY EXPENSIVE, BUT NEEDED AND NECESSARY. THOSE TRAILS WILL LITERALLY DISINTEGRATING BECAUSE THEY WERE BEING USED SO MUCH FOR HE WILL WITH WIDER TRAILS AND CONCRETES.

THOSE WILL LAST FOR A LONG TIME.

I SEE US DOING MORE OF THAT. I SEE IS LOOKING AT OUR PLAYGROUND FACILITIES. WE RECENTLY REPLACED A PROGRAM FACILITY IN GROSS PARK THAT IS ACCESSIBLE FACILITY.

I SEE US DOING MORE OF THOSE, NOT LESS.THERE IS AN ADDED COST BUT THE POINT OF BEING A COMMUNITY THAT IS ACCESSIBLE TO THE EXTENT THAT WE CAN BE, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE DO AND SEEMS TO BE IN LINE WITH COUNCILS POLICIES AND DIRECTIONS.

I THINK YOU WILL SEE US INVESTING MORNING HIKING AND BIKE TRAILS AS WELL. WHERE WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A LINEAR TRAIL THAT CAN CONNECT THE PART OF TOWN TO

[00:50:01]

THE MAPLE TREE PROGRAM IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THAT.

WHEN YOU'RE ABLE TO JOIN THE CEDAR CREEK TRAIL AND THE MAPLE TRAIL TOGETHER, WE ARE TO HAVE A REALLY NICE TRAIL NETWORK.

IF COUNCIL DECIDED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE BOND PROGRAM, IT WILL BE ESSENTIALLY RECREATION NEEDS AND KIRBY IS ON THAT THE VOTERS DECIDE TO APPROVE IT.

YOU CAN DO A MARATHON ON THAT. WHICH IS INCREDIBLE FOR ESPECIALLY COMING FROM WHERE WE ARE.

WE WILL BE REBUILDING DIRECT CENTERS AND IF WE DON'T DO THOSE IMPROVEMENTS, MANY TO HAVE COMPETITIONS ON WHY DO WE HAVE DIRECT CENTERS? AT SOME POINT IT BECOMES A LIABILITY AND THOSE FACILITIES - -

>> ,REVENUE SOURCE PERSPECTIVE, TELL ME ABOUT THE PARK SITUATION. I KNOW THERE'S BEEN DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT, I MEANS WE OUTPACE OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUE THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL REVENUE SOURCE.

THAT WOULD ENABLE CITIZENS TO DONATE DOLLARS TOWARD TOWARDS THE PARKS. THERE ARE NUMBER OF COMMUNITIES THAT SUCCESSFULLY USE PARK FOUNDATIONS.

PEOPLE HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING VOLUNTARY DOLLARS TO GOVERNMENT AND I DON'T BLAME THEM. BUT A PARKS FOUNDATION, A NONPROFIT 5013C THAT EXISTS WITH THE BENEFIT OF THE ABILENE PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAM, PEOPLE FEEL BETTER DOING THAT.

ABILENE GIVES CAN LIKE TO BE A RECIPIENT OF THOSE SORTS OF THINGS. THEY CAN BE AGGRESSIVE IN SEEKING GRANTS ANDOTHER FOUNDATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT . WE HAVE NOT USED THAT, HISTORICALLY TO THE EXTENT THAT WE SHOULD.

I THINK ONE OF THE OUTCOMES OF THIS PLAN IS A DESIRE TO LOOK AT THAT. THE OTHER THING I WOULD SAY IS - - RIGHT NOW WE HAVE ON OUR WATER BILL AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO PAY AND THE MONIES EARMARKED AND DEDICATED TO PARKS BUT, IT IS ONE DOLLAR. YOU CAN BUY A CAN OF COKE MCCOOK MACHINE FOR A DOLLAR NOWADAYS.

WE MAY WANT TO LOOK AT, THE VOLUNTARY FEE.

IT'S NOT A MANDATEOR REQUIREMENT COMMITS A VOLUNTARY OPPORTUNITY . BY LIMITING OUR SOFTWARE DOLLARS WILL BE OF THE MANY POTENTIAL FOR MY FAMILY WOULD PERSONALLY GET MORE THAN A DOLLAR, BUT WE ONLY HAVE THE

OPPORTUNITY TO GET A DOLLAR. >> WE TALKED ABOUT THE IMPROVED WALKING PATHS. I NOT HAD A CHANCE TO EXPRESS MYAPPRECIATION FOR THAT . I DID A 5K OVER AT NELSON PARK LAST WEEKEND THIS YEAR WE RAN IT, IT IS GREAT.

I STILL HURT ALL OVER, THAT IS JUST ME BECAUSE I'M IN ACTIVE ADULTS. IT'S A GREAT TRAIL NOW AROUND NELSON PARK. I KNOW THEY HAVE THE SAME THING OVER AT SEARS, SO KUDOS TO THE PART DEPARTMENT FOR THAT.

IT WAS NICE AND SMOOTH AND THAT NELSON PARK THE OTHER WOODEN BRIDGES. I WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT WALK THROUGH SOME OF THOSE, SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

THAT IS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT. >> THE COMMENTS IF YOU GO OUT AND READ THE SURVEY COMMENTS, A LOT OF THE RESPONSES HAD TO DO WITH HOCKEY WHICH IS NOT NECESSARILY A SPORT THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH ABILENE . I DON'T KNOW IF WE SOMEHOW TAP INTO A WHOLE BUNCH OF HOCKEY PLAYERS.

IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF ENTHUSIASM AND DESIRE FOR IMPROVEMENTS WITH HOCKEY .

