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Minutes 04-23-01 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY APRIL 23, 2001 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Betty Thomas, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation Director Jim McMahon, Vice Chair John Wildner, Parks Director Ed Harris Elizabeth Pierce Bali Ramnarace Tom Williams Dan Winters Margaret Murphy, Alternate I. Call to Order Chairperson Thomas noted that the meeting began at 7:45 p.m. after a tour of Girl Scout Park, which will be discussed under new business. 2. Attendance Chairperson Thomas called the roll and declared a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes Mr. Harris moved that the minutes of the March 26, 2001 meeting be approved. 3. Unfinished Business A. Dog Park Mr. Witdner reported that at the first City Commission meeting in April the Commission voted to allow the Parks Department to pursue a temporary dog park facility at Congress Avenue Community Park, which is immediately adjacent to the Tennis Center. The proposal was to make the Park a bare- bones facility in terms of creating a fenced in area and to use grass seed to grow the grass. The City is also exploring the possibility of using recycled water from the regional wastewater treatment plant in Delray Beach and the City is optimistic in this regard. This would also allow unlimited water, which will help the grass to grow quicker. Patrons of the park would be permitted to raise money for amenities, such as benches and shade trees. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 23, 2001 The City will eventually be looking for a permanent spot, because Congress Community Park will probably be the future location of a community center. However, for now, this is a good interim solution. Mr. Harris inquired about signage and Mr. Wildner responded that the required signs would be put up regarding disposal of waste and plastic bags will be available. A committee has been formed and the first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m. in this conference room and anyone that would like to attend from the Board is welcomed to attend. Discussion about parking took place and Mr, Wildner pointed out that the parking would be shared with the patrons utilizing the tennis courts. B. Hester Center Breezeway Enclosure, Pavilion, PAL Pressbox Mr. Majors reported that many projects are underway at the Hester Center. The breezeway construction started on March 26 and a few unexpected problems were uncovered while digging up the cement, but it was nothing serious. Construction on the pavilion began on April 17th. With regard to the PAL Pressbox, Mr. Wildner reported that SPRINT is anxious to lease space for a tower and the money from the lease would be available for the pressbox. Mr. Majors reported that the lease would be a five-year advance lease at $22,000 per year. C. Senior Center Mr. Majors announced that Chairperson Thomas will be assisting with the self- assessment of the Center for national accreditation. Chairperson Thomas reviewed the packet for the self-assessment that was given to her last week by Mr. Lulkin. Chairperson Thomas stated she would welcome all the assistance she could get. It was noted that there were only two senior centers in the State that had national accreditation. Mr. McMahon asked how the grants were faring and Mr. Majors stated they should be hearing from the Lattner Foundation in May on whether or not they would be eligible for funding. Mr. Majors reported that they are working hard on attracting minority participation at the Center and a Gospel Concert has been scheduled for May, as well as hosting other activities that would attract a more diverse population. Transportation to the Center was discussed as being a problem and Mr. Majors stated that if a person calls the day before, they would be picked up at their door. Mr. Majors announced that a Health and Job Fair will be held at the Civic Center on Saturday. This Fair is being geared to the minorities in the area to apprise them of what is available to them in the community. Also, a booth will be set up 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 23, 2001 by the Senior Center to let people know that the Senior Center is available. Transportation will also be provided to the Health Fair from the Hester Center and the Wilson Center. Mr. Williams noted that the County spay van will also be present that day. The Fair is scheduled to run between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Ms. Pierce noted that the Senior Center is being used more in the evenings and Mr. Majors responded that this use is by outside groups. D. Boat Club/Intracoastal Parks Mr. Wildner reported that instead of utilizing port-a-johns, the hedge that people have been hiding behind would be taken down. Mr. Wilder stated they would like to avoid using port-a-johns. He also announced that the plans for Boat Club Park are proceeding and construction should begin sometime after July 4th. The primary .picnic area would be located at Intracoastal Park. Members discussed placing a new fire station on the Intracoastal Park site and felt it would be a nice enhancement to the area. Mr. Wildner described the anticipated improvements to the Park. With regard to fees at Boat Club Park, Mr. Wildner stated that the City Commission decided to institute a decal system. There would be signs stating that anyone, resident or non-resident, that wants to put their boat in the water, is eligible to purchase a decal at $50 per year. The decal would be placed on the vehicle and someone would monitor the system. If a person chose not to purchase the decal, they would pay $10 per day, which practice would begin in October. Members discussed if the City would be purchasing Morey's Lounge, which is for sale, and Mr. Wildner said if the City purchased the property, they would probably utilize it for more parking or additional picnic shelters. Ms. Pierce inquired if a boardwalk was still planned for the water's edge along Intracoastal Park? Mr. Wildner said that paver blocks for walking on were being planned and pointed out their location on the map. Mr. McMahon inquired how the contract was progressing and Mr. Wilder stated that Wallace, Roberts and Todd are working on a more definitive plan and the County is preparing the funding documents. Ms. Murphy inquired about the dirt piled up on the land and Mr. Wildner said they have not been able to obtain a permit from the SFWMD to spread the dirt. Mr. Wilder further stated that they wouldn't give permission to spread the dirt until they see the master plan. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 23, 200'1 Members discussed the pond that is intended for the Park and Mr. Winters felt this would make a perfect pond for a water playground. Mr. Wildner replied this is being considered for phase 2. Members also felt that an amphitheater would be a welcomed addition to the park. Mr. Wilder responded that an amphitheater currently is not planned, but that the park will have the capabilities to hold special events. Members presented various ideas that they would like to see in the new park. E. Special Events Mr. Majors reported on the events that took place over the past weekend at the Hester Center, which was attended by more than 1,000 people. Ms. Murphy inquired if a name has been chosen for Pond B and Mr. Wildner said he has not heard anything on this and that Mr. Wayne Segal is handling the contest. Mr. Williams asked about the status of the property located at Old Boynton and Congress Avenue and Mr. Wildner reported that this land is still owned by the Winchesters. The land is zoned residential and members felt this would be a wonderful spot for a residential development. Also because of the size of the parcel, a great deal of land would have to be dedicated for recreation and Mr. Wildner said he would really like to see a large central park at this location. Mr. Winters felt that the Recreation Department has increased in size and responsibilities and was in need of more personnel and funds. Mr. Majors also stated that funds are needed for the Wilson Center and the pool and that they would be looking for funding sources. Mr. Majors said that he was going to discuss this under New Business and ask for a consensus from the Board to approach funding sources to accomplish this. Mr. Majors also reported that the High School has asked the City to consider hosting their team at the pool. Mr. Majors reported that the Concert-on-the-Green scheduled for May 19th will feature MCA recording artist, Randy Bernsen, and is scheduled for the Golf Course beginning at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Wildner reported that 500 people attended Easter Sunrise Service at the Beach, which was a non-denominational service. F, Greenways Network Mr. Wildner stated that their Department continues to work with Mr. Mike Fitzpatrick and they are preparing a map of vacant properties within the City that 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 23, 2001 have the potential of being linked in a greenways network. Mr. Wildner reported that Mr. Fitzpatrick is now a member of the Planning and Development Board. G. Items for City Manager's Attention Mr. Winters inquired about the Board's role with the old high school. Mr, Wildner replied that a public hearing would be scheduled to get public input on the disposition of the old high school building. Ms. Pierce inquired if there was going to be a bridge christening? Mr. Wildner reported that Mr. Wayne Segal is planning to hold a celebration for the bridge and Pond B. Chairperson Thomas asked for a status report on the Marina' and Mr. Wildner stated that it was sold to a new developer and they are proceeding with plans to develop the marina into residential and mixed-use commercial. Mr. Ramnarace said that the parks need more policing because they are continually being vandalized. Mr. Wilder stated that they are including in the budget a small Park Ranger Program, similar to the City of Delray Beach. This would involve part time employees. He noted that there is a problem getting the gates closed at night. Chairperson Thomas felt this shOuld be a number one priority. Mr. Ramnarace noted that he is always at Rolling Green School and he sees the children damaging the school property all the time. Mr. Winters suggested that Mr. Ramnarace contact the SchoOl Police Department and report this. ~ H. Monthly Report Members reviewed the report. Mr. Majors reported that the granting of passports has really increased and is a convenient and easy process. V. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Wildner stated at the last City Commission meeting, the Recreation and Park Board was requested to hold a public meeting to target the residents who reside close to Girl Scout Park to solicit their input regarding some proposed changes to the Park that would include a pedestrian bridge, a small parking lot, a gate and picnicking facilities as interim improvements. The Commission would like a report back in $0 days; therefore, it will be necessary for the Board to meet earlier than its regularly scheduled meeting in order to get this information back to the Commission. Also, Mr. Wildner noted that the next regular meeting falls on Memorial Day and suggested combining both meetings. Mr. Wildner sug§ested the dates of May 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida April 23, 2001 7th or 14th in order to have a report ready for the first of June. Mr. Wildner said that staff is preparing a charrette to display some sketches of the proposed changes. Mr. Winters thought that restrooms would be necessary if additional facilities were added to the Park. Mr. Wildner stated that this is the type of input that the Commission would like to receive. Mr. Wildner stated that a press release wOuld go out announCing the forum, as well as sending out notices to the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Williams inquired what hours the Park would be available and Mr. Wildner said it would be from sunrise to sunset, The importance of having the proper security was discussed if restrooms were added, because park bathrooms throughout the City were always being vandalized. After discussion, it was determined to hold the Public Forum on Monday, May 14th, which would also constitute the Board's regular May meeting. Mr. Maiors requested that this Board give its consensus that staff solicit funding to improve Wilson Pool. Motion Mr. Harris moved that this Board request that staff research funding possibilities ~for Wilson Pool and to make this a high priority. Motion seconded by Ms. Pierce and unanimously carried. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes)