CITY OF TEXAS CITY
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Nessler Center - Captain's Room
2010 5th Avenue North
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 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, February 10, 2026, 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
Chairperson Nathan Exom declared that a quorum was present and called the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board to order at 5:00 PM.
(1)
ROLL CALL
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Winifred Gilmore
Brenda Williams
Amanda Barker
Paul Bland
Board Absent:
Fatima Naeem
Jacinta Temple
Jeana Escobar
Staff Present:
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletics Coordinator
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Renee Edgar, Records Manager
Staff Absent:
Nicole Miller, Director
Amanda Gracia, Recreation Manager
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator
Dasia Moore, Special Events Coordinator
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Vacant, Reservation Coordinator
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Winifred Gilmore
Brenda Williams
Amanda Barker
Paul Bland
Board Absent:
Fatima Naeem
Jacinta Temple
Jeana Escobar
Staff Present:
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletics Coordinator
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Renee Edgar, Records Manager
Staff Absent:
Nicole Miller, Director
Amanda Gracia, Recreation Manager
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator
Dasia Moore, Special Events Coordinator
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Vacant, Reservation Coordinator
(2)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
NONE
NONE
(3)
NEW BUSINESS
(a)
Consider and take action on the election of Officers.
The Chair turned the item over to the Board Secretary, Nancy Heredia, to conduct the election of officers.
Ms. Heredia asked if any members were interested in serving as Chair. The following members expressed interest:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Paul Bland
Ms. Heredia then asked if any members were interested in serving as Vice Chair. The following member expressed interest:
Christopher Walters
Secret ballots were distributed to the Board Members for the election of Chair and Vice Chair. After ballots were collected and tallied, the results were as follows:
Chair: Nathan Exom received 4 out of 6 votes and was elected Chair.
Vice Chair: Christopher Walters received 5 out of 6 votes and was elected Vice Chair.
The Oath of Office was administered by the Assistant City Secretary to the newly elected Chair and Vice Chair.
The Chair turned the item over to the Board Secretary, Nancy Heredia, to conduct the election of officers.
Ms. Heredia asked if any members were interested in serving as Chair. The following members expressed interest:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Paul Bland
Ms. Heredia then asked if any members were interested in serving as Vice Chair. The following member expressed interest:
Christopher Walters
Secret ballots were distributed to the Board Members for the election of Chair and Vice Chair. After ballots were collected and tallied, the results were as follows:
Chair: Nathan Exom received 4 out of 6 votes and was elected Chair.
Vice Chair: Christopher Walters received 5 out of 6 votes and was elected Vice Chair.
The Oath of Office was administered by the Assistant City Secretary to the newly elected Chair and Vice Chair.
(b)
Consider and take action on the minutes from the January 13, 2026, Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Board Meeting.
A motion was made by Christopher Walters to adopt the minutes, and was seconded by Winifred Gilmore.
VOTE 6-0 MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Christopher Walters to adopt the minutes, and was seconded by Winifred Gilmore.
VOTE 6-0 MOTION CARRIED
(c)
Discussion and possible approval of revised swim lesson fees.
Marcell Favalora presented a proposal to increase the Water Babies swim lesson fee from $20 to $25 in order to align the price with other swim lesson classes.
The presentation explained that many neighboring cities offer 30-minute swim lessons, which is consistent with the City’s revised program format.
The original price of $25 had previously been reduced to $20 when the class duration was shortened.
Staff also discussed future swim lesson pricing for upcoming sessions, proposing potential rates of $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents to better align with the local market.
The aquatics program is currently being updated with a revised lesson plan and program structure, expected to begin with the summer session starting June 1.
After discussion, the item was tabled and will be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Winifred Gilmore to table the item until the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters.
VOTE 6-0 MOTION CARRIED
Marcell Favalora presented a proposal to increase the Water Babies swim lesson fee from $20 to $25 in order to align the price with other swim lesson classes.
The presentation explained that many neighboring cities offer 30-minute swim lessons, which is consistent with the City’s revised program format.
The original price of $25 had previously been reduced to $20 when the class duration was shortened.
Staff also discussed future swim lesson pricing for upcoming sessions, proposing potential rates of $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents to better align with the local market.
The aquatics program is currently being updated with a revised lesson plan and program structure, expected to begin with the summer session starting June 1.
After discussion, the item was tabled and will be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Winifred Gilmore to table the item until the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters.