I DON'T SEE A WHOLE LOT OF THE EMINENT THINGS THAT WE ARE CHANGING. IS THERE A DISCONNECT OR DID I

MISINTERPRET THE COMMENTS? >> WE DO HAVE IN-LINE HOCKEY, NIGHT ICE HOCKEY. WE HAVE IN-LINE COURT.

THERE WAS A LARGE GROUP OF THEM THEY CAME TO THE OPEN MEETING TO BE VOCAL. AGAIN, THE ISSUE THEY ARE HAVING AS MUCH LIKE WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

IT NEEDS TO BE RESURFACED, AND NEEDS A NEW SCOREBOARD AND NEEDS FUNDING INVESTED IN IT TO BRING IT UP.

IT IS NOT HIGH DOLLARS BUT IT IS MEETING SOME FOCUS ATTENTIO

[00:55:04]

. >> WITH THAT MEET THE DEMAND FOR THE HOCKEY PLAYERS IF WE PUT A LITTLE MONEY TO REPAIR WHAT WE HAD? ARE THEY LOOKING FOR ANOTHER

LOCATION? >> NO, THEY'RE LOOKING FOR HELP

IN PREPARING WHAT THEY HAVE. >> ANYONE ELSE? QUESTIONS? THANK YOU ALL, I APPRECIATE THE PRESENTATION. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? PLEASE COME FORWARD AND GIVE YOUR NAME AND WHERE YOU RESIDE FOR THE RECORD.

>> SPEAKER: AMY VOGEL, CITIZEN OF ABILENE AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I CAME. RENA PACKET WAS OVERWHELMING.

THIS IS A BOOK THAT IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE PACKET AND THIS BOOK IS WAY MORE OF A PAGE TURNER.

THE PRESENTATION WAS AMAZING AND CLARIFYING A LOT OF THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE. IF YOU COULD PUT HIS PRESENTATION ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE, THAT WOULD GO VERY FAR IN HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO. THE THING I WANTED TO SAY WAS, IT IS HARD TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON AND I WILL BE A VOICE OF TRYING TO GET PEOPLE CONNECTED.

I AM HERE SAYING I WANT PEOPLE TO HELP YOU.I WANT PEOPLE TO MAKE THEIR JOBS EASIER, I WANT PEOPLE TO BE INVESTED IN WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR CITY. THAT COME FROM FINDING YOUR VOICE AND THINKING WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY MATTERS.

WHEN I READ THE NORMAL ONLY 1000 CITIZENS PARTICIPATED IN THIS POLE, IT WAS DISAPPOINTING.

THAT IS NOBODY. PART OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT I DON'T THINK YOU GUYS ARE NOT TRYING TO COMMUNICATE.

I KNOW YOU SEND OUT NOTICES ASKING PEOPLE ARE OPPOSED OR FOUR THINGS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

I KNOW YOU PUT UP ONLINE AND DO STUFF, BUT PEOPLE DON'T RESPOND. WHAT THAT IS, IT'S A REFLECTION ON WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO KEEP HER THINKING THAT WHILE 60 PEOPLE MIGHT BE A HIGH NUMBER TWO ATTENDED AN OPEN MEETING, IT SHOULD BE DISAPPOINTING AND UNSETTLING TO US THAT WE WERE OKAY WITH ONLY 60 PEOPLE COMING.

I'M NOT SAYING IT'S A PROBLEM, BUT THE CITIZENS DID NOT LIKE TO HAVE A VOICE. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. I WILL DO MY PART AS A CITIZEN TO ENGAGE PEOPLE IN HELPING YOU ALL HAVE MORE INPUT AND FEEDBACK SO WE CAN BE A COMMUNITY THAT REFLECTS ITS CITIZENS. BY THE WAY, GOALS ARE TO YOU, I CAN LOOK AT IT ONE TIME IN ONE WEEK, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALLOWING US TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNICATION FROM THE CITIZENS AND THE

REPRESENTATIVES. >> WOULD ANYONE ELSE WANT TO COMMENT AT THIS TIME? SEEING NO ONE, I WILL CLOSE THE

PUBLIC COMMENT. >> I WANT TO SAY IT ONE OTHER THING.WE HAVE TWO BALD EAGLES AT THE ZOO, THAT'S EXCITING.

THE APPROPRIATE RESCUE NOT NOTICEABLE IN THE WILD SO WE ARE APPROVED TO SEE THOSE SPIRIT IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN OUT OF THE ZOO LATELY, GO CHECK THEM OUT.

WE HAVE TWO BALDEAGLES THE ABILENE ZOO .

>> MAYOR: ANY FURTHER COMMENTS? >> I WILL MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

>> MAYOR: I HAVE A MOTION. AND THE SECOND BY COUNCILMAN MCALISTER, ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION?WE ARE READY TO

VOTE. >> CLERK:

THE MOTION CARRIES. >> MAYOR: I WANT TO ONCE AGAIN WELCOME OUR NEWCOUNCILMEMBERS . WE LOOK FORWARD TOSERVING WITH YOU ALL COUNCILMEMBERS REGAN AND YATES, WELCOME TO THE

COUNCIL . >> THE ACTIVE ADULT HAS JOKES.

[EXECUTIVE SESSION]

[LAUGHTER]. >> IT IS NOW 9:28.

WE WILL RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.071, CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY - - DELIBERATION ABOUT REAL PROPERTY, SECTION 551, DELIBERATION ABOUT GIFTS AND DONATIONS, SECTION 551.074 PERSONAL MATTERS, SECTION 551.076, DELIBERATIONS ABOUT SECURITY DEVICES, SECTION 551.087, DELIBERATIONS ABOUT BUSINESS PROSPECTS AND ECONOMIC

[01:00:05]

>> IS NOW 10:25 A.M. AND WE HAVE RECONVENED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION. NO VOTES, SORRY, OPEN SESSION.

NO VOTER ACTION WAS TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.