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Minutes 11-25-02MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE EZELL HESTER CENTER, 1901 NORTH SEACREST BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2002 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Elizabeth Pierce, Chairperson Margaret Murphy Bali Ramnarace Betty Thomas Tom Williams Dan Winters William Orlove, Voting Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation Director John Wildner, Parks Director Absent Jim McMahon, Vice Chair I. Call to Order Chairperson Pierce called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. It was noted that Ms. Thomas was moved up at the last Commission Meeting from an Alternate to a Regular Member. There is now an Alternate position open on the Board. I1. Attendance Chairperson Pierce called the roll and declared that a quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes - October 28, 2002 Mr. Ramnarace said that the minutes of the last meeting did not reflect the incident that occurred between him and Mr. Wildner. Chairperson Pierce pointed out that there was a discussion regarding Rolling Green and the cricket pitch between Mr. Wildner and Mr. Ramnarace. Mr. Ramnarace stated that there was a comment made that there were seven people on the Board that objected to the cricket pitch being discussed at the meetings. When he asked who those seven people were, no one would tell him who they were. He requested that this be stated in the minutes. Motion Mr. Orlove moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Motion seconded by Mr. Ramnarace and unanimously carried. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 Chairperson Pierce welcomed Bill Wilsher, Superintendent of Park Planning and Design for Palm Beach County, and Sam Trainum from the Sun Sentinel. Mr. Wilsher was present to discuss the "Adopt-a-Spot" Program. Mr. Wildner noted that Mr. Wilsher is involved as a volunteer in clean-up efforts and was at Boat Club Park recently. Mr. Wilsher stated that the group is called "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful." They have aligned themselves with Keep America Beautiful that focuses on litter abatement, but their program goes beyond that. They are associated with Keep America Beautiful Program for their funding assistance. They also do a great deal of highway beautification projects and Boynton Beach has received many grants through their program. The Adopt-a-Spot Program works well for parks and is administered by the Solid Waste Authority by Joanna Aiken. If the Board desired any promotional material, they should contact her. The purpose of the Program is to get a group of approximately 12 people to adopt a particular park or area and then obligate themselves to clean that area four times a year. It is expected that one of the clean-ups would take place during the Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful campaign in the Spring. Also, at that time, there is an amnesty day that allows people to turn in their old tires and hazardous waste materials without any penalty. On that day, the Solid Waste Authority does not charge a fee for hauling off the trash. If the spot adopted is a coastal area, the group is expected to do a clean up when the coastal clean up takes place to ensure that all the Intracoastal Waterway sites and beaches are cleaned simultaneously. The group receives tee shirts, literature, bags and supplies. Mr. Wilsher spoke to INCA last week and they indicated an interest in adopting Mangrove Park. This is a special area with special vegetation and he would be glad to provide people to assist them in cleaning this Park. If the parks are kept clean, less vandalism occurs and people take better care of their parks. Also when people become involved in the program, they get a sign with their name on it, which is good public relations for the group. In addition to the "Adopt-a-Highway" Program, there is also an "Adopt-a-Street" Program, which Delray Beach has embraced. Mr. Wilsher pointed out that this particular program requires special equipment and you must be cognizant of safety when cleaning a street. It is recommended that most of these programs not involve children under the age of 12. A question and answer period then followed. Mr. Ramnarace inquired if they had a Park Ranger Program? Mr. Wilsher stated that they have a Park Ranger Program that doesn't involve law enforcement and that the Sheriff's Department would perform this aspect of the Program. Their 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 Park Rangers would be able to detain people and act more as a deterrent. They also assist with traffic. Mr. Williams inquired if the Park Rangers would be equipped with radios, and Mr. Wilsher stated that they all have radios, both handheld and in the vehicle. It is anticipated that the Park Rangers will be assigned to many of the beach parks and boat ramp parks and they should be visible at the Ocean Inlet Park after the first of the year. Chairperson Pierce inquired about the cost of the program and was informed that the cost is $400,000 for vehicles and personnel. Mr. Wilsher was not certain how many Park Rangers would be deployed, but he thought there might