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Minutes 03-24-03MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, 1021 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Elizabeth Pierce, Chairperson James McMahon, Vice Chair Margaret Murphy Bali Ramnarace Betty Thomas Tom Williams William Orlove, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation Director John Wildner, Deputy Recreation and Parks Director I. Call to Order Chairperson Pierce called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. Attendance Chairperson Pierce called the roll and noted that all members were present. John Bebensee, Aquatics Manager, was also present and was welcomed. Mr. Bebensee stated that he has been with the City for 21 years, 19 of which were as a lifeguard at Boynton Beach and has been in his new position for over two years. III. Approval of Minutes - February 24, 2003 Mr. Orlove questioned the remark made by Mr. Ramnarace in the last paragraph on Page 6 that stated, "Boca Raton had very little in the way of recreation and parks..." Mr. Orlove said that this was just the opposite and that Boca Raton had a great deal of recreation and parks. Mr. Ramnarace stated that this was not what he said and that Mr. Odove was correct. Mr. Ramnarace requested that the minutes be corrected to state "Boca Raton had a better program than Boynton Beach because of the money that they got from out west." Mr. Ramnarace felt that Boynton Beach should expand out west to obtain more tax money. Ms. Murphy inquired if the letter referred to on Page 6 had in fact been prepared and sent. Mr. Majors said that it has not been done yet. Ms. Murphy inquired if the annual calendar mentioned on Page 5 had been furnished. Mr. Majors responded that the annual calendar is included in the notebook. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL March 24, 2003 Motion Ms. Murphy moved to approve the minutes of February 24, 2003, as amended. Motion seconded by Vice Chair McMahon and unanimously carried. Ms. Murphy suggested that Mr. Bebensee speak first, to which members agreed. B. Junior Lifeguard Program (addressed out of order) Mr. Majors invited Mr. Bebensee to the meeting to discuss the junior lifeguard program. Mr. Bebensee noted that he is a trained emergency medical technician and lifeguards are considered a rescue organization even though they are in recreation. He pointed out that they do not offer many programs because they are set up for rescue and that would take them away from their regular jobs. The junior lifeguard program has been in existence for approximately 10 years, although he had not been involved in it until last year, when he assisted the instructor running the program in order to gain some background. ^ new staff member, Paul Gordon, has been hired and is running the program and is doing a wonderful job. This year a spring break junior lifeguard program was introduced. Previously the course was only offered in July. The course originally was offered for two weeks, but the two age groups have now been combined into a one-week course. Last week's spring session was a success and 19 youth participated. This program was geared more towards a "fun" event, rather than a competition event. In July the junior lifeguard championships are held with teams coming from Clearwater, Daytona Beach and statewide. This year's competition will take place in Pompano. The youth that participate are between the ages of 9 to 17. Chairperson Pierce inquired what the youth are taught and if they are taught CPR. Mr. Bebensee pointed out that the participants are taught some CPR techniques, as well as first aid, but are not certified because of time constraints. He also pointed out that if CPR certification was offered, it would cost more money for the course because its would be offered through the City's community training that is affiliated with the American Heart Association. Ms. Thomas inquired about the cost of the program and was informed that it is $70 for non-residents and $55 for residents for one week. Chairperson Pierce inquired how the City's program compares to what other cities are offering. Mr. Bebensee pointed out that the biggest problem is staffing, and he was not aware of the costs that other cities charge. Ms. Murphy inquired how this Board could assist and Mr. Bebensee pointed out that they are in need of equipment, especially rescue boards. Mr. Bebensee 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FI. March 24, 2003 noted that different board sizes are necessary for different age groups during competition and he needs 9' and 10' boards. He has located a source for the 9' boards, but is need of 10' boards that cost approximately $550 each. Mr. Bebensee felt that the program was an excellent program for the children and it also brings attention to the City. A survey was completed and the results were very positive. Mr. Majors noted that Mr. Bebensee is working towards accreditation through the United States Lifesaving Association. Chairperson Pierce suggested that they try some type of fundraising and thought that there might be some organizations that might be willing to help. Members offered various suggestions on fundraising, such as food concessions. Mr. Majors pointed out that it would be necessary to piggyback with an organization that has the proper insurance. Chairperson Pierce suggested using volunteers to assist in raising funds. Mr. Williams suggested that Mr. Bebensee speak with some of the large merchants in the City for assistance. Vice Chair McMahon asked Mr. Bebensee how much money he needed and he said that $1,200 should be sufficient at this time. Mr. Ramnarace inquired why the City could not help with the $1,200 since it was not a great deal of money. Chairperson Pierce inquired where the fees derived from the beach go and was informed the fees go into the general fund. However, if Mr. Bebensee raised funds for his program, he could use them for that purpose. Vice Chair McMahon suggested that one of the Board members work with Mr. Bebensee to help him raise funds and solicit sponsorships. Chairperson Pierce asked where the