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CITY OF TEXAS CITY
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, and
Nessler Center - Captain's Room
2010 5th Avenue North

The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board met at 5:02 PM; Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the Nessler Center - Captain's Room, in Texas City, Texas.

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 not present and noted that no official business could be conducted. However, he called the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board to order at 5:02 PM for informal discussion.

(1)

ROLL CALL
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Paul Bland
Brenda Williams

Board Absent:
Frank Mistretta
Hortensia “Tish” Hart
Winifred Gilmore
Vacant Position
Vacant Position

Staff Present:
Nicole Miller, Director
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Amanda Gracia, Reservation Coordinator
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Debra Taylor, Recreation Coordinator
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletic Coordinator
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator

Staff Absent:
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Andre Roberts, Range Coordinator

(2)

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Roy Linton addressed the Board to request permission to place signage on the back of the Rotary Pavilion building, as well as an informational plaque by the structure to let people know what the Rotary Club is. Both the sign and plaque will be fully sponsored by the Rotary Club. However, due to the lack of a quorum, no vote was taken, and the request was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.

(3)

NEW BUSINESS

(a)

Consideration and action on the minutes from the January 11, 2025, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board Meeting were deferred due to the lack of a quorum. Paul Bland made a motion to table the minutes for the next meeting, and it was seconded by Christopher Walters. This item will be tabled for the next meeting.

(4)

UPDATES

(a)

Presentation on the Parks Division. (Byron Sefcik)
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent, gave a quick update on the Parks Division.
Robinson Stadium:

Replaced 583 feet of outfield wooden fencing with treated pine.

Godard Park:

Replaced damaged eaves and roof shingles.
Pressure-washed and repainted all eight buildings and the batting cage to match.

Lowry Fitness Center – Tennis Courts Resurfacing:

Power washed courts, patched depressions, and ground down ridges.
Filled existing cracks and applied resurfacer coatings.
Applied sport color coatings to provide depth and uniform appearance.

Plaza of the Americas, City Hall & Library – Fountain Repairs:

Repaired leaks and installed new tile.
Treated cracks with epoxy and resealed expansion joints.
Troubleshot plumbing lines and repaired float systems.

Bay Street Park Updates:
Rainbow Pavilion:

Replaced all rotted or damaged wood components.
Removed and ground down rust from steel railings before repainting.
Replaced the roof and installed new LED light fixtures.

Soccer Pavilion:

Removed rust from all steel rail surfaces, applied rust inhibitor, and repainted.
Installed a new Hardie panel and repainted the entire building.
Replaced window trim and fascia trim.

Bridges:

Replaced all wooden handrails on four bridges.
This completes all wooden bridge and pier replacements over a two-budget-year period.

Rainbow Amphitheater Handrails:

Replaced 680 feet of existing handrails.
Wooden 4x4 posts were replaced with square steel posts.
Reused, primed, and painted the round steel handrail with oil-based paint.

Carver Park Updates:
Outdoor Fitness Station:

Installed a new 30x30 outdoor covered fitness station.
Added ten workout stations with rubber fall surfacing and a sidewalk addition.

Volunteer Group Contributions:
Calpine Volunteer Group (April 26, 2024):

In honor of Earth Day, volunteers planted new plants in the Salvation Army Park flowerbeds.

Servolution Volunteer Group (May 4, 2024):

Volunteers from several local churches planted along the major outfield fence and the park perimeter white fence at Godard Park.

Community Events:
Kid Fish Event (June 7, 2025):

Annual event at Carver Park Pond promoting family outdoor activities.
Typically draws 150-160 participants.

Rainbow Trout Kid Fish Event (January 25, 2025):

Annual event at Carver Park Pond.
Typically draws over 250 participants.

(b)

Discussion on the Summer Swim Team.(Marcell Favalora)
Marcel Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator, gave a brief presentation on the swim teams TCAP & Makos. Texas City’s Year-round and Summer Aquatic Programs. The Texas City Aquatic Program (TCAP) aims to promote competitive swimming by providing a safe, organized, and enjoyable environment. It focuses on developing elite athletes, fostering teamwork, setting goals, and encouraging personal growth through discipline, accountability, and responsibility.
Texas City Aquatics Program – A competitive, year-round swim team.
USA Swimming – National organization with thousands of teams across the U.S.
TAAF – Non-profit promoting amateur sports in Texas.
Proposed Price Increase:

$65/month ($55 → $65), with a $5 discount per additional child.
No USA membership or meet entry fees.

Comparison:

Aquastar – $195 yearly, $120/month, no extra fees.
South Shore Sails – $130 yearly, $165/month, no extra fees

TCAP Booster Club – A parent-led nonprofit that advocates for athletes, assists in decision-making and promotes a fun, safe, and competitive environment. Funded through events like swimathons, popcorn sales, and bake sales, it has historically supported award ceremonies, scholarships, and travel expenses for distant meets.
Makos – A summer swim team in the Clear Creek Swim League, where TCAP swimmers transition for the season. The team competes in multiple meets, including a championship.
Proposed Price Increase: $40 → $50 (includes T-shirt & meet entry fees).
Comparison:

Clear Lake Forest: $145 (T-shirt & meet entry fees included).

(5)

STAFF REPORT

(a)

a. Aquatics - Marcell F.
b. Athletics - JuMarucs T.
c. Lowry Fitness Center - Michael R.
d. Museum - Nicole M.
e. Parks - Byron S.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler - Debra T.
g. Reservations - Amanda G.
h. Senior - Nessler - Leonora M.
i. Shooting Range - Byron S.
j. Special Events/Programs - Dasia M.

(6)

BOARD COMMENTS
None

(7)

ADJOURN
Having no further business, Chris Walters made a motion to adjourn at 5:48 PM; the motion was seconded by Paul Bland.