be around 12. Ms. Thomas inquired if the Park Rangers would be available for City Parks and Mr. Wilsher stated that they were only for County Parks. Mr. Wilsher pointed out that many municipalities are using Park Rangers and Ft. Lauderdale has a model program, as well as Boca Raton and Delray Beach. The main focus of the Park Rangers is education on how to best utilize the parks, not law enforcement. Mr. Wilsher next spoke about CCRT Parks, which are in lower income areas, and have a Community Service Officer assigned to the Park. Their role is mainly to help deter crime and answer questions. San Castle would be included in this category. What the County does is bring these parks up to par and hopefully the City would annex the park. Mr. Wildner inquired if the Board would be interested in the Adopt-a-Spot Program and if so, the Board could endorse the Program and staff could work with Mr. Wilsher to promote it. He suggested starting with this Program and if this proves successful in a couple of years, they could move to the Adopt-a-Park Program to deal with the coastal parks. Mr. Wildner stated that he was looking for the Board to endorse the Program, but noted that it would not be necessary for the Board to participate. Mr. Wilsher also suggested that it would be beneficial if the City Commission endorsed the program as well. Mr. Wilsher also noted that is a popular program for students that have to perform community service and that volunteerism is very popular today. Mr. Doug Stryker, a 24-year resident of Boynton Beach, is interested in having a skate park built in Boynton Beach and was invited by Mr. Majors to speak to the Board. He stated that this type of park is very popular and there are now parks in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Wellington. Delray Beach is in the process of building one on Federal Highway. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 Mr. Stryker has already spoken to County Commissioner Warren Newell, who indicated that he would be willing to help in anyway he could. Mr. Stryker explained the various processes involved in building a skate park. He reported that Louisville, Kentucky just built a new park that is open 24 hours a day, 7-days per week and is available to bikes, roller bladers and skate boarders. The average park should contain between 20,000 to 40,000 square feet. Most parks charge admission and in West Palm Beach the cost is $15.00 for three hours of riding. Mr. Williams brought up the question of liability. Mr. Majors pointed out that this was brought before the Board a few years ago and a presentation was made at that time. The State was granted sovereign immunity a couple of years ago, which means that people are on their own when they participate in a sport and are at their own risk, except for gross negligence. Mr. Wildner stated that in addition to sovereign immunity, people must be made aware that they are responsible for their own actions, which is becoming a part of extreme sports. Mr. Stryker stated that many of the parks that charge a fee require that you sign a waiver. Mr. Winters inquired if there would be reom for a skate park at Caloosa Park and Mr. Wildner did not think there would be because Caloosa is expanding their softball program. Mr. Winters thought that this was an excellent idea and noted that more recreation is needed for the youth in the City. Mr. Winters thought that there might be land available at the old Atlantic High School site for a skate park. (Mr. Williams left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.) Chairperson Pierce suggested that Mr. Stryker gather more information and bring it back to the Board for further consideration. Mr. Wilder felt it was important to have a consensus in the community that they would like to have a skate park. Ms. Murphy recommended placing the item on the agenda for the next meeting. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Aw Recreation and Open Space Element of Comprehensive Master Plan 1. Needs Analysis Mr. Majors distributed a chart indicating the area of emphasis that the residents would like for recreation in the City, which he prepared based upon the information garnered from the needs analysis. After the information was reviewed Mr. Majors indicated that he would redo it for clarification purposes and bring it back to the next meeting. 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November25,2002 Mr. Ramnarace requested to discuss the cricket pitch and Mr. Winters suggested that it be discussed after the other items on the agenda are dealt with. Mr. Ramnarace felt that it was unfair that his request to discuss the cricket pitch was continually put aside, and he noted that it was no longer on the agenda. 2. Greenway/Bikeway Master Plan Mr. Wildner reported that a consultant has been hired to assist with the Master Plan. There will be a public meeting at the Hester Center on Wednesday, December 4, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. By grouping greenways and bikeways there is a great deal of funding available for these items. Mr. Wildner stated that invitations have been mailed and he requested that as many Board members attend as possible. Additional meetings are scheduled and a plan will be developed after input from the community. B. Boat Club Park Improvements Mr. Wildner announced that Boat Club Park has been completed and should be removed from the agenda. Opening ceremonies were recently held. Chairperson Pierce reported that she has heard only good things about the improvements and noted that there is much more police presence. C. Intracoastal Park Development The contractor has been selected and work has begun. Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 12th. County Commissioners, as well as all the Board members, will be invited. Mr. Winters inquired about the property located to the north of the Park, and Mr. Wildner stated that it has been sold and should be developed into a townhouse community. Chairperson Pierce inquired if the developer would be contributing funds to the Park. Mr. Wildner said that they have to contribute funds, which is a requirement for all developers. Ms. Murphy inquired about the Holiday Parade, and Mr. Majors stated that Public Affairs is now in charge of special events. Chairperson Pierce said that a lot of people are opposed to the Parade beginning at 9:00 a.m., which they felt was too early, as well as to the change of location of the Parade. Members felt that they should reserve comments until after the Parade to determine how it turned out and whether or not it was a success. Mr. Majors felt that the change of location should attract larger crowds and more sponsorship. Chairperson Pierce thought that last year's Parade that was held during the evening was the best Parade due to the location and time of the Parade. 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 D. Southeast Neighborhood Park-FRDAP Grant and LWCF Grant Mr. Wilder reported that there is an application pending with FRDAP. Staff has been informed that all the requirements have been met and will be notified later in the year if the City was successful in obtaining the grant. Staff is applying for additional funds from the LWCF for acquisition of the 2.7 acres to the north of the property in the amount of $200,000, which the City would have to match. An appraisal of the remaining property is being undertaken, after which negotiations with the owner of the property will commence. E. Senior Center Mr. Majors stated that there was nothing new to report. The Center averages 150 lunches per day and is now open from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. However, lunch is not served on Saturday because there are no Federal funds for Saturday lunches. Mr. Winters requested that the City Commission consider moving to Phase 2 as soon as possible. Mr. Majors noted that the hiring of a consultant was approved by the City Commission to oversee the implementation of the funds that were received from a private foundation. With these funds, a computer lab, two offices and an exercise room will be added. Mr. Ramnarace felt that some of the money should be used for repairs to the building as well. F. Old High School Mr. Odove reported that he attended the last CRA meeting and there was a great deal of discussion regarding the Old High School. It was agreed at that meeting that a task force would be formed to look at uses for the High School and to determine if it should be saved. The task force was given a one-year moratorium for this purpose. Mr. Orlove felt that someone from this Board should be a member of the task force. Mr. Winters thought that it was important to save the High School and pointed out the wonderful things that Delray Beach has done with their old school. Mr. Orlove was in favor of saving the Old High School. He pointed out its historic value to the City and felt that it could become an additional attraction to bring people into the City. Motion Mr. Winters moved that Bill Orlove be appointed to represent this Board on the CRA Task Force regarding the Old High School. Motion seconded by Chairperson Pierce and unanimously carried. 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 Chairperson Pierce requested that Mr. Orlove keep the Board apprised of the progress of the meetings. Mr. Orlove inquired if the Board should forward a letter to the City Manager requesting that he be appointed to the task force. Mr. Wilder felt that this might be premature since the task force has not been formed and that the motion appointing Mr. Odove is contained in the minutes. G. Orientation Manual Mr. Majors recapped that at the last meeting it was discussed about preparing a manual that would include (1) a description of what Parks and Recreation does; (2) a list of City facilities; (3) maps; (4) calendar of events; and (5) a roster of Board Members. This would be provided to all new Board Members to assist them when they are appointed to the Board. Also, a tour would be provided on a Saturday to view some of the focal points of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Winters wanted assurances that the manual would contain the duties of the Board members and said that it is important that members know what their role is, which is to assist staff in an advisory manner. Mr. Majors noted that the bylaws date back to the late 50's or early 60's and need to be updated. Mr. Majors felt that one of the Board's roles should be advocacy in nature and to represent the needs of the community, as well as to work with staff to identify these needs. Mr. Winters suggested that Mr. Majors contact the Cities of Plantation and Boca Raton to obtain copies of their rules and regulations. Mr. Majors said he would follow through with this. Mr. Majors said that he would send members copies of the revised needs assessment chart, along with a copy of the needs assessment questionnaire that had been distributed at a conference that members had attended. Mr. Ramnarace inquired if the Board was going to meet in December. After discussion, there was a consensus to cancel the December meeting. The January meeting will be held at the Senior Center. H. Items for the City Manager's Attention Mr. Winters pointed out the need for a community center on the south side of town and referred to the 12 acres that are available adjacent to the Tennis Center as a great location. Mr. Winters would like the Board to encourage the City to consider developing a community center in the south area of the City that is continuing to grow. Mr. Wilder felt it was important that the needs of the entire community be considered and not just one neighborhood that does not favor this location for a community center. Mr. Winters requested that this be added as an item to the next agenda. Chairperson Pierce will send a letter to the City Manager supporting this idea. 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 I. Monthly Report No comments Mr. Ramnarace noted that his packet did not include an agenda and when he finally saw the agenda, Rolling Green had been removed. Mr. Ramnarace asked why Rolling Green had been taken off the agenda? He reported that he spoke to the City Manager, as a private citizen and not as a Board member, regarding this issue. Mr. Ramnarace questioned why there were weeds on the cricket pitch when Mr. Wildner has been working on it for two years. Further, at the last meeting, it was stated that there were seven people on the Board that did not want to continue to have the Rolling Green Cricket Pitch as a continual agenda item and he asked Mr. Wildner to identify those persons, which he did not do. Mr. Wildner was not certain if he said there were seven people that stated this, but he did know that the Board wanted to move on and discuss items that were community wide and not specifically related to one particular item. Mr. Wildner felt that this was an issue that should be discussed between himself and Mr. Ramnarace and not involve the entire Board. He invited Mr. Ramnarace to come speak with him anytime he so wished. Mr. Ramnarace did not agree with this and felt that the item should be discussed at the Board meetings. Mr. Majors felt that this was a personal issue and that Mr. Ramnarace should recuse himself from the Board and speak as a private citizen. The Board could then address it as a Board. In Mr. Majors' professional opinion he feels that Mr. Wildner has done an exemplary job in addressing Mr. Ramanarace's concerns. Mr. Majors said that he went out to look at the field and even though it is not up to professional cricket standards, it is in good condition. This is a multi-purpose field that should be available to everyone in community and should not be limited to just cricket. Mr. Majors said that he sent out 500 flyers to all members of the soccer and after school programs, as well as a press release, asking people to contact him if they have any interest in cricket in order to justify dedicating additional money and energy to this endeavor. Mr. Majors reported that he did not receive one call. Mr. Ramnarace felt that the reason there were no calls was due to the condition of the cricket field and the pitch. Mr. Ramnarace stated that the pitch needs to be redone before anyone can play on the field. He reported that there are approximately 75 children that want to pay cricket, but he feels they would get hurt due to the condition of the field and in order to get the field in playing condition the 50'x100' pitch needs to be resodded. He said that Messrs. Wildner and Majors informed him that they are not going to resod the pitch. 8 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL November 25, 2002 Motion Mr. Ramnarace moved that this Board send a letter to the Commissioners to get the pitch redone. Motion died for a lack of a second. Mr. Wildner gave a history of the cricket field in the City and noted that it had been located at two different schools prior to relocating to Rolling Green. Every time the cricket field moved to another school, Mr. Wildner helped Mr. Ramnarace prepare the field for cricket. Mr. Wildner stated that they just seeded the field on Thursday with rye grass. Mr. Wildner did not think that having a few small weeds on the pitch would be detrimental to playing cricket, since the grass is cut down to the bare ground in any event. Members requested that this issue should be discussed privately between Mr. Wildner and Mr. Ramnarace. V. NEW BUSINESS None VI. NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M., SENIOR CENTER (DECEMBER MEETING CANCELLED) VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) (November 26, 2002) 9