Parks & Recreation names Robert Diaz director; staff discuss rental fees and volunteer needs
January 29, 2024 | Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Texas
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The Parks & Recreation advisory board heard multiple administrative updates on Jan. 25, including personnel changes and questions about rental fees and contracts.
Staff announced that Robert Diaz has been named the department’s new Parks & Recreation director. The presenter said Diaz had worked previously in Farmers Branch and in other cities’ parks and recreation departments, and that he is transitioning into the director role in the coming weeks. "He was at the city of Farmers Branch years ago in the parks and rec department... he was just named as our new director," the presenter said.
The board also heard that Maria Mentor, the recreation superintendent and former rec-center manager, has requested and received a transfer to Public Works as a managing superintendent; the recreation superintendent vacancy will be posted. Staff said Mentor will remain employed by the city in her new role.
Members asked whether internal city groups must pay rental fees for use of Venue 1842 and other facilities; staff said the city council has approved a user-fee schedule and that rental information will be posted on the city website. Staff noted city-run events typically do not incur a rental charge but said they would confirm the policy and provide clarification.
Board members also asked about Liberty Plaza, where contracts for grounds upkeep (mowing, flag replacement, lighting) total about $12,600 and the costs are charged to the historical park’s grounds budget. Staff said Parks & Recreation covers those grounds-maintenance costs and will follow up with any needed clarifications.
Finally, the group identified an attendance discrepancy in the minutes for a prior meeting; staff agreed to correct the record. A procedural motion to proceed with agenda business was moved and seconded during the meeting; the transcript of the excerpt provided does not include a formal roll-call or vote tally.
Staff will follow up with written clarification about rental fees for city groups and with corrected attendance records.
Staff announced that Robert Diaz has been named the department’s new Parks & Recreation director. The presenter said Diaz had worked previously in Farmers Branch and in other cities’ parks and recreation departments, and that he is transitioning into the director role in the coming weeks. "He was at the city of Farmers Branch years ago in the parks and rec department... he was just named as our new director," the presenter said.
The board also heard that Maria Mentor, the recreation superintendent and former rec-center manager, has requested and received a transfer to Public Works as a managing superintendent; the recreation superintendent vacancy will be posted. Staff said Mentor will remain employed by the city in her new role.
Members asked whether internal city groups must pay rental fees for use of Venue 1842 and other facilities; staff said the city council has approved a user-fee schedule and that rental information will be posted on the city website. Staff noted city-run events typically do not incur a rental charge but said they would confirm the policy and provide clarification.
Board members also asked about Liberty Plaza, where contracts for grounds upkeep (mowing, flag replacement, lighting) total about $12,600 and the costs are charged to the historical park’s grounds budget. Staff said Parks & Recreation covers those grounds-maintenance costs and will follow up with any needed clarifications.
Finally, the group identified an attendance discrepancy in the minutes for a prior meeting; staff agreed to correct the record. A procedural motion to proceed with agenda business was moved and seconded during the meeting; the transcript of the excerpt provided does not include a formal roll-call or vote tally.
Staff will follow up with written clarification about rental fees for city groups and with corrected attendance records.
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