Town Square›Parks & Rec Watch›August 20, 2020

Parks & Rec Advisory Board · August 20, 2020

Two dozen players write in against the 45-minute court rule — and the board takes no action

The board met on Zoom with no action items on its agenda while a court reservation policy taking effect four days later drew about two dozen emailed public comments, printed in full across pages 11 to 49 of this document. The Chair read the emails aloud; the board took no vote on the policy, and the Director committed to answering every writer individually within 48 hours.

Called to order 6:01 p.m. · adjourned 7:55 p.m. · 49 pages · source document ↗

If you read nothing else

About two dozen residents wrote in against a court policy taking effect August 24. The agenda carried no action item on it, and the board took no vote.
The policy: reservations 24 hours in advance by phone only, between 12 and 3 p.m.; all players named at booking; 45-minute sessions; one session per person per day; play Monday–Saturday 7:00–9:45 a.m. and 7:00–9:45 p.m.
Writer after writer made the same three points independently: 45 minutes is not enough to play, naming four players in advance does not match how drop-in play works, and other New Mexico cities are not doing this.
Delgado said the schedule is bound by a plan approved by the State Epidemiologist and she cannot add hours without resubmitting it; changing the plan took at least a couple of weeks last time.
Delgado said State Police were called at one point about a mass gathering at Apodaca Park.
Trevino reported the GO bond program totals $35.6 million across eight projects. Two writers said two years in, nothing has been built; one wrote that over $700,000 has gone to contractors.
The Juvenile Citation Program was approved for FY21 at $308,799; a Keep Las Cruces Beautiful grant was approved at $41,000 and goes to Council in September.

Who was in the room

5 of 7 seats represented.

Present

Cassie McClure — Chair
Stan Engle
Robert Harrison
Eric Montgomery
Megan Schuller

Absent

Maryln Zahler
Eli Guzman

Staff

Sonya Delgado — Director of Parks and Recreation
Phil Catanach — Recreation Administrator
Catherine Mathews — Landscape Architect
Hazel Nevarez — Senior Office Manager
Robert Nunez — Youth Services Administrator
Tony Trevino — Interim Deputy Director, Public Works
Ceci Vasconcellos — Community Engagement

Others

Dominic Aragon

Public comment

Kept at length on purpose. Every point raised is listed, in the order the minutes record it.

How the comment was handled at the meeting5. Public Participation

Chair McClure read all emails submitted to the Parks and Recreation Administration email regarding the scheduling change for pickle ball and tennis.
Nevarez read one other email that came in, missed by McClure.
Harrison commented that if any board members want to comment on this subject, it can be put on the agenda for a future meeting.
Schuller expressed appreciation to McClure for reading all the emails received, and reiterated to Harrison that her question was to make sure the board follows the correct protocol, as the comments made seem to have a short timeline before being placed on the agenda for next month.
Engle said that unless Delgado can cover a lot of answers to the general theme from the public input, he agrees with Schuller that waiting another month might be too long to address all of it.
Delgado said she does not want to accidentally not answer one of the questions in all the emails, so she will reply to each email, answer the questions, and copy the board — trying to respond within 48 hours after the meeting, if acceptable to the board.
Chair McClure asked whether an FAQ would be easier for Delgado.
Delgado said she wanted to make clear that although it had been said the board would be taking action on some rules, that is not the case: the Covid Updates item on the agenda was to tell the board where Parks and Recreation stands staff-wise, what has been done innovatively to change programming, where the department is with regard to the orders, and how it got there.
Harrison said he would hold his questions and comments until the Covid update.

Mr. Harrison commented that if any Board members want to comment on this subject, it can be put on agenda for a future meeting.

She knows it was said the Board would be taking action on some rules, and that is not the case.

On the record in response

Delgado committed to a written reply to every writer within roughly 48 hours, copied to the board, and later to an FAQ. Vasconcellos said in staff comments that she will work with Delgado and staff to get FAQs together and posted on the website as soon as possible.

Xanthe PhillipsEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 10:52 (page 11)

Began by saying how much she appreciates the department's hard work during this trying time and always.
Said she is extremely confused regarding the newest restrictions for tennis and pickleball, and that Las Cruces is the only city in the entire state with such harsh restrictions.
On the previous rules: half the courts at Lions were closed, which caused a huge problem because there were more people than courts. The time limits were acceptable then, but the courts opened at 8, so once the heat of the day arrived at 10, no one could play.
Called the new restrictions ridiculous, and asked what the point is of 45 minutes to play tennis.
Asked whether the department realizes that tennis and pickleball are the safest activities.
Said courts are fully functioning in Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Silver City and elsewhere.
Asked where the restrictions are coming from, and said they are not from the governor.
Closed by asking that the safest sport not be taken away in a very difficult time.

We are the only city in the entire state with such harsh restrictions!

These new restrictions, are ridiculous!! 45 minutes to play tennis? There is no point.

Where are these restrictions coming from? Not the governor!

Rob McCorkleEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 11:09 (page 12)

Addressed the email to Ms. Delgado and copied Mayor Kenneth Miyagishima and Councillor Johana Bencomo.
Said he understands the board will hear about the proposed scheduling of pickleball court play at Apodaca Park the following evening.
As one of dozens of dedicated pickleball players in Las Cruces, expressed his displeasure with a policy that seems to tighten the screws on a community that currently has only a very limited option of where to play in the city.
Said that with coronavirus cases recently stabilizing and in some cases dropping, it seems an odd time for the department to tighten scheduling requirements, and asked why this is being done.
Said that reading the proposal, it is obvious whoever came up with it knows little to nothing about pickleball, and that it would have been nice for the department to solicit input from the pickleball community before taking the measure to the Advisory Board.
Explained the sport: it is not like golf, where one reserves a tee time in advance for a foursome. Players simply show up during open court hours and get in line to play as games are completed and those players rotate off the court. Different players team up at different times with a variety of players; nobody plans ahead of time who they will play with, since there are often a dozen or more players on any given day. The four people playing doubles rarely play against each other for more than a few games before different players pair up against various opponents.
Said requiring players to schedule specific playing partners at a specific time seems more a punishment than a protective measure, and called it onerous and ridiculous.
Asked how the department intends to clean the courts during the 15-minute breaks between games, noting it is not like a restaurant where one sterilizes tables and chairs.
Asked that, until Meerscheidt courts open, pickleball players be allowed to pursue their sport without increased scheduling restrictions so they can continue to get the fresh air and exercise they need to stay healthy and active members of the community.

It's obvious that whoever came up with this proposal knows little to nothing about pickleball.

Requiring myself and other players to schedule specific playing partners at a specific time seems more a punishment that a protective measure.

And how do you intend to "clean" the courts during the 15 minute breaks between games? It's not like a restaurant where one sterilizes tables and chairs.

