CITY OF TEXAS CITY
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Day, July 8, 2025, 5:00 PM
Nessler Center - Captain's Room
2010 5th Avenue North
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Day, July 8, 2025, 5:00 PM
Nessler Center - Captain's Room
2010 5th Avenue North
The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board of Directors Meeting met at 5:00 PM; Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in the Nessler Center - Captain's Room, in Texas City, Texas, with the following in attendance:
- Present:
-
- Teri O'Brien, Member
- Paul Bland, Member
- Maria Ybanez, Member
- Nathan Exom, Member
- Christopher Walters, Member
- Hortensia "Tish" Hart, Member
- Frank Mistretta, Member
- Brends Williams, Member
- Winifed Gilmore, Member
- Staff Present:
-
- Dennis J. Harris, Sr., Recreation & Tourism Co-Director
- Jay Williams, Recreation & Tourism Co-Director
- Monica James, Recreation & Tourism Supervisor
Vice Chair Christopher Walters declared that a quorum was present and called the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board to order at 5:02 PM
(1)
ROLL CALL
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Winifred Gilmore
Fatima Naeem
Board Absent:
Amanda Barker
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Staff Present:
Nicole Miller, Director
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
Amanda Gracia, Reservations Coordinator
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Dasia Moore, Special Events Coordinator
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletics Coordinator
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Staff Absent:
Debra Taylor, Recreation Coordinator
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Winifred Gilmore
Fatima Naeem
Board Absent:
Amanda Barker
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Staff Present:
Nicole Miller, Director
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
Amanda Gracia, Reservations Coordinator
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Dasia Moore, Special Events Coordinator
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletics Coordinator
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Staff Absent:
Debra Taylor, Recreation Coordinator
(2)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
NONE
NONE
(3)
NEW BUSINESS
(a)
Consider and take action on the minutes from the June 10, 2025, Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Board Meeting.
A motion was made by Fatima Naeem to adopt the minutes, and seconded by Brenda Williams.
Vote: 6-0 MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Fatima Naeem to adopt the minutes, and seconded by Brenda Williams.
Vote: 6-0 MOTION CARRIED
(4)
UPDATES
(a)
Texas City Museum (Shelby Rodwell)
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator, discussed the upcoming changes to operations at Heritage Square and outlined a phased approach to implementation. The plan is divided into three phases:
Phase One (August–September):
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator, discussed the upcoming changes to operations at Heritage Square and outlined a phased approach to implementation. The plan is divided into three phases:
Phase One (August–September):
- Notify the Texas City Historical Association (TCHA) of the approved change
- Announce the change via social media
- Post monthly promotions of the home with a note regarding the upcoming change
- Select Saturday dates for the upcoming calendar year (six months)
- Update the City’s website calendar of events for 2026
- Install temporary signage at Heritage Square to alert visitors of the upcoming change (referencing August–September timeline)
- Continue monthly reminders and include the change in any posts related to the home
- Create and install a new permanent outdoor sign including updated costs and open hours (November)
- Launch a six-week social media marketing campaign to consistently remind the public of the change
- Replace the temporary signage with the permanent sign following the Celebrate the Season event (December)
(5)
STAFF REPORT
(a)
a. Aquatics - Reported on CCSL Champ series swim meet,NPFAC statistics, and TCAP.
b. Athletics - The Summer Track & Field Meet is July 11–12 at North Shore Ninth Grade Campus, hosted by Galena Park. Summer Tennis registration opens next week. Pickleball Champions: Singles: Tia Norcross, Doubles: Sittin’ Bull (Toan Tang & Manny R.)
Carver Park Kickball League registration opened July 1. Flyer coming soon to social media.
c. Lowry Fitness Center - In June, we tracked member visits, Silver Sneaker visits, and day passes. Our member of the month is Anabelle Dickerson.
d. Museum - In June, we showcased Wrangling Freedom: The Legacy of the 1867 Settlement and hosted several group tours, including a fun three-day visit from the Rec & Tour summer camp. The museum was closed June 2–5 for the TCISD Leadership Retreat. We also launched our new Women in Space exhibit featuring local resident Bernestine Dickey. Our SHIP intern began work and is making great progress cataloging artifacts.
e. Parks & Shooting Range - We’ve scheduled mowing and landscaping, as well as cleaning the memorial benches. We’re also coordinating with the Girl Scouts to plant a tree. We’ve selected a spot at Nessler for the planting.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler - Carver Center saw 1,874 visitors. The Summer Food Program served 338 lunches, and Open Gym had 720 participants. Line dancing continues every Thursday, and Summer Camp has returned now that the A/C is fixed.
