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Minutes 12-16-03MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD SPECIAL MEETING HELD IN THE RECREATION & PARKS CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2003 AT 5:30 P.M. Present Elizabeth Pierce, Chairperson William Orlove, Vice Chair Margaret Murphy John McVey, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director John Wildner, Deputy Director, Recreation & Parks Absent Lisa Peterfreund Bali Ramnarace Betty Thomas Tom Williams Pamela Winters, Alternate I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. I1. Attendance Chairperson Pierce called the roll and declared a quorum was present III. Unfinished Business None IV. New Business A. Review of ClP Projects Chairperson Pierce distributed a copy of a letter dated May 16, 2003 that had been sent to the Mayor and Commissioners regarding the Board's priorities for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. Those priority projects were (1) Senior Center expansion, (2) Wilson Center/Park/Pool, and (3) Intracoastal Park City Club. Chairperson Pierce also stated that an additional letter had been sent. The purpose of tonight's meeting is to make certain the Board has its priorities in order for the City Commission CIP Workshop scheduled for Friday, December 19th. Ms. Murphy stated that she was unaware that the Board was endorsing the City Club for the Intracoastal Park, and Chairperson Pierce responded that this was on their list, but was not included in the bond issue. Chairperson Pierce felt that this club was needed. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 16, 2003 Since the Royal Palm Clubhouse had been torn down several years ago, there is a need for a meeting place in that area of the City. She also pointed out that the plans for the Intracoastal Park have a location for a clubhouse. Vice Chair Orlove stated that when he addressed the City Commission at the December 2nd meeting, he was informed that the Board should send a letter setting forth the Board's CIP priorities prior to the December 19th workshop. Vice Chair Orlove referred to the Board's letter of May 16, 2003 previously mentioned. Ms. Murphy inquired if the figures would be available for the workshop for the Wilson Center Park and Pool. Mr. Wildner stated that these figures are available and a handout was distributed to the Commissioners containing this information. Vice Chair Odove inquired if the amount of money that the City would be considering spending on CIP projects was known. Mr. Wildner said that this was not known and will probably be discussed by City Manager Bressner. Mr. Wildner noted that the City receives approximately $5 million for franchise fees and this money could be designated for CIP projects or possibly leveraged by a revenue bond that would not require a referendum. Vice Chair Orlove inquired what the total amount of money would have been if the referendum had passed. Mr. Wildner thought that it was in excess of $10 million. Vice Chair Orlove thought that the Board should set their priorities for the projects it endorses. Ms. Murphy suggested that this be done using the figures that are available. Mr. Majors read the projected figures for the various projects as follows: · Wilson Center- Under $2.5 million This figure was arrived at using the feedback garnered by the City's consultant for the Heart of Boynton. This is only for the building and does not include the pool. The building would be a new two-story, 12,000 square foot facility with a Floribbean design. Chairperson Pierce inquired where the County's $1 million contribution would be used, and Mr. Majors remarked that most of these funds would be used for the Center. Mr. Majors stated that the park improvements would cost approximately $380,000 that included installing playground equipment, a picnic pavilion, and performing fieldwork. To bring the pool up to current standards, aesthetically and functionally, it would cost under $1.5 million. However, if the improvements to the Wilson Pool were limited to only improving the pool structure, relining it, and resurfacing the deck would cost approximately $340,000. Mr. McVey asked about the current condition and use of the pool. Mr. Majors stated that the pool is an "L" shaped pool that is 25 yards long with a load capacity of 75 people. The shallow end is at 3~ to 4 feet going out to a deeper diving well. Basically, it is a 1950s design that is structurally sound and does not leak. Mr. Majors pointed out that the pool is not very attractive and is poorly attended. The City does not charge for Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 16, 2003 its use, except for lessons. Mr. Majors explained that there is a perception that the pool is not located in a safe part of the City, but this type of thinking is outdated and needs to be addressed to attract more people. Chairperson Pierce inquired if the pool were redone, what would its primary focus be, and Mr. Majors stated that the pdority would always be swimming lessons. It could not be used for meets, but it would be a wonderful place for summer camps. Chairperson Pierce inquired if there would be fees to use the pool, and Mr. Majors felt that at some point there should be an admission fee. Mr. Majors noted that the Pompeii Pool in Delray Beach recently raised their fee to $2.00 per day. Vice Chair Orlove recommended that the Wilson Center could also rent out some of its space for community use. He also mentioned that the pool could be a revenue source, but Mr. Majors pointed out that community pools are rarely profitable. Ms. Murphy did not think that neighborhood children should be charged to use the pool. Chairperson Pierce recommended just renovating the pool as opposed to redoing it completely to save money. Mr. Majors felt that it was important to make the pool attractive in order to increase attendance from all areas of the City. · Senior Center - Less than $2 million Mr. Majors noted that there is an additional 5,000 square feet that needs to be developed that had included a gym, computer lab and additional