Larry MasticEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 11:24 (page 13)

Said many players appreciate the opportunity to continue playing during the pandemic, but some of the recently proposed changes are pretty unreasonable and unworkable; players understand the need to wear masks and social distance, and pickleball can be played following those guidelines.
Point 1: it would have been much better if City Parks and Recreation staff had communicated what the purpose of the changes was first, and then asked pickleball players for input before proposing the guidelines.
Point 2: making reservations ahead of time seems a significant hassle and a waste of citizens' and staff time. The coordination players would be required to do nearly every day to set up groups of four is unreasonable; different players play on different days, and there are dozens of players in town.
Point 3: teams and partners are typically mixed up after every game to keep play fair and interesting, and he asked how that would work with a reservation system.
Point 4: 45-minute sessions are too short for most players, who typically play two hours or so.
Point 5: asked what cleaning needs to be done, saying players have been maintaining and sweeping the courts since the reopening and the city has done nothing in this regard to date.
Point 6: suggested staff use the same procedures used at Meerscheidt — set a player limit (for example 20) for each session, take names as they enter the courts, and cut it off until the next session (for example 7–9 a.m., then 9:15–11:15 a.m.).

Players have been maintaining/sweeping the courts since the re -opening. The City has done nothing in this regard to date.

Maggie Winter (Tom and Maggie Winter)Emailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 12:59 (pages 14–15)

Thanked the board for the chance to comment and ask questions.
On the GO bond: said she has not seen a request for public comments on the park improvement portion of the GO bond as there has been for the East Mesa design, and asked why.
Asked how the public can see specifics on the Apodaca rehab design, whether it is finalized, and whether there will be any shade structures or seating inside and outside the courts.
Asked whether construction has started on any park improvements.
Asked how much of the GO bond's $16.9 million for park improvements has been spent in the past two years.
On court scheduling: said she wishes the department had gotten input from players before instituting the new scheduling procedures.
Asked why the scheduling procedures changed and whether there were problems, saying that if there were player issues they could have been addressed individually instead of through a complete overhaul.
Said Las Cruces is already the most restrictive of all New Mexico cities and asked why, adding that tennis and pickleball are the safest sports.
Said there is no need for the changes and in fact all the courts should be open, with plenty of space between courts; asked why they cannot be left open all day and what the purpose of closing the courts is.
Said 45 minutes for a tennis or pickleball session is not feasible, as many players drive 20 minutes to the park and back.
Said there is no need for 15 minutes between sessions.
Called it unreasonable to require players to set up groups of four for reservations every day, and said the staff time to coordinate all this could be used to keep the bathrooms open — asking why bathrooms are closed, since a bathroom is not really a place to congregate.
Said tennis and pickleball both draw from a pool of players who show up and can keep six feet apart, and suggested drawing waiting circles on the courts or outside them.
Alternatively, suggested doing what has been done at Meerscheidt: limit the number of players, first come first served, take names if need be, and hold two morning and two evening sessions.
Closed by saying she hopes court usage can be rethought.

How much of the GO Bond $16.9 million for park improvements has been spent in these past 2 years?

Just the staff time to coordinate all this could be used to keep the bathrooms open. (Why are bathrooms closed? Not really a place to congregate.)

Carol SherickEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 13:02 (page 16)

Question 1: asked for an explanation why Albuquerque allows the full 18 courts of four people each to play pickleball all day long, as well as use the restroom facilities, yet Las Cruces residents are not allowed to play all day or use the restrooms — saying the same is true in Ruidoso. Asked that the department not respond as it did before, that it cannot explain what other cities do, and said either the mandate has a medical explanation or it does not.
Question 2: asked the department to definitively state the criteria by which all pickleball and tennis courts will be open, saying players are very frustrated with the moving criteria.
Question 3: asked why the new policy of collecting names of all players was instituted.
Question 4: asked what tax refunds taxpayers can expect for the six months they have not been permitted to freely use park facilities.
Question 5: asked how many Parks and Recreation employees have been furloughed during the past six months.

Either your mandate has a medical explanation, or it doesn't.

We are very frustrated with the moving criteria.

On the record in response

Delgado told the board in the Covid update that Parks and Recreation's budget has stayed whole and no one has been placed on furlough — which answers question 5. The minutes record no answer to questions 1 through 4.

Lynn AustinEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 13:52 (page 17)

Addressed the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and copied Councillor Yvonne Flores.
Said the group understands the department is planning to severely restrict pickle ball play at Apodaca Park.
Reported that their roughly 50 players have enjoyed eight weeks of play — over 65 hours — with no reported positive COVID-19 cases.
Asked what the reasoning behind the decision is.

Our —50 players have enjoyed eight weeks of play (over 65 hours) with no reported positive COVID-19 cases.

Jill RogersEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 14:39 (page 18)

Wrote to Parks and Rec Admin and the Mayor concerning the proposed changes to play at Apodaca Park, saying that as a member of the pickleball community she can assure the department the changes will seriously harm it.
Asked directly whether the players have been doing something wrong at Apodaca, saying that to her knowledge they have never been told they were not following the guidelines.
Conceded they may have been given some inaccurate direction, from individuals unlocking the gate, about using all four of the permanent nets — but said they thought they were following all directives, including playing in masks.
Said she is absolutely in support of social distancing and the importance of masks, and that these are challenging times in which changes and alterations need to be addressed.
Suggestion 1: do away with the reservations. If people must be restricted at Apodaca, work on a first-come, first-play system similar to the previous system at Meerscheidt — with four courts and 16 players, limit each one-hour session to 18 players, which would encourage social distancing and allow the game to be enjoyed as intended.
Suggestion 2: do not put a limit on the number of sessions a player can participate in daily. Again as previously at Meerscheidt: after session one, courts are cleared, new players come in, and existing players are allowed to participate if capacity allows.
Said ideally she would like things to continue as they are, but if changes are needed, asked that input be allowed from the pickleball community.
Closed by repeating the question — what are we doing wrong? — and asking how the players can help the department help them stay active and safe.

Have we been doing something wrong at Apodaca ? To my knowledge, we have never been told that we were not following the guidelines.

Again, what are we doing wrong? And how can we help you help us remain active and safe.

Cindy CarrilEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 14:42 (page 19)

Said her comments concern the new pickleball court guidelines that take effect August 24, 2020, and said she hopes public input will not be thrown aside as it was for the GO bond projects when comments were solicited from the public.
Asked why the department is fixing something that was not broken: the gatherings occurred when only two of the four courts were open, and since the other two courts opened there are only one to three people waiting to play — in fact players do not get much of a breather with four courts open, as play is continuous.
Said the department has no idea how pickleball is played: players do not play 45 minutes with the same people; one game normally lasts 15 minutes, after which players move on and play with others, which lets all players meet new people, enhance their skills and look forward to new challenges.
Asked where the money is coming from to hire someone to babysit players at Apodaca Park, and where the money is coming from for someone to man the phones for reservations.
Said the money being spent could better be used for all the weeds around the play areas at Apodaca Park, and on paying someone to clean the grass clippings off the sidewalks after mowing — asking whether anyone has ever come out and inspected that work, and answering herself that she thinks not.
Asked why Las Cruces rules differ from Albuquerque's, reporting that she was there a few weekends ago and the courts are open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and saying she has to assume state rules apply to all cities.
Challenged the claim that the new guidelines came from player suggestions, asking who was polled, when the poll took place, how many were polled, and who suggested the schedule — saying she would like an answer to these questions.
Asked why the completion date for an Apodaca upgrade is a year away when it has been talked about for two years, and how much money has been spent on talking.
Said senior citizens who enjoy pickleball rather than sitting home watching television are confined by this schedule to 45 minutes and one session per day, that players have respected the rules placed on them, worn masks and social distanced, and asked whether the department can show her a case of a pickleball player who has or had the virus. Said the department's concern for their safety is heartwarming, but it is dealing with senior citizens who actually know better, and asked that they not be punished.
Final comment: said she understands the restrooms need to be closed, but porta-potties are a necessity.

Why are you fixing something that wasn't broke.

Where is the money coming from to hire someone to babysit us at Apodaca Park?

Do you really think the Pickleball players believe the new guidelines are suggestions from the player community? Who did you poll? When did this poll take place? How many did you poll?

Don't punish us!

Dean PetersonEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 14:51 (page 20)

Called the new rules BS and said there was no reason to change, saying he played every day at 8 a.m. and never had a problem.
Said what really needs to happen is to open every court from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, adding that this is a public court, not a private one.
Said the people playing at 8 a.m. are pretty much retired and are done by 9:30 a.m., and that they abide by all the rules with no problems.
Said keeping the water off and having no restrooms is acceptable to him.
Said he plays with the same group, does not even know their names, and has done so for years — bearing directly on the requirement to name all players at booking.

This a public court not a private one.

I play with same bunch and do not even know their names and have been for years.

Linda N. MoyaEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 14:55 (page 21)

Said the new rules hinder those who want to enjoy outdoor activity while being safe wearing their masks.
Asked that the very confining rules be reconsidered.

Harry WileyEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 14:55 (page 22)

Said he plays tennis at Lions as much as possible, and that the new rules effective August 24 will cause him and many others great difficulty.
Said he was informed by City personnel that the new rules were issued because there were complaints that courts were not available for play because there were too many players — and said the simple solution is to open the courts now closed.
Said there is no sound clinical reason regarding Covid-19 to close half the courts, then repeated the point in capitals for emphasis.
Said tennis has been and continues to be one of the safest athletic activities possible under Covid-19 restrictions.
Urged the city to open the courts at Lions around the clock with reasonable Covid-19 guidelines such as are now in place.

REPEAT: THERE IS NO SOUND CLINICAL REASON BECAUSE OF COVID 19 TO CLOSE HALF THE COURTS AT LIONS

I was informed by City personnel that the new rules were issued because there were complaints that courts were not available for play because there were too many players.

Laura SmartEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 15:02 (pages 23–24)

Addressed to Sonya Delgado and sent to Parks and Rec Admin, the Mayor, and councillors Gabriel Vasquez, Gill Sorg, Yvonne Flores and Bill Studer, and copied to roughly two dozen other players — the email later re-sent by three other writers, making it the most circulated document in the record.
Asked who dreamed up these rules for pickleball reservations, saying nowhere else in the state is there such an absurd set of regulations to play pickleball at a public park.
Said Albuquerque's 18 courts at Manzano Mesa and multiple other public locations require no reservations — first come, first serve — and the same is true in Ruidoso, except players there have their own key to access the net and ball box, and those facilities have restrooms available.
Said some Las Cruces players are already going to El Paso to play, because those courts are public, open, and have restrooms.
Said whoever made up the rules has never played or seen pickleball played, and described the sport: a player shows up and plays with three others who got there first; they warm up for five minutes, then play a game to 11, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Calculated that under a 45-minute limit players might get in two games, when players usually play between two and four hours rotating in and out and play at least seven games — and called being limited to two games ridiculous. Noted that when Meerscheidt was open the play time was two and a half hours.
Asked whether the department hired an employee to monitor and be the mask police as well as the court-cleaning maintenance person.
Asked exactly how the courts will be cleaned between 45-minute games and whether staff will take Lysol and disinfect them, noting players already provide their own paddles, balls and water.
Said it is August 19 and the department is changing the rules of the game after the Governor has shut the state down since March 17, and that all this accomplishes is frustration with the city, the mayor and the city council.
Asked why the courts are not open on Sunday, guessing it is because an employee would have to be paid double time to work a Sunday, and noting a lot of players work during the week so weekends are the only days they can play.
Asked what happens when an out-of-town player shows up with no reservation but there is a court available with three other players who need a fourth for doubles.
Asked whether the monitor will call the police when a player is not wearing a mask during play.
Asked when the rehab for the Apodaca pickleball courts will begin, how long the courts will be closed, where players are supposed to play during construction, and whether the contractors signed a time-limit agreement — requesting some transparency with Highland Enterprise and the pickleball players.
Asked when construction of the East Mesa Sports complex will begin.
Asked whether pickleball players will have any say in the particulars of the chosen design of the courts.
Closed by saying that if her demeanor seems out of character it is because all the pickleball players are upset and frustrated with how the department has handled their sport since March 17; asked that no cliches be recited about how all the department cares about is public safety; said they are adults who will take responsibility for their own health, and that playing pickleball is not only healthy but joyful, and the department has taken the joy out of their healthy regime.

Who in the world dreamed up these rules for pickleball reservations?

Obviously whoever made up these "rules" has NEVER played pickleball or seen pickleball played.

Please don't recite any "cliche's" with me about how "all you care about is the public safety". We are adults & we will take responsibility for our own health.

You however have taken the "Joy" & removed it from our healthy regime.

Linda McCamleyEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 15:31 (page 25)

Said she has been playing drop-in tennis at Lions courts in the morning for almost 30 years — players play with whoever shows up and leave when they need to, some staying a couple of hours, some of the older people only an hour.
Said that when the new Covid regulations closed half the courts — 12 down to 6 — it became a problem, but players made it work, shared courts, and it became doable.
Said Albuquerque and Alamogordo have not closed their courts and all cities come under the same state regulations, so she is not sure how this is happening, and asked why Las Cruces is being so unfairly restricted.
Said she takes the disease extremely seriously and thinks the governor has done an excellent job trying to keep people safe, but that this seems excessive.
Said that the previous night players received an email stating the entire policy is changing — reservations to play, exact people, and IDs checked — and that players do not even know each other's last names; it is a very informal network that has worked for many years.
Said courts will be restricted to 45 minutes, which is not even worth driving to the courts for, and that the policy will result in seniors not playing tennis.
Said there are 70- and 80-year-olds who come faithfully to play with friends for the amount of time they can handle, and that during Covid one would think the city would want seniors out and playing for health reasons, tennis being one of the safest sports during the pandemic.
Said if Parks and Rec is trying to clear the courts at Lions, this will surely do it, and that she finds it hard to believe anyone responsible for these policies plays tennis or has talked with any of the players involved.
Said the new changes are worse than leaving things as they are.

First of all we all don't even know last names. We come and play. It's a very informal network and it works.

These new changes are worse than leaving it as is!

Candy GiummoEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 15:40 (page 26)

Said she truly appreciates the city's active role in trying to keep people safe from Covid, but the new guidelines are doing more harm than good.
Said 45 minutes is not an acceptable time frame for tennis: there are three sets in a match, a set takes about half an hour, plus warm-up before play, changeovers after each odd game (90 seconds) and collecting balls after each point — so coming across town to play 45 minutes is ridiculous.
Proposed a solution: open all courts Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., which would be plenty of time for all to play with continued masking, ball usage and distancing.
Said she has played at Lions since 1997 and knows most of the players and the usage of those courts, and that her suggestions would cover everyone who wants to play at Lions in a Covid-safe way.
Identified herself as a member of the Las Cruces Tennis Players Association and the United States Tennis Association, and a long-standing player out of Lions Park.