scholarship funds that are used for summer camp come from. Mr. Majors responded that there are two main sources for scholarship funding; the first one is CDBG funds, which are federal funds; the second source of funding is community action funding, which is a county program. Mr. Bebensee noted that the purpose of the junior lifeguard program is to create a pipeline for future lifeguards. Mr. Majors said that there is a shortage of lifeguards and last year they offered free life saving lessons to entice more lifeguards. Mr. Bebensee thanked the Board for inviting him and offering their assistance. Chairperson Pierce suggested meeting again to determine ways that the Board could assist him in raising money. IV. Unfinished Business A. Greenway/Bikeway Plans (overview report) Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL March 24, 2003 Mr. Wildner reported that the Commission, at the last meeting, approved moving forward with phase 2 of the greenways plan. There will be a meeting with the consultant during the first week in April, and it is anticipated that a series of citywide meetings will take place. It is estimated that there will be four meetings in various parts of the City. Ms. Thomas inquired who the consultant was and Mr. Wildner stated it was URS. They are located in Boca Raton and do this type of consulting throughout the country and have done a number of greenway plans. Members are encouraged to attend the meetings. It is expected from these meetings that the potential greenways could be determined and then recommendations could be made. Mr. Wildner pointed out that public involvement is very important and that the eventual plan will be a public plan, not a staff plan. The Board will be apprised of the meeting schedule once it is known. Also, the meetings will be advertised in the media to notify the citizens. The Audubon Society, preservation groups, and neighborhood associations will be notified. Mr. Wildner pointed out that combining greenways with bikeways opens up the availability for transportation related funding. The Metropolitan Planning Organization also offers grants up to $500,000 per year that are transportation oriented and encourage the development of bikeways. These grants do not require matching funds. Ms. Thomas felt that this was very encouraging. She recalled when greenways were first discussed years ago, no one was interested. Mr. Wildner noted that many Commissioners have informally given their support and the public is listening. B. Intracoastal Park Mr. Wildner reported that the schedule is close to its projections. There was a problem with utility lines for the Water's Edge Development, but that has been cleared up. He reported that the Project Manager for the City accepted a position with the County, but he did not feel that this would delay the park construction. It is still expected that the park will be completed by late summer except for the water playground. Construction for the water playground cannot begin until the main construction is completed, since this was not part of the original contract. C. Southeast Neighborhood Park - FRDAP Grant and LWCF Grant An application for a FRDAP Grant was submitted and it is anticipated that the City will receive formal notification of funding for approximately $200,000, all of which the City must match. The City's application has been accepted, and Mr. Wildner is optimistic that the City will receive the grant. If everything goes according to plan, construction could begin sometime after October. However, once the funding has been approved, staff can begin working on preliminary 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL March 24, 2003 plans. Also staff is working on a LWCF Grant for funds to purchase the remaining 2.7 acres of land. If this is approved, staff will attempt to purchase the remainder of Mr. Zill's property. Mr. Wildner pointed out that there is such a tremendous demand for property in the City that the price for land has escalated and Mr. Zill has received several offers to sell his property to developers. Mr. Zill would prefer to sell the property to the City, but if a really good offer comes his way, it may be difficult for him to refuse it, since the offers are above the appraised value. Ms. Murphy inquired if the land was zoned for apartments and was informed that the zoning would permit apartments. Mr. Zill informed Mr. Wildner that before he commits to a developer he would offer the land to the City first. Mr. Williams thought it would be very difficult for the City to offer Mr. Zill more money than a developer. Vice Chair McMahon inquired how much it would cost to purchase the property and Mr. Wildner thought it would be somewhere around $450,000. He noted that the real estate appraisals have come in around $315,000. D. Senior Center Mr. Majors reported that on March 14th, the Senior Center held their annual St. Patrick's Day Show, which was a sell out. Staff met with local representatives ofthe Area Agency on Aging at the facility and they were very impressed with the Center. However, the State and Federal government have indicated that they were not in a position to help with the expansion of the Center. Mr. Majors did state that the Area Agency on Aging is in charge of the money received from the Federal government, and they will continue to work with them. Mr. Majors announced that the bid opening for the fire sprinkler system took place and installation should begin in approximately two weeks to install a fire sprinkler system in the entire Senior Center. This is a critical component to the expansion of the Center. When this is completed, staff anticipates finalizing the design element for the expansion, which would include a fitness room, computer lab and two new offices for staff. This would free up more space in the current building. He pointed out that over 150 meals a day are served at the Center and more room is needed. Ms. Murphy inquired if the Area Agency on Aging was impressed that the Senior Center was seeking accreditation, and Mr. Majors responded that they were very impressed with this endeavor. He pointed out that there