PARKWAY UTILITY DISTRICT MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 27, 2018
The Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Directors”) of Parkway Utility District (the “District”) met in special session, at 6:00 p.m., at the District’s office located at 12843 Tidwell Road, Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, pursuant to notice of said meeting posted in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code; whereupon the roll was called of the members of the Board, to-wit:
Brenda McNeil – President
Alphonso P. Rettig, Jr. – Vice President
Jennifer Balderas – Secretary
Ron Everhart – Assistant Secretary
Gloria M. Woods – Director
All members of the Board were present. Also attending were Bill Blitch of Blitch Associates, Inc.; Michael Murr of Murr Incorporated; Gary Syzek of of Systems Project Management; and Diane F. Brewer, paralegal, of Radcliffe Bobbitt Adams Polley PLLC (“Attorney” or “RBAP”).
The President, after finding that the notice of the meeting was posted as required by law and determining that a quorum of the Board of Directors was present, called the meeting to order and declared it open for such business as may come before it.
Mr. Blitch first presented debt service schedules and estimated costs for a potential issuance of park bonds. Mr. Blitch stated that such schedules include costs with and without capitalized interest. Messrs. Murr and Blitch then discussed how to present the information to residents.
Mr. Blitch next presented debt service schedules and estimated costs for proposed Series 2019 bonds which include costs associated for construction of the wastewater treatment plant expansion project.
Mr. Syzek next distributed a map of a property near the Sierra Ranch detention pond (the “Pond”) that is currently owned by the Sierra Ranch Homeowners Association (“HOA”). It was reported that the HOA maintains the property. Mr. Murr stated that it would a good opportunity for the District to utilize the Pond for a trail or dog park. Mr. Murr added that the Board should consider developing a pocket park near the Pond. Discussion ensued regarding maintenance and parking concerns.
Mr. Murr then discussed including centralized pavilions and multi-use open sports fields in the Park Plan.
Directors Woods and McNeil next discussed options for providing children in the District with options for recreation, including basketball courts. Mr. Murr indicated that he recommends multi-use areas rather than single use facilities such as basketball courts. Discussion then ensued regarding safety in District recreational areas.
Mr. Murr and the Board next talked about the wetlands area and the existing walking trail and asked about the Board’s interest in building a trail around the wetlands.
The Board then discussed types of exercise equipment that could be included in the Park Plan.
Director Balderas talked about planting clusters of trees to shade areas. Director McNeil suggested building pavilions around the existing trail since there are no shady areas and adding exercise equipment. It was noted that the track team from the nearby school utilizes the walking trail.
The Board next discussed options for presenting a Park Plan to residents. Director McNeil recommended an open house where stations could be set up to depict areas such as the wetlands and charts showing the impact of park bond taxes on houses of different values. Discussion ensued about placing comment boxes at each station with pre-set options for attendees to check their choices.
The Board then discussed butterfly gardens. Mr. Murr indicated that he has built a butterfly garden in a detention pond.
In response to a question, Mr. Murr stated that crushed granite is no longer an American with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) approved material; he recommended the use of concrete for trails in order to comply with the ADA.
Director Everhart indicated that he wants trails to eventually connect all subdivisions in the District. Discussion ensued regarding pedestrian bridges connecting subdivisions in the District. Director McNeil discussed Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ “Park Smart” program and the possibility of matching funds.
It was the consensus of the Board to schedule a town hall open house in late September or early October and as close to the election as possible.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD, the meeting was adjourned.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of July, 2018.
Secretary, Board of Directors
June 27, 2018 Minutes Signature