Carol ShannonEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020 (pages 27–28)

Framed her concern as being about playing tennis — games and sets — not hitting some balls at Lions courts, saying she has played every Tuesday and Thursday morning and Wednesday evening since the courts reopened, weather permitting.
Observation 1: it is first come, first play, so everyone who wants to play starts arriving at 7:30 a.m. to get in line for when the courts are unlocked. It is hard to maintain social distance when everyone goes through one door to get a court; players resolved that themselves by determining who the first six groups are and which courts they want, then taking their time getting to their assigned court, and it has worked well. Those arriving late did not get a court, and usually a court did not free up for at least an hour and a half.
Observation 2: on the 45-minute limit, she wondered at first how it would be enforced and who would be kicked off if someone was waiting. That got answered quickly — nothing happened, no one was asked to leave. She noted you can hit a ball around in 45 minutes but you cannot play tennis, games and sets, in 45 minutes.
Observation 3: she was under the impression only four people max were allowed on a court, which would rule out the server-out tennis played every morning for years by many senior players, since there would be two or three extra people on the court. She personally thinks that style increases the risk of spreading COVID-19, which is why she only plays doubles — but when city staff came to the courts every hour to check, they never made the extra players on server-out courts leave.
Said the new rules, some of which are good, imply an employee will be at the courts the entire time they are open to check people in and enforce the rules, which does not seem realistic for city courts.
Problem 1: enforcing rules cannot be done unless someone is there the entire time enforcing them, not just watching.
Problem 2: reserving courts — she played in Montana for 20-plus years where indoor courts had to be reserved by phone, and it was a nightmare trying to get through to the person taking reservations.
Problem 3: limiting time on court to 45 minutes — by the time you reach your court, get your racquet and balls and warm up for the minimum recommended five minutes to avoid injuries, you have lost close to 10 minutes, leaving 35, and most sets take 35 to 45 minutes.
Problem 4: in all of the new rules the mask mandate when out in public, even when exercising, is never mentioned. She said it seems very odd to micromanage the other details and ignore a state mandate. Asked whether she thinks everyone should have to wear a mask while playing tennis, she answered no — tennis has always been considered one of the safe activities — but said she chooses a small circle of friends and always wears a mask to play; her group only touches their own balls in warm-up and serving, and puts their bags in separate corners to minimize socializing at the bench on changeovers. They take the situation very seriously but still want to play tennis.
Problem 5: timing — the Public Health Order is in place through August 28, and she thinks it is silly to make all these changes for August 24 before seeing what is in place after August 28.

You can hit a ball around in 45 minutes. You cannot PLAY tennis (games, sets) in 45 minutes.

It seems very odd that you would try to micro manage the other details and ignore a state mandate.

Frank CarrilEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 16:00 (pages 29–30)

Wrote to David Maestas, Mayor Kenneth Miyagishima and Sonya Delgado, copying Parks and Rec Admin, councillors Gabriel Vasquez, Gill Sorg, Yvonne Flores and Bill Studer, and the same circulation list as Laura Smart's email, which he quoted in full beneath his own. He attached a document the email names as "lc city bill .pdf".
Said he has watched public input being destroyed over the last month by city employees misrepresenting the facts presented to the board, the Mayor and the City Manager, with nothing done to correct the situation — which he said sends a clear message that the public can no longer look to the city for a fair shake, making public input a joke they must go through that means nothing.
Said that at the Council meeting of 17 August 2020, the same design contractor was awarded a no-bid contract, the second such, valued at $5.2 million, by consent through acceptance of the agenda, without one City Council member asking a single question.
Said no council member asked for a bid process that might have gotten voters a better deal, given other contractors a chance, or produced a properly written statement of work with deliverables and time schedules for the citizens of Las Cruces.
Said it has now been two years since the bond issue and not one spade of dirt has been turned for the people, and that the city and the council should be ashamed.
Contrasted that with making a new City Manager the highest paid in the state, with a contract providing two weeks of executive leave without being charged for leave — which he supposed was for stress — against the stress of the taxpayers of the bonds who have nothing at East Mesa, at the parks, or at the new dog park.
Said over $700,000 has already been paid to contractors, and that one bill shows $7,000 for briefing city council, asking whether that is stress for the people.
Said the public is watching, unlike the council.
On the courts themselves: said that now he has to make a reservation to play pickleball, 15 minutes for 45 minutes, which makes about as much sense as everything else described above, and said the department does not really want public input or comment and is out of control.

Public No longer can Look to the City for a Fair shake, Making Public Input just a Joke they must go through, but means nothing.

Its Now been two years since the Bond issue, not one spade of dirt turned for the people, city should be ashamed. Council should be ashamed.

We have payed over $700K dollars to contractors already, one bill says briefed city council $7,000.

Deana JayEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 16:05 (page 31)

Noted the bulletin states players must give the names of all players for the court when making a reservation.
Said she is just one person, and asked whether only one person can make a reservation for himself or herself.
Asked where the requirement comes from that there be a total of four names when making a reservation.

Mark McDowellEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 4:17 p.m. (page 32)

Said he has many concerns about the upcoming rules changes for pickleball, and asked only that the department come out and see how players have been doing and how things have been working.
Acknowledged there are people waiting to play, but said players distance themselves, rotate in and out with everyone getting a chance to play, and play with multiple people throughout the time they are there.
Said it has been working fairly decently and he sees no reason to change things.
Repeated that he has multiple issues with the proposed changes, and asked again that the department come out and see how players have been policing themselves.

I only ask that you come out and see how we have been " policing " ourselves

On the record in response

McDowell sent the same email again the following afternoon at 3:50 p.m. — it appears twice in this document, at pages 32 and 49.

J Mark CobbEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 16:40 (page 33)

Said nearly half the folks using the courts simply show up to see who is well enough to play or does not have a professional appointment to make, as many are either seniors or professionals fitting time in between meetings.
Said it would be extremely difficult to implement a system similar to the one at Frenger pool, in which he participates: coordinating four individuals for a 45-minute time slot is a lot harder than single participants at Frenger. He is used to the Frenger system now and it works, but trying that at Lions is a different matter.
Asked why make a major change now when the state's Covid numbers are so good that the next phase is probably weeks away.
Asked to keep the traditional walk-up system in play as it has been for over fifteen years, saying it was a major factor in his decision to move to Las Cruces fifteen years ago.
Argued for making it easy for those seeking a complete education including PE, which was excluded by educational institutions decades ago, and said the city can do its part to combat obesity and type 2 diabetes for those excluded from physical exercise.

Let's keep the traditional walk-up system in play as it's been for over fifteenth years.

Carol Sherick — second and third emailsEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 16:40 and 16:41 (pages 34–37)

Wrote a second time to say that as of that day, New Mexico officially meets the Governor's own gating criteria to reopen, citing a KOAT article.
Forwarded the same message again a minute later with the article text attached, which the document reproduces across four pages.
The article, printed into the record, states that up until Tuesday the state had met all the gating criteria except one — the average number of new COVID-19 cases in a seven-day period, which needs to be 168 — and that Target 7's calculation from the governor's daily figures put it at 155 as of Tuesday morning.
The article records that KOAT asked the state, which said it is using a different number based on the date the actual test was taken, and could not provide the number.
It quotes Carla Sonntag of the New Mexico Business Coalition saying the data tells her it is time to go and the state should be opened immediately, and quotes the governor's office saying the state has reached this stage only because of the hard work New Mexicans have undertaken, and that the gating criteria are not a finish line implying that once reached, everyone is in the clear.
It reports that with numbers provided by the state on Tuesday, of 79 new cases, the seven-day rolling average is about 138 — about 30 below the number the governor stated as the goal.

Please note that as of today, NM officially meets Governor's OWN gating criteria to reopen

The gating criteria are not a 'finish line,' so to speak, implying that once we reach the gating criteria, we are in the clear.

On the record in response

Harrison asked at the meeting whether the New Mexico Recreation and Park Association has a specific goal or number that gives the go-ahead to open in a park setting. Delgado said the gating criteria being followed are those coming from the State and the Department of Health, and that NMRPA or NRPA recommends following guidelines set by the State.

Lori MartinEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020 (page 38, in capitals)

Wrote in capitals that she does not understand why this makes sense to anyone and asked that things go back to the way they were.
Said players would like to continue playing tennis as they were — using their own balls, wearing masks, and with no one playing on the middle courts — and that they are all grown-ups and should be treated like grown-ups.
Asked that this be taken into consideration when deciding to overturn the new rules going into effect on Monday, August 24.
Said that if the rules are going into effect it would be very helpful to know why, so everyone can understand, and that she cannot think of a logical reason why any of this makes sense.
Said she guesses she will need to call the Mayor.

WE ARE ALL GROWN-UPS HERE AND SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE GROWN-UPS.

Sheila UnglaubEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 5:30 p.m. (page 39)

Suggested opening all 12 courts, saying there would then be no need for reservations and time restrictions on courts.

Lori Martin — forwarded notice of the new rulesEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 5:31 p.m. (page 40)

Forwarded her own message setting out the rules as she had been told them that day. This is the only place in the document where the policy itself is written down, and it is the public, not the city, that entered it into the record.
As she lists them: courts must be reserved 24 hours in advance, and you must call Saturday to reserve for Monday.
To reserve you must call the Meerscheidt center at 541-2563 between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. No online reservations.
Play is limited to Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Sessions last only 45 minutes.
When reserving a court you must give the names of all players, singles or doubles, who will be playing.
Only one 45-minute session per person per day.
Said players were told people had called the city with complaints and suggestions, and that all of these must be from people who do not play tennis, because the policy does not begin to make any kind of sense.
Said these are city courts and it is an outdoor activity, one of the very few safe things to do during the virus, and referenced KVIA information below — which the document does not reproduce.

Courts must now be reserved 24 hours in advance, and you must call Saturday to reserve for Monda

We were told that people have called in to the city making complaints/suggestions. All of these suggestions and complaints must be from people that do not play tennis.

On the record in response

The OCR truncates the right-hand edge of several lines on this page — "reserve for Monda", "No online reser", "who will be playi". The figures are transcribed as printed and not completed by inference.

Radel Bunker-FarrahEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 5:55 p.m. (page 41)

Thanked the department for opening the courts Monday through Saturday, and for opening them earlier, starting at 7:00 a.m.
Said it is very unrealistic to think tennis can be played in 45-minute increments, as most people she knows play for a couple of hours.
Asked that if reservations are required, up to two consecutive sessions a day be allowed to be played by the same group.
Asked that a Session 4 be added in the morning, 10:00–10:45 a.m.
Asked what happens when a group of four forms and something comes up — a grandchild needing a sitter, a plumbing issue — and a substitute must be found in order to play doubles: can the original three players plus the substitute still use the reservation, or will no one be able to play?
Said exercise is one of the ways to keep a positive attitude during this time, relieve stress and increase the immune system, and asked that it not be made hard to exercise.

Pat MartinezEmailed public comment — August 19, 2020, 6:17 p.m. (page 42)

Addressed the board directly and said the policy changes — reservations including names of players, 24 hours before, only between 1 and 3 p.m. — are extremely restrictive.
Suggested opening all courts at Lions Park, which would reduce the number of players per court and still allow six feet of social distance.
Suggested opening the courts at Young Park and Frenger Park.
Suggested increasing playing time to at least an hour and a half, saying most players would then be more receptive to getting off the courts.
Said starting at 7 p.m. is a good idea.
Said that if reservations are required, there needs to be a way to allow for substitutes, since that does occur.
Asked, on the use of masks while playing, how healthy that is.
Asked whether anyone from the Las Cruces Players Association sits on the board.

Do you have some one from the Las Cruces Players Association on this Board?

On the record in response

Martinez gives the reservation window as 1 to 3 p.m.; Lori Martin's forwarded notice on page 40 gives it as 12 to 3 p.m. Both are transcribed as printed.

Ryan ArmendarizEmailed public comment — August 20, 2020, 1:16 a.m. (page 43)

Thanked the board and all department staff, saying the board's guidance and the diligent work of staff have brought the city beautiful and functional parks and programs.
Proposed a volunteer park service aide position, arguing that since safety and customer service are at the core of what parks and recreation does, a position providing both would fill many roles — safety liaison, security officer, community educator, and at the core, a customer service provider. Offered to expand on the idea if the board would consider it.
Asked the board to consider extending park hours to before dawn and after dusk, noting many people in the city work shift work and may not be able to enjoy the parks during current open hours, and that this would also give opportunities to those who cannot withstand the heat of the summers.
Acknowledged this would mean adding more lighting to existing parks over time, but said new parks — such as the two new dog parks — could have this cost incorporated into the initial design.
Closed by saying he looks forward to the board's response.

New parks, such as the two new dog parks, could have this cost incorporated into the initial design.

I look forward to the board's response.

On the record in response

This is the same writer whose two emails, on park security staffing and after-dusk hours, arrived after the votes at the August 4 special meeting on those same two dog parks. The minutes record no response to him at this meeting either.

Clayton HenryEmailed public comment — August 20, 2020, 6:34 a.m. (pages 44–45)

Replied to Laura Smart's email, copying Parks and Rec Admin, the Mayor, four councillors and the full circulation list, and reproducing her message in full.
Said he agrees with everything Frank and Laura have written.
Said he thinks there will be very few players who will be able to justify playing under the new rules.
Reported that he is already driving to El Paso about three times a week and occasionally to Ruidoso, where you can play as long as you want.
Organized a carpool in the email itself — anyone wishing to carpool to Five Set Net the next day to meet at the McDonald's on University at 8:30, with play from 9:00 to 1:00.

I am already driving to El Paso about three times a week and occasionally to Ruidoso where you can play as long as you want.

Dean Peterson — second emailEmailed public comment — August 20, 2020, 9:37 a.m. (page 46)

Subject line: "Removal of parks & rec bosses".
Said they are in no way trying to help.
Said Albuquerque, Alamogordo and NMSU all have regulations that are helping the tennis players.
Called having to call in every day to play on a public court BS, and said to open all the courts, first come first served.
Said to call the Governor and get the regulations changed, which he said is not that hard to do.

CeCe HunterEmailed public comment — August 20, 2020, 9:59 a.m. (pages 47–48)

Replied to Laura Smart, copying Parks and Rec Admin, the Mayor, four councillors and the full circulation list, reproducing Smart's email in full.
Said the email was well written, but that unfortunately the Mayor is not listening to his citizens and is determined to keep these ridiculous rules.
Asked the Mayor why he is blocking players from being outdoors participating in a physical activity that boosts the immune system and contributes to overall mental health.
Asked him to reconsider and listen to the citizens he serves.

Please reconsider and listen to your citizens that you serve.

Mark McDowell — resentEmailed public comment — August 20, 2020, 3:50 p.m. (page 49)

The final page of the document is Mark McDowell's page-32 email sent again the following afternoon, word for word: many concerns about the rules changes, an ask that staff come out and see how things have been working, an acknowledgement that people wait to play but distance themselves and rotate in and out, and a repeated request that staff come see how players have been policing themselves.
The timestamp is 3:50 p.m. on August 20 — before the 6:01 p.m. meeting. It is the last thing in the record.

GO bond project updates

$35.6 million

Total GO bond program

eight projects, 2019 to 2022

Projects listed

Dog Parks; Recreation Trails; Park and Sport Courts; E. Hadley Ave. Recreation Complex; Unidad Playground; East Mesa Public Recreation Complex; Fire Station #3 Replacement; New Animal Services Center

$16.9 million

Park improvement share, as stated by a member of the public

Maggie Winter's emailed question, page 14 — not a figure staff stated at the meeting

Tony Trevino, Interim Deputy Director of Public Works, reviewed a screenshot of GO bond projects showing the updated program schedule from inception in 2019 to 2022, outlining the steps of Planning and Scoping, Design, Bidding and Construction in their planned phase by quarter, with actual status throughout.

He told the board the schedule includes all GO bond projects totaling $35.6 million: Dog Parks, Recreation Trails, Park and Sport Courts, E. Hadley Ave. Recreation Complex, Unidad Playground, East Mesa Public Recreation Complex, Fire Station #3 Replacement, and the New Animal Services Center.

A work session is scheduled in September to go over all GO bond projects in more depth with City Council.

Harrison asked whether there is anything for the general public showing what is being spent on projects and construction costs. Trevino said yes — the scope was provided at the last Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting and has not changed, and pricing could be available when requested.

Vasconcellos told the board there is a GO Bond Project web page the public can access for the latest information, at the Las-Cruces.org site under GO Bond Project.

Covid update — staffing and the approved plan

March 20, 2020

Staff sent home

approximately 32 hours

Staff hours at the end of August

middle of September

Target for full time

dependent on the Governor's orders

None

Furloughs

Delgado: the budget stayed whole

Delgado said Parks and Recreation's budget has stayed whole and no one has been placed on furlough.

Staff were sent home March 20 and Parks and Recreation was considered non-essential. In less than two weeks the department was told its assistance was needed, because people were out on the trails and in the parks and calling in about different things. The Parks team came back online first, then the rest of the staff slowly. Staff would be at approximately 32 hours by the end of August and would try to be back full time by the middle of September, taking spacing requirements and staggered schedules into account.

Offices have spacers on the floor to identify distancing. Staff check in with a thermometer and go over the Covid health questions before entering the facility. Masks are worn unless a staff member is alone in their own office, and are put back on when someone enters. Meetings are virtual, and staff gatherings are kept under five so the public health order is not violated.

On why Las Cruces differs from other cities, Delgado said she and the board receive a lot of questions about Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Ruidoso and El Paso, and that she cannot speak for them. All she can tell the board is what she was asked to do by the Council and the Mayor: when everything shut down, a plan was put together to see if some things could be opened, and she was asked to send it to the State Epidemiologist for review against the Governor's order. The plan was approved and is what is used currently.

She said she does not know what Albuquerque, Alamogordo or Ruidoso did, or whether they were asked to do the same thing. Some agencies asked how Las Cruces put its plan together and she shared the same information; they have used some of what the city implemented.

She said she knows it is frustrating, that staff feel it every day and are trying to get back to normal, and asked the community to hang in there. She said one issue has been groups getting together, possibly because people are getting comfortable, and that this must not happen. She said the plan can always be revisited, and as soon as the Governor relaxes some orders staff can look at what else can be added and opened.

Recreation — what reopened, and when

March 13, 2020

Recreation closure

Regional Aquatic Center closed end of business March 14

May 26, 2020

Specialty courts reopened

June 14, 2020

Pools reopened for lap swim

25%

Gym capacity, Regional Aquatic Center

Virtual Music in the Park concerts

band only, from June 11

4 sites daily

Senior meal distribution

April 2 to May 22; now three drive-up sites

Catanach said Recreation programs and facilities closed March 13, except the Regional Aquatic Center, which closed at the end of business March 14. Pool maintenance workers have worked continuously from that point to the present because the pool still needed servicing. When staff went on extraordinary leave, managers continued hiring, purchasing, receiving and all needed duties. Recreation staff are working 32 hours a week and should be up to 40 beginning in September.

The City Wellness Program remained active and continues, providing fitness challenges through Move Spring, an app tracked by computer and portable device.

Staff distributed food for Senior Programs beginning April 2 through May 22 — four sites daily for mass distribution, with big boxes from the State on Fridays, which continues as of this date. Staff are currently helping three senior sites with drive-up meal pickups at Frank O'Brien Papen Community Center, East Side, and Benavidez Community Center.

Specialty courts opened May 26, and Recreation staff have been monitoring, tracking and opening facilities for pickle ball, tennis, the RC airport, the RC track for cars, and the Butterfield shooting range. Staff were getting ready to step up with pickle ball and tennis on August 24 — the date the emailed comments are about.

Virtual Music in the Park began June 11: fourteen band-only concerts recorded and posted to the City's YouTube, Vimeo and web page, with the link on Facebook.

The Regional Aquatic Center and Frenger Pool opened June 14 for lap swim only; the upstairs gym at the Regional Aquatic Center opened at 25% capacity. Recreation staff have continued since June recording virtual videos for hiking, biking, sports skills and art galleries, posted to Vimeo and Facebook.

Catanach said one of the big things taken on this year was the virtual Fourth of July parade and the fireworks show, and that he thinks the community liked that the city still moved forward with it during the pandemic.

He said staff are following all CDC guidelines — plexiglass guards installed, PPE procured, distancing requirements, shower protocols, cleaning and sanitation schedules, and rules posted for patron and staff safety.

Youth Services

18 days

Summer program

ended August 7; 65 youth

$308,799

Juvenile Citation Program, FY21

$41,000

Keep Las Cruces Beautiful grant

approved; to Council in September

Nunez said Youth Services ran an 18-day summer program that ended August 7, with 65 youth, following all guidelines and using all City facilities.

Going forward there will be discussion with early childhood and care development through the State's office about temporary approvals and what must be in place to continue programming — mentoring, tutoring, and helping youth and their families get assistance with technology. He hopes to start by Labor Day.

He said staff have been very positive, have had great trainings that continue, and are thinking outside the box, and that youth and parents are thankful for staff providing programs and keeping everybody safe.

The Juvenile Citation Program was recently approved for FY21 at $308,799. The program is doing 100% virtual intakes, assessments, classes and follow-ups, is going very well, and works closely with JPO. There will be a meeting with Las Cruces Public Schools and Gadsden Independent Schools about helping them when they identify youth who are not staying focused with remote learning.

