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Minutes 04-24-23 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH RECREATION&PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach April 24, 2023, 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: STAFF: Julie Mondello, Chair Kacy Young, Director of Recreation & Parks Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Vice Chair Franky Lazo, Recreation & Parks Asst. Director Eugene Fagan Justin Johnson, Marketing & Outreach Mgr. Frando Patterson Gabrielle Favitta, Division Manager for Events Alison Pandev Division Geoffrey Campbell, Alternate Tessy Lacroix, Grants Manager for the City of Boynton Beach Carl Frumenti, Project Manager Melanie Gayahpersad Carla Blair, Prototype, Inc. ABSENT: Sean Conklin Bernard Jaworski, Alternate GUESTS: Austin Bernstein, Intracoastal Restoration Project Theresa Russell, Intracoastal Restoration Project I. Call to Order Chair Mondello called the meeting to order at 6:31 P.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call Roll was called and a quorum was present. IV. Agenda Approval —April 24, 2023 Mr. Young requested moving New Business to#7 and moving Unfinished Business to#6. He also requested tabling the Board and Vice Chair appointments and the Upcoming Recreational Events. Franky Lazo, Assistant Director of Recreation & Parks, indicated that presenters will be presenting the Intracoastal Restoration Project, which he would like to add to New Business under Upcoming Recreational Events. Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 Motion was made by Mr. Patterson, seconded by Mr. Fagan. The motion passed unanimously. (6-0) V. Approval of Minutes — March 27, 2023 Motion made by Ms. Pandev, and seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe, to approve Minutes for the March 27, 2023 meeting. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). VI. New Board Member Introduction Mr. Young stated that they received an appointment for a new Board member as an Alternate, but since he was not present, this item will be tabled to the next meeting. VII. Unfinished Business a. Results from Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Surveys None. b. Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Annual Report for Commission Chair Mondello reported that she started making some notes and read a draft letter for the Annual Report. She indicated that the Board must provide a report of what they have accomplished during the last year. She stated that she was going to go with the Master Plan and everything they have gone through this past year with a short description. Mr. Young advised that the report is a brief overview to the City Commission and there is no format, so whatever the Board decides is pertinent can be presented to the Commission, as far as things they have accomplished. One of the bigger projects this Board participated in was the Master Plan. He noted that the Board agreed they would do this in July, as part of Parks and Recreation month. Chair Mondello stated that she will try to finish this by next month, so the Board can review, add, change, or modify the draft. Mr. Young requested that Chair Mondello send him a draft, so he could send it to all the Board members. VIII. New Business a. Recreation & Parks Grant Tessy Lacroix, Grants Manager for the City of Boynton Beach, advised that she has been working with Director Young and Assistant Director Lazo in finding grant and funding opportunities to enhance Parks and Recreation access to outdoor spaces. She spoke about funding for Eagle Park, a grant for the Bulldogs, Hester Center renovations, and 2 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 the Pioneer Canal Park. She explained that they also connected with the United States Tennis Association and are working with meeting with them, so they can get some tennis court resurfacing funding for the City and they have also worked with the Florida Committee Trust Parks and Open Spaces for any alternate projects. Chair Mondello asked if all grants operate on a phase by phase basis or are some the whole pot. Ms. Lacroix replied that not all grants operate in phases. She explained that some grants, such as BRIG, allow you to apply for a specific project for the planning phase all the way through construction; however, they found with the Florida Boating Improvement or the Waterways Assistance Program for Boating Safety projects, it is not just easier, but it may sit more feasible within the timeframe they give to complete the projects in phases. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe questioned if there is any funding for replacement of the fishing pier that has been taken down at the boat ramp. Ms. Lacroix stated that they are still looking and having conversations about that. She said that there have been conversations about the demolition, and they were able to get funding to get that done, so the next thing will be to plan for actually getting the pier replaced. She stated that there is money available, it is a matter of when they will be applying for it. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe indicated that there is a huge event every year for the Firefighters and a lot of people use the fishing pier since they are a fishing village. Mr. Young commented that Recreation and Parks enjoy working with Ms. Lacroix as well as they have been working very hard on finding funding for different projects. He said that as part of the Parks System Master Plan, they also received a list of available grants and they are working to find different funding sources to fund some projects in the future. Vice Chair Pierce-Young asked if any of the fees for permits for the boat ramp can be applied in any way since it is $200 for a permit. Mr. Young replied no, those fees do not help towards matching grants. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe asked if there is any money that can go towards that park, since it takes that money in. Mr. Young stated that funding from the permits and parking go to the General Fund, which helps all the projects throughout the City. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe questioned if anything is allocated and how they decide from the General Fund. She mentioned telephone towers that go to one property, that do not go to another park. 3 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 Mr. Young indicated that the funding from the cell phone towers goes into the General Fund, which helps fund projects throughout the City. b. Hester Center Field Improvement Project Update Carl Frumenti, with the Constructions Services Division and Project Manager for the Hester Park Improvements project noted that the project started on March 9, 2023, and it is moving along. He provided a brief presentation of the project as follows: Project Scope & Timeline; Duration; Work Completed; and Work in Progress. He said that they are currently working in Phase 1A, which is the turf field and two parking areas. He explained the work that has been completed and what they are working on. He spoke about the obstacles the have encountered. Mr. Frumenti spoke about the following: • Site Demolition • Field Grade and Current Construction • Parking Lot Drains • Parking Lot Construction Mr. Young asked if this is the parking area closest to 19tH Mr. Fruenti stated there are two parking areas. He said that he believes the first slide to the left on top is the parking area close to 19th as well as the one below and the second parking area underway is the one that abuts the rear of the community center. He continued as follows: • Examples of Perimeter Drains Around the Field • Final Rendering of the Field the Committee has selected Mr. Young commented that this is an additional project they brough on as far as the field rendering with the logo and the text in the in zones, which they thought would be a good addition to the field. It adds a little extra character to this project. He continued his presentation as follows: • Project Review • Video —Aerial Mr. Patterson questioned when this project will be completed. 4 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 Mr. Frumenti advised that they originally predicted this stage to be completed on November 18, 2023, but they went through some changes and Change Orders, which took additional time. He said that currently, the timeframe will move about five days. Chair Mondello asked where kids are playing in the meantime. Mr. Lazo indicated that they are currently working with the County to use a few different park sites for practice as well as meeting with the school. He mentioned that they are trying to get the games played at school and the practices held at different sites. c. Board Chair & Vice Chair Appointments This item was tabled to the next meeting. d. Upcoming Recreation Events Justin Johnson, Marketing & Outreach Manager, made the following announcements: • The Senior Health Fair will be held tomorrow morning from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Ezell Hester Center, which is a free event for all seniors and caregivers. • Wellness Wednesday will be on Wednesday evening, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Intracoastal Park. This will be a Shake off Stress Zumba class. • The Mother's Day Luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Intracoastal Park. A shuttle will be provided starting at 9:00 A.M. Melanie Gayahpersad indicated the City is excited to have the second City Hall Social of the year. She said that this free event is taking place inside City Hall on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. and that there will be complimentary refreshments, music, and a cash bar. She mentioned that the Mayor will also be sharing an exciting announcement about a new partnership with Palm Beach State College. Mr. Young commented that the first City Social was well attended and it gives everyone a chance to meet the different Directors throughout the City, and gives them a chance to socialize and ask questions. Gabrielle Favitta, Events Manager, stated that they are looking for volunteers for the 4th of July event, which will be held at Intracoastal Park from 6:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M., but volunteering will be from 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Mr. Patterson questioned what volunteering consists of. Chair Mondello advised that they usually have a craft they help the kids with. Ms. Gayahpersad stated that the City just started an internship program and they have a lot of interns who will be helping, which is huge because they are able to put a City staff member on all the buses for transportation from the parking locations to the site of the event. In order to get visitors on and off the actual event site, they will need assistance at 5 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 different locations throughout the park with overseeing the children's activities. They also need some help outside of the activities with maintaining the flow of the event. She explained that the other areas they will need assistance with. Chair Mondello commented that there were a lot of Police Officers last year. Ms. Gavahpersad indicated that they are going to do better in the volunteer hospitality area. She said that a lot of staff were there from about 8:00 A.M. until midnight, including the Police Department and Recreation and Parks staff. She noted that they are going to put more greeters on site as well as general assistance at the Information Booth. Chair Mondello advised that interns are great for college kids and high school; they have to be 16 or 17 years of age. Ms. Gayahpersad stated that she did not have the details. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe asked where the shuttles would be going from. Ms. Gayahpersad advised that they are waiting for final approval, but at this point, they are looking at having Town Square as the main hump for parking, and Journey Church, pending Commission's approval, as well as 3301 Quanta, which is the old City Hall. Ms. Pandev stated that she has not been fingerprinted. Ms. Gayahpersad indicated there is a volunteer process. She noted that she would send her the information, and it is at Intracoastal Park. Chair Mondello questioned if this is the biggest event of the year. Ms. Gayahpersad stated that this is this is currently the biggest attendance event the City holds, besides Pirate Fest, which is coming up next Fiscal Year. Ms. Pandev advised she will volunteer. Intracoastal Restoration Project Assistant Director Lazo introduced Austin and Theresa Russell, who are working with them on the Intracoastal Restoration Project, which has been approved by the Commission and work has started. Austin Bernstein provided a brief presentation on the Wildlife Improvement and Environmental Restoration Project. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe commented that it would be similar to what was done at Jaycee Park. 6 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 Mr. Bernstein stated that it would be more than what they did, and they want it to be more educational in terms of the signage. He noted that Public Works had an idea of having a few different signs as people walk by, so they could read about it. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned that Jaycee Park has books and everything is outside, and it tells you about the trees, information about how the land came to be, and there is a large walking circle that goes all the way around with probably 25 different signs. Chair Mondello asked how the vines creep in there. Mr. Bernstein indicated that it is the punishment the park has for such a great view. He explained that it is across from the inland, so it is wave action and the waves have built up like a dune on the beach and that cuts off the main roads from the water supply and over time other species have grown in where the mangroves should be. He mentioned that when the DEP came out, they said it is the worst wetland in Palm Beach County. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe questioned if there will be any issues with the sea grass. She explained that this was one of the projects she worked on, and they wanted to put in some sort of wading pool or dock, but because of DEP, they are not allowed to go in there. Mr. Bernstein stated that they are not going into the water. Rebecca Harvey mentioned that some people had that idea before she left and they discussed doing a Phase 1, making it beautiful, clearing it out, planting the right types of trees, and leaving it open. She suggested that perhaps there could be a Phase 2, where there could be some kind of dock extended out into the shallow water and they would have to work out if there is sea grass. Mr. Lazo commented that this is a much-needed project, it will help the environment and wildlife. He stated that another component is that they will do the work and then maintain it for five years, so there will be proper maintenance. He explained that areas like this are difficult to maintain because there must be trained and certified people to do it. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe asked if the City has an arborist. Mr. Lazo stated that the City does not have an arborist on staff, so that is something they are planning to do through a certification process and that is through Public Works. He noted that Utilities is recruiting for Ms. Harvey's old position, which is Sustainability and Resilience. He commented that throughout this process they have worked collectively as a City, so they have had Utilities, Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Risk Management, and Legal involved. Ms. Russell indicated that there are currently a lot of homeless people hiding in the area because it is so dense, and there are clothes and bags, so they need to clear this out. 7 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 Mr. Fagan commented that this is a great idea. Mr. Bernstein stated that they worked with a lot of municipalities and Mr. Young and Mr. Lazo have been the best. He commented that they chose Boynton Beach because of how perceptive everyone has been to work with. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe questioned if they are doing anything with the pond. Mr. Bernstein replied no, nothing will be done with the drainage pond. Mr. Campbell questioned if they are doing all mechanical removals or if they are allowed to use chemicals. Mr. Bernstein replied that it is all mechanical, no chemicals. Ms. Russell indicated that they are trying to only disturb what is necessary to move, and not harm anything else around it that is not necessary. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe asked if they ever met with the neighborhood to the south, to see if they had any issues. Mr. Bernstein advised that they have not specifically spoken to anyone, but they can. He said that there is a six-foot wall and fence, so he did not know if they could go between the two. He stated that their work starts about 15 feet away from there, but they are open to talking to the residents. Ms. Russell stated that they can let the residents know what is going on before they start, and if there is a specific day they have when they want less noise, they can respect that. Mr. Bernstein commented that they can talk to the residents, maybe they have some ideas. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned that it is not necessarily going to be a loud project. Mr. Bernstein stated that it should be fast. IX. Public Audience None. X. Items for the City Manager's Attention Mr. Young introduced Andrew Mack, the Deputy City Manager. 8 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 Deputy City Manager Mack advised that he has been with the City for 14 years and has worked in almost every department throughout the City. He mentioned that two months ago they decided to move Recreation and Parks under the Public Services umbrella, so Mr. Young and Mr. Lazo now work directly for him. XI. Future Agenda Items Chair Mondello indicated that the Board will review their presentation next month. Mr. Young indicated that he would keep it under Unfinished Business. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe responded yes, because they will be coming to the end of season where they do not go a lot of places because they cannot get there. She asked if it is possible to receive monthly updates of events and things that are going on. She stated that there is an INCA meeting on May 15, 2023, at 6:00 P.M., where she can share information. Mr. Young stated that he would try to schedule something. He noted that Justin Johnson, Marketing Outreach Manager, can provide any events from other departments as well. Vice Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned the five or six kiosk signs on Seacrest and noted that the most traveled roadway is Federal Highway. She asked if it is possible to get something on Ocean Avenue near Federal Highway that lists the events. Mr. Young advised that they can look into a potential marquis. He stated they are working on signage. Chair Mondello asked if they could get an update on how the camps are doing. Mr. Young indicated that registration is still open. He stated that they are doing an outreach campaign, to make sure they get the information out throughout the City, and he can bring an update back to the Board. Mr. Young addressed the City Commission and the ordinance for Advisory Board reappointment applications. He explained that the City Commission is looking at the ordinance and making some revisions to it. He said that if they tabled it. If an appointment letter has been submitted, it has been received. He said that the directive from the Clerk's Office is that the Boards will remain intact as is, if you are a member you will continue to be a member until a decision is made on the ordinance. He mentioned that as a decision is made, an update will be provided to all members whose terms have expired. He said that is also the reason they put the appointments for Chair and Vice Chair on hold, because that has to go to the Commission to be approved as well. XII. Next Meeting — May 22, at 6:30 P.M. 9 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 24, 2023 VIII. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, upon motion duly made and seconded, Chair Mondello adjourned the meeting at 7:35 P.M. [Minutes transcribed by C. Guifarro, Prototype, Inc.] 10