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Minutes 05-14-01 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT BETHESDA HOSPITAL ON MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Betty Thomas, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation Director Jim McMahon, Vice Chair John Wildner, Parks Director Elizabeth Pierce Barbara Meacham, Parks Department Dan Winters Margaret Murphy, Alternate Absent Ed Harris Bali Ramnarace Tom Williams Call to Order Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. She introduced the members of the Board and Messrs. Majors and Wildner. She also recognized Ronald Weiland, Vice Mayor, who was in the audience. Approval of Minutes The Board dispensed with the reading of the previous meeting's minutes. New Business The purpose of this meeting is to gather information from the public concerning Girl Scout Park. Mr. Wildner made the presentation. He introduced Barbara Meacham, Parks & Landscape Planner. He also introduced Paul Fleming, Senior Project Manager from the Engineering Department, who was in the audience. Mr. Wildner stated that in the early 1960's this site was used as a camp for the Girl Scouts and it was previously owned by Palm Beach County. The City acquired the park in 1983 and later installed a gate on Sunset Road and gave out keys to neighbors who needed to get to a part of their property. Mr. Wildner stated that Mission Hill Road may be a better entrance and the City considered putting a bridge over the canal. A vehicular bridge was originally thought of; however, recently the City was thinking of having some interim uses for this park. There were suggestions of a small pedestrian bridge to the site, a small parking lot along Mission Hill Road with six parking spaces and having the gate closed at night. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 14, 2001 When questioned by a member of the audience regarding whether grass would be planted, Mr. Wildner said probably not. He said they would probably just cut the weeds unless enough people wanted grass to be planted and then that recommendation would be taken back to the City Commission. Mr. Fleming said when a new parking lot is created, lighting and landscaping would be required unless there were variances. There were concerns from the audience regarding the park breeding crime. A gentleman from the audience suggested improving Forest Hill Park and not spending money on this park. There were other concerns from the audience regarding vehicles getting stuck in the sugar sand, litter, branches from the large Banyan trees, and reducing property values. Dan Winters stated that this is a public forum and he polled the audience and asked who would want this park. Nine people raised their hands against the park and four people were open to the idea. Harold E~lanchette, 905 Mission Hill Road, stated that if the public did not want a park, maybe the land should be sold to the adjacent property owners. Mr. Wildner stated that all the property owners would have to be agreeable to this. Tom Stewart, 944 Sunset Road, has a gate key and stated there have been break-ins in the back. Shad Goldstein, 3105 Chapel Hill Blvd., said that before she bought her home, she called the City and was told nothing would be done to this park for five years. She is concerned regarding crime. Mr. Wildner said that only recently has his department been directed by City Commission to look into improving this park. Joan Calder, Sunset Road, had a concern regarding children getting hurt, hazards in the park and the liability to the City. Mr. Wildner agreed that the City would need to minimize the risks. There was discussion regarding whether this land could be used for residential development. When questioned, Mr. Wildner said there was no time frame for improvements to the park. The City Commission asked for a report back from the Recreation & Parks Board within a couple of weeks. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 14, 2001 Regarding concerns about privacy issues, Mr. Wildner said additional buffering could be considered and additional fencing. Judy Lindsey, 940 Sunset Road, suggested making the park a natural habitat. It was agreed that there have been a lot less complaints regarding the park since the gate was installed. Mr. Wildner turned the meeting over to the Recreation & Parks Board. Ms. Murphy asked how far away Forest Hill Park was from this site and what facilities did that park have. Mr. Wildner pointed out the location of Forest Hill Park on the overhead map and stated that there is a children's playground, picnic shelter and softball field there. There is not a nice view from Forest Hill Park, only the 1-95 sound wall, and not a canal. Mr. McMahon thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and for their input. He also thanked Vice Mayor Weiland for attending. Mr. Wildner said the City is obligated to create parks throughout the City. He will take the consensus of the Recreation & Parks Board to the City Commission. Ms. Pierce said she lives by a park also (Boat Club Park) and understands people's concerns but she also appreciates having a park close by. Mr. Winters suggested utilizing the park for scouts and other organized groups that are supervised and said it could be regulated rather than not doing anything with the park. It would be a way to utilize the facility with no bridge or parking lot. He stated that this was just an idea to think about. Mr. Wildner stated that the original intention was for this park to be open only from sunrise to sunset and to hire a part-time worker to close the gates at night. Mr. Wildner asked whether Vice Mayor Weiland wanted to say anything. He declined and stated he would save his comments for the City Commission meeting. Chairperson Thomas said there have been good suggestions and good ideas presented here tonight. When asked whether the people in the audience would be made aware of upcoming plans, Mr. Wildner said that anyone is welcome to call him at the office. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 14, 2001 Mr. Fleming asked the people in attendance where they lived in proximity to the park. The following people were in attendance: Shari Goldstein, 3105 Chapel Hill Bivd, 2 ladies in the audience - Hillcrest Road Mr. & Mrs. McHugh - 3127 Chapel Hill Blvd. Ken Emerson - 3113 Chapel Hill Blvd. Harold Blanchette- 905 Mission Hill Road Judy Lindsey - 940 Sunset Drive Mr. & Mrs. Tom Stewart, 944 Sunset Road Peg -902 Chapel Hill Blvd. Joan Calder-937 Sunset Road Jerry Hutton - 936 Mission Hill Road Gearhart .- 933 Hillcrest Road Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Glinski