Keep Las Cruces Beautiful is currently providing supplies and recruiting groups of five. The program is grant funded and has been notified the grant was approved for $41,000; it goes to Council in September.

Parks section — reported by Mathews on behalf of Granillo

4 hours, Mondays and Fridays

Initial park maintenance

twice a week

Playground closure checks

one construction worker

16 / 24 / 32 per week

Hours: mid-April / May / early August

10 of 23

Temp employees returned

April and May

Youth Conservation Corps crew

started July

Park staff came back on a limited basis two weeks after the initial shutdown — maintenance staff only, four hours on Mondays and Fridays, for litter and general cleanliness. Parks was originally considered non-essential, so staff were brought back gradually. One construction worker was tasked with checking playgrounds twice a week to make sure they remained closed.

These conditions lasted until mid-April, when staff increased to 16 hours per week, then 24 hours per week in May. Parks brought on operators for modified mowing schedules as grass started growing, and irrigators to maintain turf. Median staff came back with their normal duties.

In April and May, ten of the 23 temp employees were brought back. In early August work hours increased to 32 hours per week, with staff coming in at ten-minute staggered shifts to maintain morning distancing. Full 40 hours per week is anticipated by mid-September depending on the Governor's orders.

Design and construction staff — the Landscape Architect and two project specialists — transitioned to working remotely full time in March and continue to. They kept observing and inspecting construction projects and meeting contractors on site, masked and distanced, which allowed all construction, planning and design to keep moving. In April they transitioned to some in-office work Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

The Youth Conservation Corps program started in July with seven crew members, trained to work using social distancing and masks.

On entering the office, the team does a temperature check and reviews the Covid health questions.

Community engagement

Vasconcellos said she has worked with Parks and Recreation from day one to provide information to the public through press releases, social media posts, and direct email where appropriate using resources like eTrac, and that it is a constant effort because information is changing so quickly.

A web page was created where the community can see the latest updates, open and closed facilities and programs, and guidelines and how to use them: Las-Cruces.org/covid19parkschedule.

Her role also includes keeping the community engaged with activities on social media, short videos, and PSAs suggesting games and activities. Videos provided by organizations such as the National Fitness Campaign were shared to encourage people to stay active.

Staff participated in events such as Earth Day; she worked with Keep Las Cruces Beautiful on how to do cleanups during this time, and with staff to put together an Electric Light virtual parade. Most recently an I Spy campaign was run on social media to bring awareness to the cup signs on fences off Hadley and Solano.

Pickle ball and tennis — the department's answer

fewer than five people

Public health order group limit

at least a couple of weeks

Epidemiologist turnaround, as stated

before protocol, news releases and signage

Delgado said all exempt staff have stayed on 40 hours since March 20, and hopefully all staff will be back on board by mid-September with enough space for everyone to operate in.

On pickle ball and tennis, she said one of the issues was that the public health order said there should be fewer than five people in a group, and when the courts were opened, large groups gathered there to play — other community members could see this and were asking why they could not go to the park.

She said State Police were called at one point about a mass gathering at Apodaca Park, and said she would not like to get a fine or go against the Governor's orders.

She said she understands the frustrations and that people want to be out and about and play; that this is Parks and Recreation, it is their passion to provide these services, and it has been difficult.

She said staff will work with the pickle ball and tennis communities as things are rolled out, and that the reservation is going to help control group gatherings.

She said she has received calls from people who did not get an opportunity to play because they could not stay long, a call thanking her for the reservation because now they would get an opportunity to play, and calls from people saying their time is being taken away who want to play longer.

She said pickle ball and tennis were the pilot programs for some programming — trying to offer something instead of nothing — and that she gets calls from all the other groups that want to play. As things get better and the community gets healthy, the department will open things and be the first to open the gate and welcome everyone back.

Engle said he would like to see what the board feels about Delgado still answering the emails more directly. Harrison said it would be nice and courteous to respond, and said that if the pickle ball and tennis communities could come up with some Covid-safe practices, it might be beneficial to staff and to them.

Chair McClure asked whether extending reservations longer would work better. Delgado said the plan being used is the one approved by the Epidemiologist, so she cannot add any more hours to the program itself — but she can change the way the hours are arranged, moving hours to another day or earlier or later. Increasing hours or programs, or opening more facilities, would require sending the plan back to the epidemiologist based on changes the Governor has made, which can be done once the orders change or relax. She said she does not know whether anybody else had to do this.

Chair McClure asked what the turnaround time was when the plan was sent to the epidemiologist. Delgado said at least a couple of weeks — then it had to be looked over, protocol put in place, news releases sent, signage in place, and then opened. At that time staff would open, but there were not enough staff with enough hours to stay the whole time and enforce the rules; with increased hours, staff can now be there the entire time to enforce them.

On increasing play time, she said time would be taken from another day, shortening it or eliminating it, which could result in a smaller number of players being able to play. She asked that the pickle ball and tennis communities let the department try the reservation and then give feedback, because there are a lot of other people who do not belong to these organizations who also want to play.

Harrison asked whether the New Mexico Recreation and Park Association has a specific goal or number that will give the go-ahead to open in a park setting. Delgado said the gating criteria being followed come from the State and the Department of Health, and that the NMRPA or NRPA recommends following guidelines set by the State.

Harrison asked whether there are any Covid-safe practices for courts, and about meeting with the pickle ball and tennis community and telling them what needs to be done rather than answering every single question. Delgado said safe practices were looked at when the plan was put together, to see which would work, and the team has done the same thing now — the department can work with the communities, but the guidelines used will be those coming from the state.

Staff comments

Mathews said her section is focusing recently on the skate park assessment, finishing that report on the existing skate park so the team can dive right into the skate park renovation as soon as state funding becomes available this fall.

Electrical improvements continue at Veterans Memorial Park, coordinated with planning and design for the parking lot so the two projects work together when construction starts.

Highland Park is nearing completion of the design process; within the next two to three months Mathews will report on construction and bidding and let the board know when construction will start.

On the Parks section, reported for Granillo: staff are working on internal design standards over the next several months, to use as a reference and to pass to Community Development so it can inform overall City design standards for landscapes and parks. Documents to be incorporated include the Tree Care Policy, Median Design Standards, Irrigation Standards, and Park Amenities Standards.

Sports fields staff continue to assist maintaining trails, and recently laid down their first application of pre-emergent treatment to help keep weed issues under control.

Trees along Hadley Avenue have experienced an issue with a mite; the Community Forester will apply a miticide to try to save the trees.

Right of Way and Median staff are working on the City Beautification Program called Clean Sweep, entering a four-week citywide cycle.

Park GIS staff are looking at readjusting schedules to reduce driving time and use technology for efficiencies.

Construction staff are working on several projects, including installation of a sculpture called Tree of Knowledge at Calle Abuelo Neighborhood Park; the parks furnishing replacement program at Benavidez Community Center Park; ADA tables and benches at the Butterfield Shooting Range; and engineered wood fiber safety surfacing replacement at playgrounds throughout the city.

Granillo will compile another list of winter projects so bigger repair projects can be accomplished methodically, including bollard installation in several parks and more intense trail cleanup, especially around the I-25/University Ave interchange. Park staff will look to clean the lower portion along Triviz and remove some of the erosion and sand buildup.