VOTE 6-0 MOTION CARRIED
(4)
UPDATES
NONE
NONE
(5)
STAFF REPORT
(a)
a. Aquatics- Marcell F: Reported that swim lessons are performing very well. The first session is fully booked, with all six classes filled. The second session has been open for two days and is already nearing half capacity. Also reported the successful completion of the 5A and 6A District Swim Meets. The 5A meet was held on the 23rd, and the 6A meet was held on the 30th, with hundreds of attendees participating at the facility. Attention is now being directed toward summer programming and summer swim lessons, including efforts to revamp and enhance current programs.
b. Athletics- JuMarcus T: Reported 14 participants are registered for the after-school tennis program, with beginner and advanced/intermediate classes being offered. The basketball league is in week three, with makeup games scheduled for the week of February 23rd and the City Tournament set for February 28th. The State Tournament will take place during Spring Break in March. The Spring Volleyball League has been reinstated with 14 participants currently registered. The Carlos Garza Sports Complex has reopened, with La Marque High School temporarily using Field #7 and limited fields available for public rentals. A tournament is scheduled for this weekend.
c. Lowry Fitness Center- Michael R: Reported that the Larry Center recorded 6,137 member visits in January, including 1,136 SilverSneakers visits and 163 day passes sold. While day pass sales are typically lower during colder months, overall participation remains strong.
For February’s Member of the Month recognition, a special “Sweetheart” selection was made. Anthony and Pam Amata were recognized for their dedication. The couple has been married 33 years and has consistently worked out at the facility for 15 years.
d. Museum- Michael R: Reported the opening of the exhibit Sound of Music: Black Musicians in Texas City, on display through March 14, with an expanded focus on Charles Brown. Museum Adaptive Recreation was held January 31st, and the next session is scheduled for March 21st. A Valentine’s craft day was also held on February 7th. The museum has averaged one tour per week in January and February, despite this typically being a slower season. The Bell Home will be open to the public free of charge on February 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Staff is collaborating with the Communications Department and the Library on an upcoming history podcast (date to be announced). ABC 13 recently visited the museum to film a story on Thomas Caldwell’s saddle; the air date has not yet been announced.
e. Parks & Shooting Range- Byron S: Reported that Parks crews are removing hedges and amenities around City Hall in preparation for demolition. Crews continue tree trimming, stump grinding, and removal of undesirable trees throughout the city. League play has begun for the Texas City Little League and the softball league. The Rainbow Trout “Kid Fish” event has been rescheduled to February 21st due to recent weather.
At the Shooting Range, a skeet tournament hosted by Texas Trio is scheduled for April 17th, with 45 participants registered. An assessment company conducted a site visit, including staff interviews and operational observations; a report is expected at the end of the month. January totals for the Shooting Range included 285 residents, 299 non-residents, 184 seniors.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler- Michael R: Reported that Sanders and Carver Recreation Centers are actively hosting youth basketball leagues. In January, Sanders recorded 1,635 total visits, including 672 open gym participants. Carver recorded 1,326 open gym participants. Carver Center will host AARP tax assistance services on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Nestor Center is currently hosting youth art classes with eight participants registered.
g. Reservations- Michael R: Reported that January was a busy month for facility rentals and community events. The City hosted football banquets for Santa Fe High School, Texas City High School, and Dickinson High School. The TRAPS workshop was successfully held at the Doyle Convention Center. Texas City ISD hosted its High School Showcase for eighth-grade students, and the Rotary Mardi Gras Gala was held at the Doyle Center. Looking ahead to February, early voting will begin on February 17th at the Nessler Center and Carver Center. Amoco Federal Credit Union will host its annual meeting on February 17th.
h. Senior - Nessler- Michael R: Reported that in January, the Senior Center served 314 congregate meals and provided 412 transportation services. In February, seniors participated in Black History programs at College of the Mainland, including I Am Black History and 100 Years of Black History. The center hosted a Super Bowl party and will hold a Valentine’s Day party on February 13th. An end-of-month Mardi Gras trip is also planned, including participation in King and Queen festivities and a visit to Steamboat Bill’s Restaurant.
i. Special Events/Programs- Michael R: Reported that Youth Art Classes are ongoing, with the next session beginning February 17th. Spring Break Camp registration is open, with camp scheduled for March 9th–13th from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nessler Center.
The Father-Daughter Dance will be held on February 20th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with tickets still available. The Rainbow Trout “Kid Fish” event is scheduled for February 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Carver Park Pond.
b. Athletics- JuMarcus T: Reported 14 participants are registered for the after-school tennis program, with beginner and advanced/intermediate classes being offered. The basketball league is in week three, with makeup games scheduled for the week of February 23rd and the City Tournament set for February 28th. The State Tournament will take place during Spring Break in March. The Spring Volleyball League has been reinstated with 14 participants currently registered. The Carlos Garza Sports Complex has reopened, with La Marque High School temporarily using Field #7 and limited fields available for public rentals. A tournament is scheduled for this weekend.
c. Lowry Fitness Center- Michael R: Reported that the Larry Center recorded 6,137 member visits in January, including 1,136 SilverSneakers visits and 163 day passes sold. While day pass sales are typically lower during colder months, overall participation remains strong.