offices. Since these projects will be going in the current building, this will reduce the amount of square footage to be developed to approximately 3,500 square feet. The odginal cost estimate to complete phase 2 was $1.5 million. Of this amount, 10% would cover the planning and engineering fees and another 10% for contingency fees. Mr. Majors noted that the City would have to purchase land for parking, which would probably increase the total cost of the project to under $2 million. If the entire phase 2 were completed, a new kitchen would be added, plus additional meeting rooms, which are badly needed. Chairperson Pierce inquired what the cost would be if the City only completed the inside of the Senior Center without adding more parking and not changing the entrance. Mr. Majors estimated that this would cost around $540,000. · Intracoastal City Club $1.518 million Mr. Majors distributed a diagram of the proposed City Club. Chairperson Pierce pointed out that originally it had been discussed that the building would be two to three stodes high. Mr. Wildner stated that the two-story building would have accommodated a picnic pavilion, but has been scaled down to one story. Mr. Majors pointed out that there would be French doors that would open out to a deck with windows that would provide a view of the Intracoastal. Vice Chair Odove pointed out that this building would be the only multi-purpose building on the water that could be rented out for a variety of uses. 3 MeeUng Minutes Recreation & Parks Beard Boynton Beach, Florida December 16, 2003 · Old High School Refurbishing Vice Chair Orlove noted that the City Commission at the December 2nd meeting accepted the task force report that the building was salvageable, but the Commission requested that an asbestos and lead paint study be performed at a cost of $6,000. Vice Chair Odove thought that the study would be completed before Christmas. One of the Commissioners mentioned that this possibly could be a CIP project. If the City was willing to assist with the Old High School, the Art Center could be moved down on the priority list because the Old High School could be utilized for art classes and other recreational facilities. It has been determined that if the entire building were renovated it would cost around $3 million, but it has yet to be decided who would be paying for this since many parties have indicated an interest in the building. Chairperson Pierce asked about the status of the water feature for Intracoastal Park. Mr. Wildner stated that staff is working with the contractor on a change order. Vice Chair Odove felt that if this project moved forward, there will be a need for a parking structure that could be built behind the school. The garage could provide parking for many of the municipal buildings in the area. · Jaycee Park $4 million Chairperson Pierce asked about the status of Jaycee Park. Mr. Wildner reported that the City has secured $1 million in funding from the County to acquire the park. However, he felt that the entire acquisition cost would be $4 million. Also, if the County money were accepted, the City would have to put in some kind of day docks or provide a destination for boaters. Ms. Murphy inquired if the price of the park might come down. Mr. Wildner thought it might come down somewhat, but felt that it was already at a discounted price. Vice Chair Pierce inquired if the price for putting in the docks were known. Mr. Wildner responded that the basic improvements would probably cost $500,000. He felt that obtaining grants for this purpose would be possible. Vice Chair Orlove also mentioned the following parks that had been included in the bond referendum: · Greenway/Bikeway · Nautica Park · Congress Avenue Community Park Vice Chair Orlove would like the Board to also include on the Board's priority list: (1) Greenway/Bikeway, (2) Jaycee Park, and (3) Nautica Park. Chairperson Pierce felt that the Board should remain with their original three endorsements, plus Jaycee Park and the Old High School. Members felt it was important to move on Jaycee Park because the longer they waited to acquire the land, the price would more than likely go up. Ms. MeeUng Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 16, 2003 Murphy inquired if the City had to guaranty that the docks would be put in prior to the County contributing the $1 million, and Mr. Wildner stated that they would require this. Vice Chair Orlove also recommended that the Board endorse the Greenway/Bikeway Project and Mr. VVildner pointed out that Vice Mayor Ferguson is a strong supporter of the greenways. Vice Chair Orlove felt that it was important to make Boynton Beach pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Mr. Wildner reported that the T-21 Program is providing $400,000 to expand Palmetto Greens Park for a bikeway/greenway along the C-16 canal. However, the funding will not be available until 2005-06. The City could start the project sooner and then be reimbursed $400,000. Mr. Wildner noted that originally $1 million was to be put aside for greenways and bikeways, and $400,000 would be reimbursed. Motion Vice Chair Orlove moved to approve the new additions to the priorities for the Capital Improvement Program on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Those priorities are: (1) expansion of the Senior Center, (2) improvements to the Wilson Center Park and Pool, (3) construction of the City Club at Intracoastal Park, (4) acquisition and improvements of Jaycee Park, (5) money allocated towards the greenways/bikeways project, and (6), as an unfunded priority, the Old Mangrove High School. Motion seconded by Mr. McVey and unanimously carried. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the Board members would be able to speak at the workshop. Mr. Wildner suggested that at least one Board member should be prepared to present the Board's priorities if so asked. Chairperson Pierce said that she would speak on the Board's behalf. V. NEXT MEETING: January 26, 2004 at the Senior Center VI. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) (December 29, 2003) 5