g. Reservations - June was steady with events and facility updates: Graduation parties, a wedding, and family reunions across venues, EDC Vendor Event and Center Point Fishing Tournament at Doyle, Food Bank's "Night of Mystery" at Doyle, Summer Camp in session, Door repairs completed at Doyle (kitchen & dock) and Nessler (Captains Room & Wings)
h. Senior - Nessler - For June, transportation provided 516 rides to individuals, ensuring access to essential services and appointments. The Congregate Meal Program served 485 meals, offering nutritious lunches and social engagement opportunities for seniors. Both programs continue to support community wellness and independence through reliable, accessible services.
i. Special Events/Programs - We wrapped up Juneteenth events: Gospel Fest, Paint & Sip, Poetry Slam, Day in the Park, and the Golf Tournament. Upcoming: Camp Podcast runs Tuesdays for five weeks with six participants. Cheer Camp at Carver is held Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks with eight registered. Movie in the Park will take place July 11 at Carver Park ("The Wild Robot") and July 25 at Nessler Park ("Minecraft Movie"). The Mayor’s Health Initiative – Aquatics Day is set for July 17 at NPFAC. Adaptive Rec Tennis will be held August 16 from 9–11 a.m. at Lowry Courts.
b. Athletics - The Summer Track & Field Meet is July 11–12 at North Shore Ninth Grade Campus, hosted by Galena Park. Summer Tennis registration opens next week. Pickleball Champions: Singles: Tia Norcross, Doubles: Sittin’ Bull (Toan Tang & Manny R.)
Carver Park Kickball League registration opened July 1. Flyer coming soon to social media.
c. Lowry Fitness Center - In June, we tracked member visits, Silver Sneaker visits, and day passes. Our member of the month is Anabelle Dickerson.
d. Museum - In June, we showcased Wrangling Freedom: The Legacy of the 1867 Settlement and hosted several group tours, including a fun three-day visit from the Rec & Tour summer camp. The museum was closed June 2–5 for the TCISD Leadership Retreat. We also launched our new Women in Space exhibit featuring local resident Bernestine Dickey. Our SHIP intern began work and is making great progress cataloging artifacts.
e. Parks & Shooting Range - We’ve scheduled mowing and landscaping, as well as cleaning the memorial benches. We’re also coordinating with the Girl Scouts to plant a tree. We’ve selected a spot at Nessler for the planting.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler - Carver Center saw 1,874 visitors. The Summer Food Program served 338 lunches, and Open Gym had 720 participants. Line dancing continues every Thursday, and Summer Camp has returned now that the A/C is fixed.
g. Reservations - June was steady with events and facility updates: Graduation parties, a wedding, and family reunions across venues, EDC Vendor Event and Center Point Fishing Tournament at Doyle, Food Bank's "Night of Mystery" at Doyle, Summer Camp in session, Door repairs completed at Doyle (kitchen & dock) and Nessler (Captains Room & Wings)
h. Senior - Nessler - For June, transportation provided 516 rides to individuals, ensuring access to essential services and appointments. The Congregate Meal Program served 485 meals, offering nutritious lunches and social engagement opportunities for seniors. Both programs continue to support community wellness and independence through reliable, accessible services.
i. Special Events/Programs - We wrapped up Juneteenth events: Gospel Fest, Paint & Sip, Poetry Slam, Day in the Park, and the Golf Tournament. Upcoming: Camp Podcast runs Tuesdays for five weeks with six participants. Cheer Camp at Carver is held Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks with eight registered. Movie in the Park will take place July 11 at Carver Park ("The Wild Robot") and July 25 at Nessler Park ("Minecraft Movie"). The Mayor’s Health Initiative – Aquatics Day is set for July 17 at NPFAC. Adaptive Rec Tennis will be held August 16 from 9–11 a.m. at Lowry Courts.
(6)
BOARD COMMENTS
Paul Bland expressed his excitement about the many events the Recreation and Tourism Department hosts throughout the year.
Christopher Walters praised the team, saying everyone is doing great work—“good job to everyone.”
Nicole Miller shared appreciation for the board members’ active involvement in multiple events year-round and looks forward to their continued volunteer support in future activities.
Paul Bland expressed his excitement about the many events the Recreation and Tourism Department hosts throughout the year.
Christopher Walters praised the team, saying everyone is doing great work—“good job to everyone.”
Nicole Miller shared appreciation for the board members’ active involvement in multiple events year-round and looks forward to their continued volunteer support in future activities.
(7)
ADJOURN
Having no further business, Paul Bland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 PM. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters.
Having no further business, Paul Bland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 PM. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters.