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Minutes 05-19-03MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE ART CENTER, 125 SE 2nd AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MAY 19, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Elizabeth Pierce, Chair James McMahon, Vice Chair Margaret Murphy Bali Ramnarace Betty Thomas Tom Williams William Orlove, Alternate Pamela Winters, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director John Wildner, Deputy Recreation and Parks Director '1. Call to Order Chairperson Pierce called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I1. Attendance The roll was called and all members were present. Ms. Winters was welcomed to the Board. III. Approval of Minutes of April 28, 2003 Motion Mr. Orlove moved to approve the minutes as presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Ramnarace and unanimously carried. V. New Business A. Art Center and Marketing Program Review (moved up on the agenda) Ginny Shea, Recreation Manager, was in attendance to present the Department's Marketing Plan, which was distributed to members. The Plan will be presented in July, which is Recreation and Parks month, to the City Commission. Ms. Shea reviewed the salient points of the Marketing Plan. Ms. Shea noted that 142 people now receive the Recreation Source E- Newsletter and samples are included in the book. The marketing plan is a two- year plan for the years 2003 through 2005. The Plan also included surveys that are being used by the entire Department. Ms. Shea requested that members read the entire book in order to really focus on the marketing efforts of the Recreation Department. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 19, 2003 Ms. Shea also referred to the material that she distributed from "LERN." The cover of the City's 2002 Funfare Magazine was written up in Marketing Recreation Classes, which is a publication of LERN. The article commented that the Funfare Magazine was a great source of marketing and is a strong tool for recreation and parks programs. Ms. Shea also distributed the Communication's Toolkit, which is an in-house document that is used by each of the Centers and their Managers. The Toolkit provides staff with certain guidelines and acts as a resource guide. Ms. Shea noted that Heather Spillane is in charge of preparing the Funfare Magazine and she explained all the processes involved in getting the Magazine to print and then to the public. Currently 7,000 people receive it and 15,000 copies are distributed throughout the City to doctors' and dentists' offices, various businesses, and City offices and the Chamber of Commerce. The City stopped the practice of mailing copies to all residents that cost over $40,000 just to print the magazine. Many copies were never delivered and thousands ended up sitting in bins at the Post Office. With the change, the cost has gone down to $18,000 per year. Ms. Shea pointed out that the City has received several awards for the magazine. Mr. Orlove asked how to get his name on the e-mail list. Ms. Shea requested that he furnish her his e-mail address and she will have his name added to the list. Ms. Shea next presented a short program on the Art Center and pointed out that there are always waiting lists for the classes. There are pre-school programs every weekday for ages 12 months to 5 years for mothers and children. At 3 years old, a child can attend without a parent. There is an after school program that serves 65 children. This same program is also offered at the Hester Center and the Wilson Center, called "Kid's Club Afternoon Recreation Programs." This year the children are studying the world continents with assistance of the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Florida. Adult classes are scheduled in the evening and offer oil painting, acrylic painting and pottery. There are a great number of children's art programs that are held on Saturday as well. Heather Spillane is the Supervisor of the programming and a new recreation specialist will be coming on board. There are 60 children that have signed up for the summer art camp. There is also a program entitled creative concepts, which consists of 8 one-week camps that will have a different theme each week. They also offer a teen program called MTV ("motivated teen volunteers") that are counselors-in-training. It is also anticipated that some pre- school classes will be held this summer. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 19, 2003 With regard to what is new at City Hall in the Mall, Ms. Shea reported that staff is working on purchasing software to replace the old registration software. Mr. Williams inquired if the GALA would ever take place again. He thought that Gateway Boulevard would be a good location to stage the event because of all the reom available. Ms. Shea reported that Wayne Segal is now in charge of special events. She noted that the Recreation Department is now focusing on smaller family size activities and anticipates at some point that the City will hold a signature event. Mr. Majors explained that Mr. Segal, the Public Affairs Direcotor, is trying to host a special event in each of the City's quadrants that are represented by Commissioners. By doing it this way, the events would be spread throughout the community. Mr. Majors felt that at some point the CRA would probably be offering a large-scale event in the downtown area. Ms. Shea noted that the responsibility of the Recreation Department is to promote recreation and parks and to make life fun and provide places where people can go. Discussion on where the fireworks would be held took place. Chairperson Pierce inquired if they would ever be offered on the water as in the past. Ms. Shea did not rule this out once the new park came on line, but she pointed out that when the fireworks were held at Boat Club Park there was not enough reom for all the cars and the traffic was horrible, and most of all dangerous. Ms. Shea pointed out that with the fireworks being held at the Motorola site this year, much more reom is available. The Public Affairs Office is in charge of the Fourth of July festivities. Ms. Shea stated that staff is working in conjunction with United Cerebral Palsy to host a camp for special needs children and 25 children are scheduled to attend. Chairperson Pierce inquired about the age of these campers, and Mr. Majors explained that attendees are based more upon disability than age. Mr. Majors noted that 475 children would be attending summer camp plus the additional 25 children with special needs. Also, the Kindercamp has been brought back that serves five year olds. Over 72 children received scholarships to attend camp with funds provided by the CDBG and the Community Action Group. Mr. Orlove thought it would be beneficial if Mr. Segal could attend the Board meetings to keep the Board updated on special events, especially in light of the holiday parade going back to downtown. It was noted that the Holiday Parade will take place on the first Sunday in December at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Majors suggested inviting Mr. Segal to attend the next Board Meeting. Members thanked Ms. Shea for attending the meeting. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 19, 2003 IV. Unfinished Business A. GreenwaylBikeway Plans Mr. Wildner reported that a series of meetings are scheduled and one was already held two weeks ago. The residents of Sky Lakes are opposed to having bikeways along the canals. However, there are a lot of other people that favor having bikeways along the canals. It is the intent of the City to only place bikeways in areas where people want them. The next meeting is scheduled for May 28th at the Hester Center and a third meeting on June 5th. After those meetings, a final plan will be prepared and presented to the Commission in late summer. Staff is working on the application to continue the existing bikeway along the C- 16 Canal, east of 1-95 as a continuation of Palmetto Greens Park. The Metropolitan Planning Organization has a program where up to $500,000 can be requested for bikeway programs. Mr. Wildner was of the opinion that the City would be eligible for a grant to extend Palmetto Greens Park west from Seacrest to 1-95. The residents in this area exhibited a lot of support for a greenway. B. Intracoastal Park Mr. Wildner noted that the City's Project Manager has left the employ of the City and the Engineering Division is providing a lot of input. Mr. Wildner also continues to be involved and it is anticipated that the park will be ready by late summer or early fall. The contractor is making great strides. Ms. Murphy inquired about the building going up and Mr. Wildner responded that there will be several shelters at the park. There will be one large corporate picnic shelter that will also contain a restroom. It is intended that this shelter will be used for rentals on weekends. Chairperson Pierce inquired about the water feature for the park. Mr. Wildner noted that initially it was intended to have a spray playground in phase 2 of the park. Because the bid came in lower than expected, it was determined to include the spray playground as soon as the park construction is completed. Chairperson Pierce remarked that two fish cleaning stations were installed in Boat Club Park, but it has been determined by the DEP that fish cleaning stations result in the waste going back into the water. The DEP does not want to encourage fish cleaning at the pier. Mr. Wildner explained that people clean their fish on the pier anyway and by having fish cleaning stations, this practice could be regulated. This situation arose when the City applied for a permit to DEP to resurface the fishing pier and in order to obtain a permit, the City must be in compliance with DEP. Mr. Wildner said they are looking for some type of disposal method that would recycle the waste into a sanitary sewer system. If this is possible, the fish cleaning stations may be allowed. However, current plans call for their removal. 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 19, 2003 Mr. Williams suggested having large metal garbage cans to collect the fish waste that could be emptied on a daily basis. Mr. Wildner responded that they would be looking at all types of methods so that the stations could remain. Mr. Ramnarace did not think that fish cleaning should be allowed at the Park. Chairperson Pierce noted that at times the docks are so busy, cars get backed up. There used to be a person on duty to direct traffic, and she would like to have a person on staff again to direct traffic. Mr. Wildner suggested that it would be possible to have a crewmember at busy times directing traffic, rather than collecting fees. Mr. Majors said that some type of system will be put in place at the Park. Mr. Williams suggested that this be included as an Item for the City Manager's attention. C. Southeast Neighborhood Park - Status FRDAP Grant and LWCF Grant Mr. Wildner reported that progress is being made in acquiring the remaining property from Mr. Zill. The final price has not been determined, but Mr. Zill did request that staff prepare the paperwork. Mr. Wildner also felt that they would be able to acquire the property at a lower price than originally anticipated. Efforts for obtaining the grants are continuing and it is intended to have one more neighborhood meeting. The results of the application for a FRDAP Grant have not been received as yet, but it is anticipated that approximately $200,000 would be received for construction of the southern property. If these funds are received, construction could begin sometime after October. This would be the first park in this area of the City. D. Senior Center Ms. Murphy reported that the City Commission approved putting in the sprinkler system at the Senior Center. The Senior Center is always busy and Camp Wrinkle Ranch is scheduled again this summer. Also, various informative seminars are given twice weekly. Mr. Majors stated that the City received the grant funds on Friday for the video surveillance system. This same foundation provided two prior grants that will be used to fund the expansion that includes the addition of a gym/fitness room, computer lab and two offices. Ms. Murphy inquired about the status of the automatic doors and Mr. Majors stated that the doors would be installed next year. Chairperson Pierce noted that at the last meeting it was determined to send a letter to the Mayor and the Commissioners with the Parks and Recreation 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 19, 2003 Board's priorities for capital improvement projects. Chairperson Pierce read the letter to the members listing the following priorities: v' Senior Center Expansion v' Wilson Center Park and Pool ," Intracoastal Park City Clubhouse Ms. Murphy stated that she also sent a letter to the Mayor and Commissioners noting that the Senior Center Expansion was th,- number ,',,,~, ,-,r;,,,;,,, ,-,~ ,~,,, Beach. her number one priority. ' ...... '~ ...... Y ...... Mr. Orlove also spoke about the Board's first two priorities at the last City Commission meeting. Ron Washam, Chairman of the Community Relations Board, informed Mr. Orlove that he would have his Board write a letter of support to the Mayor and Commissions. Mr. Orlove asked what the status was of the CIP Program, and Mr. Wildner responded that Mr. Bressner is reviewing it based upon recommendations made by a committee. It is anticipated that a workshop will be scheduled shortly. E. Orientation Manual Mr. Majors reported that he would be adding the information suggested by Mr. Ramnarace that would include City facility contacts and telephone numbers, as well as the information on the parks. Also, a map would be included. After that, Mr. Majors felt that the manual would be complete. F. Old High School No report G. Items for the City Manager's Attention Chairperson Pierce suggested requesting additional help at Boat Club Park. Ms. Winters brought up the lack of parking at the Senior Center and noted that people are parking along both sides of the street, which becomes a safety issue. She requested that this also be brought to the attention of the City Manager. Mr. Majors noted that staff met with Mr. Liver~[ood, the Public Works Director, and consideration is being given to turning 10"' Avenue into a one-way street, westbound and to eliminate the parking spaces on 10th Avenue. Also, there has been discussion about putting diagonal and handicap parking in front of the Senior Center. Mr. Wildner added that parking is included in the expansion of the Senior Center. 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 19, 2003 Mr. Williams asked about the vacant lot located just south of the Senior Center. Mr. Wildner felt that this land might be available for future parking, but he was not sure about the price. The property is still owned by the former owner of Lucille & Otley's. H. Monthly Report No comments V. New Business A. Art Center and Marketing Program Review (previously addressed) B. Nominations for Chair and Vice Chair Motion Ms. Murphy moved that the Chairperson and Vice Chair remain the same. Motion seconded by Ms. Thomas and unanimously carried. Mr. Majors reported that he received e-mail from Bruce Black informing him that he sent in nominations for naming of parks and reminded members that this Board is now responsible to make recommendations to the City Commission. The Board has 30 days to respond. Mr. Majors distributed a copy of Mr. Black's recommendations and asked members to bring their suggestions to the next meeting. VI. Next Meeting: June 23 at a place to be determined Chairperson Pierce requested that the next meeting date be changed to either June 16 or June 30. After discussion, it was determined that the next meeting will take place on Monday, June 16th at the Senior Center. VII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (June 3, 2002)