For February’s Member of the Month recognition, a special “Sweetheart” selection was made. Anthony and Pam Amata were recognized for their dedication. The couple has been married 33 years and has consistently worked out at the facility for 15 years.
d. Museum- Michael R: Reported the opening of the exhibit Sound of Music: Black Musicians in Texas City, on display through March 14, with an expanded focus on Charles Brown. Museum Adaptive Recreation was held January 31st, and the next session is scheduled for March 21st. A Valentine’s craft day was also held on February 7th. The museum has averaged one tour per week in January and February, despite this typically being a slower season. The Bell Home will be open to the public free of charge on February 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Staff is collaborating with the Communications Department and the Library on an upcoming history podcast (date to be announced). ABC 13 recently visited the museum to film a story on Thomas Caldwell’s saddle; the air date has not yet been announced.
e. Parks & Shooting Range- Byron S: Reported that Parks crews are removing hedges and amenities around City Hall in preparation for demolition. Crews continue tree trimming, stump grinding, and removal of undesirable trees throughout the city. League play has begun for the Texas City Little League and the softball league. The Rainbow Trout “Kid Fish” event has been rescheduled to February 21st due to recent weather.
At the Shooting Range, a skeet tournament hosted by Texas Trio is scheduled for April 17th, with 45 participants registered. An assessment company conducted a site visit, including staff interviews and operational observations; a report is expected at the end of the month. January totals for the Shooting Range included 285 residents, 299 non-residents, 184 seniors.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler- Michael R: Reported that Sanders and Carver Recreation Centers are actively hosting youth basketball leagues. In January, Sanders recorded 1,635 total visits, including 672 open gym participants. Carver recorded 1,326 open gym participants. Carver Center will host AARP tax assistance services on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Nestor Center is currently hosting youth art classes with eight participants registered.
g. Reservations- Michael R: Reported that January was a busy month for facility rentals and community events. The City hosted football banquets for Santa Fe High School, Texas City High School, and Dickinson High School. The TRAPS workshop was successfully held at the Doyle Convention Center. Texas City ISD hosted its High School Showcase for eighth-grade students, and the Rotary Mardi Gras Gala was held at the Doyle Center. Looking ahead to February, early voting will begin on February 17th at the Nessler Center and Carver Center. Amoco Federal Credit Union will host its annual meeting on February 17th.
h. Senior - Nessler- Michael R: Reported that in January, the Senior Center served 314 congregate meals and provided 412 transportation services. In February, seniors participated in Black History programs at College of the Mainland, including I Am Black History and 100 Years of Black History. The center hosted a Super Bowl party and will hold a Valentine’s Day party on February 13th. An end-of-month Mardi Gras trip is also planned, including participation in King and Queen festivities and a visit to Steamboat Bill’s Restaurant.
i. Special Events/Programs- Michael R: Reported that Youth Art Classes are ongoing, with the next session beginning February 17th. Spring Break Camp registration is open, with camp scheduled for March 9th–13th from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nessler Center.
The Father-Daughter Dance will be held on February 20th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with tickets still available. The Rainbow Trout “Kid Fish” event is scheduled for February 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Carver Park Pond.
(6)
BOARD COMMENTS
Christopher Walters, Vicechair, requested that Aquatics provide attendance and revenue breakdowns similar to those reported for the Shooting Range and Museum, including participation numbers and related metrics. Staff acknowledged the request.
Winifred Gilmore, Board Member, also expressed concerns regarding recreational amenities on the west side of Texas City, noting past changes including the removal of a swimming pool and tennis courts, and encouraged consideration of recreational equity across all areas of the city. Discussion included the role of splash pads as alternatives to pools and whether there are any future plans for additional park or aquatic amenities in that area. Staff indicated there are no current plans under discussion.
Christopher Walters, Vicechair, requested that Aquatics provide attendance and revenue breakdowns similar to those reported for the Shooting Range and Museum, including participation numbers and related metrics. Staff acknowledged the request.
Winifred Gilmore, Board Member, also expressed concerns regarding recreational amenities on the west side of Texas City, noting past changes including the removal of a swimming pool and tennis courts, and encouraged consideration of recreational equity across all areas of the city. Discussion included the role of splash pads as alternatives to pools and whether there are any future plans for additional park or aquatic amenities in that area. Staff indicated there are no current plans under discussion.
(7)
ADJOURN
Having no further business, Paul Bland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:47 p.m. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters. The meeting was adjourned.
VOTE 5-0 MOTION CARRIED
Having no further business, Paul Bland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:47 p.m. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters. The meeting was adjourned.
VOTE 5-0 MOTION CARRIED