Nunez had no further updates. Nevarez had nothing to share. Delgado had no additional information.

Catanach said his staff will continue virtual programming and will work to get pickle ball and tennis under control as best they can, working with those communities. Staff are working on what they will do in the future as things start to open, and understand there is a need for sports and activities — they know groups like baseball, basketball and volleyball are not getting the opportunities pickle ball and tennis are, and want the community to know they are being looked out for as well. He thanked recreation staff for everything they have done.

Vasconcellos said she will work with Delgado and staff to get FAQs together and posted on the website as soon as possible so the community can have the information.

Board comments

Schuller expressed sincere appreciation to the board during this unprecedented time, gave kudos to Parks and Recreation staff, and said the board is here with them and appreciates their due diligence in making sure the community is safe — asking that this be passed on to all staff.

Harrison expressed appreciation to the pickle ball group for their comments and to the Chair for reading all the emails, and appreciation for Delgado and staff for individually focusing on the topics and trying to find the happy medium.

McClure said she appreciates the enthusiasm of the pickle ball and tennis community for coming out and supporting their efforts and being the test for reopening. She said she drives by the pickleball area on Saturday mornings and found the group aspect kind of shocking, with seating there now, and that it seems like the limits are being skirted. She said she appreciates the flexibility of Parks and Recreation staff in seeing that play can happen, but thinks the group should take the responsibility of policing themselves.

Recorded votes

3. Approval of AgendaMotion carried unanimously

Approve the agenda as presented.

Moved by Megan Schuller · seconded by Stan Engle

There was no discussion.

4. Approval of MinutesMotion carried unanimously

Approve the minutes of July 16, 2020 as presented.

Moved by Eric Montgomery · seconded by Robert Harrison

There was no discussion.

4. Approval of MinutesMotion carried unanimously

Approve the minutes of August 4, 2020 as presented.

Moved by Robert Harrison · seconded by Eric Montgomery

There was no discussion.

6. Action ItemsNo action taken

None. The agenda records item 6 as N/A.

Moved by · seconded by

The court policy that generated thirty-nine pages of public comment was not an action item. Delgado stated on the record that although it had been said the board would be taking action on some rules, that is not the case.

10. AdjournmentMotion carried unanimously

Adjourn.

Moved by Eric Montgomery · seconded by Stan Engle

Left open at the gavel

Sonya DelgadoWithin 48 hours of August 20, 2020

Individual written replies to every emailed comment

Delgado said she will reply to each email, answer the questions, and copy the board, trying to respond within 48 hours after the meeting. The document contains no replies.

Ceci Vasconcellos

FAQ posted to the website

Chair McClure asked whether an FAQ would be easier. Vasconcellos said in staff comments that she will work with Delgado and staff to get FAQs together and posted as soon as possible. No date was set.

Board

Court policy placed on a future agenda

Harrison said that if any board members want to comment on the subject, it can be put on the agenda for a future meeting. Schuller and Engle both said waiting another month may be too long. No item was scheduled at this meeting.

Unassigned

Criteria by which all courts will reopen

Carol Sherick asked the department to state the criteria definitively, citing frustration with moving criteria. Delgado said the gating criteria come from the State and the Department of Health. No specific reopening threshold for courts is recorded.

Unassigned

Why Las Cruces is more restrictive than other New Mexico cities

Asked in at least eight separate emails, naming Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Silver City, El Paso and NMSU. Delgado said she cannot speak for other cities and does not know whether they were asked to submit a plan. Sherick asked in advance that this answer not be repeated.

Unassigned

How courts will be cleaned between sessions

Asked by Rob McCorkle, Larry Mastic and Laura Smart. Mastic said players have been sweeping the courts themselves since reopening and the city has done nothing in this regard to date. No answer is recorded.

Unassigned

Who was polled before the policy was written

Cindy Carril asked who was polled, when, and how many, and said she would like an answer. Several writers said the pickleball community was never consulted. No answer is recorded.

Unassigned

Substitutes and single players under the reservation rule

Radel Bunker-Farrah asked whether three original players plus a substitute may use a reservation; Deana Jay asked whether one person may reserve alone or whether four names are required; Laura Smart asked what happens when an out-of-town player fills a doubles court. No answer is recorded.

Unassigned

Restrooms and porta-potties at the courts

Maggie Winter asked why bathrooms are closed when a bathroom is not a place to congregate; Cindy Carril said porta-potties are a necessity; Carol Sherick and Laura Smart noted other cities' courts have open restrooms. No answer is recorded.

Tony Trevino

GO bond spending disclosure

Harrison asked whether there is anything for the general public showing what is being spent on projects and construction costs. Trevino said pricing could be available when requested. Maggie Winter asked how much of the $16.9 million for park improvements has been spent in two years; Frank Carril said over $700,000 has gone to contractors and cited a $7,000 bill for briefing city council. No figure was given at the meeting.

Unassigned

Public comment on the park improvement portion of the GO bond

Maggie Winter said she has not seen a request for public comment on the park improvement portion as there was for the East Mesa design, and asked why. No answer is recorded.

Unassigned

Apodaca rehab design, schedule and player input

Winter asked how to see specifics and whether shade structures and seating are included; Smart asked when the rehab begins, how long the courts close, where players go during construction, whether contractors signed a time-limit agreement, and asked for transparency with Highland Enterprise; Carril asked why the completion date is a year away after two years of talk. No answer is recorded.

Unassigned

East Mesa Sports complex construction start

Laura Smart asked when construction begins and whether pickleball players will have any say in the design of the courts. Trevino's update lists the East Mesa Public Recreation Complex among the eight GO bond projects but the minutes record no start date.

Tony TrevinoSeptember 2020

GO bond work session with City Council

Trevino said a work session is scheduled in September to go over all GO bond projects in more depth with City Council.

Sonya Delgado

Covid-safe practices developed with the player communities

Harrison twice suggested that the pickle ball and tennis communities be met with and given Covid-safe practices rather than answering every question. Delgado said the department can work with them, but the guidelines used will be the state's. Nothing was scheduled.

Unassigned

Ryan Armendariz's park service aide proposal

Proposed a volunteer park service aide covering safety liaison, security officer, community educator and customer service, and offered to expand on the idea. He also asked again for extended park hours before dawn and after dusk, with lighting costs built into new parks such as the two new dog parks. He wrote that he looks forward to the board's response. No response is recorded — the second meeting running.

Robert NunezSeptember 2020

Keep Las Cruces Beautiful grant to Council

The $41,000 grant was approved and goes to Council in September.

Catherine MathewsFall 2020 (funding-dependent)

Skate park renovation

Mathews said the assessment report on the existing skate park is being finished so the renovation can begin as soon as state funding becomes available this fall.

Catherine MathewsOctober–November 2020

Highland Park construction and bidding report

Mathews said she will report on the construction and bidding process within the next two to three months and let the board know when construction will start.

Franco Granillo

Winter projects list

Granillo will compile another list of winter projects for construction staff, including bollard installation in several parks and more intense trail cleanup around the I-25/University Ave interchange, plus cleaning the lower portion along Triviz.

Unassigned

Board representation for court users

Pat Martinez asked whether anyone from the Las Cruces Players Association sits on the board. No answer is recorded.