are only two other facilities in the State that have received accreditation. Ms. Murphy asked if there was consideration for installing automatic doors to the Center, and Mr. Majors said that this would be included in next year's budget, 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL March 24, 2003 since this is necessary for accreditation. If the budget is approved, Mr. Majors anticipates that the doors could be installed by the end of the year. Vice Chair McMahon inquired if the Woman's Club could be used for functions. Mr. Majors felt this was possible, but noted that there was limited parking at the Woman's Club. Also, he did not want to have senior citizens crossing Federal Highway, but said that staff would be looking at uses for the Woman's Club. Members agreed that expansion of the Senior Center was a priority since it~ cannot accommodate all the seniors that would like to attend the various events. Mr. Williams inquired about the status of Boynton Plaza. Mr. Wildner said that there is a potential developer who intends to purchase the property to create a mixed-use development that would include apartments on top with retail and shops below. He noted that the whole downtown area is now under redevelopment. E. Orientation Manual Mr. Majors recalled that the draft Orientation Manual was presented at the prior meeting for members to review and bring back their ideas and suggestions. The intent of the manual is to provide new members with a source of what the Board does. It is anticipated that the manual would be updated on an annual basis. Ms. Murphy suggested adding therapeutic activities, such as Special Olympics and swimming programs. Mr. Majors said that there are plans to develop a therapeutic section in the Department and this summer there will be a camp at Boat Club Park for children with special needs in partnership with the United Cerebral Palsy Association. Staff is also working on establishing an after-school program for children with special needs. Mr. Majors noted that this would involve hiring staff that could handle children with special needs, which could be expensive. It will also be necessary to locate space for the programs. Members discussed the dearth of programs in the City, as well as the County, for children of special needs. Mr. Majors also pointed out that the City's Grant's Coordinator is looking into funding these programs. Chairperson Pierce liked the manual and felt it offered a lot of detail. She would like to include some information on the survey that the Board undertook, as well as including the programs that the Board promotes. Mr. Majors said that he would add members' suggestions and if a member wished to add something to the manual at any time, it could be done. Mr. Orlove would like to include in more depth some of the programs and services that are offered. He also suggested including more about the staffing at the Art Center, rather than a list of the programs. 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL March 24, 2003 Mr. Majors suggested including the latest issue of FunFare and the calendar of events. Vice Chair McMahon said he would like to see more information included on the parks, and Mr. Wildner stated that they were in the process of doing a facility inventory guide. Chairperson Pierce mentioned the various conferences and programs that are offered and suggested including this information as well. Mr. Majors pointed out that the next conference is scheduled for Innisbrook, which is north of Tampa. Interested members were asked to contact him. Chairperson Pierce would also like part of the orientation to require that the new members review five parks and to include the assessment form in the manual. Vice Chair McMahon suggested including the names of the Mayor and Commissioners in the manual. Chairperson Pierce also suggested including the Board's Ordinance in the manual. She also would like to have pin-on nametags for all members. F. Items for the City Manager's Attention Ms. Murphy inquired if a letter was sent to the City Manager regarding moving the current alternate up to a regular member. Chairperson Pierce said that she spoke to the City Manager about this. Mr. Williams inquired if staff proposed acquiring another bus. Mr. Majors said that he would like to get a new bus, if possible, and if the Board would like him to pursue this, he would. Mr. Williams felt if they had a reliable bus, it could be a moneymaker for the City. Mr. Majors pointed out that a new, 30-passenger bus would cost up to $90,000. Ms. Thomas suggested that this be included in the letter to the City Manager. G. Monthly Report Chairperson Pierce thought that there was an error in the income listed in the monthly report for Boat Club Park, and Mr. Majors will check into this. V. New Business Am Board members take ownership of individual programs and be the focal point for information and comments about them Chairperson Pierce suggested that this be discussed further at the next meeting. If a Board member had a particular program or location that they were interested 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, FL March 24, 2003 in, it could be discussed in more detail at a Board meeting. She requested that Board members bring their ideas to the next meeting. Mr. Orlove will be on the agenda for next month to discuss the "Old High School." Discussion took place regarding replacement of the Civic Center, and Mr. Wildner was requested to bring the old plans for the Civic Center to the next meeting. Ms. Murphy mentioned that the City has adopted the Delta Demons, 2nd Battalion/327~ Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and there is a list of items available that could be sent to the troops. Chairperson Pierce showed members a pamphlet that she received at the press box dedication at the Hester Center and noted that the press box is now complete. B. Junior Lifeguard Program (previously addressed) VI. Next Meeting: April 28, 2003 at the Senior Center VII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting propedy adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (March 25, 2003) 8